José Pedraza asked this question about All Things Bright and Beautiful (All Creatures Great and Small, #3-4):
Can I read this book before All Creatures Great and Small? Or is there a sequence that needs to be followed?
Janie O I hope it is not too late to comment!

They should definitely be read in order as they chronicle his life. The first book is when he first becomes a vet…more
I hope it is not too late to comment!

They should definitely be read in order as they chronicle his life. The first book is when he first becomes a vet. I would not want to jump in the middle of the series and not know how difficult it was, how desperate he was for a job, not to mention the hilarious accounts of first knocking on the surgery door.

Then, he meets and dates Helen who becomes his wife. You want to read the great stories about his dates with Helen. You will understand her better when you read about her role in her family before she met "James" and you will appreciate her kindness as you continue to read the other books.

In the 3rd book, I think, he joins the RAF - great stories, again! Helen is pregnant and he sneaks home to see her.

Then they have children... Yes! You definitely want to read them in order if you can.

He does have some anthologies, and they're good - short stories from the actual books - but you would sure miss out on a lot by not reading each book.

A reading suggestion for you if you really like James Herriot

The Yorkshire Sheperdess by Amanda Owens - the 1st in a series of 3
Miss Read - She has 2 series and you will want to read them in order.

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