A key research tool I use for all of my Amish romance novels is a biweekly publication called The Budget. It’s a thick broadsheet newspaper filled with letters from “scribes” who write about what’s going on in their Amish and Mennonite communities across the country. I love settling onto the couch and leafing through the pages, getting ink on my fingers, and imagining all the Amish folks who do the same, anxious for news of friends and family in far away places. The insight and precious details I garner about these simply written reports of daily lives help me to paint more detailed pictures for my readers. I’m stocking up on those details this week as I dive into writing book three in the Every Amish Season series, Through the Autumn Air, so I thought I’d use my blog to share some peeks into Amish lives.
Some of scribes’ reports reflect the challenges of this simpler way of living, but it’s never in the way of complaining, but rather simply reporting. Often, the writers include long lists of who attended church services, who came a long distance for a wedding or a funeral, and all the fun had at work frolics, singings, and birthdays. They frequently write of the natural beauty that surrounds them and daily lives spent in community. The scribes often reveal a lot about themselves, their personalities, and their beautiful senses of humor. Here are some tidbits I came across as I read my stack of papers built up over the last few months:
Oct. 18 – “Sharon Shrock went down to the basement after dark and as she was getting a drink she felt something against her lips and paused a little and took another drink and felt it again. So she went and got a light and there were 2 large black spiders in her glass. Several days later she was down in the basement in daylight this time and let out a shriek. There draped across the bathroom sink was a snake.”
Aug. 23 – “Sunday morning Willie Detweiler hitched his horse up and drove up to the house and like so many of us do, didn’t tie his horse up and went inside to help his wife bring the 2 little girls out to the buggy. Unknown to him was his 2-year-old daughter was outside already and went for the buggy and as she was climbing on the buggy the horse went to trot out the drive and her hanging on to the step and the side of the buggy. Willy glanced out the window as the horse and little girl were leaving, ran across the yard as the horse turned going to the highway. He got there just in time to grab the little girl unharmed . . . “
Sept. 12 – “I don’t have all the details, but several weeks ago Roy Kramers and family went canoeing and Wilma’s canoe didn’t want to move. So she stepped out of the canoe and ended up in mud so deep she couldn’t get out. Every time she tried to pull one foot out, the other went in deeper. It struck her so funny that she went to laughing and couldn’t do anything either. The men came to her rescue.”
Dec. 15 – “Tobie Hostetlers are putting up a loafing shed for the cows and have 2-day frolics and have moved in a small house for the teachers Amanda and Jemima that they are finishing on the inside. Across the road, Ivan Rabers have converted the chicken house to a hog house and will be farrowing sows.”
Nov. 1 – “Tuesday evening Thomas Ropps school children were on the way home when the pony shied and went through the ditch, dumping the pony wagon and its content and then running away. Nine-year-old Kristy ended up under the wagon, receiving a puncture in her leg.”
Dec. 8 – “Our neighbors, the Schwartz, were blessed with their 15th child on Dec. 1. He tipped the scales at 9 pounds 2 ounces. The baby has 8 brothers and 6 sisters to help cuddle him. . . . Margaret was rushed to the hospital after the baby and had surgery. She came home last Friday evening.”
Oct. 24 – “This is Monday and have a large wash on the line and looks like it will dry quick. We also dug our sweet potatoes and had 4 5-gallon buckets. What a sweet crop from 6 plants. We found yet some red beets under our marigolds and lots of cherry tomatoes, also sweet peppers.”
You can see it’s a different life from what most of us have who rely on electricity, cars, and grocery stores, and how it piques the imagination of a writer who wants to create for her readers a picture of what it must be like to live such a rural life. Simple, but full at the same time. What appeals to you about this lifestyle? What would you be willing to give up to embrace it?
There’s so much in The Budget that reflects strong love of God, love of family, and love of the earth. It’s a joy to write Amish fiction for you. My next novel will be out April 25. It’s entitled Upon a Spring Breeze. I hope you’ll look for it!
Giveaway! Leave a comment below telling me what you like about reading Amish fiction between Sunday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 13, noon CST, to be eligible for a giveaway of my New Hope Amish series, 3 novels set in Amish country in Missouri.
