Lynn Austin Books in Order: Series, Standalones, and Reading Order
Lynn Austin published her first novel, Gods and Kings, in 1995. That book became the first installment of her Chronicles of the Kings series. Since then, she has become one of the best-known authors of Christian historical fiction, writing stories that frequently explore faith, family, courage, redemption, war, biblical history, and the experiences of women across different historical periods. Austin’s official biography says that Gods and Kings was the novel she began writing during her years in Canada and that it eventually developed into a five-book series.
As of 2026, her bibliography includes five Chronicles of the Kings novels, three Refiner’s Fire novels, three Restoration Chronicles novels, two Waves of Mercy novels, two books connected with If I Were You, and numerous standalone novels, along with nonfiction and shorter works.
Lynn Austin Books in Order at a Glance
Here are Lynn Austin’s major fiction series:
| Series | Books | First Book | Latest Book |
| Chronicles of the Kings | 5 | Gods and Kings | Among the Gods |
| Refiner’s Fire | 3 | Candle in the Darkness | A Light to My Path |
| Restoration Chronicles | 3 | Return to Me | On This Foundation |
| Waves of Mercy | 2 | Waves of Mercy | Legacy of Mercy |
| If I Were You / related | 2 | If I Were You | The Wish Book Christmas |
Austin’s official website groups these works among her books, while current bibliographic databases confirm the individual series reading orders.
Chronicles of the Kings Books in Order
The Chronicles of the Kings series is Lynn Austin’s first major series and her best-known biblical fiction series.
It tells stories connected with the kings of Judah and the biblical history surrounding the divided kingdom. The five books should definitely be read in order because the novels build on the same historical period and recurring biblical characters.
Austin’s official biography confirms that Gods and Kings was her first published novel and that it developed into a five-book series.
1. Gods and Kings (1995)
Originally published under the title The Lord Is My Strength, Gods and Kings begins the Chronicles of the Kings series.
The novel introduces Hezekiah, heir to the throne of David, during a dangerous period in Judah’s history.
His father, King Ahaz, has embraced pagan practices, creating a crisis for Hezekiah and those around him. The story follows the struggle between the worship of Israel’s God and the competing religions surrounding Judah.
The novel combines biblical history with fictionalized characters and personal stories, giving readers a more intimate view of the world surrounding the biblical kings.
Austin’s official site lists Gods and Kings as the first book in the series.
Series order: Chronicles of the Kings #1
2. Song of Redemption (1996)
Originally published as The Lord Is My Song, this is the second Chronicles of the Kings novel.
The story continues the biblical narrative surrounding Hezekiah and Judah.
As the kingdom faces political and military threats, faith becomes increasingly important to the characters.
The novel expands the historical world established in Gods and Kings while continuing Austin’s approach of placing fictional characters alongside biblical figures.
Series order: Chronicles of the Kings #2
3. The Strength of His Hand (1996)
Originally published as The Lord Is My Salvation, this third installment continues the story of Judah under Hezekiah.
Political pressure, military danger, family relationships, and questions of faith all play important roles as the characters confront the consequences of earlier decisions.
The book is especially important for readers who want to follow the complete biblical-fiction narrative rather than reading individual novels independently.
Series order: Chronicles of the Kings #3
4. Faith of My Fathers (1997)
Originally published as My Father’s God, the fourth novel continues the Chronicles of the Kings storyline.
Austin explores the inheritance of faith from one generation to another while continuing the historical narrative surrounding Judah.
The book examines what it means to remain faithful when political power, family expectations, and cultural pressures point in another direction.
Series order: Chronicles of the Kings #4
5. Among the Gods (1998)
Among the Gods concludes the five-book Chronicles of the Kings series.
It brings the biblical-fiction saga to its conclusion while continuing Austin’s exploration of faith, idolatry, family, courage, and the consequences of political and spiritual choices.
Series order: Chronicles of the Kings #5
Chronicles of the Kings Reading Order
- Gods and Kings (1995)
- Song of Redemption (1996)
- The Strength of His Hand (1996)
- Faith of My Fathers (1997)
- Among the Gods (1998)
Some editions display the original titles alongside the current titles:
- Gods and Kings — originally The Lord Is My Strength
- Song of Redemption — originally The Lord Is My Song
- The Strength of His Hand — originally The Lord Is My Salvation
- Faith of My Fathers — originally My Father’s God
These are not additional books; they are alternate/original titles for the same novels.
