So, you’ve binged Netflix’s Firefly Lane, but have you read the book? Firefly Lane is based on Kristin Hannah’s best-selling book of the same name, which also has a sequel you can get your hands on right now.
With over twenty books of emotionally compelling fiction to her name, Hannah has proven that she’s in a league of her own. She masterfully portrays interpersonal relationships, writes special characters that genuinely speak to women, and breathtakingly beautiful stories of love, survival, and loss.
So it’s no wonder that the lawyer-turned-writer has a few more book adaptations on the way, including the feature film The Nightingale, starring the Fanning sisters, Elle and Dakota. So if you haven’t yet read any of Kristin Hannah’s novels, now would be the right time.
If you’re a new reader looking to jump into Kristin Hannah’s writing, our hand-picked list will be your perfect introduction. And if you’re looking for your next book from the author, our ranking will help you choose.
Either way, we’re sure you’ll enjoy our list of 10 best Kristin Hannah books that captured the hearts of readers all over the world.
1. The Nightingale
What’s it about: Set in France during the Second World War, The Nightingale is a riveting story of two sisters, Viann and Isabelle. Both of them embark on their own dangerous paths toward survival in their Nazi-occupied country. The sensible Vianne and her daughter are forced to house a German soldier, while the rebellious younger sister, Isabelle, refuses to stand aside and joins the Resistance.
What makes it good: In her WWII historical fiction, Kristin Hannah highlighted the important yet often-unspoken part of history: women in wartime. Romance takes a back seat in The Nightingale; this is primarily a story of the incredible women and their strength, sacrifice, and resilience during the darkest part of their lives. The Nightingale is a heart-wrenching and powerful novel that doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war. But at the same time, it’s an inspiring story that celebrates the durability of women and the triumphant power of the human spirit.
2. The Great Alone
What’s it about: Ernt, a Vietnam war POW, returned home a changed man and has a hard time settling down. He decides to move his wife Cora, and 13-year-old daughter Leni to the Alaskan wilderness which represents a fresh start for him, while Leni and Cora hope it will save Ernt from his inner demons. But Little does the Allbright family know how woefully unprepared they are for the transition — or how Ernt’s demons will come back with a vengeance as the Alaskan winter approaches.
What makes it good: The Great Alone is a harrowing family drama set in America’s final frontier in the ‘70s. The story encompasses dysfunctional family relationships, friendships, love, and survival, complete with vivid descriptions of the beautiful but unforgiving Alaskan landscape. It also captures the spiritual wounds of war – Ernt is a Vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD at a time before it was acknowledged. With The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah crafted an extraordinary and heart-pounding story with a wonderful sense of place – also making it a testament to all the resilient people who call Alaska their home.
3. The Four Winds
What’s it about: After a hard life of challenges, Elsa Martinelli finally has everything she always wanted – a home and loving family, and a livelihood on a farm on the Great Plains. But when the Dust Bowl era arrives, burning winds and endless drought ravage the land, driving her family and community to despair and starvation. Elsa is faced with an agonizing choice – to stay and fight for her precious land that is now buried in dust, or head west and try her luck in the promised land of California.
What makes it good: This story about survival in one of the darkest periods of the Great Depression is often painful to read because Hannah brings this slice of American history into life with excruciating detail. This historical novel is a tribute to all the people who lived through the environmental disaster, economic collapse, migration, massive unemployment, and degradation, but at its core, it’s a celebration of motherhood. You’ll be in awe of Elsa, a remarkable woman who persevered through the absolute worst to save her children and to make sure that someday they’ll have better opportunities than she ever did.
4. Winter Garden
What’s it about: The loss of their father brings Meredith and Nina Whitson together again with their distant and cold-hearted mother Anya. But before he died, their father made Anya promise to finally finish the fairy tale she told the girls as children, and sisters to really listen. The truth that unfolds behind the fairy tale spans over six decades, moving from the Siege of Leningrad to modern-day Alaska. The Whitson women slowly grow closer as Meredith and Nina finally uncover the shocking secret of their mother’s past.
What makes it good: Winter Garden is an intriguing and powerful saga of family, love, and strong women that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. You’ll love Anya’s fairy tales, rich in Russian folklore and interwoven with real historical events; it’s where the book really comes to life. The sisters not only discover more about their mother, who never expressed much love or affection for them, through the stories, but they also find themselves along the way too. Winter Garden is a great book and a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to salvage broken family relationships.
5. Night Road
What’s it about: After a traumatic childhood and a string of foster homes, teenager Lexi Baill is taken in by her long-lost elderly aunt. When she moves into her new home and starts high school, Lexi befriends Mia Farraday and is embraced by Mia’s family and hyper-involved mother Jude. Mia’s handsome and popular twin brother Zach falls in love with Lexi, and the three kids become inseparable. But just before their graduation, one moment and a terrible decision will change the three young lives forever.
