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Every Amish Season #3

Through the Autumn Air

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A mysterious English stranger appears in Mary Katherine Ropp’s kitchen one autumn night, heralding the beginning of a new chapter in the widow’s life.

The mother of ten, Mary Katherine is an empty-nester who lost her husband four years earlier. She misses her husband so much, she still talks to him. She pours her creative spirit into writing stories and serves as the district’s Budget newspaper scribe. An avid reader, her dream is to open a bookstore with her English friend, but the church elders want this wayward widow to work in an Amish-owned combination store.

When an English man breaks into her house looking for food, Mary Katherine doesn’t call the sheriff. She turns to her good friend, Ezekiel, who needs a cook at the restaurant he started after his wife died ten years earlier. Mary Katherine and Ezekiel set out separately to make sure their new friend isn’t caught up in the investigation, and their efforts keep bringing them together. They’re both still so in love with their long-gone spouses, so when the sparks begin to fly, they are beyond confused. Is it possible to find “The One” more than once in a lifetime?

But as Mary Katherine stands by her dear friend after the death of her husband, Mary Katherine is reminded of the terrible risk in giving her heart to someone. Can these two people, well-versed in the pain of loss, put the past behind them and trust in the hope of the future?

350 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2018

106 people are currently reading
964 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Irvin

74 books831 followers
Best-selling author Kelly Irvin splits her writing time between Amish romances and romantic suspense. Her latest release is Trust Me (2/8/22), a romantic suspense novel set in San Antonio's historic art district. It explores broken trust and whether trust can ever be restored. Publishers Weekly called it a "whirlwind romantic thriller" and "an emotional rollercoaster."

Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.

Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."

The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."

Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.

Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.

Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.

She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,407 reviews119 followers
September 9, 2018
You've got to admit this is a beautiful cover. Doesn't it just help you get in the mood for Fall? Time to walk the dog through the park with the falling leaves them come home snuggle with your blanket and hot cup of pumpkin spice tea and read this book. The leaves haven't changed yet in my neck of the woods here in PA, but this book sure got me ready for Fall.
Now look at the cover model, she's a beauty and she's not the usual 20 something you see on covers, she's a widow woman of 60 and mother of 10. I love how the author has an older heroine in their love story and I hope this is a trend that will continue. Not all romances are in the blush of youth as people do remarry after widowhood and it's realistic to see a story featuring it. Excellent job, Zondervan. Keep it up! Mary Katherine marries off her last daughter and thinks she will now go to the dawdi house and be lonely for the remainder of her life. After a hilarious mishap at her daughter's wedding things just may be changing for Mary Katherine after a chance encounter with old school friend,Ezekiel . Mary Katherine is going through the change in life. No not that change but she just may change her mind about being satisfied with being alone but she doesn't know it yet. Can Ezekiel convince her to see him as more than a hard working restaurant owner but instead as a prospective mate? Can two people in the Autumn of their life that have both suffered widowhood and terribly miss their spouse have a revival of spirit and bring out the best in each other through friendship and maybe something more? I really enjoyed seeing a romantic book
featuring an older couple.
Pub Date 14 Aug 2018
Thank you to Zondervan Fiction for a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kristi.
629 reviews9 followers
October 21, 2018
When you look at the cover of this book you see an Amish woman against a vibrant autumn background. But when you take a closer look you notice the Amish woman isn't what you usually see. The woman on the cover is an older Amish woman, someone who isn't the typical main character in the genre. But, Mary Katherine Ropp isn't your typical Amish groossmammi. She's a bit too outspoken, too independent, and too adventuresome for her own good. And she, along with other Jamesport residents, will quickly capture your heart.

Mary Katherine was a delightful character to read about. I enjoyed my time with her immensely and am so glad that Kelly Irvin decided to write about an older character. So often stories focus on younger characters and their lives and the older characters are just secondary. Mary Katherine has been through many life experiences and ups and downs but she still has dreams and ideas proving that though she may be older she is still young at heart. The author created the perfect leading man for Mary Katherine in Ezekiel. He has a lot of similar life experiences to Mary Katherine and this made the story interesting and realistic. In addition to Mary Katherine and Ezekiel there are many characters to get to know and ones to catch up with. The author does a fantastic job creating characters from young to old.

