Great Big Beautiful Life
by Emily Henry
Jumping right into the first edition here at A Novel Look, but not without a quick thank you for being here. I’m so glad you are.
Books, for me, are more than a pastime—they’re a portal. A way to slip into someone else’s world and, sometimes, their wardrobe. Even after the final page, I love pulling the lingering aesthetic into real life. Which brings me to my first pick: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.
It took me a minute to get into this one (and I know the reviews are mixed), but I truly loved it—and even gave it five stars on Goodreads. Especially through a very specific lens… which we’ll get to.
Alice and Hayden are rival writers brought together for the chance to tell the story of Margaret Ives: tragic heiress, former tabloid fixation, and daughter of one of the most scandalous families of the 20th century.
The catch? Margaret’s splitting her time—and her truth—between the two of them. With NDAs keeping Alice and Hayden from swapping notes (or feelings), tension brews. And not just professionally. Let’s just say Margaret’s story isn’t the only one filled with sparks, mystery, and heartbreak.
While I loved Alice and Hayden, what lingered for me was Margaret—and Cosmo.
And I know, that may be a hot take—most of the feedback I’ve seen has said there was too much Margaret and Cosmo, not enough Alice and Hayden. Even Emily Henry herself has acknowledged this! But I couldn’t get enough.
I read Margaret and Cosmo as part Elvis and Priscilla, part Marilyn and JFK… and maybe even a touch Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed. That mix of American royalty, doomed romance, and that legacy wrapped in spectacle was irresistible.
As I read, I mostly pictured Margaret as Priscilla Presley—always watched, never truly seen. Big sunglasses hiding big feelings, exuding that effortless 1960s summer style I love so much. I personally LOVE a shift dress. Always have, always will. It’s easy, breezy, and always polished.
The shift dress is my go-to for days when I want to feel put together without trying too hard—structured enough to elevate, loose enough to survive the humidity. Just add sunglasses and call it a look.
And speaking of humidity… shoutout to Little Crescent Island, which practically steamed off the page. I could feel the frizz as I read. If anyone has a miracle product for coastal air, please advise.
I’d love to hear how you read Margaret (or who she reminded you of), and all your thoughts re Great Big Beautiful Life!
I'm almost done listening to Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant—a fantasy/horror about mermaids and super fun and totally unexpected. I'm also reading The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner and will most likely cover this one next because I cannot put it down. Think: witchcraft, sunken treasure, forbidden love—all set against the backdrop of Positano.
See you next time!