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A Stitch in Time Books in Order

7 Books
2020 – 2023 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the A Stitch in Time Series

Kelley Armstrong's A Stitch in Time series (frequently referred to by fans as the Thorne Manor series) is best read in hybrid publication/chronological order. Because the companion novellas occur directly between the major novels and develop the recurring characters, reading them in order of release provides the most satisfying experience.

The Recommended Reading Order

  1. A Stitch in Time (2020) — Book 1
  2. Ballgowns & Butterflies (2021) — Book 1.5 (Novella)
  3. A Twist of Fate (2021) — Book 2
  4. Snowstorms & Sleigh Bells (2021) — Book 2.5 (Novella)
  5. A Turn of the Tide (2022) — Book 3
  6. Ghosts & Garlands (2022) — Book 3.5 (Novella)
  7. A Castle in the Air (2023) — Book 4

Novels vs. Companion Novellas

The series features four full-length novels focusing on different couples and historical mysteries centering around Thorne Manor in Yorkshire, England. Interspersed between these novels are three cozy holiday novellas. These novellas have been compiled into a single bind-up volume titled Christmas at Thorne Manor, which is a convenient option for readers who want to collect the shorter works together.

The Chronological Flow

  • A Stitch in Time introduces Bronwyn Dale and William Thorne, establishing the mechanics of the time slip between the 21st century and the Victorian era.
  • Ballgowns & Butterflies deals with the immediate aftermath and the complex "Butterfly Effect" of time travel during a Victorian holiday.
  • A Twist of Fate moves the spotlight to Rosalind Courtenay as she navigates her return to the 19th century after a period spent in the modern world.
  • Snowstorms & Sleigh Bells brings a festive, family-focused adventure where Rosalind's son accidentally pulls her back toward the 21st-century portal.
  • A Turn of the Tide focuses on Victorian novelist Miranda Hastings and her modern-day investigator partner.
  • Ghosts & Garlands follows Miranda and her partner into modern-day London for a spooky holiday mystery.
  • A Castle in the Air concludes the main Thorne Manor arc as Portia Hastings braves the time slip to rescue her sister.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the A Stitch in Time series?

You should start with the very first novel, A Stitch in Time (2020). It introduces Thorne Manor, establishes the rules of the time-travel slip, and lays the narrative groundwork for subsequent books.

QAre the holiday novellas necessary to understand the main plot?

While they are not strictly mandatory to follow the central romance of each main book, they are highly recommended. They provide important character updates and bridge the events between the novels.

QWhat is Christmas at Thorne Manor?

Christmas at Thorne Manor is a compilation book that collects the three holiday novellas (Ballgowns & Butterflies, Snowstorms & Sleigh Bells, and Ghosts & Garlands) into one paperback, hardcover, and audiobook package.

QIs the A Stitch in Time series finished?

Yes. The main story arc wrapped up with the publication of the fourth novel, A Castle in the Air, in 2023. The author has indicated she might return to this world eventually, but no new books are planned.

QIs this series connected to Kelley Armstrong's other time-travel books?

No. While Kelley Armstrong has written another popular historical time-travel mystery series called A Rip Through Time, the two series are completely separate and do not share characters or portals.