I love the easy life style the Amish have. I almost have their language down pat, reading it only.
I love your books and can’t wait for Upon a Spring Breeze comes out.
Thank you, Andrea. I appreciate your kind words. I hope you enjoy Upon a Spring Breeze. I worked very hard on it!
I usually feel more hopeful when I finish Amish fiction. I also find myself thinking more about working faith and praying into my life. I do not wish to become Amish after reading them however!
That’s how I feel, Angela. I love their faith and the way they live it. I’d like to simplify some aspects of my life, but I don’t want to be Amish myself.
I love their strong faith, work ethic and sense of community. I enjoy reading and learning about different settlements.
I’m looking forward to your new series, Kelly!
Thanks Cathy. I hope you enjoy it!
I read my first Amish Novel back and 2004. Since then I’ve been hooked and never leave the house without a book or my tablet. I love reading Amish stories because they are so good, uplifting, inspirational and I end up feeling like I know the Characters.
Thanks for your feedback Diamond. I love the uplifting feeling too!
Good Morning Kelly! I love reading Amish fiction as it is a fascination I have had for many years. I love the peaceful sense I get when I visit Amish country, I love the uninhibited feeling I have when I escape into a book I am reading (An Amish Christmas Gift – A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin). I would love to go to places in my books. Vacation destination in my heart and mind. Their peaceful forgiving lifestyle – I am truly envious.
I love to escape into books too, Connie. I’m glad you enjoyed A Christmas visitor. I love Franny and Rocky. Such a sweet couple!
I read Amish novels for a number of reasons. It is a lifestyle I crave. The Amish certainly work harder than I do, but the simplicity of their lives is to be admired and imitated. The “Englishers” have left behind the ethics that the Amish live by – the coming together to help someone, without thought, without question. Their faith is not hidden away or never spoken of. To them, God is God, a Savior and more importantly a friend; someone they freely talk about, worship and love. Amish novels are also clean reading – no language, no violence and no blatant sex. I know these things exist in my world, but I don’t need to be entertained by them! Thank you for sharing your God-given gift of writing with all of us. We are better for it!
Thank you for your thoughts, Kate! And your kind words, I really appreciate them!
We live among the Amish, and I enjoy reading the books and comparing how the characters respond to situations versus how we know our Amish friends would respond.
That must be an interesting viewpoint for a reader! I know I often debate how to handle a story, knowing I need maximum conflict for my readers to stay interested even though it might not be a reflection of how it would be handled in “real life.” Do you ever talk to your Amish friends about the stories you read? Are they aware of all this Amish fiction? They must find it very strange indeed!
I like the was in all Amish Fiction how God is always centered on the lives of the characters. I also like when the stories shows true struggles they have in their life
I love the read about the simple life – not the easy life but one without all the distractions of our lives. I know it would be hard to change completely after having many of our luxuries, but it sure makes you stop and think about what is really important. It’s a reminder to appreciate what we have, what we are able to share and that love for God and each other can get you through more than all the worry in the world.
Hi kelly my mom and myself enjoy reading amish fiction tremendously as it takes us into a different world almost. It takes us out of the hustle and bustle of the englisher life and deep into the family values of the amish community.
I too love reading the Budget, I pickup a basket full every Spring and Fall, when I visit the Amish in Harmony.
I enjoy reading your books! I really have enjoyed the Amish of Bee County series.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Deanna. I love getting feedback from readers!
I think it’s the simplicity of their lives that appeals to myself and many. I too feel hopeful when reading about the Amish. Their commitment to God, family and their communities. My husband and I once vacationed in Pennsylvania Amish country. It was enchanting. The people were so nice. I’d move there and live as they do in a heart beat if my children and grandchildren would go too.
I love reading Amish books .I started reading them almost 6 years ago you see my mother in law got sick with her medical problem then a few months after that my mom both in and out of the hospitals and Dad needed takin care of too. I also was working It took a total on me and so stressful I ended up taking early retirement to help care of them . At this time I needed a stress reliever I bought a Amish book and read it oh how wonderful it was to read something so good it made be feel like I was there with them on the farm in every day life with them. It took my problems away for a while . In the year ahead both MIL passed in2011 and then Mom in 2012 and dad 6 months after mom . To this day I still read them they are a comfort to me in everyday life. I love their simple way of life
I’m so sorry for your losses, Brenda. I’m glad you find comfort in reading these books. They are a great way to relax and escape!
