Funny Story by Emily Henry

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads —Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

Most of this book I loved, but funny enough not for the romance descriptions, although that was good too! Miles was so sweet to Daphne and it was obvious how much he cared for her. I loved the descriptions of the town and how Daphne was introduced to many aspects of it through Miles. Daphne's love for reading and her job at the library was so incredible to read, I could really see myself through her. Similarly, her relationship with her mom was beautiful and reminded me so much of my mom I was crying at parts. This book was as much as finding your place and discovering yourself as it was about the romance, and I really loved the character growth and development. Some parts dragged a little in the middle for me, so it's not a perfect read, but the beginning and ending of this were perfect!

3.85 ⭐️ I liked this one waaayyyy more than Happy Place. The romance was cute and the characters were tolerable, dare I say I was rooting for them. However, this was not a funny story. I was kinda expecting a romcom type situation but no, pretty normal Emily Henry romance. I also kinda thought it was little too long and dragged a bit in the middle. Overall though, my second favourite Emily Henry book 2 out of 4 ain't bad

Original reaction upon finishing the book: Her best yet - ten stars. Book of the year for me, I'm calling it now.

Full review:

Emily Henry has outdone herself with “Funny Story,” a heartfelt gem that is truly her best book yet. I inhaled this book in one sitting, propelled not only by the pitch perfect romance, but by the multitude of characters who all blossom beautifully by the final page.

Daphne, stung by a painful betrayal, finds solace in the quaint town of Waning Bay. There, she crosses paths with Miles, the enigmatic ex of her fiancé's childhood friend. What begins as an awkward fake-dating arrangement soon evolves into something deeper and far more meaningful.

Henry's talent for crafting realistic and relatable characters shines through. You'll cheer for Daphne as she rebuilds her life, laugh with Miles as he sheds his emotional armor, and feel warmly embraced by the circle of friends who surround them. The slow burn romance between Daphne and Miles is masterfully orchestrated, simmering with undeniable chemistry and emotional depth that makes their eventual connection all the more satisfying.

But “Funny Story” offers more than just swoon-worthy romance. It beautifully weaves in themes of enduring friendship and the power of found family. The relationships between Daphne, Julia, and Ashleigh are a testament to the unwavering support and love that can emerge from unexpected places. This multifaceted approach elevates the story beyond a typical romance, offering a richness and resonance that lingers long after the final page.

If you're searching for a witty, heartwarming story with characters who stay with you long after the last chapter, look no further than “Funny Story.” It's a delightful read that celebrates the joys of friendship, second chances, and finding love in the most unexpected places. Don't miss it!