Today we have Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman stopping by to share special childhood memories. Also, a copy of their new book An Amish Cradle is up for grabs! Details on how to enter are at the end of the post. Let’s all welcome them to Destination Amish!
Beth Wiseman
I’m 5’10” tall, and I had already reached that height by the time I was in eighth grade, which meant that I was taller than most of the boys my age. Thus, no invitation to the coveted Eighth Grade Dance. I remember feeling like my life would end if a boy didn’t ask me to go with him.
The night of the dance, I was still alive, albeit dateless, so I put on my party dress, wore flats, and speculated about my life as a wallflower in a few hours. I’m quite the extrovert these days, but back then, I was shy, and standing out at fourteen was not an option.
A deliveryman showed up at my house shortly before it was time to leave for the school, and he presented me with a beautiful orchid corsage with a note that read, From Your Secret Admirer. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I knew this was the work of my father.
It was the seventies, and my recollections of this dance included boys and girls coupled up and standing near each other drinking punch, along with an occasional slow dance with lots of chaperones hovering nearby. But for that one magical night, I wore my corsage proudly and pretended it truly was from a secret admirer. My girlfriends and I gushed as we speculated about who might have sent the orchid. My father never admitted it was him, but it turned out to be a night to remember after all.
Thank you for the memory, Daddy. I miss you.
We are all unique, perfect in every way, as God intended us to be. I hope readers of In His Father’s Arms will enjoy this story about an Amish couple with a son who has Down Syndrome.
Kathleen Fuller
When Destination Amish asked me to write about a special childhood memory, I had a difficult time choosing only one. Many special moments flashed by—playing tag with the neighborhood kids (I ended up being “It” a lot), catching fireflies in a jar (and setting them free later on), swimming at the community pool (the best hangout ever). But while I had a great time at home, my favorite memories are from places outside my home state.
We didn’t have any relatives in Arkansas, so vacations were spent driving to see family. Those visits were great fun. But for me, the best times were the places we visited while we were on the road. Every trip we stopped at a historical landmark or site. I’ve seen the Liberty Bell, visited almost every Civil War battle site, and have been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, just to name a few. My parents made sure my siblings and I not only got to spend time with our relatives, but also experience different parts of the country and it’s history. Those memories are truly special
A Special Cradle
By Amy Clipston
When I look at the beautiful cover for An Amish Cradle, I not only think of my two sons when they were babies, but it also makes me recalls a special cradle from my childhood.
My grandfather, whom my cousins and I called Nana’s Daddy, made a cradle for me when I was a little girl. Since pink has always been my favorite color, he painted the cradle pink and included a decal of a lamb. My nana purchased a beautiful pink blanket with a matching pillow cover. She also made a pillow and a pad for the cradle.
For years, the cradle rocked my favorite dolls to sleep. When I outgrew my toys, the cradle found a home in the attic. Recently, I went searching for it and found it in our attic. I cleaned it up and washed the bedding. The cradle makes me think of my grandparents, who passed away many years ago. I miss seeing them and visiting them in their little house located in Midland Park, NJ.
I hope that someday I will have a granddaughter who will enjoy the cradle as much as I did. I’m so thankful for my grandparents and the special memories they gave me, including this cradle.
Here is a photo of the cradle with the special bedding that my nana bought for it.
Here is a photo of the cradle with my favorite doll, Beth.
Vannetta Chapman
A special childhood memory for me is of the day I brought my son home. William was a big baby boy at 9 pounds and 3 ounces. He looked so perfect to us, and we thought he was a healthy, sweet, perfect little miracle. But very soon after he was born we knew something was wrong. Within minutes they had whisked him away and inserted a tube in his lung. He had a spontaneous pneumo-thorax. Basically when he was being born, he popped a hole in his lung, and so they put the tube in the other lung to stabilize him. Afterwards they transported him by ambulance across Dallas to another hospital that had a special neo-natal ward. Needless to say, he was the largest baby there.
At the time, I thought my heart was BROKEN. I was very grateful that he was going to be okay, but going home without my baby was devastating. I wanted to spend all of my time there with him, sitting by his side, willing him to get well. Now I can see that God used this time to give me a real look into what parents with special needs children go through. As far as my son, he is 6’2” and doing very well!
About An Amish Cradle:
In His Father’s Arms by Beth Wiseman
Ruth Anne has been dreaming about motherhood her entire life. Now she is doubly excited that she and her best friend are due with their children the same week. But when Ruth Anne’s baby is born with Down syndrome, she and her husband struggle to understand God’s plan.
