Kristin Hannah is an award-winning author whose work has claimed top spots on bestseller lists such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and Publishers Weekly—and many book club groups. Over the past 30 years, the prolific author has written 24 remarkable novels, starting with the bodice-rippers he wrote in his early career to the fascinating historical novels and family sagas he is known for today.
While Hannah’s most famous books are Firefly Lane (which inspired the popular Netflix series) and the international blockbuster The Nightingale (adapted for an upcoming film), she has more than two dozen stories for readers. Ready to dive in? Here’s everything you need to know about how to read Kristin Hannah’s books in order.
When did Kristin Hannah publish her first novel?
Hannah—who was a lawyer in Seattle before becoming a full-time writer—released her first book, A Handful of Heaven, in 1991.
How many books has Kristin Hannah written?
Hannah has written 24 books so far.
Does Kristin Hannah have any books that are part of a series?
Only two of Hannah’s books have a connecting storyline that makes them part of a series: Firefly Lane and its sequel, Fly Away. This may interest you : Travel tech: the best gadgets to pack for your holidays this summer. His other books are self-contained stories.
Have any of Kristin Hannah’s books been turned into a television show?
Yes, the book Firefly Lane was the inspiration for the Netflix series starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. On the same subject : Books “meant to be” by local children’s authors.
Will there be a second season of Firefly Lane on Netflix?
There’s a second season of Firefly Lane coming to Netflix… but the streaming service hasn’t announced when. On the same subject : Savills turns to scientists. Heigl shared on social media that the cast wrapped production in April, and that new episodes will be available on Netflix in 2022.
Are there any movies adapted from Kristin Hannah’s books?
Yes! Real-life sisters Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning will star as sisters Vianne and Isabelle in the upcoming film The Nightingale, based on Hannah’s 2015 novel of the same name. Set during World War II, the story explores the relationship between brothers as they struggle to survive during the French occupation. The release of the film has been postponed several times, and is now scheduled to premiere on December 22, 2022.
Additionally, Home Front and The Great Alone have also been optioned for film, but no casting or production announcements have been made for them.
Related: How to Read Bridgerton’s Books in Order
Does Kristin Hannah have a new book coming out?
Hannah’s most recent novel is the 2021 release of The Four Winds. But on Instagram, the author has shared that he has already edited the draft for his next book. Hopefully, it will be in the hands of its readers soon!
What is the reading order for Kristin Hannah’s books?
With the exception of her two Firefly Lane books, the rest of Hannah’s books are self-contained stories. Although there are small connections between characters from some of his books, you don’t have to read them in the order they were published to enjoy the story!
Here is a list of all the books Hannah has published.
A Handful of Heaven (1991)
It was the winter of 1896 and Devon O’Shea had applied to be a partner in a Yukon Territory trading post. But Batu McKenna is expecting Devon a him, not her, and the Alaskan gold mining town is no place for a lady. Despite Stone’s efforts to drive Devon away, this unlikely pair (of course!) fall in love instead. Hannah’s debut novel is currently out of print, but you might be lucky enough to find it at your local library!
The Enchantment (1992)
After losing everything in the stock market crash of 1893, Wall Street financier Emmaline Harris took a risk with her life and joined Dr. Lawrence Digby in an archaeological quest to find a lost Native American city in New Mexico. Will these two broken people find literal and figurative treasure together? This book is unfortunately also out of print.
Once In Every Life (1992)
In this reincarnation/time travel romance, lonely, deaf research scientist Tess Gregory gets a second chance at life—in 1873 as the estranged wife of a Civil War veteran suffering from PTSD. Not only can she now hear, but “Amarylis” has a husband who can’t stand her, two daughters who are afraid of her, and a newborn baby. All Tess wants is a husband and children. But the family she is now part of is broken beyond repair, or will Tess’ second chance be a second chance for all of them?
If You Believe (1993)
Set in 1890s Washington, Mariah Throckmorton hides from her scandalous past on a remote farm. Mad Dog Stone is a hardened drifter who never stays in one place long enough to form an emotional attachment. But in this romantic tale of love and healing, these two lonely souls, a fugitive, and a dead father form a ragtag family and reconcile with the demons of their past in this moving historical novel.
When Lightning Strikes (1994)
One stormy night, romance writer Alaina Costanza returns to the Western world of her latest novel – where she is kidnapped by her own character, the ruthless outlaw Killian. Although they get off on the wrong foot, Lainie and Killian soon realize their love is too magical to last just one lifetime. Can Lainie travel back to her daughter in the 1990s? And is the love she and Killian share really strong enough to transcend time?
Waiting for the Moon (1995)
In 1892 Maine, a botched suicide attempt lands an amnesiac young woman in a mental asylum. With no memories of her previous life, Selena finds comfort in Dr. Ian Carrick, a tortured and reclusive former surgeon who runs Lethe House. As his passion for Selena grows, Ian begins to live again…
Home Again (1996)
Romance sparks again between Madelaine Hillyard, a renowned cardiologist, and Angel DeMarco, a famous actor who broke her heart when they were teenagers, when he came home to Seattle in dire need of a heart transplant. But Angel doesn’t know that he shares a 16-year-old daughter with Madelaine, or that he remains close friends with her brother, Francis. This tear-jerker novel explores love lost and found again, redemption and forgiveness, and why people really can change for the better.
