Review: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry – Romance, Mystery, and Family Secrets

Great Big Beautiful Life follows two rival writers vying to tell the story of a reclusive heiress whose past is as tangled as their growing attraction.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Penguin Audio and Libro.fm for the ALC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Optimistic aspiring writer Alice Scott and grumpy Pulitzer-winning journalist Hayden Anderson both arrive on Little Crescent Island, vying for the chance to write the biography of Margaret Ives—once a tragic heiress and tabloid princess, now an elusive recluse. Margaret grants them a one-month trial period before choosing her biographer, and Alice is determined to win, relying on her people skills, ambition, and the satisfaction of rattling Hayden, who clearly sees her as real competition. But Margaret reveals only fragments of her story to each of them, bound by strict NDAs that prevent them from piecing the truth together. As tension grows—both professional and undeniably romantic—Alice and Hayden realize their own unfolding story, like Margaret’s, could be a mystery, a tragedy, or a love story…depending on how it’s told.

My Thoughts:

As someone who has read all of Emily Henry’s novels, I went into Great Big Beautiful Life with high hopes and a pretty clear idea of what to expect—but this one took a slightly different route than her usual fare. It’s a slow burn, both in terms of romance and plot, and I’ll admit I found myself drifting during parts of the middle. That said, the story eventually delivers a rewarding and emotional payoff that felt much more in line with the writing I’ve come to love from Henry.

The premise is rich with potential: Alice Scott, a bubbly and ever-hopeful writer still chasing her big break, and Hayden Anderson, a brooding Pulitzer Prize winner, are invited to the secluded Little Crescent Island. Their shared goal? To win the chance to write the biography of Margaret Ives—an elusive former tabloid darling and heiress from one of the most infamous families of the 20th century. Margaret proposes a one-month trial with both writers, and in classic Emily Henry style, tension builds as Alice and Hayden are forced to navigate their attraction, competition, and Margaret’s cryptic storytelling.

While the family history of Margaret Ives takes up a significant chunk of the narrative, I found myself losing interest during the lengthy segments covering previous generations. At times, I just wanted the book to return to the present—to the budding connection between Alice and Hayden, and to Margaret herself, who becomes more fascinating the more we learn about her rather than her ancestors. Thankfully, once the narrative circles back to Margaret’s own life and secrets, the pace picks up again and the emotional stakes land beautifully.

The romance between Alice and Hayden is a slow simmer, rooted in witty banter, mutual growth, and a satisfying opposites-attract dynamic. I appreciated that their relationship wasn’t rushed, and that both characters evolved as individuals before finding their way to each other.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by the always-exceptional Julia Whelan, and she truly elevated the experience. Her ability to effortlessly shift between characters—young and old, male and female—makes the story come alive in a way that feels completely immersive. She’s long been a favourite of mine, and I’d definitely recommend the audiobook if that’s your preferred way to read.

Final Thoughts:

Great Big Beautiful Life may not have been my favourite Emily Henry book, but it still carried her signature warmth, sharp writing, and emotionally satisfying resolution. If you’re patient with a slower build and enjoy layered character studies, this one may just be worth the journey.

Some of the Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Emily Henry:

Funny Story

Happy Place

Book Lovers