Cynthia Keller / Cynthia Victor Books in Order

Who Are Cynthia Victor and Cynthia Keller?

Before diving into the reading order, it is helpful to clarify a unique piece of publishing history behind these names. "Cynthia Victor" was originally a writing partnership between author Cynthia Katz and her literary agent (and former Editor-in-Chief of the Book-of-the-Month Club) Victoria Skurnick. Together, they co-authored seven contemporary drama novels. Later, Cynthia Katz began writing solo under the pen name "Cynthia Keller," focusing on heartwarming Amish-themed holiday fiction. Because these two styles are distinct, readers generally choose their starting point based on their preferred genre: contemporary emotional suspense or serene Amish life lessons.

Recommended Reading Paths

Since all of the novels written under both pseudonyms are standalone stories, there is no strict chronological timeline to follow. Instead, you can choose your entry point depending on the mood you are looking for.

Path 1: The Amish Holiday Stories (As Cynthia Keller)

If you enjoy stories about fresh starts, community, and the simple beauty of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Cynthia Keller books are your best starting point. While they are standalones, reading them in publication order lets you experience her growth as a solo storyteller:

1. An Amish Christmas (2010): Meg Hobart and her family face sudden financial ruin, forcing them to move into a simple Amish farmhouse. It is a story of humility, adjusting to a slower lifestyle, and rediscovering what matters most.
2. A Plain & Fancy Christmas (2011): This novel uses a classic "switched at birth" premise. High-powered New York PR executive Ellie Lawrence and Amish widow Rachel Yoder discover they were switched at birth thirty years ago, leading both women to step into each other's starkly different worlds.
3. An Amish Gift (2012): Jennie Davis and her husband Shep, a former football star struggling with unemployment, move to Lancaster County after inheriting an old bicycle shop. Tensions run high as the holidays approach, but friendship with an Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, helps them heal.

Note: In 2012, a special omnibus edition titled An Amish Holiday was released, compiling both "An Amish Christmas" and "A Plain & Fancy Christmas" into a single volume.

Path 2: Contemporary Suspense & Sibling Dramas (As Cynthia Victor)

For readers who prefer emotionally charged stories of family secrets, betrayal, and romantic suspense, the novels co-authored by Cynthia Katz and Victoria Skurnick under the name Cynthia Victor are the way to go. You can read these in any order, but starting at the beginning shows the evolution of their partnership:

1. Consequences (1989): The debut contemporary novel that established their trademark style of high-stakes family relationships and emotional drama.
2. Relative Sins (1992): A gripping tale that explores deep maternal bonds, dark family secrets, and the struggle to protect one's children.
3. Only You (1994): A story of love, trust, and the complicated choices individuals face when balancing personal desires with family expectations.
4. What Matters Most (1996): Follows a woman's journey of rebuilding her life and finding inner strength after experiencing sudden adversity.
5. The Secret (1997): A suspenseful family drama focused on hidden pasts and the ultimate search for truth.
6. The Sisters (1999): An exploration of sibling rivalry, loyalty, and how early family dynamics shape adult lives.
7. The Three of Us (2002): Focuses on the complex relationships, friendships, and hidden tensions between three lifelong companions.

What to Know Before You Start

When starting your reading journey, keep these details in mind:

• No Shared Universes: You do not need to worry about missing character crossovers or continuing plotlines. Each book stands completely on its own.
• Shift in Tone: The books written under Cynthia Victor tend to have higher suspense, romantic intrigue, and modern drama. The Cynthia Keller books, by contrast, focus on faith, simplicity, peaceful resolutions, and Amish community values.
• Accidental Swaps & Financial Ruin: Both pseudonyms frequently use themes of sudden life disruption—such as financial loss or shocking family secrets—to force characters to re-evaluate their lives and rebuild from scratch.