Hi Olivia! Welcome to Destination Amish. Can you share a little about yourself?
I’m an Illinois native transplanted in Colorado by way of California and Washington State. I love the sunshine here and the fact that every time I step outside my front door I can lift my eyes to a view of the Rockies. That does my soul good. I’m married with two adult children and the reluctant owner of an albatross of a backyard that I am surrendering to weedy wilderness a few feet at a time.
Can you tell us about your latest book?
Wonderful Lonesome is the start of a set of historical Amish stories in the 1910s. Each one explores a different setting and issue in Amish history. Wonderful Lonesome is about a fragile settlement in Colorado a hundred years ago. Abbie Weaver is determined to do everything she can to help the settlement succeed, but at what cost? She refuses to concede defeat to hail, drought, and coyotes, even as families begin to give up and return east. When Abbie discovers the root of a spiritual divide that runs through the settlement, she must choose between a quiet love in her cherished church, passion with a man determined to leave the church, or imagining her life with neither.
Which character can you identify with most?
Definitely Abbie. I can be tenacious, hanging onto something I really want to be true and determined to find hope beyond the next obstacle. Like Abbie, I have something to learn—perpetually—about opening myself up to a different answer than the one I had my heart set on.
What inspired you to become an author?
Ha! Some days it feels more like an affliction than inspiration. Actually, becoming an author has been a long trajectory of my life as I’ve learned to lean into the gifts I was created with and trust that God wants to bring good from them. I only began pursuing publishing novels a few years ago, but I hope to have many years of spinning stories still ahead.
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?
“What brings you joy?” As much fun as it is to talk about stories, “What brings you joy?” is a question that would connect people deeply if we asked it more often. And my answer is that I love to try to be present in each moment, in each place, as it happens. On one level I’m not very good at doing nothing for long stretches of time. On another level, though, I only need that glimpse of the mountains to feel gratitude and wonder and sacredness. I only need the smiles on my children’s faces to sink into love. I only need to see a colorful plate of nutritious food to relish God’s abundance. I only need a good hearty laugh to roll in a wave of healing. All these things bring me more joy than any accomplishment I’ll ever achieve.
What is one thing about you that readers would be surprised to learn?
I once made most of my own clothes, including lined business suits. Now if I had to put in a zipper, or even a sleeve, I’d quake in my boots.
What’s next for you?
I just turned in the edits for Meek and Mild, the next book in the Amish Turns of Time set. It releases in February. The third book is slated for release next August. I have to buckle down and start writing it!
Great interview Olivia! Thanks so much for sharing with us today. Readers, Olivia is graciously giving away TWO copies of her new book Wonderful Lonesome. To enter leave a comment below. Two books…two winners! Contest is only open to US residents.
You can pick up a copy HERE
**Contest starts today Tuesday, August 19th and ends on Tuesday, August 26th.**
In addition to Wonderful Lonesome, Olivia Newport is the author of three historical novels (Avenue of Dreams series), three Amish stories (Valley of Choice series) and Hidden Falls, a 13-episode serialized contemporary novel available in digital formats. She chases joy in Colorado Springs, where the daylilies and sunflowers in her wild backyard grow as tall as she is. Find out more at www.olivianewport.org.
93 thoughts on “Interview and Giveaway with Olivia Newport”
Sounds like an exciting series. Would so love to win a cpoy
I hope you get to enjoy it!
i love reading these novels keep me instered in what is going to happen i lile they seem so true im wideowed live by my self i live sitting on my deck reading listen for the birds i can almost feel im ther in there lives i have to great grand children now and my grand children are all grown up cant wait to read these new novels hope to win someday thank you
My two favorite book genres, Amish and Historical fiction. Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
I had fun uniting the two genres!
Going to check out your Amish series!! Would be so great to win this new book. Thanks for the opportunity!!
Just finished Accidentally Amish. Looking forward to the next two in line! Would love this new book so much! Love your stories!