Refiner’s Fire Books in Order
The Refiner’s Fire trilogy is set during the American Civil War.
Unlike the biblical setting of Chronicles of the Kings, these novels place fictional characters in the midst of one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
The series should be read in order.
1. Candle in the Darkness (2002)
Candle in the Darkness introduces the Refiner’s Fire trilogy.
Set during the Civil War, the novel follows Caroline Fletcher, a young Southern woman whose sympathies increasingly conflict with the expectations of the society around her.
As war divides the country, Caroline is forced to confront questions of slavery, loyalty, morality, and faith.
The novel combines historical events with a deeply personal story of conscience and courage.
Austin’s official bibliography lists it as the first Refiner’s Fire novel.
2. Fire by Night (2003)
The second novel follows another woman’s experience during the Civil War.
The story broadens the series’ perspective by showing the conflict from a different social and geographic position.
Faith, nursing, friendship, suffering, and service become central themes as the characters experience the devastating consequences of the war.
Fire by Night won a Christy Award, one of several honors Austin has received for her historical fiction.
3. A Light to My Path (2004)
The final Refiner’s Fire novel continues the Civil War storyline and brings the trilogy to its conclusion.
It follows characters whose lives have been transformed by the war and explores freedom, survival, faith, and the difficult transition from slavery toward emancipation.
Refiner’s Fire Reading Order
- Candle in the Darkness (2002)
- Fire by Night (2003)
- A Light to My Path (2004)
The three-book sequence is also sold together as the Refiner’s Fire trilogy.
Restoration Chronicles Books in Order
The Restoration Chronicles are another biblical-fiction trilogy.
These novels take place after the Babylonian exile and follow the Jewish people’s return to Jerusalem and the restoration of the city and its temple.
Austin herself explains the progression of the trilogy: Return to Me concerns the first return and rebuilding of the Temple, Keepers of the Covenant follows the second wave led by Ezra, and On This Foundation focuses on Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
1. Return to Me (2013)
The first novel begins after the Jews have been exiled to Babylon.
King Cyrus has allowed them to return to Jerusalem, but not everyone is eager to leave the life they have established in Babylon.
The story follows several characters as they face the difficult decision of whether to return to the land of their ancestors.
Faith, identity, family, and the challenge of rebuilding a community are central themes.
2. Keepers of the Covenant (2014)
The second book moves forward into another stage of the return from exile.
Ezra, the priest and teacher, leads another group back to Jerusalem.
The returning community must confront both internal divisions and external threats while attempting to rebuild their spiritual and social identity.
3. On This Foundation (2015)
The final book focuses on Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
When Nehemiah learns that Jerusalem’s walls have been destroyed and its gates burned, he seeks God’s guidance before requesting permission from the Persian king to return.
The rebuilding effort faces enemies, economic hardship, drought, and opposition.
Austin’s official page calls On This Foundation the conclusion of The Restoration Chronicles.
Restoration Chronicles Reading Order
- Return to Me (2013)
- Keepers of the Covenant (2014)
- On This Foundation (2015)
Waves of Mercy Books in Order
The Waves of Mercy books are a two-book sequence.
This series differs from Austin’s biblical fiction because it is historical fiction focused on the experiences of Dutch immigrants and the community around Holland, Michigan.
1. Waves of Mercy (2016)
Waves of Mercy introduces Geesje DeJonge, a Dutch immigrant whose story stretches back to her journey to America in the nineteenth century.
The novel moves between the past and a later generation, connecting the experiences of immigrants with questions of faith, family, love, and belonging.
2. Legacy of Mercy (2018)
Legacy of Mercy is the direct follow-up to Waves of Mercy.
Austin herself describes it as a sequel featuring the same main characters.
The story continues the lives of Geesje and Anna Nicholson, bringing their journeys of faith and personal growth forward.
Waves of Mercy Reading Order
- Waves of Mercy (2016)
- Legacy of Mercy (2018)
If you’re specifically looking for a Lynn Austin series where reading order matters beyond simple publication chronology, this is one of the clearest examples because Legacy of Mercy directly continues the earlier story.
