If you’re a fan of heartfelt stories, rich Southern settings, and characters that linger in your memory, you’ve likely come across the name Lisa Wingate. Over the past two decades, Lisa Wingate has become a beloved voice in contemporary and historical fiction, penning more than 30 novels and novellas. Her books have captured the hearts of millions, with bestsellers like Before We Were Yours and The Book of Lost Friends earning critical acclaim and a loyal global readership.
Read more:
How To Organize A Cross Country Move Without Stress
Raysync’s Strategies for High-Performance Bulk File Transfer
Beyond the Box: Exploring Every Aspect of Tozo Tonal Fits T21
Detailed Review of TOZO T10 Earbuds
Best Tips For Restaurant Owners On Choosing The Top Pos Software
Who is Lisa Wingate?
Lisa Wingate is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author from Texas. Her stories are known for their emotional depth, lyrical prose, and uplifting themes. Drawing inspiration from her Southern roots and real-life events, Wingate weaves tales of family, resilience, and hope. Before becoming a novelist, she was a journalist and magazine columnist, experiences that shaped her keen eye for detail and character.
Her breakthrough came with Before We Were Yours, inspired by the true story of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal. This novel spent over two years on the bestseller list and introduced her to a wider audience worldwide. But her literary journey began much earlier, with a rich tapestry of series and standalones that continue to inspire and move readers.
Why Read Lisa Wingate in Order?
Lisa Wingate’s books are often interconnected by setting, theme, or recurring characters. While many can be enjoyed as standalones, reading her series in order allows you to fully appreciate the development of characters and the subtle threads that tie her stories together. Whether you love family sagas, small-town dramas, or historical mysteries, following the recommended reading order will enhance your experience.
Overview of Her Writing Career and Style
Lisa Wingate’s writing blends Southern storytelling, Christian fiction, and historical intrigue. She’s celebrated for:
- Relatable, well-drawn characters
- Vivid, atmospheric settings (especially Texas and the Carolina coast)
- Stories inspired by real events and family history
- Themes of redemption, hope, and the power of community
Her works span several series, each with its own unique flavor, as well as powerful standalones that have become modern classics.
Lisa Wingate’s Series Books in Order
Let’s dive into each series, exploring their themes and listing the books in publication order for the best reading experience.
1. Tending Roses Series
Series Overview and Themes
The Tending Roses series is where Lisa Wingate’s literary journey began. Inspired by her relationship with her own grandmother, these novels explore family, healing, and the wisdom passed down through generations. Each book introduces new protagonists but shares recurring characters and themes of resilience and the importance of cherishing life’s simple moments.
Books in Order with Brief Summaries
| Order | Title | Year | Brief Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tending Roses | 2001 | Kate Bowman, on maternity leave, helps her grandmother and learns life lessons |
| 2 | Good Hope Road | 2003 | Follows a new protagonist facing life’s crossroads in rural Missouri |
| 3 | The Language of Sycamores | 2005 | A woman returns home to find healing and family connections |
| 4 | Drenched in Light | 2006 | A teacher in a small town discovers hope and belonging |
| 5 | A Thousand Voices | 2007 | A young woman searches for her roots and her place in the world |
2. Texas Hill Country Series
Series Overview and Themes
The Texas Hill Country series shifts the focus to romance, humor, and small-town charm. Each book centers on a new female protagonist who unexpectedly finds love and happiness in rural Texas.
Books in Order with Brief Summaries
| Order | Title | Year | Brief Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas Cooking | 2003 | Big-city reporter Colleen finds love and community in San Saline, TX |
| 2 | Lone Star Cafe | 2004 | A chef’s new job in a quirky cafe leads to unexpected romance |
| 3 | Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner | 2005 | A woman’s life changes in a small-town diner filled with eccentric locals |
3. Blue Sky Hill Series
Series Overview and Themes
Set in a Dallas neighborhood, the Blue Sky Hill series explores community, change, and friendship. Each book introduces new protagonists facing personal challenges while forging new connections and finding hope.
Books in Order with Brief Summaries
| Order | Title | Year | Brief Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Month of Summer | 2008 | A woman’s summer in Dallas brings unexpected friendships |
| 2 | The Summer Kitchen | 2009 | Two women join forces to help their struggling neighborhood |
| 3 | Beyond Summer | 2010 | A family’s move to Blue Sky Hill changes their lives forever |
| 4 | Dandelion Summer | 2011 | A young girl and an elderly man form an unlikely friendship |
4. Daily, Texas Series
Series Overview and Themes
The Daily, Texas series is set in a charming small town where hope, healing, and love are always in the air. Each book features a new protagonist, but reading in order is recommended to avoid spoilers and enjoy the community’s evolution.
Books in Order with Brief Summaries
| Order | Title | Year | Brief Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talk of the Town | 2008 | A TV producer’s visit turns Daily, Texas, upside down |
| 2 | Word Gets Around | 2009 | A horse trainer faces her past and finds new beginnings |
| 3 | Never Say Never | 2010 | A hurricane brings strangers together in unexpected ways |
5. Moses Lake Series
Series Overview and Themes
Set in the lakeside community of Moses Lake, Texas, this series is about hope, second chances, and finding purpose. Each book features romance, mystery, and a strong sense of community.
