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Guest post by Leanna Ellis plus a three book giveaway!

Posted Michelle Dawn

It all started with a joke. Seriously. I was signing books at a multi-author event several years ago and the biggest sellers were the vampire and Amish books, so I told a friend of mine we should write an Amish/vampire story. We laughed. But we didn’t take it seriously. However, a seed was planted in my brain and soon a character was rattling around in there, poking me, trying to tell me his story. And like most characters, he wouldn’t be quiet. This was not a series I wanted to write, and I tried not to write it for a long time. I prayed for over two years about this story, asking if God wanted me to write it, and he confirmed in multiple ways that I was to do so. Plain Fear reminded me of Phantom of the Opera, which I’m a huge fan of both the book and musical. Christine is naïve and young, and she opens her mind to a dark force. There’s a line in the musical that resonates: “I gave my mind blindly.” And that is exactly what Hannah, the heroine in the first book of the series, did. For this series, I wanted to show how alluring evil really is. Evil doesn’t look scary at first. It’s appealing. Satan doesn’t appear to us with a forked tongue or horns and pitchfork. He was the most beautiful angel, the worship leader in the heavenly realms. But he fell. He became the father of lies. He distorts the truth and draws us toward evil and sin with promises and appealing whispers. It’s why my story needed someone innocent of this world, like an Amish girl, so I could show how easily we are deceived. It was important to me that I handle the Amish characters in a respectful manner and that they be true to their beliefs, which actually worked really well. They believe in the power of prayer. And the Amish characters made some formidable warriors in the spiritual realm. By the end of the series, in the last book, Forgiven, the reader sees spiritual warfare in action. Here’s what a reviewer said: “Ellis has done something many readers may not have thought possible. She has used characters and ideas that many in the inspirational community would consider taboo, to show the power of love and of God. Well done!”

 

Thank you Leanna for stopping by Destination Amish today.Your book covers are amazing! I am very happy to announce that one lucky reader will win all THREE books in The Plain Fear series: Forsaken, Forbidden, and Forgiven!

plain-fear

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 Monday, September 16th and ends on Monday, September 23rd. Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Good Luck!**

 

LEANNABIOPIC

Deep in the heart not only describes where I live in Texas but also the way I write. My books are infused with humor and heartfelt emotion. Growing up in Texas, my mother taught me a love of books that grew into a passion for storytelling. My sister encouraged me to write because she saw me always scribbling away in my journal. Since then I have written almost twenty books, ranging from contemporary romance to women’s inspirational fiction. Pop culture often inspires ideas for my stories, everything from the music of Elvis, Waylon Jennings and Andrew Lloyd Webber to great literature like The Wizard of Oz and Phantom of the Opera. Currently my next project is FORSAKEN, the first book in a projected series called Plain Fear. It’s the story of Hannah Schmidt, a young Amish woman mourning the mysterious death of her beloved Jacob, now a vampire. Hannah must choose between two brothers, between good and evil, between a lasting love and the damnation of her soul.

When I’m not chasing vampires through darkened city streets, I’m driving my children to all of their activities, figuring out what to make for dinner, chasing my crazy labradoodle around the house, and searching for the next idea.

 

 

 

147 thoughts on “Guest post by Leanna Ellis plus a three book giveaway!”

  1. I’ve got to say that these books have my attention. I’m really curious as to how the author ties the Amish to the subjects of these novels.
    Please enter me in the drawing to win them.

    Reply

  21. Love the covers on these books . Would love to win these . Thanks for the giveaway .
    Please enter me in your giveaway .
    Blessings
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  27. This series sounds like something new, different and very interesting. Please accept my entry in this giveaway. This is a new author to me. Thank you.

    Reply

  29. I would love to read them. Sound very interesting and sound awesome.Would enjoy owning them and reading them. I share on facebook.

