Guest Post

The Amish Widow’s Rescue: Cover Reveal, Amish Research, and Giveaway By Rachel J. Good

Posted Michelle Dawn
amish-widower

Today I’m excited to reveal my book cover for The Amish Widow’s Rescue. I love the covers for this book series, although this one is more somber than the rest. I have some behind the scenes pictures from this cover shoot, and the funniest part occurred when they were setting up. The model was getting into position, and the photographer’s dog jumped into the empty basket. I wish that snapshot could be on the cover. It was so cute, and the model has such a lovely smile in that picture. But for the final photo, they asked her to look like a recent widow, so she looks sad and pensive. And the dog was replaced with strawberries.

I’ve included a brief excerpt and blurb below from the book, but first I thought I’d share a little about my research for this book series. Many people ask me if I’m Amish. I’m not, but I’m lucky enough to have lots of Amish friends.

The nice thing about making friends with one Amish person is that you get to meet their friends and extended family. And of course, once you do, you meet all of their family and friends, so before you know it, you have many Amish friends.

That means whenever I need to do research, someone can connect me with the people I need to contact. Of course, being around my Amish friends always brings up many story ideas. I’d never use their actual stories, because I respect their privacy. But the conversations often provide the seeds for my stories. And for each of my books, I try to get as much hands-on experience as possible.

The Amish Teachers GiftThe first book in this series, The Amish Teacher’s Gift, is about Ada Rupp, a teacher in an Amish special needs school. I came up with the idea because one of my Amish friends has an autistic daughter. When I learned they had schools for special children, I was determined to find out more. I enjoyed visiting the programs, including the awesome Community Care Center, and meeting the students (or scholars, as the Amish call them) and teachers. The instructors surprised me with their knowledge and up-to-date teaching methods. I also met with Englisch teachers of special needs students to compare techniques and found them very similar.

Having a hearing-impaired nephew gave me some insight into writing six-year-old Nathan, whose daed struggles with sign language. Luckily, Nathan has a wonderful teacher, who’s more than happy to teach his daed.

In the second book, The Amish Midwife’s Secret, Leah’s family runs a natural products store. I often buy herbal products at an Amish-owned store, so I used that as my starting point. Remedies in the book are based on some my Amish friends use for their own families. I researched and tried out some unusual healing techniques myself.

Best of all, I did my research into midwives by using an Amish midwife when I had my two sons at home. Martha had me drink herbal teas and stay active all through labor, the way most Amish women do. That was definitely an immersive experience, but I’m sure not everyone would want to take their research quite that far. ?

For the third book, The Amish Widow’s Rescue, what stands out the most are the odors. Grace cans jams, so making sweet-smelling strawberry jam on a hot day in a kitchen with no fan or air-conditioning made me appreciate my own cooler kitchen. But not all the smells were delicious. Grace’s son almost falls into the neighbor’s manure pit. I’m sure you can imagine how much fun that was to research.

I did learn, though, that if you’re unlucky enough to fall into a manure pit, you shouldn’t struggle. It’s a bit like being in quicksand. The more you struggle, the faster you sink.

Luckily, Grace’s neighbor, Elijah, a loner and a bachelor, is on hand to prevent a disaster. And to provide a happily-ever-after ending, once he realizes all the joy he’s been missing by not having a loving family.




Excerpt from The Amish Widow’s Rescue

Grace Fisher stood staring after the Englisch doctor who’d just handed her a huge wad of bills. He slipped out the side door of her barn so he couldn’t be seen from the house. She longed to run after him to return his money. But she could never erase the secret she’d shared. She’d betrayed Miriam, hoping to save a baby.

The money burned her fingers and her conscience. Judas had accepted thirty pieces of silver. Have I just done the same?

Her daughter toddled toward her and grabbed a handful of Grace’s black work apron to stay upright. Grace reached down and swept Libby into her arms. The comforting scent of her daughter’s plump body, the horsey smell of the Morgan stamping in his stall, and the cows lowing to be milked all drew her back to the barn and to her work.

But first the money had to be hidden.

After checking over her shoulder to be sure her three-year-old son was still playing with the barn cat, she headed to the farthest stack of hay bales. Levi was now at the age where he noticed details and blurted things out at inappropriate times. The less he knew about this, the better.

If her husband discovered she had this money, he’d take it, and Miriam would never see a penny. Rightfully, this money belonged to their niece. All of it. Perhaps turning it over to Miriam would relieve some of Grace’s guilt.

She poked a hole in the top hay bale in the darkest corner. Although she was the only one who fed the animals, she still wanted to hide the roll of bills well. After pushing the money into the opening, she pulled bits of hay over it until no green showed.

Book Description

When Grace Fisher’s husband dies – leaving her pregnant and with two small children – she’s determined to take care of herself and her family. She cans jam to pay bills, but she struggles to keep up with the orders and watch her little ones, especially her mischievous son.

