During the month of May, you can purchase signed copies of Vannetta Chapman’s books from her webpage for $10, plus tax and shipping. Don’t miss this great opportunity!
http://www.vannettachapman.com

An Amish Garden
Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer, & Vannetta Chapman
Rooted in Love by Beth Wiseman
Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.
Flowers for Rachael by Kathleen Fuller
Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?
Seeds of Love by Tricia Goyer
When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?
Where Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman
Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?
Thoughts:
An Amish Garden is a fantastic collection of Amish novellas! Each of the four novellas is refreshing, unique, and a delight to read!
I loved everything about this book! Even before I began reading, I was drawn to the beautiful cover of An Amish Garden. Endearing characters and engaging storylines drew me in even deeper and surrounded me with peace and comfort.
Hope, encouragement, and healing burst from the pages and romance blooms in An Amish Garden!
One of my favorite novellas in this collection is Where Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman. This beautiful novella is like a breath of fresh air!
I quickly fell in love with Emma Hochstetter and her mother-in-law, Mary Ann. Emma’s loving heart and Mary Ann’s wonderful words of wisdom are simply delightful! Their story is as special as the garden they so lovingly tend.
As Mary Ann said, “Gardens are a place to rest, to draw near, and to heal.” These words are so true of the garden in this lovely story, where hope and healing spring forth and romance blossoms.
To order a copy of An Amish Garden, please visit: http://vannettachapman.com/books/an-amish-garden/
Vannetta Chapman has graciously offered a copy of An Amish Garden to be given away to one lucky reader!
To enter, please leave a comment and answer the question, “Do you plant a garden?” Don’t forget to include your email address!
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This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Sunday, May 11 at midnight CST. The winner will be drawn and announced on Monday, May 12. Good luck!!
The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim
*Library Journal’s Best Books 2013
*Christian Manifesto’s 2013 Award Winner for Excellence in Amish Fiction
*World Magazine’s Notable Books
*2013/2014 Christian Retailing’s Best Nominee
*INSPY Nominee
Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop.
But secrets run deep in this cloistered community, and the bishop is hiding some of his own, threatening his conscience and his very soul. When the life of Rachel’s baby is at stake, however, choices must be made that will bring the darkness to light, forever changing the lives of those who call Copper Creek home.

Murder Simply Brewed is set in an Amish Artisan Village. What inspired this unique setting?
When I visited Middlebury for research, I stayed at the Essenhaus. It’s a lovely setting, and the “village” includes an inn, restaurant, bakery and several shops. The manager allowed me to interview him, and the rest — well, it went together easily.
You can visit them online at http://www.essenhaus.com/index.php
In Murder Simply Brewed, which character most interested you while you were writing? Why?
I could relate to both Hannah and Amber. Hannah is young and impressionable and full of life and energy. She’s a sweet girl. She’s also very bright. So many experiences are ahead of her (falling in love, marrying, starting a family) and she’s eagerly anticipating them all. It’s a time of life that I think we can all look back on and remember fondly. Hannah is older, and while she’s very happy in her work her love life is non-existent. In fact, she doesn’t even have very many friends because she’s so busy. THAT too is something most of us can relate to. I loved putting these two women together.
Did you encounter any surprises while you were writing Murder Simply Brewed?
Yes! One character, Preston, did NOT act like he was supposed to. I had envisioned him as this quasi dangerous, homeless man. He became one of my favorite characters.
Just for fun, please share 3 random facts we might not know about you.
What can we look forward to next in the Amish Village Mystery series?
Thank you so much, Vannetta, for taking the time to answer these questions!
Thanks for having me! I’m happy to give away a copy of Murder Simply Brewed to one commenter with a U.S. address. Since this book takes place in a coffee shop, how about we share our favorite summertime drink? 🙂
To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Let me know you follow my blog
◦ Sign up to follow my blog if you are not a follower
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email
Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Tuesday, April 15 at midnight CST. The winner will be drawn and announced on April 16. Good luck!!
Murder Simply Brewed by Vannetta Chapman
Synopsis:
Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops—until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register.
When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop’s duties, the two women become fast friends—as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray’s death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren’t convinced.
Clues that don’t add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance—all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.
Thoughts:
Once again, Vannetta Chapman has created a delicious blend of mystery, friendship, and romance!
Murder Simply Brewed is an engaging and entertaining tale! The murder mystery and acts of vandalism kept me guessing and left me anxious to discover the culprit. I was delighted by the special friendship that developed between Amber and Hannah and adored the romance that blossomed for each of these characters. My favorite quote from the book is, “One can never guess who will or won’t become important in their life.”
