Last updated: October 2026
Looking for Emily Henry books in order? From Beach Read and Book Lovers to Funny Story and Great Big Beautiful Life, here's every Emily Henry adult novel in publication order, with brief book summaries, her upcoming 2027 release, and details about her book-to-screen adaptations.
Emily Henry is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for contemporary romance novels that combine witty dialogue, memorable characters, complicated relationships, and plenty of emotional depth. Whether you're discovering her books for the first time or catching up before her next release, this guide will help you decide what to read next.
Do you need to read Emily Henry books in order?
This is a question often posed by new readers, and the short answer is: No! One of the absolute joys of Emily Henry's adult romance novels is that they are all standalones.
Each book features a new cast of characters and a fresh story, meaning you can dive in wherever your heart desires without worrying about missing plot points from previous books.
That said, while not strictly necessary, many readers like to start with Beach Read (2020), her debut adult rom-com. Not only is it a fantastic introduction to her style, but you'll also find fun, subtle mentions of its main characters, January and Gus, sprinkled throughout her later works.
Here are Emily Henry's adult romance novels in their publication order.
Emily Henry adult books in publication order
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2020
Beach Read
A romance writer and a literary fiction author challenge each other to swap genres for the summer, only to discover that their writing experiment may lead to something more.
2021
People we Meet on Vacation
Two longtime best friends take one summer trip after another, but when their friendship falters, Poppy wonders if Alex could be more than a friend.
2022
Book Lovers
A literary agent crosses paths with a book editor during a work trip, and their professional rivalry soon turns into an unexpected romance.
2023
Happy Place
After breaking up, Harriet and Wyn pretend they're still together during one last vacation with their closest friends.
2024
Funny Story
After her fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend, Daphne moves in with the other woman's ex and discovers an unexpected connection.
2025
Great Big Beautiful Life
Two writers compete to tell the story of a reclusive heiress, but uncovering her secrets complicates both their ambitions and their growing connection.
2027
Modern Classic
A fresh start and a chance at love take center stage in Emily Henry’s upcoming romantic comedy, inspired in part by the beloved film The Holiday.
Emily Henry book-to-screen adaptations
Several of Emily Henry's bestselling novels are being adapted for the screen. Here's where to start if you'd like to watch an adaptation after reading the book.
People We Meet on Vacation
The film adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, starring Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex, premiered on Netflix in January 2026 and is now streaming.
Other Emily Henry adaptations
Netflix is also developing film adaptations of Happy Place and Funny Story. Beach Read and Book Lovers have also been optioned for screen adaptations.
Adaptation projects can change during development, so check individual project updates for the latest casting and release news.
Other works
While Emily Henry is celebrated for her adult romance, a lesser-known facet of her impressive bibliography is her collection of captivating Young Adult (YA) novels. Before enchanting adult readers, she crafted stories that resonated with younger audiences, showcasing her versatility across genres. Here are her YA books in publication order:
A Million Junes (2017)
Hello Girls (2019)
Whether you're looking for a heartwarming escape, a laugh-out-loud romance, or a thought-provoking YA journey, Emily Henry's bibliography offers something truly special. So go ahead, pick up one of her books – you might just find your new favorite author!
About Emily Henry
Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Happy Place, Book Lovers, People We Meet on Vacation, and Beach Read. She studied creative writing at Hope College, and now spends most of her time in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the part of Kentucky just beneath it.