Read Emily Giffin Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 9, 2026

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Emily Giffin has established herself as a household name in contemporary fiction, captivating readers with her heartwarming tales of love, life’s challenges, and emotional growth. Known for her relatable characters and well-crafted narratives, Giffin’s books are a blend of romance, self-discovery, and the exploration of complex relationships. If you’re a fan of emotionally resonant stories with depth and charm, then Emily Giffin’s novels are likely to draw you in, leaving you eagerly turning pages long into the night. But as with many successful authors, there’s often confusion around the correct reading order or how to approach a new series. Is it necessary to read her books in a particular order? Should you dive into a stand-alone or tackle her series from the beginning? Let’s explore all these questions and more.

List Of Emily Giffin Books In Order

More On Emily Giffin Books In Chronological Order

1. Something Borrowed (2004)

Okay, so this is the one that kicked off everything for Emily Giffin. It’s all about Rachel, a good girl who’s been playing by the rules for years… until she ends up in bed with her best friend’s fiancé. Awkward, right? The novel explores friendship, love, and the moral dilemmas that come with it. And trust me, if you’ve ever found yourself making questionable decisions, this one will have you hooked!

2. Something Blue (2005)

Now, this is the sequel to *Something Borrowed*, and it’s from the perspective of Darcy, the best friend who got cheated on. Darcy is a mess (in the best way) and goes through a massive character transformation. She’s trying to get her life back together while figuring out what she really wants, and it’s a fun, emotional ride as she grows up and learns from all her mistakes. You’ll definitely feel for her more than you expect!

3. Baby Proof (2006)

In *Baby Proof*, we meet Claudia, who is totally and firmly against having kids. Then, just when she thinks she’s got everything figured out, her husband wants kids. Cue the midlife crisis! It’s a thoughtful exploration of relationships and what happens when two people want drastically different things. It dives into the question of whether you can truly change for someone or if you’re better off being your authentic self.

4. Love the One You’re With (2008)

This one follows Ellen, a woman who, after a whirlwind romance and marriage, starts bumping into her ex-who just happens to be her one true love. The book is all about second chances, the unpredictability of life, and how sometimes the past can come rushing back in ways you never expect. It’s definitely a page-turner, and Giffin does a beautiful job of capturing that ’what if’ feeling.

5. Heart of the Matter (2010)

If you like your stories a little more intense, *Heart of the Matter* delivers big time. It’s about Tessa, a woman whose life seems perfect with her family, and her husband, Nick, who’s a well-known pediatric surgeon. But, as we know, perfect doesn’t always mean flawless. There’s a love triangle in the mix, which raises the stakes, and the book really digs deep into the complexities of love, guilt, and the consequences of your actions.

6. Where We Belong (2012)

This is one of those books that pulls at your heartstrings, with a unique twist. Marian, a woman in her thirties, is suddenly faced with a young woman named Kirby, who shows up claiming Marian is her birth mother. It’s a powerful exploration of identity, family, and the lasting effects of the choices we make. It’s an emotional read, and you’ll find yourself thinking about it long after you finish.

7. The One & Only (2014)

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when your college town and your love life collide, this book is for you. The story centers around Shea, a woman who’s totally devoted to her alma mater, the University of Texas, and her complicated relationship with its beloved football coach. The book blends love, family, and loyalty, with a bit of a football backdrop, making it an interesting mix of romance and coming-of-age.

8. First Comes Love (2016)

Family dynamics take center stage in *First Comes Love*. This one’s about two sisters, Josie and Meredith, who are dealing with the aftermath of a tragic loss in their family. It’s about reconciling the past, growing into adulthood, and figuring out what really matters. Giffin does a beautiful job of showing the ups and downs of sisterhood and relationships, and you’ll definitely be thinking about these characters for a while.

9. All We Ever Wanted (2018)

This book hits hard, especially if you’re into social media and its effects on the world. It follows three characters, Nina, Tom, and Lyla, whose lives become intertwined after a Snapchat scandal involving their kids. The story explores the impact of social media on personal lives, identity, and morality. It’s a deep dive into privilege, class, and the lengths people will go to protect their families.

10. The Lies That Bind (2020)

In *The Lies That Bind*, we meet Cecily, who’s trying to figure out her life in New York City. She meets someone, and just as they’re starting to get close, things get complicated in the most unexpected way. There’s suspense, love, and twists, with a pandemic backdrop that adds another layer to the story. It’s about trust, secrets, and how we define who we are in the face of adversity.

11. Meant to Be (2022)

Okay, so *Meant to Be* is totally different from some of her other works, but still, Emily Giffin’s magic is at play here. This one follows a couple who’s been together forever, and then they get caught in a whirlwind of family drama, expectations, and the quest to find out what love really means. It’s a heartfelt story about fate, life choices, and whether certain things are destined to be.

Background On Emily Giffin Books

Emily Giffin made her mark in the literary world with her debut novel, Something Borrowed (2004). This book introduced readers to her signature style-complex characters navigating the intricacies of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. With themes of personal conflict, romantic entanglements, and evolving relationships, Something Borrowed was quickly embraced by readers, propelling Giffin into the limelight.

What stands out in Giffin’s books is her ability to weave stories that are at once relatable and deeply emotional. While her novels are often classified as women’s fiction or romance, they transcend simple genre labels. Her protagonists are not flawless, often making morally ambiguous choices that force them-and the reader-to grapple with difficult questions. Her books delve into the gray areas of relationships, particularly the complex dynamics between friends, lovers, and family members.

