Happy Place By: Emily Henry

I was so excited to read this book. I heard such great reviews and how it was a perfect beach read. Granted, I waited to read it now, during the Fall, maybe that is where I went wrong? I’m not sure but I will say I’m sad to report that this one fell a little flat for me. It was alright. I wouldn’t say it was bad at any point but it was just an average read. The main character “Harriet” aka “Harry,” was a little dull for me. She didn’t have much involvement with the other characters in the story. I understand she distanced herself from them and that was the point but she had no confidant. Therefore, we only got a small version of what was her side of the story. I guess you could say the character building was off for me.

The premise was still good. I liked that she had a love interest that she truly cared for and had her up’s and downs with him because well, that’s real life. I get it. But I would have liked to get to know her a little more and what she was really all about. I feel like this caused me to lose

interest in the story. This book took me ten days to read which is pretty uncommon for me and I have three kids! I just never felt that rush of wanting to pick it back up again which is disappointing for me. I haven’t given up on Emily Henry yet though. I loved “Beach Read” and I still have “Book Lovers” on my TBR.

Have you read “Happy Place” ? If so, please let me know what you thought about it! Also, what is your favorite Emily Henry book?

Meet Me At The Lake

I have seen so many mixed reviews about this book but I have to say, I gave it a four star! I really liked it. So much so that I had it on audio books and finished in less than two days! I really enjoyed the story and the life decisions Fern, the main character, has to make. When life takes a turn and changes in an instant, you wind up having to make decisions you weren't prepared for. When an old flame comes back into your life do you ignore it or pursue it?

In my opinion, this story was a great change from the male hero or rather the male chasing the female and instead, the woman in this story makes the changes, decides what she wants and

goes after it. I think this was a great change for once. In life, we often have the male portrayal as the one chasing a woman down and professing his undying love and while that is fun to fantasize about and read about, it is not always real life. Real life is far more complicated than that and I think Carley Fortune did a wonderful job with this edge of a story.

I would recommend this one to a friend, and surprisingly I would say anytime of year.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*If you read this one already, what did you think? How many stars and would you recommend it? Im dying to know your thoughts!

Fall For Yourself

This time of year is always my favorite. I love the cooler weather, comfy clothes and leaves changing color. I have been in a bit of a funk the last few months and learned that a very small percentage of people, about 5 %, actually get seasonal depression during the summer. I think I may be one of those people. Don't get me wrong, I find my fun but for the most part, I hate the heat. So much so that I will avoid outdoor activities because of it. Which then leads to unhealthy habits, lack of sunlight and depression.

Today I started this season of fall with a blissful yoga workshop. It was just what I needed to get out of a funk and get back on the right track. In class we focused on our crown shakra. ( I don't know all the things yet but thats what they said). We embraced our love, safety and comfort together in class. We used affirmations such as "I am worthy, I am divine, I am loved." I won't lie, I struggled with this and it brought tears to my eyes. I am really struggling with my self worth right now. What makes me so important or worth loving? I think I have gotten to a place where I don't know who I am or what I want. That is a really challenging place to be.

In class, I learned the value of self-affirmations. I learned that I could feel safe around strangers because I knew we were all there for the same reason. I felt acceptance and understanding. And for two whole hours, I didn't worry about what I looked like or what anyone thought about me. Then it hit me, these are my people. The instructors make you feel like the only one in the room. They make you feel so important, pampered and loved. Yoga has become an outlet for me that I never knew existed for someone like me. I came to the realization that I need to add it more into my life. I need to keep doing things that make me feel happy, safe and loved. That is where I am going to find my happiness again.

I hope I can inspire someone else to try this form of self care and acceptance. If you have never tried yoga or a yoga workshop before, I highly recommend you try it. Go in with an open mind. You just may find a whole new way of thinking.

Let me just leave you with this affirmation they said to us today:

"I am connected to everything, and everything is connected to me. I am divinely protected snd divinely guided by the light within me. I release doubt and welcome faith. I love and accept myself."