Chante JVR

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“Tomorrow we will love each other a little more, and the next day, and the next day. And even on those days when one or both of us is having a hard time, we’ll be here, where we are completely known, completely accepted, by the person whose every side we love wholeheartedly. I’m here with all the versions of him I’ve met over twelve years of vacations, and even if the point of life isn’t just being happy, right now, I am. Down to the bones.”

Emily Henry has always been a hit or miss for me. Having been obsessed with Book Lovers, only to be underwhelmed by Beach Read. But one of the undeniable strengths of this particular novel lies in its ability to whisk readers away on a beautiful vacation. The vivid descriptions of picturesque destinations fed my wanderlust, making it easy to lose myself in the romantic allure of exotic locations. The book’s immersive quality is undoubtedly a standout feature and the romance had me kicking my feet and squealing.

Synopsis:

“People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry is a delightful rom-com that follows the hilarious and heartwarming adventures of two best friends, Poppy and Alex. These pals are total opposites, but their chemistry is unbeatable.

The story jumps between their current vacation, which is either going to save or sink their friendship, and flashbacks to their past trips. Poppy, a wild-at-heart travel writer, convinces Alex, a more buttoned-up career man, to take one last vacation together after life has pulled them in different directions.

As they explore new places and revisit old memories, the novel unfolds the secrets, missed opportunities, and unspoken feelings that have been simmering between them. Emily Henry weaves humour, wit, and a touch of romance into this travel-filled journey, making it a perfect read for anyone who loves a good laugh, a friends-to-lovers romance and the “only one bed” trope 😉

Complex Characters and Authentic Connections

At the heart of “You and Me on Vacation” are its characters, Poppy and Alex. Their dynamic and evolving relationship would resonate with many readers. The characters are well-drawn, with flaws and vulnerabilities that add depth to their personalities. The fact that they’re so different makes these flaws and vulnerabilities all that more prominent.

Pacing and Plot Structure

However, where the novel encountered some turbulence for was in its pacing and plot structure. When I tell you, it took me 8 months to read this, I’m not joking. The narrative pacing is a bit inconsistent, with moments of intense emotional exploration followed by periods of slower development. The episodic structure, while providing a snapshot approach to the characters’ lives, left me yearning for a more cohesive and streamlined plot.

The Verdict

“You and Me on Vacation” by Emily Henry is a book that offers a delightful escape into the world of romance and travel. Its strengths lie in the enchanting settings, authentic character relationships, witty banter and humour, and emotional depth. However, its pacing held it back a little bit.

Ultimately, this book was a 3.5-star read. Would I still recommend it? Definitely. It was cute and fun and I loved the travel aspect of it.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider donating to mine and my husband’s immigration fund and help us get to the UK! Even a small amount would mean the world to us.

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