What Order To Read Emily Henry Books - A Friendly Guide

Brayan D'Amore Sr. 24 Jun 2025

Stepping into the delightful world of Emily Henry's books feels a bit like finding the perfect cozy spot on a sunny afternoon, doesn't it? Her stories, so often filled with warmth, witty banter, and genuinely touching moments, have captured the hearts of many readers. You might be wondering, with all these wonderful titles out there, where do you even begin? Is there some secret sequence, you know, a special path to follow for the very best experience?

Well, the good news is, for the most part, her romance novels are pretty much standalone adventures. That means you can pick up almost any one of them and just jump right in without feeling lost or like you've missed a big piece of the puzzle. It's not like some long fantasy series where you absolutely have to start from book one. So, in some respects, the choice of what order to read Emily Henry books is really up to you and what kind of story you're in the mood for at that moment.

Still, if you're looking for a little guidance, perhaps a friendly nudge in a certain direction, there are a few ways to think about how you might want to enjoy her collection. We'll chat about her books, what makes each one special, and maybe help you figure out your own ideal path through her charming narratives. It's pretty much about what feels right for you, honestly.

Who is Emily Henry?
Do You Need to Read Emily Henry Books in Order?
What Order to Read Emily Henry Books by Publication Date?
What Order to Read Emily Henry Books by Mood or Trope?
Are Emily Henry's Young Adult Books Worth Reading First?
Which Emily Henry Book Should You Start With?
What is the Best Order to Read Emily Henry Books for New Fans?
What Order to Read Emily Henry Books if You Like a Specific Setting?

Who is Emily Henry?

Emily Henry is an author who has really made a name for herself in the world of contemporary romance. She's known for creating stories that feel very real, often mixing humor with heartfelt moments and characters you genuinely want to root for. Her books often explore relationships, personal growth, and finding your way in the world, all wrapped up in a package that's pretty much impossible to put down. She has this knack for writing dialogue that sounds like how people actually talk, which makes her characters feel like friends you're catching up with. She's pretty good at giving you those warm, fuzzy feelings, too, but also those moments that make you think a little.

Before her popular adult romance novels, she also wrote some young adult books, which are just as full of emotion and compelling storytelling, though they lean a bit more into magical realism. Her style, you know, has a certain charm that just pulls you in. She's become a go-to for many folks looking for a comforting, yet thought-provoking, read.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Born	Emily Henry
Nationality	American
Genre	Contemporary Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Notable Works	Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers, Happy Place, Funny Story
Known For	Witty dialogue, relatable characters, emotional depth, popular contemporary romance novels

Do You Need to Read Emily Henry Books in Order?

This is a question many people ask when they're getting ready to pick up a book by a popular author with a few titles out there. And for Emily Henry's adult romance novels, the simple answer is, not really, no. Each of her adult books, like Beach Read or Book Lovers, tells a complete story with its own set of characters and its own romantic arc. There aren't any recurring characters or plotlines that carry over from one book to the next that would leave you feeling confused if you started with, say, Happy Place instead of People We Meet on Vacation. So, you know, you can pretty much grab whichever one sounds most interesting to you first.

It's a bit like choosing which flavor of ice cream you want from a menu; they're all delicious in their own way, and you don't need to eat them in any specific sequence to enjoy them. Some people, though, just like to read things in the order they came out, which is a perfectly fine way to go about it too. It's more about personal preference than any kind of necessity for what order to read Emily Henry books. Basically, you're free to pick and choose.

What Order to Read Emily Henry Books by Publication Date?

If you're someone who likes to see how an author's writing style or themes might change over time, then reading Emily Henry's books in the order they were published could be a good way to go. This approach gives you a sense of her writing journey, from her earlier young adult works to her more recent adult romance hits. It's kind of like watching an artist's collection grow and shift. This is a very straightforward way to approach what order to read Emily Henry books, if you like a clear path.

Here's the list of her published books, from the earliest ones to the very latest, so you can follow along if you want to.

The Love That Split the World (2016)

This one is a young adult novel, and it's quite different from her more famous adult romances. It has elements of magical realism and a touch of mystery. The story follows a young woman who starts seeing strange things and a boy who may or may not be real. It's a rather thought-provoking read about fate and choices, and it's full of beautiful prose. If you're curious about Emily Henry's earlier work and enjoy stories that make you ponder, then this could be a neat place to start, though it won't give you the typical romance vibes her adult books do. It's a good example of her range, actually.

A Million Junes (2017)

Another young adult title with a magical realism twist. This book centers on two families with a long-standing feud and a curse that affects their firstborn children. It's a story about legacies, secrets, and finding connection despite a complicated past. There's a certain lyrical quality to the writing here, and it deals with themes of grief and memory. For those interested in her young adult offerings, this is another one that showcases her ability to craft emotionally rich stories outside of pure contemporary romance. It's pretty much a unique read in her collection.

When the Sky Fell on Louie Swan (2019)

This is the last of her young adult novels before she moved into the adult romance genre. It's a story about a young girl, a missing person, and the mysteries of a small town. It's got a slightly darker, more suspenseful feel compared to her other YA books, but it still has that characteristic emotional depth. If you're interested in seeing the progression of her storytelling, this one acts as a bridge, in a way, to her later works, even though it's still very much a young adult mystery with a touch of the fantastical. It's an interesting piece, to be honest.

Beach Read (2020)

This is the book that really launched Emily Henry into the spotlight as an adult romance author. It tells the story of two writers, a literary fiction author and a romance novelist, who swap genres for the summer. It's got a fantastic "enemies-to-lovers" vibe, lots of witty banter, and some truly touching moments about grief and finding your voice. Many people consider this a great starting point for her adult books because it captures so much of what makes her writing special. It's a very popular choice for a reason, you know.

