This week on Amish Wisdom: Mary Ellis and Bob Hostetler

This week on Amish Wisdom I'll be chatting with two guests. The first is author Mary Ellis. We'll be catching up with her and talking about her new book, A Marriage for Megan. Then the second half hour pastor, author and speaker Bob Hostetler and I will be talking about instilling Christian values in our kids. He'll be talking about the importance of knowing what you believe and why. A great discussion. Don't miss Thursday's show.

More about Mary: Mary Ellis is the author of A Widow's Hope, Never Far from Home, The Way to a Man's Heart, and Sarah's Christmas Miracle. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life. www.maryellis.wordpress.com

More about A Marriage for Megan: Fans of superb Amish fiction will welcome the rich and moving stories of The Wayne County series by Mary Ellis, the bestselling author of Abigail’s New Hope, Never Far from Home, and The Way to a Man’s Heart.

Meghan Yost is 19, bright, and eager to prove to her father, the bishop, that she’s mature enough to teach in the Old Order district. But just when Meghan gains confidence and assurance, a troubled student challenges her authority and a male suitor challenges her patience.

Life and love tensions escalate when a string of crimes threaten the Amish community, and handsome FBI agent Thomas Mast arrives to investigate.

Is there truth behind Meghan’s fear that she’s the cause for disruptions in the serene county? And is there true love behind her mixed feelings for Thomas, the outsider?

This is a timeless story of personal quests for hope, love, and enduring faith. 

More about Bob: Bob Hostetler is an award-winning and best-selling writer, editor, pastor, and speaker. His books include Don't Check Your Brains at the Door and The Bone Box.

www.bobhostetler.com

More about Don't Check Your Brains At the Door: Recent polls illustrate what Christian parents have feared: kids are dropping out of church early and for good. Age 16 is the average age at which teens are dropping out, says one poll, and 70% of Protestants ages 18 to 30 quit church by age 23, says another. Authors Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler have written Don't Check Your Brains at the Door (Thomas Nelson, August 2011, ISBN: 1400317202, $12.99) to stem a troubling tide among Christian youth. 

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door answers many of the faith-related questions Christian youth face. It challenges young readers to test gospel truths found in the Bible so they can learn to give an answer for their faith as they mature into thinking adults.

"We receive all kinds of messages, myths, and misconceptions in the course of our lives," says co-author Bob Hostetler. "One of those messages is the idea that following Jesus requires us to check our brains at the door-that reason and faith are incompatible. And that mistaken idea leads to others. That's why this book exists: to help a young man or woman weigh the evidence and lay a firm foundation for a strong faith in Christ." 

Written as a definitive but humorous resource, Don't Check Your Brains at the Door examines questions that today's youth face and explains how to give reasoned answers in a Christlike manner. Readers will find answers to common cultural myths and misconceptions about-

...God:

God is a faceless, impersonal force.

God is a cosmic vending machine.

...Jesus:

Jesus was a just a man.

Jesus was just a good teacher.

...the Bible:

It's just a great work of literature.

It's full of factual holes.

...the Resurrection:

Jesus didn't actually die.

Jesus' body was stolen.

...and many more! Also in Don't Check Your Brains at the Door, the authors have added a great reading comprehension section after every chapter called "Brain Food." Readers, parents, and teachers alike will find this tool helpful in processing and retaining the facts presented in every chapter.

With these tools in hand, the readers will be equipped to have a positive influence on the world around them, rather than succumbing to its faithlessness. Every church and family library needs Don't Check Your Brains at the Door.

Both guests are giving away a copy of their books - leave a message here for a chance to win won. Winners will be notified next week via email.

Return to the Amish Wisdom Show Page
Link to Article
Comments
  1. Karla Hanns says: Oh, I just finished reading a book by Mary Ellis and absolutely loved it , then loaned it to my sister in law, Joan, My books make the rounds!! I would love to win the book and I definitely will be listening. k_hanns@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 09-14-2011 @ 1:12 pm EST
  2. Judy Burgi says: I am a huge fan of Mary Ellis and would love to win a copy of A Marriage For Meghan. I have that one on my list. I am looking forward to listening in tomorrow night!

    Posted on: 09-14-2011 @ 3:06 pm EST
  3. Karen Gervais says: I would love to try and win Mary Ellis' newest book, A Marriage for Meghan. kmgervais@nycap.rr.com

    Posted on: 09-14-2011 @ 3:41 pm EST
  4. Kimberly Ripley says: I love Mary Ellis's books! Can't wait to order this new one for my Kindle.

    Posted on: 09-14-2011 @ 4:12 pm EST
  5. Connie McHutchison says: This sounds as though it is going to be a great program. I have all of Mary's books, and the book by Bob looks great, too.

    Posted on: 09-14-2011 @ 5:34 pm EST
  6. karenk says: thanks for the chance to read these wonderful books...karenk/kmkuka @ yahoo dot com

    Posted on: 09-14-2011 @ 9:50 pm EST
  7. Patsy H. says: Would enjoy these books. I love reading anything Amish and Pastor Bob's book sounds really good. plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    Posted on: 09-15-2011 @ 8:55 am EST
  8. Sue S says: Loving my nook and all the new books that are such delight.

