Today we have author Laura Bradford stopping by with an interview. Laura’s newest book is Shunned and Dangerous, which hits shelves March 4th. She is giving one lucky reader the chance to win the first two books of her Amish Mysteries series, Hearse and Buggy and Assaulted Pretzel. How awesome is that? Let’s all welcome Laura to Destination Amish…
Why don’t we start by you telling us a little about yourself?
First and foremost, I’m a mom which is the greatest honor of my life. And while I feel like my kids’ baby-hoods went by in the blink of an eye, I’m proud of the people they are becoming.
When I’m not busy writing, I love to travel (Amish country is a favorite destination, as is Disney World and the beach) with my family and read lots and lots of books.
Can you tell us about your latest book?
SHUNNED AND DANGEROUS, which is the 3rd book in my Amish Mysteries, will release on March 4th. I’m super excited for my readers to get a hold of this book because it really showcases the series’ main characters, especially Detective Jakob Fisher (former Amish).
As for a the best way to tease all of you about the story, I think the back jacket copy does a nice job:
Living in the small town of Heavenly, Pennsylvania, Claire Weatherly has come to admire the Amish for their wholesome, honest way of life. But she also knows that nothing is as simple as it seems—especially when murder disturbs the peace.
Claire has always been game for a good puzzle, so when she hears that Mose Fisher has made one of his famous corn mazes, she can’t wait to walk the paths and test her skill. But she’ll have a much more serious puzzle to solve when, deep inside the maze, she discovers the body of Amish dairy farmer Harley Zook.
It won’t be easy for Detective Jakob Fisher to investigate a murder on his own father’s farm—not after being shunned by the man for leaving the Amish community and becoming a cop. With Mose himself as a suspect, and old family secrets cropping up, it’s up to Claire to help catch the killer before she finds herself at a dead end.
This might be hard, but who is your favorite character that you have written?
Wow, that’s a tough one. Since we’re talking about my Amish Mysteries, I’d have to say my favorite character in this series is probably Aunt Diane. She’s the voice-of-reason for my main character, Claire. Then again, as soon as I say that, I instantly think of Jakob and the challenges he faces as a detective in the town where he grew up. The fact that he was once Amish, but left after baptism (and is now ex-communicated), makes his story all the more fun.
Which character can you identify the most with?
Another tough one. I think I’ll have to go with my main character, Claire Weatherly, for this one. Claire moves to Heavenly to re-start her life. She’s anxious to meet new people, but also wary from the broken heart that brought her to Heavenly in the first place. She has a lot of room to grow (just like we all do) and I like that.
What inspired you to become an author?
Originally, back when I was ten, I fell in love with the notion of writing books during a playdate with a friend. We’d played Barbie’s during the first half of a particularly rainy day and were looking for something different to occupy our time. My friend pulled out stacks of plain white paper, a box of crayons, and some pencils and our imaginations took over. Before long, we were writing children’s books and I was hooked.
I still have that book…and the one I wrote on its heels. Sometimes I even bring them with me when I go out on signings.
Have you ever visited an Amish community to do research for your books?
Before I begin writing each new book in this series, I head town to Lancaster County, PA, to do research. While there, I spend my days roaming the Amish countryside, taking tours, and asking questions. And then, in the evening, I head back to my hotel to type up my notes and identify any answers I might need to track down the next day. My trips usually last two or three days, but I’d love to be able to spend a whole week sometime in the future.
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?
Hmmm. I always think it’s fun to give a little window into the final week or so of a deadline. Every writer is different in this regard. Some don’t eat, some hole up in a hotel room, some drink lots and lots of coffee. Me? I have an insatiable need to consume large quantities of candy corn (with large glasses of milk) during the final deadline dash. And, some nights, when I’m nearing the climax of the story, I can write for as much as a 16-hour stretch. Crazy, I know.
If you couldn’t be a writer, what would your ideal career be?
Teaching kids the joy of creating a whole new world with pen and paper. It’s a way to combine my two greatest loves—writing and kids.
Do you have anything else that you would like to share?
