0
0
Summer is a time for sitting poolside with a drink in one hand and a light, fluffy novel in the other. But in Emily Henry’s Beach Read, the author of popular beach reads finds herself losing faith in the happy endings that her readers have come to expect from her.
The story moves to the beach with contemporary fiction writer January Andrews. Her father’s death—and the revelation that he was unfaithful—made January question everything she once believed, leading to the end of her long-term relationship and a serious case of writer’s block. Now her only option is to move into the home that her dad secretly owned in Michigan—to clean it out, sell it, and maybe write her next novel in the process. But she hits another road block when she discovers that her neighbor is her college rival/crush, literary author Augustus Everett.
Once the two blocked authors reconnect, they make a bet: she’ll have to write dark and moody literary fiction while he’ll try his hand at a happy ending. And while their tense relationship gradually (and unsurprisingly) grows into something more chick-lit-ish, the challenge allows January to spend some time exploring her pain and loss—and her feelings about the father she feels she only partially knew.
Really, then, the title of this book is quite misleading. Not only does January rarely spend any time on the beach in front of her temporary home (which, as someone who grew up not far from the coast of Lake Michigan, seems completely ridiculous), but the story itself isn’t really the typical fluffy work of chick lit, either. While the story may go through the usual chick lit formulas, it isn’t just another brainless read. It follows January as she fights through some challenging times—and some difficult feelings. You’ll understand her doubts and hesitation. You’ll understand her insecurities. And there’s a very good chance that you’ll shed some tears with her, too.
Still, there’s more to the story than just January’s hardships. There are some comical moments—and plenty of romance, too. Unfortunately, some aspects of the story just don’t come together as well as they should in a book that tries to be more than just the same old brainless beach read. But it’s still an engaging and sometimes surprisingly moving novel.
If you’re looking for a fluffy read for your next trip to the beach (or your backyard), this isn’t really it. But if you prefer something with just a little more depth, you’ll enjoy curling up on the porch with this lakefront romance.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
