Order of Maeve Binchy Books

Maeve Binchy (1940-2012) was an Irish author who wrote about small-town life in Ireland with a humourous slant. Her novels often contained surprise endings. Her success as a novelist caused her to become one of Ireland’s richest women. Binchy passed away in 2012 after a short illness.

Maeve Binchy started as a writer with the short story collections Central Line and Victoria Line. She then followed it up with Light a Penny Candle in 1982. It sold for £52,000, which helped her out when she was behind on her mortgage. Below is a list of Maeve Binchy’s books in order of when they were originally released:

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Light a Penny Candle	(1982)
The Lilac Bus	(1984)
Echoes	(1985)
Firefly Summer	(1987)
Silver Wedding	(1988)
Circle of Friends	(1990)
The Copper Beech	(1992)
The Glass Lake	(1994)
Shancarrig	(1995)
Evening Class	(1996)
Tara Road	(1998)
Scarlet Feather	(2000)
Quentins	(2002)
Nights of Rain and Stars	(2004)
Whitethorn Woods	(2006)
Heart and Soul	(2008)
Minding Frankie	(2010)
A Week in Winter	(2012)
Sister Caravaggio	(2014)

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

The Builders	(2002)
Star Sullivan	(2006)
A Week in Summer	(2011)
Full House	(2012)
Dusty's Winter	(2016)
The September Letters	(2016)

Publication Order of Fairytales for Feminists Books

Ride on Rapunzel

(1994)

Publication Order of Plays

Deeply Regretted By	(2006)
Half Promised Land	(2009)
End of Term	(2010)

Publication Order of Collections

Central Line	(1978)
Victoria Line / London Transports	(1980)
Dublin Four	(1981)
Story Teller	(1990)
Dublin People	(1993)
This Year It Will Be Different, and other stories	(1995)
Cross Lines	(1996)
The Return Journey	(1998)
Maeve's Times	(2013)
Chestnut Street	(2014)
A Few of the Girls	(2015)

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Maeve's Diary	(1979)
Dear Maeve	(1995)
Aches & Pains	(1999)
A Time to Dance	(2006)
The Maeve Binchy Writers' Club	(2008)

Publication Order of Anthologies

Irish Girls about Town	(1995)
Over the Moon	(2009)
From the Republic of Conscience	(2010)

Note: London Transports was also published as Victoria Line, Central Line. Sister Caravaggio was edited by Peter Cunningham and contained contributions by Binchy, Mary O’Donnell, Neil Donnelly, Cormac Millar and Peter Sheridan.

If You Like Maeve Binchy Books, You’ll Love…

• Roisin Meaney
• Alexander McCall Smith
• Jodi Picoult
• Debbie Macomber

10 Responses to “Order of Maeve Binchy Books”

1. Muriel: 5 years ago

   I love Maeve Binchy! Can anyone tell me in which book Tom Feather and Cathy Scarlett get together. Scarlett Feather ended with them holding hands.

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   • Jackie: 5 years ago

     Book is called Scarlett Feather and is excellent. You will adore Simon and Maude.

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2. Lucy L: 6 years ago

   I have every one of Maeve’s stand alone novels. I loved every one of them and intend to read them all again. So sorry she is gone from us. Some suggestion was made to read Debbie Macomber and I will add Sherryl Woods and Jan Karon’s books to the list. You will enjoy them also.

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3. Lily: 7 years ago

   OMG! I envy you just discovering this wonderful writer and her books. Start at the top of her list and work your way down. You are in for hours and hours of fun, joy and relaxation. I reread them from time to time, that is how much I love them. If you love Ms. Binchy’s books be sure to check out Rosamund Pilcher’s as well if you haven’t already.

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   • Trixie: 7 years ago

     Lily I will try to read Maeve in order. I did read Tara Road and Quentins, though. I have Firefly Summer in paperback. Print is too small. I will have to go over my list and visit the library.
     Her books are well worth re-reading.

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4. glitzyoldlady: 7 years ago

   That’s how most all her books are. You wish they would never end. Her characters become so familiar and you want to stay with them.

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   • Trixie: 7 years ago

     Yes, I do like her characters, Glitzy!

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5. Trixie: 7 years ago

   I am currently reading “Minding Frankie” by Maeve Binchy. The only book I’ve read so far by Ms. Binchy. It is one of those books that you hate to put down, or hate it to end.

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   • Lily: 7 years ago

     I hit the wrong thing! I meant to reply to you, instead I joined the discussion. I just love Maeve Binchy’s books too. Start at the top and read each and every marvelous one. And when you are done reread them every so often like I do. It’s like visiting with an old and dear friend. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Rosamund Pilcher’s works as well. Same lovely writing style.

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     • Trixie: 7 years ago

       Lily I will check on Ms. Pilcher! Thank you.

       Reply