I love to get letters and emails from readers…and I do respond! You can email me at: [email protected]
If you just want to check in from time to time and see what’s happening (in terms of the next release, upcoming events, etc.), you can do that on my website: www.laurabradford.com. There, you can sign up for my e-newsletter, read first chapter excerpts from each of my Amish Mysteries, and even download a printable book list with all of my titles—Amish and otherwise.
On Facebook? I have an author page where I occasionally host little giveaways for my fans, so be sure to stop by and “like” my page!
Oh…and one more thing. I also write the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries (under my pen name, Elizabeth Lynn Casey). TAKEN IN, the 9th book in that series, will be out in August. You can learn more about that series on my website.
What’s next for you?
The 4th book in my Amish Mysteries is already written and in the hands of my publisher. I’m super excited about that book because it delves into the tragic way in which Benjamin Miller’s wife died. Benjamin is one of the members of Heavenly’s Amish community and he’s another one of my favorites (I can’t stop myself). I’ll start work on the 5th book in a few months.
To enter leave a comment below and tell me your favorite Amish fiction book. If you would like an Extra chance share this link on Facebook or Twitter. Remember to leave another comment if you did. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. Contest is only open to US residents.
**Contest starts today Monday, February 24th and ends on Monday, March 3rd. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 4th. Good Luck!**
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend’s house more than thirty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil. From that moment forward, she never wanted to do anything else. Today, Laura writes the Amish Mysteries and the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries (as Elizabeth Lynn Casey) for Berkley/Penguin. She lives in New York with her family.
88 thoughts on “Interview with Laura Bradford and giveaway!”
I would have a hard time picking a favorite Amish fiction. I haven’t read many Amish mysteries though and would love the chance to win and try something new.
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I have enjoyed reading Amish Fiction Each book gives me a new perspective on Amish life that it is hard to chose a favorite.
I would love these books I haven’t seen them on book shelfs I love to read thank you for writting
I have not read any of Laura’s books yet and I have a lot of favorite Amish books but since you asked for one I will say” The Shunning.”
Thank you I enjoyed this post. Laura’s books look great though and will add her to my TBR list.
I shared on F B
Thank You For great giveaway.
I enjoy all the Amish books by authors Wanda Brunstetter, and Beverly Lewis..I have been reading them for years.. I visit Lancaster, Pa different times, and love the people there…I would love to win the books and get an insight into you, so that I would have another favorite Author.. God Bless
Would so love to win. Looks like a must read.
It’s very very very hard for me to choose a favorite amish fiction book because I LOVE them all.
I love all Amish books, but it would be refreshing to win and read an Amish Mystery.
I only read Amish Fiction. My favorites are series written by Shelley Shephard Gray.
I would enjoy reading this series
Thank you
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My favorite Amish book is the first one I read which is The Shunning, but I love all Amish fiction books.
I love them all can’t choose a favorite! Would love to have these also!
I am sharing on FB.
It is a very difficult to pick just one book. I did really enjoy the Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall along with many, many other books about the Amish. I would love to add these books to my collection. Thank you.
I love to read Amish fiction. Would love to read this and finding a new author that I haven’t read. Thanks for the chance.
I would have to say the devine secrets of the whoopee pie sisters sara price and whoopie pie pam jarrell great books but would love a mystery
I don’t think I could choose one favorite Amish book, there are so many! I have read the first two books in this series and I am excited for the next one!
I’ve read alot of books and I wouldnt know what book to say was my favorite..I’d still like to be entered in this contest
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I shared the contest on my FB wall. https://www.facebook.com/Tina96
I shared the contest, on Twitter. https://twitter.com/tina9157/status/438033605491580928
These books sound wonderful. Can hardly wait for their release. Thank you for the opportunity to enter! Shared and liked on FB
I first got hooked into reading Amish fiction, when I read The Sisters of the Quilt. I have read a couple of the amish mystery by a different writer, and have enjoyed them and the suspense they had. These books look really good, thanks for the opportunity to win.