In addition to the great story, I also enjoyed the glossary of Amish terms and the map of the Amish Artisan Village that were included in the front of the book. While Vannetta’s imagery is vivid, this pictorial reference of the village is an added pleasure!
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and am eager to discover what will happen next in the Amish Artisan Village!
To order your copy of Murder Simply Brewed, please visit:
http://vannettachapman.com/books/murder-simply-brewed/
Biography:
Vannetta Chapman writes Fiction Full of GRACE. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.
For more information, visit www.VannettaChapman.com.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
Synopsis:
Babies have their own schedule. But so does God.
Annie’s life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community’s minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.
Thoughts:
In The Christmas Quilt, we revisit the characters and community first introduced by Vannetta Chapman in A Simple Amish Christmas. I loved returning to Mifflin County, Pennsylvania and catching up with this special Amish community!
Samuel and Annie Yoder continue to help the community with their medical needs. Expecting their first child, they are eager to share the experience of parenthood with Annie’s brother and sister-in-law, Adam and Leah Weaver. Leah is pregnant with twins and due to deliver before Christmas.
While Annie pregnancy has been a smooth experience, Leah has experienced some emotional and physical difficulties. When Leah goes into early labor, Annie hurries to her side and convinces her that going to an Englisch hospital is best.
As they wait for the arrival of the twins, Annie and Leah begin working on a nine-patch crib quilt for the babies. As they work on each square, they pray together and share stories inspired by the fruits of the Spirit. What started as way to fill the time begins to hold a far greater significance!
The Christmas Quilt is a wonderful story of faith and beautifully illustrates the fruits of the Spirit. I love The Christmas Quilt and would love to visit the residents of Mifflin County again!
Click to enjoy an excerpt from The Christmas Quilt.
1. In The Christmas Quilt, we return to Mifflin County and catch up with Annie and Samuel and the other residents, whom we grew to know and love while reading A Simple Amish Christmas. Do you enjoy revisiting characters when you are writing?
Yes, especially since there was a 3 year period between the two books. This was a wonderful chance for me to show how my characters had changed, grown closer in some instances, and encountered problems in others. Through it all, their faith is a major component.
2. I love the significance of the Christmas quilt and its squares. Are you a quilter and/or do you have any quilts that are meaningful to you?
I am a beginning quilter, which means that I’m doing wall hangings and lap quilts at this point. I love doing it. On days when I finish my writing early, I reward myself with an hour of two of quilting. As far as special quilts, I have several. One is the nine patch quilt a friend made for me as I wrote The Christmas Quilt. She pieced and quilted it by hand, and I definitely treasure it. I also have quilts that were my grandmother’s and her mother’s. These are a sweet connection to our ancestors.
3. Can you share with us one of your favorite Christmas memories?
My husband had a torn retina a few years ago. It required surgery, and then several days lying horizontal, and then when he was up and about still no driving. So I took him to see Christmas lights. I look at Christmas lights at the same speed I go through a museum–rather quickly. We were zip zipping around the lighted neighborhoods in our town, when Bob finally admitted he was getting dizzy. Oh we laughed about that, and I slowed down a little. But it’s a good reminder of my need to enjoy the moment a little more, especially at Christmas time.
4. What can we look forward to reading from you next?
I actually have two books releasing in March. Murder Simply Brewed is book one in my new Amish mystery series and will be set in Middlebury, Indiana. Where Healing Blooms is part of a novel collection, An Amish Garden. You can view both of these on my Amazon page at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_16?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=vannetta+chapman&sprefix=Vannetta+chapman%2Cstripbooks%2C235
As a special treat, Vannetta has shared a character post with us. The following is an interview with Annie Weaver Yoder.
1. What is the most interesting things about you? Some might say that the most interesting thing about me is that I’m a nurse, and I’m Amish. Those two things don’t usually go together – but I earned my high school equivalency and nursing certification while I was living with my aunt. I suppose you’d say I was on my rumspringa then. Actually, I was just following my heart, and soon my heart led me home. I think the most interesting thing about me is that I’m surrounded by a loving family, including my husband, Samuel.
2. What do you do for fun? I love to quilt! I’m not the best quilter in my family—that would be my mamm. I love to do it though, and when I’m not helping Samuel with his patients, cooking, or cleaning then I am quilting. Right now I’m working on a nine patch crib quilt for my brother’s wife, Leah.
3. What do you put off because you dread it? I will admit that I dread going to visit Rachel, Samuel’s sister-in-law. She is a sad, bitter woman and try as I might we’ve yet to become friends. When I’m with her, I’m at a loss for what to say, and when I leave, I wish that I could have thought of some way to brighten the situation.
