If you’re a fan of romance novels that are equal parts witty and heartfelt, then Emily Henry is probably already on your radar. Her books are filled with relatable characters, sharp dialogue, and just the right amount of emotional depth. And when it comes to audiobooks, her stories truly come alive thanks to the amazing and ever-reliable Julia Whelan.
Whether you’re new to Emily Henry or a longtime admirer, there’s something undeniably special about listening to her stories. In this article, we’re ranking the best Emily Henry audiobooks, from the ones that are good to those that are absolutely unmissable.
So, grab your headphones, settle into your favorite cozy spot, and get ready to discover which Emily Henry audiobook should be next on your listening list.
Note: these rankings are subjective—factors we’ve considered include general popularity, critical acclaim, and reader reviews.
5. Happy Place
Happy Place takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions with a story about love, friendship, and the complexities of relationships. The plot revolves around a couple, Harriet and Wyn, who pretend to still be together during their annual vacation with friends. Their attempt to keep up the facade leads to a mix of humorous and poignant moments as they navigate their feelings and past memories.
Julia Whelan does a great job of capturing the characters’ emotions and the tension between them. Her performance will make you feel every awkward, funny, and heartwarming moment. While Happy Place is an enjoyable listen, the story isn’t as “happy” as the title might suggest and some listeners find the couple less likable. As a result, Happy Place comes in last in our ranking of Emily Henry audiobooks.
4. People We Meet on Vacation
People We Meet on Vacation is a charming story that beautifully captures the essence of friendship and love. The novel follows Poppy and Alex, two best friends who travel together every summer. Their relationship evolves over the years, and after a falling-out, they decide to take one last trip to see if they can mend their bond. It’s a deeply emotional and wonderfully crafted romance.
Whelan expertly conveys the highs and lows of Poppy and Alex’s journey, capturing their humor, longing, and heartfelt moments. Despite being ranked fourth, this audiobook has a devoted fanbase that considers it one of Emily Henry’s best works. Its perfect mix of humor, emotion, and romance ensures it remains a beloved choice for many listeners.
3. Funny Story
Emily Henry’s latest, Funny Story, is a delightful blend of humor and romance. The story kicks off with Daphne, who finds herself in a small Michigan town after her fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. In a twist of fate, Daphne ends up sharing a home with Miles, her ex’s new fiancée’s ex. What starts as a reluctant cohabitation evolves into a fun and heartfelt friendship, filled with clever schemes and unexpected adventures.
This audiobook captures the quirky dynamic between Daphne and Miles perfectly. Whelan’s performance adds an extra layer of charm to the already humorous and touching story. If you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy that feels fresh and genuine, Funny Story is a great pick. Given its recent release, Funny Story is still gaining traction—we see this title being a future contender for the top spot in our rankings!
2. Beach Read
Beach Read stands out as a unique and engaging story that has captured the hearts of many Emily Henry fans. The novel follows January Andrews, a romance writer who has hit a creative block and finds herself questioning the very concept of love. Meanwhile, Augustus Everett, a serious literary fiction author, is also struggling to write. They become unlikely neighbors for the summer and make a bet to swap genres, each attempting to write in the other’s style. As they dive into each other’s worlds, their initial rivalry turns into a deeper connection.
Julia Whelan’s narration brings an extra layer of depth to this already captivating story. Her ability to convey the characters’ emotional journeys and the playful banter between January and Augustus makes the audiobook a delightful experience. If you’re looking for a romance that combines humor, emotional growth, and a fresh perspective on love, Beach Read is a must-listen.
1. Book Lovers
In Book Lovers, Emily Henry crafts a romance that will resonate with anyone who has a passion for books. The story follows Nora Stephens, a high-powered literary agent, and Charlie Lastra, an editor with a knack for finding flaws in Nora’s pitches. Their paths keep crossing in a small town far from their bustling city lives. As they navigate their professional rivalry, sparks fly, and they discover there might be more to their connection than just business.
What sets this audiobook apart is the dynamic between Nora and Charlie, captured perfectly by Julia Whelan’s narration. With its engaging characters, smart dialogue, and palpable chemistry between the leads, Book Lovers earns its place as our top-ranked Emily Henry audiobook.
Emily Henry’s audiobooks offer a delightful escape into worlds filled with witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and memorable characters. Each story is a worthwhile listen, but as you’ve seen in our rankings we particularly enjoy the humorous twists in Funny Story, the emotional depth of Beach Read, and the literary charm in Book Lovers.
Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted romance or a story with deeper emotional currents, Emily Henry’s audiobooks, brought to life by Julia Whelan, are a must-listen. So, put on your headphones, dive into these wonderful tales, and let yourself be swept away by the magic of Emily Henry’s storytelling.
What’s your favorite Emily Henry audiobook? Please let me know in the comments section below.
