Great Big Beautiful Life

Bookseller recommendation

“Emily Henry has mastered the art of building tension, and stretching it like taffy. Knowing someone is into you and you are into them is often just an acknowledgement before the main event, and luxuriating in the sensation is truly a treat. This whole book is dessert. The creeping sense of doom when I thought for a second we were entering manic pixie dream girl territory (a moment of weakness, and I never should have doubted the Queen!) was thankfully just a moment, And then of course the story at the center of this book is Margaret's, which is really woven in well and never feels like an interruption to the romance. Also, Julia Whelan crushed it on the audiobook, my god. ”

— Nyawira • Page 158 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

“Emily Henry does it again! A mysterious story told by a former “tabloid princess” combined with a sweet rivals-to-lovers romance. It doesn’t get any better than this. ”

— Brooke • The Atlas Collective

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

— Josie • Books Are Magic

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