Step into the heartwarming world of Wells Landing, where love blooms, faith guides, and a tight-knit Amish community in Oklahoma welcomes you with open arms! The Wells Landing series by Amy Lillard is a beloved collection of Amish romance novels that weave together tender love stories, personal growth, and the charm of a simpler life. With its authentic portrayal of Amish traditions and relatable characters, this series invites readers to escape into a world where forgiveness and second chances reign supreme.
Whether you’re a fan of sweet romances or curious about Amish culture, Wells Landing offers a cozy, uplifting journey that’s hard to resist. Let’s explore how this enchanting series came to be, its captivating stories, and why it continues to touch hearts.
How Wells Landing Began
Amy Lillard, an award-winning author with a passion for heartfelt storytelling, created the Wells Landing series to bring the beauty of Amish life to readers. Inspired by her love for close-knit communities and her home state of Oklahoma, Lillard crafted a fictional Amish settlement that feels vividly real. Her debut novel, Saving Gideon, earned a Carol Award in 2012, setting the stage for her to launch Wells Landing with Caroline’s Secret in 2014. Lillard’s goal was to blend authentic Amish traditions with universal themes of love and redemption, making the series accessible to both genre fans and newcomers.
The Heart of Wells Landing
The Wells Landing series centers on a fictional Amish community in Oklahoma, where tractors hum alongside horse-drawn buggies, and residents navigate the balance between tradition and modern influences. Each book tells a standalone love story while building a rich tapestry of recurring characters and community life. Key titles include:
Caroline’s Secret: Single mother Caroline Hostetler seeks a fresh start in Wells Landing with her daughter, Emma. As she falls for newcomer Andrew Fitch, a painful secret from her past threatens their budding romance. This poignant tale explores forgiveness and trust.
Courting Emily: Emily Ebersol, the bishop’s daughter, faces a choice between her childhood sweetheart, Luke, who left the Amish, and steady Elam Rhiel. This story delves into sacrifice and the pull of faith versus love.
Lorie’s Heart: After her father’s sudden death, Lorie Kauffman uncovers his secret life in the Englisch world, forcing her to question her Amish identity. Torn between two worlds, she finds unexpected love.
A Wells Landing Christmas: Ivy Weaver, an outsider after a reckless mistake, reconnects with Zeb Brenneman during a festive season, learning to forgive herself. This holiday tale sparkles with hope and redemption.
Lillard’s stories shine through their emotional depth, authentic Amish details, and themes of forgiveness, second chances, and community support. The Oklahoma setting adds a unique flavor, blending traditional Amish values with subtle modern touches, like tractor use, that reflect a progressive yet faithful community. Her characters face real struggles—grief, doubt, and societal expectations—making their journeys relatable and inspiring.
Why Wells Landing Resonates
The Wells Landing series has carved a special place in Amish romance, captivating readers with its blend of heartfelt romance and cultural insight. Fans praise Lillard’s ability to craft characters who feel like friends, from resilient heroines to supportive neighbors. The series’ emphasis on forgiveness and faith resonates deeply, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values. Its Oklahoma setting, less common than Pennsylvania or Ohio in Amish fiction, adds a fresh perspective, while Lillard’s warm, engaging style keeps pages turning. With over ten books, the series remains a go-to for cozy, uplifting reads that celebrate love and community.
- About Wells Landing
- First book published: 2014
- Number of books: 10+
- Author: Amy Lillard, Carol Award winner
- Setting: Fictional Amish community in Oklahoma
Ready to fall in love with Wells Landing? Grab Caroline’s Secret and dive into a world of sweet romance and Amish charm today!