How to Start Reading Emily Liebert's Books
If you are new to Emily Liebert's books, the best place to start depends heavily on your preferred genre. Unlike many authors who write interconnected series with recurring characters, Liebert's catalog consists entirely of standalone novels. This means you have the ultimate freedom to jump in wherever you like without worrying about missing key backstory or spoiling previous plots.
For readers who enjoy fast-paced, twisty domestic suspense and psychological thrillers, Pretty Revenge (2019) is the absolute best starting point. It marks the author's transition into darker, more suspenseful storytelling and has been widely praised for its gripping plot and sharp writing. If you prefer emotional, character-driven women's fiction that explores the complexities of female friendship, healing, and personal reinvention, you should begin with her debut novel, You Knew Me When (2013).
Emily Liebert Books in Publication Order
Because there is no chronological continuity or recurring characters across her novels, reading them in publication order is not strictly necessary. However, following the publication order allows you to experience her evolution as a writer, particularly her shift from heartwarming women's fiction to dark, suspenseful thrillers. Below is the complete list of her standalone novels in order of release:
- You Knew Me When (2013) - Emily's debut fiction novel that explores the rekindling of a childhood friendship.
- When We Fall (2014) - A touching story about dealing with grief, navigating relationships, and starting over.
- Those Secrets We Keep (2015) - A summer-set novel centering on three women harbor secrets that could shatter their families.
- Some Women (2016) - An engaging summer read focusing on three women seeking a temporary escape at Lake George, only to find deep connection.
- Pretty Revenge (2019) - A tense, psychological suspense novel about two former friends locked in a game of vengeance.
- Perfectly Famous (2020) - A dark thriller following a journalist who searches for a famous reclusive author, uncovering dangerous truths.
The Genre Shift: From Women's Fiction to Psychological Thrillers
Understanding Emily Liebert’s bibliography requires looking at the distinct era split in her career. Her early work, spanning from 2013 to 2016, is rooted in contemporary women's fiction. These books focus on the emotional lives of women navigating major life transitions—whether it is recovering from grief, escaping a stale marriage, or reconciling with an estranged childhood friend. They are character-focused, atmospheric, and deeply empathetic.
In 2019, Liebert pivoted to psychological thrillers. While these books still place female relationships and secrets at the center of the story, the tone is significantly darker, the stakes are higher, and the plots are driven by suspense, betrayal, and obsession. Understanding this shift helps you select the right book for your current reading mood.
The Women's Fiction Era (2013–2016)
You Knew Me When (2013): Liebert's debut novel introduces readers to Katherine and Laney, two former best friends who went their separate ways after high school. When a mutual mentor passes away and leaves them a shared inheritance—under the condition that they must run a cosmetics company together—they are forced to reunite. It is a heartwarming story about nostalgia, second chances, and the enduring power of childhood bonds. The contrast between Katherine's polished career-focused lifestyle and Laney's bohemian artistic vibe forms the emotional core of the novel.
When We Fall (2014): This emotionally resonant novel follows Allison, a young widow trying to piece her life back together in a small suburban town in Connecticut. As she navigates intense grief and tries to build a new future, she crosses paths with Charlotte, a woman dealing with her own failing marriage and family struggles. The book is a sensitive exploration of recovery, female solidarity, and finding hope after tragedy.
Those Secrets We Keep (2015): Set over a summer in the picturesque town of Lake George, New York, this novel focuses on three very different women: Sloane, Hillary, and Georgina. Each woman is harboring a secret that threatens to disrupt their lives and families. As their paths cross and they spend time at the lake, they must confront the lies they have been telling themselves and each other. The book delves into themes of motherhood, marriage, and the price of perfection.
Some Women (2016): Also set in Lake George, this book follows Mackenzie, Piper, and Heather. Each woman is at a major crossroads in her life—dealing with marital issues, career stress, and family expectations. Seeking a temporary escape, they form an unexpected bond that helps them find the strength to make difficult choices. It is a classic beach read that balances emotional depth with a beautiful setting, highlighting how friendship can heal the deepest wounds.
The Thriller Era (2019–Present)
Pretty Revenge (2019): This gripping psychological thriller centers on a high-stakes battle of wits between two women. Kerrie is a successful wedding planner who seems to have it all, but her perfect life is threatened when Jordana, a woman from her past, enters her orbit under a false identity. Jordana is determined to seek revenge for a devastating event that occurred years ago, leading to a cat-and-mouse game filled with manipulation, class conflicts, and shocking secrets in New York's elite social circles.
Perfectly Famous (2020): Liebert's second thriller features Ward DeFleur, a reclusive, famous lifestyle author who went into hiding after a personal tragedy, and Bree Miller, a journalist determined to find her. As Bree digs deeper into Ward’s disappearance, she uncovers a dark web of obsession, secrets, and danger that puts both of their lives at risk. The book deals with the perils of fame, the weight of grief, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.
Emily Liebert's Non-Fiction Works
Before launching her career as a novelist, Emily Liebert worked as a journalist and editor. During this time, she published non-fiction and contributed to other projects. Readers exploring her full catalog should note these releases:
- Facebook Fairytales: Modern-Day Miracles to Inspire the Human Spirit (2010): This collection of 25 true stories highlights how the early days of Facebook brought people together in miraculous ways, from finding long-lost relatives to coordinating life-saving organ donations. (Note: Some databases list "Facebook Fairytales" and "Modern Day Miracles" as two separate works, but they are actually the same book, with "Modern-Day Miracles" serving as the subtitle).
- Being Catholic Now (2008): Liebert served as an editor for this book written by Kerry Kennedy, which features prominent Americans discussing their faith and the role of the Catholic Church in their lives.
What to Know Before You Start
To get the most out of Emily Liebert's novels, keep these practical reading tips in mind:
First, expect strong settings. Liebert frequently sets her books in New York City, Lake George, and suburban Connecticut. Her descriptions are vivid and make the locations feel like characters themselves, adding a sense of atmosphere that enhances the narrative. Second, her books are highly popular with book clubs because they deal with topics like female friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, and the price of keeping secrets. If you read them with a group, prepare for plenty of debate about the characters' choices. Finally, because every single novel is a standalone, you do not need to worry about read order. You can easily switch between her early women's fiction and her later thrillers depending on what you feel like reading next.