    Reply

  31. Love to read Amish books, the story are great, also love to meet new author, thanks for the chance to win them and if I don’t win them I have put them on my wish list….also have liked and shared 🙂

    Reply

  38. I would love to win this contest. I’ve never read any of your books but I’m always in the market for good Amish authors. Thanks. Judy F

    Reply

  54. Thank you for the opportunity to win these books. I love Amish stories and would love to see how you tried a vampire to an Amish community.

    I am sharing on Facebook

    Reply

  59. Wow these books sound really interesting…Can’t wait to get my hands on them to start Reading..
    and still with Faith resounding through the storyline…

    Reply

  66. Hello Leanna. I can’t imagine GOD telling someone to write about Vampires. Maybe to get the attention of a certain group? I am curious and have a granddaughter who loves Vampire stories, so would like you to put my name in for a chance to win. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

    Reply

  67. would like to read these books.Love reading amish books and books about vampires,so would be a interesting reading.Would keep me entertained when im recovering from surgery.
    I liked and shared
    thank you

    Reply

  70. Wow! These books sound interesting!!! I would have never thought of doing a series of Amish books about vampires. I love reading Amish fiction books!!

    Reply

  75. I read the first book – once I got past the vampire character, I really got into the plot. Looking forward to see what happens next.

    Reply

  92. To: Leanna Ellis, I read a lot of Amish Books !! On a daily basis!! So when a new writher comes along,!! That’s wrights about the Amish I just cant wait to read the Books!!. I’m a Huge Amish fan, An Amish reader!! [email protected] Barbara Prisinzano

    Reply

  95. Your book covers’ intrigue me…
    The women are shown from the back and their
    is a definite air of mystery, just via the
    book fronts!
    Also, I adore reading books that center around the
    Amish community and their way of life!
    Many thanks, Cindi

    Reply

  98. Shared on Facebook…..I have to admit….vampires and Amish caught my attention….sounds like an intriguing combination. I have never read any of your books….hoping to have a chance to try something different.

    Reply

  106. Am looking forward to seeing how the two tie together. and I am reposting this on Facebook to my friends and the people in the book club

    Reply

  108. Leanna Ellis books and the backgrounds to the books sound very interesting. I love Amish fiction books and lots of times I like to hear/read what the author has to say–in my busy life getting that information is usually hit and miss. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this contest.

    [email protected]

    Reply

  116. I can’t imagine what these are going to be like. I never read the vampire books but can’t resist these. I always read all the Amish books I can. Thanks for the chance to WIN!
    Would you be kin to Mary Ellis? I love her books, too.

    Reply

  117. Thanks for a chance to win . Any book Amish tugs at my heart, I love learning little bits and pieces about the life and times of the Amish.

    Reply

  124. Would love to read these books! I am going to be having back surgery soon so it would keep me occupied while recouping!

    Reply

  127. I would be over the moon if I won! I am just so obsessed with all things related to Amish culture and history, can’t get enough!!!

    Reply

  131. I have not read any of the vampire type book, due to the taboo nature of them to us as Christians. But , after reading the Guest post by Leanna, I have to say, that it has piqued my interest. I would love to win these to read the set ! ( Of course, if i don’t win them , I will still read them 🙂 )

    Reply

  132. I would love to win this great prize. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to do so. I am trying to get more books so that I can continue my reading & sharing with my friends & family. So excited about reading. I love Amish fiction. My favorite!

    Reply

  134. I would like to read these books. I always stay away from books about vampires etc. because of the evil they are. I’m hoping these in no way glorify the vampire culture of today. I would like to win, maybe they could show someone who is into the real vampire stuff how wrong it is.

    Reply

  136. I so love reading the Amish books. We are Mennonite and these people lives is so dear to our hearts. I would love to be considered for the drawing for the books. Leanna, keep up the great work. Maureen Ann

    Reply

  143. Thank you everyone for entering to win The Plain Fear series by Leanna Ellis and thanks again for stopping by Leanna! The winner is Pam Johnston. Congratulations!

    Reply

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