The Best Order to Read Kristin Hannah’s Books

Published by Esther Fung, Sep. 27, 2024


“The biggest risk I ever took was in daring to believe I could write novels,” Kristin Hannah confessed. But it’s safe to say that the risk paid off. With over twenty books published, Hannah is known for creating beautifully written historical fiction that illuminates the many struggles women have faced throughout history. From nurses serving in the Vietnam War (The Women) to sisters fighting to survive in France during World War II (The Nightingale), her characters are multidimensional, hardworking, and courageous women who inspire readers to be the best versions of themselves. 


In this guide, you’ll find a list of her most popular works, all of her books in publication order, and other authors to read if you love Kristin Hannah. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this writer’s work, you’ll find your next book below!

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Best Kristin Hannah books - Kristin Hannah books ranked

In 2023, Kristin Hannah nabbed the ninth spot on our best-selling authors list. But what are her most popular books? See the top five here: 

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5. Firefly Lane 

Average rating: 4.60

  • “I loved this book. I stayed up until 4am to finish this book. Such a beautiful well written story of friendship.” - Emily Trumble 
  • “As always, the book is 1000x better than the TV Show or Movie…. I cried the whole last 50 pgs.” - Jennifer Kempton
  • “I absolutely loved this book! Was the first book that ever made me cry 😢” - Rose Crump


Get your own copy of Firefly Lane from Pango sellers!

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4. The Women

Average rating: 4.79

  • “I flipped through these pages SO fast. Hannah’s very detailed, beautiful writing makes you feel like you are right there, inside the story.” - CT Reads
  • “And it makes me have a newfound appreciation for [veterans] and for their service to our country. I'm glad I read this book and look forward to reading more historical fiction by this author.” - Dawn7
  • “I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I have always been iffy on reading historical fiction, but Kristin Hannah successfully wrote a gripping story of women’s role in a man’s world.” - Skye Capron


Treat yourself to The Women!

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3. The Great Alone 

Average rating: 4.57

  • “Give this book all the stars! ... I’m happy to report that The Great Alone deserves all of the hype and more.” - Melanie
  • “It was an amazing book, one that will stick with me for a long time. This was my first book I’ve read by Kristin Hannah and it won’t be the last.” - Jacquelyn Tello
  • “This is one of the books that helped me fall back in love with reading as an adult. My mom and I both recommend this novel to everyone. Because of this book I'm on a mission to read all of Kristin Hannah's books.” - Brittany Parker


Save big on The Great Alone by getting it secondhand from other readers on Pango! 

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2. The Four Winds

Average rating: 4.54

  • “This was a beautiful work of historical fiction that I will absolutely be reading again and again.” - Smokey Lonesome’s Bookshop
  • “Consistent with Kristen Hannah's other titles-- Firefly Lane, The Nightingale, and Night Road-- this book will have you reaching for the tissue. Some might say it's depressing, but I say it's eye-opening.” - Pamela M
  • “This book had me feeling things I didn’t expect. I personally love all of Kristen Hannah’s books, this one is a must read! Very eye opening too.” - Lexie Gannon


Browse available copies of The Four Winds on Pango!

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1. The Nightingale 

Average rating: 4.84

  • “An absolutely remarkable story of two sisters who endure the pain, loss, and suffering of WW2 France. Had me in tears the last 100 pages. This book will stay in my mind and heart forever.” - Ab’s Bookshelf
  • “At almost 600 pages, I was intimidated to start it. But it was so amazing I could’ve kept reading for a few hundred more…. This was my first book by Kristen Hannah, but it definitely won’t be my last!” - Tyler Turner
  • “This book got me into reading again! Touching story of two sisters that happened during WWII. I admired the story of these brave and strong women!” - Danielle T James


Get The Nightingale affordably and sustainably on Pango!

Kristin Hannah books in order

  1. A Handful of Heaven (1991)
  2. The Enchantment (1992)
  3. Once in Every Life (1992)
  4. If You Believe (1993)
  5. When Lightning Strikes (1994)
  6. Waiting for the Moon (1995)
  7. Home Again (1996)
  8. On Mystic Lake (1999)
  9. Angel Falls (2000)
  10. Summer Island (2001)
  11. Distant Shores (2002)
  12. Between Sisters (2003)
  13. The Things We Do for Love (2004)
  14. Comfort and Joy (2005)
  15. Magic Hour (2006)
  16. Firefly Lane (2008)
  17. True Colors (2009)
  18. Winter Garden (2010)
  19. Night Road (2011)
  20. Home Front (2012)
  21. Fly Away (2013)
  22. The Nightingale (2015)
  23. The Great Alone (2018)
  24. The Four Winds (2021)
  25. The Women (2024)

About the movie adaptation of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: cast and release date

The Nightingale follows sisters Vianne Mauriac and Isabelle Rossigno in 1939 France as they work to protect themselves and fight back against the Nazi occupation. This 2015 release has sold over 4.5 million copies and has been translated into 45 languages. 


A month after its publication, TriStar Pictures optioned the book for an adaptation. In 2019, it was announced that the film would star sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning as Vianne and Isabelle respectively. The release date was temporarily set for December 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was indefinitely postponed.


Currently, fans do not have a release date for the film adaptation of The Nightingale. However, as a guest on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Elle Fanning gives a glimmer of hope: “The Nightingale, I think, is coming back around. I think we both would want that to be the one, honestly. The script is so good, the book is so beloved, I'm hoping that that does work.” So don’t lose hope! Grab a copy of The Nightingale on Pango to read so you’re ready whenever the trailer is released! 

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Another Life by Kristin Hannah

Eagle-eyed fans will notice that on Pango, we have another book listed on Kristin Hannah’s author page that has not been included in the list of all her works above. This book is Another Life, which is a reprint of The Things We Do For Love, which Hannah published in 2004. This story about a woman returning to her hometown in the aftermath of a broken marriage got a new title and cover when it was reprinted by Pan Macmillan in Australia in 2023, but its content has stayed the same. So if you’re hoping to read the story of Angie DeSaria, you can pick up either book. However, if you’re a collector, we recommend getting a copy of Another Life while you can. 

Authors like Kristin Hannah

Want to discover other writers who create captivating and emotional historical fiction novels like Hannah? Here are some authors you’d like:


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