On Mystic Lake (1999)
Devastated by the end of her marriage, Annie Colwater retreats to her small hometown where she reunites with her first love, Nick Dealcroix. A recent widower, Nick has struggled to keep his life afloat while caring for his emotionally scarred young daughter. Just as the three of them help each other begin to heal and Annie opens herself up to falling in love again, a ghost from her past reappears – forcing Annie to make an impossible decision.
Angel Falls (2000)
When Liam Campbell’s wife, Mikayla, was in a coma, he spent every day by her side, sharing stories about the life they had built together. Despite warnings from Mikayla’s doctor that she may never recover, Liam is steadfast in his belief that his love will pull him through. That is, until he discovers his wife’s hidden first marriage with movie star Julian True. Is Liam desperate enough to bring Mikayla back that he’ll ask his ex-husband for help?
Summer Island (2001)
Struggling comedian Ruby Bridge hasn’t spoken to her mother, Nora, a successful talk show host, in more than a decade. But when she’s given the chance to write an explosive tell-all about her mother’s scandalous past, Ruby reluctantly returns to her family home on Summer Island under the guise of caring for her injured mother. What begins as an exposé blossoms into a harrowing tale of unforgivable love, a sick best friend—and Ruby learning that Nora is nothing like the mother she’s hated all these years for abandoning her.
Distant Shores (2002)
After more than twenty years of marriage, Elizabeth and Jackson Shore have separated. While Jackson, a former Superbowl MVP, pursues a story that could revive his career as a sportsman, Elizabeth retreats to her family home in Tennessee after her father’s death—and realizes how much she’s lost in her marriage.
Between Sisters (2003)
Estranged sisters Meghann Dontess and Claire Cavenaugh live very different lives, each harboring pain and resentment toward the other stemming from decisions made in the past. During a summer spent in the Pacific Northwest, Meg and Claire learn to put aside their differences and get to know each other again—and maybe even nurture the sisterly bond they’ve both been craving.
The Things We Do For Love (2004)
In this touching and bittersweet novel, Angie DeSaria Malone meets teenage Lauren Ribido, a young woman from the wrong side. Their friendship fills a void for both: Angie desperately longs for her child Lauren has been abandoned by her mother. As Angie becomes Lauren’s surrogate mother, a dramatic turn of events will test their relationship even further.
Comfort & Joy (2005)
The magic of the Christmas season helps divorcee Joy Candellaro find a second chance at happiness in Hannah’s only holiday-themed story. Marketed as a “fable,” this sweet novella—complete with a widowed single dad, a grieving little boy who surrounds himself with imaginary friends, and the lesson of pursuing your dreams—has all the feel of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Magic Hour (2006)
Two estranged brothers—one a police chief, the other a famous child psychiatrist recovering from a scandal that ruined his career—try to help a wild little girl who mysteriously appears out of the wilds of the Pacific Northwest in this gripping novel about the resilience of the human spirit.
Firefly Lane (2008)
The book that inspired the hit Netflix show! Over three decades, friends Tully and Kate navigate love, loss, promises, secrets, betrayal—and the power of their friendship—in this captivating coming-of-age novel.
Fly Away (2013)
Although this book is not Hannah’s next release, it is a sequel to Firefly Lane if you want to read these two novels over and over again. Set after the terrible events that occurred at the conclusion of the first book, this novel focuses on Tully and her relationship with her estranged mother and Kate’s teenage daughter, Marah.
Related: What Did Tully Do To Kate In The Firefly Lane Books?
True Colors (2009)
The lives of sisters Winona, Aurora, and Vivi Ann Gray are changed forever after acts of jealousy and betrayal pit them against each other, testing love and loyalty in ways they never imagined.
Winter Garden (2010)
A hidden family secret turns into an epic, story of love and survival in this harrowing family saga about two estranged brothers and their emotionally distant Russian-born mother. After the death of their father, Meredith and Nina Whitson learn shocking truths about their mother Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad that will forever change the dynamic of the complicated relationship between the three women.
Night Road (2011)
A tragic accident one summer night not only destroys Jude Farraday’s family, but leaves foster child Lexi Baill without friends, boyfriends, or family to welcome her as one of their own. When Lexi returns to town years later, will a broken Jude find the courage to forgive the young woman…and himself?
Related: 9 Online Book Clubs To Join
Home Front (2012)
When Jolene’s marriage to Michael Zarkades crumbles, a deployment sends her to Iraq as she struggles to hold on to her home as a single mother to her two daughters. But when Jolene is seriously injured in battle, Michael must face his darkest fears to protect his family.
The Nightingale (2015)
Arguably Hannah’s most popular book, this World War II novel tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, living in Nazi-occupied France. As Vianne tries to protect her daughter from the German captain who has claimed her home, her sister has joined the Resistance, daring to risk her life to save others.
The Great Alone (2017)
Struggling to reacclimate to life, Vietnam War POW Ernt moves his family to the Alaskan wilderness, planning to live off the grid in hopes of leaving his PTSD behind. But when the darkness of the Alaskan winter falls, Ernt’s fragile mental state unravels, fracturing his family. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.
The Four Winds (2021)
In 1934 Texas, the Dust Bowl drought really hit the Great Plains, leaving the region’s struggling farming communities even more devastated by the Great Depression. Elsa Martinelli made an agonizing decision to go west to California in search of new opportunities and a better life for her daughter. But living in California is far from the promised land Elsa believed it would be.
Next, before the final season of Chesapeake Shores begins, check out the book series by Sherryl Woods that the television show is based on!
