How to Read the South Carolina Sunsets Series in Order
Rachel Hanna's beloved South Carolina Sunsets series is best read in publication order. Because the books follow a continuous timeline where characters age, relationships evolve, and family secrets are gradually revealed, jumping in midway will lead to major spoilers. The series centers on the fictional small town of Seagrove, South Carolina, tracking the emotional journeys of local residents, especially the main protagonist Julie and her family.
Here is the recommended reading path for the entire 12-book series:
- The Beach House (2019): The series opener introduces Julie, a 43-year-old divorcee who escapes to Seagrove to rebuild her life. She begins renovating an old beach house, reconnects with her estranged sister, and crosses paths with Dawson, the owner of a local inn.
- Sunsets & Second Chances (2019): Julie and Dawson's relationship faces its first real tests. As Christmas approaches, long-held family secrets threaten to disrupt the fragile peace they've built in Seagrove.
- Fireflies & Family Ties (2020): The spotlight shifts slightly to Julie's daughter, Meg, who returns to Seagrove after facing her own life struggles. As Meg tries to find her footing, Julie and Dawson navigate their changing family dynamics.
- The Inn At Seagrove (2020): Focuses on the challenges and joys of running the town's local inn, centering around community efforts and the growing bonds between the town's residents.
- The Wedding At Seagrove (2020): The community prepares for a major celebration as Julie and Dawson take the next big step in their lives, though unexpected family drama threatens to derail the big day.
- A Seagrove Christmas (2020): A cozy holiday-themed installment that explores winter traditions in the Lowcountry, highlighting the warmth of family and community during a festive season.
- Lighthouse Cove (2021): New arrivals in Seagrove bring fresh stories of healing and recovery. This book highlights how the town serves as a sanctuary for those looking to start over.
- Beneath The Willow Tree (2021): Introduces two foster sisters who inherit a local property together. They must confront their painful pasts and learn to forgive each other to move forward.
- Mutts & Magnolias (2022): Focuses on Seagrove's local animal shelter, blending a sweet, animal-loving romance with the series' signature themes of community support and second chances.
- Chasing Sunsets (2023): Explores the lives of the town's younger generation and newcomers as they face modern relationship hurdles against the timeless Lowcountry backdrop.
- Sea Glass Summer (2024): A summer-focused tale of transformation, detailing how a seasonal visit to Seagrove can permanently alter the course of a person's life.
- Serenity at Seagrove (2025): The twelfth book ties together the journeys of both long-term couples and newer residents, showcasing the peaceful, sunset-filled life they have successfully built together.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the South Carolina Sunsets series, the publication order and chronological order are identical. Rachel Hanna wrote the books in a linear timeline, starting in 2019 and progressing through 2025. Because the characters grow older and their family structures shift from book to book, readers should avoid reading the novels out of order.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the world of Seagrove, here are a few key aspects to keep in mind:
- Wholesome Tone: The series is written at what the author calls a "Just Kisses" heat level. There is no explicit content or heavy language, making it a cozy, clean option for fans of heartwarming women's fiction.
- Hallmark-Style Appeal: The setting of Seagrove feels like a character itself. With marshes, beaches, and local gatherings, it offers a relaxing, comforting escape similar to the works of Debbie Macomber or Sherryl Woods.
- Focus on Mature Protagonists: Unlike many contemporary romances, the series begins with a 43-year-old heroine who has already raised a family. This focus on finding love, purpose, and second chances later in life is one of the main reasons the series resonates so strongly with readers.
Are There Any Spin-offs or Crossovers?
While Rachel Hanna has written several popular series set in the South, she has explicitly stated that they do not feature direct crossovers or shared storylines. Each series is set in its own fictional town with a unique cast of characters. However, if you finish the 12 books of South Carolina Sunsets and want a similar experience, you can explore her other works:
- The Lowcountry Ladies Club: A newer series set in a similar South Carolina coastal region, starting with The Wexley Inn.
- Sweet Tea B&B: A series set in the Blue Ridge Mountains that shares the same clean, small-town romance elements.
- January Cove & Wisteria Island: Other popular beach-based romance series by the author that deliver similar uplifting themes.