Where to Start Reading Anna Belfrage
Anna Belfrage has written across several distinct historical eras, blending romance, time-slip fantasy, and political intrigue. Because her series follow characters whose lives, families, and relationships evolve chronologically, you should read each individual series in publication order. However, you can jump into her different series in any order depending on your favorite historical era. Here is the recommended path to exploring her work:
- For Time-Travel and Epic Romance: Start with The Graham Saga. This is Belfrage's flagship series and the one that draws frequent comparisons to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. It begins with A Rip in the Veil.
- For Medieval Political Intrigue (14th Century): Start with The King’s Greatest Enemy series, beginning with In the Shadow of the Storm. It follows the reign of Edward II and the rebellion of Roger Mortimer.
- For High Stakes and Cross-Cultural Loyalty (13th Century): Start with The Castilian Saga, starting with His Castilian Hawk. This saga takes place during the reign of Edward I and features a half-Castilian protagonist.
- For Another Scottish Time-Slip Adventure: Dive into The Time Locket Books, starting with The Whirlpools of Time.
- For Reincarnation and Romantic Suspense: Read The Wanderer trilogy, beginning with A Torch in His Heart.
The Graham Saga: Publication and Chronological Order
The Graham Saga is a linear narrative following modern-day Alexandra "Alex" Lind, who is pulled back through time to 1658 Scotland. There, she meets Matthew Graham, a man of strong convictions and deep faith. Their journey takes them through the turbulent landscapes of Cromwellian Scotland, across the Atlantic as indentured servants in colonial Maryland, and back again. The books must be read in order, as they span decades of the couple's lives and the growth of their family.
- A Rip in the Veil (2012) – Alex Lind accidentally slips back to 1658 and is rescued by Matthew Graham.
- Like Chaff in the Wind (2012) – Matthew is sold into indentured servitude, and Alex risks everything to follow him across the sea.
- The Prodigal Son (2013) – The family struggles to build a life in Maryland while past threats resurface.
- A Newfound Land (2013) – Alex and Matthew face the harsh realities of colonial life and political unrest in the New World.
- Serpents in the Garden (2014) – Tensions rise as the past catches up with them in Maryland.
- Revenge and Retribution (2014) – Personal vendettas force the Grahams to make difficult, life-altering choices.
- Whither Thou Goest (2014) – A journey back to Scotland brings new dangers and the challenge of rebuilding.
- To Catch a Falling Star (2015) – The focus widens to include the challenges faced by the next generation of Grahams.
- There is Always a Tomorrow (2017) – The epic conclusion to Alex and Matthew's long, resilient love story.
The Castilian Saga: 13th-Century England
This series moves away from time travel to focus purely on historical fiction during the reign of King Edward I. The story centers on Robert FitzStephan, a loyal English knight, and Noor d'Outremer, a spirited half-Castilian woman. Their marriage begins as a political convenience but deepens into a fierce partnership amidst Welsh rebellions, Gascon disputes, and toxic family feuds.
- His Castilian Hawk (2020) – Robert is given custody of Noor, setting off a dangerous romance.
- The Castilian Pomegranate (2021) – Robert and Noor must navigate the complex and treacherous landscape of Spain and Gascony.
- Her Castilian Heart (2022) – The couple's loyalties are tested as war looms and old enemies close in.
- Their Castilian Orphan (2024) – Noor and Robert face threats from Robert's vindictive half-brother while caring for their foster son. (Note: Listed in some databases under the working title The Castilian Orphan).
The King’s Greatest Enemy: 14th-Century England
Set during the unstable reign of King Edward II, this series is packed with political intrigue, battles, and marital devotion. The saga follows Sir Adam de Guirande and his young wife, Kit, as they find themselves caught between their loyalty to the King and the rising power of Roger Mortimer and Queen Isabella.
- In the Shadow of the Storm (2016) – Adam and Kit marry under stressful circumstances as political storms brew in England.
- Days of Sun and Glory (2016) – Adam's duties pull him deeper into the royal court's shifting alliances.
- Under the Approaching Dark (2017) – The kingdom fractures, and the couple must choose which side to support.
- The Cold Light of Dawn (2018) – The aftermath of the rebellion forces Adam and Kit to fight for their survival and their home.
The Time Locket Books
A return to the time-slip genre, this duology centers on Erin and Duncan Melville. When Erin finds a mysterious time locket, she is pulled back to the 17th century during the Covenanter uprisings in Scotland, crossing paths with the Melville family.
- The Whirlpools of Time (2021) – Erin is swept back to 1672 Scotland and must rely on Duncan to survive.
- Times of Turmoil (2023) – The sequel continues the couple's struggle against historical forces and the constraints of time.
The Wanderer Series
This trilogy blends contemporary romantic suspense with ancient mythology and reincarnation. It follows Jason Morris, a man who remembers his past lives, and Helle Madsen, who does not. Together, they must break a 3,000-year-old cycle of tragedy and escape the obsessive pursuit of Sam Woolf.
- A Torch in His Heart (2018)
- Smoke in Her Eyes (2019)
- A Flame Through Eternity (2019)
Anthologies and Short Stories
Belfrage has also contributed to several historical fiction collections and anthologies. These are great for fans who want to sample her shorter writing or explore themes of exile and betrayal:
- The Beggar at the Gate and Other Stories: HNSLondon12 Short Story Anthology (2013)
- SilverWood Selection Box (2015)
- Castles, Customs, and Kings Volume 2 (2015)
- Betrayal (2020)
- Historical Stories of Exile (2023)