Cathryn Hein Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Cathryn Hein's Novels

For readers diving into the warm, evocative rural landscapes of Cathryn Hein, deciding where to start depends on whether you prefer the community charm of a series or the self-contained arc of a standalone story. Because Hein designs her novels with standalone plots, you can pick up almost any book without getting lost. However, to appreciate the character growth, town histories, and subtle crossovers, we recommend two primary entry points:

• The Series Starter: Begin with Rocking Horse Hill (2014). As the first book in the Levenham Love Story series, it establishes her trademark blend of small-town gossip, equine themes, and deep emotional stakes.
• The Standalone Showcase: Start with her highly acclaimed 2024 release, The Grazier's Son. It is a perfect demonstration of her modern writing style, combining a passionate romance with a compelling family mystery in Victoria's Western District.

A Levenham Love Story Series: Publication and Reading Order

Set in the cozy, fictional Australian country town of Levenham, this series is Cathryn Hein's most famous body of work. Each novel follows a different couple navigating family expectations, past traumas, and romantic tension. While each book is a self-contained story with a satisfying ending, the residents of Levenham frequently appear in the background of other books. Reading them in publication order allows you to watch the community grow and spot familiar faces.

1. Rocking Horse Hill (2014): Emily Wallace-Jones fights to save her family's historic South Australian property while dealing with the return of her childhood tormentor, all while her brother Digby's life begins to unravel in the background.
2. Summer and the Groomsman (2015): Focuses on Harry and Jasmine as they navigate wedding preparations, old hurts, and unexpected attraction in the heart of Levenham.
3. Santa and the Saddler (2016): A festive romance featuring a small-town saddler and a woman returning to Levenham for Christmas, which was nominated for the RWA Romantic Book of the Year.
4. Chrissy and the Burroughs Boy (2017): Explores second chances and local rivalries as Chrissy is forced to work alongside the black sheep of the Burroughs family.
5. Eddie and the Show Queen (2019): Follows the town's agricultural show coordinator, Eddie, as he falls for a vibrant city girl trying to find her footing in rural Australia.
6. Scarlett and the Model Man (2020): The final installment in the Levenham sequence, focusing on Scarlett's journey of artistic passion, healing, and finding love in unexpected places.

The Outback Brides Shared Universe (Wirralong)

In addition to her solo series, Cathryn Hein has participated in two major collaborative, multi-author romance projects set in the fictional outback town of Wirralong. Written alongside other top Australian romance writers like Kelly Hunter, Victoria Purman, Fiona McArthur, and Barbara Hannay, these series should be read in sequence to follow the shared timeline of the town.

Outback Brides Series (Wirralong Season 1)

The original series centers on four women finding love in Wirralong. Cathryn Hein penned the third book in this sequence.

1. Maggie's Run by Kelly Hunter (2018)
2. Belle's Secret by Victoria Purman (2018)
3. Elsa's Stand by Cathryn Hein (2018) — Elsa fights to keep her local pub running while resisting the charms of a handsome newcomer who threatens her independence.
4. Holly's Heart by Fiona McArthur (2018)

Outback Brides Return to Wirralong (Wirralong Season 2)

This follow-up series revisits the town of Wirralong a few years later. Hein contributed the third book to this collaborative effort.

1. Matilda Next Door by Kelly Hunter (2020)
2. Maeve's Baby by Fiona McArthur (2020)
3. Serenity's Song by Cathryn Hein (2020) — Follows Serenity, a local musician trying to rebuild her life, and her emotional connection to a former high-flyer seeking quiet in the outback.
4. A Nanny Called Alice by Barbara Hannay (2020)

Cathryn Hein's Standalone Novels and Crucial Connections

Cathryn Hein has written several standalone rural romances that showcase her versatility. However, readers should note that a few of these "standalones" share loose character connections to her Levenham universe:

• The Horseman's Promise (2011): Hein's debut novel (originally published under the title Promises) set in the high country, establishing her signature focus on equestrian sports and rugged heroes.
• Heart of the Valley (2012): A story of secrets, recovery, and romance set in the scenic Hunter Valley.
• Heartland (2013): Focuses on a woman returning to her family's horse farm, struggling with grief and the rediscovery of love.
• The Falls (2015): Connection Alert! While marketed as a standalone, this book is loosely linked to the Levenham series. The protagonist, Teagan Bliss, is introduced in Rocking Horse Hill as Emily's best friend. This book follows Teagan's journey to the historic property of The Falls as she seeks a fresh start.
• April's Rainbow (2016): A story of second chances, community, and healing set against the backdrop of a small country town.
• Wayward Heart (2016): Connection Alert! This novel serves as a loose continuation of the events in Rocking Horse Hill. It focuses on Digby Wallace-Jones (Emily's brother from the first Levenham book) as he struggles with grief and finds a new path alongside a mysterious newcomer.
• The Country Girl (2018): A heartfelt tale about an agricultural scientist returning home to save her family's farm, dealing with professional rivalries and romantic tension.
• The Grazier's Son (2024): A standalone mystery-romance following Stirling Hawley as he inherits a mansion in Victoria's Western District, only to face a hostile town and team up with local vintage designer Darcy Sloane to uncover his family's past.

What to Know Before You Start: Tone and Themes

Before diving into Cathryn Hein's books, there are a few recurring elements that make her writing unique. Growing up in South Australia with a family history of jockeys, Hein brings an authentic, deep knowledge of agriculture, horse racing, and pony clubs to her stories. Her heroes are often rugged but emotionally complex, and the romance is accompanied by gritty, realistic struggles like grief, family secrets, and financial hardship. The steam level in her books is generally warm and sensual rather than highly explicit, prioritizing emotional intimacy. Finally, look out for her mischievous animal sidekicks—from cheeky horses to naughty dogs—who bring a lighthearted touch of humor to her stories.