What do you think of when I say the words Amish schoolhouse? Did you picture a small white frame building in a secluded rural spot, with children in Amish clothing playing ball or tag outside? That’s the most common image we have, especially of the Pennsylvania Amish.
But Amish schooling wasn’t always so peaceful. In the aftermath of World War II, the key word for American culture was progress, and that concept included schools. Small, one-and-two-room rural schools were closed, large consolidated high schools built to serve families from a number of communities, and the idea of a small local school gradually disappeared.
Except for the Amish. In most areas with large Amish populations, the plans of state educational bodies and the needs of Amish families came into direct conflict. As long as their children could attend small local schools with neighboring farm children and quit school after eighth grade, the Amish were content to send their youngsters to public schools. But when it came to busing children long distances to spend the day studying subjects which their parents considered unnecessary or in opposition to their beliefs, Amish parents balked.
Did you know that in one fall term in the early 50s, over a hundred Amish parents were jailed for the offense of refusing to send their children to consolidated schools? My new book, THE RESCUED, brings to life one such parent, whose courage in the face of imprisonment for her beliefs not only inspires her descendant in the present day to act courageously, but also brings her to a new love and eventually a better life for herself and her children.
Here’s a bit about my story, THE RESCUED, in stores everywhere on June 2nd.
As an Amish wife and mother struggles to hold her family together, a story from the past teaches her how to face her daily challenges with strength and love . . .
In modern day central Pennsylvania, Judith Wegler tries to heal the growing rift between her husband, Isaac, and his teenage brother Joseph—whom Judith and Isaac have raised as their own ever since both brothers lost their parents and siblings in a horrific fire. Meanwhile, Isaac’s hurtful silence about this tragic past has robbed Judith of any certainty of her husband’s love.
But when Judith’s grandmother gifts her with an antique study table, she discovers a hidden packet of letters that changes her life . . .
In 1953, widow Mattie Lapp fights against the county’s attempts to force Amish children to attend a consolidated public school, even if it means arrest and imprisonment. Mattie knows she can’t face this challenge alone, and turns to her late husband’s cousin Adam for help, but she’s terrified at the prospect of relying on someone else.
Now, as the two women’s stories converge, both must learn to stand up for their beliefs and to love again, even when it means risking their hearts . . .
WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THE RESCUED? One person who leaves a comment will receive a free copy of The Rescued, courtesy of my publisher, Berkley Books.
For an EXTRA chance share this post and leave a comment if you do.
Giveaway starts today, Tuesday, May 26th and ends Tuesday, June 2nd.
*Giveaway is only open to US residents*
64 thoughts on “A Giveaway of The Rescued by Marta Perry”
I love reading Amish stories n to be honest i never knew this what your saying…Sounds interesting…PICK ME!!!!! I would love it
When you mention “Amish schoolhouse” my first thought was the Amish school shooting several years ago. Such a sad, tragic event. When we visit Amish country in the Fall we love seeing the children playing in the school yard or seeing the scooters lined up outside the building. My first four years of school were in a one room schoolhouse here in NH.
I love reading about the Amish. These are the best books as far as I’m concerned.
I would live to win!
I love reading anything Amish, I love learning about the Amish and the way they live.
I would love to win a copy of this book as well.
Shared on Tweeter and Facebook.
Ohhhh, this sounds GOOD! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
wfnren at aol dot com
I truly hope to win a copy of “The Rescued”. Marta is a gifted writer & I love her books.
I would love to be the winner of your book.
thank you karen
The Rescued sounds so good! I am looking forward to reading it.
Blessings!
Judy B
Shared on FB!
Blessings!
Judy B
Oh Marta! This book sounds like a best seller by far!! Not only do I love to Read all Amish books, but the main character’s name is the same as mine – Judith!! Thanks for a chance to win The Rescued!! Judy F
I have shared this give-away for The Rescued on my FB page. Judy F
I shared on Facebook.
I shared on Twitter.
Thank you for the opportunity to win The Rescued. I have heard alot of great comments about Marta Perrys books and I am most anxious to read this myself.
I love reading Amish stories. I live in Pennsylvania and live driving out to Amish country!
Love AMISH books. Would love to add this to my collection. You are one of the authors that I do not have a signed book from would be great to change that.
This sounds like a very interesting book about the Amish. I have read books about the Amish being forced to send their children to public schools and what some have chosen to do to keep the children from being force to attend. Being from Iowa I am very aware of this. I was too young at the time, but have seen the pictures of the children running for the cornfields to hide. I shared on Facebook and Pinterest. I would be very happy to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.
