★★★★☆ (4/5)

I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. It felt different from the other books I’ve read by Emily Henry, but in a really good way.

It’s an easy, entertaining read, perfect for a beach day, but at the same time, it carries more depth than I expected.

What I liked the most is that it’s not just a romance story. Alongside Alice and Hayden, we also follow Margaret’s story and her family, which adds another layer to the book. In a way, I think I was even more drawn to that storyline. It felt richer and more complex, especially the relationship between Margaret and her sister Laura (you can really feel the love there).

Some themes felt very real, like the relationship between Alice and her mother. That idea of trying to live your life while feeling like your parents don’t fully approve, or that you’re somehow not meeting expectations, is something that can be quite relatable.

The romance itself is soft and slow in its own way. It’s one of those connections that builds without forcing anything, and I liked how natural it felt. Their relationship is simple, but in a good way. It's a reminder that love doesn’t always have to be complicated or intense to be meaningful.

At the beginning, the story felt a bit predictable, especially when introducing Margaret’s family and their background. But as the book goes on, it becomes more interesting, particularly when a mystery starts to unfold, and things begin to connect.

If I had to point out something, it would be that I didn’t always clearly picture the characters physically, especially Alice and Hayden. I could understand their personalities, but not fully “see” them. At the same time, I can see how that leaves more space for imagination.

Overall, it’s a meaningful and engaging read, with a nice balance between lightness and depth.