Ok, I just have to say it. There was one thing that rubbed me the wrong way in this book. And that's how the church leaders and Mary Katherine's sons treated her. Mary Katherine has a dream of running a bookstore and writing stories. The church leaders tell her that she can't own/work in a bookstore with her English friend, Dottie. They tell her what she needs to do with her time and where she needs to live. I know this is the Amish way but I still didn't like the way she was treated by not only the church leaders but by her son, Thomas. He's a character I really didn't like.

All in al,l this was a really good read. I liked the characters (mostly) and the storyline. The story moves along at a good pace, not too slow and not too fast. Kelly Irvin is, I believe, underrated as an author of Amish fiction. She creates a wide range of characters in all age ranges, both Amish and English and puts them in stories that have quality and depth. Pick up a copy of this book and you'll soon see what I mean.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs.
1,959 reviews38 followers
August 14, 2018
Widowed Mary Katherine has found herself fighting her children and the church elders over leaving her home for life in the Dawdi Haas. Her children think her facilities are failing but in truth Mary Katherine lives in a world of stories, whether through books or stories she concocts in her head and writes down later when she has the time. Everyone seems to think they know what is best for her. Instead of being able to follow her dream of opening a bookstore with her best friend who happens to be English she finds herself helping Widower Ezekiel in his restaurant and her friends in the new Amish Combination Store. As things heat up in the mysterious Amish break ins, Mary Katherine and Ezekiel find their friendship heating up as the days cool down. Can Mary Katherine find a solution to make herself happy along with everyone else?

The Every Amish Season books have been a delight to read. Through the Autumn Air has been my favorite of the three published so far. I love just about any book centered around books and reading. Plus I hope I am as spunky as Mary Katherine when I am sixty. I admire how she tries to stay true to her faith but herself as well. Can we truly enjoy life if we don't stay true to ourselves.

If you are a fan of Amish fiction and are ready to read a story with some spunk hurry and get your copy today.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Profile Image for Cathy Cermele.
782 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2018
This is one of my favorite books penned by Ms. Irvin. The characters in, Through the Autumn Air are older and have experienced love, marriage and for some, raising families. They also have the unfortunate experience of losing a beloved spouse and moving on with their lives as best they can.

I liked Mary Kate and respected her choice to keep her independence even though her children and some in her community thought she should move in with her son., especially after a man breaks into her home in the middle of the night. Instead of panicking and reporting it to the police, she offers him compassion and asks her friend, Ezekiel to help, too. I loved Ezekiel for his kindness and sweet nature.

I loved reading a storyline that had more mature characters and the challenges they faced and what their “new normal” was and how they face it. The author added friendships between the Amish and the English that were caring, respectful and realistic. I definitely recommend this book to readers of Christian and Amish fiction.

I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,229 reviews490 followers
August 1, 2018
I enjoyed this story, and it focuses on moving on after the death of a spouse, now these are seniors, but still with a lot of living to do. In the end, there are three hurting from the loss of a spouse, two Amish and one English.
Our English fellow Burke shows up in an Amish home stealing food, so when all sorts of things go missing from local homes, Amish, he becomes the suspect. Now who would steal a pot holder?
Will these hurting individuals who have found each other be able to move on in this life, or will they continue to just live each day?
Now this is the third book in this series, but I feel you can read it alone, although I have read the other two and enjoyed them.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Amy Clipston.
Author 116 books2,197 followers
October 2, 2020
Kelly Irvin’s Through the Autumn Air is a poignant journey of friendship and second chances that will illustrate for readers that God blesses us with a true love for all seasons.
Profile Image for Wendy.
525 reviews23 followers
August 26, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB

The past filled her mind even as her heart yearned for stories yet to be told . . .



The mother of ten and a widow of seven years, Mary Katherine is a bundle of energy, always willing to step in and help her friends around her Amish community. Now that her last child is married, she pours her abundant creative spirit into writing stories, even as she speaks aloud to her late husband every day. Her dream is to open a bookstore with an English friend, but the church elders want this wayward widow to work in and Amish-owned store instead. When her old school friend, Ezekiel, offers her a position as a cook in the restaurant he opened after his wife died, she knows she should accept. But does she really want to spend her time working over a hot stove?



When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one autumn night, Mary Katherine doesn't call the sheriff. She turns to Ezekiel. They both see that Burke is in need of more than a meal, and Ezekiel offers him the job at the restaurant.



As they set out to care for their new friend, Mary Katherine and Ezekiel find themselves often working together. Mary Katherine is drawn to Ezekiel, but she remembers teh terrible risk of giving her heart to someone. Can two people in the autumns of their lives and so well-versed in the pain of loss put the past behind them and trust in the hope that comes with each new season?





