Emily Henry Will Make You Believe In Happy Endings

Dec 05, 2023

For Emily Henry, her novels are time capsules. Writing a new book means that she’s infusing the characters with whatever lessons she’s learning at the moment, using the ins and outs of their arcs to learn more about herself. Which also means that when she goes back to read an older book, she’s immediately transported to where she was at that time.

“And there are things about each of the characters that I'm very attached to [where] I recognize myself,” she says. “All of them are being pulled from something that I feel very personally engaged with.”

There’s a general advice that one should avoid meeting their heroes, but in my case, it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Henry is as calm and collected as the blue paint on her walls. She offers both fun anecdotes and in-depth analyses of the human condition with ease, which seems to prove that as chill as she is on the surface, her mind is a wide-open playground for her imagination.

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“Whenever I'm writing one of these books, it's like the characters are never me, but I'm always taking some facet of myself that I want to spend some time thinking about and working on,” she says. “It's such a work of self-reflection and investigation.”

In Henry’s newest novel Happy Place— released in hardcover April 25th, 2023 and *finally* hitting shelves as a paperback March 7th, 2024 — her heroine is a perpetual people pleaser (say that five times fast) and has a hard time figuring out what she really wants for her life. “That tendency to try to always keep the peace and to get along with everyone...is this coping mechanism of hers,” she says. “But [now] it's actually creating all this friction and all these tensions.”

I’ve written fiction since elementary school, and I know firsthand how exciting it is when your characters become so fully formed that it’s like they’re making their own decisions. This point in the writing process is also very exciting for Henry.

“Once the characters are fleshed out enough that their decisions are very easy for me to predict and understand, [it’s way more fun],” Henry says. In Happy Place, that moment came when she realized her leads Harriet and Wyn (who are pretending they’re still engaged while on a group vacation with mutual friends) needed to talk about why their relationship came to an end.

This approach to the characters also helped her during the big finale and the final act grand gesture, which (spoiler alert!) is a play on the familiar rom-com airport scene. But instead of having one character pursue the other through the airport, running through security at breakneck speed and declaring love in front of 100 strangers, she flipped the trope on its head.

After talking about the end of their relationship and spending the final night of their vacation together, Harriet leaves a sleeping Wyn without saying goodbye. She’s convinced that it’s what is best for him, but by the time she gets on the plane, heading back to a job she hates without the love of her life, she realizes that whatever dream life she built up for herself doesn’t matter if he’s not there. When she runs back outside, Wyn is already there, and they meet in the middle. Can someone pass me a tissue?

By this point in the novel, the reader is well acquainted with the airport and the wacky pilot that works there. The emotions that come with an airport experience — joy when you’re reunited with friends and sadness when you’re saying goodbye — make the conversation even more impactful.

“That was a tricky scene for me to nail down because so much of Harriet's journey is really internal,” she says. “And that's just tricky in general because when something is more external, [you have to think about] how the grand gesture should play out.”

Figuring out the specific ways that the characters failed each other, and how they got to the heart of each other’s insecurities, needs to have an equally emotional redemption. Henry went back and forth trying to pinpoint exactly what her grand gesture would look like, and who it would come from. But that exploration allowed her to discover something that is an excellent reminder for life in general: the end of their relationship was the buildup of wrongs on both their ends.

“This was not one person failing a relationship. It was two people who things broke down between and who both made their own mistakes,” Henry says. “I didn't really see a way that I could bring them back together and their big moment without both of them taking a pretty big risk.”

Harriet needed to admit what she truly wanted, and Wyn needed to admit how afraid he was of not being enough for her in the future. These ideas of happiness, love, fear, humor — Henry threads these real-world experiences throughout all of her novels. Beach Read deals with betrayal and grief as much as it does love, People We Meet On Vacation looks at the idea of home, and Book Lovers explores identity and independence. And they all feature two people who are very, very messy.

“When you write two characters falling in love, you are writing two people at their absolute most vulnerable. Because when you fall in love, you are kind of innately embarrassing,” she says. “You've met someone who you're so drawn to that you want to know everything about them [and] I feel like you kind of become very aware of your own trauma based on how you're reacting to the process of falling in love.

“I find writing the process of falling in love to be a really easy inroad to exploring a person's mental interiority and their emotional landscape,” she says. “Nothing really encapsulates what it is to be a human quite like the experience of falling in love.”