If I Were You Books and Related Works
Lynn Austin’s bibliography also includes If I Were You and the Christmas novella The Wish Book Christmas.
These are often grouped together by bibliographic sites, although they should not be confused with a conventional multi-book series.
1. If I Were You (2020)
If I Were You is a World War II historical novel involving two women whose lives become connected during the war.
The story explores friendship, identity, courage, and the consequences of decisions made during wartime.
It is another example of Austin’s later historical fiction, particularly her interest in ordinary people caught up in extraordinary historical circumstances.
2. The Wish Book Christmas (2021)
The Wish Book Christmas is a Christmas-themed shorter work associated with If I Were You.
It is best treated as supplemental reading, rather than a full-length numbered sequel.
Austin’s official books page includes both titles in her current bibliography.
Lynn Austin Standalone Novels in Order
One of the most important things to know about Lynn Austin books in order is that many of her novels are standalones.
You do not have to read these books chronologically to understand them.
Her standalone novels, in publication order, are:
- Fly Away (1996)
- Eve’s Daughters (1999)
- Wings of Refuge (2000)
- Hidden Places (2001)
- All She Ever Wanted (2005)
- A Woman’s Place (2006)
- A Proper Pursuit (2007)
- Until We Reach Home (2008)
- Though Waters Roar (2009)
- While We’re Far Apart (2010)
- Wonderland Creek (2011)
- All Things New (2012)
- Where We Belong (2017)
- Chasing Shadows (2021)
- Long Way Home (2022)
- All My Secrets (2024)
- The Lumber Baron’s Wife (2026)
This 17-book standalone list matches current publication-order bibliographic listings.
Fly Away (1996)
Fly Away is one of Austin’s earliest novels and predates the historical-fiction style that would become especially prominent in her later career.
Eve’s Daughters (1999)
This family-centered historical novel explores generations of women and the ways family secrets can shape later lives.
Wings of Refuge (2000)
The novel was inspired in part by Austin’s archaeological experiences in Israel while researching Chronicles of the Kings. Her official biography specifically notes that the archaeological dig helped inspire Wings of Refuge.
Hidden Places (2001)
Hidden Places is a Depression-era family story centered on a woman trying to protect her family during difficult economic times.
The novel later became a Hallmark Channel movie, with Shirley Jones portraying Aunt Batty. Austin’s biography notes that the film adaptation earned Jones a 2006 Emmy nomination.
All She Ever Wanted (2005)
This historical family story examines the consequences of long-held secrets and the search for truth across generations.
A Woman’s Place (2006)
Set against the social changes of the twentieth century, A Woman’s Place explores women’s roles, family expectations, faith, and independence.
A Proper Pursuit (2007)
This historical novel follows a young woman whose journey of discovery leads her through several American cities and into questions about family, identity, and love.
Until We Reach Home (2008)
Three Swedish sisters leave their homeland and travel to America, hoping to build a new life.
The novel explores immigration, family loyalty, hardship, and faith.
Though Waters Roar (2009)
This story connects the past and present through family history and hidden truths.
Austin again uses multiple generations to explore how decisions made decades earlier can affect descendants.
While We’re Far Apart (2010)
Set during World War II, this historical novel explores family, separation, faith, and the impact of war on people far from the battlefield.
Wonderland Creek (2011)
Wonderland Creek follows a young woman who travels to rural Kentucky during the Great Depression.
The story explores poverty, literacy, community, and faith.
All Things New (2012)
Set during the aftermath of the American Civil War, All Things New examines what happens when the old social order has been destroyed and characters must determine what their future will look like.
Where We Belong (2017)
Where We Belong follows two Victorian sisters who leave Chicago for an adventurous journey involving the Sinai Desert and an important biblical manuscript.
Austin’s official description places the story in 1892 and centers on sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes.
Chasing Shadows (2021)
Chasing Shadows is another historical novel from Austin’s later period, combining questions of faith and personal courage with a historical setting.
Long Way Home (2022)
Long Way Home explores the aftermath of World War II.
A young woman searches for the truth about what happened to a childhood friend after he returns from the war.
Austin’s official site describes the book as a story about war, its aftermath, courage, friendship, and faith.
All My Secrets (2024)
All My Secrets is a historical novel set in Gilded Age New York.
The story follows three generations of women within one family as they confront the choices they have made and the hopes they have for the future.