I love their quiet ways, simpler times, their devout faith, working together to benefit everyone in their community. I love reading Amish Christian romance historicals. All my life I’ve been reading about the Amish and their lives. I’d love to win your 3-book series!
I love reading Amish Fiction because their life is so laid back and they value the true meaning of family. Something a lot of us have gotten away from. Family don’t mean anything like it use to. I often day of there is any thing such as being reincarnated, I would love to come back in an Amish family.
I love reading about the amish. I love their faith, love for each other and their sense of community. The simplicity in their life just amazes me. Would love to win your books.
Thanks for commenting, Valerie!
I love the Amish way of life and get absorbed into books about it. Amish stories are clean and refreshing! Thank you. I live in Ohio and have visited Walnut Creek, and Berlin.
I suppose one thing that appeals to me is that in our world family members go in different directions, always going shopping, go pick this up, go here, go there, the movies, too many distractions. In an amish family they do things together, don’t find reasons to go somewhere every single day like we do.
I could live many aspects of their life but I like to “go” too much, lol.
I like reading Amish fiction because of their simplistic yet hard working ethics. Their faith in our Lord is so strong. I wish we all could learn to work for what we have/get instead of looking for handouts. I would love the opportunity of winning your books and reading your work. If not….I’ll try to remember to look for you in the library.
I like the Budget newspaper too. I used to deliver mail to some Mennonite families and there was an older lady, God rest her soul, who subscribed and counted on it coming. I remember her so well.
Anyway, I hope you have a beautiful day and remember to be a blessing to someone today.
I guess for me I’m always amazed on how much I learn about myself. I find the more I learn the more a crave to know, the scripture intertwined in the Amish books along with the facts of simple life make my heart soar for that path God has for me.
I have been a fan of the Amish for many years.Love reading about them and the many novels out there on them and their lives whether it is fiction or non fiction. Have some Amish friends and am proud to call them friends as the simple life they live is so peaceful and family oriented. We need to all practice and live like the Amish. Many thanks to you and all the other authors that let us know what it is like to live the Amish life through your great books.
You’re welcome, Harold. I’m glad you enjoy them! I enjoy writing them!
I love reading about the Amish lifestyle. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that with their devout faith and simple lifestyle they still face many of the same problems and temptations that we face. It’s nice to be able to pick u a novel and know that there will also be a good plot, no foul language, and an insight to the faith and beliefs of other people. Looking forward to reading more of your novels.
I love to read about the simple way of life so long ago for us. I know my great grandmother live the simple way. She made all of her own clothes. Had a great big garden and would can all of her food. Wash on a washboard and dry her clothes outside. Everything was just simple back then. Not like life is now. Alway on the go
Things certainly have changed, Brenda. Some things for good (like advances in medicine), but sometimes we have to work a lot harder to slow down. My mom sewed a lot of our clothes and we had a big garden too. I remember a highlight of the summer when my great grandmother, grandmother, and mother got their bushels of Colorado peaches to can. We didn’t have AC so it was hot in the kitchen, but it smelled great! Now I don’t know what I’d do without AC! My husband canned some peach jelly for me and it sure brought back memories!
Love reading Amish Novels. Fond memories as a kid when my family would visit Pennsylivia and visited the area. I love the simple life, a life style I would love. To be able to disconnect from technology, the ability to truly have a garden. Your Amish stories pull me in.
I’m so glad Cheryl. It’s a privilege to write these stories for my readers.
The time I can spend reading is my way to escape the pressures and frustrations of daily life. I love spending time with the Amish, and when I read your books, I’m reminded that even the Plain people have heartaches and stress – without the benefits of central heating and electricity! Thanks for sharing your wonderful characters, and showing us in every book that love is always the answer to our problems.
You’re welcome, Liz!
I have a good and calming feeling when I’m through reading an Amish book. Puts a smile on my face…
We can always use more smiles, right?
