Read Beatriz Williams Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 20, 2026

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Beatriz Williams is an accomplished author whose works have captivated readers with their immersive storytelling, historical depth, and emotionally charged plots. Renowned for her historical fiction novels, Williams has carved a niche in the literary world by blending rich historical settings with complex, multi-dimensional characters. She has a talent for weaving together intricate narratives that span across time, exploring themes of love, family secrets, resilience, and the human condition.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Williams or just beginning to explore her books, one key question often arises: should you read Beatriz Williams’ books in order? This question becomes even more pressing when encountering her interconnected series, where characters, events, and timelines often overlap. In this article, we will explore the essence of Beatriz Williams’ writing, provide a detailed background on her books, break down the reading order, and offer insight into what makes her novels so compelling. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of why her works are so loved and whether reading them in a specific order matters.

List Of Beatriz Williams Books In Order

More On Beatriz Williams Books In Chronological Order

1. Overseas (2012)

Oh, if you love a story that jumps between glamorous 1920s Paris and modern-day Manhattan, this one’s a delight. It’s about a woman discovering family secrets and love that spans decades, with just enough historical flair to make you feel like you’re actually sipping champagne in a Parisian salon. Williams really knows how to make the past feel alive while keeping the modern story gripping.

2. A Hundred Summers (2013)

This book is basically the ultimate summer cocktail of romance, family drama, and scandal, set on the glamorous shores of 1930s Long Island. The story revolves around a love triangle that just won’t quit, with secrets simmering beneath the surface. It’s one of those books where you can’t help but imagine yourself in a wide-brimmed hat, staring out over the water, wondering what everyone’s hiding.

3. The Summer Wives (2013)

Set against the same sort of lush coastal backdrop that Williams does so well, this one is about love, betrayal, and complicated family dynamics that stretch across decades. The main character returns home to find old wounds reopening and old flames reigniting. You’ll find yourself rooting for her while also gasping at the audacity of some of the other characters’ schemes. It’s like juicy historical soap opera, in the best way.

4. The Secret Life of Mrs. London (2014)

This novel is a fascinating peek into the life of a woman who isn’t exactly who she seems, balancing the glitz of 1930s Manhattan society with espionage and hidden secrets. It’s clever, stylish, and full of those little details that make you feel like you’re stepping right into that era. Plus, the romance is swoon-worthy but never predictable, which is a rare gem.

5. A Certain Age (2015)

Ah, this one is pure historical escapism, spanning the 1920s to the 1940s with all the style and drama you’d expect. The story follows a glamorous socialite whose life is far more complicated than it seems on the surface. Williams really dives into how family expectations, societal pressures, and forbidden love intersect. It’s like walking through a grand, old mansion full of secrets.

6. Tiny Little Thing (2016)

This is where Williams turns a bit of a noir twist on her historical storytelling. A woman in 1920s New York gets caught up in a mystery involving the sudden death of a friend, and, naturally, all sorts of secrets unravel. It’s gripping, stylish, and has that slow-burn tension that keeps you reading way past bedtime. You’ll feel like you’re sneaking through smoky jazz clubs alongside the protagonist.

7. Along the Infinite Sea (2017)

If you loved Titanic-era romances, this one’s basically a must-read. It’s an epic tale of love, survival, and reinvention set against the backdrop of post-Titanic 1910s and 1920s America. Williams layers historical detail with rich character development, so you’re not just following a love story-you’re feeling the entire journey of loss, hope, and courage. It’s heartfelt and sweeping in the best way.

8. The Summer Guests (2018)

Back to the chic summer getaway vibe! This one is set in the 1930s and revolves around a family gathering that’s anything but peaceful. There are romances, long-buried family secrets, and that exquisite tension Williams does so well. It’s basically like being invited to a summer house full of glamorous people whose lives are way more complicated than they seem. You’ll want a cocktail in hand while reading this.

9. Beach Read (2020)

Although technically a collaboration in spirit with modern romance trends, it’s Williams at her cozy, witty best. This one dives into writerly lives, heartbreak, and what it really means to take risks in love. The characters are so relatable and funny that you’ll find yourself laughing out loud one moment and tearing up the next. Definitely a book you’ll finish and immediately want to tell someone about.

10. Our Woman in Paris (2021)

If you’ve ever wanted a story mixing espionage, glamour, and post-war Paris, this one’s your ticket. Williams creates a heroine who’s smart, daring, and very relatable despite the extraordinary circumstances she finds herself in. Between secret missions, political intrigue, and a slow-building romance, it’s impossible to put down. You’ll feel like you’re walking the cobblestone streets yourself, spying on everyone’s secrets.

11. The Wicked City (2022)

A bold, glittering dive into 1920s New York, filled with ambition, love, and scandal. This one’s about women navigating a world that’s not always kind to them while chasing dreams and love alike. Williams really captures the era’s glitz, danger, and excitement, making you feel like you’re in a speakeasy watching everything unfold. The characters are memorable, flawed, and endlessly fascinating.

