Jude Deveraux is the American author behind more than seventy books, including romance, historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism.
Many of her novels have made the New York Times Bestsellers list and have been translated into multiple languages for readers around the world to enjoy.
Deveraux’s writing career began back in 1980 with her debut title, The Black Lyon. The book marked the start of her critically acclaimed Montgomery and Taggert family saga and set the stage for her long and hugely successful career.
In the years that followed, she penned numerous popular series which span multiple genres, making her one of the most diverse and fascinating authors in 21st-century America.
And even today, more than forty years after her career began, she’s still writing bestselling fiction and delighting readers worldwide.
So, if you’re looking for a new author to kick-start your 2023, why not give Jude Deveraux’s books a try?
Jude Deveraux Books
Jude Deveraux has penned twelve series and ten standalone titles to date, but with so many books to explore, it can be hard to know where to begin. So, in this post, I’ll list them all in reading and publication order to help you decide where to begin your reading journey.
| Sr. No. | Title | Publication Date | Print Length | Publisher | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Montgomery And Taggert Family Books | January 1, 1990 | 288 pages | Severn House Pub Ltd | Amazon |
| 2 | The Forever Trilogy | October 21, 2012 | 384 pages | Gallery Books | Amazon |
| 3 | The Nantucket Brides Books | July 9, 2013 | 464 pages | Ballantine Books | Amazon |
| 4 | The James River Books | January 1, 2002 | 352 pages | Pocket Books | Amazon |
| 5 | The Peregrine Family Books | May 1, 1989 | 326 pages | Pocket | Amazon |
| 6 | The Legend, Colorado Books | January 7, 2013 | 416 pages | Gallery Books | Amazon |
| 7 | The Summerhouse Books | December 1, 2004 | 416 pages | Gallery Books | Amazon |
| 8 | The Edenton Books | October 26, 2007 | 480 pages | Atria | Amazon |
| 9 | The Edilean Books | January 1, 2010 | 496 pages | Pocket Books | Amazon |
| 10 | The Summer Hill Books | May 2, 2017 | 448 pages | HEADLINE | Amazon |
The Montgomery And Taggert Family Books
This long-running collection of historical romance novels is one of Jude Deveraux’s most beloved series of all.
The stories follow two iconic families and their romantic lives across the generations, beginning in the 13th century and spanning until the end of the 19th century.
Each book is packed with drama, love, loss, and betrayal, taking us on a journey across the ages from the ancient rolling hills of England all the way across the Atlantic to the New World.
There are two options when it comes to reading the Montgomery and Taggart Family series. You can follow along with the original publication order or read the books in chronological order, following these stories across the centuries from beginning to end.
The Montgomery and Taggart Family Books in Publication Order
- The Black Lyon (1980)
- The Velvet Promise / Judith (1981)
- Highland Velvet (1982)
- Velvet Song (1983)
- Velvet Angel (1983)
- Twin of Ice (1985)
- Twin of Fire (1985)
- The Temptress (1986)
- The Raider (1987)
- The Princess (1987)
- The Awakening (1988)
- The Maiden (1988)
- A Knight in Shining Armor (1989)
- Wishes (1989)
- Mountain Laurel (1990)
- The Duchess (1991)
- Sweet Liar (1992)
- Eternity (1992)
- The Invitation (1994)
- A Holiday of Love (1994)
- The Heiress (1995)
- A Gift of Love (1995)
- Someone to Love (1997)
- High Tide (1999)
- Holly (2003)
The Montgomery and Taggert Family Books in Chronological Order
- The Black Lyon
- The Maiden
- The Velvet Promise
- Highland Velvet
- Velvet Song
- Velvet Angel
- The Heiress
- The Raider
- Mountain Laurel
- Eternity
- The Duchess
- Twin of Fire
- Twin of Ice
- The Temptress
- Wishes
- The Awakening
- The Invitation
- The Princess
- A Knight in Shining Armor
- Sweet Liar
- Matchmakers (from The Invitation)
- Change of Heart (from A Holiday of Love)
- Just Curious (from A Gift of Love)
- High Tide
- Holly
- Someone to Love
The Forever Trilogy
The Forever Trilogy is a continuation of the popular Montgomery and Taggert Family series, set in modern-day America. The books feature all the classic romantic elements that Deveraux is famous for, along with a heavy helping of magical realism.
In book one, Forever, we meet the series protagonist, Darci Monroe. Darci is a resilient young woman with extraordinary psychic abilities, and when she meets the wealthy and handsome Adam Montgomery, she uses her talents to help him uncover the secrets of his family’s past. This act of kindness seals their bond, and the pair fall in love and get married.
