Great Big Beautiful Life: Reese's Book Club

Bookseller recommendation

“To be clear: this was a good book. It just wasn’t a great one. I’ve gone back and forth on writing this, mostly because my opinion doesn’t seem to align with the glowing reviews I’ve read elsewhere. But I believe the only real disappointment would be not being honest. Reading this book reminded me of being in high school when everyone was obsessed with Dave Matthews. Sure, I could appreciate the talent, but it wasn’t for me. I was more into Smashing Pumpkins. And Janis Joplin. That’s how I felt with this book: I could appreciate it, but I didn’t connect with it. Great Big Beautiful Life is a fun, well-written read that feels like it’s juggling too many genres. It had all the makings of classic Chick Lit (wealthy people with messy secrets, a prideful Mr. Darcy arc, some awkward dry humping), but then tried to layer in deeper themes like grief, emotional connection, and a mystery that didn’t quite deliver. The result? A book that felt like it didn’t quite know what it wanted to be. That said, I’d still recommend it for a plane ride or a sunny weekend—something light and well-paced with flashes of great writing. I just wish it had picked a clearer lane and fully committed. ”

— Elizabeth • Thirsty Caterpillar

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. Not to sneak diss, but in a world of predictably structured wide open door, smash cut, fade to blinding neon light, no build up, immediately resolved sexual tension, and then subsequent plot based on and around unpacking and DTR convos, this felt extremely refreshing. Also, Julia Whelan crushed it on the audiobook, my god. As usual, I need to cast this movie (limited series probably i mean let's get real), and it does seem that Jacob Elordi and Elizabeth Debicki could pull this off height wise, though I actually think if we go full unkowns it would hit harder, while casting a well known celeb a la Meryl or Patricia Clarkson (!!) to play Margaret would work well. ”

— Nyawira • Page 158 Books

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 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

“Emily Henry does it again and then some. Great Big Beautiful Life is an unforgettable, exquisitely paced romance with an enduring family saga folded in. With a compelling cast of characters and irresistible storytelling, this is Emily Henry at her best. The lush and captivating narration by Julia Whelan puts it over the top! ”

— Jeannine • Carmichael's Bookstore

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

“Julia Whelan hits it out of the park narrating Emily Henry’s latest. Manifesting all the heart, joy, and regret central to this novel, Whelan makes the characters come to life. An excellent narrator for an excellent story. ”

— Melissa • Watermark Books

Bookseller recommendation

“As long as you go into this knowing that it is not like her usual books, you will still love it. This one has a different vibe and I loved it! ”

— Jen • The Book Shelf

Bookseller recommendation

“Just finished Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life, and wow—I loved the story within the story. It added such a thoughtful layer of complexity to the main plot. The characters felt so vivid and real, and every thread of the narrative was beautifully woven together. Another hit from Emily Henry! ”

— Jessica • Books by the Bay

Bookseller recommendation

“Steamy as a Georgia summer and heartwarming as freshly baked biscuits, Emily Henry's new rom-com is full of humor, unforgettable characters, and romance. Julia Whelan's narration brings the story to life. The perfect summer read!”

— Laura • Bookmiser

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

“5 stars. No notes. Chefs kiss. ”

— Brittany • One More Chapter