They continue to date other people, even bringing their serious partners on their summer vacations…but then, after a falling-out, they stop speaking. They grow closer every year, but Poppy doesn’t let herself linger on her feelings for Alex-she doesn’t want to ruin their friendship or the way she can be fully herself with him. Even though they have their own separate lives (Poppy lives in New York City and is a travel writer with a popular Instagram account Alex is a high school teacher in their tiny Ohio hometown), they still manage to get together each summer for one fabulous vacation. And yet, their opposites-attract friendship works because they love each other…in a totally platonic way. She likes just about everything while he’s a bit more discerning.

She loves wearing bright colors while he prefers khakis and a T-shirt.

Poppy and Alex couldn't be more different. Their breakup, as well as their complicated relationships with their own families, adds a twinge of melancholy, as do the relatable growing pains of a group of friends whose lives are taking them in different directions.Ī wistfully nostalgic look at endings, beginnings, and loving the people who will always have your back.Ī travel writer has one last shot at reconnecting with the best friend she just might be in love with. Wyn and Harriet’s relationship, shown both in the past and the present, feels achingly real. As always, Henry’s dialogue is sparkling and the banter between characters is snappy and hilarious. The problem with this plan, of course, is that Harriet still has major feelings for Wyn-feelings that only get stronger as they pretend to be blissfully in love. Determined to make sure everyone has the perfect last trip, Harriet and Wyn resolve to fake their relationship for the week. Telling the truth about their breakup is out of the question, because the cottage is up for sale, and this is the group’s last hurrah. But (surprise!) Wyn is there too, and he and Harriet have to share a (very romantic) room and a bed. She’s ready for a vacation at her happy place-the Maine cottage she and her friends visit every summer. So they keep it a secret from their friends and families-in fact, Harriet barely even admits it to herself, focusing instead on her grueling hours as a surgical resident. They’ve been part of the same boisterous friend group since college, and they know that their breakup will devastate the others and make things more than a little awkward. Wyn Connor and Harriet Kilpatrick were the perfect couple-until Wyn dumped Harriet for reasons she still doesn’t fully understand. Exes pretend they’re still together for the sake of their friends on their annual summer vacation.

Happy place by emily henry release date