A Son for Always by Amy Clipston
Carolyn and Joshua are thrilled to be pregnant with their first child together. Carolyn was just a teenager when she had her son, Benjamin, and she still feels solely responsible to secure his future. As Joshua watches Carolyn struggle to accept his support, he knows he has to find some way to convince her that she—and Ben—will always be taken care of.
A Heart Full of Love by Kathleen Fuller
Ellie’s mother hasn’t stopped meddling in her personal life since Ellie lost her sight—and she’s taken it up a notch now that Ellie’s pregnant. When Ellie gives birth to twins, her mother insists on moving in to care for them. But when her mother’s behavior becomes unbearable, Ellie is forced to take a stand . . . and finally find out why Mamm can’t let go.
An Unexpected Blessing by Vannetta Chapman
At 42, Etta thought she was finished having children, but she’s pregnant again. After a frightening labor, Etta finally gives birth, but her constant worry over her estranged grown son, David, haunts her still. As a new mother again, Etta must hold tightly to the promise that God will watch over her children—and that one day David will return.
Sound like a good book? Want to win a copy? Today is your lucky day! HarperCollins Christian Publishing is giving one reader the chance to win a copy.
To enter leave a comment for the ladies.
For an EXTRA chance share this post and leave a comment if you do.
Giveaway starts today Tuesday, February 10th and ends on Tuesday, February 17th.
*Giveaway is only open to US residents*
74 thoughts on “Special Guests Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman Plus Giveaway”
Thank you for sharing those precious memories! Your book collaboration sounds wonderful too!
Oh my goodness! You all made me cry! That cradle story Amy took me back. I was very much a baby doll kid myself. That cradle would totally have been right up my alley! Beth, that was so sweet of your daddy to make you feel so special for your dance. That meant more to you I am sure than anything else! Vannetta we have having big babies in common! Hey that is no small task. I can not wait to read this book!
LOVE AMISH NOVELS….have many of each of your books! Do not have this one yet!
I will share this and PLEASE enter me in the give away!
THANK you all, and Blessings to each of you!
This touches my heart! 🙂 n
This books sounds like a very good read. Would love to win it.
Loved to hear from all you ladies. I’m familiar with Vannetta Chapman’s stories. I have read one Beth Wiseman. Would love to get acquainted with Kathleen Fuller and Amy Clipston through this book. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway.
Shirley
Shared on Facebook.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
I enjoyed reading each of the authors special memories about their childhood. I feel like I really get to know each of them through their stories.
I love Amish fiction! Each book sounds wonderful. Would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
Sharing on facebook!
What an awesome giveaway. There’s room on my bookshelf if you pick me. Thank you
What a great article!!! I just found my beaded baby bracelet that I wore when I was born. It goes right along with your book coming out.
Thank you for sharing those wonderful memories. I am so thankful that God gave us that capacity because time passes so quickly and though we’d like to “hold on” to those loved ones forever, it’s not possible. But we can remember! What a blessing!
Eagerly awaiting to reading this book. I love all the authors who write awesome Amish Fiction.
Shared.
Such fun to read memories like this! It makes the authors so much more special to me!
Susan in NC
[email protected]
I love all of these authors and can’t wait to read the book!
Would so love to win this book. Love the memories of others, especially authors. Amish things are so special, have read so many of each of your books. Keep on writing.
I would love to win this book.
Thanks for sharing this and a chance to win
Thanks for sharing these memories.I always love reading about authors and their life.It makes me realize just how truly real you all are.I am looking forward to reading An Amish Cradle,all the stories sound great.
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your messages were so sweet and brought back memories…..To win this book would be the most amazing thing….
All of you , keep up the great writing…..May god bless you hands to write the words he blesses you with,,,
I loved all of your childhood memories, although Amy’s memory about the cradle really touched me. My grandparents were very special to me too. I didn’t have a cradle but I had a beautiful wicker baby doll buggy that my aunt burned.
Love your books,Thanks for a chance to win
Would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity. A definite addition to my to-be-read list. Love these authors.
Loved reading about these memories from some of my favorite authors. I would be thrilled to add this book to my collection. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway.
This sounds like it is going to be an amazing read! Thank you for sharing your memories with all of us. Blessings!
Would love to win this. I had pre ordered on my kindle but some some reason did not get. Thank you for a chance to win this.
Sounds like a great read, would love to read it.
