When I decided I wanted to write romantic suspense, I never imagined I’d end up being the author of nine (and counting!) Amish books. My first attempts at getting published involved regular folks in suspenseful situations. My writing had captured the attention of an editor at Harlequin, but couldn’t get past the senior editor. I had almost given up on my dream of becoming a published author.
I attended the Romance Writers of America conference in NYC several years ago. I went to a Harlequin workshop where an editor announced that she’d like to see more Amish suspense. Hmm? Amish?
My wheels started turning. I remembered the first time I had ever seen an Amish man with his horse and buggy when I was a little kid. My dad explained to me how they lived. No electricity. No cars? Really? A little part of me thought my dad—who had the greatest sense of humor—was pulling my leg. I couldn’t imagine life without Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley, my favorite TV shows at the time.
The Harlequin editor’s request for Amish stories stuck with me. Before I flew home from NYC, I had an idea. What if a plane crashed on an Amish farm? I loved the idea of two worlds colliding. I arrived home, ordered some Amish books, both fiction and nonfiction, and I continued my research by traveling to a growing Amish community in the Conewango Valley, south of my home near Buffalo, NY. (Again, who knew?) The plane crash idea eventually morphed into PLAIN PURSUIT and was released by Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense in 2013.
My Amish books generally have a non-Amish hero and heroine who live and work among the Amish. The Amish community plays a key roll in the story. It’s challenging—and fun—to find unique ways to set murder and mayhem, combined with a sweet romance, against the backdrop of the (usually) peaceful Amish countryside.
Since then, I have written a total of eight Amish suspense stories for Harlequin. I have also released PLAIN OBSESSION, currently available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. The reader appetite for Amish stories has not seemed to dim and I look forward to writing more books.
Here’s the blurb for PLAIN OBSESSION:
Staying safe in Amish country shouldn’t be this hard.
When a close friend is murdered in her NYC apartment, Violet Jackson fears the worst—her childhood stalker has returned. But there’s no evidence she had a stalker, then or now, and no one believes her. Plagued by panic attacks, Violet returns to her mother’s country estate in Hunters Ridge, a quiet Amish community, where she had found her center years earlier.
Bad boy Theo Cooper got the discipline he needed in the army and a dose of reality when his dad got sick. Now, back in Hunters Ridge, he’s running the family’s lumberyard and stepping up to be a father to his young son.
When Violet shows up in Hunters Ridge, Theo can’t believe his good fortune. He always regretted how their budding romance in high school—however unlikely—had imploded the night of senior prom. But Violet’s not interested in romance. She’s determined to get over her anxiety and return to her life in New York. When Violet becomes the target of an apparent stalker, Theo’s protective instincts make him determined to defend the woman he’s beginning to love, even if it means risking the life he’s built in Hunters Ridge—and his carefully guarded heart.
Here’s the Amazon buy link if you’re interested in PLAIN OBSESSION: http://amzn.to/2sLxGbN
I’d love to hear why you love Amish fiction. I’ll give away a print copy of the re-release of my very first book with Harlequin, PLAIN PURSUIT to one random person who comments. It’s paired with the talented, Patricia Davids’ THE AMISH MIDWIFE.
Thanks for inviting me to stop by today. I look forward to hearing your comments.
Winner will be selected at random and announced on Tuesday, July 25th. *Giveaway starts today, Monday, July 17th and ends Monday, July 24th and is only open to US residents*
About the author:
Alison Stone discovered her love of writing after leaving a corporate engineering job to raise four children.
Constantly battling the siren call of social media, Alison blocks the Internet and hides her smartphone in order to write fast-paced books filled with suspense and romance.
Married for almost twenty-five years, Alison lives in Western New York, where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.
Go to her website at AlisonStone.com to find all her links to social media and a list of all her books.
57 thoughts on “The Accidental Amish Author By Alison Stone (Plus Giveaway)”
I love learning about the Amish & the stories that are woven in the culture. Amish fiction takes me to a place this Texan has never seen & introduces me to characters with personality & moral value.
Hi Pam,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I, too, love how books can transport us to different places that we’ve never been.
Amish fiction is my favorite. I love reading about the simple life and learning about the customs and values of the amish. I find it very relaxing.
Hi Myrtle,
Love hearing how much readers enjoy Amish fiction. Keep reading. I’ll keep writing. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I love reading about Amish because I like their simple lifestyle. They help each other out and have strong faith. I like that they don’t rely on technology and are very family oriented. I especially like how they show others forgiveness quickly.,
Hi Deana!
Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve been reading amish books for years. I think the reason I like them is because of the simple way of life they live. I like the German background and language used in the books. Their is also an innocence about the people in the stories that you don’t find in other books. I like that they are often strong in their faith about God.
Hi Donna,
I sprinkle a little Pennsylvania Dutch in my books. I have a notebook with the words I’ve used in my books because I want to stay consistent in the spelling. I read that Pennsylvania Dutch is primarily a spoken language, so the spelling of some words can vary.
Thanks for stopping by.
Love Amish fiction and really enjoy your books.
Thanks, Ann! Nice to see you here.
Their values are usually clear cut and always giving. Life is much simpler…which sometimes is easier.
Hi Sharon,
I often wonder what it would be like to live without all our modern conveniences. Many things would be easier, others more challenging. But I suppose they wouldn’t miss what they never had. It’s interesting to think about. Thanks for stopping by.
Alison
I live to read about their simple. life
Thanks for stopping by, Paula.
I would love to win the book with Plain Pursuit and the Amish Midwife. I love to read about the Amish. They are hardworking people with a simple life style.
Good luck with the giveaway, Vivian! Thanks for stopping by.
Alison
Just read the blurb on Plain Obsession. Sounds like a terrific book. Definitely a must read book. I’ve been intrigued by the Amish since we lived near Amish & a Mennonite Communities in S. Fl. Their live style reminds me of my grandmother. She was born in 1890 and when I was growing up she still cooked on an iron stove, had an ice box (yep the antique one) and her radio was one of the first ones out. I learned so many things from her including her love of God, the simple life style (no she wasn’t Amish) and her way of life. Her family immigrated from England in 1898 through Ellis Island.
Hi Pat,
Thank you! I hope you check out Plain Obsession. I really enjoyed writing that one.
I’m also intrigued with the Amish in Florida. I think it calls for another road trip. 🙂
I loved hearing about your grandma. My dad, a generation younger than your grandma, called our refrigerator an ice box until his dying day. I guess somethings just stick! Isn’t it amazing how much our technology has changed in such a short time?
Thanks for sharing,
Alison
I love Amish fiction for so many reasons. I love the sense of family, the settings, the kindness and care even in the face of challenges. Thank you for the chance to win.
You’re very welcome, Kay. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Alison
I enjoy reading Amish fiction because I like learning about the Amish way of life and their beliefs.
That’s great, Dianne. And I try to be very careful with my research so that I get it right. However, I’m sure I make mistakes. I’m human. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by,
Alison
for the past 5 years all I have read are Amish books. I find peace and tranquility when I read these books. I seek the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. I know the Amish have problems like we do, but yet, I am comforted by their lifestyle.
Hi Andrea,
What a beautiful post. I’m happy that you’ve found a source of peace and tranquility from Amish books.
Thanks for sharing,
Alison
The Amish has always caught my eyes in the way they live life simply and without electricity.. it might be hard, but I would be up for a challenge. Amish fiction is something that I would want to read over and over again, as it is one of many genre/styles of books that I read.
Amish have a sense of family and I love my family. Each time I read an Amish fiction book, it makes me want to go visit and see what it is like.
Hi Andrea,
I’d be willing to try no electricity, but only for a few days. 🙂 I’m happy that readers enjoy the Amish books. I’ll keep writing them!
Thanks,
Alison
I enjoy reading Amish fiction, since I am only an hour from Lancaster County Amish Country. I visit there almost every month.
Hi Elaine,
That’s really interesting that you visit Lancaster County often. Do you buy things from them? I really need to take a trip down there.
Thanks for taking the time to share,
Alison
Hard to say why I love reading about the Amish way of life, but I guess its because they live so different than we do, and its just so interesting to read about them. Sounds like so much work, lol But love when there is some mystery or suspense, havet read a amish book in awhile but I would love to win and read about your plane crash. thank you for the chance to win. and keep on writing, Ill make sure I keep your name.
Hi Betty,
I’ll never forget how intrigued I was as a little girl when I first saw an Amish community. It’s probably that same kind of fascination that draws many of us to read Amish books.
Thanks for taking the time to share,
Alison
I love reading Amish stories. I have met 2 Amish authors and loved talking with them. I also lived near an Amish community in PA and got to know several of the ladies well enough to be invited into their homes. Now I live in Ohio not far from Holmes County.
For the most part I only read Amish stories, and have never been disappointed.
