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series Reading Order

American’s Lady Books in Order

7 Books
1987 – 2012 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the American’s Lady (Wynette, Texas) Series

While Susan Elizabeth Phillips has designed every book in the Wynette, Texas series (officially tracked in some databases as the American’s Lady series) to be read as a standalone romance, diving into them in order offers a highly satisfying experience. The series features a rich web of recurring characters, close friendships, and next-generation offspring who inherit their parents' spotlight. Reading in publication order allows you to watch the children of earlier couples grow up to become the protagonists of later books.

Recommended Reading Order (Publication Order)

To fully appreciate the cameos, family dynamics, and returning characters, we recommend reading the books in the order they were published:

  1. Glitter Baby (1987): Set primarily in the glittering worlds of Hollywood and Paris, this book introduces Fleur Savagar and Jake Koranda. Their daughter, Meg, later becomes the heroine of Call Me Irresistible.
  2. Fancy Pants (1989): The first official book set directly in the town of Wynette, featuring Francesca Day and golf pro Dallie Beaudine. Their son, Ted, grows up to be the town's beloved "golden boy" and the hero of Call Me Irresistible.
  3. Lady Be Good (1999): Emma Wells-Finch, a proper British headmistress, meets Kenny Traveler, a suspended pro golfer who is a friend and pupil of Dallie Beaudine.
  4. First Lady (2000): Nealy Coleman, a widowed First Lady on the run, falls for Mat Jorik. Mat’s daughter, Lucy Jorik, later becomes a central figure in Call Me Irresistible and the protagonist of The Great Escape.
  5. What I Did for Love (2009): Focuses on Hollywood star Georgie York and Bramwell Shepard. Meg Koranda makes a vital guest appearance here before her own story begins.
  6. Call Me Irresistible (2011): The ultimate crossover book of the series. It stars Ted Beaudine (son of the Fancy Pants couple) and Meg Koranda (daughter of the Glitter Baby couple). The story kicks off when Meg convinces Ted's fiancée, Lucy Jorik, to run away from the wedding.
  7. The Great Escape (2012): Directly follows the aftermath of Call Me Irresistible, focusing on Lucy Jorik's journey of self-discovery and romance with Ted "Panda" Todd after fleeing her wedding.

The Essential Tie-In Short Story

For completionists, there is a companion piece titled "My Secret Service Valentine". Originally published in a promotional bookstore magazine to coincide with the release of First Lady, this short story features secondary characters Toni DeLucca and Jason Williams from First Lady. It is best read immediately after finishing book 4.

Frequently Asked

QCan the books in the Wynette, Texas / American’s Lady series be read as standalones?

Yes. The author, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, has confirmed that each novel functions as a standalone story with its own complete romantic arc. However, reading them in order enhances the experience because of the recurring characters and family connections.

QHow are Glitter Baby and Fancy Pants connected to the rest of the series?

These early books introduce the anchor couples of the series. The main characters of Glitter Baby (Fleur and Jake) and Fancy Pants (Francesca and Dallie) have children (Meg Koranda and Ted Beaudine) who eventually meet, clash, and fall in love in Call Me Irresistible.

QWho is Lucy Jorik and which books should I read to follow her story?

Lucy Jorik is introduced as a child in First Lady (where her stepmother is the protagonist). She grows up to be the runaway bride in Call Me Irresistible, and her runaway escape and subsequent romance are the core plot of The Great Escape.

QWhere does the short story 'My Secret Service Valentine' fit in?

This is a short companion story featuring Toni DeLucca and Jason Williams, characters from First Lady. You should read it right after finishing First Lady.

QWhat is the relationship between the 'American’s Lady' series and 'Wynette, Texas'?

They are the same series. While fans and the author usually refer to it as the Wynette, Texas series, some international publishers and databases list it under the name American’s Lady.