Background On Beatriz Williams Books

Beatriz Williams’ novels often find their roots in historical fiction, but they are far from being traditional historical narratives. Rather than simply recounting events of the past, Williams delves deep into the lives of her characters, illuminating the emotional and psychological toll of history on individuals. Her writing is known for its intricate plotting, alternating timelines, and multi-faceted characters whose lives are intertwined by fate, mystery, and romance.

One of the hallmarks of Williams’ books is her ability to set her stories in a variety of intriguing locations, from the coastal towns of the Northeast United States to the grand estates of Europe. She often focuses on pivotal moments in history, such as World War II, the Roaring Twenties, and the early days of the Cold War, blending historical fact with fictional characters to create narratives that feel both intimate and sweeping.

Some of her most popular books include Overseas (2011), which explores time travel and forbidden love, and The Secret Life of Violet Grant (2014), which interweaves the tale of a woman’s search for her aunt’s lost legacy with a gripping historical mystery. Williams also authored The Summer Wives (2018), a story set on a New England island in the post-WWII era, examining class divides, family secrets, and forbidden love.

Williams’ writing shines not only in her plot intricacies but also in the vivid, evocative settings she brings to life. Whether it is the sparkling waters of a summer resort or the chaotic backdrop of wartime Europe, Williams’ descriptive prose sweeps readers into these worlds, making them feel like they are living through the events themselves.

Reading Order Explained

Beatriz Williams’ books, while often stand-alone novels, are also part of a loosely connected universe of characters, settings, and events. This interconnectedness is particularly prominent in a few of her series, such as the Violet Grant Series and The Schuyler Sisters Series. While each book can technically be enjoyed independently, reading them in order can enhance the experience, revealing subtle crossovers, character arcs, and thematic continuities.

Here’s a breakdown of how to read Beatriz Williams’ books in order, focusing on her interconnected works:

1. The Schuyler Sisters Series

   This series is one of Williams’ most popular interconnected narratives. It is set primarily in the 20th century and follows the lives of the Schuyler sisters, beginning with The Secret Life of Violet Grant. This series, while centered on different characters, subtly interweaves their stories, sometimes revisiting characters from earlier books.

   • The Secret Life of Violet Grant (2014)
   • A Hundred Summers (2013)
   • The Summer Wives (2018)

2. Standalone Novels With Ties To The Series

   While Williams often writes stand-alone novels, many of these books subtly connect to the ones mentioned above. For instance, Overseas (2011) brings the theme of time travel into a romance set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe. Although not part of the same series, its intricate plotlines and character-driven focus align well with the other books.

   • Overseas (2011)
   • The Wicked City (2016)

What I Like About The Series?

Beatriz Williams’ ability to blend complex historical events with captivating romance is, in my opinion, one of her strongest traits as a writer. Her books are never just about one thing-they’re not solely romance novels or historical fiction, nor are they just about the mystery or intrigue. They are intricate tapestries of intertwined lives, all set against the rich backdrop of history. This unique approach gives the reader a much deeper and more immersive experience than one might find in a typical historical romance.

I also admire Williams’ use of alternating timelines, a technique that keeps the pacing fast and keeps the reader on their toes. The different perspectives that she uses-whether they come from the protagonists in the present day or their ancestors-adds layers of complexity to her plots. It allows her to explore the past and present in ways that are deeply resonant.

Another standout feature of Williams’ books is her ability to create relatable, well-rounded characters. Whether it’s a lonely socialite in A Hundred Summers or a determined scientist in The Secret Life of Violet Grant, her characters always feel real, their motivations complex and their emotional growth rewarding. The bonds they form with each other, whether familial, romantic, or platonic, are the heart of the story.

Her settings also deserve a special mention. Williams has an exceptional ability to conjure up the atmosphere of a place and time. Her books often feel like an immersive experience, as if you’ve stepped into the shoes of her characters and are living through their tumultuous experiences.

Should You Read Beatriz Williams Books In Order?

While Beatriz Williams’ books can be enjoyed as stand-alone novels, there is a compelling case to be made for reading them in order, especially for those interested in her interconnected works. By reading her books in a chronological sequence, you gain a fuller understanding of the recurring characters, the world they inhabit, and how different books build upon each other.

If you are particularly drawn to the Schuyler Sisters or the recurring characters that appear throughout her novels, reading them in order will allow you to track their development, see how their lives unfold across different books, and appreciate the subtle ways in which Williams’ stories overlap. Some readers enjoy following characters across multiple books, eager to discover more about their backstories, while others may appreciate the building layers of intrigue that come from reading Williams’ novels in sequence.

However, if you prefer to experience her books independently, each one is designed to stand alone. Her books are written in such a way that you can dive into any of them and enjoy the plot without feeling lost. For those who are new to her writing, I would recommend starting with her most popular books (Overseas or The Secret Life of Violet Grant) and seeing where the journey takes you.