Austin’s official site describes it as historical fiction set amid the wealth and social expectations of Gilded Age New York.
The Lumber Baron’s Wife (2026)
The Lumber Baron’s Wife is Lynn Austin’s latest novel.
It is a dual-timeline historical novel connecting the nineteenth-century lumber era in Michigan with a contemporary storyline.
The historical narrative begins in 1873, when Hannah Wagner moves with her husband to a developing lumber town near Lake Michigan. There she becomes friends with Kate, the much younger wife of the powerful lumber baron Henry Abernathy.
When Kate disappears into the wilderness, Hannah is left trying to uncover what happened.
The contemporary storyline follows another woman connected to Michigan and the historical mystery.
Tyndale describes the book as a dual-timeline novel and identifies the historical setting as frontier Michigan.
The book was published in 2026 and is currently Austin’s newest novel.
Lynn Austin Nonfiction Books
Austin has also published nonfiction alongside her fiction.
The principal nonfiction titles listed in current bibliographic sources are:
- Pilgrimage (2013)
- Sightings (2019)
Pilgrimage (2013)
Pilgrimage is a nonfiction account of Austin’s spiritual journey connected with the land and biblical history surrounding Jesus.
Her official biography describes Pilgrimage: My Journey to a Deeper Faith in the Land Where Jesus Walked as her nonfiction book.
Sightings (2019)
Sightings is another nonfiction work and is listed separately from Austin’s novels in current bibliographic catalogs.
Lynn Austin Short Stories and Novellas
Austin’s shorter fiction should be kept separate from her full-length novels.
Waiting for Christmas (2024)
Waiting for Christmas is a Christmas novella set in 1901.
Austin’s official site describes it as a Gilded Age Christmas story taking place on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
Because it is a novella, it should not be counted as another full-length novel when discussing Austin’s novel bibliography.
What Is Lynn Austin’s First Book?
If you’re asking for the first Lynn Austin novel, the answer is Gods and Kings.
It was published in 1995 and became the first book in Chronicles of the Kings.
Austin herself confirms that Gods and Kings was the first novel she published.
This is important because some bibliographic lists can look confusing when they show The Lord Is My Strength alongside Gods and Kings. Those are alternate titles of the same first novel, not two different books.
What Is the Latest Lynn Austin Book?
As of 2026, Lynn Austin’s newest novel is The Lumber Baron’s Wife.
The book was published in 2026 and is a dual-timeline historical novel set partly in frontier Michigan during the lumber era.
The current official Lynn Austin website also places The Lumber Baron’s Wife at the top of her latest-books section.
How Many Lynn Austin Books Are There?
The answer depends on what you count.
Current bibliographic listings identify 33 books in one publication-order bibliography, including novels, nonfiction, and a novella.
A broader catalog can produce a different total because it may separate alternate editions/titles, categorize related works differently, or include additional material.
For a clean reader-focused count, it is better to distinguish:
- Series novels: Chronicles of the Kings, Refiner’s Fire, Restoration Chronicles, and Waves of Mercy
- Standalone novels
- Related/short fiction: The Wish Book Christmas and Waiting for Christmas
- Nonfiction: Pilgrimage and Sightings
That approach avoids double-counting books that have been published under alternate titles.
Do You Need to Read Lynn Austin Books in Order?
Only within certain series.
If you’re reading the Chronicles of the Kings, Refiner’s Fire, Restoration Chronicles, or Waves of Mercy, publication order is the best reading order.
For Austin’s standalone novels, there is no required reading order.
For example, you can read The Book of Lost Names—not a Lynn Austin title, but the kind of standalone historical-fiction experience often compared with Austin’s work—without needing another novel first. Austin’s own bibliography likewise contains many independent stories.
The major exception is Legacy of Mercy, which Austin explicitly describes as a sequel to Waves of Mercy featuring the same main characters.
Which Lynn Austin Book Should You Read First?
Start with Gods and Kings for biblical fiction
If you want Lynn Austin’s biblical fiction, start with Gods and Kings.
It is her debut novel and the beginning of the five-book Chronicles of the Kings saga.
Start with Candle in the Darkness for Civil War fiction
For American Civil War historical fiction, begin with Candle in the Darkness, the first Refiner’s Fire novel.