After Something Borrowed, Giffin went on to write a string of bestsellers, including Something Blue (2005), Baby Proof (2006), Love the One You’re With (2008), Heart of the Matter (2010), and Where We Belong (2012), among others. Each novel varies in theme and setting but shares Giffin’s trademark blend of romance, life challenges, and character development. Her ability to create stories that tug at the heartstrings while offering real, unflinching insights into human nature has made her a favorite among readers.

Though many of her books are stand-alone works, Giffin has also created a beloved duology centered around Something Borrowed and Something Blue. This pairing, in particular, is a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into Giffin’s work.

Reading Order Explained

If you’re new to Emily Giffin’s writing, the question of whether to read her books in a specific order is understandable. While most of Giffin’s novels can be read independently, there is a reading order you might want to follow if you’re starting with her most well-known duology, Something Borrowed and Something Blue. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended reading order:

1. Something Borrowed (2004)

   This is where it all begins. The novel follows Rachel White, a 30-year-old attorney, who ends up in a complicated affair with her best friend’s fiancé, Dex. The book navigates themes of friendship, love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Giffin’s sharp writing captures the complexities of relationships and the consequences of decisions made in the heat of passion. Something Borrowed is a great entry point into Giffin’s world because it introduces readers to her voice and her ability to develop intricate characters.

2. Something Blue (2005)

   Something Blue is the companion novel to Something Borrowed, and it continues the story, but this time from the perspective of Darcy Rhone, Rachel’s best friend and the character who initially set up the romantic conflict. While Something Borrowed focuses on Rachel’s emotional journey, Something Blue takes a deeper look at Darcy’s growth and redemption. It’s a beautiful exploration of self-realization, vulnerability, and love. You won’t want to skip this one if you enjoyed the first book.

After finishing the duology, you have the flexibility to choose which book to read next, as the remaining novels are standalone stories.

1. Baby Proof (2006)

   Baby Proof centers around Claudia, a woman whose life and marriage are disrupted by her decision not to have children. The book delves into issues surrounding personal choice, commitment, and the challenges of balancing individual desires with romantic partnerships. Giffin brings her usual blend of relatable characters and emotional depth to this novel, addressing a topic many readers find intriguing: the decision of whether to have children or not.

2. Love the One You’re With (2008)

   This novel explores the question of what happens when you’re not entirely sure you’re with the one you’re supposed to be with. Ellen, the protagonist, is married but finds herself reflecting on a former love. Giffin expertly examines themes of loyalty, longing, and the lingering impact of past relationships.

3. Heart of the Matter (2010)

   In Heart of the Matter, Giffin shifts her focus to a married couple dealing with infidelity, making this one of her most intense emotional novels. The story alternates between the perspectives of Tessa, a mother, and Nick, her husband, a surgeon. The tension between them is palpable, and the novel raises difficult questions about love, trust, and sacrifice.

4. Where We Belong (2012)

   In this novel, Marian, a successful career woman, finds her life turned upside down when her daughter, whom she gave up for adoption, suddenly shows up in search of answers. The book deals with the themes of identity, family, and the emotional weight of decisions made long ago. It’s a powerful exploration of relationships and the healing power of truth.

5. The One & Only (2014)

   A college football-themed novel, The One & Only tackles themes of loyalty, love, and the complexities of relationships, particularly when navigating small-town dynamics and the impact of past and present loves.

6. First Comes Love (2016)

   This book focuses on two sisters, Josie and Meredith, and the effects of family trauma on their individual lives. It’s a thoughtful exploration of sibling dynamics, grief, love, and what it means to truly understand someone, even when they’re family.

7. All We Ever Wanted (2018)

   All We Ever Wanted deals with the fallout from a single moment-a photograph sent between high school students. The novel explores social class, family dynamics, and the consequences of one’s actions on a broader scale.

8. The Lies That Bind (2020)

   The latest of Giffin’s novels, this book revolves around the complexities of love and loyalty in the modern age, where social media and public image play a significant role in shaping one’s identity.

What I Like About The Series?

What stands out about Emily Giffin’s books is her unparalleled ability to create characters that feel real. These aren’t just characters that exist within the pages of a book-they are people with flaws, insecurities, and desires that make them feel relatable. The emotional depth of her stories ensures that readers feel personally invested in the characters’ journeys.

Giffin’s exploration of complex relationships is another highlight. Her books are often about much more than romance; they’re about navigating difficult decisions, questioning personal values, and confronting the realities of love, family, and friendship. Her writing encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships and the ways in which their lives mirror or diverge from those of her characters.

Moreover, Giffin is a master of setting. Whether it’s the backdrop of New York City, a small town in the South, or a remote vacation destination, she creates vivid and immersive environments that transport readers into the heart of the story.

Should You Read Emily Giffin Books In Order?

While Emily Giffin’s books don’t require a strict reading order (most of her novels are stand-alone), there is certainly a benefit to reading Something Borrowed first if you’re interested in her well-known duology. The connection between Something Borrowed and Something Blue is significant, as the latter provides a deeper look at the characters introduced in the first novel. After that, it’s really up to personal preference-some readers enjoy jumping between her various works, while others prefer to read them in the order they were published to watch Giffin’s writing evolve over time.