Emily Henry creates relatable characters that dance between the ordinary and the extraordinary. She crafts narratives that resonate on deeply personal and universal levels.
Whether it’s the romance simmering during a writer’s retreat in “Beach Read” or the star-crossed love in “The Love That Split the World,” her works are a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.
We will go into Emily’s enchanting bookshelf, where every story is a soft whisper to the heart, a nudge to the dreamer in us all.
1. Book Lovers
Genres: Romance novel, Fiction, Contemporary Romance
The themes in ‘Book Lovers’ are powerful, revolving around friendship, family, resilience, and the joy of being a book lover. You’ll find yourself captivated by the character of Nora, a strong, resilient woman navigating the literary world as an agent.
Nora’s character growth is compelling; with her fears and overprotectiveness towards her sister Libby, her relationship with Charlie, filled with banter, is a delightful mix of wit and warmth, reflecting their undeniable connection.
Overall, this book celebrates the magic of storytelling, filled with humor and enchanting romance waiting for you to discover.
For anyone who wants it all, may you find something that is more than enough.
What you might love:
- A refreshing departure from the typical clichés found in Hallmark movies with a confident, independent woman who adheres to her values.
- The book underscores the idea that women who are goal-oriented and high-strung also deserve romance.
- The book is celebrated for its blend of humor, emotional depth, and spirited tone, offering an entertaining reading experience.
What might not be for everyone:
- On initial impression, it might seem like a typical romantic comedy, which could deter readers in search of more unconventional stories.
- The book is centered on the publishing industry, which may not captivate readers unfamiliar or indifferent to this setting.
- Readers seeking a more unexpected conclusion may find the ending overly simplified or too conveniently resolved.
2. Beach Read
Genres: Romance novel, Fiction, Contemporary Romance
January writes romance that warms the heart; Gus delves into the serious, echoing the complexities of life. They’re different, yet a shared writer’s block and adjacent beach houses in a picturesque town pull their worlds together.
They’re opposites in every way, but as they made a pact to swap genres to overcome their writing slump, you’ll witness their unexpected bond. It’s not just their writing that evolves but their souls, too.
The rival’s trope-themed is masterfully executed with a twist, making it a cocktail of romance, humor, and emotion.
It’s a story you’ll fall into, where the lines between love and friendship blur amidst the soothing ambiance of the sea.
The way your writing always makes the world seem brighter, and the people in it a little braver.
What you might love:
- Despite its light-hearted title, it delves into complex emotions and intricate human experiences, offering readers a rich, layered narrative.
- The romance is built over time, with ups and downs that make it feel real and earned.
- The novel balances light, heartwarming moments with heartbreaking revelations, offering a well-rounded reading experience.
What might not be for everyone:
- Readers seeking something unconventional in romance might find this aspect predictable.
- Certain conflicts are resolved in ways that might not satisfy every reader, especially those seeking more dramatic resolutions
3. People We Meet On Vacation (US Version) / You and Me on Vacation (UK Version)
Genres: Romance novel, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Chick Lit
People We Meet On Vacation is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and the complexity of human relationships. You’ll meet Alex and Poppy, two friends who have shared a dozen unforgettable summer vacations together.
This novel showcases the evolution of Alex and Poppy’s friendship over 12 years, their shared vacations, and a pivotal incident that strains their bond for two years.
The story is more than a travel diary; it’s a look into a friendship that endures the test of time and change. You’ll witness the laughter, the conflicts, and the silent, beautiful moments that define their bond.
You can immerse yourself in the humor and the ‘best friends to lovers’ trope. It’s a tale of love and friendship that mirrors the complexity and beauty of human relationships.
Maybe things can always get better between people who want to do a good job loving each other. Maybe that’s all it takes.
What you might love:
- Exploration of personal growth, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
- The dialogues are packed with humor, wit, and authenticity.
- The combination of romance, travel, and emotional journeys offers readers an immersive experience that’s hard to put down.
What might not be for everyone:
- The story jumps between past and present, which, while adding depth to the characters and plot, might confuse or disorient some readers.
- The misunderstanding between Poppy and Alex occasionally becomes frustrating, making their relationship seem implausible.
4. Happy Place
Genres: Romance novel, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Humor
In “Happy Place,” you’ll experience the deep struggles of a group of friends, including Harriet and Wyn, as they face grief, financial issues, and communication breakdowns that hit close to home.
The narrative unfolds in a dual timeline, alternating between past and present, as you follow the couple’s efforts to uphold a facade of togetherness during a vacation at a special cottage post-breakup.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, ‘Happy Place’ isn’t without its charm. The wit and banter between characters, the cozy setting of the Happy Place cottage, and the portrayal of long-lasting friendships are heartwarming.
The concept of a ‘happy place’ will make you reflect and think about your own place of comfort and peace.
"Are you saying I can come home?" "I’m saying," he murmurs softly, "it’s not home unless you’re there."
What you might love:
- The story is peppered with humor and warmth, enhancing the reader’s enjoyment with a feel-good vibe.
- Readers enjoy watching the characters actively embark on a journey of self-discovery, adding depth and personal growth to the story.
- The portrayal of relationships in Happy Place is realistic and resonates with readers, showcasing the ups and downs of interpersonal connections.
What might not be for everyone:
- The story’s pace may seem slow, and the suspense about the past situation might disappoint you when it’s eventually revealed.
