Contemporary Romance
Emily Henry Books in Order
by Emily Henry
Emily Henry writes witty, emotionally rich contemporary romances that read like literary fiction — every book is a standalone, starting with Beach Read (2020).
About the series
Emily Henry is an American author widely credited with revitalizing the contemporary romance genre for literary readers. Her adult novels — beginning with Beach Read (2020) — are celebrated for their sharp wit, complex characters, and the rare ability to make readers laugh and cry in the same chapter. She draws on her creative writing background to craft romances that double as meditations on career, identity, and what people owe each other, earning her consistent spots on the New York Times bestseller list and comparisons to Nora Ephron.
Recommended reading order
All of Emily Henry's adult contemporary romances are standalones — there are no shared characters or ongoing storylines between them, so you can start anywhere. The fan-favorite entry point is Beach Read (2020), followed by People We Meet on Vacation (2021) and Book Lovers (2022). Happy Place (2023), Funny Story (2024), and Great Big Beautiful Life (2025) are her most recent releases, each equally independent. Her earlier YA novels (The Love That Split the World, A Million Junes, When the Sky Fell on Splendor) are separate in tone and genre.
Reading order
6 books · Ongoing