The Home to Hickory Hollow Reading Order
The Home to Hickory Hollow series by Beverly Lewis consists of five novels published between 2012 and 2014. While each book is designed as a standalone story focusing on different main characters, the community of Hickory Hollow evolves chronologically across the novels. Reading them in publication order provides the most rewarding experience, as you will see recurring characters grow and witness the community’s changes in real time.
Here is the recommended reading order for the series:
- The Fiddler (April 2012) – Follows Amelia Devries, a talented violinist from the "English" world, and Michael Hostetler, a young Amish man facing a crossroads.
- The Bridesmaid (September 2012) – Centers on Joanna Kurtz, a secret writer who dreams of a life beyond typical expectations, and her long-distance courtship with Eben Troyer.
- The Guardian (March 2013) – Focuses on Marianna Sommer, a young Amish widow dealing with grief and the mystery of her missing young daughter.
- The Secret Keeper (September 2013) – Tells the story of Jennifer Burns, a modern outsider who seeks refuge and a simpler life in the heart of the Amish community.
- The Last Bride (April 2014) – Focuses on Tessie Miller, the youngest daughter in a strict family, who must navigate her love for Marcus King despite her father's disapproval.
Connecting to the Heritage of Lancaster County
Hickory Hollow is the very same setting where Beverly Lewis's groundbreaking Amish fiction began with The Shunning (1997), the first book in the legendary Heritage of Lancaster County trilogy. For the ultimate reading experience, many fans recommend reading the Katie Lapp trilogy first:
- The Shunning (1997)
- The Confession (1997)
- The Reckoning (1998)
- The Heirloom (2023) – A prequel novel exploring the backstory of Hickory Hollow.
By reading the Heritage of Lancaster County books before diving into Home to Hickory Hollow, you will fully appreciate the cameos and updates regarding Katie Lapp, her family, and other beloved local figures like the wise old Ella Mae Zook, who frequently appears to guide the characters of Hickory Hollow.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
Fortunately, the publication order for the Home to Hickory Hollow series aligns perfectly with its internal chronology. Beverly Lewis wrote these books consecutively, and the timeline flows naturally from one book to the next. While you do not need to read other Beverly Lewis books to enjoy this series, placing it in the broader timeline of her Lancaster County books adds layers of richness to the setting.
Practical Reader Advice and Standalone Feasibility
Can these books be read as standalones? Yes. Beverly Lewis explicitly structured each book to feature a self-contained romance and a complete spiritual resolution. However, we strongly recommend starting with The Fiddler. Read out of order, you may encounter minor spoilers regarding the romantic resolutions of previous books and miss the subtle character growth of the town's recurring residents.
Notable achievements for the series include Christian Retailing’s Best Awards in the Amish Fiction category for both The Bridesmaid and The Guardian, cementing their status as reader favorites in the genre.