The Recommended Reading Order
For the best reading experience, we recommend reading the Candle Beach series in publication order. While each book is written as a standalone contemporary romance with a happy ending, the character stories and town developments are deeply interconnected. Characters from earlier books frequently reappear as supporting cast in later books, and businesses built in one novel serve as key locations in subsequent stories.
Candle Beach Books in Order
- Sweet Beginnings (2017) – Follows Dahlia Winters as she inherits a struggling bookstore and Garrett Callahan, a newcomer helping her revive it.
- Sweet Success (2017) – Follows Gretchen Roberts as she returns to Candle Beach and navigates a competitive career rivalry.
- Sweet Promises (2017) – Follows Maggie Price, a young widow running the Bluebonnet Cafe, and Jake Price, her late husband's brother.
- Sweet Memories (2018) – Follows pastry chef Angel Bennett as she uncovers family secrets with the help of journalist Adam Rigg.
- Sweet History (2018) – Follows Charlotte Gray and her Airstream gift shop alongside Luke Tisdale's neighboring BBQ food truck.
- Sweet Matchmaking (2018) – Follows Sarah Rigg as she finally gets her own shot at love with Patrick Willett.
- Sweet Surprises (2019) – Follows Maura Lee's battle to preserve a historic hotel against hotelier Aidan O'Connor.
- Sweet Sacrifices (2019) – Follows interior designer Amelia O'Connor and Hollywood actor Jordan Rivers at the newly renovated hotel.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
There is no complex timeline to navigate here. The chronological events of the series match the publication order exactly. Reading the books in the order they were released ensures that you will not encounter minor spoilers about previous couples' marriages, new local businesses, or town gossip.
Related Series to Read Next
If you've finished all eight books and want more of Nicole Ellis's clean, sweet romance style, her Willa Bay series is the perfect next step. It delivers the same cozy coastal charm and small-town feel. For readers who enjoy a side of amateur sleuthing, her Jill Andrews Cozy Mystery series is also highly recommended.