4. What are you afraid of most in life? I think the natural answer would be death—but after working in the hospital I know that death is a part of life. Perhaps I knew that even before I pursued my nursing certification. Since we are Amish, we believe that each person’s life is complete when they die, that God is all-knowing. Sometimes I think about my father’s accident, and how I wasn’t here to help him. Then I grow afraid that something similar could occur again. When those thoughts plague me, I know that praying is the only thing that will ease my heart.
5. What do you want out of life? To be with my family—all of my family. Samuel and I are expecting a boppli, so this is a very exciting time. What I want more than anything is for our child to be raised in this circle of love that includes my parents, brothers and sisters, and friends.
6. What is the most important thing to you? My faith. I know that without my faith I would be floundering through life. The scripture is what guides me. I’m grateful that I was raised in a house of faith, and that each day brings me a little closer to my Lord.
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read? I do read—a lot! I read all sorts of things—nursing books and articles, quilting books (even Amish enjoy new patterns), and I also like to read a good fiction book. We visit the small library in our town quite often.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’ve been trying to learn to slow down. Now that I’m 23 and expecting a child, I shouldn’t run around like a small child. I’m trying to remember to measure my steps and think before reacting. That’s hard for me, as I become caught up in whatever is occurring and my first reaction is to act—not always the best thing.
9. Do you have a pet? if so, what is it and why that pet? We do not have pets in the traditional sense, though I wouldn’t be surprised if Samuel purchased a hunting dog. He’s been looking at them lately, though he thinks I don’t know that. I suppose our horses are like pets though, as we spend a lot of time caring for them and we depend on them for transportation. My mare’s name is Beni. She is a quarter horse, 14.2 hands high and 6 years old, sorrel colored.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why? I would go to the night of my father’s accident, when his buggy was hit by a car. I would be with him, to care for him as he lay in the snow. But I can’t go back, and I’m grateful that Gotte used that incident to bring Samuel and me together.
Thank you so much, Vannetta! Happy holidays to you and your family!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abingdon Press. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman
Synopsis:
Will Annie find acceptance in the Amish community she left behind?
Annie Weaver always planned to return home, but the 20-year old RN has lived in Philadelphia for three years now. As her time of Rumschpringe is about to come to an abrupt end, bringing for Annie an overwhelming sense of loneliness. She returns home and finds herself face-to-face with a budding romance with an Amish farmer and Annie has several important choices to make.
Thoughts:
A Simple Amish Christmas is a wonderful story to be enjoyed, not only during the holiday season, but any time of the year! Set in an Amish community of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, this story is full of vivid descriptions and enjoyable characters. I encourage you to open the pages and step into this delightful tale and visit this special community!
Three years ago, Annie Weaver left her Amish community to live with aunt in Philadelphia. During this time, she acquired an education and career among the Englisch. Annie enjoys her work at the hospital as a registered nurse. However, thoughts of home wash over her from time to time and leave her longing for home. A sudden phone call changes everything and Annie rushes to return to her Amish community.
Samuel Yoder is a local farmer who helps with the medical needs of the community. When he makes a house call to check on Jacob Weaver, he is surprised to find Annie caring for her father. Skeptical at first of Annie’s ability to nurse her father back to health, Samuel soon learns there is more to this young woman than he realized. There is also more to Samuel Yoder than meets the eye, as Annie slowly discovers.
A Simple Amish Christmas is a well-written story of love, acceptance, and realizing God’s will in all things. I highly recommend this book!
Click to enjoy an excerpt from A Simple Amish Christmas.Vannetta has graciously answered a few questions for us. Please read her interview below.
1. What inspired you to write Amish fiction?
I was actually working on a narrative historical about my grandfather’s life, and my agent asked me to stop what I was doing and write an Amish story. At the same time, I came across a bundle of correspondence which was all in German. I already knew that his birthplace was Albion, PA. He was born in the 1880s, and my father has already passed, so I need to get those letters translated in order to delve deeper. Those two things combined to convince me Amish was a good fit for me, and A Simple Amish Christmas was the story I wrote for my agent.
2. A Simple Amish Christmas is full of vivid descriptions of an Amish community, including dialogue, rules, and traditions. How did you research these various aspects of Amish life?
I read a lot, both fiction and nonfiction (including news, blogs, and books). I think when we read nonfiction, we are able to get the rhythm of a group’s dialogue and also a feel for their true lifestyle. And of course I have been to visit quite a few Amish communities.
3. As I learned in this story, the Amish celebrate Christmas differently than the Englisch. What special traditions or celebrations do you and your family enjoy during the holiday season?
