Great Big Beautiful Life: Reese's Book Club

Bookseller recommendation

“Masterful work from Emily Henry, as always. Here she branches out a bit by covering not just the main love story, but also the biography of a reclusive elderly woman who was a media darling when she was young. Despite the widening of her lens, though, Henry keeps the main romance satisfying! ”

— Kristin • Kepler's Books and Magazines

Bookseller recommendation

“Great summer listen! Great Big Beautiful Life leans more like Beach Read from Emily Henry’s catalog, the romance is the subplot rather than the main focus of this book. Still worth a listen/read even if you aren’t a big fan of women’s fiction. And is definitely a bit spicier than her other books.”

— Lexi • Modern Romantics Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Great Big Beautiful Life is a radiant, heart-tugging journey that captures the messy magic of storytelling and finding love in unexpected places. With her signature wit and emotional depth, Henry delivers characters so vivid, you feel like you’ve known them forever. It’s a story that wraps around your heart and reminds you how beautiful life can be—even when it’s far from perfect.”

— Beatrice • The Common Good

Bookseller recommendation

“Super easy listen, feel good story with some tasteful romance spread throughout. Highly recommend! ”

— Indea D • Gold Rush Bookstore

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

“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

“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

“I have read Emily Henry’s book and enjoyed them all but Great Big Beautiful Life is on another level for me. The story within a story, the romance, the history, and the ties to the past -all together create a book that I would read over and over again!!!”

— Our Next Chapter Bookstore • Our Next Chapter Bookstore

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

Bookseller recommendation

“I feel like I’ve been waiting ages for this one, and it did not disappoint! ”

— Josie • Books Are Magic

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

“A mystery and a love story wrapped together that will captivate you, have you on the edge of your seat and have you in tears. ”

— Sam • The Book Rack