Last Updated on May 7, 2025
Lisa Wingate, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, has captivated readers with over 30 novels that blend historical fiction, contemporary romance, and Christian fiction. A former journalist and inspirational speaker, Wingate debuted with Tending Roses in 2001, inspired by her grandmother’s stories. Her blockbuster Before We Were Yours (2017), a Goodreads Choice Award winner, sold over 4 million copies and exposed the Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal. Translated into 40+ languages, her books have earned awards like the Christy, Carol, and Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize. This article lists all of Wingate’s books in publication order, organized by series and standalones, with summaries, publication dates and reading guidance.
Why Read Lisa Wingate’s Books?
Wingate’s novels, set in places like Texas, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, explore family, faith, and resilience with life-affirming themes. Her Tending Roses series focuses on personal growth, while Carolina Chronicles delves into historical mysteries. Standalones like Before We Were Yours tackle real-life injustices, blending emotional depth with hope. Wingate’s Christian fiction roots shine through, but her mainstream appeal draws fans of Kristin Hannah and John Grisham. Most books are standalone within series, but reading in publication order enhances character connections and avoids spoilers. Her non-fiction work, Before and After, complements her historical fiction, offering real-life stories.
Lisa Wingate’s Books in Publication Order
Wingate has published 31 books: 26 fiction novels across six series, three standalone novels, one novella, and one non-fiction work. Below is the complete list in publication order, which aligns with chronological order for series, as of May 7, 2025.
Tending Roses Series (2001–2007)
This five-book series, inspired by Wingate’s grandmother, explores family and faith with different protagonists in Missouri and beyond. Can be read in any order but publication order is recommended for thematic flow.
- Tending Roses (February 2001, Penguin Putnam)
Kate Bowman, on maternity leave, moves her family to her grandmother Rose’s Missouri farm to convince her to enter a nursing home. Reading Rose’s journal of life lessons, Kate re-evaluates her priorities, finding faith and balance. A heartfelt debut praised by Luanne Rice. - Good Hope Road (May 2003, NAL)
After a tornado devastates Poetry, Missouri, Jenilee Lane rescues elderly Eudora Gibson. Collecting scattered mementos, Jenilee learns about community and resilience, forging bonds that heal her past. A powerful story of hope. - The Language of Sycamores (January 2005, NAL)
Karen Sommerfield, facing job loss and health fears, retreats to her childhood farm. Bonding with her sister Kate and a troubled girl, Dell, Karen finds purpose through music and faith. A tender tale of rediscovery. - Drenched in Light (July 2006, NAL)
Julia Costell, a former ballerina recovering from bulimia, takes a job counseling gifted students in Missouri. Helping a troubled teen, she rebuilds her life with faith and community. A story of second chances. - A Thousand Voices (July 2007, NAL)
Adopted at 13, Dell Jordan pursues her musical dreams at Juilliard. A summer trip to Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation uncovers her roots and a mysterious family history, blending faith and identity. A moving series finale.
Texas Hill Country Series (2003–2005)
This three-book Christian romance series follows newcomers finding love in San Saline, Texas. Best read in order to avoid minor spoilers.
- Texas Cooking (September 2003, NAL)
Big-city reporter Colleen Collins arrives in San Saline to write about Texas cooking. Welcomed by locals, she falls for cowboy True McKittrick, but a scandal threatens her new home. A charming series opener. - Lone Star Café (September 2004, NAL)
Laura Draper, a publishing executive, revamps a Texas magazine. Reeling from a breakup, she finds love with local Mitch Ryan, learning to embrace small-town life. A nostalgic romance. - Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner (July 2005, NAL)
Paleontologist Lindsey Attwood visits San Saline, where her daughter spends the summer. A dinosaur bone theft leads her to rancher Zach Truitt, sparking romance and adventure. A fun, heartfelt closer.
Blue Sky Hill Series (2008–2011)
This four-book series, set in Dallas’s changing Blue Sky Hill neighborhood, explores community and hope. Each features new protagonists; read in order for recurring characters.
- A Month of Summer (July 2008, NAL)
Hanna Beth cares for her Alzheimer’s-afflicted husband and disabled son. When her stepdaughter Rebecca arrives, old wounds resurface, but a summer fosters healing. A 2009 ACFW Book of the Year nominee. - The Summer Kitchen (July 2009, NAL)
SandraKaye Darden, grieving her son’s disappearance, inherits a pink house in Blue Sky Hill. Helping local kids, she finds purpose alongside neighbor Cass. A 2010 ACFW Book of the Year nominee. - Beyond Summer (July 2010, NAL)
Tam Lambert’s upscale life crumbles when her family’s home faces foreclosure. Moving to Blue Sky Hill, she befriends Shasta Williams, finding strength in community. A story of adaptation. - Dandelion Summer (July 2011, NAL)
Epiphany Salerno, 16, works for widower J. Norman Alvord in Blue Sky Hill. Their road trip uncovers Norman’s past and a life-changing friendship. Winner of the 2012 Carol Award.