The complexity found within these books isn’t the simplified, superficial stories people think they are. There is so much enthusiasm and joy for the sake of joy — even if the characters are still dealing with heartbreak in all its forms.

“In general, romances have conflict like any other book. The difference really is that guaranteed happily ever after,” Henry says. “Yes, there are these horrible things happening and that's probably not going to stop any time soon. But even so, life is beautiful and worth living and that's how it was. So that's how I started this particular part of my writing journey, wrestling with that exact thing.”

Henry loves the fact that by ending a story with a happily ever after, she’s able to emphasize that that is the point of the whole journey. The future is uncertain but for now, the characters are choosing to go through the day-to-day of life together.

“The point of the story was the moment where love does conquer all and where these two people are blissfully happy,” she says. “And I really do believe as much as there is a point to anything, that's the point for me. The point is being with the people you love on the planet Earth...I think that's a worldview that is worth holding on to.”

I might have had to blink away a few tears at that, thinking about the hope and joy that her books have given me, and how Happy Place is already inspiring other readers, too. Naturally, I had to ask her about her own happy place.

“Usually once every year, every couple of years, [I] fly to San Francisco and I go to Muir Woods [and Muir Beach], and then drive up through wine country and go wine tasting and be out in beautiful vineyards,” she says. “And then I go up to visit my grandparents who live in Oregon. And there’s mountains, and usually you can drive up high enough that there's snow. And I love that I can just do all of that with one flight.”

Being surrounded by nature also makes Henry feel more creative. She offers a hint at her new book, which features a relationship that she describes as “something kind of close” to a grumpy/sunshine pairing, similar to her own relationship.

“My husband is truly, like the nicest person in the entire world. And I feel that I'm a very kind person, but I'm not like, sweet,” she jokes. “I'm like a little bit sassy and brash and mischievous.”

She’s drawn parallels in the past between book number five and “Karma” by Taylor Swift: “It's basically like something really bad happens to you but because of that, every great thing in your life is just kind of clicking into place.”

And as one final Taylor Swift lyrical Easter egg, she adds: “Hopefully it feels like ‘the wind in your hair on a weekend.’”

Rapid Fire With Emily Henry

Image via Devyn Glista/St. Blanc Studios

B+C: What is on your writing playlist? If you have any music that you like to listen to?

EH: I do not listen to music when I write because I'm so easily distracted. If there are lyrics, there's no way. I used to kind of put on classical music but even if I know the song, I'm waiting for certain parts I like. Sound is hard when I'm writing, unfortunately.

B+C: How do you come up with character names and locations?

EH: You have to remember that all of your characters have different parents unless they're siblings. So the way that they would have been named would have had so much to do with how old their parents are, where their parents would have lived, what kind of people they are...And then also, it really helps that they all have to be different. And so like meeting the variety of multiple syllables.

I'm definitely on nameberry.com a lot like a lot of writers, just looking at very specific lists that will be like artistic girls’ names from the ‘90s or whatever, just like looking for ideas.

[I’m also] trying to not name them people after people that I actually know and talk to often. But eventually I'm going to run out of other names, and friends and family are going to start showing up. I'm always so paranoid about that — or that I'll forget someone’s partner’s name and then I'll be writing a love story where the love interest looks like a friend's boyfriend and has the same name as him. Oh, I'm always so paranoid about that kind of thing, but so far so good.

B+C: Do you write during any particular time of day?

EH: Usually I write mornings through afternoon, usually from like ten to like three. I write most days.

B+C: What has surprised you most about writing books?

EH: That it doesn't get easier is probably true. I'm like, “I would have really thought it would get easier.” And instead, it’s sort of like, “Have I already done this before? Like, this is my first time writing a book, right?”

B+C: And do you have any favorite tropes? Whether you’re writing them or reading them.

EH: I love reading “marriage of convenience” in historical romance so much. That's one of my very favorites. And I do love enemies to lovers. I think I can be kind of picky about it, but when it's good, it's very, very good.

Check out our other interviews for a daily dose of inspiration.

Lead image via Devyn Glista/St. Blanc Studios

This interview has been edited for clarity.

The Top 10 Most-Watched Netflix Shows To Watch This Weekend

Netflix's March shows brought us ton of incredible titles like The Residence and With Love, Meghan, but those are only two of the buzzy series you can watch right now. Audiences can't get enough of these top Netflix shows — and they make for the perfect weekend watch. Stop scrolling and start enjoying!

Here are the top Netflix shows on March 28, including Adolescence and The Residence.

