The Gold Rush Ranch, Chestnut Springs, and Rose Hill series are set in a shared narrative universe, where characters and settings occasionally intersect, though the central plot of each novel remains self-contained. The chronology of this shared universe suggests a reading order beginning with the Gold Rush Ranch series, followed by Chestnut Springs, and concluding with Rose Hill.
| Order | Cover | Title | First published |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Rush Ranch series | |||
| 1 |
|
Off to the Races | 2021 |
| 2 |
|
Out of the Gate | 2021 |
| 3 |
|
A Photo Finish | 2021 |
| 4 |
|
The Front Runner | 2021 |
| 5 |
|
A False Start | 2022 |
| Chestnut Springs series | |||
| 1 |
|
Flawless | 2022 |
| 2 |
|
Heartless | 2022 |
| 3 |
|
Powerless | 2023 |
| 4 |
|
Reckless | 2023 |
| 5 |
|
Hopeless | 2023 |
| 6 |
|
Christmas in Chestnut Springs | |
| Rose Hill series | |||
| 1 |
|
Wild Love | 2024 |
| 2 |
|
Wild Eyes | 2024 |
| 3 |
|
Wild Side | 2025 |
| 4 |
|
Wild Card | 2025 |
| Emerald Lake series | |||
| 1 |
|
Fever Dream | 2026 |
Gold Rush Ranch series
The Gold Rush Ranch books, written by Elsie Silver,[2] do not need to be read in order, though readers would get the clearest continuity by following the publication order, which is mostly chronological but places the prequel Out of the Gate after the opening novel. The most useful starting point is Off to the Races, since it introduces Gold Rush Ranch, the Harding family, the racing scandal, and the relationships that later books develop.[3-7]
The Gold Rush Ranch books are linked standalones in a shared world. Each novel centers on a different romantic pairing connected to Gold Rush Ranch, Ruby Creek, thoroughbred racing, or the wider Harding and Dalca circles. The books may be understood separately, but publication order gives fuller context for recurring characters, established couples, family connections, and the changing relationships.[3-7]
Publication order
Although the Gold Rush Ranch books do not need to be read in order, readers would get the fullest experience by following the publication order:[2]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Off to the Races | 2021[8] | Introduces Gold Rush Ranch, the Harding family, Double Diablo, and the racing world. |
| 2 |
|
Out of the Gate | 2021[9] | A prequel that adds family background after the ranch has been introduced. |
| 3 |
|
A Photo Finish | 2021[10] | Builds on Violet’s racing role and Cole Harding’s place in the ranch circle. |
| 4 |
|
The Front Runner | 2021[11] | Reframes Stefan Dalca after his earlier rivalry with Gold Rush Ranch. |
| 5 |
|
A False Start | 2022[12] | Continues the Dalca family strand and follows Nadia after earlier developments. |
Chronological order
Because Out of the Gate is chronologically earlier than the remaining books of the series, readers who prefer internal timeline order may begin with that book, since it takes place before Dermot Harding’s death and before the later Gold Rush Ranch events. This path foregrounds family background first, then moves into the modern ranch storyline. The trade-off is that it begins with a prequel before the main series setting, cast network, and racing conflict have been introduced.[3-7]
The Gold Rush Ranch books may be read in chronological order, by following this sequence:[3-7]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Out of the Gate | 2021[9] | Places Dermot Harding’s story before the later ranch events. |
| 2 |
|
Off to the Races | 2021[8] | Moves into the modern Gold Rush Ranch conflict and core setting. |
| 3 |
|
A Photo Finish | 2021[10] | Continues through Violet and Cole after the ranch’s racing breakthrough. |
| 4 |
|
The Front Runner | 2021[11] | Follows Stefan and Mira after earlier Gold Rush Ranch rivalries. |
| 5 |
|
A False Start | 2022[12] | Continues with Nadia once the Dalca family strand is established. |
Works in sequence
1. Off to the Races
Off to the Races (2021)[13] is the strongest entry point because it introduces Gold Rush Ranch as a financially strained horse farm caught in the aftermath of a racing scandal. Vaughn Harding’s effort to protect his grandfather’s legacy brings trainer Billie Black into the ranch’s operations.[3]
It establishes the racing setting, Double Diablo’s importance, and the Harding family framework that later books continue to use.[3]
2. Out of the Gate
Out of the Gate (2021)[14] moves backward in the internal chronology to focus on Dermot Harding and Ada Wilson. As a prequel, it provides background on a character whose legacy matters in the opening book, while still functioning as its own romance about horse training, family expectations, and a return to Ruby Creek.[4]
