Emily Henry Books Ranked (2025 Update): From Beach Read to Great Big Beautiful Life
Wondering which Emily Henry romance to read first? I’ve ranked all six—from Beach Read to Great Big Beautiful Life—and shared why each one deserves its spot (and which is my #1 favorite).
My Ranking of Emily Henry’s Contemporary Romances (and Why I’ll Defend My #1 Pick Forever)
Emily Henry Books Ranked Best to Worst (My Opinion!)
- People We Meet on Vacation
- Beach Read
- Happy Place
- Book Lovers
- Funny Story
- Great Big Beautiful Life
Now before you roast me, let’s dive into why each book earned its spot and the moments that made me laugh, cry, and clutch the pages like my life depended on it.
Why Emily Henry Has My Heart
Bookish Besties, You already know I live for a breezy romance that delivers equal parts banter, swoon, and heartbreak recovery-and Emily Henry nails it every time. Her books aren’t “just” rom-coms. They’re witty, vulnerable, and full of characters who feel like old friends. I’ve read (and re-read) them all, and today I’m ranking her six adult contemporary romances from my ultimate favorite down to the one I still loved-but maybe didn’t wreck me in quite the same way.
Emily Henry Books Ranked
People We Meet on Vacation
If you’ve been here a minute, you know I’ll shout from the rooftops: Poppy and Alex are endgame. This book takes us through ten years of friendship-turned-something-more, with snapshots of summer trips that are equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. That slow burn? Perfection. By the last chapters, I was openly cheering (and maybe ugly-crying). If you love best-friends-to-lovers with sharp banter and deep longing, this one is your new favorite.
You can get a copy of People We Meet on Vacation on Amazon.
Beach Read
This was my first Emily Henry, and it hooked me instantly. January Andrews, a romance writer who doesn’t believe in love anymore, ends up neighbors with Gus Everett, a broody literary novelist in his own slump. Their summer-long genre swap-her writing “serious” lit, him trying romance-leads to hilarious field-trip dates and gut-punch emotional moments. It’s funny, smart, and unexpectedly tender. Perfect if you like writer stories, second chances, and sarcastic banter that makes you grin at the page.
You can get a copy of Beach Read on Amazon.
Happy Place
Fake-dating tropes can feel overdone, but Harriet and Wyn’s story breathes fresh life into it. They broke up months ago, but when their annual friends’ trip to Maine rolls around, they pretend to still be together. Cue awkward sleeping arrangements, loaded glances, and all the tension of being “the one who got away.” I loved how this book balances romance with the bittersweet complexities of adult friendships. It’s equal parts swoony and soul-aching.
You can get a copy of Happy Place on Amazon.
Book Lovers
Nora Stephens is a cutthroat New York literary agent, the kind of character who usually gets left behind in small-town rom-coms. But here, she’s front and center-and when she collides with broody editor Charlie Lastra, sparks fly. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what hooked me most was the sister storyline woven through the book. It’s heartfelt, sharp, and full of the kind of wit that makes you wish you could bottle Emily Henry’s dialogue.
You can get a copy of Book Lovers on Amazon.
Funny Story
This one is delightfully messy in the best way. Daphne gets dumped by her fiancé and ends up moving in with Miles, who just so happens to be her ex’s ex’s ex (stay with me, it’s chaotic). Their summer of fake Instagram adventures, awkward karaoke, and reluctant friendship morphing into romance was fun and heartfelt. It’s lighter than some of Emily’s other books, but sometimes you just need pure escapist joy with a side of swoon.
You can get a copy of Funny Story on Amazon.
Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily’s newest release takes her in a slightly different direction-part romance, part mystery. Biographers Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson are competing to win the trust of the elusive Margaret Ives, tucked away on sun-drenched Little Crescent Island. Their rivalry simmers into romance under an NDA-bound cloud of secrets. It’s lush and intriguing, though for me, it didn’t quite hit the emotional peaks of her earlier books. Still, if you love a slower burn with a dose of mystery, it’s a worthy addition to your shelf.
You can get a copy of Great Big Beautiful Life on Amazon.
FAQs About Emily Henry Books
Do you need to read Emily Henry books in order?
Nope! Each of her romances is a standalone, so you can start anywhere.
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What is Emily Henry’s most popular book?
Beach Read is probably her most famous, but People We Meet on Vacation is the fan-favorite slow-burn.
Which Emily Henry book should I start with?
If you want something fast and fun, start with Beach Read. If you want emotional slow-burn perfection, People We Meet on Vacation is the one.
Final Thoughts
Ranking Emily Henry’s romances honestly felt like ranking my favorite desserts-you can’t really go wrong, but some hit me harder than others. If you’ve read them all, I’d love to know how you’d rank them. And if you’re new to her books, I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect place to start.
So tell me in the comments: Which Emily Henry couple is your favorite? Do you agree with my #1 pick, or would you switch it up? Let’s talk all things Emily Henry-I never get tired of these stories.
