How to Read Ann Wertz Garvin’s Books
Ann Wertz Garvin (who also publishes simply as Ann Garvin) writes contemporary women's fiction that explores life's messy, funny, and emotional realities. Because all of her books are standalone novels, there is no strict continuity or narrative order you need to follow. You can pick up any of her books and dive right in without feeling lost.
However, if you want a recommendation on where to start, many readers begin with I Thought You Said This Would Work (2021) or her recent release, Bummer Camp (2024). These books perfectly showcase her signature style: resilient female protagonists, sharp Midwestern wit, a touch of dog-loving charm, and storylines that address heavy topics like illness and family legacy with a light, redemptive touch.
Ann Wertz Garvin Books in Publication Order
Although the stories are unrelated in terms of characters and settings, reading them in publication order allows you to see how Garvin’s storytelling and themes have evolved. Here is the chronological release order of her novels:
- On Maggie's Watch (2010)
- The Dog Year (2014)
- I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Around (2016)
- I Thought You Said This Would Work (2021)
- There's No Coming Back from This (2023)
- Bummer Camp (2024)
- Tell Two Friends (Forthcoming — Scheduled for September 2026)
Understanding the "Falling in Love Is the Easy Part" Discrepancy
If you have browsed online databases or bibliographies, you might have seen a book titled Falling in Love Is the Easy Part listed as a 2023 release. This title was a working title used in early promotional bios and author interviews during her drafting stages. The book was ultimately retitled prior to publication and was never released under that name. For readers trying to track down every single book, you can rest assured that you are not missing a hidden release—the final published work from that period is There's No Coming Back from This.
A Reader's Guide to the Novels
On Maggie's Watch (2010)
Garvin's debut novel introduces Maggie Finley, a pregnant woman who returns to her Wisconsin hometown. Anxious and determined to create a safe harbor for her upcoming child, Maggie becomes hyper-focused on monitoring her neighbors, trying to control the uncontrollable. The novel deals with themes of community, paranoia, and the vulnerability of motherhood with warmth and humor.
The Dog Year (2014)
Dr. Lucy Peterman is a surgeon whose life unravels after a personal tragedy, leading her to make choices that threaten her career. Sentenced to a support group, she begins to find her footing again with the help of a stray dog. Drawing on Garvin's background in health and wellness, this story is a deep dive into grief, recovery, and the therapeutic power of animal companionship.
I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Around (2016)
This novel centers on Tig Monahan, a family caregiver who finds herself stretched thin. Tig is navigating her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis, a sister who has suddenly checked out, and her own complicated relationship status. It is a highly relatable, poignant, and funny look at the sandwich generation, midlife crises, and what happens when the person who takes care of everyone else finally breaks down.
I Thought You Said This Would Work (2021)
A USA Today bestseller, this road-trip novel follows two estranged former best friends, Samantha and Katie. They reluctantly reunite to travel across the country to rescue a dog for a mutual friend who is hospitalized with cancer. Along the way, they must confront their past grievances, navigate hilarious travel mishaps, and rediscover the value of female friendship.
There's No Coming Back from This (2023)
Poppy Lively is a fifty-year-old single mother from the Midwest facing financial ruin. In a desperate bid to save her home and support her daughter, she accepts a job in the wardrobe department of a major Hollywood film set despite having absolutely no experience. This fish-out-of-water comedy blends Hollywood satire with a midlife coming-of-age story as Poppy uncovers industry secrets and finds her own voice.
Bummer Camp (2024)
Set against the backdrop of a failing theater camp, this novel follows sisters Cat and Ginger McCarthy as they try to salvage their family's legacy. After a slick motivational speaker leaves the camp on the brink of bankruptcy, the sisters must work together to keep it afloat. It is a celebration of sisterhood, theater culture, and second chances.
Tell Two Friends (Forthcoming, September 2026)
Marking a slight departure into mystery and thriller elements while retaining her character-driven style, this upcoming book follows Jane Baye. Decades after exchanging letters with an incarcerated individual as part of a youthful writing program, Jane discovers that the now-released individual has moved in next door and is keeping a close eye on her.
What to Know Before You Start
Ann Wertz Garvin’s books are deeply informed by her real life. As a registered nurse with a PhD in exercise psychology, she spent years studying human behavior, health, and stress management. This background infuses her characters with realistic emotional struggles and psychological depth, making their journeys feel authentic rather than contrived.
Additionally, Garvin is the founder of the Tall Poppy Writers, a marketing cooperative of female authors. Her commitment to supporting women's voices in publishing is reflected in her fiction, which consistently centers on female solidarity, sisterhood, and the resilience of women navigating midlife challenges. If you enjoy authors like Kristan Higgins, Katherine Center, or Abbi Waxman, Garvin’s blend of humor and heart will feel right at home on your bookshelf.