Emily Henry's Best Books: Where to Start and How to Read Them

Discover the best books by Emily Henry and where to start. Dive into her popular romance novels with this reading guide, curated by Tomeki.

Emily Henry has quickly become a fan-favorite in contemporary romance fiction. Known for her witty, heartfelt stories filled with complex characters and realistic relationships, Henry’s novels captivate readers looking for romance with depth. If you’ve been hearing buzz about her books but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will help you dive into her works and enjoy them to the fullest.

Let’s take a closer look at Emily Henry’s most popular books, discuss the ideal reading order, and explore why her stories have earned such widespread acclaim.

Why Emily Henry?

Emily Henry’s books are known for their sharp dialogue, relatable characters, and emotionally rich love stories. What sets her apart is her ability to mix humor with heavier, meaningful moments, giving her readers a perfect balance between lighthearted romance and deeper, introspective themes.

Whether you’re new to romance novels or a seasoned reader of the genre, Emily Henry’s stories are accessible, engaging, and perfect for anyone who enjoys character-driven narratives.

Where to Start: Emily Henry’s Best Books

To help you navigate her bibliography, here’s a rundown of her best and most beloved books. Let’s explore what makes each one special and where you should begin your reading journey.

1. Beach Read (2020)

Perfect for: First-time Emily Henry readers who want an introduction to her unique voice and storytelling style.

Plot Summary: Beach Read follows two authors, January Andrews and Augustus "Gus" Everett, who couldn't be more different. January is a hopeless romantic, writing best-selling romance novels, while Gus writes dark, brooding literary fiction. Both find themselves in neighboring beach houses, struggling with writer’s block. To shake things up, they make a bet: Gus will write a romance, and January will try her hand at literary fiction. What begins as a playful rivalry turns into a deep and emotional connection as they uncover each other's secrets.

Why You Should Read It: This book is a perfect blend of opposites-attract romance and personal discovery. With equal parts humor and heartfelt moments, Beach Read will leave you with a smile while tugging at your heartstrings.

2. People We Meet on Vacation (2021)

Perfect for: Fans of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance.

Plot Summary: This story centers around two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who have taken yearly vacations together for over a decade. Despite being polar opposites—Poppy is spontaneous and fun-loving, while Alex is reserved and grounded—their connection is undeniable. However, after one ill-fated vacation two years ago, they haven’t spoken since. Now, Poppy is determined to mend their relationship and convince Alex to take one last trip with her in hopes of rekindling their friendship and something more.

Why You Should Read It: People We Meet on Vacation captures the slow-burn magic of friends evolving into lovers. Emily Henry masterfully builds tension and emotional depth throughout the novel, making the payoff incredibly satisfying.

3. Book Lovers (2022)

Perfect for: Those who love bookish characters, witty banter, and a deep dive into family dynamics.

Plot Summary: Book Lovers is the story of Nora Stephens, a cutthroat literary agent who’s far from the typical romantic heroine. When she takes a trip to a small town with her sister, she runs into Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor she’s crossed paths with before. Both cynical about love, Nora and Charlie bond over their shared experiences in the book world, leading to an unexpected romance.

Why You Should Read It: This is a love letter to readers and anyone who adores stories about books, publishing, and the literary world. Book Lovers is witty, emotional, and beautifully written, offering a satisfying romance with more depth than your typical romantic comedy.

4. Happy Place (Coming in 2024)

Perfect for: Fans eagerly waiting for the next Emily Henry novel and those who enjoy second-chance romances.

Plot Summary: Happy Place focuses on Harriet and Wyn, a couple who broke up months ago but decide to fake their relationship during an annual vacation with their friends. As they navigate this charade, old feelings resurface, leading them to confront unresolved issues in their relationship.

Why You Should Read It: Though yet to be released, Happy Place promises to be another hit from Emily Henry, delivering her signature mix of humor, emotional complexity, and relationship struggles.

How to Read Emily Henry’s Books

While there’s no strict order to follow when reading Emily Henry’s novels, we recommend starting with Beach Read or People We Meet on Vacation. Both are fantastic entry points into her work and showcase her strengths as a romance writer. From there, dive into Book Lovers, which offers more of her sharp, witty dialogue, combined with an exploration of family ties and career pressures.

Famous Quotes from Emily Henry’s Novels

Here are some memorable quotes from Emily Henry’s best-loved books that capture her unique voice and the emotional heart of her stories:

From Beach Read:

"When you’re in love, the whole world gets a little brighter, a little sharper. You notice the details more."

From People We Meet on Vacation:

"I do not think love should feel like falling. It should feel like the most gentle step down the stairs."

From Book Lovers:

"Sometimes, the only person you can count on is yourself. And sometimes, that’s more than enough."

From Happy Place (Teaser):

"The place might change, but love... love stays. If it’s real, it stays."

These quotes not only provide a glimpse into Henry’s writing style but also reflect the emotional impact her books have on readers. Whether it’s about love, self-discovery, or the little moments in life, Emily Henry’s words resonate deeply with her audience.

What Makes Emily Henry’s Books Special?

1. Relatable Characters: Emily Henry’s characters feel real and grounded. They have flaws, emotional baggage, and personal struggles that make them relatable to readers. Whether you’re reading about a heartbroken literary agent or a free-spirited travel writer, you’ll find yourself drawn to their authenticity.

2. Humor and Heart: Henry’s ability to balance laugh-out-loud humor with deep emotional moments is one of her trademarks. Her stories often tackle difficult subjects, but she does so with warmth and levity, making her books an enjoyable read from start to finish.

3. Emotional Depth: Beyond the romance, her novels often explore personal growth, family dynamics, and self-acceptance. These themes add a layer of emotional depth that makes her stories resonate on a deeper level.

4. Satisfying Endings: If you love romances with fulfilling conclusions, Emily Henry delivers. Her characters’ journeys feel complete, and her endings are heartfelt without being overly predictable or saccharine.

Conclusion: Start Your Emily Henry Journey Today!

Emily Henry has made a name for herself as one of the best contemporary romance authors, and her novels are beloved by readers for a reason. With a perfect blend of humor, heart, and emotional depth, her books are perfect for readers who want more than just a fluffy romance. Start with Beach Read or People We Meet on Vacation, and you’ll be hooked in no time.

Looking for your next great romance read? Explore Emily Henry’s novels on Tomeki and find out why readers can’t get enough of her captivating stories!