“It hurts to want it all, so many things that can’t coexist within the same life.”

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People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Synopsis of People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

Poppy and Alex couldn’t be more different. She’s carefree and wild, he’s reserved and dresses only in khakis. But they say opposites attract, and this pair can’t help but instantly be the best of friends.

Every year, for the last twelve years, Poppy and Alex take an epic summer trip together. Until one night ruins it all. Now, Poppy is on a quest to make things right and get back the most important relationship she’s ever had.

My Thoughts

It’s not often I give a book more than three stars, and it’s also not often that I read something outside the genre of psychological thriller (unless it’s a Jodi Picoult novel, of course). But what better time to pick up something light than a beach vacation?

The family and I recently spent 7 amazing days in Vero Beach, Florida. Waking up to the ocean’s waves crashing against the sand every morning, and relaxing poolside with a margarita or strawberry daiquiri in my end most afternoons. It was definitely a trip that was good for the soul!

I figured the change of scenery was also good for a switch-up in my current TBR stack. I left the thrillers at home and opted for People We Meet On Vacation – mostly because I’ve seen it everywhere on social media lately, I thought it would photograph well at our resort, and the story seemed like a light read just perfect for some distracted pool-reading. (Yes, you read that right. I totally judged a book by its cover and Instagram-potential).

What I didn’t expect was to fall head over heels in love with Poppy and Alex. From chapter one I wanted them to be together. This cold-hearted detective went soft.. at least for the week I indulged in a little quick-witted humor and romance, and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the moment these two characters realized they couldn’t live without each other.

PWMOV was funny, emotional, and gripping enough that I found myself feeling like I was falling in love all over again for the first time. While I was slightly disappointed in “the fight” that took place between Alex and Poppy that lead to their two years apart before reconnecting.. I absolutely adored this story and really teetered on the edge of giving it 5 stars. Because I’m stingy with my stars, I finally settled on 4.5. But one thing remains true: this is one book that needs to be moved up to the top of your TBR stack, pronto!

Now, question for my fellow bookworms: I’ve seen that people prefer People We Meet On Vacation to Beach Read (which I haven’t read). My question is this: have you read both? Which one did you prefer?