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The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy) Reading Order.

Quick Answer

Start The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy) by Nora Roberts with "Irish Thoroughbred", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

Follows the story of the three Concannon sisters set in Ireland.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Irish Thoroughbred"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy). The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Irish Thoroughbred" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy)" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order3 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The very first novel by the phenomenal #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts,Irish Thoroughbred is the story of a young immigrant, a racehorse breeder, and a romance that could only happen in America--now in a beautiful new hardcover edition.There’s nothing left for Adelia Cunnane in Ireland. The aunt she cared for has passed, and the family farm has been sold for taxes. But her uncle Paddy has written her: Come to America…The Maryland horse farm where Paddy lives and works is more than Dee dared to dream about. She has always had a magical touch with animals, and her she finds employment in the stables—and a chance to fly, on the muscular back of Travis Grant’s chestnut Thoroughbred. It’s easy to put aside a passing pang of homesickness when she can spend her first paycheck—which feels like a veritable fortune—on the feminine frivolities that were never a part of her life in the old country.But the most unfamiliar territory of all is her relationship with her boss, the man who has made all this possible. Spirited but innocent, Dee is disconcerted by the way he treats her—and the way she responds. America may be the land of opportunity, a place where even those from the humblest background can pursue what they want—and, perhaps, even find themselves one day attending the Kentucky Derby. But some divides may be too wide to cross, and Dee fears that demanding more could cost her all that she’s already gained…

2

Born In Shame

Pub: 1996

Plot details hidden until you finish "Irish Thoroughbred".

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes the final novel in the Irish Born Trilogy—following Born in Fire and Born in Ice. Shannon Bodine’s life revolves around her job as a graphic artist at a New York ad agency. But her world turns upside down when she learns the identity of her real father: Thomas Concannon. Obeying her late mother’s wishes, Shannon reluctantly travels to County Clare. There, amid the lush landscape steeped in legend, she meets her half sisters and their families, but she’s wary of opening her heart to them—or to their charming neighbor… Murphy Muldoon is a successful farmer and horse breeder with a romantic streak that can turn the most trite sentiment into poetry. Soon, his striking good looks and unpretentious ways have Shannon discovering the possibility of a love that was meant to be. Don't miss the other books in the Irish Born Trilogy Born in Fire Born in Ice 

3

Born In Ice

Pub: 1995

Plot details hidden until you finish "Born In Shame".

The second novel in the Irish Born Trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Born In Fire.  Brianna Concannon is the kind of innkeeper who doesn’t mind the harsh winters of Ireland—and the empty bed-and-breakfast that comes with them. But this year, a famous American author needs a quiet place to stay while writing his next book. A charmer whose easy smiles mask a guarded past, Grayson Thane plans to spend the cold winter alone. But his lovely landlady adds a complication he never expected. She’s exactly what he’s looking for in his heroine. And soon Grayson and Brianna will learn that sometimes fate has a plan of its own. Sometimes, fire can be born in ice...Don't miss the other books in the Irish Born TrilogyBorn in FireBorn in Shame 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy) series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy)?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Irish Thoroughbred" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Nora Roberts intended.

Can I read The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy) books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the The Concannon Sisters (Irish Trilogy) universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.