I hope everyone enjoyed Amy Lillard’s blog post. Thanks so much for entering and be sure to check out Amy’s new book Katie’s Choice. The winner of the gift card is Barb Prisinzano. Congratulations! We have lots of fun stuff coming up so stay tuned…..
Amy Lillard is stopping by today with a letter from Katie Rose Fisher. Katie is a character from Amy’s new book Katie’s Choice. Amy is also giving one lucky reader a chance to win a very special prize….a sealed envelope which will contain a gift card. It could be to Amazon, Bath & Body Works, or a gift card for a copy of Katie’s Choice. Who knows what card you will win! How fun is that? I love this idea:) Let’s welcome Amy and good luck everyone…
Dear Reader—
My name is Katie Rose Fisher, and I live in the Old Order Amish community of Clover Ridge, Oklahoma. For almost as long as I can remember, I knew what I wanted out of my life: to live in the Amish tradition, join the church, and marry Samuel Beachy, the bishop’s son. But before he could bend his knee and give his life to God, Samuel decided to stay in the Englisch world long after his run-around time.
I’ll admit, I was heartbroken, but it seemed that God had other plans for me. When Gabriel’s wife died, I went to live with my brother to help take care of his brood of six. I found myself teaching the young scholars in our district. God has provided me with a fulfilling life. Even if it isn’t with Samuel. Even if I do not have a husband or children of my own.
The news that our mother had breast cancer devastated the entire Fisher clan. As usual, we pulled together and did everything in our power to help pay for the medical costs, including inviting an Englisch reporter to come and live with us. The hope is he will write articles for his fancy magazine and bring business and tourists to our little community.
I think allowing Zane Carson to come to Clover Ridge is a bad idea. He is worldly and handsome and has no idea of the ways of the Amish. He isn’t even sure if he believes in God, but he is willing to learn how we live, dress like us, ride in a horse and buggy, even farm the earth. When so many others tend to scoff at our ways, his acceptance is refreshing. And I think maybe he has even found his way to the Lord.
But there is so much more to Zane Carson as I soon discover. His presence alone makes me wish for things I cannot have—a husband, children, and for Zane to stay among us and live out his days as a Plain man. He has had these thoughts himself, for I can see the confusion and longing in his eyes. But whether that want is for me or a closer relationship with God, I do not know.
I may never know, for as soon as I think I understand the man underneath the English exterior, Samuel Beachy returns, throwing my dreams of something more into a tailspin.
But has Samuel come back for me or for his family who has shunned him? Do I give him another chance? And what of this handsome Englisch reporter who walks away with my heart? It is not an easy choice to make.
Love to you always—
Katie Rose Fisher
Contest Rules For Gift Card:
To enter leave a comment below. If you would like an Extra chance share this link on Facebook or Twitter. Remember to leave another comment if you did:)
Contest starts today Friday, May 10th and ends on Friday, May 17th. Winner will be announced on Saturday. Good Luck!
I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
Though I was born in Mississippi, I moved to Oklahoma (Boomer!) when I was in high school and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course! We have two funny cats and a very lazy beagle.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) Until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my love for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I also love to hear from readers, so feel free to drop me a line: amylillard@hotmail.com
Help us celebrate the cover reveal of MURDER, PLAIN AND SIMPLE the first mystery in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series by Isabella Alan releasing September 1, 2013 from Penguin/NAL!
Without further ado:
About the Novel:
When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagements for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio.
With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome.
On the day of Running Stitch’s reopening, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next day, everything starts falling apart.
With evidence mounting against her, Angie decides to find a few more suspects before the local sheriff can arrest her. Angie always thought Holmes County was a simple place, but as she gets closer to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems…
And be on the lookout for PLAINLY MURDER, an e-novella prequel to the series coming in August!
See the cover here!!!
Isabella Alan is the pseudonym for Amanda Flower. Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. She also writes the Appleseed Creek Mystery Series and the Andi Boggs Series, a mystery series for children. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
Visit with Isabella Alan!
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Giveaway!
Is there a better way to celebrate an Amish mystery reveal with an Amish Gift Package? One lucky reader will win this Amish gift purchased by Isabella in Holmes County, Ohio. The prize includes an Amish Country painting, an Amish-quilted wall pocket, and a desk decoration.
Contest Rules:
To enter leave a comment below. If you would like an Extra chance share this link on Facebook or Twitter. Remember to leave another comment if you did:)
Contest starts today Wednesday, May 8th and ends on Wednesday, May 15th. Winner will be announced on Thursday. Good Luck!
If you are looking for a one of a kind story then look no further. Amish Faith is a heartbreaking tale of one mother’s love for her unborn child and just how far she is willing to go to save her baby. It is beautifully written with a clear message of love and loyalty. Sounds like the makings of a real tear jerker, huh?
I think everyone needs a person in their lives like the characters from this book. A friend who will stick by you. A friend who loves you unconditionally and if you drift apart, somehow they are always in the back of your mind. What a wonderfully emotional story Sarah Price has told of the beautiful friendship between two little girls that goes much deeper than playing with dolls and dressing up. Two different girls, one Amish and one Mennonite, who despite their differences, formed a bond that will last a lifetime. A bond that will test the limits of a young woman who is determined to keep a promise even if that means giving up everything she has ever known.
I am not a crier but there was just something so compelling about this book that I was forced to sob a few times. Beware…tears will be shed…sad tears, happy tears…I warned you so make sure you have your hanky on hand!