I love to learn facts about Amish history. Thank you for the opportunity!!
I love to read Amish themed books. Looking forward to this on! Thank you for the contest.
Would love to start reading this series. Looks very interesting can’t wait. Thank you
Thank you for such an informative interview. I would love to win a copy of Olivia’s new book. Thank you for an opportunity to win. Good Luck to All!!!
Sounds wonderful, would love win a copy 🙂
Sounds like a must read.
A new series and a new author. Winning would give me that chance.
I would love to read your series and better yet win a copy of your new book. Thank you for opportunity to win.
I would love to win a Copy of Your Book.. usually just read what local Library has on their shelves. Love the introduction above,, Can’t wait to Read it..
Thank you.
I am impressed that you were able to make lined business suits. I have done some sewing in years past but nothing so intensive. That is a wonderful title. Wonderful Lonesome. I can’t wait to read the story
I impress myself when I think back on those days!
I am looking forward to reading Wonderful Lonesome.Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.
I love the sentiments you express. Sounds like I would really enjoy your book.
Love your answer to what inspired you to be an author! Lol
-Blessings!
I would be thrilled to add this book to my collection. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
This sounds great and I love the cover. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
sounds wonderful love the simple way of life
I love reading about the Amish community. They have such a wonderful way of life. I love teaching my grandkids how to needlepoint, knit and crochet. Even my grandsons think it is fun to make things from hand even cooking. Thank you in advance if I’m chosen. Can’t wait to read your books.. God Bless
I would love to win, so pick me!
I would love to win…sounds fun to read!
I would love to read this series. Thank you for a chance in your giveaway.
I enjoyed your interview. Thanks for sharing with us & giving us the opportunity to win a copy of WONDERFUL LONESOME. I love the cover!
Would love to win!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Would love to win a copy of your new book.
Thanks!
Hi, I am looking forward to reading Amish stories by a new author. I love to read and Amish stories are my favorite. Winning one of the 2 books you are giving away would be great and a welcome addition to my library.
God Bless You.
Thank you very much for the chance to win your book. I don’t really know much about the Shakers; I would love to read your book!
I love what brings you joy. I agree~~living each moment~~seeing the best in each situation and basking in God’s glorious promise. What could be better than that?? I love you books Olivia. I wish to thank Michelle for providing this wonderful opportunity to win a copy of your book. keithkrisjager(at)aol{dot}com
Blessings,
Kristin J
Thanks, Kristin! Chase joy!
This would be the first book that I have read by this author, looking forward to it.
I’d love to win this book..Sounds interesting..Thanks for the opportunity
I love to read series! Would love to win your books!
Great author! Would love to win.
Also new to you. Would love to read this.
Love Amish stories!! Would love to win a copy!!
Love your books, am very anxious to read this series. You are a very talented author. Have a Blessed Day.
I haven’t read anything by this author yet. It looks like a great book!
[email protected]
I would love to win a copy of read your book.. I love the Amish stories they are so up lifting spiritual and a great way to stay close to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..God Bless you and your ministry…
Sounds really good. I would love to read.
Blessings
Diana
[email protected]
I would love to read Abbies story. Amish fiction is my favorite genre to read. Olivia is a new author to me.
It sounds wonderful. Would love to win the book. Looking forward to reading the series.
I love this genre, can’t wait for this to come out!
Amish fiction is my favorite genre. Would love too win your book
Thanks for the chance to win one of your books!
I am inspired and love to read about the Amish
Can’t wait to read this book.
Love your interview . I love to read books about the Amish . Woukd love to win your book Olivia .
Thanks for the chance .
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
I love, love, love Olivia’s books. Please enter me in the drawing to win a copy of Wonderful Lonesome.
Thanks!!!
I love, love, love to hear readers are enjoying my books!
amish series are my favorite reads. I want to thank you for the opportunity to win this great prize. Keep up the good work so I can enjoy my amish reading.