Daily, Texas Series (2008–2010)
This three-book series, set in quirky Daily, Texas, blends romance and community. Read in order to avoid spoilers and enjoy recurring characters.
- Talk of the Town (October 2008, Bethany House)
Mandalay Florentino, a producer, arrives in Daily to manage American Megastar contestant Amber Anderson. A local scandal and romance with Carter Woods complicate her plans. A warm, funny tale. - Word Gets Around (February 2009, Bethany House)
Lauren Eldridge returns to Daily to help her father, who’s invested in a movie-star horse. She falls for trainer Nate Heath, confronting past fears. A 2009 ACFW nominee. - Never Say Never (February 2010, Bethany House)
Kai Miller, a drifter, lands in Daily after a hurricane evacuation. Helping Donetta Bradford’s cruise, she finds love with Kemp Eldridge, embracing roots. Winner of the 2011 Carol Award.
Moses Lake Series (2011–2013)
This four-book series, set in Moses Lake, Texas, focuses on romance and purpose. Read in order for character arcs and setting depth.
- Larkspur Cove (February 2011, Bethany House)
Social worker Andrea Henderson moves to Moses Lake post-divorce. Teaming with game warden Mart McClendon, she helps a troubled teen, finding love and faith. A touching start. - Blue Moon Bay (February 2012, Bethany House)
Architect Heather Hampton returns to Moses Lake to sell family land. A shady deal and romance with ex-crush Blaine Underhill uncover secrets. A romantic mystery. - Firefly Island (February 2013, Bethany House)
Mallory Hale moves to Moses Lake with her new husband, Daniel, and his son. Investigating a politician’s schemes, she finds courage and home. A suspenseful romance. - Wildwood Creek (February 2014, Bethany House)
Allie Kirkland joins a historical reenactment in Moses Lake, playing a 1860s woman. Past mysteries and romance with director Blake Fulton intertwine. Winner of the 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award.
Carolina Chronicles Series (2013–2016)
This seven-book series (four novels, three novellas) explores North Carolina’s Outer Banks, blending historical and contemporary stories. Best read in order for character connections.
- The Sea Glass Sisters (July 2013, Tyndale, novella)
Elizabeth Gallagher faces a hurricane evacuation in the Outer Banks. Helping her aunt Sandy and a troubled teen, she finds strength. A short, uplifting prelude. - The Prayer Box (August 2013, Tyndale)
Tandi Reese, fleeing an abusive past, rents a cottage in Hatteras. Finding Iola Anne Poole’s prayer boxes, she uncovers a 91-year-old mystery and faith. A 2013 Library Journal pick. - The Tidewater Sisters (June 2014, Tyndale, novella)
Tandi, from The Prayer Box, faces her sister Gina’s schemes over a family farm. Uncovering their grandmother’s history, Tandi finds closure. Best read after The Prayer Box. - The Story Keeper (August 2014, Tyndale)
Editor Jen Gibbs discovers a 19th-century manuscript in Appalachia. Tracing its author, Sarra, she finds romance and a hidden past. Winner of the 2015 Christy Award. - The Sandcastle Sister (May 2015, Tyndale, novella)
Jen Gibbs, from The Story Keeper, helps her sister Lily leave an abusive marriage. A summer in the Outer Banks brings healing and love. Best read after The Story Keeper. - The Sea Keeper’s Daughters (August 2015, Tyndale)
Whitney Monroe inherits her grandmother’s Outer Banks hotel. Discovering 1930s letters, she unravels family secrets and finds purpose. A 2015 RT Book Reviews Top Pick. - Sisters (April 2016, Tyndale, novella)
Tandi and Gina, from The Prayer Box and The Tidewater Sisters, confront their mother’s death. A family reunion in the Outer Banks heals old wounds. Best read after earlier novellas.
Standalone Novels (2017–2024)
These historical and contemporary novels are unconnected to series, ideal for new readers.