But in book two, Forever and Always, Darci is left grief-stricken when her husband mysteriously vanishes. So, when the FBI enlists her to solve a tough-to-crack murder case, Darci agrees. But only on the condition that they help her with her own quest to find her missing husband.
In the series finale, Darci is still searching for her beloved Adam when she’s enlisted into the FBI once again. This time, she must find undercover agent Jack Rose’s missing father.
But as she and Jack embark on their dangerous mission, she’s transported into the past and stripped of her powers. And now, she must use every ounce of her remaining strength to escape the dark forces that threaten to keep her locked in time forever.
The Forever Trilogy in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Forever Trilogy is interconnected. So, to get the most out of the series, it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.
The Nantucket Brides Books
This trilogy is another modern-day Montgomery and Taggert Family spin-off series set on the beautiful Massachusetts island of Nantucket.
In book one, young architect Alix Madsen inherits the use of a beautiful nineteenth-century home from a mysterious, recently deceased woman. But there’s more to the strange bequest than meets the eye, and soon, Alix finds herself embroiled in a centuries-old missing person’s case.
But she’s not alone; living in the guesthouse is a fellow architect, Jared Montgomery, and despite his arrogance, Alix can’t help but fall for his charms.
The pair fall deeply in love, but before they can look to the future, they must right the wrongs of history and journey into their ancestor’s turbulent past.
The Nantucket Brides Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Nantucket Brides Trilogy is interconnected. So, to get the most out of the series, it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.
The James River Books
This four-book historical romance series takes us back to the pioneer days of the American South along the banks of Virginia’s James River.
In book one, Sweetbriar, we meet Linnet Tyler, who is taken prisoner after surviving a violent ambush. A handsome indigenous Shawnee man, Devon Macalister, comes to her rescue, and together, they embark on a long and perilous journey through the wilderness to freedom.
The kidnappings and rescue missions continue throughout the rest of the series, as damsels in distress are rescued by their own knight in shining armor.
The James River Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the James River series tells a different story, with a new set of characters. So, you can read them in any order you choose.
The Peregrine Family Books
This two-part historical romance series follows the romantic pursuits of members of the Peregrine family.
At one time, the Peregrines had wealth and land, but it was stolen from them by their arch-enemies, the Howards. And so, the family is embroiled in a long and bitter feud that has spanned the generations.
But the constant battles and bloodshed don’t stop the young and virile Peregrines from pursuing their romantic endeavors.
The Peregrine Family Books in Reading and Publication Order
Both books in the Peregrine Family series tell different stories, but the characters’ lives are interconnected. So, to get the most out of the series, it’s best to read these books in the order they were published, listed below.
The Legend, Colorado Books
This two-part mini-series begins when celebrated chef Kady Long is transported to another time. One moment, she’s trying on an elegant antique wedding dress, and the next, she’s in Legend, Colorado, in the time of Cowboys and Indians.
This dusty western town is about to play host to a hanging, so Kady thinks on her feet to stop proceedings and save a handsome young man from his fate. But now, she needs his help to find her way back home.
In the follow-up short story, The Teacher, we return to Legend, Colorado, where newcomer Kathryn de Longe is tasked with governing local bad boy Zachary Jordan. But against all odds, she falls in love with Zachary’s father, who proves to her that love works in mysterious ways.
The Legend, Colorado Books in Reading and Publication Order
The second installment of the Legend, Colorado series can be found in the anthology ‘Upon a Midnight Clear.’
To get the most out of these books, it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.
The Summerhouse Books
The Summerhouse series transports us to a charming vacation home in the northern reaches of New England, where guests get a lot more than just a relaxing weekend away.
The series begins as three best friends arrive at the summerhouse to celebrate their fortieth birthdays. Leslie, Madison, and Ellie are each at a crossroads in their lives, with many unanswered questions playing on their minds.
And so, when their host, the mysterious Madame Zoya, offers them each the opportunity to go back and rewrite part of their past, the women grasp the opportunity. But will they find happiness in the dreams they never got a chance to pursue?
The Summerhouse Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Summerhouse series tells a different story, but the plots are loosely connected. So, to get the most out of the series, it’s best to read these books in the order they were published, listed below.
The Edenton Books
This two-part contemporary romance series opens with the story of Eden Palmer, a single mother in her forties on a mission to start over.