It is most useful after the series world has already been established.[4]
3. A Photo Finish
A Photo Finish (2021)[15] returns to the main post-Off to the Races continuity through Violet Eaton, whose role as a jockey grows out of events surrounding Gold Rush Ranch. This novel also brings Cole Harding more fully into the ranch setting.[5]
It expands the shared set of characters and the racing world without making the earlier books necessary for comprehension.[5]
4. The Front Runner
The Front Runner (2021)[16] shifts attention to Stefan Dalca, a rival racing owner already connected to Gold Rush Ranch through conflict, competition, and shared horses. His relationship with Dr. Mira Thorne links Cascade Acres, the veterinary clinic, the Gold Rush circle, and the Dalca family.[6]
Reading it after the earlier books gives clearer context for Stefan’s reputation and his changing relationship with the ranch community.[6]
5. A False Start
A False Start (2022)[17] follows Nadia Dalca after her introduction through Stefan and Mira’s story. This novel keeps the series within the same ranching and racing network while moving toward Nadia’s work in veterinary care and her connection with Griffin Sinclaire.[7]
It draws on established family relationships and works best after the Dalca strand has been set up.[7]
Chestnut Springs series
The Chestnut Springs books, written by Elsie Silver,[2][1] may be read independently, though readers would get the clearest sense of family continuity and later character developments by following the chronological order, which coincides with the publication order. The best starting point is Flawless, since it introduces Chestnut Springs, Wishing Well Ranch, and the Eaton family circle that continues to shape the later books.[18]
The Chestnut Springs books are linked standalones set in a shared world rather than a single, uninterrupted plot. Each main novel centers on a different couple, while the Eaton family, Wishing Well Ranch, Chestnut Springs, and earlier couples recur across the series. Readers do not have to start at book one for basic comprehension, but beginning with Flawless gives fuller context for relationships, family changes, and the ensemble continuity that accumulates across the books.[18-23]
Although the Chestnut Springs books do not need to be read in order, readers would get the fullest experience by following the chronological order, which also matches the publication order:[2][1]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Flawless |
Year of publication: 2022[24] |
Introduces Chestnut Springs and the Eaton family circle. |
| 2 |
|
Heartless |
Year of publication: 2022[25] |
Builds on the ranch setting and earlier family ties. |
| 3 |
|
Powerless |
Year of publication: 2023[26] |
Expands the shared circle through Jasper and Sloane. |
| 4 |
|
Reckless |
Year of publication: 2023[27] |
Continues the Hamilton-Eaton connections introduced earlier. |
| 5 |
|
Hopeless |
Year of publication: 2023[28] |
Follows Beau after events established in prior books. |
| 6 |
|
Christmas in Chestnut Springs | Works best after the main couples are already known. |
Works in sequence
The core Chestnut Springs reading experience consists of the five main romance novels: Flawless, Heartless, Powerless, Reckless, and Hopeless. Each one follows a different central couple while contributing to the same shared family and small-town continuity.[18-22]
Christmas in Chestnut Springs is supplementary rather than a primary entry point. It gathers established couples and families for a holiday-set ensemble story, so it is most useful after the main novels rather than before them.[23]
Readers who want the complete shared-world experience should include the Christmas story after the five main novels. However, readers beginning the series may focus on the core sequence first.[18-23]
1. Flawless
Flawless (2022)[29] introduces Chestnut Springs through Rhett Eaton, a professional bull rider whose public image has become a problem, and Summer Hamilton, the agency intern assigned to manage him before a major championship.[18]
This novel establishes Wishing Well Ranch, the Eaton family, and the pattern of a central romance developing within a wider family and small-town setting.[18]
2. Heartless
Heartless (2022)[30] shifts attention to Cade Eaton, the guarded rancher and single father introduced in the family circle, and Willa Grant, Summer’s friend and Cade’s temporary nanny.[19]
This book remains readable as its own romance, but its emotional and domestic context is clearer after Flawless, especially through the continuing presence of Summer, Rhett, Luke, and the ranch household.[19]
