Great New Reader Contest!
The four of us who write this blog have so enjoyed connecting with you each week. Recently, Beth, Kathy, Amy and I talked about some way to let you know how much we appreciate your support and suggestions. We decided it would be a great idea to have a giveaway but this time, a really BIG giveaway.
I'm sure you know just how popular Amish fiction is these days. The four of us all have released a number of books that have done very well (thank you!) and have even more coming out in the months to come. So we decided to offer our readers a 4 book giveaway. The lucky reader who wins the contest will receive a book by each of us -- of her choice! If you want, say, an autographed copy of my new book, A Time for Love (first book in the new Quilts of Lancaster series which comes out in August or September) instead of An Amish Christmas or An Amish Gathering from me, that's what you'll get -- one of the first copies of A Time for Love of it when it releases. The same goes for a book by Beth, Kathy, and Amy!
All you need to do is enter with a comment here at this website (nowhere else, please) and tell me why you love to read Amish fiction and what you'd like to see in a future book.
For now, for me, it's back to work on A Time for Peace, the second book in my Quilts of Lancaster County series for Abingdon Press. My hero, Chris, feels the weight of the world on his shoulders because of something he's done, and he's come to visit an Amish community in hopes of discovering how to make peace with himself. But things are going to be less than peaceful when he meets the woman God has set aside for him ...
So, remember to leave me a comment and keep reading AmishHearts. We're announcing the winner in March!
Blessings,
Barbara
I'm sure you know just how popular Amish fiction is these days. The four of us all have released a number of books that have done very well (thank you!) and have even more coming out in the months to come. So we decided to offer our readers a 4 book giveaway. The lucky reader who wins the contest will receive a book by each of us -- of her choice! If you want, say, an autographed copy of my new book, A Time for Love (first book in the new Quilts of Lancaster series which comes out in August or September) instead of An Amish Christmas or An Amish Gathering from me, that's what you'll get -- one of the first copies of A Time for Love of it when it releases. The same goes for a book by Beth, Kathy, and Amy!
All you need to do is enter with a comment here at this website (nowhere else, please) and tell me why you love to read Amish fiction and what you'd like to see in a future book.
For now, for me, it's back to work on A Time for Peace, the second book in my Quilts of Lancaster County series for Abingdon Press. My hero, Chris, feels the weight of the world on his shoulders because of something he's done, and he's come to visit an Amish community in hopes of discovering how to make peace with himself. But things are going to be less than peaceful when he meets the woman God has set aside for him ...
So, remember to leave me a comment and keep reading AmishHearts. We're announcing the winner in March!
Blessings,
Barbara
Posted by Barbara Cameron at 1/29/2010 10:24 AM 
Categories: An Amish Christmas, An Amish Gathering
Tags: Amish Fiction
Categories: An Amish Christmas, An Amish Gathering
Tags: Amish Fiction
There are many reasons that I love Amish fiction - first are the characters - they are usually good, honest people who love God, but are still trying to find their way in the world. Not so different from many of us. I also worked for 4 yrs. with a dear friend who left her Amish family at age 18 instead of joining the church. The stories she told me always left me curious & wanting to learn more. Sadly she passed away last yr. at age 51 of Breast Cancer, so when I read Amish Fiction I still feel like I'm learning more about her.
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Why do I like reading books about the Amish? Because they take me back to a simpler time when God and family were first, not the newest video game or cell phone. These books center on God and family values that I think we all need to get back to in some form, not necessarily Amish. I have a great admiration for the Amish people. Throughout the centuries they have stuck to their values and never wavered. Those are the values this country was founded on and they are the values that will keep this country going.
What I would like to see in future books. Hmm, perhaps more of the daily work load the women of the family have. Delve more into what it actually takes for them to make breakfast, bread, dinner, family clothing and especially quilts. I would also like to see more about their beliefs. What the different Orders believe and the differences between them.
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I am friends with you on facebook and thoroughly love reading your books and keeping up with each of you. I would love to win this contest because I wait with joy for your new books to be released. I am 100% hooked on books about the Amish.