This sounds like a wonderful book to read and even more wonderful to make it a series. I love Amish Fiction and love to read about the past. I hope to win this book to begin my collection from this author!!
Olivia, I cant wait to read this new series.
I loved Valley of Choice series.
I love reading and reviewing Amish books.
Happy Writing
I love Amish stories and would enjoy reading and adding your books to my library. Thank you and God bless.
I would love to win this book! Sounds like a good one. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Hi Olivia, thank you for sharing and a chance to win. I love Amish and Historical Fiction. This book is definitely going on my to be read list. ~ Blessings ~
Pick me please! I would love to have this book.
I love Amish books and this one sounds great! Thank you for this opportunity.
I really enjoyed the interview with Olivia. Her book looks wonderful and I would love to read it Thank you !
I am an avid reader of the Amish. Sorry to say I have not had the pleasure of reading one of your books. Thank you for the opportunity to win and read Wonderful Lonesome! Thanks again. Judy F
Love your books!
Keep up the wonderful
writing! Would so love to win!!
Love Amish fiction and this book looks like a real winner! Can’t wait to read it.
I love reading anything. Looking forward to reading this book.
I would like to win too. Haven’t read any of here books, and these sound great. Thanks for the chance.
Love reading all the Amish books! Can’t wait to read these!!
This is another great interview of a new author to me. I would love to read these books. Thanks for this giveaway!
Oh my gosh! I did not even know that there were historical Amish stories. My two favorite genres of books are historical and Amish. This is exactly the sort of book I would love to read. I will keep my fingers crossed that I win. How awesome!
I know! Two great genres in one great story. It’s going to be a fun series for me to complete.
Would love to win. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Thanks for all the enthusiastic comments. It’s so encouraging to see the interest in my story!
I love your books.I am looking forward to reading this one.Thanks
We have Olivia’s books in the church library. Looking forward to reading and hopefully winning this book.
http://www.churchatthemall.com/library
Thanks!
I love reading about anything to do with the Amish and would love to win this book.
Wonderful interview. Always nice to meet a new author. This sounds like a very interesting read. Please accept my entry. Thank you
this book sounds wonderful please enter my name in the giveaway thank you
I am a HUGE fan of Amish Fiction. I am not Amish myself, and perhaps don’t believe exactly as they do, BUT I am drawn to them for their dedication, love for their families, and belief that we do not need to conform to the world, but be set apart from it. Which is what the Bible teaches. I am a baptist Christian who longs for simplicity.
Interesting to be able to start back so long ago as compared to modern day Amish communities. Sounds like a great book thanks for a chance to win.
Wonderful interview and enjoyed reading it! Olivia I wished I could sew! My husband does though. Some people are just gifted! Your question that you wished you would get asked “what gives you joy”? I love that question too because it made me think about what does give me joy? What gives me joy is having my family around , spending time with my husband and reading books like yours. I would love to read this book!
Nice interview. The book sounds really good. Can’t wait to read it. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Love reading different authors about the Amish lifestyle. Thank you for a chance to win your book! Avid reader!
Thank you for a wonderful chance to win. I’m an avid reader. I find it so relaxing.
This would be the first book that I have read by this author. However, I am looking forward to it.
I’m always interested in reading about new authors I’m not familiar with. Love Amish books!
[email protected]
I love Amish Fiction and would be thrilled to win this book!! I hope I have not entered this contest too late.
Blessings,
Kristin J Keithkrisjager(at)aol(dot)com
I would love to win one of your books. I have never read any of your books yet, but want too.
Would love to Read this book… Would like to Win it… Thank You.
Would love, love, love to read your book. Thanks for the chance! Will place reviews too!
Thank you everyone for entering to win a copy of Wonderful Lonesome and thank you so much for stopping by Olivia! The two winners are Michelle Conti and Tabby Fisher. Congratulations ladies!