Hi , I have not read any of your books yet, but I put you in my book to look for books written by you..would love to win
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Its hard for me to pick a favorite. There are so many good books and authors out there. I recently read The Dawn of Christmas by Cindy Woodsmall and really liked it.
I have read 150+ Amish books and it would be hard for me to pick one favorite. . . I loved them all! I have not read any of your books but would like very much to read “Shunned and Dangerous”.I’m sure it is a very interesting book. Thank you very much for the opportunity to enter your giveaway!
It is too hard to pick a favorite Amish Book that I have read. I love reading Amish fiction and love the stories and all characters in the books. Please accept my entry in the contest.
I have so many favorite Amish books, I don’t know how I’ll pick just 1. Very hard question………Golly, there’s no way I can pick just one! I will say it’s my favorite genre!
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I have been reading Amish Fiction so a mystery would be a nice change of pace.
I agree with everyone else that it is almost impossible to pick a favorite Amish novel. But I love Vannetta Chapman’s books, and Shelley Shepard Gray is a new favorite. I’ve always loved Beverly Lewis as well.
I can’t pick just one book. I love all the Amish fiction books I have read.
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I haven’t read any of your books, but would like to. I love all the Amish fictions I have read, but I think my favorite book is The Half-Stitched Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter.
I have never read any of yours but sure would love to have the
chance. I have read lots of Amish books and hard to pin down a
fave but just finished my first by Sarah Price and loved it
Plain Fame. God bless all entering, Patti in VA
That’s a hard question!!! I have several favorites and several series! So I will just mention one of them Dale Cramers series.
These two sound great, maybe they can join my other favorites
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I have been wanting to read these books…keeping my fingers crossed and my toes too.Boy you sure have picked a very hard question,and I can’t answer it.I haven’t read a bad amish book yet.All of them are my favorites.Thanks for the chance to win these.
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I have read a lots of Amish books.It is a very difficult to pick just one book.Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Ok you have my interest and I want these books! I have not read any of your books yet but I sure want to!
Haven’t read an Amish fiction that I didn’t like. Started with Cindy Woodsmall and now have read more than I can say. I keep record of the books I have read. Would love to read yours!
Shared on Facebook! Fingers crossed!
Oh my goodness a favorite book! I wish I could but I just finished reading Leslie Gould books, and an Annette Blair book, but I love them all!!!!
I have read many Amish fiction books and loved them all! I’ve read some by Beverly Lewis, Cindy Woodsmall, Wanda Brunstetter, Vanetta Chapman among others. I would love to read these books too!
would love to win,I haven’t read any of your books,
would love to win
My favorite Amish fiction book is always the one that I am currently reading.
I have been read Amish books for a long time, I don’t have a favorite (its kinda like picking your favorite child). When I lived up North I went to Lancaster Pa all the time. (I do miss it). Love the life style, the peacefulness of the people and oh yes the yummy food :).
I would be so happy if I won these books 🙂
I haven’t read much Amish fiction but enjoyed Assaulted Pretzel
Before Laura’s books got our attention, we were reading many other authors, but now we are pleasantly stuck on Laura’s.
Anything by Amy Clipston
I have been reading Amish Fiction for over 10 years. My first book that I read was Beverly Lewis’ “The Shunning”. I cannot say that I have just one favorite. All of the Amish fiction books that I have read throughout the years are my favorite(s).
Thank you, Laura, for your wonferful stories!!
I would love to win the Amish books…. It’s the only books I read.
Picking a favorite book is a hard 1. I love reading Amish fiction. I have read several Amish fiction books by Wanda Brunstetter, Beth Wiseman, Vanetta Chapman, Jennifer Beckstrand and a few other authors. It’s hard to find a lot of Amish fiction in the public library, there just isn’t that many. Which I can’t understand why there isn’t more. I try and order some from amazon from time to time but, bills have to come first. Would love to win these 2 books. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I also shared this on Facebook.
Oh my goodness I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. I’ve read over 150. Ty for the opportunity.
Love Love my amish books. Thank you!
