Allison’s Book Report – “Funny Story” by Emily Henry

I have returned from my travels and am tucked safely back into my little library at the top of the stairs – and I am still on the hunt for the perfect new summery reads for your pool bags and vacations. “But Allison, what makes a perfect summer read?” you ask. I suppose that answer varies for different readers. Still, for me, it usually means a rom-com that is laugh-out-loud funny, bursting with charming characters who have more chemistry than a science lab, and a sprinkling of steamy scenes to make me blush and look around to see if anyone notices. I want witty banter and sexual tension and, of course, a happily ever after.

Emily Henry never fails to check all those boxes for me; her new release, “Funny Story,” is no exception.   Daphne always loved how her fiancé, Peter, told their story - they met on a windy day, fell in love over an errant hat, and moved back to his hometown to get married and settle down to begin their life together. He was so good at telling the story – until he realized he was in love with his best friend from childhood, the beautiful and charismatic Petra. Thus, a new story begins for Daphne – one in which she is stranded in her ex-fiancé’s hometown with no family or friends and no place to live. Even her dream job as a children’s librarian barely pays the bills. Displaced and heartbroken, she ends up with an unlikely roommate – Petra’s ex, the scruffy and chaotic Miles Nowak. Miles is the polar opposite of buttoned-up Daphne. The roommates mostly avoid each other - until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they devise a plan. The two begin posting misleading photos of their summer adventures together on social media. It’s all just for show, but things get muddy when the two start catching real feelings.

I dare you not to fall in love with the handsome and carefree Miles.  He is a perfect new “book boyfriend,” and the chemistry between him and Daphne is funny and natural. I also love Daphne’s new friends – her co-worker, Ashleigh, and Miles’ wild little sister, Julia. Watching the friendship between these three very different women is a true testament to the friendships that we as women rely on. Emily Henry’s books are my absolute favorite, and she hits it right out of the park again with “Funny Story.”

My search for awesome summery reads continues here and on my Instagram @allison.the.reader, where I am always reading and rambling away. Pop over and let me know what’s on your checklist for the perfect summertime book!