Where to Start with Carole Llewellyn
If you are new to Carole Llewellyn’s historical sagas, the absolute best starting point is Rhiannon, the opening novel of the Welsh Valley Sagas. This book introduces the core family dynamics, setting, and emotional themes that define her writing. Because the sequel, For the Love of Catherine, follows Rhiannon's stepsister Mair directly after the events of the first book, reading them in chronological and publication order is highly recommended to appreciate the continuity of their journeys.
Alternatively, if you prefer a self-contained story before committing to a series, you can start with her standalone debut, Megan, or the industry-focused historical drama, Women of Straw. Both offer excellent entry points to her signature style of combining meticulous historical backdrops with deeply personal human struggles.
The Welsh Valley Sagas in Reading Order
The Welsh Valley Sagas follow a family through the shifting social landscapes of early 20th-century Wales and beyond. Here is the recommended order for this interconnected series:
1. Rhiannon (2010)
Set in 1908, the saga begins in a rugged Welsh mining village. Following the tragic death of her father, Rhiannon Hughes and her stepsister, Mair, find themselves abandoned by their stepmother. Forced to seek a new life, they travel to Cardiff to live with their aunt. The novel vividly portrays Rhiannon's path through grief, romance, and the vibrant, risky world of Cardiff's music halls as she fights for her independence.
2. For the Love of Catherine (2012)
Picking up in 1912, the sequel shifts its focus to Rhiannon's stepsister, Mair Parsons. The story opens dramatically with the sinking of the Titanic, a disaster that tears Mair away from her young daughter, Catherine. Believing her daughter is lost, Mair must piece her life back together, leading her to London and eventually onto a international search for the truth about her family. It resolves the emotional threads established in the first book while taking the characters in a bold new direction.
Standalone Novels
Llewellyn has also written two standalone historical novels that require no prior reading:
Megan (2008)
Llewellyn's debut novel is a sweeping historical family saga set against the contrasting backdrops of Bristol and Wales. It established her ability to write resilient female protagonists facing intense societal and personal upheaval.
Women of Straw (2016)
Set during the 1860s, this novel transports readers to the bustling straw hat and plaiting industry of Bedfordshire. The story follows Kate Devlin, a young woman working in the trade who must navigate a sudden family tragedy, romantic complications, and the harsh realities of Victorian industrial life.
Publication vs. Chronological Order Caveats
While the chronological order of the books matches their publication sequence, readers should note that the publication dates can occasionally be confusing online. The books were originally published between 2008 and 2016, but were later acquired and re-released as digital and print editions by Joffe Books in 2022. When browsing online retailers, you may see 2022 listed as the publication year for all four books, but the narrative order remains unchanged: Megan (2008), Rhiannon (2010), For the Love of Catherine (2012), and Women of Straw (2016).
What to Know Before You Start
Carole Llewellyn’s writing style is heavily influenced by her personal history. Born in a South Wales coal mining village, she spent her early life surrounded by the landscapes she describes. Her later careers—working in television production and at Plymouth's Palace Theatre, as well as running pubs along the English Riviera—gifted her a keen eye for dramatic pacing and authentic dialogue. Her stories focus on working-class communities, female resilience, and dramatic historical events, making her a perfect fit for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Nadine Dorries.