Great Big Beautiful Life

Bookseller recommendation

“If Emily Henry writes it, I’m going to read it!! Two rival journalists, Alice and Hayden are invited to compete for the opportunity to write Margaret Ives story after she’s been out of the public’s view and in hiding for years. They’ll be required to stay on the island for a month interviewing her and writing up their proposals. But as secrets start to unfold they discover they might be getting different stories but are unable to discuss the interviews with each other because of the NDA they signed. The story has snippets of historical fiction woven throughout as Margaret’s family story is shared and secrets are revealed. Hayden and Alice quickly go from rivals to attraction for each other but they can’t act on their feelings so a tender friendship develops with the romance! I LOVED the romance! Julia Whelan narrates the audiobook and I find myself wondering if there ever could be a bad story that she’s narrating. She always nails the characters and emotion of the story! ”

— Jodi • The Book Shelf

Bookseller recommendation

“This book and its narration by Julia Whelan left me as a great big beautiful sobbing mess. ”

— Sabrina • McNally Robinson Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“Emily Henry meets Taylor Jenkins Reid in this stunningly emotional novel centered around a multigenerational tale of American royalty and the associated love & pain (reminiscent of both the Presleys & the Kennedys). And a rivals-to-lovers romance on top of that? I’m obsessed. Emily Henry does it again.”

— Hannah • The Hopeful Romantic

Bookseller recommendation

“This was not what I expected from Emily Henry. Yes, it is a slow burn grumpy meets sunshine trope that has writers Hayden and Alice vying for the chance to be the author of Margaret’s biography. But Margaret’s story is a big part of the book. Her story is a mystery filled with twists and surprises. It intertwines with Hayden and Alice’s storyline and makes this book part mystery and part rom com and definitely worth the read. ”

— Kristen • Dragon Tale Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Did you enjoy the premise of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but want more spice and humor? Download this. It surprised me, moved me, and had me thinking about my own life. And of course, no one can beat Julia Whelan for narration. ”

— Saskia • The Book House

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautiful story of family, love, loss and happy endings. ”

— Kara • Midnight Readers Shop

Bookseller recommendation

“The plot was enough to keep you wondering and trying to find out the connection of main characters while you swooned over the love stories. EH nailed it again. ”

— Heidi • Book Love

Bookseller recommendation

“A story within a story and a love story that transcends the typical romance - how does EmHen do it?! A Great Big Beautiful Life differs from Henry's previous novels in that it is so much more than just a love story; if anything, the romance is a side character, but it has all of EmHen's charm, witty and loveable characters, and an emotional story that pulls on your heartstrings while also instilling a sense of hope. This story was unexpected and deeply profound; Henry keeps surprising me with every book! As always, Julia Whelan does a beautiful job narrating the audiobook. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook on Libro.fm!”

— Anna Rose • The Well-Read Moose

Bookseller recommendation

“This was my first Emily Henry adventure and I was so pleasantly surprised! With not typically being a romance reader I wasn’t sure what to expect but everything from the characters, the plot and writing had me smiling while simultaneously tearing up at times. This was a beautiful exploration of love, life, and discovering what truly matters. Witty, and full of emotion, Great Big Beautiful Life kept me on the edge of thinking I knew what was coming next and then not being totally sure. I honestly loved every second of it. ”

— Carli • Folklore & Fable Booksellers, LLC

Bookseller recommendation

“Henry’s latest gives Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes mixed with her trademark charm as a romance builds between the two writers at the center of this story. While there is less sharp banter, the grumpy/sunshine trope is still an absolute delight. Henry’s books have such heart and rich context for her characters, but this was the first to cause me to actually cry out loud. She perfectly captures the complicated love of family and parenthood. And as always, Julia Whelan is the Queen of narrators. ”

— Casey • Golden Bee Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Emily Henry is officially my favorite author! This witty, engaging romance is a true masterpiece! The correlation with Taylor Swift’s “the last great american dynasty” is extra SPECIAL to this Swiftie! There are two stories woven together beautifully and set on a vibrant small island that make it a perfect backdrop for a love story. Alice and Henry are competing to write a book about the history of celebrity heiress Margaret Ives. The slow development between Alice and Henry’s relationship is so HOT and worth the wait. The tension literally keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the ending is unforgettable!”

— Sandra • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Emily Henry is only capable of writing stunning, deeply reaching and deeply felt novels, and this is no exception. Ending my listening experience in tears and will be reflecting on everything this story meant for a long time. This was so different than her other books, with elements of mystery and what feels like historical fiction alongside the romance plot. All of it connects in such a beautiful way. Loved it. ”

— Amy • Book Ends