To read the If He Had Been With Me series in order, start with the first book, If He Had Been With Me, and follow it with the sequel If Only I Had Told Her. This emotional young adult series by Laura Nowlin tells a deeply moving love story about missed chances, unspoken feelings, and the fragile nature of teenage relationships.
The series is a heart-wrenching yet beautifully written exploration of friendship, mental health, grief, and young love. With its lyrical prose and gut-punch endings, reading the books in the correct order is essential to fully experiencing the characters’ emotional journeys.
If He Had Been With Me Series in Chronological Order
This two-book series centers on Autumn and Finny, childhood best friends who drift apart during high school despite lingering feelings and unresolved emotions.
1. If He Had Been With Me (2013)
The first book is told from Autumn’s point of view. It explores her thoughts, regrets, and the moments she never shared with Finny. The story navigates their teenage lives, diverging paths, and the “what ifs” that haunt her.
2. If Only I Had Told Her (2023)
The sequel shifts perspective to Finny and provides his side of the story. It fills in emotional gaps, reimagines key moments from a different lens, and gives readers closure. This installment enhances the heartbreak and depth of the first book while showing what Finny never got to express.
Why Reading This Series in Order Matters
The emotional impact of this duology depends on reading the story from Autumn’s viewpoint first and then revisiting the same events through Finny’s lens.
Reading in order helps because:
- The first book sets the emotional tone and introduces the tragedy without spoilers.
- The second book enriches the story with deeper insight into Finny’s struggles.
- It allows the story’s themes to unfold naturally, building resonance and empathy.
Reading them out of order would rob the reader of key revelations and emotional buildup.
Themes and Style in the If He Had Been With Me Series
Laura Nowlin uses poetic prose and emotional vulnerability to capture the bittersweet highs and crushing lows of teenage relationships.
Core themes explored:
- Unrequited love and emotional miscommunication
- Mental health, especially depression and internalized trauma
- The fear of expressing true feelings
- Grief, guilt, and longing for what might have been
The writing style is introspective and immersive, making readers feel like they’re living inside Autumn and Finny’s thoughts.
Who Should Read This Series?
This series is perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally charged contemporary YA with character-driven storytelling.
Ideal for readers who:
- Appreciate heartfelt, tragic love stories like Five Feet Apart or They Both Die at the End
- Are drawn to introspective and character-rich narratives
- Enjoy books that tackle serious themes in a sensitive, realistic manner
While the series is labeled young adult, its themes resonate with readers of all ages due to its emotional depth and universal experiences.
The Reading Experience – What to Expect
Reading this duology can be an intense experience, and many readers report crying or feeling emotionally wrecked by the end.
Expect the following:
- Deep emotional investment in the characters
- Slow-burn pacing with internal monologue and detail
- Honest depiction of mental health and complex relationships
- A moving and powerful conclusion that lingers after the final page
It’s recommended to read both books close together for continuity and emotional impact.
FAQs About If He Had Been With Me Series in Order
Here are some questions and answers about reading the If He Had Been With Me books in sequence:
What is the correct reading order for the If He Had Been With Me series?
Start with If He Had Been With Me (2013), then read If Only I Had Told Her (2023). This is the author’s intended sequence.
Is If He Had Been With Me a standalone?
Originally, it was a standalone, but the author later added a second book that expands the story and gives readers a new perspective.
Do I need to read both books?
Yes, to fully understand and feel the emotional arc of Autumn and Finny’s story, both books are essential.
Is the second book a sequel or a prequel?
If Only I Had Told Her is a companion novel that acts as both a sequel and a retelling from Finny’s perspective. It covers events from the first book and adds new insights.
Are these books suitable for younger readers?
The books deal with mature themes such as depression, death, and emotional trauma. They are best suited for readers aged 14+ due to their emotional intensity.
The If He Had Been With Me series is a poignant and unforgettable YA experience. Reading the books in order allows you to witness both sides of a tragic love story and appreciate the depth of emotion Laura Nowlin brings to every page.