People We Meet on Vacation (2021)

This one is a "friends-to-lovers" story that spans a decade of summer trips. It follows Poppy and Alex, who have been best friends for years but suddenly stopped talking. Now, they're trying to fix things with one last vacation. It's a bit more melancholic than Beach Read in places, dealing with themes of growing up and growing apart, but it's still full of charm and humor. If you love stories with a long history between the characters and a lot of emotional payoff, this is a beautiful choice. It really makes you feel for the characters, too it's almost like you're there with them.

Book Lovers (2022)

This book is a delightful "rivals-to-lovers" story set in the publishing world. It features a high-powered literary agent, Nora Stephens, and a book editor, Charlie Lastra, who keep running into each other in the most unexpected ways. It's incredibly clever, full of literary references, and has some of the sharpest dialogue. If you appreciate a strong, independent heroine and a hero who's her match in every way, this one is a real treat. It's often praised for being a very smart and engaging romance, and it's definitely one of her most beloved, you know.

Happy Place (2023)

This story centers on a couple who broke up months ago but have to pretend they're still together for their annual group vacation with friends. It's a "second chance" romance with a lot of emotional depth, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and what it means to be truly happy. It can be a bit more poignant than her previous adult romances, really digging into some heavier feelings, but it's ultimately very rewarding. If you're in the mood for a story that makes you feel deeply and explores the complexities of relationships, this is a powerful read. It's pretty much a tear-jerker for some, actually.

Funny Story (2024)

Her newest adult romance, this book follows two people whose exes left them for each other, leading them to become unlikely roommates. It’s a "fake dating" story with a twist, exploring what happens when you find connection in the most unexpected places. It's got her signature humor and heart, with characters who are figuring out their lives after a big shake-up. If you like fresh takes on classic tropes and characters who are a bit messy but very real, this is a great one to pick up. It's a very current and charming read, you know.

What Order to Read Emily Henry Books by Mood or Trope?

Perhaps you're not so concerned with publication order, and you're more interested in what kind of story you're craving right now. This is a very popular way to choose your next book, isn't it? Emily Henry is known for playing with classic romance tropes, but she always puts her own unique spin on them. So, if you're wondering what order to read Emily Henry books based on what kind of romantic setup you're in the mood for, this section might help you decide.

For a Classic "Enemies-to-Lovers" Vibe

If you absolutely adore stories where the main characters start off clashing, maybe even disliking each other, only for those strong feelings to slowly, delightfully, turn into something else, then you'll want to pick up Beach Read. It's pretty much the gold standard for this trope in her collection. The banter between January and Gus is just fantastic, and you really feel the tension and eventual softening between them. It’s a truly satisfying journey from rivals to romance, so if that's your jam, start there.

For a Sweet "Friends-to-Lovers" Story

For those who love the slow burn of two people realizing their long-standing friendship is actually something more, People We Meet on Vacation is the one for you. It covers a decade of shared experiences and inside jokes, making the eventual shift in their relationship feel incredibly earned and heartfelt. It's a bit more wistful, perhaps, but the connection between Poppy and Alex is so deeply felt. If you enjoy a history-rich romance, this is a really good choice, you know.

For a "Fake Relationship" or "Rivals with Spark"

If you're into the idea of characters pretending to be together, or two sharp minds constantly trying to outdo each other, you have a couple of great options. Book Lovers gives you that "rivals in the city" feel, where Nora and Charlie are constantly bumping heads in the publishing world, but there's an undeniable spark. And her newest, Funny Story, features a "fake dating" setup that's born out of a very unusual circumstance. Both are full of clever dialogue and a lot of charm. They are both pretty much perfect for a smart, engaging read.

For a "Second Chance at Love"

Sometimes, the best stories are about people who were once together and are given another shot at making things work. If this sounds appealing, then Happy Place is definitely the book to grab. It's about a couple who have already broken up but have to pretend they're still an item for a group vacation. It explores the reasons they split and whether they can find their way back to each other. It's an emotionally charged read that really makes you think about relationships and what truly matters. It's very moving, in a way.

For Something a Little More Serious, with Heart

While all of Emily Henry's books have emotional depth, some lean a bit more into heavier themes like grief, identity, or finding your purpose. If you're looking for a romance that also offers a bit more introspection and tackles some tougher feelings, then Beach Read and Happy Place are excellent choices. Beach Read deals with grief and artistic integrity, while Happy Place explores self-discovery and the complexities of long-term relationships and friendships. They both offer a good mix of humor and profound moments. They're pretty much perfect if you want a book that stays with you.

Are Emily Henry's Young Adult Books Worth Reading First?

So, you might be wondering about her young adult books, like The Love That Split the World or A Million Junes. Are they a good starting point for what order to read Emily Henry books? Well, they're certainly worth reading if you enjoy stories with a touch of magical realism, a focus on coming-of-age, and beautiful, lyrical writing. They showcase her early talent for creating compelling characters and emotional stories. However, if you're specifically looking for the contemporary romance vibes that her adult books are famous for, then starting with her young adult titles might give you a slightly different impression.

They are not romances in the same way her adult books are; they lean more into mystery and fantasy elements. So, if you picked one up first, you might think her style is only about magical realism, which isn't the case for her adult novels. If you're a big fan of YA or curious about her full body of work, then absolutely give them a go. But if your main goal is to experience her popular adult romance style, you might want to save them for later, after you've tried one of her more recent hits. It just depends on what you're hoping for, you know.

Which Emily Henry Book Should You Start

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