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I love Amish because of their tranquil lifestyle. Not that I'd like to go back to it (I grew up on a farm and know the hardships, but at least we had electricity.) Relationships are so important to them, but I do not agree with shunning.
Not sure if you have touched on this one or not, but to have a widow remarry after hearing her husband was killed, only to have him return after she remarried. I'd like to see how the Amish handle such an occurrence.
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I like to read Amish books because although they have family issues and crises, there is a unity we rarely see any more. It is refreshing and allows us to escape to a place that is clean, comfortable and loving. They are also perfect for Christian book clubs.
I would be interested in reading of someone from the Amish background, go into the world for a career but keep the same values. It would be interesting to see the impact they would have on co-workers, especially from a moral standpoint. Just a thought. I'm totally happy with all your writing as is
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Okay, now you've got me wanting to find out what's happening. I've got to get those books just to find out what's going on.
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Just finished reading Amish Christmas-excellent (could not put the book down);Getting ready to read Amish Gathering;really enjoy your books; keep on writing;love the designs on your books-that lets me relate to the characters you are reading about. thanks
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I like amish fiction because it seems to be about people who are more caring and understading. It seems to calm me down, kind of silly but it does.
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I could not find any of ya'lls books at the library in Mansfield, TX. I always go to the library first before I'll buy a book from a new author. It's also a good way to get your name out there.
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Barbara, what a wonderful contest! I'm excited to hear about your new series and can't wait to read it. Keep up the wonderful work!
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Hello!
Thank you for a chance to win a store-house of great reading!
Please enter my name
Where I go, the Amish title I'm reading goes with me!
I take advantage of every idle minute to read a page or so--be it my lay-overs on my bus route, pausing at stop lights,or waiting my name to be called at the doctor's office
I am truly addicted to my Amish stories.
I hope Amish novels are here to stay, because I will never loose interest!
May I suggest a website for additional Amish information and material for consideration for your novels?
It is: www.daviesscounty.net
It is the Daviess County (pronounced "dave-ease")Visitor's Bureau site.
Daviess County is located in Southern Indiana.
Since the mid 1800's, it has been home to many old-order Amish in cities and towns such as Washington, Montgomery, Cannelburgh, Odon, Plainville and Elnora.
Available at the Daviess County website, and at no charge, is their yearly brochure. Anyone can get one! It features, dates of area Amish events, like the every Friday night Auctions at the huge Dinky's Auction Barn.
At Dinky's Amish men auctioineers auction everything from livestock to Enfamil! Amish people and children everywhere having arrived in their black buggies parked with horses attached in the public parking lot. A food booth makes for tasty snacking while visiting even if not bidding!
In these communities are Amish and Mennonite ran restaurants such as The Gasthoff, The Black Buggy, and Stoll's to name a few. The brochure you can order, also advertises locations of other various Amish business, bakeries, variety stores and also includes a map to get you around the rural Amish living community easily. It is where I go to get my "Amish fix"!
Perhaps one of you great authors will consider using this Southern Indiana location to base an Amish series!!!!
Into the next county heading northeast in lower Indiana are the smaller towns of Worthington, Freedom and the larger and Spencer Indiana where Amish families also reside and conduct business. From a roadside fruit and vegtable stand (where I met the propriters- a young Amish couple with their 4 year old twin sons behaving well in a red wagon)--- to a large well stocked country store, and harness shops, it is a hearty Amish area.
I am Jan-Lynn and you have my email address
If you come to southern Indiana to check out the Amish in this part of the country, I would love to meet you!!
Thanks for your Amish Hearts website and the opportunity to enter contests, but mostly learn what you all are up to
Stay well,
Jan-Lynn
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What a great giveaway. I enjoy all of you guys books. Please enter me.
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I like to read Amish fiction because I am immersed in the Amish culture and I even have a website dedicated to the area. I would like to see more Amish fiction with suspense and mystery in the future.
Keep the good books coming!
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I've read both of the books with all three of your stories. Like the way you connect them. I want to see more stories dealing with real-life problems.
