The Recommended Reading Order
If you are heading into Katy Regnery's Heart of Montana series, the best way to experience the stories is in publication order. Because the books follow the tightly knit Lindstrom family and their close friends in the small town of Gardiner, Montana (just outside Yellowstone National Park), characters from earlier stories frequently pop up as supporting cast. Reading the books sequentially allows you to enjoy their family dynamics and watch relationships develop organically over time.
Here is the complete narrative reading order for the Heart of Montana series:
- By Proxy (2013) – Centered on Jenny Lindstrom and Sam Kelley.
- The Christmas Wish (2013) – Centered on Tess Branson and Lucas Flynn (often designated as Book 1.5).
- Midsummer Sweetheart (2014) – Centered on Erik Lindstrom and Kat Svenson.
- See Jane Fall (2014) – Centered on Lars Lindstrom and Jane Mays.
- Meeting Miss Mystic (2014) – Centered on Paul Johansson and Zoe Flannigan.
- What Were You Expecting? (2014) – Centered on Nils Lindstrom and Maggie Campbell.
Core Collections vs. The Complete Series
Depending on where you look up this series, you might see lists that omit certain books. In our database collection, the series is cataloged with four primary titles: By Proxy, Midsummer Sweetheart, Meeting Miss Mystic, and What Were You Expecting?. This is because these four books form the core spine of the Lindstrom family's primary novels.
However, to get the absolute most out of the Gardiner, Montana setting, we highly recommend adding the novella The Christmas Wish (which focuses on Tess Branson, a local waitress, and ex-convict Lucas Flynn) and See Jane Fall (the story of Lars Lindstrom and assistant Jane Mays) to your TBR list. They are integral to the town's community and keep the timelines flowing smoothly.
Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. By Proxy (2013)
The series kicks off with By Proxy, which introduces us to schoolteacher Jenny Lindstrom and city-slicker Sam Kelley. When their respective best friends decide to get married by proxy, Jenny and Sam step in to stand before the judge. A series of humorous mishaps leaves them stranded together in Gardiner. As conservative, small-town values clash with fast-paced corporate ambitions, they discover an undeniable connection that challenges their plans for the future.
2. The Christmas Wish (2013)
Often categorized as Book 1.5, this festive novella pivots to Tess Branson, a local waitress struggling with a reputation she didn't entirely earn, and Lucas Flynn, a quiet ex-con seeking a fresh start after serving time to protect his family. Together, they discover the healing power of forgiveness and the hope of second chances under the Christmas lights of Gardiner.
3. Midsummer Sweetheart (2014)
This installment follows Erik Lindstrom, a rugged Montana man who is surprised when his childhood sweetheart, Kat Svenson, returns to town. Years after a painful separation, they must confront past misunderstandings and determine if the spark that once bound them can be rekindled into a lasting, mature love.
4. See Jane Fall (2014)
Lars Lindstrom, an easygoing Yellowstone tour guide, meets Jane Mays, a smart-mouthed assistant managing a high-profile fashion shoot for her demanding cousin. Jane feels out of place among the glamorous models, but Lars sees her true beauty and strength. Their developing relationship is tested by external drama, pushing Jane to stand tall and trust in love.
5. Meeting Miss Mystic (2014)
High school principal Paul Johansson has given up on traditional dating. Egged on by friends, he tries an online dating site and connects with 'Holly Morgan,' who is actually Zoe Flannigan, an art teacher hiding from her past after a traumatic accident left her scarred. As they write to each other, they build a deep, vulnerable connection that must eventually bridge the physical distance between Connecticut and Montana.
6. What Were You Expecting? (2014)
The series culminates with Nils Lindstrom and Maggie Campbell. Nils and Maggie have harbored a mutual attraction for years, but painful secrets have kept them at arm's length. When Maggie faces sudden deportation due to an expired visa, Nils steps in with a marriage of convenience. Living under the same roof forces them to confront their fears and realize that a convenient arrangement might just be the real thing.
What to Know Before You Start: Regnery vs. Paige
When searching online or browsing digital retailers for the Heart of Montana books, you may find them published under two different names: Katy Regnery and Katy Paige. Don't worry—they are the exact same books by the same author!
Katy Regnery is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for contemporary romances. Over time, she established the pen name Katy Paige specifically to brand her 'clean' and wholesome romance releases. Because the Heart of Montana series features sweet, small-town romance with a focus on family and emotional connections, it has been re-branded and re-released under the Katy Paige name on several platforms. Keep this in mind when searching for physical or digital copies.
Frequently Asked Questions & Reader Guidance
If you are wondering whether you can jump into the series out of order, the answer is yes. Each book is written as a standalone story with its own couple and a satisfying resolution. However, we strongly advise starting with By Proxy because it sets up the Lindstrom family dynamic and establishes the geography of Gardiner. Skip around if you must, but you will miss the fun of seeing couples from previous books tease their siblings in the background!