Emily Henry is coming off of a pretty impressive summer—she just released her fifth adult romance novel, the delightful Funny Story, and shortly thereafter announced that that same book will be adapted into a film. And Henry’s star power is still on the rise. A New York Times bestselling author, her stories get to the heart of love, family, friendship, and personal growth, universally relatable themes that have resonated with countless fans.
Judging from the author’s massive popularity on BookTok alone, it's clear readers and listeners are interested in everything Emily Henry—her wield of tropes, rich voice, and resonant characters (and the steamy chemistry between them). It might be overwhelming to choose the Henry title that's right for you if you're unfamiliar with her work. But I'm here to help. For first-time listeners and seasoned fans alike, this essential listening guide to Emily Henry's best audiobooks has you covered.
Emily Henry's debut adult romance novel, Beach Read, took the world by storm when it was published in 2020. Beautifully narrated by Julia Whelan, Beach Read follows the life of January Andrews, who has recently moved to a beach house her late father left her. Secrets, grief, and writer's block plague her, but when she realizes her next-door neighbor is none other than her college rival, Augustus Everett, her world opens up. Soon, they strike a deal to tackle each other's creative hurdles: August will write something that makes him happy, while January will try to write the next Great American Novel. Easier said than done, right? Emily Henry weaves an emotional tale set during the summer, but it's through Whelan's narration that you'll get fully transported to Lake Michigan.
For listeners who love a good “Will they, won't they?" romance, People We Meet on Vacation is the the perfect audiobook. Julia Whelan returns to narrate another excellent Henry romance, but this time as the voice of wild-child Poppy, a lover of wanderlust. Whelan's narration breathes life into Poppy and the story of one last summer vacation with the estranged best friend she has been secretly in love with for years. It's a wild ride about second chances, long-lasting friendships, and the fear of trying something unexpected. Personally, I think it was the release of People We Meet on Vacation that crowned Emily Henry the queen of summer romances. Her audiobooks are ideal to bring along with you on a beach vacation, lounging by the sea with your headphones on. Then again, they're also perfect for those quiet days at home when you're in the mood to get wrapped up in an epic love story. Either way, you can bet you'll get a listen that you'll remember forever.
Book Lovers is Henry's third adult romance novel, and it's as refreshing and warm as a summer breeze on a sunny day. Workaholic literary agent Nora Stephens is set to travel to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, for a getaway with her sister themed around their shared favorite book. It's in this small town that she bumps into brooding editor Charlie Lastra, who she knows from back home in New York City. As they keep bumping into each other, sparks fly. But before time runs out and they return to what they're used to, they'll have to decide if what they're building together is worth fighting for. Narrator Julia Whelan blesses us once again with another superb narration in Book Lovers. Her performance brings emotion to the characters, the dialogue, and the plot, elevating Henry's already beautiful craft.
Happy Place, Henry's fourth adult romance book, is an unabashed ode to '00s rom-coms. With characters that feel like they could be your best friends and authentic dialogue that draws genuine emotion, Happy Place is a gem that tells the story of Harriet and Wyn. These two were the perfect couple—until they broke up six months ago. But because they didn't tell their best friends, everyone still assumes they're together. So, when the annual week-long getaway comes around, they agree to pretend they're still dating. It's the last time they'll be at the cottage with their friends, and they can't stand to break everyone's hearts. They agree to fake it until the very last day, but their feelings are anything but artificial. Julia Whelan has repeatedly demonstrated why there is no better pairing than her and Emily Henry. It's no different in this case for Happy Place, where Whelan's performance highlights and amplifies all the best aspects of the title. The duality in how she performs not only Harriet but also Wyn is outstanding.
Henry's latest, Funny Story, again brought to life by Julia Whelan, reminds us that love can be found in unexpected places—like falling for your ex's new fiancé's ex. Funny Story follows Daphne, who has a pretty good life until her fiancé realizes he's in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Stranded in a town where she has no friends or family, Daphne agrees to become the roommate of Petra's ex, Miles. And he might just be the only one who can understand what she's currently going through. Opposites attract in Emily Henry's heartwarming, swoony romance where new beginnings are always possible.
What's next for Emily Henry?
It was recently announced that fans could expect a new book, titled Great Big Beautiful Life, from Emily Henry in spring 2025. While we don’t know much about her next installment besides its title, we can’t wait to see what Henry has in store. Fans can also anticipate the film adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation. In August 2024, it was announced that the film had finally found its leads, Alex and Poppy, in Tom Blyth (The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes) and Emily Bader (My Lady Jane), respectively. Brett Haley will direct and writer Yulin Kuang will adapt for the screen.
Alongside People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry has several more of her novels in development as well: Beach Read, Book Lovers, Happy Place, and most recently, Funny Story.
Listens for Emily Henry fans
An author who matches the vibes of Henry’s books is, without a doubt, Elena Armas. Her most recent romance, The Fiancé Dilemma, centers around Josie Moore, a small-town girl who finds herself pretending to be engaged to her sister's best friend, Matthew. Narrated by Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber, The Fiancé Dilemma makes for one incredible, swoony listen perfect for Emily Henry fans.
In a Jam tells the story of Shay Zucconi, who suddenly inherits her step-grandmother's tulip farm. Alongside this inheritance comes two very important conditions: She must move to small-town Friendship, Rhode Island, and she must get married within one year. Good thing Noah Barden has been in love with her since high school. Deliciously fun, this audiobook brightens up your day, especially with performances by Jason Clarke and Kit Swann who bring life into characters you can't help but adore as soon as you meet them. Like your favorite Emily Henry book, this listen is brimming with a cast of unforgettable characters and a fully realized setting.
One thing you can expect from any Emily Henry book is a beautiful love story balanced with the very real pains that characters are facing. Joy Avery’s Sweeter Than Honey likewise checks both boxes. In this audiobook narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal and Leon Nixon, widowed baker Rylee Harris pretends to date her next-door neighbor to ease her mother's worries after the loss of her husband five years prior. But what starts as fake dating soon turns into something very real.
Calling all Emily Henry fans: Flock to this listen for its EmHen connection (it's penned and narrated by none other than longtime audiobook collaborator Julia Whelan!), but stay for the witty, charming story at its core. Thank You for Listening embraces fans and skeptics of the romance genre alike. It’s super smart without taking itself too seriously, telling the story of Sewanee Chester, a former actress-turned-successful audiobook narrator who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and the journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance she takes when she agrees to narrate just one last romance novel.
Abby Jimenez's novels take you on emotional journeys that tug at your heartstrings long after the listen is done. Part of Your World finds a workaholic ER doctor’s path crossing with a small-town mayor when her car gets stuck in a ditch. While Alexis and Daniel come from completely different worlds, Alexis ends up fitting seamlessly into Daniel's, but it's a little more complicated for Daniel to fit into hers. Fans of Emily Henry will be immediately won over by Julia Whelan's narration (which is shared with veteran Zachary Webber in this dual-voice listen) and Jimenez's story of love found in the unlikeliest of places.
