To read Katherine Center books in order, start with her standalone early works, then move into her newer bestselling emotional comedies like How to Walk Away and Things You Save in a Fire. While most of her books can be read independently, reading them in sequence can enhance your experience with subtle cross-references and character overlaps.
Katherine Center is known for writing “bittersweet comic novels about love and family.” Her books are emotional but hopeful, featuring strong female leads overcoming adversity with heart and humor. If you enjoy romantic fiction with depth, life lessons, and laugh-out-loud moments, her books are a perfect fit.
Katherine Center Books in Order of Publication
Katherine Center’s novels span over two decades and continue to earn critical and reader acclaim. Here’s a list of her novels in the order they were published:
- The Bright Side of Disaster (2006)
- Everyone Is Beautiful (2009)
- Get Lucky (2010)
- The Lost Husband (2013)
- Happiness for Beginners (2015)
- How to Walk Away (2018)
- Things You Save in a Fire (2019)
- What You Wish For (2020)
- The Bodyguard (2022)
- Hello Stranger (2023)
- The Rom-Commers (2024)
Though each book stands alone, several newer ones feature overlapping characters or subtle references to earlier novels.
Where to Start With Katherine Center
If you’re new to her writing, there are a few standout books that serve as ideal introductions depending on your taste.
Top starting points:
- How to Walk Away – A compelling story of love, tragedy, and resilience.
- Happiness for Beginners – A fan favorite about a survival course and self-discovery.
- The Bodyguard – A witty romantic comedy with a strong emotional core.
Each of these offers the signature warmth and humor that fans love about Katherine Center.
Thematic Arcs in Her Novels
Katherine Center’s work often blends romance, personal growth, and overcoming life’s hardest moments.
Recurring themes include:
- Women reclaiming their identity after life-changing events
- Love that heals rather than rescues
- Family tension, forgiveness, and personal strength
Despite the heavy topics (like grief, injury, or loss), her books remain hopeful and uplifting.
Best Books for Emotional Healing and Motivation
Some of Katherine Center’s novels offer not just entertainment, but also inspiration for readers going through tough times.
Uplifting and motivational reads:
- How to Walk Away – Recovery after a devastating accident.
- Things You Save in a Fire – A female firefighter facing emotional trauma.
- What You Wish For – Overcoming grief and choosing joy.
These books provide catharsis through relatable characters and empowering stories.
Subtle Connections Between Her Novels
While not officially a series, several books contain brief crossovers or returning characters.
Examples of crossover details:
- Happiness for Beginners and What You Wish For share a character.
- The Lost Husband was adapted into a film, bringing new attention to her earlier works.
- The Bodyguard and Hello Stranger explore similar ideas of guarded hearts and reluctant love.
These nods don’t require previous knowledge but are rewarding for longtime readers.
Writing Style and Reader Appeal
Katherine Center’s writing is accessible yet emotionally rich. She excels in first-person narrative that brings you close to the protagonist’s thoughts and growth.
Expect from her books:
- A mix of heartfelt and humorous tone
- Romantic plots that avoid clichés
- Deep character introspection and smart, satisfying resolutions
Her books appeal especially to fans of authors like Emily Henry, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Colleen Hoover—readers who want their romance grounded in real emotion.
FAQs About Katherine Center Books in Order
Here are some questions and answers about reading Katherine Center’s books in the right sequence:
What is the first Katherine Center book I should read?
Start with How to Walk Away if you’re looking for a recent bestseller, or Happiness for Beginners for a character-driven journey of healing.
Are Katherine Center’s books a series?
No, each book is standalone. However, some recent novels contain shared characters or thematic links.
Do I need to read her books in order?
Not necessarily. You can read them in any order, but starting from her newer works may help you appreciate subtle connections between characters.
What kind of books does Katherine Center write?
She writes contemporary fiction that blends romance, personal growth, humor, and emotional healing.
Are her books suitable for younger readers?
They are best for adult and mature YA readers due to themes like trauma, grief, and romantic relationships, though they are generally clean and uplifting.
Katherine Center’s novels are about surviving the hardest things and learning to love life again. Reading her books in order lets you experience her growing depth as a writer and the consistent thread of hope that defines her stories.