The Ultimate Guide to Amy E. Reichert’s Cozy Romance Universe
Amy E. Reichert is beloved for writing contemporary romance novels that feel like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day. Set against the charming and distinct backdrops of Wisconsin—from the bustling dining scene of Milwaukee to the quiet apple orchards of Door County and the tourist hubs of Wisconsin Dells—her stories invite readers into worlds filled with friendly characters, delectable food descriptions, and a light dusting of magical realism. If you are looking for comforting stories about love, family, and self-discovery, Reichert’s books are the perfect addition to your reading list.
Where to Start Reading Amy E. Reichert
Since all of Amy E. Reichert’s novels are written as standalones, you can pick up any book that catches your eye. However, we recommend a few specific starting points depending on your reading preferences:
- For Culinary Romance Fans: Start with her debut, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. It is a classic romantic comedy set in Milwaukee that perfectly showcases her signature blend of food-focused storytelling, local culture, and witty chemistry.
- For Holiday & Magic Lovers: Start with Once Upon a December. This seasonal romance features a magical Christmas market and a unique memory-fade premise that will appeal to fans of light fantasy and holiday cheer.
- For Paranormal Romance Enthusiasts: Start with The Kindred Spirits Supper Club. It combines the cozy traditions of a classic Wisconsin supper club with a heartwarming story about a woman who can see and help local ghosts.
Amy E. Reichert Books in Publication Order
Reading Amy E. Reichert’s books in order of their release is the best way to experience her growth as an author and to catch the subtle, easter-egg connections she slips into her novels. Here is the complete bibliography in publication order:
1. The Coincidence of Coconut Cake (2015)
Reichert’s delicious debut introduces us to Lou, a talented chef who has poured her heart and soul into opening Luella’s, a struggling French-inspired restaurant in Milwaukee. Her life is turned upside down when a prominent, anonymous food critic named Al writes a devastating review. When Lou and Al meet by chance outside the restaurant, neither realizes who the other is. As an unlikely romance begins to bloom, they must navigate the inevitable fallout when their true identities are revealed. It is a lighthearted, food-filled rom-com that put Reichert on the contemporary romance map.
2. Luck, Love & Lemon Pie (2016)
In her sophomore novel, Reichert shifts focus to the complexities of a long-term marriage. MJ Boudreaux is a Milwaukee wife and mother who feels the spark fading in her twenty-year marriage to Chris. Noticing that Chris has developed an obsessive hobby of visiting local casinos, MJ decides to learn how to play poker to join him and rebuild their bond. However, she discovers she has a natural talent for the game. As she gains independence and begins climbing the ranks of high-stakes poker tournaments, MJ finds herself traveling to Las Vegas and facing temptations that force her to decide what she is truly willing to risk.
3. The Simplicity of Cider (2017)
Set in the gorgeous, rustic landscape of Door County, Wisconsin, this novel follows Sanna Lund, a fifth-generation cider-maker who is fiercely protective of her family's apple orchard. Sanna is content with her quiet, independent life until Isaac, a single father seeking a fresh start for himself and his young son, arrives to work at the orchard. As Sanna and Isaac work side-by-side, they find unexpected healing and romance. The novel is celebrated for its lush atmospheric detail, charming family dynamics, and mouthwatering descriptions of artisan cider.
4. The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go (2018)
This emotional multi-generational story centers on Gina Zoberski, a recent widow who runs a gourmet grilled cheese food truck called Grilled G's. Gina is a determined optimist who relies on list-making to keep her life together while navigating her grief, raising her difficult teenage daughter, and dealing with her critical mother, Lorraine. When Lorraine suffers a sudden stroke, a forty-year-old family secret comes to light. Over the course of one pivotal week, three generations of women must confront their pasts, heal old wounds, and learn how to let go of the burdens they have carried for so long.
5. The Kindred Spirits Supper Club (2021)
Sabrina Monroe has returned to her hometown of Wisconsin Dells after losing her job in Washington, D.C. Sabrina carries a unique family trait: she has the ability to see and speak with local ghosts who need help resolving their unfinished business. While trying to manage her anxiety and keep her supernatural secret under wraps, Sabrina meets Ray Jasper, the charming owner of a local supper club. As Ray tries to win Sabrina’s heart, she must decide if she is ready to open up about her unusual gift and embrace a future in her hometown.
6. Once Upon a December (2022)
A magical holiday romance set in the heart of Milwaukee’s festive Julemarked (Christmas market). Astra Noel Snow is a librarian recovering from a painful divorce who looks forward to her annual visits to the market. There, she meets Jack Clausen, a baker and woodcarver who works at his family's bakery. The catch? The Julemarked is a magical place that only exists in December, and whenever January arrives, Astra’s memories of Jack and the market fade away completely. As the month progresses, Jack hopes to find a way to make Astra remember him, raising the question of whether their love can survive in the real world.
Practical Reader Advice: Standalones, Cameos, and Connections
Because Amy E. Reichert’s novels are all self-contained standalone stories, there are no complicated reading orders or strict continuities you must follow. You can read them in any order without worrying about spoilers or missing major plot details.
However, Reichert enjoys planting minor, easter-egg connections for her dedicated fans. These include sneaky references to businesses, settings, or minor character cameos from her previous books appearing in the background of her later novels. If you want to experience these small nods in the way the author intended, reading in publication order is your best bet. Otherwise, feel free to choose whichever premise speaks to you first!
What to Know Before You Start
Reichert's novels are best categorized as contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her writing style is highly accessible, witty, and deeply rooted in Midwestern hospitality. Here are a few elements you can expect in almost every book:
- The Wisconsin Landscape: Each novel acts as a love letter to Wisconsin. Whether it is the dining spots of Milwaukee, the tranquil orchards of Door County, or the classic supper club culture of the Midwest, Reichert's settings are rich, authentic, and evocative.
- The Importance of Food: Culinary elements are central to Reichert's storytelling. Whether it is baking coconut cake, flipping gourmet grilled cheese, tasting apple cider, or eating at a supper club, food is treated as a medium for connection, healing, and love.
- A Touch of Magic: While grounded in reality, several of Reichert's books touch on magical realism or paranormal themes (like Sabrina's ghost-hunting in The Kindred Spirits Supper Club or the magical market in Once Upon a December), adding an extra layer of wonder to her romances.