Table of Contents
Emily Henry is a talented author known for magical realism, romance, and heartfelt emotions in her stories. Her books have touched readers from various backgrounds, starting with young adult (YA) fiction and later moving to romantic comedies, which made her very popular. Here’s a simple guide to all her books in order of release, showing how her writing has grown over time.
1. The Love That Split the World (2016)
Emily Henry’s debut novel, The Love That Split the World, introduced her talent for blending fantasy with romance. This young adult novel follows Natalie Cleary, a high school student who starts seeing glimpses of an alternate world. When a mysterious figure warns her she has only three months to save someone important to her, she meets Beau, a boy from the alternate universe. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey of love, identity, and time, questioning the boundaries of reality and fate. This book marked Henry’s signature style of mixing heartfelt emotions with otherworldly elements.
2. A Million Junes (2017)
In A Million Junes, Henry once again delves into magical realism, offering readers a Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired love story with a fantastical twist. The novel follows June O'Donnell, who has been told her whole life to stay away from the Angerts, a rival family cursed by a mysterious past. But when June falls in love with Saul Angert, the two discover long-hidden family secrets and encounter supernatural elements that shape their destinies. The book beautifully captures themes of grief, memory, and forbidden love while maintaining a touch of magic.
3. When the Sky Fell on Splendor (2019)
With When the Sky Fell on Splendor, Henry moves into a more science fiction-infused narrative, focusing on a group of teenagers living in a small, abandoned town. A catastrophic event leads them to investigate strange occurrences after a mysterious explosion. Reminiscent of shows like Stranger Things, the story blends suspense, friendship, and the search for truth. This novel shows Henry’s knack for writing about strong bonds and supernatural forces, while offering a thrilling and adventurous plot.
4. Hello Girls (2019)
Hello Girls, co-authored with Brittany Cavallaro, is a gripping story of friendship, rebellion, and freedom. This novel is centered on Winona and Lucille, two teenagers from troubled homes who decide to escape their dysfunctional families and embark on a road trip to find freedom. As they navigate the challenges of life on the run, their bond strengthens, and they confront the harsh realities of their pasts. This book combines themes of female empowerment and survival, making it a powerful narrative about friendship and resilience.
5. Beach Read (2020)
Beach Read marked a turning point in Henry’s career as she ventured into the contemporary romance genre, gaining her widespread acclaim. This witty, heartwarming romance follows January Andrews, a romance novelist with writer’s block, and Augustus Everett, a literary fiction writer who has lost his inspiration. Both are spending the summer in neighboring beach houses and challenge each other to write in each other’s genres. The novel is filled with humor, emotional depth, and an exploration of personal grief and love, cementing Henry as a beloved voice in romantic fiction.
6. People We Meet on Vacation / You and Me on Vacation (2021)
Released under the title People We Meet on Vacation in the US and You and Me on Vacation in the UK, this book quickly became a bestseller. It tells the story of Poppy and Alex, two best friends who take annual vacations together, despite being complete opposites. After a falling out, they reunite for one last trip to see if they can rekindle their friendship—or something more. With its blend of humor, nostalgia, and slow-burn romance, the novel became a fan favorite, further solidifying Henry’s reputation in the rom-com genre.
7. Book Lovers (2022)
Book Lovers is another hit in Emily Henry’s romance collection. The novel follows Nora Stephens, a successful literary agent who is known for her no-nonsense attitude. When she reluctantly agrees to go on a vacation with her sister to a small town, she keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor she previously clashed with in the city. As they spend more time together, sparks fly, and the two begin to discover that they might have more in common than they thought. Filled with bookish references, humor, and heartfelt moments, Book Lovers is a charming story of love, self-discovery, and sisterhood.
8. Happy Place (2023)
In Happy Place, Henry brings readers another touching romance, this time focusing on a group of friends and the complex relationships that bind them together. The novel follows a couple who broke up months ago but pretend to still be together for one last vacation with their closest friends. As they navigate their past relationship and the current situation, they are forced to confront their feelings and the truth about their breakup. Happy Place explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the power of friendships in shaping our lives.
9. Funny Story (2024)
Set to release in 2024, Funny Story is highly anticipated by fans eager for more of Henry’s trademark wit and romantic tension. While details about the plot are still under wraps, the novel is expected to be another rom-com that blends humor, love, and complex characters navigating life and relationships.
10. Great Big Beautiful Life (2025)
Looking ahead, Great Big Beautiful Life is expected to hit shelves in 2025. Though little is known about the specifics of the storyline, the title suggests a larger-than-life tale, perhaps delving deeper into the emotional complexities of love, loss, and finding one's way in the world. Emily Henry’s fans are sure to be eagerly awaiting its release.