Books On Board

Cynthia Ellingsen Books in Order

  • 10 Books
  • 2011 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Path

If you are new to Cynthia Ellingsen's books, the absolute best place to start is with the Starlight Cove series. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Michigan's shores, this series perfectly showcases her signature blend of small-town charm, heartwarming romance, and light mystery. While the books are technically companions and feature different main couples, reading them in order lets you watch the town grow, appreciate returning characters, and experience the cozy community of Starlight Cove just as the author intended.

After you have soaked in the sun at Starlight Cove, you can branch out into her standalone novels. These are split between contemporary women's fiction focusing on complex family or sisterhood dynamics and her newer, critically acclaimed dual-timeline historical mysteries.

Starlight Cove Series in Order

The Starlight Cove series is set in a fictional lakeshore town in Michigan, heavily inspired by the author's own childhood summers spent along the water. Here is the publication and recommended reading order for the series:

  • The Lighthouse Keeper (2017) – The book that started it all. It follows Dawn Conners as she returns to Starlight Cove to restore a historic lighthouse, only to stumble upon family secrets and a connection with Kip Whittaker, a handsome nautical researcher.
  • The Winemaker's Secret (2019) – Focuses on a family vineyard, long-buried secrets, and finding second chances at love and self-discovery.
  • A Bittersweet Surprise (2019) – A story filled with quirky town residents, culinary aspirations, and the unexpected twists of small-town romance.
  • A Play for Revenge (2023) – The fourth installment, which combines community theater, past rivalries, and fresh romantic sparks.

Cynthia Ellingsen's Standalone Novels

When you are ready to venture outside of Starlight Cove, Ellingsen offers a rich collection of standalone fiction. Her earlier work leans toward contemporary romance and women's fiction, while her recent novels showcase a brilliant talent for dual-timeline historical mysteries.

The Historical Dual-Timeline Novels

These books weave together the struggles and secrets of women in the past with modern-day protagonists seeking answers:

  • The Lost Letters of Aisling (2024) – A sweeping, emotional story set in post-WWII Ireland and modern times, where Rainey uncovers her grandmother's hidden history through a series of letters.
  • The Cut of the Moon (2025) – Follows Lindsey McKenna in the present day and Ruby Thornhill in 1925 as they uncover secrets connected to the historic Wind Thorne estate.
  • Until the Last Day (2026) – A highly anticipated release that connects a modern-day art restoration mystery with a high-stakes romance set during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Contemporary Women's Fiction and Romances

These standalones focus on female friendships, sisterhood, and navigating life's major transitions:

  • The Whole Package (2011) – Ellingsen's debut novel, a fun and lighthearted look at modern dating and career aspirations.
  • Marriage Matters (2013) – A contemporary drama exploring the humor, challenges, and heart of long-term relationships.
  • The Girls of Firefly Cabin (2019) – A heartwarming novel tracking the lifelong friendship of four women who meet at a summer camp in Michigan and return to their cabin over the years.
  • The Choice I Made (2021) – An emotional story exploring family loyalty, love, and the difficult choices that define our paths.
  • When We Were Sisters (2021) – A deep dive into sisterly relationships, past betrayals, and finding a way back to family.

What to Know Before You Start

Cynthia Ellingsen's books are beloved for their comforting tone, relatable characters, and vibrant settings. Because she was raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, her descriptions of lakeshore life carry an authentic warmth. The Starlight Cove books are extremely reader-friendly: if you happen to pick up The Winemaker's Secret first, you won't be lost, but you will occasionally run into characters from The Lighthouse Keeper. For the best experience, start at the beginning of the series, and then dive into The Lost Letters of Aisling to see how her writing style has beautifully matured into dual-timeline historical mysteries.

Frequently Asked

Do I need to read the Starlight Cove books in order?

No, you do not have to. Each book in the Starlight Cove series operates as a standalone story with its own main romance. However, it is highly recommended to read them in publication order starting with The Lighthouse Keeper, as recurring characters and minor town events carry over.

What is Cynthia Ellingsen's debut novel?

Cynthia Ellingsen's debut novel is The Whole Package, which was published in 2011.

Are Cynthia Ellingsen's books historical fiction or contemporary romance?

She writes both! Her early works and the Starlight Cove series are contemporary romances and women's fiction. Her newer works, starting with The Lost Letters of Aisling (2024), are dual-timeline historical mysteries.

What is the order of the Starlight Cove books?

The order is: 1. The Lighthouse Keeper (2017), 2. The Winemaker's Secret (2019), 3. A Bittersweet Surprise (2019), and 4. A Play for Revenge (2023).

Is Starlight Cove a real place?

No, Starlight Cove is a fictional town. However, it is heavily inspired by the real lakeshore towns and beauty of Lake Michigan where the author spent her childhood.

What is Cynthia Ellingsen's latest book?

Her latest releases include The Cut of the Moon (2025) and the upcoming dual-timeline novel Until the Last Day, scheduled for release in September 2026.