The fall equinox for the Northern Hemisphere was this past Sunday, which means all the cozy reads. For me, it also means knitting. I just don’t knit nearly as much in the summer as I do during other times of the year. But I digress—we’re here to talk about books. I probably have more than ten books I plan to read between now and the start of winter, but here are my most anticipated ones and why. It may not be just because they’re Amish romances. Or maybe it is.

NetGalley eARCs

I only request books on NetGalley that I know, or at least think I know, I’ll actually read. I’ve made the mistake of going down a rabbit hole before, ending up with too many eARCs and not being happy with most of them. So, I stick with my main love there—Amish romance.

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin. I have always enjoyed Irvin’s books, so I’m looking forward to reading this one.

Bonnie is successful in her crafts shop but fears no man will see past her disability to her strong and loving heart. Elijah dreams of leaving the family business to focus on his carvings. Can they find a new path together?

Elijah Miller is a quiet and painfully shy man with a talent for carving the handmade toys and furniture that tourists in the Amish shops love. The large, boisterous Miller family is anything but shy. With a thriving auction business, they want him to do what he hates most: taking the stage and calling the auctions. He loves his family and wants to support them, but will they allow room for Elijah to follow his own dream?

Bonnie Yoder began the Homespun Handicrafts with her friends, Sophia and Carol. Each has a physical disability to overcome but together they prove that wheelchairs and rollators will not stop them from building a business and a craft community. Bonnie, with her chestnut curls and pretty face, yearns for a husband and family of her own but fears her spinal condition will keep any Amish man from choosing a life with her. Can a man like Elijah see past her walker to the woman behind it?

With the support of his beloved dog, Slowpoke, Elijah finds the courage to bring in samples of his handcrafted toys for Bonnie to consider for display in the shop. Through her advice, Elijah begins to see a possible new life doing what he loves best. Bonnie, in reconnecting with this old school friend, fears that the hope for a relationship that she feels may be another disappointment.

Can Elijah and Bonnie help each other find the lives they want and the love they desire?

A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele. I’m pretty sure that Steele is a new author for me. I’m hopeful based on the fact that it’s a Barbour Publishing book.

Who Kissed Who First?

Full of faith, hope, and romance, the series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

LeEtta Miller has never done anything spontaneous before, but when a girl is the last one at everything, sometimes she has to take the reins into her own hands. What harm could come from kissing a stranger she’ll never see again?

Benuel Ropp isn’t sure he can ever forgive his father for giving away his inheritance. Taking work far from home, Ben hopes to earn enough to build his future, but nowhere in his plans did he predict being kissed by a beautiful stranger – or having to marry her. To save both their reputations he has little choice but to accept the elder’s demands. Well. . .if LeEtta thought he’d flinch, letting her boldness ruin the future he had all mapped out, she was mistaken. He has a dream to work for, and if he has to make sacrifices to reach them, so will she.

Who kissed who first? He couldn’t even remember anymore.

Favorite Authors

A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher. There’s nothing of hers I’ve read that I don’t absolutely love. Honestly, she and Amy Clipston probably think I’m stalking them on Instagram. I don’t even know what I’ll do if Instagram gets the equivalent of a restraining order. I guess that’s what blocking is. Now I’m scared. You know she’s my favorite since I’ve already pre-ordered this book—and I rarely pay full price for books. I just have to have it.

Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor who still believes in house calls, addressing not just her patients’ physical needs but their emotional ones too. When newly widowed Bee faces a breast cancer diagnosis, Dok connects her with Fern Lapp for support. When her painfully shy assistant Annie finds herself drawn to a new calling, Dok goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dream. And when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning, Dok’s world takes an unexpected turn as ripples of change touch several lives.

A Healing Touch is a captivating tale of compassion, resilience, and the bonds that form in surprising places. Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you into a new story that’s like medicine for the weary soul. Join Dok, Annie, and the tight-knit Stoney Ridge community as they navigate the twists of fate, discovering that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the heart.

