The Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, we recommend reading the Kauffman Amish Bakery series in order of publication. Because each book builds on the relationships, marriages, and ongoing family trials of the Kauffman family in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, jumping around can spoil major plot points and relationship developments.
Here is the recommended reading path for the five core novels and two festive companion novellas:
- A Gift of Grace (2009) – The series opener introduces Rebecca Kauffman, whose life and marriage are turned upside down when she inherits custody of her rebellious English nieces.
- A Promise of Hope (2010) – Focuses on Sarah Troyer, a grieving young widow who must navigate secrets from her late husband's past while deciding if she can open her heart to new love.
- A Place of Peace (2010) – Follows Miriam Lapp, a young woman returning to Bird-in-Hand who is torn between her traditional Amish roots and the freedom of the outside world.
- Naomi's Gift (2011) – This holiday companion novella follows Naomi King, a side character from the main books who has been twice heartbroken and has given up on marriage until a young widower changes her outlook.
- A Life of Joy (2011) – The fourth full-length novel details the romantic journey of Lindsay Bedford, Rebecca's English niece, as she embraces the Amish lifestyle and falls for a local teacher.
- A Season of Love (2012) – The final novel weaves together the romances of three young women, bringing the overarching series narrative to a satisfying, joyful close.
Where to Read the Christmas Novellas
In addition to the five main novels, Amy Clipston wrote two Christmas novellas set within the bakery universe: A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) and Naomi's Gift (2011). These two holiday stories were later collected and published together in a single volume titled A Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection.
While Naomi's Gift directly ties into the main timeline (best read between A Place of Peace and A Life of Joy), A Plain and Simple Christmas acts as a standalone story. It follows Anna Mae McDonough, a woman shunned four years prior for marrying an English husband, as she returns home to Lancaster County for Christmas. It can be read at any point in your journey without spoiling the main novels.
What to Know Before You Start
The Kauffman Amish Bakery series is celebrated in Christian fiction for its authentic look at the Amish community. Clipston worked closely with an Amish friend to research the daily customs, language, and culture of Lancaster County, ensuring the setting feels grounded and respectful. The heart of the series is the family bakery in Bird-in-Hand, serving as a warm gathering place where recipes and traditions emphasize forgiveness, healing, and spiritual growth.
While the books focus heavily on romance and faith, they do not shy away from complex, real-world issues. From cultural clashes with the English world to dealing with grief, secrets, and family tragedies, the series offers a thoughtful balance of cozy comfort and emotional depth.