Alana Terry Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Alana Terry's Novels

Alana Terry has written across several genres, meaning the best place to start depends heavily on what kind of story you are in the mood for. Because her series are largely self-contained, you do not need to worry about cross-series character cameos or overarching multiverses. Here are the three primary entry points recommended for new readers:

• For Edge-of-Your-Seat Christian Suspense: Start with Unplanned, the first book in the popular Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series. This series is Terry's most famous work, following a missionary kid navigating intense ethical dilemmas, danger, and her faith while attending Harvard University.
• For Heart-Wrenching Stories of Global Persecution: Start with The Beloved Daughter, the opening novel of the Whispers of Refuge series (sometimes referred to simply as the Refuge series). This was Terry's debut novel and focuses on religious freedom and the underground church in North Korea.
• For Wilderness Suspense and Drama: Start with the Alaskan Refuge series. You can begin with either Identity Theft or Frost Heaves. Set in the rugged Alaskan backcountry, these books deal with women escaping cults, domestic abuse, and other threats in isolated settings.
• For Uplifting Romance: If you prefer clean, faith-filled romance over high-stakes thrillers, start with What Dreams May Come, which kicks off the Sweet Dreams Christian Romance series.

Whispers of Refuge Series Reading Order

This series focuses on severe real-world issues, particularly religious persecution, survival, and faith under the oppressive regime of North Korea. While the books are thematic companions and explore the same harrowing landscape, they do not follow a single continuous protagonist. However, reading them in publication order provides the best narrative experience as the historical and cultural context builds across the books.

1. The Beloved Daughter (2013)
2. Slave Again (2014)
3. Torn Asunder (2014)
4. Flower Swallow (2016)

Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Series Reading Order

Unlike the thematic series, the Kennedy Stern books feature a continuous protagonist and a tight chronological timeline. You should absolutely read these books in their exact publication order. Reading them out of order will spoil major character developments, personal relationships, and ongoing subplots that span Kennedy's college years.

1. Unplanned (2015)
2. Paralyzed (2016)
3. Policed (2016)
4. Straightened (2016)
5. Turbulence (2016)
6. Infected (2017)
7. Abridged (2017)
8. Secluded (2017)
9. Captivated (2018)

Alaskan Refuge Series Reading Order

Set in the author's home state of Alaska, these books are suspenseful standalone thrillers. Each novel features a completely different female protagonist facing a unique threat. Because of this, they can be read in any order. While local library databases and the author's listing order can vary, the standard order is:

1. Frost Heaves (2019)
2. Identity Theft (2019)
3. Termination Dust (2019)

Note: Some online reader communities associate a fourth title, "Toils and Snares", with this collection, though it is often cataloged independently.

Turbulent Skies Series Reading Order

The Turbulent Skies series is a unique, fast-paced experiment in suspense. It consists of six interconnected Christian thriller novellas that follow different passengers on a single, doomed commercial flight. Because the events happen concurrently and build toward a singular resolution, they must be read in order:

1. Terror in the Skies (2020)
2. Refined by Fire (2020)
3. Unreliable Witness (2020)
4. All That She Saw (2020)
5. Tears of Terror (2020)
6. You Raise Me Up (2020)

A Sweet Dreams Christian Romance Series Reading Order

For readers who want to skip the adrenaline-inducing suspense and focus on romance and emotional healing, this contemporary Christian romance series is the perfect option. Read them in the following order:

1. What Dreams May Come (2017)
2. What Dreams May Lie (2018)
3. What Dreams May Die (2018)
4. What Dreams May Fall (2019)
5. Dare to Dream Again (2019)

Orchard Grove Series Reading Order

Orchard Grove is another contemporary Christian series focusing on renewal, forgiveness, and community healing. These books should be read in order:

1. Beauty from Ashes (2017)
2. Before the Dawn (2017)
3. Breath of Heaven (2017)

Sweet Home Alaska Christian Romance Series Reading Order

Not to be confused with her Alaskan suspense thrillers, this is a dedicated sweet romance series set in the gorgeous landscapes of Alaska. The books follow rugged mountain men finding love and faith:

1. Rescuing the Mountain Man (2021)
2. Saving the Mountain Man (2021)
3. Inspiring the Mountain Man (2021)

My Solar-Powered History Series Reading Order

Written for younger readers, this educational historical fiction series follows characters traveling back to pivotal moments in global history. They are best read in chronological order of their historical settings, though they were published in the same year:

1. What Hurricane?: My Solar-Powered History on a Supply Ship to the Jamestown Colony (2013)
2. What, No Sushi?: My Solar-Powered History at a Japanese-American Internment Camp (2013)
3. What’s in the Suitcase, Grandma? My Solar-Powered History to War-Torn China (2013)

Standalone Novels

In addition to her series, Alana Terry has penned several stand-alone novels. These can be picked up at any point without any prior reading requirements:

• Out of North Korea (2018)
• Blessing on the Run (2019)
• Forget Me Now (2019)
• Save Me Once (2020)

What to Know Before You Start Reading Alana Terry

Alana Terry is a USA Today bestselling author who approaches Christian fiction with an gritty, realistic lens. Unlike traditional, cozy Christian fiction, Terry does not shy away from heavy or controversial real-world issues. Her books frequently center on topics such as abortion, religious persecution, sex trafficking, domestic violence, and racial injustice. However, she balances these intense themes with elements of deep personal faith, spiritual survival, and hope. If you prefer lighthearted stories, stick to her romance series like Sweet Home Alaska or Sweet Dreams. If you want thought-provoking suspense that tackles hard questions, her thriller series will keep you up late.