What is the correct reading order for the Savannah series?

You should read the Savannah series in strict publication order: Savannah from Savannah (2004), Savannah Comes Undone (2005), and finally Savannah by the Sea (2006).

Can Denise Hildreth Jones's standalone novels be read in any order?

Yes. Standalone novels like Flies on the Butter , The Will of Wisteria , and Secrets Over Sweet Tea are completely independent stories and can be read in any order you choose.

What is the best starting point for new readers?

The best starting point is Savannah from Savannah . It introduces the author's signature Southern wit, relatable family dynamics, and faith-driven storytelling.

Does Denise Hildreth Jones write non-fiction?

Yes. She has written two major inspirational non-fiction books: Flying Solo (2010) and Reclaiming Your Heart (2013), which focus on healing after life-altering events like divorce.

Where are Denise Hildreth Jones's books usually set?

Most of her books are set in vibrant Southern settings, including Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Franklin, Tennessee, though Hurricanes in Paradise takes place at a resort in the Bahamas.

Denise Hildreth Jones Books in Order

Where to Start: The Savannah Series

For readers new to Denise Hildreth Jones (often published as Denise Hildreth), the absolute best starting point is her signature Savannah Series. This contemporary Christian fiction trilogy must be read in publication order, as it follows the continuous personal and spiritual growth of a single protagonist, Savannah Phillips, while she navigates career struggles, relationships, and her overbearing, high-society mother, Victoria.

1. Savannah from Savannah (2004)

At twenty-four, Savannah Phillips is mortified to discover her mother manipulated a prestigious fiction contest to ensure she won. Rejecting the tainted publishing contract, Savannah returns home to Savannah, Georgia, to prove her worth. Landing a job at the Savannah Chronicle, she begins writing about local oddities while trying to establish her own identity separate from her family's social shadow.

2. Savannah Comes Undone (2005)

The second book finds Savannah struggling with the ongoing drama of her diva mother and escalating professional pressures. As her personal and professional lives collide, Savannah has to learn how to keep her life from completely unraveling while holding onto her faith and sense of humor.

3. Savannah by the Sea (2006)

Hoping for a peaceful family vacation on the coast, Savannah finds herself in the middle of more chaotic family dynamics and humorous mishaps. This third installment brings her initial journey of self-discovery and family reconciliation to a satisfying conclusion.

The Standalone Southern Novels

After completing the Savannah trilogy, readers can dive into any of Denise Hildreth Jones's standalone novels. While these books do not share characters or storylines, they are all set in the American South (or tropical locales) and feature her trademark blend of quirky characters, emotional healing, and Christian faith. They can be read in any order:

Flies on the Butter (2007): Follows Rose Fletcher, a career-focused child advocate who is forced to return to her South Carolina roots during a family emergency, prompting a deep journey of self-reflection and healing.
The Will of Wisteria (2007): Set in Charleston, this novel follows four estranged siblings who must work together for a year without pay to inherit their late father's estate, learning to "bend" and grow like the wisteria vine.
Hurricanes in Paradise (2010): Set at a Bahamas resort, the story connects the lives of guest relations director Riley Sinclair and three resort guests who find friendship, faith, and healing as a literal and emotional storm approaches.
The First Gardener (2011): Focuses on a tragic loss suffered by Tennessee Governor Gray London and his wife, Mackenzie. Healing comes in the form of Jeremiah, the governor's mansion gardener of twenty-five years, who uses spiritual wisdom and nature to guide them.
Secrets Over Sweet Tea (2013): Set in Franklin, Tennessee, this book explores the lives of three individuals—a pastor's wife, a woman dealing with her husband's addiction, and a divorce attorney—whose secrets intersect in a story of redemption.

Non-Fiction and Inspirational Works

In addition to her fiction, Jones has authored inspiring non-fiction books that draw directly from her personal life and her work with Reclaiming Hearts Ministries. These offer raw, uplifting guidance for readers walking through difficult life transitions:

Flying Solo: How to Go Live Again When Your Marriage Has Died (2010): Written in the wake of her divorce, this guide offers spiritual encouragement and practical advice for navigating singlehood.
Reclaiming Your Heart: A Journey Back to Laughing, Loving, and Living (2013): A transformative guide to finding spiritual healing and rediscovering joy after personal heartbreak.

Complete Publication Order

Savannah from Savannah (2004)
Savannah Comes Undone (2005)
Savannah by the Sea (2006)
Flies on the Butter (2007)
The Will of Wisteria (2007)
Hurricanes in Paradise (2010)
Flying Solo (Non-Fiction, 2010)
The First Gardener (2011)
Secrets Over Sweet Tea (2013)
Reclaiming Your Heart (Non-Fiction, 2013)

What to Know Before You Start

Denise Hildreth Jones writes with a distinct Southern voice that blends laugh-out-loud humor with profound, often heavy themes like divorce, grief, addiction, and family manipulation. Readers should be prepared for a strong underlying message of Christian faith and redemption. While the Savannah books form a tight trilogy, all her other novels are standalone works that require no prior reading.