As I read Amish fiction, sometimes places or streets are mentioned that I have been to when we have visited. It makes me feel like I am in the story. I am fascinated be the Amish way of life and how they manage to remain Amish with all the English around them.
Love your books.
Thank you for the chance to win and have a blessed week.
So glad you like them, Debbie. I hope you have a wonderful week as well!
I live close the Amish community and Memonite’s here at Odon, In., also my granddaughter married a wonderful Amish young man. I love the life they lead it is so natural I could live among them just give me plenty of books to read that is all i need.
How interesting! Very close ties. Yep, I really need my books to read too!
I love reading about the Amish because i like to understand about different religeons that people practice. Their way of life is so different from mine but yet alot alike. I have never wanted to be the one to stand out but I am a leader not a follower. I love the close family relationships and because I don’t have that with my sibblings I was bound and determined my personal family would have that closeness. We love each other for the way we are alike and different and our family gatherings are alot of fun. I thank the Lord for his blessings on my family@
I am from Ohio born and raised and have always interacted with the Amish/now live in Florida whenever I go home (ohio) I have to go see and visit the stores and interact with the people they r so down to earth and homey my sister jokes am I sure i am not Amish ( I was adopted) can’t explain it /i read all Amish /to me they are what’s good about America
Love all things amish
What I love about reading Amish fiction is that it is wholesome, educational (at least to me) and entertaining. By wholesome, I mean that I love that I don’t have to worry about putting in my mind and spirit the immoral words and pictures that this world seems to thrive on. I want my heart to be pure before my LORD and Savior so that when I stand before Him someday, He will say “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I am excited for you, too, for this new year and all that it holds for you and your writing. Thank you for sharing with us, your readers.
My Great Grandparents were Amish and I know most of the language. I love reading Amish Fiction . I think because of the nostalgia and thinking about what their lifestyle was and the values that were handed down to me. I don’t want to be Amish myself but it is very relaxing to me to read about them!
I like most Amish fiction. It such a clean, calming read. I also enjoyed reading the excerpts from The Budget. Always wondered what that was about. Seemed the men in the family were always reading that or had it by their chair.
Glad I could clear that up about The Budget, Jean!
I love the simplicity of their lifestyle and their style of writing! All of their stories are fascinating but poor Mrs Shrock though!! LOL. Can you imagine?!!
I love reading your Amish books and experiencing their life in my imagination!
God bless you!
So glad you like them, Sandra. And poor Mrs. Shrock is right!
I love to read Amish books because it makes me under stand them better because some of their belives and the way they live I do also and its clean reading
I love Amish fiction. They bring tears to mine eyes, and make me want to become Amish. I hope I win! 🙂
I love reading Amish fiction. I have several Amish friend, one who is like a daughter and her children look at me like a Grandma. I read the books and then ask my friends about things of interest. They either tell me it’s close to the truth or else laugh because it’s far from the truth. I have taken my Amish friends, shopping, to appointments and worked with them, or we spend the day together just visiting. I’ve also gone to school plays. They live a simple live but work hard. My friend doesn’t talk about their religion unless I ask questions.
I have read that the Amish don’t talk a lot about their faith, but would rather be a witness by their example. It’s very nice that you are able to have friendships with Amish folks and so interesting that you get to see what their reactions are to our Amish stories!
I love reading Amish fiction. It makes me feel relaxed and a little envious too. I love the way the younger family looks after the older generation. I know they have problems like anyone else, but the families are generally very close. I would love to live in that kind of environment for a while. I love horses, but don’t know if I could give up my horses “under the hood.” 🙂 I do subscribe to The Budget and like it very much. I enjoy reading what the scribes write. Getting the local edition helps me to keep up with goings on in my favorite place to visit – Holmes County and vicinity.
Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks and all the best to you in 2017! Stay well.
I don’t think I could give up my horses “under the hood” either! LOL
I enjoy Amish fiction because the stories are wholesome. They are interesting because of the Amish friends my brother has here in Ohio.
I love all of the Amish novels. Each one is unique. My great grandmother was of Amish descent. It gives me insight into the lifestyle of my ancestors.
I also love reading Amish fiction books. These peaceful people really speak to something inside of me. We have horses and have travelled to town in a horse and buggy several times. It gives me a true feeling for how these people get to the grocery store or other places they need to go. Thank you for writing these wonderful stories.