MY REVIEW

They may be in the autumn of their lives with no spouse, but that doesn't mean they can do what they please, especially Mary Katherine. She not only has to listen to the bishop but her children, mainly her sons, the oldest Thomas. I feel like Thomas has forgotten he's the son and not the father, lol, he is looking out for her safety with the mysterious break-ins going on, but he expects her to 'mind' him. WOW, can you imaging that in the Englisch world? A good story and some wonderful characters, Kelly has a great addition to the series here.



I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers; book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,341 reviews17 followers
December 6, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

As with the previous books in this series, I didn't enjoy it that well. The story really dragged, and a lot of the situations felt unnecessary to me. I did like how Mary Katherine tried to help the man that broke into her home, despite the Amish's tendency to not get involved in such things. However, I had a hard time really believing in her relationship with Ezekiel, as they kept denying their feelings so much because they didn't want to let go of their previous loves. I doubt I will continue the series.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
1,578 reviews75 followers
September 15, 2018
I loved this book!! Great story!! Love this series!! Can't wait for the next book in the series to release!! Love this author's books!!
Profile Image for Yvie.
304 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2018
The mother of ten and a widow of seven years, Mary Katherine is a bundle of energy, always willing to step in and help her friends around her Amish community. Now that her last child is married, she pours her abundant creative spirit into writing stories, even as she speaks aloud to her late husband every day. Her dream is to open a bookstore with an English friend, but the church elders want this wayward widow to work in an Amish-owned store instead. When her old school friend, Ezekiel, offers her a position as a cook in the restaurant he opened after his wife died, she knows she should accept. But does she really want to spend her time working over a hot stove? When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one autumn night, Mary Katherine doesn’t call the sheriff. She turns to Ezekiel. They both see that Burke is need of more than a meal, and Ezekiel offers him the job at the restaurant. As they set out to care for their new friend, Mary Katherine and Ezekiel find themselves often working together. Mary Katherine is drawn to Ezekiel, but she remembers the terrible risk of giving her heart to someone. Can two people in the autumns of their lives and so well-versed in the pain of loss put the past behind them and trust in the hope that comes with each new season?

I've read the first two books in this series, and enjoyed catching up with the same cast of characters again in this third installment. Each of the seasons that the book centers around also seems to be related to the book's theme. In this case, we are in the autumn of our characters' lives...catching them at retirement age. (It should be noted that you do NOT have to read all of the books....they work just fine as a stand-alone.) There are many unique elements in here that I haven't seen in other Amish stories, including criminal acts, the intertwinedness of the Amish & Englisch (more than usual), and the complexity of growing old within the Amish community. This is a story of loss and grief, of overcoming, and of second chances.
Profile Image for DJ.
Author 1 book34 followers
August 11, 2018

Through the Autumn Air is an awesome read! I love the interaction between Mary Katherine and Ezekiel; they’re like teenagers again. And I hate to admit it, but I for sure didn’t like how Thomas felt like he could boss her mother around. Even if he’s a wonderful husband and father, he’s not a respectful son — and it’s not right. He didn’t show respect for his mother when he ordered her to do things his way.

Okay, other than him, I loved the story… and I hope there’s more about Burke in the last story of this series.

Happy Reading!
6,155 reviews
September 28, 2018
Through the Autumn Air is the third installment from Kelly Irvin’s series, Every Amish Season. I thought it was good. I loved Mary Katherine from the start. I loved seeing a story that involves an older character that finds love. Especially, after she loses her husband, the father of her ten children.

I give Through the Autumn Air four stars. A good inspiring story of faith that shows how to help others and moving on.
505 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. It really was just a typical Amish story with friendship and love. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Amish books but I like some type of action or anticipation in it.
1,160 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2018
Through the Autumn Air is simply lovely. Mary Katherine, Ezekiel, and Burke have all suffered loss and through friendship help each other find love and acceptance. It is a book about second chances. I love May Katherine's fiesty nature and the glimpse into Amish life.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2023
Autumn air feels good to me. Fresh and sweet after the hot summer. It tells me change is coming. Change can be good.

Mary Katherine lost her husband of many years 7 years ago. She still talks with him about her day and their family. She does not see herself with another man. Her ten children are ready for her to have another man in her life. But things start to change when she literally runs into Ezekiel and lands on top of him at her daughter's wedding. Needless to say, the Amish grapevine was on full alert in Jamesport, Missouri. Mary Katherine took it all in stride. She has a dream to become an author and sees life a little differently than most Amish women her age of 60 years old.

