📌 Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share books I’ve actually read (or listened to) and genuinely enjoyed.
Why I Picked This Book
I’ll be honest — I was in a bit of a reading slump when I started Great Big Beautiful Life. I wanted something comforting, engaging, and easy to get into without feeling shallow. I listened to the audiobook through Libby and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the hold came through, which already felt like a small win.
I wasn’t looking for something life-changing. I just wanted a book that would make me want to keep listening.
What I Expected Going In
Before starting, I expected:
- A cozy, emotionally rich story (classic Emily Henry)
- Strong characters and relationships
- Something light enough to listen to casually, but not boring
- A familiar structure — possibly similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
I also wondered if it might feel a little repetitive, especially since Emily Henry has a recognizable style.
What It Was Actually Like
In reality, this book delivered exactly what I needed at that moment.
The story moves back and forth between present day and the extravagant past life of a former socialite, which immediately reminded me of the dual-timeline structure in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. If you enjoyed that format, this will probably work for you too.
As an audiobook, it was an especially easy listen. It never felt heavy or confusing, and I genuinely wanted to keep going — which is saying a lot when you’re climbing out of a reading slump. Listening felt less like “paying attention to a book” and more like listening to friends tell a story.
That said, if you’ve been reading a lot of Emily Henry back-to-back, I can see how parts of it might feel familiar or repetitive. Personally, I didn’t mind — but it’s something to be aware of depending on your reading mood.
Who I Think This Book Is For
I’d recommend Great Big Beautiful Life if you:
- Want an easy, comforting read or listen
- Enjoy dual timelines and character-driven stories
- Like Emily Henry’s general vibe and writing style
- Are trying to get out of a reading slump
If you’re craving something wildly different or super experimental, this might not be it — but that wasn’t what I was looking for, and it worked perfectly for me.
Final Thoughts & Rating
I gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) — which for me is a pretty high rating. I’d absolutely recommend it to a friend, especially as an audiobook. It didn’t try too hard, it didn’t overpromise, and it reminded me why I enjoy reading in the first place.
If you’re looking for a warm, engaging story that feels easy to fall into, this one is worth checking out.
