Emily Henry's Happy Place was published in 2023 by publisher Berkley. With every one of her novels, Henry aims to create a book that will appeal to everyone—men and women alike. Her novels are often filled with relatable themes that speak to what it means to be human. Happy Place is no exception, as it deals with the power of love and the impacts long-time relationships can have on you and the people around you.
The novel follows Harriet and Wyn, college sweethearts who go to their friend's cottage in Maine every year during the summer so that they can get together, rest, recharge, and catch up. In the past, the two had gone as a couple. However, they broke up before their trip. Nevertheless, they decide to head to the trip and pretend to be a couple. During the trip, the two clash with each other. They also begin to question whether they still have something they could base a relationship on. Should they have broken up, the question? What would it be like to get back together?
Upon publication, Happy Place earned Henry another spot on the New York Times bestseller list. However, this time, Happy Place became the #1 bestselling book in the United States, a rare feat for an author. The financial success of her novel was buttressed by favorable reviews from critics, who gave her novel rave reviews. For instance, Kirkus Reviews opined that Happy Place is "A wistfully nostalgic look at endings, beginnings, and loving the people who will always have your back."
