Over the years, I have tried to move outside my comfort zone of chick lit and romantic comedy genres, venturing into fantasy, sci-fi, and thrillers. Most of the time I enjoy them, but there’s something special about going back to where you’ve been, revisiting the tropes that you know, but seeing the way that a different writer handles them.

I picked this as my April Book of the Month, because I knew that Emily Henry would provide me some light, enjoyable reading, based off of her other book, Beach Read, which I read last year. That’s exactly what I got. Thank goodness, because I really needed it.

The book bounces around in time, every chapter either being set in present time or a previous summer. I really enjoyed that format – it provided a little insight, and a little foreshadowing. It was fun going back and forth, wondering how the conflict would build, and where it would come to a head.

I actually really liked both of the characters, too! Poppy has a sort of wit that’s sharp and enjoyable, and she knows when she goes too far with someone. I enjoyed the interplay between her and Alex, how they met, and how they formed a friendship along the way. Instead of a rivals situation that happens in a lot of romantic books, we’re given the best of friends. They’re funny together, and I could see how they’d be such easy friends with their banter.

I would, at times, get a little irritated with the Poppy, due to her inability to be self aware, but that’s kind of the point. In a book like this, I’m not looking for a ton of early introspection and resolution – otherwise, the book really won’t have a lot of room for the characters to grow.

I’m going to give this particular book 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not perfect (maybe a little more focus on a couple of the secondary characters, to provide some variety, or switch POV to Alex every so often), but I truly enjoyed the book, and I’m so glad I chose a light, fast, enjoyable read.

Emily Henry gave me When Harry Met Sally in book form. Luckily, I love that movie!