    Posted on: 09-15-2011 @ 1:19 pm EST
  9. apple blossom says: nice interviews. I have Bob's book however, love to be in drawing for Mary's Amish book thanks ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    Posted on: 09-15-2011 @ 4:25 pm EST
  10. Ann says: Love the subject you talk about and love reading Amish fiction to Hope to win. amhengst at verizon dot net

    Posted on: 09-15-2011 @ 6:41 pm EST
  11. Lourdes Montes says: I really like Mary Ellis and I enjoyed the Miller Family series by her. I would love to win a copy of A Marriage For Meghan. Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

    Posted on: 09-15-2011 @ 8:02 pm EST
  12. Diana Flowers says: I would love to win a copy of A Marriage For Meghan. Mary Ellis is a wonderful author! dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

    Posted on: 09-15-2011 @ 11:33 pm EST
  13. Laurie Carlson says: Mary Ellis, I would LOVE to win a copy of your book, A Marriage for Meghan! I LOVE Amish Fiction and read as much of it as I can! I'm SO excited to get this chance at possibly winning a copy of your book! Thank you SO much for doing this giveaway of a copy of your book! It is SO appreciated!!! Have a blessed day! Laurie Carlson laurieisreading at gmail dot com

    Posted on: 09-16-2011 @ 2:42 am EST
  14. Laurie Carlson says: Hi! I just commented to Mary Ellis! I clicked on your blog address that is listed above in this very article, and it states that the Blog does NOT exist??? I clicked on 'this' link from this page??? Oh well. Please let me know if there is a different address!! Thanks again! Laurie Carlson laurieisreading at gmail dot com

    Posted on: 09-16-2011 @ 2:45 am EST
  15. Johnda says: Love Mary Ellis' books and would love to win a copy hers or Pastor Bob's. jlscott49 at roadrunner dot com

    Posted on: 09-16-2011 @ 1:11 pm EST
  16. NameWendy Newcomb says: Thank you for the giveaway. wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

    Posted on: 09-16-2011 @ 2:36 pm EST
  17. Sue S says: Thank you for the chance to win a book. toflake@gmail.com

    Posted on: 09-16-2011 @ 3:44 pm EST
  18. Cass Wessel says: Just catching up on my inbox... live among my Amish neighbors and would love to read A Marriage for Megan. Sorry I missed the interview. Blessings.

    Posted on: 09-17-2011 @ 10:56 am EST
  19. Kristie D says: I think it's so important to be a disciplined and responsible parent. The children really are our future. And frankly, nowadays I'm a little frightened by that. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    Posted on: 09-20-2011 @ 1:12 pm EST
  20. Name Beverly says: Comment I really enjoyed hearing about this book on the podcast! Can't wait to read it! :)

    Posted on: 09-28-2011 @ 8:33 pm EST


Recent Shows
Title Date
Amish Wisdom with authors Jennifer Beckstrand and Amy Wallace
05-10-2012
Amish Wisdom with Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith
05-03-2012
Amish Wisdom w/ Shirley Brosius and Carey Bailey
04-23-2012
Amish Wisdom: Earth Day & Creation Care with Nancy Sleeth
04-16-2012
Amish Wisdom with financial expert The Money Saving Mom's Crystal Paine
04-03-2012
View All Podcasts
Subscribe to Podcast feed
Schedule of Guests

May

10: Amish Authors: Jennifer Beckstrand / Amy Wallace

17: Tricia Goyer

24: Margo Starbuck / Dan Walsh

31: Murray Pura / Kate Lloyd

Suzanne's Latest Releases

The Keeper -- Avaialble NOW!

Book 1 in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series

"The Stoney Ridge Season starts off with characters who are trying to make the right choices, but sometimes with unexpected results. Fisher always brings freshness to her Amish novels. The Amish culture is interesting to read and learn about, but there is also a message: God has plans and those plans may vary greatly from the plans you have." -Romantic Times, 4 Stars

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher's vivid characters grapple with yielding to God's will when it doesn't match their own.

A Lancaster County Christmas -- September 2011 (Revell)

Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forwardto abright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

Amish Values for Your Family -- August 2011 (Revell)

For readers who long for strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much to learn from the Amish. Values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car, changing your wardrobe, or moving out to farm country.

In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows how you can adopt the wisdom of the Amish when it comes to family matters. In this inspiring and practical book readers will find charming true stories interlaced with solid, biblical advice about parenting, marriage, and all aspects of family life. As readers get an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of real Amish families, they will learn to prioritize what's truly important, simplify decision-making, slow down as a family, safeguard time together, and let go when the time comes.

The Search--Book 3 in The Lancaster County Secrets Collection -- January 2011 (Revell)

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

The Waiting--Book 2 in The Lancaster County Secrets Collection -- October 2010 (Revell)The Waiting

Jorie King’s life is on hold. She’s waiting for Ben Zook to return from serving in the war as a conscientious objector. Waiting for Ben to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. As friendship ripens into love, Jorie and Caleb plan for a life together filled with the promise of a fresh beginning, until the past intrudes.

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

AP

Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life -- August 2010 (Revell)

If you want to know a people, know their proverbs. These small, concentrated packages of insight allow outsiders to peek into a fascinating closed community. In Amish Proverbs, a collection of more than 200 proverbs uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Amish people. Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows.

The Choice--Book 1 in The Lancaster County Secrets Collection March 2010 (Revell)TC

"Fisher kicks off a refreshing new series, Lancaster County Secrets, with characters that are strong, both in body and spirit. They also have weaknesses that develop into strengths with the choices they make." 4 stars Romantic Times

One moment, Carrie Weaver is planning to elope with Lancaster Barnstormer Solomon Riehl, leaving their Amish community behind. The next, she is staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now Carrie faces a choice. An opportunity. But will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?

Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World (Revell) AP

You don't have to "go Amish" to make personal peace a reality. Organized around five central themes in Amish life, Amish Peace shows you how you can cultivate a simple life of love, gratitude, and faith in the midst of a very complicated world. It includes real-life stories and examples of Plain People, Amish proverbs, and fascinating facts about Amish communities. Each section also contains questions for reflection and action, outlining things you can do in your own life that "make for peace."