Books in Order with Brief Summaries
| Order | Title | Year | Brief Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larkspur Cove | 2011 | A social worker uncovers secrets and finds love in Moses Lake |
| 2 | Blue Moon Bay | 2012 | A woman returns home and confronts family secrets |
| 3 | Firefly Island | 2013 | A city girl’s move to Moses Lake leads to adventure and love |
| 4 | Wildwood Creek | 2014 | A documentary filmmaker unravels the town’s mysterious past |
6. Carolina Heirlooms / Carolina Chronicles Series
Series Overview and Themes
The Carolina Heirlooms series, also known as the Carolina Chronicles, is rooted in the coastal beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. These novels and novellas celebrate sisterhood, family legacy, and the healing power of the sea. Some stories are direct sequels or companion novellas, so reading in order is ideal for the best experience.
Books in Order with Brief Summaries
| Order | Title | Year | Brief Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | The Sea Glass Sisters | 2013 | Novella prequel about family and the bonds of sisterhood |
| 1 | The Prayer Box | 2013 | Tandi Jo Reese discovers hope and healing in a seaside town |
| 1.5 | The Tidewater Sisters | 2014 | Novella continuing Tandi’s journey |
| 2 | The Story Keeper | 2014 | Jen Gibbs unearths family secrets in Appalachia |
| 2.5 | The Sandcastle Sister | 2015 | Novella following Jen’s personal growth |
| 3 | The Sea Keeper’s Daughters | 2015 | A woman’s inheritance leads to a journey of self-discovery |
| 4 | Sisters | 2016 | Novella collection about the power of sisterhood |
Lisa Wingate’s Standalone Novels
While her series are beloved, some of Lisa Wingate’s most celebrated works are standalones. These novels tackle powerful themes and often draw from real historical events, making them perfect entry points for new readers.
List of Standalone Novels in Publication Order
| Title | Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Before We Were Yours | 2017 | Inspired by the true story of a notorious adoption scandal; family saga |
| The Book of Lost Friends | 2020 | Three women’s search for family after the Civil War |
| Shelterwood | 2024 | Historical fiction set in Oklahoma’s forests; resilience and hope |
Notable Standalones with Short Descriptions
- Before We Were Yours: This gripping novel uncovers the heartbreaking story of children stolen from their families in the 1930s-1950s and the enduring bonds of family.
- The Book of Lost Friends: A powerful tale of post-Civil War America, where three women’s lives intertwine in their quest to reunite families torn apart by slavery.
- Shelterwood: Wingate’s latest, set in the 1900s Oklahoma wilderness, explores the strength of women and the importance of protecting what matters most.
Lisa Wingate’s Non-Fiction and Anthologies
Non-Fiction Works
- Before and After (2019): Co-authored with Judy Christie, this moving non-fiction book shares the real-life stories of orphans who survived the Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal, providing a poignant companion to Before We Were Yours.
Anthology Contributions
- When You Pass Through Waters: Words of Hope and Healing from Your Favorite Authors (2015)
- Stories from Suffragette City (2020)
These works showcase Wingate’s versatility and her commitment to sharing stories of hope and resilience.
How to Read Lisa Wingate Books: Publication vs. Chronological Order
Best Reading Order for Each Series
For the richest experience, I recommend reading Lisa Wingate’s series in publication order. This allows you to follow character development and story arcs as intended by the author.
Tips for New Readers
- If you’re new to Lisa Wingate, start with her standalones (Before We Were Yours or The Book of Lost Friends) to get a sense of her style.
- For series, always begin with the first book to avoid spoilers and confusion.
- Her novellas often serve as bridges between novels—don’t skip them if you want the full story!
Awards, Recognition, and Critical Reception
Lisa Wingate has received numerous accolades, including:
- #1 New York Times Bestseller (Before We Were Yours)
- Over two years on the bestseller list
- Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize
- Carol Award
- RT Reviewer’s Choice Award
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Lisa Wingate’s Books Connected?
Many of her books are linked by recurring settings (like Texas or the Carolina coast) and themes of family, hope, and redemption. Some series have overlapping characters, while others stand alone. Check the series order for the best reading experience.
2. Which Book Should I Start With?
If you love historical fiction, begin with Before We Were Yours. For contemporary family drama, start with Tending Roses. If you prefer a taste of coastal Carolina, try The Prayer Box.
3. Upcoming Releases and News
As of 2024, Shelterwood is Lisa Wingate’s latest release. Keep an eye on her official website and social media for news about future projects.
Conclusion
Lisa Wingate has built a literary legacy filled with unforgettable characters, evocative settings, and stories that touch the soul. Whether you’re reading her books in order or picking up a standalone, you’re in for an emotional and uplifting journey.
Her novels remind us of the power of family, the importance of community, and the enduring hope that can be found even in the darkest times. If you’re looking for stories that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect, Lisa Wingate’s books deserve a place on your shelf.
