Where to Start: The Perfect Entry Points
If you are new to Curtiss Ann Matlock’s heartwarming world of small-town romance, you have two primary entry points depending on the vibe you are looking for. For a sprawling, community-focused contemporary romance with recurring characters and a deep sense of place, start with her signature Valentine, Oklahoma series. The first book, Love in a Small Town, is the ideal launchpad, introducing you to the quirky, resilient residents of Valentine.
If you prefer a classic, brother-centric ranch romance series, start with The Breen Men series. Beginning with Annie in the Morning, this four-book collection is a traditional contemporary Western romance saga that follows four brothers finding love on their ranch. Both series showcase Matlock's talent for portraying the "secret lives of ordinary people" with warmth, humor, and faith.
The Valentine, Oklahoma Series
Set in a fictional, charming small town in Oklahoma, this is Curtiss Ann Matlock's most famous and beloved series. It is best read in publication order to appreciate the gradual development of the town and its residents. However, there are a few important caveats regarding titles and numbering that readers should keep in mind.
Valentine Reading Order
- Love in a Small Town (1997): The book that introduces readers to Valentine and its close-knit community.
- Lost Highways (1999): Widely designated as Book 1.5. This novel follows Rainey Valentine as she leaves her hometown for a fresh start, picking up a stranded traveler along the way. While it can be read as a standalone, reading it after the first book enhances the small-town backdrop.
- Driving Lessons (2000): Focuses on Charlene Doyle's journey of self-discovery and new love after a painful divorce.
- Cold Tea on a Hot Day (2001): A heartwarming tale of second chances and unexpected romance.
- At the Corner of Love and Heartache (2002): Dives deeper into the lives and loves of the town's key figures.
- Recipes for Easy Living (2003) / Christmas Comes to Valentine (2016): Important Note: These are the exact same book. Matlock originally published it in 2003 as Recipes for Easy Living and later re-released an edited version under the holiday-themed title Christmas Comes to Valentine in 2016. Do not buy both thinking they are different entries!
- Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel (2004): A charming story focusing on local dreams and romance, which was nominated for an Oklahoma Book Award.
- Chin Up, Honey (2009): Continues the series' signature blend of humor, small-town gossip, and romance.
- Little Town, Great Big Life (2010): A perfect encapsulation of the series' themes of finding extraordinary joy in ordinary small-town moments.
The Breen Men Series
The Breen Men series is a tightly written, four-book family saga focusing on the Breen brothers. Each brother gets his own dedicated book, and they are best read in order as the family's overall story progresses across the books.
- Annie in the Morning (1991): Follows Matt Breen, who corresponds with a mail-order bride, Annie Lane. When she arrives pregnant with another man's child, the two must navigate trust and healing. This book was a finalist for the RITA Award in the Long Contemporary Romance category.
- Last of the Good Guys (1992): Focuses on Jesse Breen, whose orderly life is turned upside down by a vivacious woman driving a pink Cadillac.
- True Blue Hearts (1993): Follows the restless cowboy Rory Breen and his romance with the headstrong Zoe Yarberry.
- Summertime (1994): Concludes the series with Oren Breen, who finds himself falling for his next-door landlady, Lorena Venable.
Understanding the Harlequin & Silhouette Continuity Series
When looking at Curtiss Ann Matlock’s extensive bibliography, you will often see long lists of books under titles like Men: Made in America, Men at Work, Marry Me, Cowboy, and Western Lovers. It is crucial to understand that these are not single-author series written entirely by Matlock.
Instead, these were themed romance continuity lines or reprint packages curated by publishers like Harlequin and Silhouette. Dozens of different authors contributed books to these lists. Curtiss Ann Matlock was simply a contributing writer who had one or two of her novels included in each line. You do not need to read all 50+ books in these series collections to follow her work. Here are her specific contributions that you should look out for if you want to read her library:
- Men: Made in America: Her primary contribution is A Time to Keep (Book #16, originally published in 1987).
- Men at Work: She contributed The Forever Rose (originally published in 1990).
- Marry Me, Cowboy: She contributed White Gold (originally published in 1994).
- Western Lovers: She contributed Wellspring (originally published in 1988).
Her standalone novels were also occasionally repackaged or featured in other publisher-themed lines, such as her debut novel, A Time and a Season (1985), which was featured in the Men: Made in America collection.
Standalone Novels and Short Stories
Matlock has written several excellent standalone books and short stories that stand completely apart from any series or publisher lines. These are fantastic choices if you want a quick, emotionally satisfying romance with no long-term commitment.
- Miracle on I-40 (1988): A beloved Christmas classic about Lacey, a single mother and truck-stop waitress, who gets a ride home for Christmas from a cynical trucker named Cooper. (Note: While first published in 1988, it was re-released in 2005).
- Heaven in Texas (1991): A tender Western romance that won a National Readers' Choice Award.
- If Wishes Were Horses (1998): A poignant tale of a pregnant young widow and a penniless drifter finding comfort in each other.
- The Loves of Ruby Dee (2010): A contemporary story focused on family secrets, second chances, and emotional healing.
- The Cordell Family Connections: While not a formal series, two of Matlock's standalones are loosely linked by members of the Cordell family: Intimate Circle (1990), which features Dallas Cordell, and Love Finds Yancey Cordell (1990), which features Yancey Cordell. They can be read in any order.
What to Know Before You Start
Curtiss Ann Matlock's writing style is deeply character-driven, focusing on ordinary people dealing with real-world struggles like divorce, single parenthood, grief, and new beginnings. Her stories are rich with local color, dry humor, and a strong sense of community. While the romance is central, her books often read like women's fiction, dedicating substantial time to family relationships, personal growth, and small-town dynamics. Almost all of her novels can be read as standalones, but reading her series in order will give you the most satisfying experience as you watch recurring characters grow over time.