This site is meant to be a wiki, generally understood to be a compendium of information about all my historical novels. It is poorly organized and full of holes, but there is a lot of information. Go forth and discover, if you have time and energy. You may come looking for something specific but be aware, the wiki may not give you exactly what you are looking for. But here are other things like, lots of maps, short character bios, floor plans, and newspaper advertisements.
What came before?
As of September 2025 there are nine novels in the three historical series in total,[1]Three additional novels were published under my legal name (Rosina Lippi). Homestead, Tied to the Tracks and The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square. The second and third are both contemporary and set … Continue reading six in the first series (generally called the Wilderness series), one as a bridge novel (The Sweet Blue Distance) and two in the second (Waverly Place Series).
Both primary series of novels are set primarily in northern New York State or Manhattan in the 19th century, but there are storylines that spend time in Annandale, Scotland, Graubünden, Switzerland, Genoa, Italy, the French Antilles, Spanish Florida; the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans and environs, rural New Jersey and Staten Island; St. Louis; Kansas Territory, Northern New Mexico Territory The Wilderness novels run from 1792 to 1824; the Waverly Place novels are set between 1883 and 1885; and Little Birds is set in 1857.
Photographer: Barbaraellen Koch
What you won’t find covered in this Wiki
References
| ↑1 | Three additional novels were published under my legal name (Rosina Lippi). Homestead, Tied to the Tracks and The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square. The second and third are both contemporary and set in the south. |
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Thank you so much for answering my message, I appreciated your reply, regards Kathy
Can’t wait to read this one. I live in Colorado and have spent quite a bit of time traveling around in this area. A beautiful backdrop for drama.
My husband is a commercial salmon fisherman; he just fished his 61st and final season in Bristol Bay, AK. I’d planned to complete a few projects during his absence, but I’ve had my nose buried in “Where the Light Enters” instead!
I’d like to share a story seed in you’re interested: A couple years ago he and his crew came upon a dead walrus floating in the water. When he registered the head and tusks with the Dept. of Fish and Game he was told it had been shot — drug addicts are shooting these creatures for their ivory which they then sell for money to buy drugs (yes, it is illegal to sell ivory).
Hi Linda — that is an interesting story. I’ll let it percolate for a while and see if something comes of it.Glad you are liking the novels and thank you for taking the time to comment.
On the first page of your weblog, you have this section:
“If you’re looking for
the series of posts on writing sex scenes
story v plot discussions
notes on constructing dialog
ideas on generating story ideas
… those posts are here. ”
I was interested in seeing the posts, but there is no longer a link under the word “here”. It has either disappeared or is broken. Could you let us know where to find them?
Hi Naomi (you have a great name, by the way) — this post of yours got caught up in the spam filter so I’m late getting back to you. I didn’t realize the link had gone missing, so thanks for letting me know. All the posts about writing can be found at https://rosinalippi.com/weblog/
I home you find something useful there.
I just finished the “Into the Wilderness” series. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The “newspaper” clippings at the end and the obituaries at the end made me cry. I know they were fictional characters, but after reading the books, they become very real due to your excellent writing. Thank you and I am just starting the next series tonight. Can
I love to hear from readers who have just discovered the series. Your support means so much. Thanks, Beth.
I read the Wilderness Series many years ago and loved it so much I read it again!! To have a continuation in your new series is such a pleasure … I have now read both books in the Waverley series and hope there will be more??? Currently finishing The Sweet Blue Distance … thank you for writing this account of what happened in between … so many amazing and wonderful characters!!
I am on my 3rd read of THE WILDERNESS SERIES and the two WAVERLEY PLACE BOOKS and have also just read THE SWEAT BLUE DISTANCE, my only problem is:- I cannot get the family tree correct in my mind and need to write it down! I was ok until your latest book and can’t work out who belongs to who! Can you please tell me if you have a FAMILY TREE! kind regards Pamela-Western Australia
Hang on just a little longer and the tree will come alive again. Doing my best.
I read your “Wilderness” series years ago and loved it. During Covid I found something in the books that the library sent me (A fabulous treat while secluded) that really woke me up. This book had characters I remembered from the Wilderness. I devoured it , found it’s partner, and then HAD to reread all your books again. I have just finished “Blue Distance”. You are a gem Sara, your books are the best of all, thank you SO much.
Messages like yours remind me why I write, and give me a little push when I’m feeling it hard to sit down and work. Thank you so much for writing.
I love and have read everything you have written and eagerly await your next book. What are you writing now?
The most recent book is The Sweet Blue Distance, published April 2024, also part of the larger Bonner-verse, so to speak. Still working on Waverly Place no. 3. Going as fast as I can. Hope you’ll find it worth the wait.
Loved The Sweet Blue Distance. I just finished the Audio version (as I am visually impaired).
The Main character was called Carrie not Callie throughout.
not sure if that was an error by the reader or if there’s a typo above. I hate it when I finish one of your books because I start missing the characters right away.
I Appreciated The time and place of this book…and all of the issues of such a multi-cultural community. I like your generous open perspective of all of your books.
Please keep writing.
Thank you.
Sorry for the confusion, I’ll looking into the spelling. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.
Where can I find a printable family tree that connects all the books together?
Sorry, it’s been complicated trying to get it to work online. I will let you know when it’s finally up.
I have read The Wilderness Novels, the Waverly Place Series and The Sweet Blue Distance. I am thrilled you are wring a 3rd Waverly Place! I never want your books to end. I will happily read whatever you write. Your books are GOLD!
Your kind words are just as shiny. Many thanks.
Sara,
I just finished the Wilderness series, I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved it.
I cannot even imagine finding another series that would even be close.
Beautiful beyond words, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this journey.
Thank you, Shannon.
My husband and I are on the last two books of the wilderness series and couldn’t be more thrilled to see there is more to read. You write so well, all the characters come alive and it is as if we are travelling with them. Thank you.
I’m so glad you are enjoying them. Thank you.
You are very welcome. Your enthusiasm and support are priceless.
Thank you so much for the Wilderness and Waverly books. I love the way you flesh out characters. I can visualize each one, hear their voice, and recognize each character’s personality. You truly bring your books to life.
Hi,
I just finished reading The sweet blue distance. It’s a wonderful book. I really loved reading it. The story and the characters spoke to me. Thank you!
Love your books. Wondering when you will be releasing your next book and what it will be about
Thank you
Diane G
Sara Donati, you are one of my very favorite authors. I adored the Wilderness series and the 2 Gilded novels. I then read The Sweet Blu Distance! I have gotten my 88 year old mom reading all your novels and she’s crazy about them!! I had her read TSBD as a bridge between the Wilderness and Gilded novels. We are both craving more about Sophie, Anna, and Elise. When can we expect to see the 3rd in that series?!?! We are terribly anxious! Thank you for such beautiful character development!
Please tell your mom I said hello and that I appreciate your support and enthusiasm. Much appreciated.
Thanks to both you and your mom for your support and enthusiasm about my work. Sorry I have no exact info to share on the next book. We’ve had a difficult couple years.