Books On Board

Anita Abriel Books in Order

  • 5 Books
  • 2020 – 2024 Published
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order
1 of 1 reading orders shown

Start Here: The Best Entry Points for Anita Abriel

Because Anita Abriel writes standalone novels, you do not have to worry about missing plot points from previous books. However, finding the right starting point depends on what kind of story you are in the mood for. Here are the recommended ways to dive in:

For the History and Heart: The Light After the War

If you want to experience Abriel at her most emotionally resonant, begin with her debut historical novel, The Light After the War (2020). This book holds a special place in her bibliography because it is directly inspired by her mother's real-life survival story. The narrative follows two young Jewish women who escape a train heading to Auschwitz and attempt to rebuild their lives in Italy, Venezuela, and Australia. It is a powerful testament to friendship and survival.

For WWII Intrigue: Lana's War

If you prefer historical fiction with high stakes and espionage, start with Lana's War (2021). Set on the glamorous French Riviera, it tells the story of a young Russian émigré who is recruited into the French Resistance after losing her husband to the Nazis. It offers a perfect blend of suspense, beautiful scenery, and emotional depth.

For 1920s Glamour: The Life She Wanted

If you want to step away from the battlefields of World War II and immerse yourself in the glitz of the Gilded Age, The Life She Wanted (2023) is the ideal choice. The story moves between New York and the French Riviera, focusing on a young woman navigating class differences, wealth, and romance during the Jazz Age.

Anita Abriel Books in Publication Order

Although you can read these novels in any order, tracking them by release date shows how the author transitioned from World War II narratives to other vibrant historical eras:

  • The Light After the War (2020) – Set immediately after WWII, following two survivors as they rebuild their lives across Naples, Caracas, and Sydney.
  • Lana's War (2021) – Set in the mid-1940s on the French Riviera, focusing on a woman working secretly for the Resistance.
  • A Girl During the War (2022) – Set in WWII Florence, Italy, about a young woman named Marina who shelters refugees while navigating dangerous political waters (published internationally as The Italian Girl).
  • The Life She Wanted (2023) – A 1920s period piece tracing a young woman's journey from a New York department store to the upper echelons of European society.
  • The Philadelphia Heiress (2024) – Set in the roaring twenties, featuring a wealthy heiress who must navigate family expectations, betrayal, and romance in high society.
  • American Housewife (2025) – Set in 1950s New York, highlighting the trials of a radio personality who becomes the host of a popular television baking show.

The Anita Hughes Catalog: Contemporary Romance and Holiday Escapes

Before publishing historical fiction under her real name, Abriel built a successful career writing under the pen name Anita Hughes. These books focus on escapist contemporary romance, family drama, and warm holiday settings. Like her historical novels, the Anita Hughes titles are all standalones.

Contemporary & Seaside Romance Novels

  • Monarch Beach (2012)
  • Market Street (2013)
  • Lake Como (2013)
  • French Coast (2015)
  • Rome in Love (2015)
  • Island in the Sea (2016)
  • Santorini Sunsets (2016)
  • White Sand, Blue Sea (2017)
  • Emerald Coast (2017)
  • California Summer (2018)
  • The River Runs South (2023)

The Holiday & Christmas Novels

Hughes is particularly well-known for her festive seasonal releases. These are perfect winter reads, taking readers to cozy and luxurious destinations around the globe:

  • Christmas in Paris (2016)
  • Christmas in London (2017)
  • Christmas at the Chalet (2018)
  • Christmas in Vermont (2019)
  • A Magical New York Christmas (2021)
  • Christmas at the Ranch (2022)
  • Christmas at the Lake (2023)
  • Christmas in Aspen (2024)

What to Know Before You Start

As you prepare to read Anita Abriel's books, keep the following details in mind to ensure a smooth reading experience:

  • No Direct Sequels: There are no recurring characters or connected universes across her books. You do not need to worry about read order continuity.
  • Alternate Titles: Readers outside of North America should note that A Girl During the War is published in some regions as The Italian Girl. Check the book summary before purchasing to avoid buying the same novel twice.
  • Style Contrast: The books published as Anita Abriel deal with heavier, historical themes such as war, survival, and grief, whereas the books written as Anita Hughes are lighter, contemporary, and focus on luxury travel and romance.

Frequently Asked

Do I need to read Anita Abriel's books in order?

No. All of Anita Abriel's novels are completely standalone historical dramas. You can read them in any order you choose, depending on which historical period or setting appeals to you the most.

Which Anita Abriel book should I read first?

We recommend starting with The Light After the War. This bestselling 2020 novel is inspired by the author's own mother's survival story during the Holocaust and serves as the perfect introduction to her emotional, character-driven style.

Are Anita Abriel and Anita Hughes the same person?

Yes. Anita Abriel is the author's real name, which she uses for her historical fiction novels. She uses the pen name Anita Hughes to publish contemporary romance and festive Christmas-themed books.

Is there a sequel to The Light After the War?

No, The Light After the War is a standalone novel. However, if you enjoyed its World War II setting and themes of female resilience, you will likely appreciate her other wartime novels, such as Lana's War and A Girl During the War.

What is the alternative title for A Girl During the War?

In some international markets (such as the UK and Australia), A Girl During the War was published under the title The Italian Girl. They are the exact same novel.

What is Anita Abriel's most recent book?

Her most recent release is American Housewife, published in March 2025. It is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s New York focusing on a woman balancing her career as a television baker with her public image.