Hearties, Here's How to Read All of the 'When Calls the Heart' Books in Order
Janette Oke's series laid the foundation for the popular Hallmark show.
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When Calls the Heart is one of Hallmark Channel's greatest treasures. Now in its eighth season, the beloved series takes viewers on an hour-long journey to Hope Valley each week. The hallmarks of this show are truly timeless: Along with the turn-of-the-century fashion and Canadian scenery, each episode touches on love, friendship, loss, and light — all of which stem from Janette Oke's six-book series, Canadian West.
Since the TV series has eclipsed the books, the writers of the show have taken several liberties with the storyline, adding in more small town drama, love interests, and characters. Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird, the show's executive producers, say that the books are merely a jumping off point for what we see on screen: "Both are like Abigail Stanton's famous scones. They have the same basic ingredients, but are just baked differently," they shared in a blog post. Still, the basis of Hope Valley and Elizabeth's relationship with a Mountie (Jack, then Nathan) are taken from Oke's writing. As for Jack's sudden death and the infamous love triangle? That's all Hallmark.
If you're looking to keep busy between episodes, work your way down this list to read all of the When Calls the Heart books in order.
The first book in the series sounds all too familiar: Elizabeth Thatcher trades her posh, comfortable lifestyle for something more rustic when she takes on a teaching job in the Canadian Rockies. As difficult as it may be, she starts to fall in love with her new life ... and a local Mountie, Wynn Delaney.
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It's been one year since we first met Elizabeth and so much of her life has changed: Although she still spends her days teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, she's starting to plan for married life with Wynn. His job is taking them up north, which means Elizabeth will have to leave her beloved students behind and brace for the cold — and she's starting to question if she can handle it or not.
Now that Elizabeth and Wynn have one northern winter under their belts, they're starting to see the beauty in their new home. But as soon as they start to settle down, Wynn finds out that he's been moved to another posting, causing Elizabeth to worry if there will ever be a sense of stability in their marriage.
Another outpost, another fresh start: This new location proves to be more challenging since it's even more isolated than the last and the locals seem to be avoiding Elizabeth. Together, Wynn and Elizabeth must overcome this challenge together, but it'll certainly test their faith and love for one another.
Now, we get a closer look at the couple's children. Wynn and Elizabeth rescued Henry when he was a young boy and raised him like their own. He has since followed in his father's footsteps and is navigating life as a Mountie. Christine, on the other hand, left her family's simple life for the big city, where she falls for a man who her parents won't approve of.
The writing is on the wall, leaving Christine single and heartbroken. While on her healing journey, she travels up north to be with her family and starts to wonder if this is where she's supposed to be. Then a handsome suitor enters the picture and, well, she makes up her mind.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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