I love Amish books because of the connection to God. I love the Lord very much and in any language it inspires me. Thank you. Patsy Tapp
Please enter me in your sweepstakes
I enjoy the pace of the Amish lifestyle. I enjoy the different types of things that they do as life throws them curve balls. I enjoy the different locations the writers use. My #1 preference for fiction is Amish ! You know you’re one of my favorites. Blessings
Thank you, Pamela. I really appreciate your kind words!
They offer me a sense of peace & tranquility even in the midst of the things happening in their lives that may be painful. The faith I see so often in the stories & the escape from a hectic, busy world allows me to experience a simpler way of life where, even though hard work is an everyday occurrence, the stress is not the same as in the modern world. Amish books are my favorite & I always feel good when I read one!
I think the reason I love reading Amish books is because they give me an insight on family history. My grandmother was a Miller and her side of the family were Pennsylvania Dutch and I remember hearing family stories. When I was 10 we left the Pennsylvania/New Jersey area and moved to Colorado were we lived a few houses from the Mennonite church. My father was a preacher and we became good friend with the Mennonite community and often joined them for service. I love to read and usually have 2 or 3 books going at one time. My whole family are avid readers and we all read books by a various Amish writers.
I also enjoy the budget I have been getting it for years I read it from page to page I laugh and I cry I love the people and the ways simple ways that’s that’s for my husband and me. When we have a vacation only place we go to is amish country either in ohio or indiana. We love the peace and quite and friendlyness. I would live right in the heart of the amish if we could we would surely be blessed.susie
I agree with what so many have said. I enjoy reading about the sense of family, the strong faith, the community spirit and even the hard work. I like knowing that the Amish have very real human emotions, that their lives are not always perfect. Please keep writing these wonderful books, they have good life lessons for all of us. I got to make a bucket list trip to Shipshewana, Indiana last fall.
I’d love to go to Shipshewana. I’ve been to Jamesport, MO., and to the tiny community in Bee County, Texas (blink and you’ll miss it!). I’ll keep writing for as long as I possibly can! It gives me great joy!
I have always been fascinated by the Amish and Mennonite community. I guess that is why I love to read books based on the Amish…just like this simplicity of their life, plus they are hard working people. I also subscribed to the Budget. I just like to read and see what is happening in their lives.
I enjoy reading Amish books because I find the Amish very interesting. Their belief in God helps me in my religion. They are such a strong and caring community. They rarely put themselves first and stop whatever they are doing when someone needs them. Yet, they go through the same things as everobry else, non Amish as well.
What I like about reading Amish fiction is that the christian values that the books instill in the reader is a blessing. The story lines take me into the books and I find myself cheering the characters on or wanting to shake some sense into others. If I was given a choice of books to read it would always be Amish fiction first and Christian fiction second.
I love to read about the Amish because each time I immerse myself in their way of life and their commitment to the Lord. I love their basic way of living. Would love to experience it one day.
I love reading the Amish books because they always leave me feeling good and hopeful inside. Even in bad times they all come together helping each other. And the closeness and faith they share also. And they are clean wholesome books.
Thanks for ALL YOUR HARD WOK…ENJOY YOUR WONDERFUL BOOKS…PLEASE DON’T STOP WRITING…ITS ADDED MUCH NEEDED ME TIME…..i LOVE HOW WELL THE AMISH SIMPLE LIFE IS SO INTERESTING…..THE BOOKS ARE SO CALMING AND REFRESHING….ADDED JOY TO MY ME TIME….CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF IT….THANKS AGAIN…..
Thanks for your kind words, Linda. No plans to stop as long as health permits and God blesses me with stories and the resources to publish them.
The older I get the more complex the world seems to become. Reading about the Amish refreshes my soul and takes me back to a more simple time.
Having met and befriended two Amish families, Amish fiction gives me an inside peek into their daily lives and answers questions which are too personal to ask.
i have always loved reading amish fiction! there is nothing raunchy or questionable….i can let my kids read them. when my life is stressed and hurried, reading an amish fiction book lets me slow down and appreciate the little things. they also help me appreciate all the hard work that goes into the Amish goods we buy.