Omg, This book sounds so intriguing! Please enter me in on the contest.
Thanks
Michelle
Love Amish fiction and true stories! I’d sure love to win!
Living about an hour from the Lancaster County Amish Country, I think of the Amish School Shooting in 2006, when I think of an Amish schoolhouse.
I was in Lancaster County on May 1st. As I passed an Amish schoolhouse, I noticed that they were having their “end of school” picnic. What a beautiful sight to behold!!
Your books are awesome. I have read the first book and would love to continue on! Blessings!!
i love to read.. Thank you for the contest to win a book.
Always enjoy reading about the Amish,sometimes life seems so simple but than Id miss my microwave and kindle and no vacations and think, nope, but love reading them, thank you for the chance, will share of facebook.
I love your stories, keep writing
i shared on facebook
It would be really intriguing to read an aspect of American history along side with how it affected the Amish during WWII! I would cherish this book!!!
I love reading Amish books along with my 87 year old mother would love to share this with her!
I’m fascinated with Amish culture, and love reading Amish novels. Would be so great to win this book.
I would love to win this book. I love to read Amish stories and have read every one in the library here in town.
As an elementary teacher, I’m very interested in this topic. I can’t wait to read it!
susan in nc
I do enjoy reading Amish books & this looks like a winner 🙂
thanks for a chance to win a copy!
dkstevensne AToutlookDoTCoM
Oh would love to win a copy
I have read several of your books about the Amish and enjoyed them so much. Thank you for the opportunity to win this contest! God bless.
I read read read Amish books and can’t wait until I can see this one in the library as that’s the only way I get to read them.Have read a lot of your other books and thoroughly Enjoyed them.
I’d love to win! I haven’t read this author before, and this book sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity
Would love to win one of your books.
I Need More Hours in the Day to Have More Time to Read ..Love Reading Your Books..I get them at Local Library… I can’t Wait to Read This One…
I just shared on Facebook ( Jean Benson Thompson)
Amish books provide an opportunity to enjoy fiction through the lens of those who love the Lord. The realistic life experiences depict how the characters in each of the Amish novels are lead through trials but eventually find their way back to God.
Each journey is unique and thoroughly enjoyable. In addition, I love the simple but hardworking lifestyle of the Amish characters. The lifestyle of the Amish remind me of my youth spent in the rural area near Greensburgh, Pennsylvania. Yes, that is why I can relate to the stories, the small schoolhouse, the winters, etc.
I enjoy reading amish books and liked every Marta Perry book I have read, she is an excellent author. I shared this.
I think they are very brave to have gone to jail for their beliefs.
I am familiar with some of the Amish history. What I find distressing is that because people have different beliefs society seems to think that they should assimilate into our culture. The Amish believe they must keep separate from outside influences to maintain their beliefs and way of life. That also extended to the education of their children.
I Love Amish books. Thank you for the chance to win and read this new to me author.
I love your books thanks for a chance to win
I would love to win this book. I will share on FB. Thanks
thanks for a chance to win 🙂
Oh my this sounds like a great book. Amish school house? I think of one teacher with multiple grades and much learning taking place.
I shared.
I love to read Amish stories. I would really love to read this book. Thanks for your contest. I love Marta Perry’s books.
I shared on Facebook and Twitter.
I very much enjoy reading your Amish stories and look forward to reading “The Rescued”.
i love reading the amish books they are very interesting I just wish that walmart would have more of a verity of them not to many on their shelves here
I love reading Amish fiction. I have the first book of the series in my TBR pile.
Thank you for the chance to win Marta’s book. she is such a wonderful writer.
Shared on Facebook and Twitter
love to win your book,thank
Marta’s book sounds fascinating. This is a part of Amish history that I was unaware of. I appreciate this review and giveaway.
Connie
I have shared this giveaway on Twitter.
https://mobile.twitter.com/cps950/status/604363427943817216
I love your books and I am looking forward to reading this one.
Shared on facebook.
A fan. Love your books.
I would love to win a copy of this book.
Thank you for the opportunity to try to.
I would like to read The Rescued. Thanks for the drawing.
Thanks for entering, everyone! The winner is Debra Harbour. Congratulations!
Amish novels are my newest addiction to reading material! Can’t get enough good Amish reading 🙂 This book sounds like a winner!