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I want to let you ladies know how much I appreciate your books. I feel like learning about the Amish has helped me look at God and His love for us in a different way. Thank you so much for your research and writing!
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I love to read about the Amish. Their lives seem so quiet and peaceful. My world sometimes seems to be moving way too fast. The world pulls us in all directions. Now that I am a senior adult, I can see this more clearly.
Please enter me in the contest. Thanks.
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I love books about the Amish, because while they experience problems,their lives seem so simple and uncomplicated. They are just really neat people and it is fun to read about them. I like to read about things that happen in their lives and how they deal with them. Thanks I am excited about the books, I would love to win.
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WOW - don't think I knew, realized you were already into writing A Time of Peace - good for you and Abingdon!
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I love reading about other cultures and settings. I mainly like to read historical books but Amish books are another one of my joys
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I love reading about the Amish because I believe in the simple, close to family traditions they do, and your stories are so real and accurate that it feels like I am there with them sharing the love and heart aches they feel and I cherish their honesty, and sincere love for our Lord. I am so excited everytime I see a new title from you.. and I keep a wish list for all the new books you do.. I am honored to be allowed to write to you and share your love of these gentle and kind, God fearing people.. thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with us.. God bless each of you...
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I like to read Amish fiction for several reasons. I enjoy learning about their culture. It also reminds me of what is really important: family.
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I just turned 50 years old last week. I only went though the 8th grade. I had never read a book in my life till 2 years ago I saw the Amish book. I have always loved their way of life so i bought it and read it.I am now hooked. I only read that type of book. I have even started my own Amish book. I am up to chapter 25 almost done.I have 5 more in my mind.I dont know if I can ever have them published but if nothing else it is something I did in my life so I can leave it to my children someday.Thanks Midge
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Hi Barbara, I love all of your books they are Fantastic, I love the the real life stories, we all have problems and the best place to take them is to the Lord. Keep up the good work. I hope I win the books ;~)
Gods Blessings to you and yours
Lois Klobucher
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I love to read Amish fiction because it is just soothing to my soul. The authors are so good at bringing out these stories whether they be love stories or other things that have gone wrong in life and touch your soul with them. Plus I love to hear how they embrace life and God. I would love to see in a future book about a brother and sister in the family getting engaged and married at the same time; or two brothers or two sisters in one family getting married at the same time.
As far as myself is concerned; I can't get enough of these Amish stories; I read everyone that I can. Would also love to see a book on the animals in their life; special animals just to them with stories behind them. Thank you from Denise in NC
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Good Evening, I fell in love when I picked my first Amish Novel a few years ago, didn't know/think I would like them, but, the first book I picked up was by Beverly Lewis and it was a 5, or 7 book series. I fell in love with them at that time and had to get all of the series.. I like the Inspirations and the togetherness of the Amish... May God Bless You and I am looking forward to reading more of your books...
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I read Amish fiction because good, clean fun reading. Every book is exactly what I expect. This is a wonderful contest.
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I really enjoy reading amish fiction. The way the characters draw you in their life. You feel like you are right there with them. The next book I would like to see written would be a continuation of what happens after christmas. The way the familys were created, I just want to keep on reading and see where they go after christmas.
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I love amish novels because they are real life stories that make you feel you are right there with them. They are not far fetched. Also the love stories are pure and simple, not about the sex but getting know each other. There is no major violence. As far as what i would love to see next in a book is easy, anything you write. I love all your stories
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I love reading about the Amish because I enjoy learning about different cultures and theirs is completely different from mine. It's very refreshing to read clean, lovely romance novels. And it's very easy get lost in the world of the Amish. These books are the only ones i research like crazy! I'm constantly checking to see if new books are coming out as well as new authors. Keep up the good work and i can't wait to read more!
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I love reading any and all books about the Amish. As soon as I find out when one of your books are in the store, I have to run out and get it. Although the Amish do have trails, it seems as though they find their peace and strength in God and their families. I so enjoy your stories and am blessed in that through your wonderful books, I have rededicated my life to God. Everyday, I try and meditate on a verse in the bible. I would enjoy reading something about a senior couple and their influence on the younger generation. God Bless.