She’s worked hard to raise her daughter, and now, it’s time to do something for herself. So, she moves to the beautiful town of Arundel, North Carolina. But when she arrives, she creates quite a stir. The town’s men are smitten with Eden, and she’s pursued by not one but two very handsome gentlemen, Jared McBride and Braddon Granville.
But things are about to get complicated in Arundel, as Eden is plunged headfirst into a dangerous mystery that only she can solve.
The Edenton Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Edenton series tells a different story, but the characters’ lives are loosely connected. So, to get the most out of the series, it’s best to read these books in the order they were published, listed below.
The Edilean Books
The Edilean series is a multigenerational saga that blends historical and contemporary romance in a small Virginia town.
Book one, Lavender Morning, begins with the story of Jocelyn Minton, who had always felt like an outsider in her own community. But then, she met Edilean Harcourt, an elderly woman who understood Joce like no one else.
When Miss Edi passes away, she leaves her entire estate to Joce. But within the inheritance is a mystery that dates back to the 1940s. And now, Joce must solve the clues that will lead her to the love of her life.
The Edilean Books in Reading and Publication Order
The books in the Edilean series are all connected by a common theme, but each story is a standalone. So, you can read them in any order you choose.
- Lavender Morning (2009)
- Days of Gold (2009)
- Scarlet Nights (2010)
- The Scent of Jasmine (2010)
- Heart wishes (2011)
- Moonlight in the Morning (2011)
- Stranger in the Moonlight (2012)
- Moonlight Masquerade (2013)
- Change of Heart (2014)
The Summer Hill Books
This popular romance trilogy is set in the historic mountain town of Summer Hill, Virginia, a place steeped in romance, myth, and legend.
In book one, we meet successful chef Casey Reddick, who is more interested in forwarding her career than finding a man.
But when she takes the role of Elizabeth Bennet in the local production of Pride and Prejudice, she finds herself acting alongside the devilishly handsome Hollywood actor Tate Landers. At first, Casey is determined not to fall for Tate’s charms, but it’s not long before chemistry takes over, and she’s powerless to resist.
The Summer Hill Books in Reading and Publication Order
A common theme connects both books in the Summer Hill series, but each story is a standalone. So, you can read them in any order you choose.
The Medlar Mystery Books
This compelling mystery series tells the tale of famous author Sara Medlar, known worldwide for her bestselling romance books.
But since she’s retired, Sara is getting a little bored with life. So when her niece, Kate, asks if she can join her in her Florida mansion for a while, she agrees. After all, she could use the company.
Yet there’s a surprise waiting for Kate when she arrives at Sara’s home. She’s not the only house guest; the charming and handsome Jackson Wyatt already has his own room.
At first, Kate and Jackson don’t hit it off, and their personalities clash.
But then, a mystery descends on the small Florida town, and Sara, Kate, and Jackson are thrust together on a mission to solve it.
From here on out, this unlikely trio is united in their quest for justice. And in the books that follow, they uncover hidden secrets and solve seemingly unsolvable mysteries together as a team.
The Medlar Mystery Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Medlar Mystery series is interconnected, so to get the most out of their series, it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.
- A Willing Murder (2018)
- A Justified Murder (2019)
- A Forgotten Murder (2020)
- A Relative Murder (2022)
The Providence Falls Books (with Tara Sheets)
In 2020, Jude Deveraux teamed up with fellow author Tara Sheets to pen this gripping time-travel romance series.
Book one, Chance of a Lifetime, takes us back to nineteenth-century Ireland, when local rogue Liam O’Connor swept naive young beauty, Cora McLeod, off her feet. But the angels didn’t approve of their love, and so fate altered their path.
A century later, Liam and Cora are reunited in a new life in modern-day Providence Falls, North Carolina. But Liam must finally do the noble thing and ensure that this time, Cora falls for the right man, the man she truly deserves.
The Providence Falls Book in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Providence Falls series is interconnected, so to get the most out of their series, it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.
Jude Deveraux’s Standalone Novels
Alongside her many popular series, author Jude Deveraux has also penned ten standalone novels. Here they are in the order they were originally published.
- The Enchanted Land (1978)
- Casa Grande (1982)
- Remembrance (1994)
- An Angel for Emily (1998)
- The Blessing (1998)
- Temptation (2000)
- The Mulberry Tree (2002)
- Wild Orchids (2003)
- Secrets (2008)
- Meant to Be (2021)
Conclusion
Jude Deveraux has more than seventy captivating novels to explore, and hopefully, this post has helped you decide where to begin your reading journey.
Are you already a fan of this prolific author’s work? If so, what are your favorite books? Let me know in the comments below!