Delia Parr Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Delia Parr?

Delia Parr (the pen name of Mary Lechleidner) is celebrated for crafting rich, faith-filled stories focusing on resilient, independent women. If you are new to her work, the absolute best starting point is The Midwife's Tale (originally published as A Place Called Trinity). This novel introduces Martha Cade, a strong-willed midwife in 1830s Pennsylvania, and perfectly showcases Parr's signature blend of historical detail, small-town community, and gentle Christian themes.

For readers who prefer a cozy, boardinghouse atmosphere with mature protagonists, the Candlewood Trilogy starting with A Hearth in Candlewood is another fantastic starting point. If you want to sample her writing before committing to a series, standalones like Hearts Awakening (which kicks off the Hearts Along the River trilogy) or her debut novel Evergreen are excellent choices.

At Home in Trinity Series (The Midwife Books)

Set in the 1830s in the fictional town of Trinity, Pennsylvania, this series centers on Martha Cade, a widowed midwife trying to rebuild her life and career while navigating family struggles and town secrets. This is Delia Parr's most famous historical series.

Note that the first two books were originally published under different titles before being reissued. To read Martha's story in chronological and narrative order, follow this sequence:

• The Midwife's Tale (2002) - Originally published as A Place Called Trinity. Martha returns to Trinity after a long absence to reclaim her practice, only to find her daughter has run away and her position has been filled.
• The Midwife's Choice (2003) - Originally published as Home to Trinity. Martha faces a difficult decision as she struggles to balance her responsibilities to her patients with the desires of her heart.
• The Midwife's Dilemma (2016) - Published over a decade after the second book, this final installment wraps up Martha's narrative arc as she contemplates marriage to Mayor Thomas Dillon, deals with town growth, and considers passing her midwifery legacy to a younger generation.

Candlewood Trilogy

This heartwarming historical trilogy is set in the mid-19th century and revolves around Emma Garrett, a widow who operates a bustling boardinghouse in Candlewood, New York. Through her kindness, wisdom, and faith, Emma helps her diverse guests heal and find love, even as she confronts her own past. The trilogy must be read in order of publication:

Hearts Along the River Series

This series takes readers to the banks of the Susquehanna River in 1840s Pennsylvania. Each book follows a different heroine finding love, healing, and faith under challenging circumstances. While each story stands on its own, it is best enjoyed in publication order to appreciate the shared setting and brief crossovers:

• Hearts Awakening (2010) - The story of Ellie Kilmer, a spinster who enters a marriage of convenience with a widowed canal-boat captain to find stability, only to discover deeper emotional challenges.
• Love's First Bloom (2010) - Focuses on Ruth, a woman hiding her true identity in a small town, who finds redemption and unexpected romance.
• Hidden Affections (2011) - Follows Annabelle and Ross as they navigate secrets and community expectations along the river.

Home Ties Trilogy: Delia Parr's Contemporary Departure

Unlike the rest of her historical bibliography, the Home Ties Trilogy is a contemporary inspirational series. Set in Welleswood, New Jersey, the books follow the lives and struggles of three adult sisters who must lean on their sisterly bond and Christian faith to navigate massive life disruptions. This series should be read in order:

1. Abide With Me (2006) - Introduces the Long sisters: Andrea, a widowed real estate agent fighting cancer; Madge, who is facing betrayal from a long-kept secret by her husband; and Jenny, a nurse struggling to support her family while her husband pursues writing.
2. Day By Day (2007) - Explores the ongoing trials and triumphs of the sisters as they seek healing and reconciliation.
3. Carry the Light (2008) - Concludes the contemporary trilogy with themes of hope, resilience, and faith.

Standalone Novels and Anthologies

For a quick, self-contained historical romance, Parr's standalone novels offer wonderful glimpses into early American history, covering various themes from family secrets to unexpected second chances. They can be read in any order:

• Evergreen (1995) - Delia Parr's debut novel.
• The Fire in Autumn (1996)
• By Fate's Design (1996)
• The Ivory Duchess (1997)
• The Minister's Wife (1998)
• Sunrise (1999)
• The Promise of Flowers (2000)

Parr also contributed to the historical romance anthology Perfect Secrets (1999) alongside writers Kathleen Kane, Judith O'Brien, and Brenda Joyce. It features the novella The Rarest Jewel, making it a great collector's item for completionists.

What to Know Before You Start

Delia Parr's books are highly regarded for their clean, faith-based romances and realistic portrayals of historical female occupations. Her heroines are rarely typical damsels; instead, they are midwives, boardinghouse keepers, and hard-working sisters who face real historical hardships, such as limited legal rights, disease, and social scandal. The religious elements in her stories are organic to the characters' lives rather than preachy, focusing on grace, forgiveness, and community support.