1. Adolescence

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In this Netflix show, 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested when a girl at his school winds up dead. But the most shocking part for a lot of viewers? Each episode is done in one shot.

Adolescence stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty.

2. The Residence

Eerin Simkin/Netflix

Coming in at number 2 is The Residence, which is a wacky whodunnit that takes place during a White House state dinner. Viewers are saying it gave them the same thrill as Knives Out, which is a VERY high recommendation in my book.

The Residence stars Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Mary Wiseman.

3. Million Dollar Secret

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Top Netflix show Million Dollar Secret is a reality competition that brings 12 strangers to a lakeside estate. One of the 12 will receive $1 million upon arrival, and they get to keep it as long as no one discovers who's got the cash.

Million Dollar Secret is hosted by Peter Serafinowicz.

4. Harlan Coben's Caught

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Harlan Coben's Caught follows Ema Garay, an Argentinian journalist that exposes criminals who get away with their crimes. And her newfound friendship with Leo Mercer gets upended when he becomes the prime suspect in her latest investigation.

Harlan Coben's Caught stars Soledad Villamil, Juan Minujín, and Alberto Ammann.

5. Gold & Greed: The Hunt For Fenn's Treasure

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This docuseries revolves around a treasure supposedly hidden in the mountains outside of Santa Fe — and the poem that holds the key to their location. And one community of treasure hunters are determined to find the truth.

Gold & Greed: The Hunt For Fenn's Treasure is a top Netflix show right now.

6. Survival of the Thickest season 2

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Survival of the Thickest season 2 is finally here — and it's already a top Netflix show! Mavis is juggling her life, her styling business, and her new singleness, and she's doing it with the people she loves.

Survival of the Thickest stars Michelle Buteau, Tone Bell, and Christine Horn.

7. Chelsea Handler: The Feeling

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Chelsea Handler is exploring it all in this Netflix comedy special: unusual encounters, her first adventures in business, and even her own birth.

Chelsea Handler: The Feeling is hosted by Chelsea Handler.

8. Temptation Island

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Four couples are walking onto an island in this top Netflix show, and a group of singles awaits them. How many couples are going to walk back out? You'll have to watch and see.

The original Temptation Island couples include Alexa and Lino, Shanté and Brion, Tyler and Tayler, and Ashley and Grant.

9. Weak Hero

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Intelligent Yeon Shi-eun is much more than just a student. And thanks to his mind and his tools, he's able to fight against the violence closing in around him.

Weak Hero stars Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Hong Kyung.

10. Running Point

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It's not too late to watch this Netflix show, which follows Isla on her journey as the new President of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team. It's funny! It's heartfelt! It's worth a watch!

Running Point stars Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, and Dane DiLiegro.

Check out The 9 Best TV Shows To Watch On Netflix This Month for more!

The 5 Very Best Best E.l.f. Products To Add To Your Makeup Bag – All Under $10!

By now, we all know that e.l.f. has mastered the art of high-quality makeup products at drugstore prices. But as they grow their collections, which are truly the best of the best e.l.f. products out there? Our team of beauty-loving editors has a few in mind, especially after testing what e.l.f. has to offer. These 5 e.l.f. finds undoubtedly belong in your everyday rotation – plus, they’re all under $10!

Scroll on to discover our top 5 tried-and-true e.l.f. products!

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1. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

This gel-based primer does such an impressive job at hydrating your skin, all while still serving as a surface for your makeup to stick to.

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The formula is fully clear, so it's friendly for all skin tones. Plus, it retains a slightly-sticky feel after applying it, allowing subsequent foundation, concealer, and powder to stay put all day long.

Jasmine Williams

"It's really great for dry, oily, and combination skin which explains why my skin feels immediately hydrated after I use it," Brit + Co Staff Writer, Jasmine, writes in her review of the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. "I usually purchase two at a time because I know it won't take long before I run out of this primer."

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2. e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

This $7 concealer boasts a satin finish that helps you achieve the most natural of natural makeup looks. It leans on the side of hydrating, which we always prefer.

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Plus, it's shoppable in a whopping 23 different shades. The option to browse a wide shade range is just another thing we love about e.l.f.!

Chloe Williams

Brit + Co Entertainment Editor, Chloe, has only good things to say about the e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer:

"It's not too heavy but it still has good coverage," she said. "It's also the perfect balance for me between matte and super dewy, neither of which i'm a huge fan of so the middle ground is great. Super easy to blend."