As a good neighbor, Elijah Beiler volunteers to help by caring for Grace’s livestock. But as a loner and a bachelor, he keeps his distance from the pretty widow. Ever since his family fell apart when he was a child, he’s convinced love leads to heartbreak.

After saving Grace’s son from drowning, Elijah realizes how much he’s missing in life. Seeing Grace reunite with her son reminds him how much he’s always longed for a family. But can he convince the independent widow to accept his help and protection? And can he overcome his own past hurts and open his heart to a ready-made family?

About the Author

Rachel GoodInspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Surprised by Love (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

To learn more about Rachel, visit her at www.racheljgood.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for her newsletter.

Thanks for visiting us, Rachel! Who’s ready for an awesome giveaway? Rachel will be giving away a signed ARC (advance reader copy) of The Amish Midwife’s Secret, coming November 27, 2018. 

To enter, leave a comment below. One winner will be selected at random and announced on Friday, September 14th. Good luck and don’t forget to share this giveaway with your friends! 

Giveaway starts today, Thursday, September 6th and ends Thursday, September 13th and is only open to US residents.

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189 thoughts on “The Amish Widow’s Rescue: Cover Reveal, Amish Research, and Giveaway By Rachel J. Good”

  1. Love reading books about the Amish. We visit Lancaster County several times a year and we are blessed to have several smaller Amish communities near us. Please accept my entry for this wonderful giveaway. I would love to add this book to my collection. Thank you.

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  7. I have read your other books and have enjoyed them. Excited to see what you have in store for us with this one!

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  14. Interesting interview….nothing like getting your information first-hand from an amish person. Would enjoy reading this book, hope it can be a stand-alone.

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  15. Love to win this. Live near Amish at Jamesport Mo. They are wonderful people. Love to read about their way of life.

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  16. Amish books are my favorite. I’m excited to be attending a medical fundraising chicken bbq and auction this Friday in Milroy. I’m so excited I’ve never attended before

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  17. Released on my birthday – that would be n ice present. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway!!

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  20. Amish books are a favorite of mine to read. I love Marta Perry’s books. I definitely want to read all of these. Thank you for highlighting her and her books.

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  25. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the contest. Such a cute story about the dog mishap while photographing the book cover. I would love to see that photo!!

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  28. I love reading Amish stories, both fiction and true stories. I live near Holmes County and have been to Lancaster PA. In PA I lived near a very small Amish community and got to know a few of the ladies from there.

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  29. Love your books! I am disabled so reading is my life,and love Amish books!! Would love to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win a copy! ?

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  31. Great interview the story about the dog jumping into the basket. You are a new author to me and I am excited to read some of your books. I also love anything about the Amish. We used to live close to the Amish a few years ago. we went spent the night in an Amish house. That was really interesting thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.

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  38. Amish fiction is my favorite genre to read. I love the book cover and it draws me in! I would love to read Rachel”s new book

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  40. I have read the other books in this collection and would love to read this one as well. I would love to get a free copy if one is available. I have been reading mostly Amish fiction for years now. Love to learn more about the Amish with each new book and the authors.

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  41. As I sit here recuperating, I wonder “Who wouldn’t want to win?”. I know I would love to, & read the whole series!
    Blessings, to U ~

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  48. I am looking forward to reading your new book The Amish Widow’s Rescue,Rachel and I also like the cover to your new book. I really enjoy reading all of your books. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of The Amish Widow’s Resuce!

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  50. I would love to win a copy of this, as I have never read a bad book that you have written. Thank you for the opportunity to win one.

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  57. ciao, I’m from italy, I loooove reading, both in italian and english languages. I’m fashinating about amish, I would love to win a copy of the book!
    ciao, martaA

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  58. I love stories about the Amish, the mysteries and the love stories. There is nothing I like to do more than read. Would love to win your book, thank you for the wonderful opportunity. May God bless you and your writing, have a great day.

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  70. I love the cover of your new book, with the Amish farm and rolling hills in the background and the beautiful young Amish woman with her basket of strawberries. Looks like a scene right out of Lancaster County, PA.

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  73. I recently purchased my second copy of The Amish Teacher’s Gift. The first copy I gave to one of my daughter’s teachers at the end of the school year. The one I recently purchased is an ebook.

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  75. I enjoyed reading the Amish Teacher’s Gift and I am looking forward to reading the Amish Midwife’s Secret.

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  76. I so love Amish fiction that it is the only thing I read anymore. It always lifts me up. If I receive an ARC, I will be sure to review on multiple sites. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  77. I can’t wait to read them all! I had no idea about the special needs school! That’s wonderful!! At least I have something awesome to look forward to this coming fall and winter!~

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  80. I enjoyed reading the first one in this series and can’t wait to read this one. Thank you for sharing about it and for offering an ARC.

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  81. The Amish Teachers Gift was such a wonderful book it held a special place in my heart I can’t wait for the rest of the series, if it’s anything at all like the first book I know I will be blown away with them. Good Luck all.