I enjoy reading Amish genre books. They are charming reads and you gain a new perspective about life. I’m trying to live a simpler life style and it’s nice. God bless. Prayers for your healing and strength as you continue to write amazing books.
Thanks, Marilyn. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!
I enjoy Amish fiction because it represents a slower pace, family and community oriented and ‘clean’ thoughts and language. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
You’re welcome, Linda!
I love how the Amish love family, community & take care of each other. We could learn from them….our families have fallen by the wayside with all the technology in our homes 🙁
Thank you for the opportunity to win your books Kelly
Blessings,
Lorraine
I LOVE Amish fiction – it is my favorite genre! I have gotten my sister hooked on it as well! I would love to win these books.
I love other cultures and people groups. I love to learn about who they are and what their lives are about. The Amish are right here. 2 hours from me yet they’re so different. I love to peek into their lives. So close yet so far away. Amish fiction brings them closer. I love to read about simple life not littered by social media and the fast paced life in mainstream America. Would love to read these books!!
I always enjoy reading Amish fiction and I share the books I get with my mother and mother-in-law. They both live in an assisted living care facility. Thank you for using your gift of writing . Thank you for the opportunity to win. God bless you as you share with your readers this next year.
Good for you, LaDonna and thanks!
I love my Amish books and All the authors that write them. Kelly, you are a GREAT writer and love to read every one of your book. Thank you for your books
Thank you, Betty. I appreciate your kind words!
I love the clean stories,the love and friendships and faith in the stories.
I gave up reading many years ago.. Because the romance in the books got so terrible, left nothing to the imagination.. As a Christian , I just had to lay them down.. My sister got me started reading Amish books.. I really enjoy reading this type. Clean -easy reading.. My thanks goes to writers like you Kelly.. I love them..
I love reading about the simple life, their values , their religion and their simple life
Thanks, Myrtle!
I love getting to know the characters and the sense of community in Amish books.
This would be a great birthday present.
Thanks Kelly, for sharing your talents with us!
I love to read the Amish fiction books. They have the most simple life and great love stories.
I love reading Amish fiction. The Amish seem to have a lot of things right in today’s world. Their faith is strong, they work hard and they love their families. I live in Northern Kentucky and more and more Amish are moving into our area. Very nice and respectful people.
I love your books! And I pray for your health. God Bless.
Thank you, Donna. Your prayers are appreciated!
The Amish life so simply with out the headaches that regular films have and I think that’s why the lifestyle is so appealing. Plus its,clean reading.
I am embarrassed to admit I have not read any Amish fiction in recent years, though Zi have very much enjoyed learning by visiting Amish settlements in
both Iowa and Pennsylvania. I would love to win your books, Kelly! ❤️
It’s hard to find the time to read for pleasure, isn’t it, Christine? I hope you have more down time in the future! Good luck with the drawing!
I love reading about yheir simply life and how close rhe families are.
Kelly, I love the family support and unfailing love of God!
Kelly,
You have many fans and I have to admit I have not read your books so that is why I’d love to win! I pray for your strength and your health. I’ve been reading Amish books for years and have enjoyed them tremendously.
Thanks, Sally. I appreciate the prayers!
I like reading about a more simple lifestyle that centers around family, togetherness, and work ethic more than the fast-paced lifestyle we are accustomed to living.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I just started reading your books. Love them
I’m so glad you like them, Sheila!
I enjoy reading Amish books (both fiction and nonfiction). I so enjoy their slower paced life and their focus on their family/neighbors. Reading an Amish book always relaxes me and I almost always feel a renewed spirit 😊
Thank you for offering this giveaway😀
You’re welcome, Diane!
I like the simplicity of the world. Not easier, necessarily, but seemingly more wide open to invite the Spirit and Peace. I like the emphasis on family, faith, and forgiveness. I feel like I always learn something about my own walk.
I read Amish fiction because it simply makes me feel good. Thank you for the chance. Continued prayers for a healthy 2017.
Thank you, Lucy, so appreciated!
Love your stories.
Thereadmaster@me.com
Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing your talent and compassion for writing with me. When I read your novels I step into a peaceful non violence existence. Again thank you so much
You’re welcome, Penny!