Amazon

3. e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel

While many brow gels simply add color, this $5 one also volumizes them. The wax-gel hybrid formula is infused with tiny fibers that just add that extra oomph you may be searching for. The packaging is also really seamless and easy to use, according to Brit + Co Affiliate Writer, Meredith.

"I reach for this brow gel nearly everyday," she added. "My eyebrows are already pretty thick, but I find that it gives them a boost when I want that. When I'm not using a clear brow gel, I'm using this e.l.f. one in a brunette shade that's not too bold."

Amazon

4. e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

With a convenient retractable design, this $5 eyeliner packs a punch with a very smooth, creamy, and ultra-pigmented formula.

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Available in three shades, it's also smudge-proof and waterproof. Whether you wear it on your lash line or waterline, you'll be surprised by its staying power!

Jasmine Williams

In fact, Brit + Co Staff Writer, Jasmine, awarded this pick as the best drugstore eyeliner in her review. It survived a single crying session, and she knew it'd be a fave ever since.

"This eyeliner deserves its own spotlight," she writes.

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5. e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain

Okay, e.l.f. with the innovation! While most lip stains on the market these days are either draw-on markers or funky peel-off formulas, this $6 tube comes in gloss form, which makes it incredibly easy and intuitive to use. Thus, it brings shine and long-lasting color.

Amazon

After drying down, this glossy lip stain leaves a very natural and hydrating wash of color. It's currently available in 7 shades on Amazon right now.

Meredith Holser

After testing several viral lip stains, Brit + Co Affiliate Writer, Meredith, ruled this e.l.f. pick the absolute best one.

"I wore the e.l.f. lip stain to a friends’ dinner party to test out if it was really long-wearing. After a couple rounds of cocktails and a big feast, there was still a good amount of color on my lips," she writes in her review. "What stood out to me the most is that the color that stayed was still as even as if I had just freshly applied it — just sans glossy finish."

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved beauty products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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24 New April Book Releases To Add To Your Calendar STAT

Spring is here and it's brought the promise of more riveting new books with it! Bookish readers will love getting lost in our most-anticipated recommendations by authors Sarah Damoff, Allison Raskin, and more! We know how much you love rom-coms, but we've also included mystery, romantasy, and self-improvement titles to give you a range of TBR picks to choose from.

Scroll to find the best swoon-worthy rom-coms, nail-biting mysteries, and helpful self-improvement books debuting in April!

The Best Fiction Books Debuting In April

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The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner (April 8, 2025)

Sisters Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were once the the greatest pop stars ever. Known to the public as The Griffin Sisters, their hits coupled with public appearances made them ultra popular. However, their personalities have always been different and it's part of what eventually drove them apart.

Between Zoe being a mom and Cassie living an obscured life, the only person who seems to have an idea of what happened to their careers is Zoe's daughter Cherry. But the only way the past can be healed is if everyone's willing to confront it and reconcile the lives they currently live.

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Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 8, 2025)

Nikki's been caught in the middle of a strange feud between her mom and grandmother, so she's shocked when the latter wants her to visit. Before long, Nikki arrives in North Carolina and hopes to discover what happened to the women she loves. Instead, her grandmother begins to tell her about a forgotten kingdom that her great-great-great grandmother Luella was queen of. Adding to Nikki's astonishment is the revelation that her grandmother is telling the truth based on the artifacts the young woman finds hidden in the hills.

Sadly, there are people who are threatening to completely erase the Kingdom of Happy Land's history which leaves Nikki in charge of saving it.

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To Have and Have More by Sanibel (April 15, 2025)

Emery Hooper and Lilah Chang may be Asian students who attend Derrymore Academy, but that's where their similarities end. While the adopted Emery has perfectly assimilated into the culture around her, she finds Lilah to be a cringey representation of Asians. She's also unsure why Lilah is working so hard to be her friend.

But over time, Emery begins to see how much she's subject to covert racism despite being wealthy. It's what eventually unites her and Lilah because they begin to see how much some things can't save you from harmful rhetoric that's ingrained in society.

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The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (April 22, 2025)

Ryan and Lillian Bright may have built their marriage on love, but their secrets eventually tear them apart. It's something their daughter Georgette witnesses, causing her to back away from their once close-knit family. But even her plans are changed when Lillian's secret son appears. This forces Georgette to learn more about her family so she's able to see if love can save everyone.

