Having spent most of my life in Ohio, I've recently started paying more attention to author backgrounds while reading books. I've noticed that I feel a sense of excitement when I realize that an author is local. It evokes a feeling of pride in my hometown, especially when they mention familiar places or events, instantly creating a connection between me and the book or character.
Having knowledge of local authors adds an element of enjoyment when you encounter them at events like book signings. Sometimes, these authors participate in book club discussions, which truly brings the book to life within the group. Additionally, it's exciting to note that many of these books are currently in the process of being adapted into movies, which will likely make the authors' work even more famous.
Let's explore a few of the Ohio Authors I love!
In this post, I highlight several current fiction authors from southern Ohio that I know of. Among these six authors, they have collectively written well over 100 books - plenty to keep your TBR list full for quite some time! Too many books to list them all, so I'll just touch on a few of my favorites. 😊📚
Emily Henry
If you are a booklover, you've probably seen the headlines. Emily Henry recently made the news as three of her novels (Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, and Book Lovers) are being adapted for the big screen.
Her novels are known for being light and effortless to read, featuring clever exchanges between the main romantic characters. Despite their light-hearted nature, some of these books touch on real-life topics such as relationship endings and workplace challenges.
Funny Story takes place in Michigan and features one of my favorite tropes - fake dating 🥰
Daphne is a librarian, and she has fallen in love with Peter, moved to his hometown and immersed herself with his life/friends, and they WERE supposed to get married. "Were" being the key word.
The marriage is now canceled as he has an epiphany, realizing that he's in love with his life-long gorgeous best friend, Petra, on the night of his bachelor party. Petra also subsequently dumped her long-time boyfriend, Miles.
Daphne quickly needs a place to live, and Miles now has a vacancy, so she moves in.
Having both been dumped, they are making the best of their situation. But Daphne goes overboard in a false claim during a conversation, resulting in Daphne and Miles fake dating.
Book Lovers is a fun enemies to lovers romance novel that would make a GREAT book club book with all of it's underlying themes. I immediately made two of my friends read it after I completed it, just so that I could talk about it with someone! (More recommendations for Book Club Books here)
Nora is a New York City high level literary agent dressed to the nines and the epitome of professional. Also known by others as "The Shark" for her severe personality and strong work ethic.
Charlie is a top editor in the city with the same impeccable fashion taste and a demeanor that has others running. Nora is late for her meeting with him and things don't go very well - he's rejected her clients next book.
Years later, in a sleepy town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, Nora takes a month long adventure with her sister, Libby. She gets the first chapter from her client and is destroyed when she recognizes the main character to be her, the Shark. Between that throwing her off balance, she's run into Charlie here, too - hundreds of miles away from NYC and now they are pushed together.
Loved the book within a book idea and hearing a bit more about the editing process and how books are written. Close knit families help round this story out.
Beach Read is a romantic comedy (RomCom) that features the enemies to lovers trope. I found myself feeling a wider range of emotions while reading this book than I had anticipated. While I thought it would be a light romance, it turned out to be just that... however, there were moments that made me burst out laughing and others that brought tears to my eyes.
Two writers, with completely different styles (January writes romance novels while Augustus focuses on heavier literature), are facing writer's block. Coincidentally, they are neighbors this summer. To break through their creative barriers, they agree to exchange genres.
Relationships aren't perfect. This book will show you that. It will also show you that is perfectly acceptable.
Other works by Emily include People We Meet on Vacation and Happy Place.
Jessica Strawser
Based in Cincinnati, OH, Jessica is a local author who frequently weaves settings from southern Ohio into her narratives. Her stories feature powerful female protagonists and emphasize the importance of fostering supportive relationships.
The Last Caretaker is an amazing book about a secret network in Cincinnati! 🤐🤐🤐
After Katie's loveless marriage came to an end, she is seeking a new beginning. Her best friend, Bess, presents her with an opportunity to start fresh. Bess is in charge of a nature center in Cincinnati, and the previous caretaker recently quit without notice. The role includes a small house on the nature center grounds, making it an ideal chance for Katie to embrace a new adventure.
