If You Like Jan Karon...

You may enjoy these small town, gentle reads. 

Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?  by Charlene Ann Baumbich
Introduces the colorful inhabitants of Partonville, a small farming town in southern Illinois, including the senior citizens' softball team, the Wild Musketeers; the Happy Hookers, a group of women who used to hook rugs but switched to playing Bunco; and the irrepressible 87-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra, who faces a choice that could change her town forever.
First title in the Dearest Dorothy series.

The Quilter’s Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini
In this heartwarming debut novel, Sarah, struggling to find a job and a sense of place in her new town, finds herself learning how to quilt from a cantankerous old woman who also teaches her about the deep love that can exist between friends. First title in the Elm Creek Quilt series.

A Can of Peas by Traci DePree
A Can of Peas invites readers into a place where every day brings a new story and neighbors are more than just people who live down the road. After the death of his grandfather, Peter Morgan and his new bride, Mae, face a life-changing decision: should they embrace the career-chasing ambitions of their family and friends in St. Paul or accept the absurd challenge of saving the family farm in the Minnesota countryside? First title in the Lake Emily series.

The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans
After her fiancé calls off their marriage a week before the wedding, heartbroken Christine Hollister reluctantly agrees to accompany her friend Jessica to Peru to do volunteer work in an orphanage, where she meets American doctor Paul Cook.

Home to Harmony by Philip Gulley
The inaugural volume of the "Harmony series" introduces readers to this beloved fictional small town in America's heartland as the new pastor in a small Indiana town experiences one humorous adventure after another as he acclimates to his new congregation and lifestyle. First title in the Harmony series.

A Green Journey by Jon Hassler
Agatha McGee, a retiring Catholic school teacher, has not masked her disapproval of Bishop Dick Baker's diocesan reforms, but when she plans to visit her long-standing Irish pen pal, James O'Hannon, Bishop Baker heads her tour group.

Friendship Cake by J. Lynne Hinton
Five women, working together to create a church cookbook, share their passions, loves, and losses, including pastor Charlotte Stewart, who is suffering a crisis in faith; widow Margaret, the town confidante; and Jessie, the only African American in an all-white church.
First in the Hope Springs series.

Cape Light by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer
Nestled in New England stands the picturesque little village of Cape Light, a seaside hamlet where folks still enjoy a strong sense of community, and everybody knows everybody's business. But the many inhabitants of Cape Light have their share of hidden dreams, desires, and doubts as well.
First title in the Cape Light series.

The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love by Joan Medlicott
Grace, Amelia, and Hannah decide that the last thing they want to do is live out their lives in a group home, and so, to the dismay of their children, they pool their resources and move to Covington, North Carolina, and new lives. First title in The Ladies of Covington series.

Thrush Green by Miss Read
Miss Read's charming chronicles of small-town life have achieved an almost legendary popularity worldwide. This book introduces Thrush Green: its blackthorn bushes, thatch-roofed cottages, enchanting landscape, and jumble sales. Readers will become immersed in the village's turn of events on one pivotal day – May Day. First title in the Thrush Green series.

Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann Ross
Recently widowed and newly wealthy, Miss Julia is visited one day by Hazel Marie, who claims that her nine-year-old son is the child of Julia's late husband, and when Julia is left to care for the child, she reveals the scandal that precipitated her husband's death. First title in the Miss Julia series.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Local pharmacist Ave Maria Mulligan is 35 and on the verge of a series of life-changing events. Just what these are and how they affect those around her lifts the fictional formula of "true love with obstacles" to new heights. One chapter, which is based on a real-life campaign visit from John Warner and his then-wife Elizabeth Taylor is a hoot. First in the Big Stone Gap series.