All 13+ Books By Kathleen Woodiwiss + Printable Booklist

ByMary Emmer Updated on

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If you love sweeping historical romance, then exploring books by Kathleen Woodiwiss is like opening the door to the very roots of the genre. Kathleen Woodiwiss is considered a trailblazer in the romance novel genre, and if you read her first book, published way back in 1972, you’ll see why.

With her groundbreaking debut, The Flame and the Flower (1972), she introduced richly drawn characters, daring intimacy, and sprawling plots that forever changed the landscape of historical romance. Her novels set the stage for generations of writers who followed.

Key Takeaways: Books by Kathleen Woodiwiss

  • Kathleen Woodiwiss is widely credited as a pioneer of the modern historical romance novel.
  • Her debut, The Flame and the Flower, was the first romance of its kind to be published in paperback – and it became a bestseller.
  • She is best known for the Birmingham Family Saga, but also wrote several beloved standalone novels.
  • Her heroines are strong, resilient women, paired with complex love stories set against vivid historical backdrops.
decorative antique book for books by kathleen woodiwiss post

Books By Kathleen Woodiwiss – by Publication Date

  1. The Flame and the Flower (1972)
  2. The Wolf and the Dove (1974)
  3. Shanna (1977)
  4. Ashes in the Wind (1979)
  5. A Rose in Winter (1982)
  6. Come Love A Stranger (1984)
  7. So Worthy My Love (1989)
  8. Forever in Your Embrace (1992)
  9. Three Weddings And A Kiss (1995)
  10. Married At Midnight (1996)
  11. Petals on the River (1997)
  12. The Elusive Flame (1998)
  13. A Season Beyond a Kiss (2000)
  14. The Reluctant Suitor (2003) (Anthology)
  15. Everlasting (2007) (Anthology)

Books By Kathleen Woodiwiss – By Series

Birmingham Family

  • The Flame and the Flower (1972)
  • A Season Beyond a Kiss (2000)
  • The Elusive Flame (1998)

Standalone Books

  • The Wolf and the Dove (1974)
  • Shanna (1977)
  • Ashes in the Wind (1979)
  • Come Love A Stranger (1980)
  • A Rose in Winter (1982)
  • So Worthy My Love (1989)
  • Forever in Your Embrace (1992)
  • Petals on the River (1997)
  • The Reluctant Suitor (2003)
  • Everlasting (2007)

Anthologies

  • Three Weddings and a Kiss (1995)
  • Married at Midnight (1996)

Printable List of Kathleen Woodiwiss Books

Kathleen-Woodiwiss-Reading-List-Printable-PDFDownload

Who Is Kathleen Woodiwiss?

Kathleen Woodiwiss (1939–2007) was an American author credited with launching the modern historical romance genre. Her debut novel, The Flame and the Flower (1972), was rejected by hardcover publishers for being “too long” at 600 pages. Determined not to compromise, she submitted it to Avon Books in paperback form – where it became an instant New York Times bestseller, selling over 2 million copies in its first four years.

That bold decision forever changed the romance landscape. Woodiwiss’s novels introduced passionate, sweeping plots, strong-willed heroines, and steamy intimacy at a time when most romances were short and chaste. Over her career, she published 13 full-length novels, selling millions worldwide and inspiring generations of romance writers to follow.

FAQs About Kathleen Woodiwiss Books In Order

Do you need to read Kathleen Woodiwiss’ books in order?

Kathleen Woodiwiss wrote only one series of books that are related to one another, and that series is the Birmingham Family Saga. Those books should be read in order of publication as shown above under Birmingham Family.

In addition, the anthologies feature some of the same characters that are in the Birmingham Family saga. While these aren’t full-length novels, they do have some of the same characters, so I would recommend reading the short stories at some point after you get to know some of the Birmingham family in the full-length novels.
The Kathleen Woodiwiss books that are standalone novels can be read in any order.

Is there a sequel to The Flame and the Flower?

Yes. The sequel to The Flame and the Flower is titled A Season Beyond A Kiss, which is Book #2 in the Birmingham Family series.

What was Kathleen Woodiwiss’s first book?

Her debut novel was The Flame and the Flower, published in 1972. It is considered revolutionary in the romance genre for its scale, passion, and commercial success.

When was her last book published?

Her final novel, Everlasting, was released in 2007 shortly before her passing.

Why is Kathleen Woodiwiss considered a trailblazer?

She changed the genre by creating sweeping, full-length romance novels that blended rich historical detail with passionate, modern love stories. She gave romance heroines stronger voices and helped legitimize the genre as a powerful storytelling force.

Conclusion: A Trailblazer in Romance Fiction

The books by Kathleen Woodiwiss remain a cornerstone of historical romance. Her sweeping stories, unforgettable characters, and fearless storytelling forever shaped the genre. From her groundbreaking debut to her final novel, she proved that romance could be bold, ambitious, and deeply moving. For readers who want to experience where modern romance truly began, her novels are essential reading.

Similar Authors To Kathleen Woodiwiss

And speaking of romance, there are so, so many different types of romance books out there. You might find a new romance sub-genre that appeals to you here in our guide.

đź“š Did You Know?

The Flame and the Flower was rejected by hardback publishers for being too long. Avon took a chance on it in paperback – and it sold millions.

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Mary Emmer, is the founder of Looks Like Books. She is an avid book enthusiast and self-employed entrepreneur, with an inspiring passion for reading and learning.  With a background in the travel industry spanning four decades, Mary has cultivated a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her unique perspective on life and storytelling.  More about Mary.