The Recommended Reading Path for Middlefield
Kathleen Fuller has written several interconnected series set in the vibrant Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio. While each subseries focuses on different characters and can technically be enjoyed on its own, reading them in order of publication allows you to watch the community grow and spot recurring characters. Here is the recommended overall path to explore Middlefield:
Phase 1: Hearts of Middlefield (2009–2010)
This is where Kathleen Fuller's journey in Middlefield begins. This trilogy follows the Byler siblings as they navigate love, faith, and trials.
- A Man of His Word (2009)
- An Honest Love (2010)
- A Hand to Hold (2010)
Phase 2: Mysteries of Middlefield (YA Series, 2010–2011)
If you enjoy Young Adult fiction, this mystery-themed trilogy offers a fun, suspenseful look at Amish youth solving secrets in the community.
- A Summer Secret (2010)
- The Secrets Beneath (2010)
- Hide and Secret (2011)
Phase 3: A Middlefield Family (2011–2013)
This heartwarming trilogy focuses on family dynamics, healing from past wounds, and discovering love when least expected.
- Treasuring Emma (2011)
- Faithful to Laura (2012)
- Letters to Katie (2013)
Phase 4: Standalone Novel (2015)
A later release that stands on its own but is deeply rooted in the familiar Middlefield setting.
- A Faith of Her Own (2015)
Publication Order of the Middlefield Books
If you prefer to read every single Middlefield book exactly in the order the author wrote them, follow this chronological publication timeline:
- A Man of His Word (2009)
- An Honest Love (2010)
- A Summer Secret (YA, 2010)
- A Hand to Hold (2010)
- The Secrets Beneath (YA, 2010)
- Treasuring Emma (2011)
- Hide and Secret (YA, 2011)
- Faithful to Laura (2012)
- Letters to Katie (2013)
- A Faith of Her Own (2015)
Understanding the Middlefield Subseries
To help you navigate this cozy setting, here is a quick breakdown of what makes each subseries unique:
Hearts of Middlefield
This core trilogy focuses on romantic relationships, personal integrity, and overcoming grief or community expectations. The Byler family forms the heart of these books, and their struggles are portrayed with deep empathy and emotional depth.
A Middlefield Family
Here, the focus shifts to family secrets, second chances, and the strength of the community. Characters must learn to trust both God and each other to move past their difficult histories.
Mysteries of Middlefield
Co-authored or written with younger readers in mind, this Young Adult series infuses elements of mystery and adventure into the traditional Amish setting. It is perfect for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries alongside clean, inspirational stories.
Middlefield Amish Standalone
A Faith of Her Own follows Anna Mae, a young woman facing the ultimate decision: whether to remain within the safety of her Amish home or step out into the English world to seek her true path. It represents a mature, thought-provoking addition to Fuller's Middlefield catalog.
What to Know Before You Start
Middlefield, Ohio, is a real-world Amish settlement, and Kathleen Fuller (who grew up in Ohio) utilizes her familiarity with the area to bring the setting to life with incredible authenticity. The books feature common Pennsylvania Dutch terminology (often accompanied by glossaries) and offer a realistic, respectful look at both the peace and the challenges of the Amish way of life.
While romance is a key element, Fuller’s books are also deeply character-driven, tackling themes of forgiveness, personal identity, and the sometimes-difficult balance between individual desires and community loyalty.