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Since my introduction to Amish fiction several years ago,I have read all of you and more. Anything I can get my hands on. I love the Amish fiction because I just love the characters in the stories. They are so honest and hardworking, and they love their families. Fortuately I only live about 1.5 hours away from Lancaster, so I have been there many times. For those set in that part of the country, I feel like I know the area, and places that are mentioned. These books are so real to me. I have turned several others onto the Amish fiction as well. Great reading!
I would {heart} to win this giveaway. My hubby would like it too, that means I wouldn't be buying the books. (I need a Amish book allotment) teehee!
Thanks for offering this giveaway.
Hugs to you all!
Cindy
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I enjoy reading Amish fiction because it's realistic....not the prince falling in love with the gardener's daughter, etc. I'd love to see an Amish story based on a lady my age--55--or nearly that age. Maybe even a romance.
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There is nothing I enjoy more, than reading one of your books. I have found
that each of you are so gifted. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent. I
will look forward to your new releases.
Thank you also for this special contest.
God Bless!
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Well first let me thank you for all the wonderful books that talk abput God and the Amish. I love to read about the Anish and their strength and how God helps them with their struggles in life. It gives me insight on how to overcome some of my struggles in life. I enjoy reading your books. I always feel so blessed when I finish one. I cherish all of my Amish books and could tell you an=about each one that I have and so far I have everyone all of ytou put out. It is so refreshing to find books that talks about faith, life and how God can help the Amish as well as THe Englishers. Thanks you for always having an uplifting books to touch my soul as well as others.
Thanks,
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I like to read Amish fiction because one learns even though they live different, they still struggle with a lot of same issues. Just this month in our area two Amish men were arrested for sexual molestation of a 16 year old girl which one hardly heard of as it was always kept hush hush. Also they plan to go after elders who shunned the men rather than punish them. Up until now one never heard of Amish people ever being in trouble with law outside their community.
Enter me in contest please
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I love reading about the amish.All of you are great writers I love spending time in your books.Iam allways on the look for new books you have wrote.Thank you for all of your great work pleas keep it up.
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I love to read Amish books because it is so amazing to think that those people live in America and are able to keep the values and ways of living alive and going strong. It is interesting to see the way another culture and religion lives. I would love to see some more mystery Amish books. Those seem to hold such a good combination of spiritual things to move you but also some good intrigue! I love the Amish books! Keep up the good work!
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What an awesome give away!
The reason I love reading about Amish or Amish fiction? That's simple because with out having to worry I can read it to my children out loud, I can get 'lost' in it and it's always a wonderful story with a great lesson to be reminded of or learned. As far as what I would like to see in other books,m you don't have to change a thing I love the stories the way they are!
thank you for such wonderful books!
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My husband's grandfather introduced me to a small Amish community in Iowa just a few miles from my hometown over 40 years ago. He first took me there to buy baked goods from one of the Amish bakeries. We would make a ritual of these visits, with Grandpa talking to the Amish people while I waited shyly nearby. Then we would drive through the countryside, watching the People peacefully, living their daily lives. Finally, we would return to his warm kitchen to savor our tasty delights.
Today I wait patiently for each new Amish themed book to appear on the shelves so I can spend time reading about the People I have come to deeply respect for their committment to God, family and friends. I am in the middle of reading An Amish Gathering right now! Thanks for all of your efforts to keep these wonderful stories in our hands.
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I love Amish books because it tells of honest, hard working people who have wants and needs like all of us. They live a peaceful life with the love of large families and neighbors who are always willing to help.
Love this site.
Wanda Chamberlain
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I must admit that I had never read a single amish book until I read my friend Amy Clipston's book. I have since several of each of yours. Great writing and very refreshing to read! I look forward to reading the new ones that come out!!
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I love reading all the amish gives such a wonderful inspirtial feeling and how they live its so amazing. I havent missed one book yet I got all of them and they are so good. How the kids are raised to work and not be lazy and how they support each other and neighbors thats so amazing
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I love reading your Amish stories. They are full of real life. Good times and bad,struggles and doubts. The books are a look inside a community that is closed to most of us.
