Books On Board

Whiskey Creek Books in Order

  • 21 Books
  • 2012 – 2021 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order for Whiskey Creek

Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek is an emotionally charged contemporary romance series set in a tight-knit, fictional town in California's Gold Country. The stories follow a group of lifelong friends as they navigate love, heartbreak, betrayal, and redemption. Because the characters are deeply interconnected and their individual story arcs evolve across the background of other books, the absolute best way to experience Whiskey Creek is in publication order.

While each book features a self-contained romance with a satisfying happily-ever-after for the main couple, reading them in order allows you to watch the relationships between the recurring characters develop naturally. Major plot points, such as the town's reaction to long-held secrets and the ongoing struggles of secondary characters, carry over from book to book.

Whiskey Creek Books in Publication Order

Here is the complete publication order for the main Whiskey Creek series, starting with the introductory prequel novella:

  • When We Touch (Book 0.5 / 2012): A prequel novella that introduces wedding planner Olivia Arnold and the dramatic betrayal that sets the stage for the town's interpersonal dynamics.
  • When Lightning Strikes (Book 1 / 2012): The first full-length novel in the series, following Gail DeMarco and Simon Fitzpatrick as a fake relationship turns into real, intense passion.
  • When Snow Falls (Book 2 / 2012): The story of Cheyenne Christensen, a woman trying to escape her past, and Dylan Amos, the town's resident bad boy who decides to protect her.
  • When Summer Comes (Book 3 / 2013): Centers on Callie Vanetta, a woman facing a quiet crisis, and Levi McCloud, a mysterious stranger who comes to her rescue.
  • Home to Whiskey Creek (Book 4 / 2013): Follows Adelaide Davies as she returns to Whiskey Creek to face the secrets and gossip she left behind, only to find support from Noah Rackham.
  • Take Me Home for Christmas (Book 5 / 2013): A festive romance featuring Sophia Coventry and Ted Richardson, exploring second chances during the holiday season.
  • Come Home to Me (Book 6 / 2014): The story of Presley Christensen, who is trying to rebuild her life with her young son, and Aaron Amos, the man who wants to help her heal.
  • The Heart of Christmas (Book 7 / 2014): A heartwarming holiday read focusing on Eve Harmon, who is ready for a real commitment, and local cop Glen Sanchez, who is hesitant to open his heart.
  • This Heart of Mine (Book 8 / 2015): An emotional powerhouse of a story following Phoenix Farraday after her release from prison as she tries to reclaim her life and her relationship with Riley Stinson.
  • A Winter Wedding (Book 9 / 2015): Focuses on Kyle Houseman, a man who has always been second choice, and Lourdes Bennett, a woman with secrets of her own.
  • Discovering You (Book 10 / 2016): The final installment of the main series, following India Henderson as she tries to protect her daughter and finds unexpected love with Rod Amos.

The Silver Springs Connection: The Companion Spin-Off Series

After wrapping up the main Whiskey Creek storyline, Brenda Novak expanded her small-town universe with the Silver Springs series. Set in another picturesque town in California, Silver Springs features the same high-stakes emotional drama, complex family dynamics, and warm community vibes. Characters from Whiskey Creek occasionally cross over or are referenced, making it the perfect next step for fans who aren't ready to leave Novak's fictional world behind.

We recommend reading Silver Springs immediately after completing Whiskey Creek. Here is the publication order for the Silver Springs series:

  • Finding Our Forever (Book 1 / 2017): Focuses on Cora Kelly as she searches for her biological family and finds love with school principal Elijah Montgomery.
  • No One But You (Book 2 / 2017): Follows Sadie Loveland as she tries to rebuild her life and finds comfort in the arms of Archer West.
  • Until You Loved Me (Book 3 / 2017): The story of Ellie Dent and Devlin Hudson, featuring a high-stakes emotional journey of healing and trust.
  • Right Where We Belong (Book 4 / 2017): Centers on Savanna Gray, who is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating betrayal, and Gavin Turner.
  • Unforgettable You (Book 5 / 2019): Follows Joy Rivera and Dylan Forester as they navigate secrets and an unexpected connection.
  • Christmas in Silver Springs (Book 6 / 2019): A holiday romance centering on Harper Devlin as she tries to save her family and finds a new path with Tobias Morrison.
  • A California Christmas (Book 7 / 2020): Focuses on Emery Martinez and Jonathan Hale as they try to move past old wounds during the winter season.
  • When I Found You (Book 8 / 2021): The story of modern-day romance and second chances featuring local residents finding unexpected love.
  • Home for the Holidays (Book 9 / 2021): A festive tale about family reunions, healing, and romantic sparks in the snow.
  • Keep Me Warm at Christmas (Book 10 / 2021): A cozy holiday romance that brings the Silver Springs series to a satisfying, heartwarming conclusion.

What to Know Before You Start Reading

Before you dive into the series, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Whiskey Creek:

Should you start with the prequel novella?

While When We Touch is numbered as Book 0.5, it was published right before the first full-length novel. It is quite short and does a wonderful job of introducing the core group of friends and setting up the emotional backdrop of the town. However, if you prefer starting with a full-length book, you can safely begin with When Lightning Strikes and read the prequel later as a flashback.

Are the books standalone?

Yes and no. Technically, each book features a complete romantic arc for a single couple, meaning you will get a resolved ending in every book. However, the overarching subplots involving the townspeople, family secrets, and the close friendships among the characters span the entire series. Reading them out of order will spoil previous couples' endings and might leave you confused about the history between recurring characters.

What is the tone of the series?

Brenda Novak is known for writing contemporary romance with significant emotional depth. While there are plenty of warm, humorous, and romantic moments, the books also tackle heavy real-world issues such as betrayal, grief, incarceration, and trauma. It is a small-town romance series, but it has a realistic, dramatic edge that sets it apart from lighter cozy romances.

Frequently Asked

Do I have to read the Whiskey Creek books in order?

While each book features a standalone romance, it is highly recommended to read them in publication order. The characters are closely connected, and major background plotlines and relationships evolve throughout the series.

What is the first book in the Whiskey Creek series?

The series begins with the prequel novella When We Touch, followed by the first full-length novel, When Lightning Strikes. Both were published in 2012.

How is Silver Springs connected to Whiskey Creek?

Silver Springs is a spin-off series set in the same fictional universe. It features a similar contemporary romance style and features occasional character crossovers and references to the events in Whiskey Creek.

Are there holiday books in the Whiskey Creek series?

Yes. The series features several festive holiday romances, including Take Me Home for Christmas, The Heart of Christmas, and A Winter Wedding, which are numbered parts of the main continuity.

What themes does Brenda Novak write about in Whiskey Creek?

Novak blends small-town romance with emotional themes like forgiveness, second chances, overcoming past trauma, and the strength of lifelong friendships.