B is for Bonnet by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Actually, I’m so lucky I could also file this under NetGalley eARCs. It’s literally driving me crazy that I haven’t picked it up yet, but it doesn’t release until January 21, 2025, and I have others I need to read first. I own a paperback version of A is for Amish, and I want the entire collection. I’m sure you all know what this means—I just couldn’t wait until January to read it!

The second in this delightfully moving new series from beloved, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues the story of four English-raised siblings who return to their grandparents’ Ohio community planning to become Amish. But one by one, they will soon learn more about living—and love—than they’d ever imagined . . .

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Charlotte Hubbard – and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith  . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray. Yet another author I Insta-stalk. Oh my gosh, I’ve turned into an old, sad fangirl. This one isn’t in my possession yet, but it’s available for request on NetGalley. I’m trying to dwindle my list down before hitting the request button. If only I didn’t have to work, I’d have so much more time for reading … and baking bread and knitting. In my imaginary world, I’m one of the women in an Amish romance. I’ll settle for being a secondary character.

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.

Jay Byler had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.

From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes this emotionally taut story of learning to forgive, trust, and love despite the pain of the past.

From the Library

Letters of Wisdom by Wana Brunstetter. Based on the fact that I have two of her books here, you’d think Brunstetter falls into my favorite author category. I do love her books, but she’s not quite at “stay up all night, call in sick to work to read, or stalk on Instagram (or Facebook in her case)” status.

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.

Letters and Prayers Between Friends Become a Balm for Healing

Irma Miller thought having a family of her own would bring her joy and a sense of accomplishment, but she struggles with memories of the abuse she suffered as a child at the hand of her stepfather. When she becomes physically and emotionally abusive to her own children, she reaches out to her friend Doretta for prayer and wisdom. But Irma may find herself at an even darker emotional place before she will admit she needs professional help to heal the past traumas. Will Doretta’s letters of wisdom help Irma and her family, or will too much be broken to ever be repaired?

Find out in the third book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

The Protector by Wanda Brunstetter. This one is supposed to be real good. I hope it lives up to the hype.

A Mysterious Disappearance Shakes an Amish Family’s Faith

In book one of A Mifflin County Mystery series, after a night out with her boyfriend, Rosa Petersheim has disappeared from the Big Valley without a trace. Norman Petersheim always considered himself his sister’s protector, and he can’t believe she would have left home of her own accord. Clearly, he must have failed her. He throws all he has into helping the authorities search for Rosa, while trying to support his parents and siblings–who are struggling both mentally and physically. Salina Swarey loves Norman and hopes they are headed toward marriage, but his obsession with Rosa’s whereabouts is driving them apart. Can Norman find peace and contentment, even if he never learns where Rosa has gone?

Garment of Praise by Linda Byler. Byler puts out good books. If she continues, she may end up in my favorite author’s area. She may or may not like that, depending on how she feels about me chasing her down on social media.

The final book in the New Directions series delves into the complexities of a blended Amish family. Are love and faith enough to navigate through relationship tensions, homesickness, and tragedy?

Susan has been in Wyoming long enough to feel at home, but instead she finds herself still struggling to adapt to the dusty landscape, the different customs, and life so far from family. She knows she should be appreciating the big, beautiful log home that Isaac built, but sometimes even that feels like a burden—so much of it to clean, and Isaac always traipsing in with his muddy boots and clothes smelling of diesel. But those are just the surface problems. The real struggle is the same as it has been since the day she married Isaac—the long hours he spends away at his logging job and the way his son Titus seems to loathe her presence in their lives.

Titus is growing quickly, coming closer to manhood every day. He’s working with his father finally, always torn between wanting to impress him and being repulsed by the entire logging industry. He struggles with pent-up anger from his mother’s death, Susan swooping in as if she could take her place, and never feeling like he’s enough for his dad. But could a meeting with a young woman full of her own struggles change everything?