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The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (April 22, 2025)

Margaret Ryan starts off living a life that every woman dreams of in the 1960s. She has it all — the cushy husband, kids, and comfortable life — and it seems like she's content. However, a perceptive person would be able to pinpoint how unfulfilled she is. It's something she wasn't willing to admit until her new neighbor Charlotte Gustafson moved to Concordia.

Charlotte's mysterious and intriguing, prompting Margaret to start her own book clubwith two other women. Soon, she, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv begin meeting to dissect The Feminine Mystique. It's a classic book that begins making them question their suburban lives which opens them up to even more books that help them challenge the status quo.

Though they didn't anticipate this, these four women's friendship becomes a sturdy foundation during the most pivotal year of their lives.

The Best Romance Books Debuting In April

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Save the Date by Allison Raskin (April 8, 2025)

Couples therapist Emma Moskowitz's life is left in shambles when the abrupt end of her engagement upends her wedding, career, and book plans. As far as her audience knows, she's skilled at matters of the heart so she feels like she's letting everyone down when she comes up short in the romance department.

Unwilling to give up her wedding date, Emma concocts an intriguing plan to find someone who's willing to marry her in the next 6 months. Call it desperate, but sharing her plans online garners a ton of attention that leaves her torn between a podcast produced named Will and the divorced Matt. But, you can't possibly find love that'll stand the test of time in such a short amount of time...right

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Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (April 29, 2025)

Ofosua Addo thinks she's found the love of her life when she and Cole Drake kiss for the first time, but there's two problems. One, she's an heiress to a vast empire and two, she's supposed to marry someone else her mother approves of. Being a good daughter means forging ahead with her wedding, but it comes crashing down in flames.

On her path to self-love and discovery, Ofosua and Cole cross paths again. This time, they'll have to remember why they fell for each other and if their love can cancel out tradition's strict protocol.

The Best Mystery & Thriller Books Debuting In April

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Bitterfrost by Bryan Gruley (April 1, 2025)

Jimmy Baker used to be a famed hockey player, but his career ended when he made a drastic decision. Since then, he's been a Zamboni driver who doesn't make waves in Bitterfrost, Michigan. It's not the life he wanted, but he has no other choice but to atone for his mistake. His days are mostly eventful until he's suddenly accused of a double murder he doesn't remember committing.

With the odds stacked against him, Jimmy will have to figure out what happened and if he's as violent as everyone says he is.

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Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh (April 8, 2025)

Claire and Aaron Litvak's worlds come to a halt when they learn their daughter Lindsey's been hurt in China. Not only is she in critical condition, but the unlucky parents begin realizing her life in Shangai might not have been as linear as they thought. The only person who may have an idea of what happened is Lindsey's adopted sister Grace, but can Claire and Aaron piece together the truth before it's too late?

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The California Dreamers by Amy Mason Doan (April 8, 2025)

The Merrick siblings are used to beautiful California summers because they know they're guaranteed to have fun with their parents. However, a secret picture taken of them begins circulating and it puts them in danger. Years later, the patriarch of the Merrick family is being honored when a nosy journalist finds them and begins poking around their past.

The siblings will have to decide if they're ready to deal with the truth or if they're going to continue burying things like they've always done.

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Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaufman (April 15, 2025)

Instead of using her intelligence to better the world, Ruth makes her money as a robber who targets banks. In a just a few years, she's managed to steal over $250 million thanks to her cyber smarts. But her clever plan is halted when she triggers an alarm that puts her in danger.

Now considered a high-level threat who could possibly help a government agency, Ruth tries to evade the agents on her trail who don't care how they capture her. It's clear their obsession with her borders other feelings, but Ruth isn't waiting to find out what they are.

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Coram House by Bailey Seybolt (April 15, 2025)

Young orphan Tommy's disappearance from Coram House in the late 1960s became an unsolved mystery that's haunted Lake Champlain ever since. It's the very case that's could restore true crime journalist Alex Kelley's career, so she jumps at the chance to lend her skills to a book about the orphanage Tommy once lived at. However, the stories surrounding him are complicated. Plus, Alex gets more than she bargained for when she stumbles across a dead woman's body floating in the lake.

She's convinced there's a connection between this and Tommy's case, but officer Russell Parker doesn't take her seriously. But he'll have to because more people are dying and Alex could be next.

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The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (April 29, 2025)

Nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose is supposed to be figuring out why ships keep wrecking in Positano, but she's also curious about what her father saw the last time he dived into the beautiful water. As soon as she arrives in town, strange things begin occurring that she has no explanation for.

