Deanna Lynn Sletten Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Deanna Lynn Sletten?

If you are new to Deanna Lynn Sletten’s writing, the best place to start depends heavily on your favorite genre. For readers who love sweet romance, small-town community vibes, and stories featuring beloved pets, the Lake Harriet Series is the perfect introduction. Starting with Walking Sam will wrap you in the cozy, welcoming Minnesota atmosphere Sletten is famous for.

For fans of deeply emotional historical women's fiction and family secrets, we highly recommend starting with The Ones We Leave Behind. This standalone novel showcases Sletten's talent for dual-timeline storytelling, focusing on a woman released from prison after 65 years and the family secrets that unfold. If you prefer cozy mysteries with a romantic subplot, start with The Truth About Rachel, the first book in the Rachel Emery series.

The Lake Harriet Series (Recommended Reading Order)

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Lake Harriet books feature heartwarming stories of neighbors finding love, healing, and second chances, often with the help of some very special dogs. While each book can be read as a standalone, reading them in publication order allows you to see returning characters and watch the community grow.

• Walking Sam (2016) – The story of a grieving widow and a divorced man who are brought together by an abandoned dog named Sam.
• As the Snow Fell (2017) – A cozy winter romance following a woman who retreats to Lake Harriet to heal and ends up helping a struggling single father.
• Chasing Bailey (2019) – Centers on a rescue dog named Bailey who plays matchmaker for two people dealing with past heartbreaks.
• Under the Apple Blossoms (2020) – A sweet spring romance exploring fresh starts, family dynamics, and unexpected connections.

The Kiss A Cowboy Series (Recommended Reading Order)

For readers who enjoy sweet contemporary western romance with strong heroines and rugged but kind-hearted heroes, the Kiss A Cowboy series is a delightful, quick read. These books should be read in order to follow the character relationships and small-town continuity.

1. Kiss A Cowboy (2014) – Introduces the series with a city girl falling for a rugged cowboy.
2. A Kiss for Colt (2014) – Follows the romance of Colt as he learns to open his heart again.
3. Kissing Carly (2015) – Concludes the main trilogy with Carly's heartwarming journey to finding love.

The Rachel Emery Murder Mystery Series (Recommended Reading Order)

If you are in the mood for lighthearted whodunits with a touch of romance, this cozy mystery series is a perfect fit. It is highly recommended to read these in order as the personal lives of Rachel Emery and the recurring town residents develop across the books.

1. The Truth About Rachel (2021) – Rachel Emery returns to her hometown to uncover the truth behind a decades-old mystery.
2. Death Becomes You (2021) – Rachel finds herself in the middle of another local investigation when a body is discovered.
3. All the Pretty Girls (2023) – Rachel faces a complex web of secrets in this thrilling third installment.

Standalone Novels (Categorized by Genre)

Deanna Lynn Sletten is highly prolific when it comes to standalones. She frequently alternates between emotional contemporary women's fiction and rich historical novels. Here is a breakdown of her standalone books to help you choose your next read.

Historical & Dual-Timeline Fiction

These books are perfect for readers who enjoy historical settings, biographical details, and unraveling mysteries across different eras:

• Miss Etta (2018) – A historical tale focused on Etta Place, the mysterious companion of the Sundance Kid.
• The Ones We Leave Behind (2020) – A highly acclaimed dual-timeline novel exploring redemption, family secrets, and a woman's life after a 65-year prison sentence.
• Mrs. Winchester's Biographer (2023) – A fascinating dive into the legends and truth surrounding the Winchester Mystery House and its eccentric owner.
• The Lost Ballerina (2026) – Intertwines the lives of a talented 1960s ballerina and a modern teenager.
• The Mrs. Astor (2026) – A biographical historical fiction novel detailing the high society and private life of Caroline Astor.

Contemporary Women's Fiction & Romance

If you prefer stories about family dynamics, healing from grief, and modern love stories, check out these standalones:

• Outlaw Heroes (2001) – Sletten's early adventure-romance novel.
• Memories (2012) – A touching romance that was a semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Books.
• Sara's Promise (2012) – An emotional second-chance romance, also a Kindle Book Review semifinalist.
• Widow, Virgin, Whore (2013) – A poignant look at self-discovery and female resilience.
• Maggie's Turn (2013) – Follows a woman making a major life change to rediscover her own happiness.
• Summer of the Loon (2014) – A heartwarming story set in northern Minnesota about family healing.
• Destination Wedding (2014) – A fun, escapist romance centered around a tropical wedding.
• Night Music (2018) – A romance touching on music, grief, and new beginnings.
• The Women of Great Heron Lake (2019) – A multi-generational tale of family, friendship, and lake-house secrets.
• One Wrong Turn (2019) – A drama exploring how a single moment can reshape several lives.
• Finding Libbie (2020) – An emotional journey of tracking down lost family and healing old wounds.
• The Secrets We Carry (2022) – A contemporary drama about facing past choices and family truths.
• The Christmas Charm (2022) – A sweet holiday romance filled with festive cheer.
• Christmas at Mountain View Lodge (2023) – A cozy winter-themed romance about finding love during the holidays.
• The Lifestyle (2024) – Follows a modern influencer whose carefully curated online life is challenged by her past.
• The Heart of the Matter (2025) – Explores the themes of forgiveness and second chances between two women.

What to Know Before You Start

Deanna Lynn Sletten's books are known for being clean, heartwarming, and deeply character-driven. While some books feature mild suspense or mystery, her primary focus is on emotional journeys, family relationships, and personal growth. You do not need to worry about complex reading orders or crossovers between different series; the standalones can be picked up in any order, and the main series are easily read in their straightforward publication orders.