Great Big Beautiful Life: Reese's Book Club

I just finished, and I’m emotionally wrecked in the best way. This book hit me hard. Emily Henry crafted a story that pulled me in so deeply, it felt like I was unraveling a mystery. It wasn’t always easy to follow—some parts felt foggy, others were strikingly vivid—but the final picture? Absolutely breathtaking. It’s really two stories in one: the sweeping, emotional chronicle of Margaret Ives—her family, her loves, her losses—and the tender, heart-melting romance between Hayden Anderson and Alice Scott. These two threads aren’t separate; they’re reflections of one another, like sky meeting sea.“𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺: 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀, 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵.”This quote truly captures the essence of Hayden and Alice’s intertwined journey as they take on the task of writing about the iconic Margaret Ives—a project that’s more than just a job; it’s a turning point. Margaret’s life, rich with legacy, marriage, and mystery, unfolds as a story within a story, keeping me hooked until the very last twist. The author layers the suspense beautifully, delivering two jaw-dropping reveals while building a slow-burn romance between Hayden and Alice. But let’s talk about Hayden. Hayden, a sharp yet guarded freelancer, begins with practical intentions but is slowly pulled deeper—into Margaret’s past and into Alice’s world. Their connection was like a slow dance, full of unspoken tension and perfect balance. I appreciated the portrayal of a romance where both characters are equals, intellectually and physically, offering a refreshing contrast to stereotypical pairings.Alice is the kind of character who makes you root for her from the start—bright, emotionally intelligent, and determined to prove herself. Her sweet curiosity about Hayden and those quiet wins—like when he finally says her name with softness—were so satisfying. Their connection grows through moments that feel honest and vulnerable—like when Hayden says, “Tell me something no one knows about you. I’m in love with you.” Or when he admits, “I don’t like people looking at me,” but reassures her with a soft, “Not you.” Ugh, those moments! They’re vulnerable, intimate, and perfectly placed against the backdrop of a job that could change everything for both of them.Emily Henry demonstrates narrative finesse in her dual timeline structure, allowing the suspense surrounding Margaret Ives to unfold in measured beats. Hayden and Alice’s investigation propels the story with a sense of steady intrigue, culminating in revelations that are both unexpected and logically grounded. The contrast between the quiet evolution of their romance and the dramatic arcs of Margaret’s life creates a carefully balanced narrative tension that keeps readers fully engaged. Great Big Beautiful Life swept me up in a world where love, legacy, and the pursuit of truth collide. Hayden and Alice’s relationship starts with a slow burn—yes, you need a little patience—but the payoff is so worth it. What begins as a gentle simmer turns into an emotional crescendo, layered against a dual storyline. The second storyline, centered on the fierce and unforgettable Margaret Ives, is a masterpiece on its own. Her life, entangled with family drama and an epic romance with Cosmos Sinclair, is mesmerizing. Together, both timelines create a rich, emotionally charged novel I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

As a longtime fan of Emily Henry, I went into Great Big Beautiful Life with high expectations—and while this book took a different direction than her previous work, it still delivered an emotional, engaging read that’s worth picking up.This novel leans more into literary fiction than her usual romantic comedies, and while the writing is as strong as ever, the tone and structure reminded me a lot of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo—a book I absolutely adored. That said, Great Big Beautiful Life didn’t quite reach the same emotional heights or narrative depth for me. It felt a bit familiar in its concept, and while beautifully written, it lacked the distinctive emotional punch I’ve come to expect from Henry’s work.That said, there’s a lot to love here. The characters are complex, the themes of identity, fame, and reinvention are compelling, and Henry’s signature insight into human nature still shines through. It’s a slower, more introspective read—but one that rewards patience.If you’re an Emily Henry fan like me, it’s definitely worth the read—just go in expecting something more reflective and character-driven than her typical feel-good romances. Not my personal favorite from her, but still solid and beautifully done.

I loved this book. It’s like Daisy Jones meets the Hearst/Murdoch family meets a modern rom-com with just a touch of (very tasteful) smut. The characters and places are so vividly explained, it felt like watching a movie as I read along. The stories pull you in from the outset and the pacing is perfection; with an ideal amount of unpredictable turns. I laughed out loud and I cried both sad and happy tears. I have read nearly all of this author’: recent books and this is easily my favorite. Buy this and enjoy. It’s so very good.

This isn’t my favorite Emily Henry novel, but it’s also not my least favorite. I didn’t have as many issues with it as some readers seem to—but I understand the mixed reactions.The romance, for instance, really does come out of nowhere. There’s not much build-up before Alice and Hayden begin orbiting each other in a more-than-professional way. But once Alice and Hayden settled into that very specific dynamic—friends who can’t quite stand being just friends—I actually liked it. Their banter felt grounded. There was something real about the way their closeness built from irritation and quiet admiration rather than instant chemistry. Their connection grew on me, and I appreciated that it wasn’t built entirely on flirtation or spectacle. It felt quieter than some of Henry’s past couples, but still earned.Margaret’s storyline, though, was what pulled me in. I really appreciated that her story didn’t just start with her—she gave it context and generational depth. That broader view added emotional weight and perspective, and made her more than a reclusive public figure with a tragic backstory. She felt lived in. There’s something emotionally rich about characters who want to be known but are afraid of what it might cost them.That said, the ending left me...underwhelmed. After all that build-up, the resolution felt rushed and a little too tidy. I had trouble reconciling the final chapter with the more grounded tone that came before it. Alice and Hayden reconnect, suddenly appear to have chosen each other and a new life in a place neither of them previously expressed much interest in. It felt unearned, especially compared to the care taken with Margaret’s arc.Still, I read this quickly and mostly enjoyed the ride. It had some big themes about legacy, ambition, identity, and public versus private truths. If nothing else, this book reminded me that you don't have to be afraid to try something different, even if it doesn’t all come together perfectly.