Dare Valley Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Dare Valley

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to start the series with the first book, Nora Roberts Land. This novel sets the stage for the entire series, introducing the town of Dare Valley, its tight-knit community, and the influential Hale family. While each book in the series features a self-contained romance with a satisfying happily-ever-after, reading them in order allows you to watch the characters grow, see relationships develop, and enjoy recurring town jokes and subplots.

Dare Valley Books in Publication Order

Following the publication order is the easiest way to experience Dare Valley as the author intended. Below is the list of all twelve novels and one novella in the primary series:

1. Nora Roberts Land (2013): The series opener follows Meredith Hale, a newly divorced journalist who returns to Dare Valley to prove that true love exists. She collides with Tanner McBride, an undercover journalist who might just be the hero she is looking for.
2. French Roast (2013): Focuses on Jill Hale (Meredith's sister) and Brian McConnell, a talented local chef. Together, they navigate past betrayals and try to build a future around Dare Valley's premier coffeehouse.
3. The Grand Opening (2013): Deputy Sheriff Peggy McBride guards her heart closely, but hotelier Mac Maven is determined to win her over during the chaotic grand opening of the Grand Mountain Hotel.
4. The Holiday Serenade (2013): This cozy novella focuses on Abbie Maven (Mac's sister) and professional gambler Rhett Butler Blaylock as they find romance during the festive season.
5. The Town Square (2013): Arthur Hale, the patriarch of the town's newspaper, and Harriet Wentworth share a deep history. This book explores their early days, detailing how they overcame a family feud and built a life together.
6. The Park of Sunset Dreams (2014): Tells the story of Jane Wilcox and Matt Hale. Both must confront past heartbreaks and emotional ghosts to build a future together.
7. The Perfect Ingredient (2014): Elizabeth Saunders, a woman with a dangerous past, finds refuge in Dare Valley and catches the eye of chef Terrance Waters.
8. The Bridge to a Better Life (2015): Retired NFL quarterback Blake Cunningham is determined to win back his ex-wife, Natalie Hale. He literally builds a bridge between their properties to show his devotion.
9. Daring Brides (2015): A special collection of wedding-themed stories (often listed as Book 8.5) that checks in on the series' favorite couples as they finally prepare to walk down the aisle.
10. The Calendar of New Beginnings (2016): Reconnects widowed doctor Andy Hale with his childhood friend, photojournalist Lucy O'Brien, as they collaborate on a charity calendar.
11. Home Sweet Love (2017): Businessman Chase Parker is recovering from a skiing accident under the care of Moira Hale, whose practical nature helps him heal both physically and emotionally.
12. The Moonlight Serenade (2017): A romantic prequel story focusing on the early, intense connection between Arthur Hale and Harriet Wentworth as they navigate Arthur's journalistic ambitions and Harriet's search for justice.
13. The Sky of Endless Blue (2018): Follows Caroline Hale and art museum founder J.T. Merriam as they try to secure their happiness despite interference from his vindictive ex-wife.

Chronological Insights & Backstory Focus

While the publication order is generally chronological, two key entries diverge to focus on the town's foundational matchmakers, Arthur Hale and Harriet Wentworth. The Town Square (Book 5) and The Moonlight Serenade (Book 12) explore their backstory, family conflicts, and the early days of their romance. If you want a strictly chronological experience, you can read The Moonlight Serenade and The Town Square first to understand the history of the Hale family newspaper before diving into Meredith's modern-day romance in Nora Roberts Land. However, reading them in publication order remains the most satisfying path for most fans.

The Extended Universe: Spin-offs and Crossovers

If you finish the main Dare Valley series and want more small-town charm, Ava Miles has written two closely connected spin-off tracks:

The Dare River Series

Set just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, the Dare River series shifts focus to the country music industry and the Hollins family. While it is set in a different region, characters from Dare Valley occasionally cross paths with the residents of Dare River. The reading order for this spin-off is:

• Country Heaven (2014)
• The Chocolate Garden (2014)
• Fireflies and Magnolias (2015)
• The Promise of Rainbows (2016)
• The Fountain of Infinite Wishes (2016)
• The Patchwork Quilt of Happiness (2018)

Dare Valley Meets Paris

This four-part billionaire romance miniseries follows the romance of Evan Michaels and Margie Lancaster. It serves as a fun crossover that bridges the cozy vibes of Dare Valley with the high-society glamour of Paris. The books should be read in this sequence: The Billionaire's Gamble, The Billionaire's Secret, The Billionaire's Courtship, and The Billionaire's Return.