A review by sarah2438
Beach Read by Emily Henry

5.0

It's not perfect, but very close. The main thing I'm missing is more contemplation over Sonya. She has a great line: "Maybe I wanted someone to understand I'm a complete person, and not just someone else's mistake." I would love it if we could've explored that some more. Yes Sonya was wrong to be with a married man, but she also loved and grieved him and it doesn't seem like January ever acknowledges that. I know this would be too much to expect out of someone in real life, but I think in fiction if the daughter can forgive her father, then she can forgive and humanize the mistress as well.
Aside from that, the book is basically perfect. I love Gus and January, who managed to be completely different but each very relatable. I loved Shadi--  can she have her own book please? I would've liked more interaction with January's mother, but at this point I'm just nitpicking. The chemistry is there, the banter, the writing (even though I didn't get all the references), they're all spot on. Can't wait to read more Emily Henry!