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series Reading Order

Carter House Girls Books in Order

8 Books
2008 – 2010 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Carter House Girls Series

Written by Melody Carlson, the Carter House Girls series follows a group of diverse teenagers residing in a Victorian boarding house under the guidance of Katherine Carter, a glamorous former fashion icon. Because the books follow a continuous timeline of high school drama, evolving friendships, romance, and spiritual growth, the series should be read strictly in order of publication.

The Recommended Reading Order

Starting with DJ's arrival at the boarding house and concluding with the girls' high school graduation and prom, here is the complete checklist of the eight novels in the series:

  1. Mixed Bags (2008) – DJ moves in with her grandmother, Katherine Carter, and meets her new housemates.
  2. Stealing Bradford (2008) – A rivalry erupts when Taylor pursues Rhiannon's boyfriend.
  3. Homecoming Queen (2008) – The girls compete for the coveted homecoming crown while dealing with jealousy.
  4. Viva Vermont! (2008) – The housemates head to a snowy getaway, bringing winter sports and relationship drama.
  5. Lost in Las Vegas (2009) – A trip to Las Vegas tests the girls' boundaries, values, and friendship.
  6. New York Debut (2009) – The girls hit the runways of Fashion Week and face intense peer pressures.
  7. Spring Breakdown (2009) – Spring break brings romance, sibling tension, and tough personal choices.
  8. The Last Dance (2010) – The final stretch of the school year leads to prom, graduation, and bittersweet farewells.

Crossovers and What to Read Next

The On the Runway Connection

While Carter House Girls does not have a direct sequel series, Melody Carlson's fashion-focused YA series On the Runway (which follows sisters Paige and Erin Forrester) takes place in the same literary universe. Characters from the Carter House boarding house make cameo appearances and are mentioned in the show-biz pages of the series, making it the perfect follow-up reading list for fans.

Other Series by Melody Carlson

If you love the faith-friendly themes, ensemble cast dynamics, and contemporary drama of the Carter House Girls, you might also enjoy these other series by Melody Carlson:

  • Diary of a Teenage Girl – A long-running Christian YA series following different girls navigating their teen years and faith.
  • 86 Bloomberg Place – A series focusing on a group of young women living together in a co-op house, offering a similar found-family dynamic.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Carter House Girls series?

You should start with the first book, Mixed Bags, published in 2008. The series has a continuous storyline that follows the characters through their school years.

QDo I need to read the Carter House Girls books in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended to read them in order. The characters grow, their relationships change, and the overarching plot runs sequentially from book 1 through book 8.

QIs there a spin-off or sequel to Carter House Girls?

There is no direct sequel, but Melody Carlson's fashion-themed series On the Runway features cameos and references to characters from the Carter House Girls, serving as a spiritual successor.

QWhat age group is the Carter House Girls series intended for?

The series is written for young adults (teens aged 12-17) and deals with typical high school issues, peer pressure, and faith-driven decision making.

QAre there Christian themes in these boarding school books?

Yes, author Melody Carlson writes Christian fiction. The girls navigate modern teen issues like dating, body image, and substance pressure through a lens of faith, grace, and personal values.