author Reading Order

Becky Monson Books in Order

24 Books
6 Series & collections
2012 – 2024 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

Where to Start Reading Becky Monson's Books

If you are new to Becky Monson's clean, sweet romantic comedies, you have two excellent entry points depending on your preference for series or standalone books:

  • The Classic Series Start: Begin with Thirty-Two Going on Spinster. As Monson's debut novel, this book launches her beloved Spinster Series and introduces her signature blend of self-deprecating humor, everyday chaos, and sweet romance.
  • The Standalone Start: Begin with The Accidental Text. This highly rated novel is a great demonstration of Monson's growth as an author, successfully balancing a slow-burn romance and genuine comedy with a touching exploration of grief and healing.

The Spinster Series Reading Order

This is Becky Monson's flagship trilogy. It follows the life, career, and romantic misadventures of Julia Dorning, a self-proclaimed spinster whose tidy, predictable life is upended by a handsome new coworker. Because the series follows a continuous character arc and a chronological timeline, you should read these books in order:

  1. Thirty-Two Going on Spinster (2012) – Julia Dorning is comfortable hiding in her shell, but a new coworker forces her to step outside her comfort zone.
  2. Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend (2014) – Julia navigates the unfamiliar territory of being in a real relationship, along with the accompanying insecurities.
  3. Thirty-Four Going on Bride (2016) – Julia deals with the chaotic and stressful path to the altar.

The "Just A" Series Reading Order

The Just A series consists of two interconnected companion novels. Each book focuses on a different best friend finding love under highly unusual circumstances. While both books can technically function as standalones, you will get the most enjoyment by reading them in publication order, as characters from the first book play supporting roles in the second:

  1. Just a Name (2018) – Holly Murphy's wedding plans fall apart, leading her best friend Quinn to suggest a wild idea: find a random stranger with the same name as her ex-fiancé to go on the pre-planned honeymoon trip.
  2. Just a Girl (2020) – Quinn Pearson finds her career in jeopardy after an embarrassing viral video, only to fall for a charming British man who turns out to be her new boss.

Becky Monson's Standalone Novels

Monson has penned several successful standalone contemporary romance novels. These books are completely self-contained stories and can be read in any order you choose. They are perfect for readers looking for quick, satisfying rom-com fixes:

  • Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace (2015) – A fun romp about dealing with wedding chaos and unexpected attraction.
  • The Accidental Text (2021) – Maggie Cooper sends a text to her late mother's old phone number as a way to process her grief, only to receive a life-changing reply from a stranger named Chase.
  • How to Ruin the Holidays (2021) – A cozy, festive holiday romance.
  • Pumpkin Spice and Not So Nice (2022) – A seasonal fall romance centered around cozy vibes and miscommunications.
  • Love Songs Suck (2023) – A sweet romance with musical themes.
  • The Wedding Jinx (2023) – A fun look at bad luck, wedding setups, and sparks flying.
  • Not Boyfriend Material (2024) – A modern romantic comedy about fighting expectations.

Shared-World Multi-Author Series

Monson has contributed to shared-world romance projects with other popular chick-lit and clean romance authors. When navigating these lists, it is helpful to know which books Monson actually wrote:

Return to Christmas Falls

This holiday-themed, multi-author series features standalone clean romances set in the fictional town of Christmas Falls. While the local database associates multiple entries with Monson, she is the sole author of only one book in this set:

  • Honeymoon for One (2017) – Written by Jennifer Peel.
  • Once Again at the Falls (2017) – Written by Becky Monson. This book follows London Walsh returning to her hometown for the holidays.
  • Love Notes in Reindeer Falls (2017) – Written by Beth Labonte.

Falling for Summer

Released in 2024, this project features seven interconnected standalone romantic comedies, each written by a different author. They share a timeline and beachside setting but can be read in any order. Monson wrote the sixth book in the collection:

  • One Happy Summer (2024) – Written by Becky Monson. It features a woman hiding from a career disaster on a Florida island, where she meets a charming shopkeeper.

Novellas and Short Stories

For a quick bite of Becky Monson's writing, she has published two shorter works:

  • Taking a Chance (2016) – A sweet novella companion.
  • The Love Potion (2021) – A fun short story focusing on magic and modern romance.

Becky Monson Complete Publication Order

If you prefer to watch Monson's writing style evolve from her debut onwards, read her bibliography in the order of its release:

  1. Thirty-Two Going on Spinster (2012)
  2. Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend (2014)
  3. Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace (2015)
  4. Thirty-Four Going on Bride (2016)
  5. Taking a Chance (2016)
  6. Once Again at the Falls (2017)
  7. Just a Name (2018)
  8. Just a Girl (2020)
  9. The Accidental Text (2021)
  10. The Love Potion (2021)
  11. How to Ruin the Holidays (2021)
  12. Pumpkin Spice and Not So Nice (2022)
  13. Love Songs Suck (2023)
  14. The Wedding Jinx (2023)
  15. Not Boyfriend Material (2024)
  16. One Happy Summer (2024)

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the correct order to read Becky Monson's Spinster Series?

The Spinster Series should be read in chronological order: starting with Thirty-Two Going on Spinster (2012), followed by Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend (2014), and ending with Thirty-Four Going on Bride (2016).

QIs The Accidental Text part of a series?

No, The Accidental Text (2021) is a standalone novel. It features a complete, self-contained story about Maggie Cooper and Chase Beckett and does not require reading any other books.

QHow are the "Just A" books connected?

The two books in the Just A series (Just a Name and Just a Girl) are companion novels. Each focuses on a different best friend, meaning they can be read as standalones, but reading them in order lets you enjoy the overlapping character cast.

QDid Becky Monson write the entire Return to Christmas Falls series?

No, the Return to Christmas Falls series is a multi-author project. Becky Monson only wrote Once Again at the Falls (2017). Other entries in the series are written by authors such as Jennifer Peel and Beth Labonte.

QWhere should I start reading Becky Monson's books?

If you want a series, start with her debut novel Thirty-Two Going on Spinster. If you prefer a standalone story, start with The Accidental Text, which showcases her modern rom-com writing style.

QWhat is Becky Monson's contribution to the Falling for Summer series?

Becky Monson wrote One Happy Summer (2024), which is the sixth book in this collaborative seven-book beach romance series. Each book is written by a different author and can be read independently.