- Before We Were Yours (June 2017, Ballantine)
In 1939 Memphis, Rill Foss and her siblings are kidnapped by the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. In present-day South Carolina, Avery Stafford uncovers her family’s link to the scandal. A #1 New York Times bestseller with 4 million copies sold. - The Book of Lost Friends (April 2020, Ballantine)
In 1875 Louisiana, freed slave Hannie Gossett searches for her family via “Lost Friends” ads. In 1987, teacher Benny Silva connects her students to Hannie’s story. Nominated for a 2020 Goodreads Award. - Shelterwood (June 2024, Ballantine)
In 1909 Oklahoma, Ollie and Nessa flee corrupt guardians to Winding Stair Mountains. In 1990, ranger Valerie Boren-Davis uncovers their story. Nominated for a 2024 Goodreads Award.
Standalone Novella (2014)
- A Sandy’s Seashell Shop Christmas (October 2014, Wingate Media, eBook)
In the Outer Banks, Tiffany Evans rebuilds her life at Sandy’s Seashell Shop. A sailor’s Christmas visit brings romance and hope. A short, festive read.
Non-Fiction (2019)
- Before and After: The Incredible Real-Life Stories of Orphans Who Survived the Tennessee Children’s Home Society (October 2019, Ballantine, with Judy Christie)
A companion to Before We Were Yours, this book shares true stories of survivors of Georgia Tann’s adoption scandal, blending history and hope.
Reading Lisa Wingate’s Books: Tips and Guidance
- Series Order: Most series (Tending Roses, Texas Hill Country, Blue Sky Hill, Daily, Texas, Moses Lake) feature standalone stories with new protagonists, so they can be read out of order. However, Carolina Chronicles has recurring characters (e.g., Tandi in The Prayer Box, The Tidewater Sisters, Sisters), so read in publication order to avoid spoilers and follow arcs.
- Publication vs. Chronological: Publication order (as listed) is best, as Wingate’s series don’t require chronological reading due to shifting protagonists. For Carolina Chronicles, publication order matches the narrative flow.
- Standalones and Novella: Before We Were Yours, The Book of Lost Friends, and Shelterwood are ideal entry points for new readers, with no series ties. A Sandy’s Seashell Shop Christmas is a quick, festive read.
- Non-Fiction: Before and After enhances Before We Were Yours but can be read independently for its historical insight.
- Content: Wingate’s books are Christian fiction with mild romance, no explicit content, and minimal violence, suitable for adults and teens. Historical novels address heavy themes (e.g., child trafficking, slavery) but focus on hope.
- Starting Point: Try Tending Roses for a gentle family story, Before We Were Yours for historical drama, or Texas Cooking for light romance.
- Adaptations: No major film adaptations exist, but Before We Were Yours has been optioned. Books remain faithful to Wingate’s vision.
Where to Find Lisa Wingate’s Books
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by Sophie Amoss, Emily Rankin, and others), and large print through:
- Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, BetterWorldBooks.
- Libraries: Most stock Before We Were Yours and Tending Roses.
- Digital Platforms: Kindle, Audible, Kobo, Libby, Kindle Unlimited (select titles).
- Official Website: lisawingate.com for book lists, newsletter, and events.
- Secondhand: ThriftBooks, PangoBooks for used copies ($3–7). Free U.S. shipping on orders over $15.
Follow Wingate on X (@LisaWingate), Instagram (@LisaWingateAuthor), or her newsletter for updates on Shelterwood’s paperback release (February 2025).
Why Lisa Wingate’s Books Resonate
With over 2.3 million Goodreads ratings, Wingate’s books shine for their emotional depth and uplifting messages. Before We Were Yours is a standout, praised by People as “poignant” for its historical weight. Her Tending Roses series, rooted in her grandmother’s wisdom, offers timeless lessons, while Carolina Chronicles blends coastal charm with mystery. Fans on X and Goodreads love her “thought-provoking” narratives, though some find Christian themes prominent in earlier works. Living in Texas’s Ouachita Mountains with her family and dog Huckleberry, Wingate’s storytelling reflects her journalism background and passion for kindness, earning her the National Civics Award.
Final Thoughts
Lisa Wingate’s 31 books, from Tending Roses (2001) to Shelterwood (2024), offer a rich blend of family, faith, and history. Start with Before We Were Yours for a gripping historical tale, Tending Roses for a cozy family story, or The Prayer Box for coastal intrigue. Read Carolina Chronicles and other series in publication order for the best experience, while standalones and Before and After suit any time. With Shelterwood’s paperback due in February 2025, Wingate’s uplifting stories continue to inspire. Dive into her world for heartwarming, thought-provoking reads that celebrate resilience and hope.