I am a Chiaverini fan and you can read the out of order. They can stand alone. I have also read them in order too. I just finished one of her newer civil war era books Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker. I do miss the folks from the Elm Creek Quilt Club but I understand the author may need to stretch a little also. Read an enjoy! At you library on online look for the list of her books in order if you wish and read on. I actually learned a lot about quilting techniques from them or at least was exposed to the concepts.