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  82. I love reading books that take me inside the Amish communities and life. This one sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win an ARC of it.

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  86. I read the first book in the series and it was so tender and wonderful
    I really appreciate the research you put into your books and can’t wait to read and review this newest one. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

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  91. Very close to my heart bordering in Ohio to New Wilmington ,Pa. Love to read the arc. Thank you for being considered

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  94. Can’t wait to read this book. I enjoy Rachel’s books. Rachel is a special sweet person in person. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  95. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. Series sounds interesting,and I look forward to reading them all. I always enjoy Amish fiction .

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  99. We live not far from the Amish here in eastern Iowa and they are just so nice. They come to farmers market and bring pasta that is so good. I have read and reviewed all of Wanda Brunstetters books which are just delightful. I would love to read and review on a few site one of yours in print . Thank you for the chance.

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  100. Would love to win this book Rachel I’ve tried so many times maybe this will be my lucky try thank you in advance

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  106. Sounds like a great book. I would love to win this book. I really enjoy reading about the Amish. Thank you for your giveaway.

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  107. Sounds great! I have enjoyed reading books about the Amish. Great stories! Would live to win! Thank you for your generosity! Blessings

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  110. All three books look great. WOW!! I did not realize that you had three of your Love and promise series of books out. The covers are all very pretty and I thank you in advance for the opportunity to win an ARC!!

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  111. I never remember to check if a singl book is part of a series. I love to read one after another. The enjoyment just keeps going!!!

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  112. Our country place us in the midst of many Amish friends and neighbors and we have been very blessed to enjoy so much of the Plain life on the farm. Look forward to reading The Amish Widows Rescue.

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  115. Enjoy reading the blog, I think the research of a book would be a lot of fun, although I know it also involves hard work. Love reading your books, and would love to win one! Thanks!!

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  116. We could all learn many lessons from the Amish they are truly amazing people. May this world of ours would be less stressful and less violence if we lived like they do! 🙂

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  121. I love reading Amish stories. The are wholesome. I learn about my neighbors in each and every story I read. Thank you!

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  123. I loved the one about the Amish teacher who taught special needs children. And I definitely want to read the next two also.

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  124. This series sounds like a wonderful read as your books always are. Thank you for writing as accurate as possible research and stories told by your friends

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  130. Amish books are my favorite genre. Your books sound so interesting & enjoyable. I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I’m going to your site right now to pick one out to read. Thanks for the chance to read this new book.

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  132. I love when a book draws me in as though I am there in the story. I have found that reading Amish stories. Would love to add to my collection.

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  134. Would love to win a copy of your book. I love Amish stories and would love to add this to my little growing library. Thank you. Sounds like an amazing story.

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  136. My mother had dementia and very much enjoyed your Amish Quilts coloring book. I always enjoy reading about the Amish. The excerpt from the latest book sure held my interest right away. Thank you for your books and the chance to win a copy of the latest.

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  140. LOVE LOVE LOVE Amish books.They are the best and I would love to add this one to my list of books. Thanks for the chance

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  143. Used to live in heavy Amish community.treasured that time with them. Love to read about them. Thanks for the chance.

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  152. Visiting Amish country is on my bucket list. Until then, your books enhance my love for their peaceful and simple life.

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  153. I read and reviewed your first book and it was fabulous. I would love to read this book. I know your books are terrific! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

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  156. reading about the amish is one of my favorite reads,,we have some near us and they are the most gentle,kind people you will ever meet,would love to win and read this book

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  157. Looking forward to reading your newest book. Adding it to my to read list. Hoping one of the libraries will carry it. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

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  165. I just finished “The Amish Teacher’s Gift” and loved it. Didn’t want it to end. the cover of “The Amish Widow’s Rescue” is simply beautiful. I can’t wait to read the book. I love anything Amish.

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  167. Having visited Lancaster, Bird In Hand and the area now makes it so much more enjoyable when I read Amish novels. I can actually picture the places. I lived in Homestead, FL and there was a small Amish settlement and a larger Mennonite one. Every Thursday my neighbor & I would take our sons & go to the Mennonite farm and buy produce, freshly baked goods (you could see them baking and smelled delicious), and now we go to Etheridge, Tn to buy canned and fresh produce. Its a nice 2- 2 1/2 hr drive from our home. It reminds me of my grandmother when I was growing up. One of my first memories is of her plucking chickens, cooking on a wood stove and washing with a rubboard and a tub

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  170. The winner of a signed ARC (advance reader copy) of The Amish Midwife’s Secret is Karen Farley. Congratulations! Please watch your email for details on how to claim your book. Thanks for entering and stay tuned for more giveaways, everyone!

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  175. I could not put down The Amish teacher’s Gift. Can’t wait to read the others. Thank you for a chance to win.

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  178. I love your books and would definitely enjoy winning a copy of this one. My daughter used to live in Sugarcreek, Ohio and have been there a few times. So quaint, and love the shops.

    Reply

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