Emily Henry Books: Where to Start

Emily Henry has become a popular name on the contemporary romance shelf. If you're new to her books — or deciding which to read next — this guide breaks down her well-known titles, what each is about, and who they tend to appeal to, so you can pick one to start with.

1. Beach Read

A widely recommended starting point for new readers. A romance writer and a literary novelist with writer's block swap genres for a summer — sharp, funny, and tender. Shop Beach Read.

2. Book Lovers

A literary agent and a brooding editor keep crossing paths in a small town. A love letter to readers, full of bookish in-jokes and emotional depth. A favorite among readers who work in or love books. Shop Book Lovers.

3. People We Meet on Vacation

Best friends, one week, two very different people — a slow-burn friends-to-lovers story told across years of summer trips. A good pick for fans of will-they-won't-they tension. Shop People We Meet on Vacation.

4. Happy Place

An ex-couple pretends to still be together during an annual friends' getaway. One of her more emotionally layered novels — funny, with real ache underneath. Shop Happy Place.

Which Emily Henry book should you read first?

Many readers start with Beach Read for the classic introduction, Book Lovers if they're readers at heart, People We Meet on Vacation for friends-to-lovers, and Happy Place for the most emotional one. Fans often end up reading all four.

All four Emily Henry titles are in stock now at Value Book Market. Build your summer reading stack today.