Katie, however, is unable to shake off the strange situation where the former caretaker seemingly left abruptly, as her belongings remain untouched, giving no indication of any packing done.
Things take a more unsettling turn when an unexpected visitor appears in the dead of night, repeatedly ringing the bell. Reluctantly, Katie allows the visitor in, only to realize she has unwittingly entangled herself in a clandestine web.
What were the true intentions of the previous caretaker? And where could she possibly be now?
TW: Discussion of Domestic Violence but no graphic scenes.
Not That I could Tell is one of the very first books that my local neighborhood book club read together and it was perfect for our group! It provided plenty of discussion topics and we love that it felt like it literally could have taken place in our backyards.
If you are from the southern Ohio area, you'll feel right at home discussions of the morning show on a local radio station that one of the characters works at and talk of hiking on paths that are familiar. Without giving away the story, one of our big group conversations became around if we had a person in our life that would do anything for us, regardless of the stakes (or vice versa - if we would risk everything for someone else). Great book about strong women and the power of friendships.
A Million Reasons Why is a book that will really make you think before doing a DNA test!!! 😲
Caroline's husband volunteered to handle one of the family Christmas presents this year and came up with the brilliant idea of gifting everyone (in-laws and themselves) DNA tests. Cute idea, right? Learn about your long lost relatives and heritage!
Cute idea right up until Caroline gets an email from Sela, claiming to be a half-sister. That opened up an entire can of worms with Caroline's parents, causing Caroline to dig even deeper into her history.
Sela took the test because she's suffering from kidney disease and desperately needs a kidney donor if she's going to live a long life. Caroline may be her best chance yet at a match instead of having to stay on the registry/ wait list, but she's a complete stranger even though they share the same blood.
I enjoyed that this story really got me thinking about several situational scenarios that could very well happen.
Other books by Jessica include: Almost Missed You, Forget You Know Me, and The Next Thing You Know.
Heather Webber
Heather, who resides in Cincinnati, OH, is an author of charming novels that blend magical realism or fantasy elements. The enchanting occurrences in her stories often involve natural elements like trees, mirror lakes, birds, or bees, crafted in a way that makes you wish they were real.
South of the Buttonwood Tree is a fantastic work of fiction that demonstrates how tough life when you are born into a certain family. Blue Bishop and her siblings knew that story all too well. They weren't bad people, but trouble seemed to follow them.
Blue has dedicated her entire life to chasing the wind, seeking out treasures, and heeding the wisdom of the Buttonwood Tree. When she stumbled upon an abandoned newborn, baby Flora, it was just another day for her, although she knew she would face a battle to protect the infant.
This book demonstrates how judgmental we can be, forming biases towards individuals based on their relationships. It also illustrates the positive outcomes of seeking the best in others and how a community unites to offer support during challenging times.
In the Middle of Hickory Lane is a novel that delves into the lives of two distinct young women: Emme and Cora Bee.
Emme has lived a rough life and has made a decision not follow her mother's path once she hit adulthood. She is determined to turn a new leaf, putting her past behind her. This started by getting her GED and a job. Her luck continued to improve when she hears from her grandmother (on her dad's side - whom she had no relationship with). The timing was perfect as she needed a place to live and the quaint town would be a perfect location to begin a new chapter, as long as no one discovered her secret.
Cora Bee is a very independent woman that has purposely chosen a single life. Breaking her ankle wasn't on the agenda and certainly doesn't make it easy to do things on your own, so she invites Emme (who is her cousin) into her house to assist as she recovers.
Alternating between the two, we hear how their past has shaped them and we look even further back than their own birth as history in the little town is uncovered. A bit of romance, a little mystery, blossoming friendships, and relationships spanning across generations in a wonderful community keeps this book interesting. There is also a lot of information about flowers/plants as well as bees, and even a magical garden/gazing pool. I was also fascinated that one of the characters saw colors around people - their 'auras' and personalities were revealed by the colors around them. (Click here for more books about bees.)
Be aware that it does have a few "real" topics such as abuse and death.
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe creates a great picture around traditions, tight knit communities, pain/arguments spanning generations between families, and forgiveness.