What makes it good: Love, friendship, grief, forgiveness, and healing are prevalent themes in Night Road. It’s Kristin Hannah at her best – a character-driven and emotionally-charged story, the kind that grabs your heartstrings and doesn’t let go. It’s told from both a young adult (Mia) and adult perspective (Jude) perspective, which makes it even more compelling. But be warned, this tragic story is not an easy read – it will leave you with a huge dent in your heart, especially if you’re a parent yourself.
6. Firefly Lane
What’s it about: Firefly Lane traces the relationship between two mismatched girls from its beginning in eighth grade in the 1970s, all the way to adulthood. The introverted Kate and adventurous Tully’s friendship endured through thick and thin, and the duo believes that nothing can break them apart. But then a single betrayal puts their 30-year bond to the ultimate test.
What makes it good: Firefly Lane is a heartfelt story of two lifelong friends and their journey through life. You’ll get to relive the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s with Tully and Kate, or if those were before your time, you’d get to see what life was like before the Internet and smartphones. Kristin Hannah gifted us with many pop culture references in Firefly Lane – even the chapters are titled after songs! You just might find yourself humming along as you flip the pages. And after you devour this excellent book, there’s a sequel to the story – it’s called Fly Away, and it’s just as good.
7. Home Front
What’s it about: Married couple Michael and Jolene “Jo” Zarkades find their already troubled marriage challenged when Jolene, a military pilot, is unexpectedly deployed to Iraq. With Jolene gone, workaholic Michael is left to care for their two girls alone and starts to regret what he said to his wife before she left because he now knows how much he has taken for granted. When Jolene finally returns, there’s no happy little reunion because no one is prepared for the fallout of war.
What makes it good: With Home Front, Hannah gave us a well-researched and insightful read about the world of Iraq veterans and an unapologetic portrayal of PTSD. She highlighted the impact of war far beyond the battlefield, particularly its toll on a family. This story will speak to the military families and anyone who has experienced complicated and challenging love, dealt with loss and pain, and it will move anyone who needs a little bit of hope.
8. Magic Hour
What’s it about: A child psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Cates, faces a career crisis when her estranged sister Ellie calls her back to her small hometown, Rain Valley. Ellie, the local police chief, informs her that a six-year-old mute child has mysteriously emerged from the deep woods nearby and believes Julia can help them with this baffling case. The sisters and local townsfolk are determined to rehabilitate the feral child now called Alice and unearth the truth about her past, as secrets and heartbreaking revelations come to light.
What makes it good: Magic Hour is an engaging and touching read about love lost and found and self-discovery. As we experience Alice’s growth, everyone around her is also maturing, learning about themselves, and banding together as a community. However, with the intrigue surrounding the true identity of a child who’s been living outside of civilization for years, this is also an engrossing mystery. Another thing that stands out is Hannah’s ability to capture an entire small town in the remote Pacific Northwest so beautifully that it will feel like home.
9. Between Sisters
What’s it about: Claire and Meghann are half-sisters who grew up together until the 16-year-old Meg made an unfortunate decision that not only separated them but cost Meg her younger sister’s love. Claire is getting married two decades later, and the two sisters, who have become strangers by choice, are getting ready to face each other and their self-absorbed mother once more. But in the face of Claire’s big day, an unexpected health crisis breaks the ice between the sisters, and they attempt to repair their bond and become what they never were: a family.
What makes it good: This is a wonderfully moving and bittersweet story of two sisters in and out of love. It looks at how siblings can hurt, damage, and even shape one another. It also encompasses fractured family relationships and the healing power of overcoming past difficulties with love. Between Sisters is an uplifting book in which everything works out in the end, yet tears are inevitable because it was written by Kirstin Hannah.
10. True Colors
What’s it about: The Grey sisters, Winona, Aurora, and Vivi Ann, have always been close. They lost their mother when they were young, and their father only cares about his reputation, but they always had each other. But when a stranger comes into their small town, everything is about to change. The sisterly bonds are tested, secrets are revealed, and a terrible crime threatens to shatter the Grey family and their community.
What makes it good: True Colors is an enjoyable read that touches on some interesting issues about family dynamics – sibling rivalry, betrayal, loyalty, and forgiveness. There’s also tragedy and romance to keep you on your toes – it’s a real page-turner. Given that the Grey family owns a ranch, horses are an exemplary aspect of the book. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll appreciate how animal emotions are written adequately and accurately. I mean, is there anything Kristin Hannah can’t do?