Category Archives: Contest

Amy Lillard’s Blog Tour…Guest Post and Giveaway

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green_755Amy 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

Katies-ChoiceContest 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!

 

 

 

amy_profileI’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 or come visit me on the web: www.amywritesromance.com

Murder, Plain and Simple Cover Reveal and Amish Gift Giveaway!

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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:

murderplain_final_coverAbout 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!!!

amandaflower-authorphoto

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!

https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaAlanAuthor

https://twitter.com/aflowerwriter

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15985366-murder-plain-and-simple

 

P1030050_1Giveaway!

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!


Meet LaVonne from Amish Heartland Tours

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I am thrilled to have LaVonne DeBois from Amish Heartland Tours stopping by for a guest post! LaVonne has a exciting new venture called Amish Heartland Tours Information Kiosk which will be located on Main St. in Berlin. To celebrate she is graciously giving away a really fantastic prize. One winner will receive an Amish made pot holder and a recipe book that visitors get when they eat at one of the Amish homes. Let’s welcome LaVonne and good luck everyone!

LA-Vonne_with-Mary-Yoders-DaughterGreetings from beautiful Holmes County, Ohio. My name is LaVonne DeBois, owner of Amish Heartland Tours in Berlin, Ohio. My life changed when I responded to a small ad in our local Bargain Hunter 20 years ago. The ad read: “Wanted ~ Driver for work route. Must like mornings. 555-1234. The owner of K & B Lumber South of Charm returned my phone call from the message I left on his answering machine. His main concern was, can I get up in the mornings. When I ask him, how early, he replied. “The first pick up is 4:15 AM”

Needless to say, I took the job. I had recently returned back to Ohio from living in Dallas, Texas as a nanny for 10 years. Coming back to Amish country was more of a culture shock than going to the city. Friends would ask what are you doing for work? My reply was ~ “I have a great job. I can pick up 11 men in 2 hours.”

Little did I know how bumping and grinding the narrow back roads would lead to what I love and that is sharing this beautiful area with visitors from all over the world.

Amish Heartland Tours started out as a one hour tour for $6.00. I stood along the main street in Berlin holding signs just in hopes to have someone take that tour. It has been a lot of work over the years. Purchasing tour vehicles, advertising, attending travel shows, meetings, and trying to meet the needs of the traveler.
The relationships that formed from 3 years of driving the work crews led to driving Amish on vacation, school trips, wedding, funerals, shopping trips, or just about anywhere they needed to go. Once the tours started to pick up, I gradually weaned off of driving the Amish to focus on the growing pains of business.

Till this day, 2 Amish women who are mothers of 2 of my former workers, remain as cooks for our visitors wishing to have a meal in an Amish home. They both seem like a mother to me. We have been through so many experiences together. My gift to them in the winter is a free shopping trip. Here I thought I take a long time to shop. The only difference is they don’t take time to try on clothes! Every Spring I invite my cooks and their families to my home for pizza and ice cream. We sit on the back deck and share stories. We now have 6 Amish homes that provide meals including an Amish Bishop and his wife.

Coming in September is the Pam Jarrell Whoppie Pie Book signing followed by Shelly Shepard Gray and Amy Clipston book signing tour in November.

Our season is mid April thru the middle of November. It takes 3 sightseeing vehicles, 4 office staff and 5 tour guides to keep up with the various tour packages. I have met the most wonderful people from all over the world. I have been blessed beyond measure. I believe the Lord knows the desires of our hearts. He had to align me with the many connections before he could assign me. I will be expanding my business in mid April when the Amish Heartland Tours Information Kiosk opens in downtown Berlin.

I believe what Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz….there’s no place like “Holmes.”

photo_5To 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:)

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Contest starts today Monday, April 8th and ends on Friday, April 12th. Winner will be announced on Saturday.

Lavonne_1LaVonne is single, lives in Berlin, and is an accomplished pianist.

Follow her on Facebook at:

Amish Heartland Tours 

Amish Heartland Tours Information Kiosk 

Amish Artisans of Holmes County, Ohio 

I Heart Holmes County, Ohio

www.amishheartlandtours.com


The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall Three Book Giveaway

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the winnowing seasonI have been counting down the days until I can read The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall. A Season for Tending which is book one in the series was absolutely wonderful, so I know this book is going to be a real page turner. My copy has not arrived as of yet but I do have some exciting news for you. WaterBook Press is giving away three copies to three lucky readers! How about them apples? Contest rules are below.

The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?  

On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God.

Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally.

Can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

Sounds great,huh? If you think so enter to win a copy!

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 Thursday, March 21st and ends on Tuesday, March 26th. Winners will be announced on Wednesday.

This contest is only open to US residents….sorry!