What a pretty cradle. My daughter had one her daddy made her with grandmothers homemade blankie.. My son had a problem with fevers/convulsions until he was 4. So frightening when babies are ill.. Would enjoy reading this book…
this is awesome!! thanks for all you do!
Nothing blesses the world as much as a brand new baby. They are enough to make even the toughest man smile and talk babbling baby talk. I am looking forward to looking into each of your hearts as I read your stories in An Amish Cradle.
There is nothing like great childhood memories. At 61, I wish I could still do some of the crazy antics that were funny back then. But then again…I just might try!
Love these authors! Thank you for a chance to win!
enjoyed reading your childhood memories, and the book sure sounds interesting also. Looking forward to
reading it and if I win it I will probably get to read it sooner.
I would love to win and read this book..
Would love to win this wonderful sounding book! Thank you.
Shared on Facebook.
Can’t wait to read it.
Would very much enjoy reading your latest!
4 Wonderful Authors coming together – this promises to be a great book!
Shared on FB
All of theses books sound a must read to me and I would love to win.
what wonderful memories, Ladies. Thank you for sharing them. We all need to think back and look at good memories.
This sounds so good and the cradle is beautiful
forgot to say I shared on facebook and twitter
I love all of your books…it was fun reading your favorite childhood memories and made me think of some of my own! Really need to get this book and read it!
I love reading books about the Amish . I can’t even pick a favorite. You are all the best!!
I shared this to Facebook. I’m looking forward to reading this book with stories from some of my favorite authors. 🙂
Tweeted ~ https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/565576219455131649 What fun! Would love to win a copy.
Also shared posting on my Facebook news page: “Celebration day! There will be a drawing for a copy of An Amish Cradle ~ four novellas ~ get your name in before February 17th at Destination Amish link below:
Special Guests Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman Plus Giveaway
Today we have Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman stopping by to share…
destinationamish.com.”
Beth! You were one brave girl to go to the dance! My brother wired a wrist orchid corsage for my high school graduation and it came on the exact day. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
I shared through twitter: https://twitter.com/RKW1010/status/565599276777365504
Would love this book, shared on Twitter!
Awesome giveaway! I can’t wait to read it and I love all the authors!
What a nice bunch of “peeks” inside your hearts, ladies! Can’t wait to read this new collection. I also shared this link on my FB page. Thanks
I love reading Amish stories and have read books by all of you. This will be a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Great group of authors collaborating here! I definitely plan on reading this one, whether I win or lose the giveaway! I love each of the authors that have contributed. What a great combination. The book has to be wonderful, so would be no doubt about that!
Looking forward to reading this collection!!! Thanx for the giveaway! I shared about the giveaway on Facebook.
What sweet remembrances, brought back some wonderful memories for me. I would live to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
What a great way to share a little of yourselves with your readers. Thank you for opening up and sharing more than just your wonderful books. Would love to add this to my collection of Amish books. Have shared
Love reading amish based books
What a great sounding book!
Oh my! I read each one of the authors memories, beautiful and so touching. I loved each one and appreciate you all letting us readers come into your personal lives with your sharing of memories. I would love to win this book!
Thank you for giving us readers a chance to win!
Linda Zrubek
win it comes to luck I have nonae but I am still trying to win something.
I always enjoy reading about the Amish.
Thank You
Joan
Thank you for this great giveaway. Any book about the Amish is always interesting.
Thank You
Marion
I love reading anything Amish.
Thank You
Marilyn
What a wonderfully special book that I would absolutely love to read. At 4 I though I was done having children as well. I had my 12th child at that age and I couldn’t be happier. My youngest is a happy, healthy 4 year old now. Children are so important and I really loved being pregnant , which I guess is obvious since I gave birth to 12 children. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book that I really want to read.
I love amish stories
Thanks to you all for sharing special memories you have had. The new book sounds wonderful. Would love to win a copy
I enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for sharing. Am looking forward to reading this book
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These ladies are among my favorite authors. It would be great to win. God Bless!
How sweet! My dad made cradles for each of my daughters when they were pregnant. They could be turned upside down and used for a coffee table when the babies outgrew them.
Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
I liked reading each authors memories. I enjoy reading all about the
Amish. I am looking forward to reading An Amish Cradle.
Thanks for entering everyone! The winner is Lenise Torres. Congratulations 🙂
I love anything Amish. I admire their steadfast faith in God no matter what happens in their lives. I wish I could do the same. Reading Amish fiction makes me laugh at some and cry at others. The books pull at my heart. Who knows maybe one day I will find that steadfast faith too.