Tag 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

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:)

photo_6

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


Enter to win an autographed copy of A Home for Lydia

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I love having really great giveaways and this giveaway is awesome. Vannetta Chapman is offering an autographed copy of A Home for Lydia to one lucky reader!  I thought I would make this contest interesting and have everyone answer a question to be entered. Don’t worry, it’s not a hard question but rather a fun get to know you question! If you could visit one Amish community where would you visit? Leave your answer in a comment below:)

Contest starts today Friday, February, 1st and ends Wednesday, February, 6th. The winner will be announced on Thursday. Good Luck!

 

lydiaAaron Troyer simply wants to farm like his father and grandfather before him. But instead he finds himself overseeing the family’s small group of guest cabins nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek. That also means he must work with the cabins’ housekeeper, Lydia Fisher.

Lydia is the most outspoken Amish woman Aaron has ever met, and she has strong opinions about how the guest cabins are to be run. She also desperately needs this job. Though sparks fly between boss and employee at first, when the cabins are robbed, nothing is more important to Aaron than making sure Lydia is safe.

Together they work to make the vacation property profitable, but can they find out the identity of the culprit before more damage is done? And is Lydia’s dream of a home of her own more than just a wish and a prayer?

 

Visit with Vannetta!

www.VannettaChapman.com

http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com

www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks, and

http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman


Two Book Giveaway and Blog Hop

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Starting last week the wonderful book Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss was released. You can purchase it at either of these retailers: Amazon.com~Barnes and Noble~Christianbook.com

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.
In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

But this week each blogger (listed in the linky below) is giving you a chance to win the book (and a few have even more prizes) so after you are done entering my giveaway please hop on to the next blog.

This giveaway will start on January 8th, 2013 at 12am EST and run until January 14th, 2013 at 11:59pm EST.

You can read my review HERE.

My prizes are: A copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska plus a copy of The Memory Jar straight from Tricia Goyer!

Love Finds You In Glacier Bay Alaskamemeory-jar

To enter simply leave a comment on this post…..Good Luck!

Now hop on over to these other wonderful blogs to enter to win a book!