Her children have their hands full when Mary finds a English man in her house eating a ham sandwich while she points her late husband's gun at him. But when she hears his story, she knows how she solve two problems at once. Her children once again are worried about the safety of their mother. Mary Katherine has many things going on and that what I loved about her story. She missed her late husband but she was not ready to let him go. She had some healing to do and some dreams to think up.

Ezekiel is character as well and you are cheering for the two to get together. However, he missed his wife and his dream of running a restaurant. He loves his community and he is finding Mary amusing. With the encouragement of Mary, he brings the English stranger into his house and business. He comes to find healing with his guest as well. I loved how all the stories came together, how community is so important, and how good God can be when we have an attitude of gratitude.

A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
1,575 reviews30 followers
December 5, 2018
Mary Katherine has been raising her family of 10 children since becoming a widow. Mary loved books, loves storytelling, was always very active and loved helping others. Ezekiel is also widowed, and owns a diner that keeps him very busy. When a strange thing happened in her home, of course she wanted to help, so she talks Ezekiel into working the stranger that came into her home, hungry, a job. As these two worked together helping their friend, attracting begin to develop between the two. But did Mary really want a relationship?

Again, Kelly Irvin always writes Amish fiction that her readers will love and adore, and this book is no different. I will say it did take me a little while getting into this book, but no stress, it will soon turn into the usually Kelly Irvin Amish story we all love. The characters are wonderful, and you will find yourself enjoying them more and more as the story goes on. If you enjoy a good Amish story, this third book in the Every Amish Season series. And I strongly encourage you to pick up books one and two to read as well, for many hours of enjoyment and entertainment.

This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Profile Image for Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea).
948 reviews68 followers
October 12, 2018
I am a huge fan of Amish fiction, in case you hadn't already guessed that. So, I was thrilled to jump at the chance to review this new Amish novel from the talented hands of Ms. Irvin. Her books always capture me, with her heartwarming, Godly messages and her fun loving characters. Each book is carefully thought out and beautifully chiseled so her fans can enjoy more of her work each time. This book, in particular, is a little different for me.....this one is written about characters who aren't young and in love for the first time. Loved that! 

Mary Katherine is a beautiful soul, and Ezekiel is a tender hearted Amish man who shows grace and mercy to all he meets. Burke's English character was the added touch to this beautiful, moving story of letting go of the past, and moving on to the future. The setting is gorgeous and really made me want to snuggle up in a cozy recliner with an afghan and cup of hot tea. These beautiful characters will make you smile, make you think, and make you happy to be a part of their world! 

This is a 5 star worthy novel. Ms. Irvin's characters and plot line will have you hungry for more. She weaves magic into her story lines and produces more than just a book. She gives her readers hope and joy. That's a fantastic thing! I definitely recommend this book to all who are looking for a beautiful Amish story this Fall. It will definitely make you a fan of this talented author! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,051 reviews83 followers
August 13, 2018
Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin is the third An Every Amish Season Novel. Mary Katherine Ropp has been a widow for seven years and has just married off the last of her ten children. Her family has been encouraging her to move out of the family home and into the dawdy haus at her eldest son’s home. Mary Katherine has a vivid imagination which allows her to write creative stories plus she loves to read. She has dreamed of opening a bookstore with her Englisch friend, Dottie Manchester. However, the church elders prefer that Mary Katherine work in the Graber’s Amish-owned combination store. Ezekiel Miller is a widower who owns the Purple Martine Café in Jamesport. While he still misses his wife, Ezekiel is attracted to Mary Katherine. There have been thefts at the local Amish homes. The items stolen are not valuable monetarily, but they have sentimental value to the owner. One-night Mary Katherine wakes up to a noise in her kitchen. She finds a scruffy man assembling a sandwich. Burke McMillan is a man who is lost spiritually after the deaths of his daughter and wife. Mary Katherine fixes him a meal and allows him to bunk in the barn. The next day she takes him to Ezekiel’s café where he gets a job as a cook and a place to live with Ezekiel. Ezekiel and Mary Katherine see Burke as a project, but it could be that Burke was sent to help them. Is it possible to get a second chance at love? Are Ezekiel and Mary Katherine willing to risk their hearts?

