How to Read the Sisters of Holmes County Series
If you are looking for the perfect blend of sweet Amish romance and cozy mystery, Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Sisters of Holmes County trilogy is an excellent place to start. Set against the rolling hills of Ohio’s Amish country, the series follows the three Hostettler sisters—Grace, Ruth, and Martha—as their family faces a string of mysterious, malicious attacks on their farm. Along the way, each sister must navigate personal secrets, trials of faith, and unexpected love.
Because the overarching mystery of who is targeting the Hostettler family develops across all three books, this is a series that must be read in order. Jumping in mid-series will spoil the mystery and dilute the emotional journeys of the sisters.
The Recommended Reading Order
We recommend reading the trilogy in its original publication order, which also matches the chronological sequence of the narrative:
- A Sister's Secret (2007) – Focuses on Grace Hostettler, the eldest sister. After returning from her rumspringa and joining the church, Grace's peace is threatened when an English man from her past appears, harboring a secret that could ruin her reputation and her engagement. Meanwhile, the mysterious attacks on the family farm begin.
- A Sister's Test (2007) – Focuses on Ruth Hostettler, the middle sister. Ruth's dreams of marriage and a family are shattered by a sudden tragedy, testing her faith in God. As she struggles to find hope, the malicious vandals continue to plague the Hostettlers.
- A Sister's Hope (2008) – Focuses on Martha Hostettler, the youngest sister. Frustrated by the lack of answers, Martha takes it upon herself to investigate the vandalism. The stakes rise when the man she loves, Luke Friesen, becomes the prime suspect.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the Sisters of Holmes County, there is no difference between publication order and chronological order. The storyline flows directly from the first book to the third book over a continuous period. The events in A Sister's Secret lead directly into the challenges faced in A Sister's Test, and the overarching mystery of the family's antagonist is finally solved in the climax of A Sister's Hope. For this reason, reading the series out of order is highly discouraged.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Hostettler sisters' lives, here are a few helpful details to enhance your reading experience:
- A Genre Hybrid: While Wanda E. Brunstetter is widely recognized as a pioneer of Amish romance, this trilogy stands out because it incorporates strong elements of cozy mystery and suspense. The threat of property vandalism, buggy accidents, and suspicious fires adds an engaging layer of tension not always found in traditional Amish fiction.
- Themes of Forgiveness: At the heart of each book is the struggle to forgive. Whether it is Grace forgiving herself, Ruth finding peace after tragedy, or the family extending grace to their enemies, the books explore the Christian concept of forgiveness in depth.
- Amish Culture: Brunstetter uses authentic Pennsylvania Dutch terms and detailed descriptions of Amish customs. You'll learn about rumspringa, church services, and community support systems as you read.
Spin-offs, Co-authored Books, and Companion Series
While the story of the Hostettler family ends with A Sister's Hope and does not have direct spin-offs, fans of the series who want to read more books set in the same community or co-authored by Wanda E. Brunstetter have several fantastic options to explore next:
The Amish Millionaire Series (Co-authored with Jean Brunstetter)
If you enjoyed the collaborative style of Brunstetter's writing, you can check out this six-part serial novel set in Holmes County, Ohio. Co-written with her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter, it details a prodigal son returning to his Amish community after his father's death. The six parts should be read in this exact order:
- The English Son (2016)
- The Stubborn Father (2016)
- The Betrayed Fiancée (2016)
- The Missing Will (2016)
- The Divided Family (2016)
- The Selfless Act (2016)
The Creektown Discoveries Series
Another beloved series set right in the heart of Holmes County, Ohio, is the Creektown Discoveries trilogy. It centers around an antique store called "Memory Keepers" and the eccentric, loving couple who run it. The reading order is:
- The Walnut Creek Wish (2021)
- The Sugarcreek Surprise (2022)
- The Apple Creek Announcement (2022)
Practical Reader Advice
Can the books be read as standalones? While each book centers on a different sister's romance, we strongly advise against reading them as standalones. The plot involving the attacks on the Hostettler family spans all three novels, and the culprit's identity is not revealed until the final book. Reading them out of order will spoil the mystery.
Where is the best place to start? Start with A Sister's Secret. It introduces the Hostettler family, sets up the central conflict, and establishes the tone of the community.