Emily Henry has done it again! With her signature charm and emotionally resonant storytelling, Funny Story is an opposites-attract romance that will have you laughing, swooning and clutching your heart. A master of weaving heartfelt humor with deep emotional truths, Henry delivers a story about finding unexpected love, redefining your own narrative and learning to trust again. As a fan of her previous works like The People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers and Happy Place, I was beyond excited for this release. I was not disappointed!
Book Summary of Funny Story by Emily Henry
In Funny Story, we meet Daphne, whose life has taken an unexpected detour. Her engagement to Peter ends in heartbreak when he realizes he’s actually in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Daphne finds herself stranded in the picturesque town of Waning Bay, Michigan. She’s nursing her wounds while juggling her new job as a children’s librarian. Without friends or family nearby, she proposes a living arrangement with the last person she ever thought she’d rely on—Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex.
Miles, scruffy, chaotic and the antithesis of Daphne’s buttoned-up practicality, is just as adrift as she is. Their initial avoidance of each other evolves into a surprising friendship as they bond over heartbreak and hatch a mischievous plan to share misleadingly idyllic photos of their summer escapades. But the more time they spend together, the more their “just for show” connection starts to feel like the real thing.
Through witty banter, heartfelt conversations and tender moments, Daphne and Miles navigate their messy pasts and discover that sometimes, the person you least expect can become your greatest love.
Review of Funny Story by Emily Henry
Funny Story is a delightful mix of humor, heartbreak and romance that cements Emily Henry as one of the best contemporary romance authors of our time. The story shines with its opposites-attract dynamic. It features two characters who couldn’t be more different yet fit together so perfectly it feels like fate.
Daphne is a wonderfully layered protagonist. Her practicality, vulnerability and quiet strength make her incredibly relatable. Her fears and self-doubt are handled with nuance, making her journey toward self-discovery and love deeply satisfying. Miles, on the other hand, is pure magic. He’s a beautifully written love interest whose gentle care, wit and calm confidence feel like a warm embrace. The chemistry between these two is electric. The story had countless moments that left me swooning one minute and laughing out loud the next.
Henry’s writing is as sharp and tender as ever. The dialogue sparkles with humor and the romantic scenes are steamy and heartfelt. The emotional depth in this book is extraordinary, with themes of healing, trust and redefining one’s story woven seamlessly into the narrative. The balance between lighthearted moments and poignant introspection keeps the pacing perfect. It was nearly impossible to put down.
And the quotes? Let’s just say Miles might be Henry’s most quotable character yet. Lines like, “I know I’m not who you pictured yourself with, but I think I could be, eventually. If you’ll let me,” will stay with me for a long time.
About the Author, Emily Henry
Emily Henry has become a household name in contemporary romance. She’s known for her witty, heartfelt novels that explore love, friendship and personal growth. She skyrocketed to fame with her debut Beach Read, which set the standard for romantic comedies with depth. Since then, she’s delivered back-to-back hits, including The People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers and Happy Place.
What makes Henry’s writing stand out is her ability to create characters that feel real and relatable. Her protagonists are complex and flawed, navigating the messy realities of life and love with humor and grace. Henry’s books consistently balance laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt reflections. This has earned her a devoted fanbase and a well-deserved spot on bestseller lists.
With Funny Story, Henry continues to prove why she’s one of the best in the genre. Her ability to craft compelling, emotionally resonant stories makes each new release a must-read. I can’t wait to read her upcoming book, Great Big Beautiful Life, coming out in April 2025.
Final Thoughts on Funny Story by Emily Henry
Funny Story is everything I hoped for and more—a joyful, heartfelt exploration of love, heartbreak and finding your own path. Emily Henry’s knack for writing nuanced characters and captivating romance shines in this book, making it an absolute must-read for fans of contemporary romance.
Daphne and Miles’s journey is filled with humor, tenderness and just the right amount of steam. Their connection feels authentic and deeply satisfying. Their story serves as a beautiful reminder that love often shows up when we least expect it.
If you’re a fan of Emily Henry’s previous works or looking for a romance that will make you laugh, cry and swoon, Funny Story deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
Let me know if you’ve read Funny Story in the comments! What did you think? And which Emily Henry book is your favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Humorous Fiction
