Can Emily Banting's books be read as standalones?

Yes. While the South Downs Romances share a setting and feature cameo appearances from past characters, each book follows a different couple and has a self-contained plot. The Nunswick Abbey books are more closely linked chronologically, but they are designed to be accessible to new readers as well.

In what order should I read the South Downs Romances?

It is best to read them in publication order: Broken Beyond Repair (2022), followed by Reality in Check (2023), and finishing with Beyond Her Manner (2025).

What is Emily Banting's debut novel?

Her debut novel is Lost in Love , which was published in 2021 and kicked off the Nunswick Abbey series.

What tropes are common in Emily Banting's books?

Banting frequently writes age-gap romances , ice-queen leads , and enemies-to-lovers dynamics, almost always centering on characters over forty and set in cozy British environments.

Has Emily Banting won any awards for her books?

Yes. Her novel Broken Beyond Repair won the 2023 Golden Crown Literary Society (Goldie) Ann Bannon Popular Choice award and a 2022 Lesfic Bard Award .

Emily Banting Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Emily Banting

If you are new to the heartwarming, slow-burn sapphic romances of British author Emily Banting, you have two excellent starting points depending on the vibe you are looking for:

For a Cozy English Village Romance: Start with Lost in Love, the first book in the Nunswick Abbey series. Set in a quaint village around historical ruins, it is a low-angst, later-in-life romance focusing on a local tour guide and a newly arrived village doctor.
For an Award-Winning Ice-Queen Romance: Start with Broken Beyond Repair, the book that kicked off the South Downs Romances trilogy. It is a highly acclaimed age-gap, actress-assistant romance that delivers emotional angst, witty banter, and a satisfying resolution.

The Nunswick Abbey Series Reading Order

Centered on the historical ruins of Nunswick Abbey in the English countryside, this series features recurring characters and a tight-knit community feel. While the books can be read as standalones, they are best enjoyed in order to watch the central relationship develop.

1. Lost in Love (2021)

This novel introduces readers to Anna Walker, a dedicated historical tour guide at Nunswick Abbey who is struggling to balance her career with caring for her ailing father. When Katherine Atkinson, a doctor seeking a fresh start, moves to the village, an unlikely bond forms. It is a classic later-in-life, slow-burn romance set against a beautifully rendered English backdrop.

2. Trust in Truth (2021)

This festive Christmas novella serves as a bridge in the series. It revisits the characters from the first book, offering a cozy holiday check-in that deepens the emotional connection and provides plenty of seasonal charm.

3. Forgive Not Forget (2022)

The third entry functions as a direct sequel, continuing the story of Anna and Katherine as they navigate new obstacles. The plot blends archaeological excavations at the abbey with the return of an old school friend, testing the couple's relationship and their roles within the village community.

The South Downs Romances Reading Order

This completed trilogy is set against the backdrop of the scenic Sussex countryside. Each book follows a different couple, meaning they can technically be read as standalones. However, reading them in order is recommended as characters from previous books pop up in subsequent installments.

1. Broken Beyond Repair (2022)

The series opener features a classic age-gap, ice-queen setup. It follows Sydney MacKenzie, a personal assistant looking for direction, and Beatrice Russell, an older, guarded actress coping with grief and career transition. This book won the 2023 Goldie Ann Bannon Popular Choice and the 2022 Lesfic Bard Award for Romance.

2. Reality in Check (2023)

A hate-to-love romance featuring an upbeat reality TV host and a reserved, protective hotel owner. Forced proximity and clashing personalities drive this cozy, atmospheric slow-burn, which makes for perfect rainy-day reading.

3. Beyond Her Manner (2025)

The final installment in the trilogy centers on Gillian Carmichael, a widow mourning the loss of her historic family estate, and Viola Berkley, a world-famous classical singer hiding out in the countryside. It features an age-gap, enemies-to-lovers dynamic as the two clash over local life before finding common ground in their shared vulnerabilities.

Standalone Novels

Barging In (2025)

For a completely self-contained story, Banting’s standalone novel delivers a charming, canal-based romance. It follows Clem Wentworth, a passionate baker who moors her narrowboat outside a house she is renovating, and Victoria Hargreaves, a strict heritage center manager. Their immediate clash over local history and boat-mooring rules quickly evolves into a delightful, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tale.

What to Know Before You Start

Emily Banting’s stories stand out for their specific focus on women over forty navigating later-in-life love, career transitions, and emotional recovery. With a professional background in screenwriting and a degree in Archaeology and Heritage Management, Banting weaves a deep appreciation for history, historic buildings, and rich British settings into her narratives. Readers can expect witty dialogue, low-to-medium angst, and slow-burn pacing that prioritizes character growth and emotional intimacy.