Books On Board

Tending Roses Books in Order

  • 5 Books
  • 2001 – 2007 Published

Amazon links here are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reading order
1 of 1 reading orders shown

How to Read the Tending Roses Series

Lisa Wingate’s Tending Roses series is a collection of five inspirational novels that focus on family dynamics, healing, faith, and the wisdom of simpler times. Because the series centers around a Missouri farm and features overlapping characters, the recommended way to read the books is in their original publication order. This path allows you to watch character arcs unfold naturally, particularly the journey of Dell Jordan, who connects multiple books in the lineup.

Publication Order of the Tending Roses Books

  1. Tending Roses (2001) – Introduces Kate Bowman, who returns to her grandmother’s Missouri farm and discovers life-changing wisdom written in Grandma Rose’s personal journal.
  2. Good Hope Road (2003) – Follows Jenilee Lane as she rebuilds her life and discovers community support after a devastating tornado sweeps through her town.
  3. The Language of Sycamores (2005) – Centers on Karen Sommerfield, who retreats to the family farm to heal after a series of life-altering professional and health crises.
  4. Drenched in Light (2006) – Focuses on Julia Costell, a former dancer turned school counselor who forms a deep bond with a troubled young girl named Dell Jordan.
  5. A Thousand Voices (2007) – Wraps up the series by following a twenty-year-old Dell Jordan as she searches for her roots and heritage within the Choctaw Nation.

Chronological Order and Continuity Caveats

While reading in publication order is highly recommended, it is not strictly mandatory for every book. The timeline of the stories matches the order of publication, with events progressing chronologically. In particular, Drenched in Light and A Thousand Voices should definitely be read in order, as they form a continuous story arc for the character of Dell Jordan. Reading A Thousand Voices before Drenched in Light will spoil key elements of Dell’s childhood, adoption, and personal struggles.

The other books, such as Good Hope Road and The Language of Sycamores, function largely as standalone stories. However, because they share the same comforting Missouri farm setting and general timeline, reading them in order provides the best sense of community progression.

What to Know Before You Start

Lisa Wingate was inspired to write the debut novel, Tending Roses, based on her own personal experiences caring for her grandmother. This real-life warmth and emotional depth define the entire series. The books are categorised as inspirational contemporary fiction, blending quiet faith, family struggles, and personal transformation without being overly preachy. Readers who enjoy gentle, slow-paced stories with strong moral themes will find themselves right at home.

Spin-offs and Connected Works

If you finish the Tending Roses series and are eager for more, Lisa Wingate has interconnected some of her other works. The characters from the farm, including Dell Jordan, make crossover appearances in her Blue Sky Hill series. Reading the Blue Sky Hill books is highly recommended for fans who want to see where these characters end up. The Blue Sky Hill books include:

  • A Month of Summer (2008)
  • The Summer Kitchen (2009)
  • Beyond Summer (2010)
  • Dandelion Summer (2011)

Frequently Asked

Can the Tending Roses books be read as standalones?

Yes, most books in the series can be read as standalones because they feature different protagonists and self-contained plots. However, it is highly recommended to read Drenched in Light before A Thousand Voices due to the continuous character development of Dell Jordan.

What is the best starting point for the series?

The best starting point is the first book, Tending Roses (2001). It establishes the setting of the Missouri farm and the themes of intergenerational wisdom that define the rest of the series.

Who is the main character in the Tending Roses series?

There is no single main character. Instead, the series features a multigenerational cast of different women, such as Kate Bowman, Jenilee Lane, Karen Sommerfield, Julia Costell, and Dell Jordan, who are all connected by the Missouri farm.

How are Tending Roses and the Blue Sky Hill series connected?

The two series are connected through character crossovers. Characters from the Tending Roses series, most notably Dell Jordan, appear in the Blue Sky Hill series to provide updates on their lives.

Are there any co-authored books or tie-ins in this series?

No. All five books in the Tending Roses series were written solely by Lisa Wingate, and there are no official co-authored books, short stories, or novellas attached to the series.