From Beach Read to Great Big Beautiful Life : A Personal Emily Henry Ranking
I’ve officially read every adult romance novel Emily Henry has published, and what a journey it has been! From heartfelt friendships to intense rivalries and unforgettable getaways, Henry’s stories have made me laugh, cry, and occasionally stay up way too late.
Let me start by saying that I genuinely loved all of her books. Even my least favorite still sparked something in me. Interestingly, the book that first drew me into her world ended up in fourth place, serving as a reminder that reading is about timing, mood, and personal resonance.
Here’s how I would rank all of Emily Henry’s novels, along with brief notes on why each one is placed where it is.
6. Book Lovers
This is the one I couldn’t quite connect with, and perhaps that’s because I don’t have a sister. The sibling drama didn’t resonate with me, and the romantic chemistry felt abrupt.
It’s not that it was bad, not at all! But I didn’t feel the usual spark.
5. Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily’s latest was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The dual timelines, one grounded in the present and the other in the past, each had its moments. But neither fully took center stage. As a result, the emotional punch was weak.
The past timeline reminded me of Taylor Jenkins Reid, one of my favorite authors, and I was intrigued by the mystery. Still, the current-day storyline felt more like classic Emily Henry, and the tones didn’t mesh well for me. The parent-child dynamics also felt underdeveloped.
4. Happy Place
This one had a lot of potential, but some of it got lost in miscommunication that just dragged on too long. The side characters were lively and present, but they didn’t get the arcs they deserved.
That said, the timeline jumps were done beautifully, and I loved the structure. It kept me turning pages even when the plot felt repetitive. That said, this was the first Emily Henry novel I read… and it’s the very book that got me hooked and led me down this incredible reading journey.
3. People We Meet on Vacation (also published as You and Me on Vacation)
A heartwarming, breezy read. The timelapse storytelling was engaging, and the changing scenery added such color and life to the narrative. The plot twist? Predictable, yes! But I didn’t mind. It felt like watching a comforting rom-com where the journey matters more than the surprise.
I didn’t need to know much about the side characters. It was a story focused on two people, and that was enough.
Additionally, I believe we will be able to watch People We Meet on Vacation on Netflix since it is reported to be adapted into a movie.
2. Funny Story
This one hit different in the best way. Every character felt familiar, well-crafted, and surprisingly layered. Sure, miscommunication plays a major role again (a recurring Emily Henry theme), but here, it’s funny, not frustrating.
I loved how the tension built through jealousy. It felt playful and real. And while many of her books include references to books, libraries, or writers, this one made it feel especially right.
1. Beach Read
Beach Read is my all-time favorite. I love, love, love it. I often find myself thinking about the characters, their dynamic, and the emotional weight they carried. It’s the perfect balance of witty banter, emotional depth, and irresistible chemistry.
I might be a sucker for the “sunshine girl & grumpy guy” trope, but Beach Read does it better than most. The rivalry is just right. The turning point of the story? So well done, I couldn’t sleep until I got to it.
Emily Henry has a talent for crafting escapist, emotionally charged, character-driven stories that keep readers returning for more. Even the ones I rated lower still featured standout moments that kept things interesting.
If you’re new to her work, I’d still say: just pick one that sounds right for you. You’ll probably end up reading them all, just like I did.