Ruth,
It sounds like you could write an Amish story. How interesting that you have been invited into Amish homes! Fascinating.
Thanks for stopping by,
Alison
NEVER BEEN TO AMISH FARM….LOVE TO READ ABOUT THEM..THANKS FOR WRITING AWESOME BOOKS!!!
Thanks, Wilma!
I love the sense of community, how they care for their families, hard work ethic, quality craftsmanship (furniture to quilts & more), how simply they live life without all the things we think we need (but don’t), and how their lives are uncluttered by the world.
I’ve read some great Amish fiction over the years & anticipate reading many more books in the future 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway chance!
I think the sense of community is wonderful, too. I think it’s harder and harder to find community in today’s world. People move more often for jobs and aren’t as connected to their neighbors. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Trixi.
Alison
Hi! Your books sound wonderful!! I absolutely LOVE Amish mysteries, romances, etc. I just got done reading a series of them, and they were set in Sugarcreek, Ohio which is nearby where I live in Ohio. My Husband and I will be celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary in September and also celebrating my ONE full year with NO chemo treatments!! We are going to Lancaster, Pa. YEP!!! I can’t wait!! Of course, we will visit all the Amish places and eat their delicious meals! I have read so many Amish books and I am so excited to enter your giveaway too! Thanks for the chance to win!
Hi Patricia,
Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary! That’s a huge milestone. I’m also very happy that you are celebrating one full year with no chemo treatments. Wishing you continued good health. Have a wonderful trip!
Alison
I really enjoy how the Amish folks are so close knit & caring community! That is something this world sure could use more of! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
You’re welcome, Robin. Thank you for stopping by!
Alison
The Amish are for family and community. Their books are always fun and interesting to read. I enjoy learning about the Amish. I always share my books with my best friend who cannot afford to buy them.
Hi Susan,
I’m glad you and your best friend enjoy Amish books. Sounds like you’re a great friend.
Thanks for stopping by,
Alison
You are a new to me Amish fiction author and I look forward to reading your books and getting to know more about you and your writing. I love visiting Amish Country in Lancaster County. My escape from home. Thanks for the chance to win one of your books.
Thanks, Cindy. I hope you enjoy my books. Good luck with the giveaway.
Alison
Thanks for telling us about Plain Pursuit and for you most generous giveaway of a printed copy of this book and Patricia David’s The Amish Midwife. The reason I’m drawn to Amish Fiction is because I have a driving curiosity to find out more about the Amish and their life style. Amish Fiction answers a lot of questions for me.
We live about 25 miles from the Amish of Adams County in Ohio. There are some Amish stores that I love to shop at. To date we have bought an Amish glider for the front of our Apartment. We recently bought a beautiful Amish made pie safe. This past weekend I bought a paper towel holder and I have a beautiful wall mounted Amish clock with Joshua 24: 15 carved on the clock face. I greatly admire and respect the Amish people.
Hi Shirley,
Sounds like you’ve made some wonderful Amish-made purchases. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Alison
I really love reading your books, Allison and also Accidental Amish Author. I cannot wait to read Plain Obsession Thank s for the chance to win
You’re very welcome. Good luck!
Thanks for stopping by,
Alison
I absolutely love Amish Fiction novels. I just can’t seem to get enough. These stories have such a calming effect on me. From the first page, I just can’t put them down. Whenever life gets crazy, I only need to pick up another and I get transported to a calmer/peaceful place. I like to travel to Lancaster, PA too. That has the same effect, but I can’t go often enough. Thankfully, authors like you and Patricia Davids are always able to help.
Hi Josephinelynn,
I think you’re pretty safe. Lots of new Amish books on the horizon for many of your favorite authors. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Alison
I live near many Amish communities and consider myself blessed to know so many.
That’s wonderful, Marla.
Alison
I have been reading the Amish genre right from the start. The plots have evolved from simplistic to keeping you on the edge of your seat reads. I love reading about the Amish and their simpler way of life. I have recently started reading the Amish genre that has suspense added to it. Talk about a double treat! I love these and would love to read your book,Plain Pursuit.
Hi Deanne,
So glad that you’ve discovered and enjoy Amish suspense. All of my Amish books have an element of suspense. Good luck with the giveaway.
Alison
I loves to read Amish fiction and have several favorite authors. I like their commitment to their families and communities.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Vivian.
Alison
The winner of PLAIN PURSUIT is Marla Winters. Congratulations! Thanks for entering, everyone!