Start with Return to Me for Old Testament historical fiction
If you’re particularly interested in the return from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Return to Me is the natural starting point.
Start with Waves of Mercy for immigrant historical fiction
Readers interested in nineteenth-century Dutch immigration and Michigan history should start with Waves of Mercy.
Start with The Book of Lost Names-style historical fiction
If your primary interest is Austin’s more modern historical-fiction style, books such as Long Way Home, All My Secrets, or The Lumber Baron’s Wife offer good entry points into her later work.
Lynn Austin Books by Genre
Lynn Austin’s bibliography is particularly useful for readers searching by historical period.
Biblical Fiction
- Gods and Kings
- Song of Redemption
- The Strength of His Hand
- Faith of My Fathers
- Among the Gods
- Return to Me
- Keepers of the Covenant
- On This Foundation
Civil War Historical Fiction
- Candle in the Darkness
- Fire by Night
- A Light to My Path
- All Things New
World War II Historical Fiction
- While We’re Far Apart
- If I Were You
- Long Way Home
- Chasing Shadows
Nineteenth-Century Historical Fiction
- Waves of Mercy
- Legacy of Mercy
- Until We Reach Home
- Where We Belong
- The Lumber Baron’s Wife
Gilded Age Historical Fiction
- A Proper Pursuit
- All My Secrets
- Waiting for Christmas
Contemporary / Cross-Generational Historical Fiction
- The Sweetness of Forgetting-style readers may particularly enjoy Austin’s family-centered books such as Eve’s Daughters, Though Waters Roar, and All My Secrets.
Lynn Austin Books in Order: The Simple Answer
If you only want the Lynn Austin reading order, here are her major series:
Chronicles of the Kings
- Gods and Kings (1995)
- Song of Redemption (1996)
- The Strength of His Hand (1996)
- Faith of My Fathers (1997)
- Among the Gods (1998)
Refiner’s Fire
- Candle in the Darkness (2002)
- Fire by Night (2003)
- A Light to My Path (2004)
Restoration Chronicles
- Return to Me (2013)
- Keepers of the Covenant (2014)
- On This Foundation (2015)
Waves of Mercy
- Waves of Mercy (2016)
- Legacy of Mercy (2018)
If I Were You / Related
- If I Were You (2020)
- The Wish Book Christmas (2021)
Latest Standalone Novels
- Chasing Shadows (2021)
- Long Way Home (2022)
- All My Secrets (2024)
- The Lumber Baron’s Wife (2026)
The best overall Lynn Austin reading strategy is therefore to choose one of her series and read it from beginning to end, while treating her standalone novels as independent stories. Her official bibliography and current publisher listings support this distinction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lynn Austin Books
Is Lynn Austin a Christian author?
Yes. Lynn Austin is known primarily for Christian historical fiction and biblical fiction. Her novels frequently incorporate themes of faith, redemption, courage, family, and God’s providence. Her official biography notes that eight of her novels have won Christy Awards for excellence in Christian fiction, and she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2013.
What is Lynn Austin’s most popular series?
Her Chronicles of the Kings series is among her most recognizable series and was also the starting point of her published novel career.
Are Lynn Austin books connected?
Some are, but many are not.
The four main series have their own recurring settings, characters, or historical narratives. Most of Austin’s other novels are standalone books.
What is the best Lynn Austin book to start with?
For biblical fiction, start with Gods and Kings.
For Civil War fiction, start with Candle in the Darkness.
For nineteenth-century historical fiction, start with Waves of Mercy.
For her newest work, start with The Lumber Baron’s Wife.
What is Lynn Austin’s newest book?
The Lumber Baron’s Wife is her latest novel as of 2026. It is a dual-timeline historical story connecting frontier Michigan in 1873 with the present day.
Final Lynn Austin Reading Order
Lynn Austin’s bibliography is easiest to understand when separated into series, standalone novels, nonfiction, and shorter fiction.
If you want her biblical fiction, begin with Chronicles of the Kings. If the American Civil War interests you, read Refiner’s Fire. For post-exile biblical history, choose The Restoration Chronicles. And if you’re interested in nineteenth-century immigration and Michigan history, Waves of Mercy is the best series to start with.
For readers who simply want her newest work, The Lumber Baron’s Wife is the current endpoint of Lynn Austin’s fiction bibliography in 2026.
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