Author Linda Byler is an active member of the Amish church and writes all her novels by hand with a pen and notebook. She offers a unique and fascinating look into Amish history and culture.

By Evenings Light by Leslie Gould. I just got the notification on Monday that this one is ready for pickup. I’m not sure I’ll have any of the other books ready to return since I have so many eARCs right now, and I tend to prioritize those. But I do need to pause for the library cause and read these four.

Treva Zimmerman finds herself at a crossroads in life after a heartbreaking failed relationship. Returning to Lancaster County to visit her Amish grandparents and elderly aunt, Treva plans to leave her Plain heritage behind for a fresh start in Alaska. Torn between the expectations of her community and her own desires, she seeks to follow her own path–but all that changes when her aunt Rosene suffers a heart attack.

As her aunt recounts her own past–a poignant journey through Cold War Germany and a fervent desire to escape her Plain life to search for a lost love–Treva is determined to discover the whereabouts of Rosene’s former sweetheart. Amid the turmoil, their former farmhand Gabe Johnson returns unexpectedly, throwing Treva’s plans into further disarray.

While working hard to save the farm and explore her own destiny, Treva confronts her deep-rooted ties to her heritage and must decide if she will embrace her family’s legacy or break free from the pressures of her past to forge a life of her own.

Nonfiction & Not Amish

Yes, you heard that right, Catching Whimsy by Bob Goff finishes this list. t’s not in my possession yet, but it’s available for request on NetGalley. I’m a collector of Bob Goff’s books, typically in eBook format because I like to highlight, and marking up a physical book gives me the heebie-jeebies. It’s also a 365-day devotional, so I may get this in physical format and possibly still mark it up. Not sure if this really counts as a fall TBR since it’s releasing in the fall, but I’m definitely counting it.

Learn to pursue joy and savor life’s possibilities. Because you can’t catch what you don’t chase.

Beloved bestselling author Bob Goff takes you on a yearlong journey into the uplifting, inspiring, and unexpected possibilities waiting for you every day. With his trademark storytelling and winsome take on life, Bob returns with Catching Whimsy, a 365-day devotional where he offers you a daily tap on the shoulder to remind you how over the moon God is about you and your beautiful, often complicated life.

Catching Whimsy will help you leave behind endless cycles of planning and floundering and instead wake up to the curiosity, delight, and possibility in this marvelous adventure called life. Each day of the year you will be:

💜 Inspired by a reading from the Bible that will help root you in God’s Word for the day
💜 Captivated and encouraged as Bob tells you stories that connect to your faith and how you can live today with purpose
💜 Gently nudged toward a life of satisfaction and possibility by insightful questions and prompts

You don’t have to stay stuck in ambivalence and paralysis, unsure of the right next step. Instead, get settled in God’s love for you and start journeying, wide-eyed and expectant, into a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future. Catching Whimsey will whisper some much-needed truth, hope, and whimsy into your days. You are only one or two decisions away from a more beautiful and winsome life; you just need to decide to access it through a door God leaves ajar for you each day.

Two Bonus Books

Last Saturday, I went to the local Goodwill looking for some books, but it was mostly filled with James Patterson and Danielle Steel. I was really looking for, you guessed it, Amish romance. What I stumbled upon was The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz for $3.99—or maybe it was $3.49. I got it because, well, Harry Potter and cookbook. Yes, please! It even had a $2 bill in it, which I guess someone was using as a bookmark. So, technically, I only paid a dollar something for the book. Not sure if I’ll actually cook from it, but it’s fun to have.

I’m currently reading Serenity’s Secret by Lisa Jones Baker. It’s an eARC that will be available on November 15^th. I’m not reading it as quickly as I usually do, but it’s kept me interested enough to want to read the rest of the series. This one is number six in the series, so I have a lot of catching up to do!

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What are you currently reading? Have you ever found anything interesting in a used book you purchased (other than the book itself)?

Thank you to The Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!