While Through the Autumn Air is the third novel in the series, it can be read alone. Each story focuses on a different character who has lost the love of their life. The series is set in Jamesport, Missouri is a close-knit Amish community where everyone knows your business. I thought Through the Autumn Air was well-written and had good pacing. There are smooth transitions between sections as the point-of-view switches between Ezekiel and Mary Katherine. I liked that the characters are older. Mary Katherine is sixty years old, but she is not ready to sit in a rocking chair and knit. She has raised ten children and they have provided her with twenty-seven grandchildren. Her children (especially her oldest son Thomas) are trying to force changes on Mary Katherine along with Bishop Freeman and the church elders. One of my favorite characters is Dottie Manchester. She is a lively woman with an unusual style of dress. It is lovely that Ezekiel likes Mary Katherine’s attitude (along with her creativity and curiosity) and does not want to change her (thank heavens). Some of the Christian themes present in the book are God is in control, to have a strong faith, power of prayer, events happen in God’s timing, and accepting God’s will and plan for our life. While I liked some aspects of Through the Autumn Air, I have others infuriating. I did not like how Thomas, Bishop Freeman and the other church elders were trying to control Mary Katherine (I understand it is the Amish way and Mary Katherine states it is a woman’s lot in life to have men in charge). They wanted to make her move out of her home of thirty-six years, tell her where she could work, who she could or could not go into business with, how she should react to situation, etc. Mary Katherine is a grown woman who, as long as she is not hurting herself or breaking the law, should be able to manage her own life (I will quit ranting now). I thought the name of the bookstore was clever along with the tagline (I do not want to spoil it for you). There are some entertaining moments in Through the Autumn Air that had me chuckling. One of my favorites is Mary Katherine riding in Tony’s rickety car. My rating for Through the Autumn Air is 3.5 out of 5 stars. Through the Autumn Air is sweet Amish novel with romance, mystery, humor, good food, and a love of books.
Profile Image for Becky Garza.
29 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2021
I was looking for a good fall read & this book was perfect for the season. I loved that it was a romance about an older couple who had both lost their previous spouses many years before. They didn’t think they’d ever find love again, but they did! A couple of things I didn’t like is that this couple are 60. I understand, you’re no spring chicken at that age, but the author made them seem OLD I know a few people that age that aren’t necessarily feeble, but rather still have some spring in their step. So it was hard for me not to imagine them as 70 year olds lol. Another thing that bothered me is that there is a character whose name is Tony Perez and then towards the end, they referred to him as Tony Lopez. Twice. I guess the reason I caught that is because my brother’s name is Tony Perez. Who made the mistake, the author or the editor?
Overall, I enjoyed the story line. I really enjoy Amish related books.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,268 reviews
September 19, 2018
Through the Autumn Air is my favorite story in Kelly Irvin’s series, Every Amish Season. Mary Katherine and Ezekiel’s story brought plenty of moments of laughter along with moments of tenderness and tears. Kelly Irvin tackled some difficult life issues of grief, aging, finding a place in life when there’s the “empty home” and new beginning. There was plenty of adventure not only with the hero and heroine but with secondary characters with suspense, faith and romance thrown into this heartwarming story. I look forward to reading With Winter's First Frost that will feature the oldest of the Widow’s group in this delightful series.
Profile Image for Beverly.
193 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2018
Mary Katherine lost her husband ten years ago and has ten grown children. The youngest just getting married. She feels there will never be another love for her, as she still deeply loves, and grieves her husband.
She is not the typical Amish woman. She loves to write stories, dreams of owning her own bookstore and is rather impulsive. Her grown son urges her to move to the daudi haus and let another grown son and his family move into her home. She is not ready to give up the home where she and her husband made so many memories.
There have been break-ins to some of the Amish homes in the community. Only items of great sentimental value are taken. It is a mystery, as everyone is aware that the Amish place no importance in owing material things. They have no electronics and such.
Mary Katherine hears a noise in the middle of the night and creeps downstairs to check and finds a man in her kitchen. Upon learning that he is only there for food, she makes him a sandwich, allows him to sleep in her barn and takes him into town the following day to inquire about work at her friend, Ezekiel's restaurant. I, personally, found this rather odd and a little far-fetched for a the actions of a widow.
Ezekiel lost his fraa (wife) seven years ago and like Mary Katherine, still misses and loves her. He throws himself into the restaurant while his grown children want him to sell and rest.
Mary Katherine and Ezekiel find themselves together more and more as they help the stranger, Burke. Mary Katherine finds herself helping out in the restaurant, and just maybe having some feelings for Ezekiel, which she feels he returns. It is too fearful to give the heart to another again and wouldn't she be betraying her dear husband? Is this what he would want?