I have so many favorite Amish books, hard to pick one. Thanks for the chance to win!
I have read several Amish novels but I don’t really have a favorite but if I did it would probably be “THE CONFESSION”
I love any Amish fiction that makes me feel like in living with the characters as the story unfolds.
I don’t have a favorite book but my favorite Amish fiction authors are Cindy Woodsmall and Jolina Petersheim
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It sure is hard to pick a favorite Amish author. I read all the time and read a lot of Amish fiction and they are all good. I have started reading Hearse and Buggy and really like it. Sure would like to win. and I shared on FB
Love them all, but can’t put down Beverly Lewis
Hi, I can’t wait for your next book! I have read a lot of
Amish fiction series, and I truly don’t have a favorite. Each
author has their own form of writing and approach the Amish
life from their own view…
Many thanks, Cindi
“Tweet!”
https://twitter.com/cmh512/status/438866936143679489.
Again, many thanks…Cindi
I can’t honestly say I have a favorite Amish story because each is special in it’s own way. I met Beverly Lewis in Millersburg Ohio several years ago after I had read many of her stories. The following year I met Wanda Brunstetter in Canton Ohio, again after reading many of her stories. Born and raised in western PA I became aware of the Amish culture early in my life then I move to Ohio and lived one hour from Holmes County. I have been to Lancaster PA but I loved Holmes County. I have read stories by many authors of Amish fiction and enjoy every one. The stories pull me in and I feel like part of the cast of characters. To me that is a successful author.
I would love to be the winner of this contest.
God Bless you and your talent as an author.
ty for the contest. I love so many and while it is very difficult to choose a fav, I would have to say “The Shunning” by Beverly Lewis is my fav.
can’t pick a fav but do love Amish fiction with a mystery/suspense to it! Rhonda
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It is so hard to chose one who is a favorite for each writer is unique in their stories. Would love to win this book for it sounds like it is going to be A great one
These books sound unique! I would love to win!I am sharing this in FB.
I haven’t found an Amish Book yet that haven’t liked. But if I had to choose it would probably be the Plain Again series. I have not read any of your books yet but I’d love to win these two books you are offering in your contest. Thanks for the chance to win these. Judy F
I don’t think I have read any Amish Fiction that I didn’t like. And to pick out my favorite would be really hard to do. Started reading them about 10 years ago and got “hooked” now I read every one I can get my hands on.
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I have read every Amish book that I can get my hands on. I do not have a favorite they are all good. I don’t think I have read any of your books, but I would like to. I love a good mystery. I would love to win these books. Thank you for your awesome giveaway.
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I’m afraid I haven’t read your books yet Laura. I would love to win, but will look for your books to read even if I don’t. I also love Shelley Shepard Grey’s books. “Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel” is one of my favorites. It began my search for other writers and books about the Amish with their lives dedicated to God when I was facing health issues. Thank you 🙂
I enjoy reading “all” Amish Fiction so it would be hard for me to choose one favorite book or an author who writes about the Amish.
Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.
Love most all Amish books
My favorite Amish book is whatever one I happen to have in my hand at the time! I have not read any Amish mysteries however, and would love to try one of yours. Thanks for the contest…
Love Amish fiction. I haven’t read any of your books,Laura but have read all of Sarah Price’s book. Also have read Barbara Cameron, Murray Pura, & Shelley Shepard Grey’s books,among others.
Hi Laura! I unfortunately have yet to read your books, but I love anything & everything Amish, and really hope I can win this giveaway! My favorite Amish fiction book so far is the “Indiana Cousins Trilogy” by Wanda Brunstetter. I’m from Indiana near Amish country originally, so her book makes me feel like I’m home again! Thank you for this giveaway, Laura, and God bless you!
P.S. I shared this on Facebook!
Just discovered you and I Cant put your books down!
I haven’t read the series yet I am anxious to get started. Will certainly read the series and would love to win this book
I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know Laura a little better! Thank you Laura for stopping by and also thanks for hosting such an awesome giveaway. The winner of the two book giveaway is Mallory Fry. Congratulations!!