I enjoy reading Amish fiction because although their lifestyle is simple, centered on family, faith, and community their life’s struggles are the same as everyone’s. I love reading how they view and handle everyday normal happenings and then those tragic incidences that could occur in any one of our lives at any time. I can always count on a clean story line from all of the authors I read that write Amish fiction. Thank you Kelly for being one of those treasured authors.
You’re welcome, Sue!
I love the simpleness of life that they have
I read a lot of Amish fiction. One thing I think I would have a lot of trouble with is pinning my dress every morning! And I have to laugh at their grapevine of gossip. However, I do admire their love of God and living a good clean life.
I am so happy you are feeling better.
Thank you, Joan!
I enjoy Amish fiction because the stories are wholesome with positive messages. Thank you for the chance to win.
I love the peaceful gentle spirit you feel when around the area where they live. The area is usually so beautiful, love how they help each other in a time of need.
Blessings
Diana
The Amish fiction I’ve read is all very well-written. I like reading about the simple lifestyle and have read books with lots of good recipes in them.
I read Amish fiction because I like reading about their simple lifestyle. I wish sometimes we would take lessons from them and slow down.
I love getting lost in the simple life they lead and always find something which touches me deeply and spiritually.
There is so much I love it’s hard to choose! I think their faith and love of family.
I enjoy Amish fiction because I like the fact that they are such a loving community that are always ready to help each other, and how they keep themselves separate from sinful influences in the world.
I like reading Amish fiction because I like to escape from problems in “real” life by getting caught up in the story. The Amish fiction I have read makes me long to simplify my life. Even though the characters are faced with problems like the rest of us the way they react to them helps me to try to react to my own life with a different attitude. I like reading about their strong faith and devotion to family.
Thank you for writing books. I enjoy the unusual storylines you use in your books. Bee county is still a favorite.
I just really love reading
Amish Fiction because it is very interesting to me!!
I love the family/community life of the Amish. We English always seem so busy going somewhere, doing something that we forget about those around us. Plus I used to live outside of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania and the books tend to take me home.
I love reading Amish fiction as it is a much more wholesome option than some other genres out there. It is wonderful to learn more about the Amish culture and their relationship with God through enthralling novels!
I love reading Amish fiction because their lifestyle inspires me to simplify my life and spend time doing things that bring happiness to my family and loved ones. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
I love everything about them. I have about 50 books in my own personal collection. .would love to add this one as well.. my best friend is an amish woman lives about 1 mile from me I visit her quite often..she has came to see me also..I’ve spent my birthday picking veggies in the hot summer sun with her and made me a blueberry cobbler.. so much fun with her..IT’S THE SIMPLE THINGS!!! Such an honor
What I enjoy reading the most about reading Amish fiction is that when the story happens in a place I’ve visited and places are mentioned that I know, the story really comes to life then. And then the next time I visit that area, I think of the characters in the book and the things they did. Thanks for the chance to win.
I admire their faith in God, simple pleasures and needs. Seems we get so caught up in what we want out of life, we forget to simply live! We can learn so much from their lifestyle. Love your Amish of Bee County. Haven’t started New Hope Amish! Thank you for writing and the chance to win.
So glad you liked Amish of Bee County!
Love reading about the Amish to learn about their character and lifestyle.
Kelly at first I wasn’t sure if the Amish novels would be something I liked and now I find reading them very inspiring and uplifting. And I am just delighted that I can say I know and consider a dear friend an author who writes wonderful Amish romances. Actually now I can say two friends. So glad God brought you into my life.
Thanks, Sherry. So glad you like them! I’m delighted too!
I love reading about the Amish I enjoy it so much it helps me to get my mind on better things and not so much what is going on in the world
I love reading about their simple way of life.
I enjoy the interaction between families. We pass an Amish community on the way to a larger city. I like the windmills, and watch for the horse and buggy and families. Should I tell that the little children wave from chest high to not be suspected by their parents in front of them? lol
I would love to have The Budget to read. Reminds me of small community papers that tell what company was there and already returned. I have really enjoyed your Bee County series. Thank you. Interesting to have real life episodes to follow! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
I have a very good Amish friend & love to read these books. So does she! Thanks