3. Powerless
Powerless (2023)[31] follows Jasper Gervais and Sloane Winthrop, whose long friendship and connection to the Eaton family place this novel inside the established Chestnut Springs world.[20]
It broadens the series beyond the ranch’s immediate romantic pairings while still relying on familiar family relationships, Wishing Well Ranch, and events involving Beau to give the story fuller continuity.[20]
4. Reckless
Reckless (2023)[32] centers on Winter Hamilton and Theo Silva, linking Winter’s story to Summer, Rhett, and the Hamilton family history introduced earlier.[21]
This novel may be read as a separate romance, but its strongest context comes from knowing the earlier Summer-Rhett relationship, Winter’s place in that family, and Theo’s connection to the bull-riding world.[21]
5. Hopeless
Hopeless (2023)[33] turns to Beau Eaton after his return from military service and pairs him with Bailey Jansen, a Chestnut Springs bartender treated as an outsider by the town.[22]
This book draws on Beau’s earlier place in the family and on events already mentioned before his own romance takes center stage, making it more rewarding after the preceding novels.[22]
6. Christmas in Chestnut Springs
Christmas in Chestnut Springs, available on the author’s website,[34] an ensemble holiday story that revisits the couples and families from earlier books.[23]
Its focus is not on introducing a new main romance but on showing the wider group together during Christmas, with Rhett and Summer, Cade and Willa, Jasper and Sloane, Winter and Theo, and Beau and Bailey all appearing in the shared family setting.[23]
Rose Hill series
The Rose Hill books, written by Elsie Silver.[2] do not need to be read in order, though readers would get clearer continuity by following the chronological sequence, which coincides with the publication order. The best starting point is Wild Love, since it introduces Rose Hill, Rose Hill Records, and several characters who recur in later standalone romances.[35-38]
The Rose Hill books are linked standalones set in a shared small-town setting rather than a single, uninterrupted plot. Each novel centers on a different romantic pairing and a largely self-contained storyline, while earlier couples, family ties, friendships, and Rose Hill Records create a continuing background. Readers do not have to begin with book one, but starting there gives fuller context for the town, its relationships and the recurring characters.[35-38]
Although the Rose Hill books do not need to be read in order, readers would get the fullest experience by following this chronological sequence, which coincides with their publication order:[2]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Wild Love | Year of publication: 2024[39] | Establishes Rose Hill, Ford, Rosie, Cora, and the record-label setting. |
| 2 |
|
Wild Eyes | Year of publication: 2024[40] | Builds on the town and the record label circle through West and Skylar. |
| 3 |
|
Wild Side | Year of publication: 2025[41] | Expands the community through Tabitha, Rhys, and the bowling group. |
| 4 |
|
Wild Card | Year of publication: 2025[42] | Continues the Rose Hill setting through Bash, Gwen, and the friends. |
1. Wild Love
Wild Love (2024)[39] introduces Rose Hill as a small mountain town and establishes Rose Hill Records as a central recurring setting.[35]
The romance between Ford Grant and Rosie Belmont also introduces Ford’s new role as Cora’s father, Rosie’s return to Rose Hill, and the Belmont family connections that continue to shape the later books.[35]
2. Wild Eyes
Wild Eyes (2024)[40] shifts the focus to Weston Belmont and Skylar Stone while keeping Rose Hill Records and the Belmont family close to the story. This novel follows Skylar’s arrival in Rose Hill, West’s life as a single father, and the way the town becomes a place of refuge and reinvention.[36]
It stands alone, but earlier context clarifies Ford, Rosie, and Cora’s place in the background.[36]
3. Wild Side
Wild Side (2025)[41] broadens the series beyond the Belmont and Grant households by centering Tabitha Garrison and Rhys Dupris.[37]
Its storyline brings together guardianship, grief, and a marriage of convenience, while keeping Rose Hill’s social circle visible through the Bighorn Bistro and the bowling team.[37]
4. Wild Card
Wild Card (2025)[42] follows Bash Rousseau and Gwen Dawson, using Rose Hill’s circle as the background for a romance shaped by missed connections, family complications, and Bash’s work as an aerial firefighter.[38]
