Book Review: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E Smith

By: Jennifer E Smith
Published by: Poppy (Little Brown)
Released on: April 2nd, 2013
Source: arc from publisher to review
5 Stars: I LOVED It!
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds. 

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs? 


Jennifer E. Smith is an author who knows how to capture my heart. Her writing engages me, her characters make me wish they were real, and her storytelling leaves me wanting more. In her newest release, This Is What Happy Looks Like, Jennifer introduces me to believable characters with Ellie and Graham, she gave me a beautiful setting I wish I could go visit, and told me a story I could not get enough. I tried to pace myself with this book, but I couldn't help myself and devoured in one setting. 

There's just something about a Jennifer E Smith book that I can't get enough of. Her writing is simplistic, lovely, and has this feeling of comfort to it. Her books always satisfy my reading craving for well written, enjoyable book, so much so that her books sit one of my shelves that holds my "go-to" books. You know the type of books I'm talking about. The ones that ALWAYS satisfy that reading crave you get, when you're looking for something that's enjoyable, and all around fulfilling read.

I loved how Ellie and Graham's relationship was developed. These two couldn't be more opposite of each other, and yet they're so much a like. I loved both of them from the moment they're both introduced to the story. Everything about them felt realistic, including their email interactions, which I loved, down to their meeting in person, and their time together. The way their relationship was paced, was perfect. Not to mention all that happens surrounding them. Both characters are learning to make the best of situations they're in, trying to find their own unique places in the world. Okay not that Graham has to worry much about his place. 

Being a movie star affords Graham the things that Ellie can't easily get, but that never once goes to his head. I LOVED Graham for how grounded he is. Jennifer does a lovely job at complicating things with his movie star status and Ellie's quest for staying out of the lime light. That is for good reason, giving a secret about her mother's past that gets revealed within the story. What I loved about Ellie is her treating Graham like he was just a normal guy. These two together had this cute, almost shy like interaction in person, but email wise they were so much more open and relaxed. Slowly but surely they became much more open and relaxed around each other, well really Ellie became more relaxed around Graham. I adored Graham for his loving her more "normal" life style. Ellie too is a character who was so easy to like. 

This Is What Happy Looks Like is another fantastic Jennifer E Smith book. I enjoyed the character development and LOVED the romance element in this story. It was so perfectly paced. It was innocent, sweet, and the kind that is so satisfying as you're reading it, but after you're done with the book leaves you wanting more. It's a romance that's relatable and realistic. I loved it! If you're looking for "that perfect" read, I highly recommend picking up this book! It's a fabulous, clean cut read.