Meanwhile, she feels pressure from her son to move out of her home and pressure from their leader, Freeman, to give up her dream of owning a bookstore with her very good friend, who just happens to be English.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. A sweet story of friends, grief, second chances and honoring God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Kitty.
192 reviews13 followers
August 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this entry, probably my favourite in the series so far. It was nice to read a book about an older person, since not everyone who falls in love is a spring chicken after all. I genuinely had no idea who was behind the breakins until close to the end, it was a great little twist!
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
August 31, 2018
Mary Katherine still talks with her deceased husband. Now that all her children are married, she plans to schedule more time for writing her stories, but her children have other ideas for her future. They think she no longer should live alone in her big home. An unexpected stranger brings change to her life and her Amish community. Widower Ezekiel also misses his spouse. Could these two grieving older persons find love again? They seem to resist any spark between them, but life continues to push them together. In addition, suspense grows as thefts continue in their area. This novel is a well-rounded story with “real” characters who tug at your heart and emotions. It’s not necessary to read this series in order because each book set in this community stands alone. I received a book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
1,287 reviews
August 22, 2018
Through the Autumn Air, by Kelly Irvin, is book three in An Every Amish Season. While this is part of a series, this is also a very good stand alone story. In this story we visit Mary Katherine and Ezekiel. Each of them have lost their spouses and are holding on to the love they had with them. They have each raised their families and are now having their children trying to tell them how to live their lives.
This is a very touching story of two people in the autumn of their lives who have loved their spouses so deeply. I enjoyed reading this story as it shows just because we get older, that does not mean we need help making decisions about our lives. I enjoyed the amount of energy Mary Katherine has and how she uses it to help her friends and family. I enjoyed her unspoken honesty about having to help her daughter-in-law and grandchildren. I also liked how Ezekiel make changes when his wife past away that helped him raise and support his family in a way that he was there with them. Being about the same age as the characters, I liked the honesty of the aging process. The aches and pains they felt after being on their feet all day. The joy they felt of being around their families, while enjoying their quiet life after raising their children.
This is a great book, the main focus is the Amish and their way of life. Yet it also brings in the English and their Christian lives as well. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading stories of hard working people who live a simple life.
I received a copy of this book from Zondervan publishing through BookLook Bloggers. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Penny.
446 reviews14 followers
September 3, 2018
I loved this book! I will look for the other books in this series. I am fascinated with the Amish lifestyle. The main character of this book is Mary Katherine. What a wonderful lady she is! She is full of spunk and energy. Ezekiel, Burke, Carina, Kenneth are just a few of the lovable and unforgettable personalities you will meet in this book. Anyone who loves romance, day to day happenings, and a good clean story line, this is the book for you!
141 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2018
Through the Autumn Air is a sweet story about second chances. This novel by Kelly Irvin is the third book in An Every Amish Season series.
Mary Katherine, mother of ten, grandmother to many, is a widower. She has not considered the idea of ever starting another relationship. However, she and an old school friend, Ezekiel, start forming a friendship. Could this relationship blossom into anything more? Add a mysterious English man, Burke, into the mix and you've got a story that you won't be able to put down!
Author Kelly Irvin really brings the characters to life in this book; you will feel like you are right there with them in beautiful Jamesport, Missourri. A definite must-read!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Ginger Solomon.
Author 25 books31 followers
September 3, 2018
I enjoyed this look at an older Amish couple who find a second chance at love. I loved Mary Katherine’s interest in life’s mysteries and her unconventional personality. And I loved that Ezekiel appreciated those things about her.
I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sarah.
958 reviews32 followers
August 25, 2018
The Every Amish Season Series is about a group of women who are all in different seasons of life, which is something that I have really enjoyed and loved about this series. Each woman differs by the number of children they have or their age, but the common thread is that they each have lost their husbands.

Through the Autumn Air, has been my favorite book so far out of the series. With tender moments and laugh out loud moments, this Amish Fiction novel tells the story of a 60 year old woman who loves books. It made me wish that I knew Mary Katherine in real life. Her character is very compelling. This is a story you don't want to miss in the Every Amish Season Series! Make sure you pick up a copy today! I highly recommend it!
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