Anna Kate moves to a small town of Wicklow to tend to Granny Zee's cafe per instruction within Granny Zee's will. Anna Kate plans to do only what is required, keeping everyone at a distance - but the friendly nature of the small town won't allow that to happen.
Other works by Heather Webber include At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities and The Lights of Sugarberry Cove.
Sharon Draper
Living in Cincinnati, OH, Sharon is multi talented, having been both a professional educator as well as a writer of over 50 books. Her fiction books are generally geared towards a younger audience - but can be enjoyed by every age.
Out of my Mind is a children's book (age 9 or 10 and up) that I discovered when my mother-in-law, a teacher, gifted a copy to my son when he was in 5th grade. My mother-in-law has her classroom read it every year as it tells a great story about disability and not letting that restrict you.
Despite being a teenager with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair, Melody displays remarkable intelligence. Unfortunately, her inability to communicate leaves her feeling trapped, observing life pass by while her thoughts and feelings remain unexpressed. While she had supportive individuals in her life, it was only when she began working with an aide that her life started to change for the better, setting her on a path towards normalization.
The unique perspective of this book evoked a wide range of emotions. As we witness Melody's growth at school, a new friendship blossom, her first words to her family, and the challenges she faces with immature classmates, it truly takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster.
This book is part of a series and Out of My Heart is next where the reader continues to follow the life of Melody as she grows up. The final book of the series is called Out of My Dreams and will be available in September of 2024.
Copper Sun is a young adult historical fiction book that many high school students read locally about slavery.
Amari is a teenager who tragically loses her family to slave traders. She survives the ordeal only to be sold into slavery in the Carolinas. Determined to escape, Amari forms a plan with a newfound friend to break free from the chains of oppression and seek a better future.
Mia Sheridan
Mia is another Cincinnati, OH author that is extremely popular. A vast majority of her books are romance, but she does have several thrillers with dark undertones.
Archer's Voice became one of my top 10 favorite books in 2023 out of 132 books read. Be aware that this is probably the spiciest book on this list. 🌶🌶🌶🌶 And if you like this romance, there are two more in the series (Most of All You and More Than Words)
Bree is looking for a change in pace - she has a need to escape a harrowing event that left her father dead. She hasn't been able to escape the daily nightmares and is trying her best to recover and move on so she leaves Ohio and heads to Maine.
Archer happens to be right there when she comes out of the store and drops her bag. Although somewhat unkempt but still handsome in his own way, he's a true gentleman and wordlessly helps Bree gather her belongings. She's drawn to him but he says nothing when she speaks to him.
She inquires about him at her new job at the local diner as well as with her neighbor, learning that he's also had quite the past, having been in a serious accident that left him with no voice. She is drawn to him and finds herself looking for ways to come into contact with him so she can get to know him more.
This story has friendships, tight knit community, drama, love, lust (steamy scenes), and family ties and family lies all in one.
Where the Blame Lies is a much darker book written by Mia, showing her vast spectrum of writing styles. This thriller takes place in Cincinnati, OH and is about two women who have been kidnapped and imprisoned. Josie was 19 years old when she suffered for 10 months of her life before escaping. She should feel safe because the attacker committed suicide, but eight years later when another woman is found, her fears pick back up.
Mia Sheridan has over 50 books including All the Little Raindrops, Grayson's Vow, Falling for Gage and many others. Keep in mind that her books are very descriptive and some of the romance scenes are incredibly spicy.
Chrystal Murphy
Chrystal is a brand new psychological thriller author to the scene that I've just learned about! She's recently moved to southern Ohio and her first book, Because of Her, has been getting great reviews. Full of secrets, jealousy, and a handsome man, I've added this book to my TBR list!
Conclusion
In summary, exploring the works of Ohio authors has deepened my appreciation for local talent and the vibrant literary scene in our region. Highlighting six remarkable authors, I've shared fourteen of my favorite books that have made a significant impact on me. These authors not only capture the essence of our hometown but also bring stories to life with relatable settings and characters. Whether you're looking for your next great read or eager to support local writers, these books are sure to enrich your reading journey and connect you with the rich cultural tapestry of southern Ohio. Happy reading!
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