Cindy Woodsmall Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Cindy Woodsmall?

For readers new to Cindy Woodsmall, the absolute best starting point is the Sisters of the Quilt trilogy, beginning with When the Heart Cries (2006). This series was Woodsmall's debut and remains her most iconic work. It introduces readers to her signature writing style: emotionally raw conflicts, highly detailed community dynamics, and characters who must navigate the difficult choices between traditional Amish rules (the Ordnung) and personal faith. Unlike many light Amish romances, this series tackles heavy themes like trauma, betrayal, and redemption, immediately setting Woodsmall apart as a prominent voice in the genre.

If you prefer a lighter, seasonal entry point, you can start with the Apple Ridge series, which features cozy, Christmas-themed romances. If you are looking for contemporary fiction rather than Amish life, As the Tide Comes In (co-authored with Erin Woodsmall) is a fantastic standalone Southern novel set on Georgia's coast.

Sisters of the Quilt Series

This trilogy must be read in strict chronological/publication order as it follows the continuous, high-stakes journey of Hannah Lapp, a young Old Order Amish woman whose life is shattered by an unexpected tragedy. The series details her struggle to find healing, her flight to the Englisch world, and her ultimate return to face her past.

• When the Heart Cries (2006) – Hannah Lapp's peaceful life in her community is disrupted when she falls in love with an Englisch man, followed by a sudden event that changes her life forever.
• When the Morning Comes (2007) – After being shunned and misunderstood by her family, Hannah flees her home and attempts to build a new life in the unfamiliar Englisch world.
• When the Soul Mends (2008) – Years later, Hannah is forced to return to her Amish community, confronting the family who hurt her and the two men who still hold pieces of her heart.

Ada's House Series

Set in Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, this trilogy explores the lives of different members of the community as they seek shelter, healing, and second chances. While the stories focus on different couples, characters recur, and reading them in order provides the best experience.

• The Hope of Refuge (2009) – Widowed Cara Moore flees her abusive past and seeks safety in the Amish town of Dry Lake, where she must convince the community to trust her.
• The Bridge of Peace (2010) – Lena Kovac, a schoolteacher struggling with a physical disability, fights to keep her position and find her place in a community that values physical labor.
• The Harvest of Grace (2011) – Silvia Fisher, trying to escape the shame of her family's bankruptcy, takes a job on a dairy farm and finds unexpected hope alongside a grieving widower.

Apple Ridge Series

This series centers around the Apple Ridge community and is known for its festive, heartwarming holiday themes. These books can generally be read as standalones, but reading them in order helps trace the friendships and community timeline.

• The Sound of Sleigh Bells (2009) – Grieving the loss of her fiancé, Beth Hertzler finds comfort and new beginnings while working on a local farm during the holiday season.
• The Christmas Singing (2011) – Two former childhood friends are brought back together by their shared love of music, despite years of estrangement and misunderstandings.
• The Scent of Cherry Blossoms (2012) – Annie Fisher faces a difficult choice between her Old Order lifestyle and the modern world after an unexpected job opportunity arises.
• The Dawn of Christmas (2013) – Two individuals who have given up on love agree to a mock courtship to appease their families, only to find real feelings developing.

Amish Vines and Orchards Series

This four-book saga follows Rhoda Byler, an Amish woman with a unique gift for understanding plants and soil. The series deals with the economic realities of farming, community relocation, and building a business, making it one of Woodsmall's most grounded series.

• A Season for Tending (2012) – Rhoda Byler lives on the margins of her community, but her knowledge of herbs and crops becomes vital when an organic farm project is proposed.
• The Winnowing Season (2013) – Rhoda and a group of families relocate to Maine to start an organic orchard, facing harsh weather and internal community strife.
• For Every Season (2013) – As the orchard begins to thrive, relationships are tested by secrets and the demands of their new home.
• Seasons of Tomorrow (2014) – The final book concludes Rhoda's journey as she seeks to secure the future of the orchard and make a decision about her heart.

The Amish of Summer Grove Series

This dramatic trilogy is built around a classic switch-at-birth premise. When an Amish family and an Englisch family discover their daughters were swapped at the hospital twenty years prior, it forces both girls to swap lifestyles for a time, leading to intense culture clashes and spiritual journeys.

• Ties That Bind (2015) – Ariana Brenneman has grown up Amish, while Skylar Nash was raised in the modern world. The truth of their birth comes to light, upending both of their worlds.
• Fraying at the Edge (2016) – Ariana struggles to adapt to the fast-paced Englisch world while staying true to her beliefs, while Skylar faces the strict boundaries of the Amish community.
• Gathering the Threads (2017) – The emotional conclusion as both families search for a path of grace, identity, and shared faith.

Standalones and Collaborative Projects

Cindy Woodsmall has written a variety of standalone books, many of which are co-authored with her daughter-in-law, Erin Woodsmall. These books range from classic Amish romances to modern time-slip stories and contemporary Southern dramas.

• A Love Undone (2014) – Jolene Keim and Andy Fisher confront their difficult pasts and strict Amish traditions regarding marriage and abandonment.
• The Angel of Forest Hill (2016) – A heartwarming holiday novella about a young woman who agrees to a marriage of convenience to care for a widower's children.
• The Gift of Christmas Past (2017) – Co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, this novel explores second chances and reconciliation during the Christmas season.
• As the Tide Comes In (2018) – Co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, this is a contemporary Southern novel set on St. Simons Island, following Tara Abbott as she searches for her family history.
• The Christmas Remedy (2018) – Co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, this holiday romance follows a pharmacist's assistant and a grieving Amish man.
• A Christmas Haven (2019) – Co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, this follows Ivy Zook, who dreams of starting her own party planning business.
• The Englisch Daughter (2020) – Co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, this novel explores a family secret that threatens to tear an Amish home apart when an Englisch daughter is discovered.
• Yesterday's Gone (2022) – Co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, this unique time-slip novel features Eliza Bontrager using an heirloom quilt to travel back in time and change her past.
• Until Then (2023) – Co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, focusing on deep emotional trauma, healing, and faith in the face of tragedy.

Chronological Caveats and Reader Advice

When diving into Cindy Woodsmall's work, the most critical piece of advice is to read within the individual series sequentially. While the major series (Sisters of the Quilt, Ada's House, etc.) do not need to be read in order of publication relative to each other, the individual books within each series contain continuous storylines and character developments. Reading When the Soul Mends before When the Heart Cries, for instance, will spoil major plot twists and emotional arcs.

For her non-fiction book, Plain Wisdom: Reflections on Life and Faith (2011), Woodsmall partnered with Miriam Flaud, an Old Order Amish woman. Reading this book provides wonderful context on how Woodsmall achieves such deep authenticity in her fiction. The stories and insights shared in Plain Wisdom show how her real-life relationships inform the traditions, language, and struggles portrayed in her novels.