Where to Start with the Cody Gunner Series
For the best experience, you should read the Cody Gunner series in its original publication order. Because the books follow Cody’s emotional growth, family dynamics, and spiritual healing sequentially, reading them out of order will spoil major plot points and lessen the impact of his transformation.
Cody Gunner Books in Order
Here is the recommended reading path for the Cody Gunner trilogy:
- A Thousand Tomorrows (2005): Introduces Cody Gunner, a brash bull rider fueled by resentment toward his father. His life changes when he meets Ali Daniels, a brave barrel racer hiding a battle with cystic fibrosis.
- Just Beyond the Clouds (2007): Cody, now dealing with deep grief, struggles to let go of his protective grip on his younger brother Carl Joseph, who has Down syndrome and wants independence. Cody's heart is challenged when he meets Carl's teacher, Elle Dalton.
- This Side of Heaven (2009): The final installment brings the family's journey full circle, addressing reconciliation, forgiveness, and the power of grace as Cody learns to fully heal and move forward.
Crucial Crossover Clarification: Cody Gunner vs. Cody Coleman
A frequent question from Karen Kingsbury readers is whether Cody Gunner connects to the vast Baxter Family universe. The answer is no. The Cody Gunner trilogy is a standalone series with no character crossovers. The confusion comes from Cody Coleman, a central character in the Baxter Family books. Despite the shared first name, Cody Gunner and Cody Coleman are entirely different people in separate book universes.
TV Adaptation: A Thousand Tomorrows
In 2023, the first book, A Thousand Tomorrows, was adapted into a television miniseries on the streaming service Pure Flix (now Great American Pure Flix). The show faithfully adapts Cody and Ali's emotional romance and provides an excellent visual companion to the trilogy.