The more she digs into her investigation, the more she unearths the chance of something magical at work. Despite one woman's desire to save the people she loves, she could've possibly cursed the Amalfi Curse and it's up to Haven to stop it before everything's ruined.

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A Campus on Fire by Patrick O'Dowd (April 29, 2025)

Student journalist Tess Azar wants to know why someone was killed in the writing program she's been lucky to be admitted to. As she investigates, she learns that something amiss is going on and it may involve a cult. There's also a growing right-wing group of students that are threatening to create more hysteria.

The Best Fantasy & Romantasy Books Debuting In April

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The Never List by Jade Presley (April 8, 2025)

The kingdom of Lumathyst may be destroyed soon unless the four immortal god-princes can secure their mate. Unfortunately, none of the women who have come before them have been suitable and they're running out of time. The issue is that the woman they choose will need to become immortal like them, but the process is brutal and doesn't guarantee survival. But Rylee Gray may be their saving grace if they don't uncover what she's hiding.

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The Raven Scholarby Antonia Hodgson (April 15, 2025)

Orrun has been peaceful ever since Bersun the Brusque ruled over it, but it's time for someone else to ascend the throne. So, everyone who considers themselves worthy begins to compete for the #1 spot because they think they have what it takes. But an untimely murder leaves High Scholar Neema Kraa scrambling to discover the murderer. What she doesn't know is that there are forces who are more than willing to help her and keep her out of harm's way at all costs.

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Awakenedby A.E. Osworth (April 29, 2025)

Wilder awakes to the realization they're able to decipher all languages. Dealing with confusion, they find safe haven with other witches who have also "awakened" to their hidden abilities. There's:

Quibble, a portal traveler
Artemis, a caretaker and seer
Mary Margaret, a powerful telekinetic individual

As soon as Wilder gets comfortable, something evil in the form of AI threatens everything they and their coven's come to know. Before long, their group has to contend with how much is too much when it comes to magic and artificial intelligence.

The Best Parenting Books Debuting In April

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Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthoodby Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood (April 1, 2025)

Autors Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood have on thing in common: they're parents of children who have autism. This has united them in more ways than one, leading them to write Autism Out Loud with the goal of sharing their firsthand insights. Readers will learn about everything from the diagnosis process to what it looks like to raise a child who has autism.

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Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood by Erin Morrison (April 8, 2025)

Sometimes moms need a reminder they can have a few minutes to themselves which is why Erin Morrison's compiled Three Minutes for Mom. Each day will feature an opportunity to look at strengths and areas of growth, but readers will also discover boundless encouragement for one of the toughest jobs in the world.

The Best Self-Improvement Books Debuting In April

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Rewrite Your Rules: The Journey to Success in Less Time with More Freedomby Morgan DeBaun (April 1, 2025)

Blavity's founder Morgan DeBaun is here to share her success secrets with you. She built a powerful platform that aims to empower the Black community and knows that it helps to abide by certain principles that'll help propel you towards the career you want to have. Whether it's challenging certain rules or encouraging you to think outside of the box, readers will learn how to live the lives they want.

Be sure to visit Rewrite Your Rules for a robust look at how you can be living your best life!

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A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex by Dr. Morgan Cutlip (April 8, 2025)

This one's for all the couples who are still dealing with burnout. Dr. Morgan Cutlip knows there's no such thing as 50/50 in relationships, but that doesn't mean your relationship is doomed. In A Better Share, Dr. Cutlip explores things that affect partners like the mental and emotional load of everyday life. There's also great insight about how libidos are impact when people feel things aren't balanced or "fair." So, buckle up and get ready to transform your relationship.

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How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously by Hannah Berner and Paige Desorbo (April 15, 2025)

Featured in our best podcasts article, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo are back with their first book How to Giggle. Instead of listening to them, readers will have a written account of how these two friends navigate life. From awkward moments to realizing men don't have to be the center of everything, you'll get a kick out of the joyous way they tackle real moments.

The Best Cookbooks Debuting In April

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A Feast of Thorns and Rosesby Chelsea Cole (April 1, 2025)

Can't get enough of ACOTAR? Now you'll get a chance to cook meals inspired by the famous BookTok series! You'll find over 50 recipes that the creatures of Prythian eat (aside from carnivorous moments), that'll make you feel like you have a seat at one of the High Lord's table. Better yet, you'll become a pro at cooking meals that would make them pay you a visit!

