Karis Hudgins

(Image from Emily Henry’s ‘Happy Place’ Show Is Getting The ‘Bridgerton’ Treatment) 

Emily Henry has undeniably earned the title of the queen of modern romance novels, particularly gaining the most popularity with her longest book, Happy Place. This novel centers around ex-fiancés, Harriet and Wyn, who decide to act as if they are still together for the sake of their friends during the group’s annual summer vacation. Winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance Novel of 2023, it is clear that this work of hers is loved by many. However, looking at Henry’s most publicly beloved novel through a deeper lens, it’s easy to say Happy Place does not deserve the spotlight it has received compared to her previous works. 

Emily Henry debuted as a romance author in 2020 and has released four more novels since. She recently announced Great Big Beautiful Life to be released in April 2025. There’s no doubt that she’s an experienced writer in the realm of romance. So, it’s no surprise that, when readers pick up a novel by Henry, we expect a love story that will have us kicking our feet and reaching for the tissue box. However, in Happy Place, there is an overwhelming focus on the romantic plot line, which does not allow room for many themes Henry has explored before. 

For example, her 2022 novel Book Lovers gives us the romantic trope of enemies-to-lovers and highlights familial love as we explore the main character’s relationship with her sister. Beach Read dives into the healing process of grief, while multiple other works explore themes of self-discovery, attachment, and heartache. Despite Happy Place being Henry’s longest novel yet, there is so much it fails to cover. 

Angela X. Ng, writer for The Harvard Crimson, also notices this gap. Ng points out that Harriet and Wyn’s love story didn’t feel as earned as the couples we’ve seen Henry write before. “The narrative relied heavily on the tensions of their fake dating and shared past, the chemistry between them did not have time to mature and develop,” Ng states. Essentially, the lack of additional plotlines and decreased interactions with side characters leave readers feeling like the story is incomplete. 

Another trademark of Henry’s earlier novels is her ability to write well-developed and emotionally complex characters. However, this is another aspect this particular romance novel struggles to address. While we see moments where Harriet and Wyn are relatable, they often feel more like archetypes common in romance tropes rather than characters readers can fully identify with. Wyn Conner doesn’t reach the “book boyfriend” level that Henry met with the male love interests in her previous novels. As mentioned, the biggest focus is on their love story, but we don’t get to see Wyn and Harriet interact in a way that has us swooning. While the physical affection and spicy scenes were there, the other parts of the book were underwhelming. The lack of character depth pulls away, turning this story from one with potential to a novel that is difficult to relate to and stay engaged with. 

Despite this critique, credit should and will be given where and when it is due. Emily Henry has proven she deserves the crown of modern romance novel queen. Compared to Henry’s other novels, Happy Place fell short, but it is an exemptional read when held up against other romance authors. Henry never fails to write stories that transport readers into the characters’ lives with her strong imagery. Although the narrative of Happy Place did not hold up, readers can’t help but feel a part of the story when reading Henry’s descriptions of the sun-kissed coastal setting. Reading Frenzy’s review says, “Happy Place is summer encapsulated in book form, and it had me reaching for my sunscreen, flip flops, and ice cream.” She has also perfected writing scenes that leave readers with a knot in their stomachs and force us to reflect on our relationships. 

The charm of Emily Henry’s writing cannot be denied, and while I acknowledge the appeal many readers find in Happy Place, it simply did not meet Henry’s earlier expectations. With the upcoming book release in April, many readers expect a five-star read, while others, myself included, are solely hoping for one that matches the energy we know Henry is capable of accomplishing.