~ Where Stories, Authors, and Readers Come Together.
Welcome to this edition of the Buckeye Bookmark, our cheerful roundup of everything readers love about the Fair. Inside, you’ll find our Holiday Giving Guide featuring the top selling authors and books of the season, perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. We’re also thrilled to share the winners of this year’s Young Authors Awards, a reminder of how bright Ohio’s future storytellers truly are. And because your experience matters, we invite you to tell us what you thought of the Fair. We would love to hear all about it and continue building a celebration that inspires readers year after year.
Top Selling Authors 2025
The 2025 Buckeye Book Fair on November 1st delivered another unforgettable celebration of storytelling, with five standout authors rising to the top of this year’s bestseller list. These writers captivated readers with fresh releases, compelling characters, and the kind of emotional resonance that keeps people turning pages long after the Fair ends.
Amanda Flower delighted mystery lovers with her newest Emily Dickinson Mystery Series. A USA Today bestseller and two-time Agatha Award winner, Flower has written more than fifty mysteries, and her warm presence and sharp literary craft drew readers in all day long. Regina Brett, celebrated journalist and author of the New York Times bestseller God Never Blinks, connected deeply with visitors seeking reflection, comfort, and inspiration through her newest collection, Little Detours and Spiritual Adventures. Her powerful voice and life stories continue to uplift readers around the world.
Fans of witty cozies flocked to Alex Erickson, whose fascination with the motives behind murder fuels his popular mysteries. His approachable style, and the real-life antics of his family’s cats, made his table a favorite stop. Patrick Ryan drew enthusiastic crowds with BUCKEYE, his sweeping novel tracing the intertwined lives of two families in northwestern Ohio. Already acclaimed for The Dream Life of Astronauts and Send Me, Ryan offered readers a moving portrait of small-town life and enduring connection. Rounding out the top sellers was Julie Hatcher of Kent, Ohio, whose new bestseller Not Quite by the Book follows bookshop owner Emma Rini as she attempts to live like Emily Dickinson, only to find that love and modern life have plans of their own.
Together, these authors lit up the 2025 Fair with imagination, heart, and unforgettable stories; reminding us why reading remains one of the most powerful ways to bring people together.
Top Selling Books 2025
The 2025 Buckeye Book Fair showcased an exciting mix of heartfelt fiction, inspiring nonfiction, charming children’s stories, and page-turning mysteries—reflected in this year’s top-selling books. BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan led the list with its sweeping exploration of small-town life and family ties across four decades. Amanda Flower’s I Died for Beauty, the latest in her award-winning Emily Dickinson Mystery series, thrilled readers who love smart, atmospheric whodunits. Regina Brett’s uplifting Little Detours and Spiritual Adventures offered comfort and hope through 45 thoughtful essays, resonating strongly with readers seeking meaning and encouragement.
Romance fans embraced When the Season Ends by Stacy Windahl, a story rich with heart and second chances. Julie Hatcher’s Not Quite By the Book charmed crowds with its witty tale of a bookshop owner trying, without much success, to live like Emily Dickinson. Families gravitated toward The Mouse Buffett by Tim Bowers, a whimsical picture book packed with humor and delightful artwork. Mystery lovers devoured Alex Erickson’s Death by Caramel Macchiato, another lively installment in his fan-favorite series. And young readers were captivated by Diego the Firefighting Dragon by Allison and Rafael Rozo, a warm, imaginative story about discovering strength in what makes you different.
Together, these top sellers celebrated the joy of reading in all its forms and made the 2025 Fair one to remember.
Young Authors Conference & Awards
On Thursday, October 30th, buses rolled in from across the region as Ohio students gathered for an inspiring day of creativity and learning. They participated in hands-on workshops led by four celebrated creators—Dustin Brady, Jerzy Drozd, Shannon Hale, and Erik Jon Slangerup—each offering a unique window into the craft of storytelling. The energy was high, the ideas were bold, and students left each session buzzing with new skills and newfound confidence.
Following the workshops, the first Young Authors Award Ceremony honored outstanding student writers from local school districts. The award winners had the unforgettable opportunity to meet Shannon Hale and hear her empowering message about being brave and bold in their creativity and in their lives.
2025 Young Authors Award Winners
- Orrville City Schools – Piper Moorhead, Grade 7, Orrville Middle School
- Waynedale / Southeast Local Schools – Brinley Ware, Grade 5, Waynedale Elementary
- Triway Local Schools – Sophie Irving, Grade 8, Triway Middle School
- Waynedale / Southeast Local Schools – Lucy Schrock, Grade 8, Waynedale Middle School
- Norwayne Local Schools – Brooklyn Gasser, Grade 5, Norwayne Elementary
- Rittman Exempted Village Schools – Bree Dotterer, Grade 5, Rittman Elementary School
- Norwayne Local Schools – Brielle Uhler, Grade 7, Norwayne Middle School
- Green Local Schools – Athena Miller, Grade 8, Green Elementary School
- Green Local Schools – Evey Renfrow, Grade 5, Green Elementary School
- Triway Local Schools – Nina Boothby, Grade 5, Triway Elementary
This memorable day was made possible through the generous support of the Ohio Arts Council, Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, Tri-County Educational Service Center, The Romich Foundation, and the Wayne County Public Library. Their commitment to literacy and the arts continues to open doors for young writers throughout Ohio.
Help Shape Next Year’s Book Fair
We’d love your help making the Buckeye Book Fair even better. Each year we work hard to create an event that celebrates great books, supports authors and illustrators, and encourages readers of all ages. Your feedback helps us understand what you enjoyed and what we can improve.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. Your thoughts will guide our planning and help us keep building a warm, welcoming Fair that inspires a love of reading. Thank you for being part of our community.
Show your Buckeye Book Fair pride with Buckeye Book Flair, our new way to celebrate your love of reading and this long-standing tradition. You can now order a bright blue sash in 30″, 36″, or 40″ sizes and decorate it with collectible Book Fair patches. Start your collection with the exclusive 2025 Buckeye Book Fair Patch, and add vintage patches if you’ve been part of our story for years.
If you’d like to order a sash, a patch, or both, email us at Info@BuckeyeBookFair.org. We’d love to help you begin your collection and wear your Book Fair spirit with joy.
The Buckeye Bookmark is the Buckeye Book Fair’s Newsletter, celebrating the transformative power of literature. Each issue shares how one book can change your life forever. Join us as we spotlight Ohio authors, promote literacy, and share stories that inspire and ignite the imagination. Don’t miss out on the magic!
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