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Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impressby Alix Traeger (April 22, 2025)

Alix Traeger doesn't expect you to be 5-star chef because life's too short for that. However, she does know you're interested in cooking meals that impress your family and friends. Inside of Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impress are recipes that even the most hazard-prone cook will find easy to follow. From girl dinner-esque appetizers to evening meals, anyone can have fun with Alix's cookbook!

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8 Clear Signs That Your Shoes Are Officially Worn Out

We realize that good shoes are a decent investment nowadays, but knowing when to swap out your old footwear for a fresh pair can save you from a lot of discomfort, injury, and unnecessary strain.

Aside from just completing an outfit, shoes are supposed to support you, protect your feet, and carry you as you get your steps in each day (whether you count them or not). But as you go about your normal life, wear and tear will definitely take their toll.

It can be tough to know when it's time to retire a pair and move on to the next, but by keeping an eye out for these key signs, you'll be able to spot when your shoes are definitely worn out.

Scroll to see the obvious signs that your shoes are way past their prime...

1. Worn-Out Soles

One of the clearest indicators it's time to replace your footwear is worn-out soles. Take a look at the tread: is it smooth or uneven? If so, your shoes are no longer offering the same level of grip and stability as they did in the past.

The lack of traction can lead to discomfort with each step and slips, especially if you're walking over wet or slick surfaces. That's why any bald spots suggest they're no longer providing the support and safety you need.

2. Heel Breakdown

Since we naturally walk with heel-to-toe strides, the heel tends to be the first part of a shoe that shows signs of wear. With every single step you take, your heel absorbs a significant amount of your body weight and gradually breaks down the material.

Some wear is completely normal, but it becomes a problem when the heel starts to lose its shape or, again, the tread pattern is too worn. A broken-down heel isn't giving you any cushioning or support, so replacing your old pair is smart to prevent discomfort or potential foot problems.

3. Uneven Wear Pattern

Now, after taking a closer look at your footwear, you might notice the inside or outside of your sole is wearing down faster than the center. This may be due to walking pattern imbalances.

For instance, if your ankle rolls inward, it's known as pronation; meanwhile, rolling outwards is supination. Usually caused by muscle weakness, these imbalances put uneven pressure on your shoes, meaning one side of the sole wears out faster than the other.

Uneven wear is a sign you're no longer receiving balanced support and need to invest in a new pair of kicks.

4. Squeaking

If your shoes were silent when you got them, then randomly started squeaking or creaking, that's an indicator that the internal structure or sole is breaking down.

These sounds typically happen when the materials inside the shoe no longer fit together properly, or the cushioning has deteriorated. Apart from the sound just being annoying, persistent squeaking suggests you probably need a replacement.

5. Odors

We put our shoes through the ringer on a daily basis. Not only do they encounter outside elements like mud, rain, and snow, but they also deal with our own sweat inside. If your footwear has lingering odors that don't go away even after cleaning, it's a red flag that they've simply absorbed too much moisture or bacteria.

Shoes can trap sweat, dirt, and moisture, creating an environment that's perfect for bacteria to thrive. And after a while, odor-fighting products might not even work against stubborn smells. Take that as your sign to find a new pair.

6. Decreased Athletic Performance

When it specifically comes to athletic shoes, you'll notice a drop in performance. Your sneakers might've once been bouncy and very cushioned, giving you a literal spring in your step.

Then, over time, you may notice that they start to feel flat or less responsive. The energy return decreases, and you no longer feel the same level of comfort from the cushioning. This means your sneakers are no longer suited for high-impact activities, and replacing them is crucial to preventing any possible injuries.

7. Workouts Are Painful

Have you ever experienced a sharp stabbing pain in your arch or heel while exercising? Your shoes' lack of support is probably the culprit.

This type of pain is usually associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can be exacerbated by worn-out footwear. For your next pair, make sure you pick out shoes with proper arch support and cushioning for a pain-free workout.

8. You've Hit Your Mileage Limit

Lastly, it's important to track how much wear your shoes have experienced, even if they still feel comfortable. That's because most walking shoes are designed to last around 500 miles, which equates to about six months of use (depending on how active you are).

If you haven't been keeping track of your mileage, that's okay. This metric is roughly equivalent to walking about 30 minutes a day or three to four hours per week. If this sounds like your routine, you can aim to get new shoes every six months for the best support and comfort.

