Hideaway, Missouri Books in Order

Welcome to Hideaway, Missouri

Tucked away along the rugged shores of Table Rock Lake in the Missouri Ozarks, the fictional town of Hideaway serves as the perfect setting for small-town secrets, heartwarming romance, and faith-fueled suspense. Written by the husband-and-wife writing duo Cheryl and Mel Hodde under the pen name Hannah Alexander, the Hideaway, Missouri series combines Cheryl's romantic storytelling with Mel's professional expertise as an emergency medicine physician. The result is a beloved ten-book collection featuring medical realism, spiritual themes, and pulse-pounding drama.

Whether you are a longtime fan of Christian romantic suspense or a newcomer looking for a cozy but thrilling series to dive into, this guide will help you find the best way to read the Hideaway novels.

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the series in its publication order. While each book features a self-contained mystery and a dedicated romance, the characters, community dynamics, and medical staff at the local clinic develop chronologically. Below is the complete reading path, including the often-overlooked companion novella:

1. Hideaway (2003) - The debut novel that introduces ER doctor Cheyenne Allison as she escapes to the Ozarks after a family tragedy, only to find herself targeted by a local vandal. She crosses paths with rancher Dane Gideon and begins to rebuild her faith.
2. Safe Haven (2004) - Focuses on teenage fugitive Fawn Morrison who seeks refuge in Hideaway, pulling Dr. Karah Lee Fletcher and Ranger Taylor Jackson into a high-stakes web of danger.
3. A Father's Sins (2005) - A companion novella (Book 2.5) originally released as a Harlequin online read. It bridges the events between the second and third novels.
4. Last Resort (2005) - Follows Noelle Cooper as she searches for her missing cousin, teaming up with childhood friend Nathan Trask to uncover deep-seated family secrets.
5. Note of Peril (2005) - Grace Brennan, a country music singer performing in nearby Branson, receives a menacing gift that threatens to expose her past. Costar Michael Gold steps in to help her face the threat.
6. Fair Warning (2006) - Willow Traynor, an ICU nurse recovering from a suspicious car accident, flees to Hideaway for peace, only to face arson and danger alongside Dr. Graham Vaughn.
7. Under Suspicion (2006) - Follows Shona Tremaine as she becomes the prime suspect in her father's murder, forcing her to untangle a web of lies to clear her name.
8. Grave Risk (2007) - Focuses on nurse Jill Cooper, who must confront old wounds and youthful traumas when two former sweethearts return to town following the sudden death of a beloved school principal.
9. Death Benefits (2007) - Ginger Carpenter finds her vacation turning into a nightmare when an escaped killer targets her foster nieces, forcing her to trust Dr. Ray Clyde, a man from her past.
10. Double Blind (2008) - Follows nurse Sheila Metcalf as she returns to her childhood home in Navajoland to investigate a series of mysterious deaths, supported by her boyfriend Preston Black. (Note: An updated and refreshed edition of this book was published in 2026).
11. Hideaway Home (2008) - A historical romance set during World War II, following returning soldier Red Meyers and his high school sweetheart Bertie Moennig as they face a local mystery.

Publication vs. Chronological Order

For the vast majority of the series, publication order and chronological order match perfectly. The contemporary books flow from one year to the next, building on the relationships of the townspeople and the local medical clinic. However, there are two key exceptions to keep in mind:

The World War II Prequel: Hideaway Home

The final book in the series, Hideaway Home, is a historical romance set during World War War II. Chronologically, this book takes place decades before the events of Hideaway. It details the history of the older generations of the town, specifically focusing on characters who appear as senior citizens in the contemporary novels. While you could technically read this first, we recommend reading it last. The shift in tone from contemporary medical suspense to historical romance is best appreciated once you are already emotionally invested in the town of Hideaway and its history.

The Novella: A Father's Sins

Originally published as a free online read by Harlequin in 2005, the novella A Father's Sins is officially designated as Book 2.5. It takes place immediately after Safe Haven. If you are aiming for a complete chronological run, track down this novella (which was later printed in the Captain of Her Heart anthology) and read it right after Book 2.

The Best Starting Point for Readers

If you want to get the most out of the series, start with the very first book, Hideaway (2003). Starting here allows you to experience the town just as the protagonist, Dr. Cheyenne Allison, does—as an outsider discovering a tight-knit community for the first time. Reading the books sequentially allows you to enjoy the recurring appearances of the medical staff, such as Dr. Karah Lee Fletcher, and witness the growth of the Ozarks community over time. If you decide to read them as standalones, you won't be lost on the core mystery, but you will miss the rich character continuity that makes Hideaway feel like a real place.

The 1990 Publication Date Discrepancy

If you look up the Hideaway series in library catalogs or online databases, you may occasionally see the first book, Hideaway, listed with a publication date of 1990. This is a cataloging error. Cheryl and Mel Hodde did not debut their collaborative pen name, Hannah Alexander, until 1999 with the release of their novel Sacred Trust. The first edition of Hideaway was officially published in October 2003 by Steeple Hill (a Harlequin imprint founded in 1997). Readers looking for the physical books can rest assured that the series began in 2003, not 1990.