Quilts of Lancaster!! Wow my favorite subject. The history in these are amazing. The Patterns are all special in one way or another.So you know I will be first on the list to get this book.
Some day I hope to go to Lancaster and buy one.
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Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was not really aware of the Amish lifestyle. Five years ago I married my wonderful husband who took me to PA and I completely fell in love with the Amish lifestyle. I find Amish fiction peaceful and relaxing to read, void of all the junk going on around us today. What I really like is the strong sense of faith in God and the ability to trust God. The books written in series are my favorite, I enjoy following the characters through their lives. Each one of you ladies have given us some true treasures to enjoy. I have been behind and I am currently on "An Amish Christmas" it's just super good!!! Thank you.....
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Why do I love amish books? Too many reasons to list them all. But I love the stories and the characters and the inspiration that you get from the books. There are so many different subjects that are written about that I thought I'd just go rogue and tell you what I would love some of the individual authors to write about! call it my wish list! I would love to see a book by Amy Clipston in the Kaufman Bakery Series written about Lindsay, Rebeccas niece. To see her grow and decide what shes going to do with her life and a love interest(!), that would be great!Also to see what Jessica does with her life and if the sisters remained close would be great to see. In a book by Beth Wiseman, I would love to see kade and sadie have a child,and more about Tyler and how he does with change but it would be great to see a book focused on Lillians mother.In A Man of his Word by Kathleen Fuller, I fell in love with the main characters and would love to see more of them, but I would also love to see a book focused around Tobias and Rachel. I loved them too and wanted to see more! And Barbara Cameron, I would love to see more about Sarah. We got a teaser that she finally had a child, but oh how I would have loved to be there(read about it!)! I am sure given time I'll have even more ideas because these books keep me wanting much more from the characters. They are well written and make you feel like you know them personally, not just a character in a novel.And to have an autographed copy of a book from 4 great authors to add to my library would be fantastic!
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I love reading Amish stories because I lived near Middlefield, Ohio where several family members live. My sister and brother-in-law, niece and grand-niece have been yankee taxi drivers for many Amish friends. Now my brother-in-law in Canada has started to drive Amish friends to various places. Because of these family connections, I have visited in Amish homes, an Amish school, a blueberry U-pick farm, a hickory rocking chair craftsman, and I recognize common family names. I like the verisimilitude of the Amish books. Most of all, the industrious Amish women inspire me to work harder in my own home. I am impressed with how much work they accomplish.
In future books, I would like to see some Canadian Amish, trips to Sarasota, Florida for winter refuge, or some Amish child really gifted in music and the problems faced in using this talent.
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There are a number of reasons why I read Amish fiction as opposed to the many other books available. First off, I respect the Amish for the value they place on God, family and community. As people we all struggle with the same basic difficulties, yet our methods of coping are so different. I am blessed and encouraged when I read the stories of the Amish and the ways they place God first in all things. It seems I always can relate an aspect of my life to the characters in the books. I love reading the scripture quotes and how the characters apply them to everyday life.
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I just love the Amish. I used to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Quarryville, PA and they knew an Amish family that they would visit. They live such a simple life while the English want more in life. I love reading all the Amish books and want to read more, so please keep them coming. All of you are great authors.
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I just love the Amish. I had an Aunt and Uncle who lived in Quarryville, PA and when I went there, my Aunt would take me to visit an Amish family that she was friends with. It just felt peaceful being around them compared to our lives. I really miss being back there. Anyway, I love all Amish fiction the best because of who they are and the way they live.
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What a wonderful giveaway! You gals are so great!! We readers appreciate that you think of us. I'd love to win 4 books---I am recovering from a total knee replacement and they would certainly keep me occupied while resting and icing the new knee.
I love to read about the Amish. I have always been interested in them. I have many Amish collectibles from over 20 years of interest.
I enjoy the romance of the younger Amish in the stories, but I think it would be really interesting to have a story told from a middle aged or older persons view. How they cope with changes in their lives or in their community.
Keep writing please and thank you.
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