Our traditions are fairly simple — Christmas eve with my in-laws, attending the midnight Christmas eve service, Christmas day at home, playing games and going for a walk. We don’t do a lot of gift giving, but we try to give something special. In our family, one thing that has become important is flexibility. Our children are grown and have a lot of pressures in their lives, so we try to be flexible, go where ever they are, and just enjoy the time together.
4. Christmas stories are some of my very favorites to read. What are some of your favorite books?
I do love Christmas stories. Remember The Gift of the Magi by O Henry? I used to teach that to my high school students. It’s a wonderful tale of love and sacrifice. I also like Scrooge, which reminds us of what is important in life. And then there are the more modern tales. Just reading the Christmas story from the four gospels is a special thing to do during this time of year.
As a special treat, Vannetta has prepared a character interview for us to enjoy. The following is an interview with Samuel Yoder:
1. Samuel, I’ve heard that you’re a doctor, an Amish doctor. Tell me about that. Nein, I am not a doctor. I’m a herbalist. I care for minor medical problems in my community, and I’m quick to refer folks to an Englisch doctor when they need one. Amish can be stubborn, and they sometimes avoid going for help when they need it. I never hesitate to send someone to the clinic or the hospital when it’s necessary. But often what they need is to be reminded of common sense things. That I’m gut at. I’ve always enjoyed helping animals and people become more healthy.
2. You’re recently married? Two years ago. Ahh . . . I wish you could meet Annie. She’s a delight with a smile as bright as the flowers in her garden and a heart as big as her famous apple pies. And now we’re expecting a boppli. If things go well, I’ll be there with our midwife when Annie’s time comes to birth our child.
3. You were married before? Ya, I was. My wife and doschder died in a winter storm, when they became lost. It’s a difficult thing to discuss and even now a piece of my heart hurts when I think of them.
4. That must have been difficult, but you’ve found a way to continue your life. You’re somber now, but you’re also quick to smile. Apparently you’ve found joy again. Could you tell us a little about that? I’m not an expert on dealing with grief. Each person finds their own path through that dark valley. You speak of joy, but it was years before I could smile again without feeling I was betraying the memory of my loved ones. I owe any progress I’ve made in that regard to Gotte, and I remain grateful for Annie’s presence in my life.
5. You’re also a farmer, correct? Ya. Most Amish men have some land where they grow a crop that they can sell to earn a little extra money. I’m no different. This year we had a gut crop of hay. The market prices were fair, and I was able to put back a little savings. Annie also has a big garden. We like to grow as much of our own food as possible.
6. Do you hunt? I do. Not for sport but for the pantry. The only game I hunt is what we eat, of course—dove, turkey, and deer.
7. Let’s talk about the area where you live—Mifflin, PA. How has it changed over the years? A little more crowded, and a little more modern. Most technological advances we avoid, but it affects even us. There was one Amish family I visited who had solar panels installed on their home. It provided energy for their stove and refrigerator. These are things our community has remained undecided about. Time will tell if it’s something we want to allow in our homes.
8. But you still use the horse and buggy? We do. Both are a cornerstone of our society. We do not wish to travel fast or far. The buggy slows us down. If you have to hitch up a buggy you think twice before you head into town. It’s a lot of work.
9. You have a lot of family in the area. Do you see them often? Every Sunday, whether we are attending church services at a member’s house or visiting for a meal. Annie’s family is quite large. She is the oldest—only her and Adam, her brother, are married. But the rest will marry in time, and the family will continue to grow. Once married, the children will begin to come. It’s the Amish way to have large families, as you probably know.
10. What is one thing you wish people knew about Amish life? Things which seem odd to you all, seem natural to us. We make decisions based on our faith, what we feel Gotte would have us do, and also based on our families, what is best for those we love. Traditions are important to us, because they remind us of those who have gone before, those who have paved the way for us. Our desire to live simply is a direct result of our faith and trust in Gotte. Our needs are few, and He always provides.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abingdon Press. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

The Divine Secrets of the Whoopie Pie Sisters by Sarah Price and “Whoopie Pie” Pam Jarrell
The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher’s tale of God’s providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.
Thoughts:
The Letters is a wonderfully written story of love and loss, hurt and healing. As you read, you will fall in love with the delightful Schrock family and the people who come into their lives in the most unexpected ways. Blessings abound in Stoney Ridge at The Inn at Eagle Hill.
This was my first visit to Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Stoney Ridge, but it certainly won’t be my last. The Letters is the first book in The Inn at Eagle Hill series. The second book of the series, The Calling, will be released in January 2014.