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67 Cute Spring-y Products to Shop During Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Spring is here, and so is Amazon's Big Spring Sale. We've curated a list of cute, spring-inspired products you won't want to miss. From an adorable daisy pillow (in two different colors) to beach-ready tote bags that'll fit all of the essentials, this list has it all. Scroll on to discover our favorite spring-y picks in this year's sale.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Desk Lamp is so Kawaii

Amazon

If you don't know already, "kawaii" is basically another word for cute. But a particular kind of cute that can really be best explained by you looking at this adorable desk lamp that looks like a cat's adorable little face. It's just the thing your bedside table needs to join the world of cuteness.

Emily Henry Will Make You Believe In Happy Endings

​Rapid Fire With Emily Henry

B+C: What is on your writing playlist? If you have any music that you like to listen to?

B+C: How do you come up with character names and locations?

B+C: Do you write during any particular time of day?

B+C: What has surprised you most about writing books?

B+C: And do you have any favorite tropes? Whether you’re writing them or reading them.

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The Top 10 Most-Watched Netflix Shows To Watch This Weekend

Here are the top Netflix shows on March 28, including Adolescence and The Residence.

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2. ​The Residence

3. ​Million Dollar Secret

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5. ​Gold & Greed: The Hunt For Fenn's Treasure

6. ​Survival of the Thickest season 2

7. ​Chelsea Handler: The Feeling

8. ​Temptation Island

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The 5 Very Best Best E.l.f. Products To Add To Your Makeup Bag – All Under $10!

Scroll on to discover our top 5 tried-and-true e.l.f. products!

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24 New April Book Releases To Add To Your Calendar STAT

Scroll to find the best swoon-worthy rom-coms, nail-biting mysteries, and helpful self-improvement books debuting in April!

The Best Fiction Books Debuting In April

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner (April 8, 2025)

Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 8, 2025)

To Have and Have More by Sanibel (April 15, 2025)

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (April 22, 2025)

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (April 22, 2025)

The Best Romance Books Debuting In April

Save the Date by Allison Raskin (April 8, 2025)

Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (April 29, 2025)

The Best Mystery & Thriller Books Debuting In April

Bitterfrost by Bryan Gruley (April 1, 2025)

Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh (April 8, 2025)

The California Dreamers by Amy Mason Doan (April 8, 2025)

Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaufman (April 15, 2025)

Coram House by Bailey Seybolt (April 15, 2025)

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (April 29, 2025)

A Campus on Fire by Patrick O'Dowd (April 29, 2025)

The Best Fantasy & Romantasy Books Debuting In April

The Never List by Jade Presley (April 8, 2025)

The Raven Scholarby Antonia Hodgson (April 15, 2025)

Awakenedby A.E. Osworth (April 29, 2025)

The Best Parenting Books Debuting In April

Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthoodby Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood (April 1, 2025)

Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood by Erin Morrison (April 8, 2025)

The Best Self-Improvement Books Debuting In April

Rewrite Your Rules: The Journey to Success in Less Time with More Freedomby Morgan DeBaun (April 1, 2025)

A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex by Dr. Morgan Cutlip (April 8, 2025)

How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously by Hannah Berner and Paige Desorbo (April 15, 2025)

The Best Cookbooks Debuting In April

A Feast of Thorns and Rosesby Chelsea Cole (April 1, 2025)

Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impressby Alix Traeger (April 22, 2025)

8 Clear Signs That Your Shoes Are Officially Worn Out

Scroll to see the obvious signs that your shoes are way past their prime...

1. Worn-Out Soles

2. Heel Breakdown

3. Uneven Wear Pattern

4. Squeaking

5. Odors

6. Decreased Athletic Performance

7. Workouts Are Painful

8. You've Hit Your Mileage Limit

67 Cute Spring-y Products to Shop During Amazon's Big Spring Sale

This Desk Lamp is so Kawaii

This High Low Skirt Is Boho Dreams

This Retro Nightstand Is Downright Adorable

The Summer Rattan Bag Handbag is Perfect for the Beach

A Cardigan That Reviewers Can't Get Enough of

This Diffuser That Looks Oh-So Stylish

Cool Off Anywhere With This Pocket-Sized Fan

A Choker Anyone Can Rock

An LED Duck That's Just As Cute As It Is Useful

Rapid Fire With Emily Henry

2. The Residence

3. Million Dollar Secret

4. Harlan Coben's Caught

5. Gold & Greed: The Hunt For Fenn's Treasure

6. Survival of the Thickest season 2

7. Chelsea Handler: The Feeling

8. Temptation Island

9. Weak Hero