This book is self-contained, but it gains extra texture from Bash’s friendship group and the town relationships already developed in the earlier novels.[38]
Emerald Lake series
Currently, only a single book in the Emerald Lake series has been published.[2] A second book has been scheduled for publication.[43-45]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Fever Dream | 2026[46-49] | A bull rider and a consultant fall for each other during a dating show. |
| 2 |
|
Untitled | 2027[43-45] | Scheduled to be published on May 18, 2027. |
1. Fever Dream
Fever Dream (2026)[46-49] introduces the Brandt family farm, Stal Brandt, and professional bull rider Emmett Brandt, who agrees to appear on a reality dating show to help save his grandparents’ struggling horse breeding business.[50]
This novel centers on Emmett’s relationship with Julia Silva, whose work on the production brings her into the Brandt family’s world and into conflict with the show’s manipulative demands.[50]
2. Untitled
The second book in the Emerald Lake series, whose title has not yet been announced, will be published on May 18, 2027.[43-45]
References
- Elsie Silver’s post on Instagram. Instagram.
- Books. Elsie Silver.
- Off to the Races. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464220777.
- Out of the Gate. Elsie Silver. ISBN: 9798742154778.
- A Photo Finish. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464220784.
- The Front Runner. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464220791.
- A False Start. Elsie Silver. ISBN: 9798430409661.
- Off to the Races. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781464220777.
- Out of the Gate. Elsie Silver. Copyright page. ISBN: 9798742154778.
- A Photo Finish. Copyright page. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464220784.
- The Front Runner. Copyright page. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464220791.
- A False Start. Elsie Silver. Copyright page. ISBN: 9798430409661.
- Off to the Races. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781464220777.
- Out of the Gate. Elsie Silver. Copyright page. ISBN: 9798742154778.
- A Photo Finish. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781464220784.
- The Front Runner. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781464220791.
- A False Start. Elsie Silver. Copyright page. ISBN: 9798430409661.
- Flawless. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781728297002.
- Heartless. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781728297019.
- Powerless. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781728297026.
- Reckless. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781728297033.
- Hopeless. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781728297040.
- Christmas in Chestnut Springs. Elsie Silver.
- Flawless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297002.
- Heartless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297019.
- Powerless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297026.
- Reckless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297033.
- Hopeless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297040.
- Flawless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297002.
- Heartless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297019.
- Powerless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297026.
- Reckless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297033.
- Hopeless. Bloom Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781728297040.
- The Goods. Elsie Silver.
- Wild Love. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464220814.
- Wild Eyes. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464242861.
- Wild Side. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464237522.
- Wild Card. Bloom Books. ISBN: 9781464247866.
- Wild Love (Standard Edition). Bloom Books.
- Wild Eyes (Deluxe Edition). Bloom Books.
- Wild Side (Standard Edition). Bloom Books.
- Wild Card (Standard Edition). Bloom Books.
- Untitled Emerald Lake Book #2 | Book by Elsie Silver | Official Publisher Page. Simon & Schuster.
- Untitled Emerald Lake Book #2 | Book by Elsie Silver | Official Publisher Page. Simon & Schuster Canada.
- Untitled Emerald Lake Book #2 | Book by Elsie Silver | Official Publisher Page. Simon & Schuster Australia.
- Fever Dream | Book by Elsie Silver | Official Publisher Page. Simon & Schuster.
- Fever Dream by Elsie Silver. Hachette UK.
- Fever Dream | Book by Elsie Silver | Official Publisher Page. Simon & Schuster Canada.
- Fever Dream | Book by Elsie Silver | Official Publisher Page. Simon & Schuster Australia.
- Fever Dream. Atria Books. ISBN: 9781668099575.