- The misunderstanding between Poppy and Alex occasionally becomes frustrating, making their relationship seem implausible.
5. A Million Junes
Genres: Young adult fiction, Fantasy Fiction
In this book, you’ll meet June O’Donnell, a girl living under the shadow of a family curse in Five Fingers, Michigan. June’s life takes a turn when Saul, from the family, considered her enemy, walks into her life.
You’ll follow June and Saul’s journey, feeling every emotion as they explore the mystery of the curse and the power of their love. It’s a story of love overcoming old hatred and mystical barriers.
This reading experience is filled with enduring legends, generational curses, and a love that seeks to rise above it all.
When you’ve been lost as I have, you get good at finding your way home.
What you might love:
- The storyline is a rich blend of romance, mystery, and family saga.
- Themes of grief, healing, and reconciliation are gracefully explored, offering readers a narrative that’s as thought-provoking as entertaining.
- The resolution is compelling and satisfying, promising readers an ending that resonates and lingers.
What might not be for everyone:
- With a mix of past and present, family lore, and magical elements, the story’s complexity might not appeal to those seeking a simpler, linear plot.
- The deep dive into themes of grief and loss can be intense. Readers seeking lighter escapist fiction might find this emotionally heavy.
6. The Love That Split the World
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Time Travel, Magical Realism
Natalie Cleary is just like any high school graduate. But just when the future starts looking predictable, she begins to see another world—a place where every rule she knows is defied.
When she meets Beau, a boy who shares her peculiar gift of sight, he becomes a companion to her. Together, they navigate a world that exists in the silent spaces between reality and fantasy.
Themes of identity, guilt, blame, and forgiveness are explored, mixing science and spirituality. The bonds of friendship and family are highlighted, making it more relatable.
This book celebrates a love so powerful that it splits the world and brings everything beautifully together. It is a book ideal for fans of oral storytelling, time travel, and unconventional romances.
The way to make the best decisions is to listen to all the stories and to know them by heart and to feel them in your bones.
What you might love:
- The story offers a compelling mix of romance and science fiction.
- The inclusion of Native American cultural references adds a layer of richness and diversity to the story.
- The book has philosophical depth as it delves into deeper existential questions, inviting readers to ponder the bigger picture.
What might not be for everyone:
- Certain plot elements are left open to interpretation, which might not satisfy readers who prefer clear, concrete resolutions.
- As with any coming-of-age tale, the protagonist’s choices can be impulsive. Readers seeking mature, rational decisions might find this frustrating.
7. Hello Girls
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Coming Of Age
Hello Girls will introduce you to Winona and Lucille, two friends who are fed up with the roles and rules forced upon them. Every challenge and victory they face makes them, and you, believe in the power of friendship and freedom more.
Their adventure begins with a stolen car and a pocket full of dreams. As they drive away from their old lives, you’ll find yourself rooting for these characters through their ups and downs, captivated by their determination and resilience.
The storytelling in ‘Hello Girls’ is a perfect blend of dark comedy, fierce feminism, and touching friendship. It’s one of the sharpest, funniest, and most brilliantly written books that you’ll come across.
They’d done something impossible and it had turned out to be quite easy. Winona had the startling realization that perhaps nothing was impossible.
What you might love:
- The central focus is on the powerful bond between two female protagonists.
- The story is a spirited tale of breaking free from oppressive circumstances.
- Their stories approach heavy topics like domestic abuse with the gravity they deserve.
What might not be for everyone:
- The novel explores some dark and heavy themes, including abuse and crime. Readers seeking a lighter, more uplifting story may find this challenging.
- Mixing dark themes with humor and adventure can create a unique narrative tone that might not be everyone’s preference.
8. When the Sky Fell on Splendor
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal
In the book When the Sky Fell on Splendor, you’ll meet Franny and her friends, known as ‘The Ordinary.’ They’re bound by a shared pain, a haunting past marked by loss and unspeakable tragedy.
Splendor, their small town, is a silent witness to their journey when their lives change when a celestial being visits them, taking them on a journey that blends the human experience with the mysteries of the universe.
It’s a story about healing from past wounds and discovering the wonders of the universe, told in a way that makes every moment feel personal and profound.
How many billions of things had to happen just right to give me this ordinary life.
What you might love:
- The novel portrays a strong bond among a group of friends, offering a warm, nuanced depiction of friendship that many can relate to.
- The plot combines elements of science fiction, drama, and mystery, offering a diverse narrative terrain that keeps readers engaged.
- The young adult focus brings a youthful, vibrant energy to the narrative, appealing to young readers and the young at heart.
What might not be for everyone:
- Incorporating science fiction and otherworldly events might not appeal to readers who prefer more realistic or contemporary stories.
- The book delves into heavy emotional themes, like loss and trauma, which might be intense for readers seeking lighter, escapist fiction.
- As a reader, you might experience a sense of disappointment, especially if you’re expecting a classic alien/UFO story
9. Funny Story — Coming this April 2024
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Adult Fiction
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up, it’s clear that each Emily Henry narrative captures the complexities of human experience. Through her characters’ joys and struggles, we see pieces of ourselves, showing that fiction often mirrors our true selves.
We hope you find solace, joy, and infinite wonders in these pages and that each story accompanies you like a trusted companion on your life’s journey.
In the world of Emily Henry, every reader finds a home.
