This week on Amish Wisdom: Amish Fiction Author Vannetta Chapman

This week Vannetta is back on the show to tell us all about her TWO new releases, A Promise for Miriam and MaterialWitness. We'll be talking about special needs children, the difference between Amish schooling and American schooling, fall festivals in Amish country, and catching up with the latest news from Vannetta. Don't miss Thursday's show.

For a chance to win either of Vannetta's new books, just leave a comment here (or email amy@litfusegroup.com if the comment box isn't working). Winners will be notified next week via email.

More about Vannetta: Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational 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 novel, Falling to Pieces, is a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman writes Amish fiction for Abingdon Press, Zondervan, and Harvest House. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. www.vannettachapman.com

More about A Promise for Miriam: Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn’t yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Miller steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek—and maybe find love again.

More about Material Witness: Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie. This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next. Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.

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Comments
  1. karenk says: would love to read vanetta's latest novel...thanks for the chance. karenk/kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 12:25 pm EST
  2. Name Brenda says: Comment both books sounds wonderful please enter my name in the drawing thank you

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 1:07 pm EST
  3. Brenda Welch says: I have read several of Vannetta's books and love her style. I would love to be in on the drawing. Thanks! bbwelch@windstream.net

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 1:22 pm EST
  4. Amy C says: I absolutely love Vannetta's writing! She has a great gift! campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 1:30 pm EST
  5. Judy Burgi says: Looking forward to listening in on the interview with Vannetta. I have read every single one of her books. I would love to win a copy of Material Witness! Thanks for this giveaway! judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 1:33 pm EST
  6. Angie Adair says: Looking forward to listening in today. I really enjoy reading Vannetta's books. I am looking forward to reading these two books. angadair@nwcable.net

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 2:09 pm EST
  7. Megan Parson says: I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance to god bless you writers xoxo makeighleekyleigh @yahoo . com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 3:23 pm EST
  8. Joan jones says: I would love to win the book thanks psalm63@verizon.net

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 4:55 pm EST
  9. Cheryl B says: I love the books by Vanette Chapman. The characters and stories of Callie and Deborah are addicting in Falling to Pieces and A Perfect Square. I would love to win either of her books. I am addicted to them. I have to force myself to put them down and go to bed at night. CherylB1987@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 4:58 pm EST
  10. Shirley Blanchard says: Love all your books i have read so far, looking forward to watching the Amish show tonight and seeing you

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:04 pm EST
  11. Karla Hanns says: LOVE Vannetta's books. Would love to win Material Witness. I have it on my kindle and reviewed it, but do not have a hardcopy. Tremendous book!! k_hanns@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:05 pm EST
  12. Gail Molsbee Morris says: Would love to read Vanetta Chapman's new book. godgirlgail@gmail.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:05 pm EST
  13. Sharon says: I would really love to win a book. sholweger5@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:06 pm EST
  14. Sandra Kaczanowcke says: Along with every one else, I too would love to win one of Vanetta's books. Thanks for the chance. kaczmom@gmail.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:09 pm EST
  15. Sandy Ansell says: I would like to be entered in the Vannetta Chapman contest. sans753@atlanticbb.net

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:10 pm EST
  16. Donna Sewell says: I would love to win this book!! bride2be13@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:10 pm EST
  17. Dianna Bupp says: Want to enter the contest to win Vanetta Chapman's books!!!!!! dibupp@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:11 pm EST
  18. Linda McFarland says: Oh yes I definitely want to enter the book contest on Suzanne Woods Fisher page........I love reading Amish fiction, and I would love to win one of Vannetta Chapman's books. Both books sound soo good... 'A Promise For Miriam' and 'Material Witness'. babyruthmac16@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:12 pm EST
  19. NamePat Blinco says: CommentI enjoy your books and to get to know the characters and the plot.

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:24 pm EST
  20. Nancy Lynn says: I would love to win one of your books. Thanks Nancy

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:28 pm EST
  21. Andrea Woodard says: Comment

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:38 pm EST
  22. Andrea Woodard says: I love all of Vannetta's books. Please enter me in this contest, would love to receive Material Witness. ajwbear@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:39 pm EST
  23. Pat Blinco says: email peblinco@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 5:41 pm EST
  24. Julia Joseph says: Love her books. She has inspired to visit Shipshewana next week.

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 6:18 pm EST
  25. Name marilyn green says: Commenti am so read to read this book. love to win. green4724@windstream.net

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 6:26 pm EST
  26. Kathie from CA says: Comment

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 6:48 pm EST
  27. Kathie from CA says: Can't wait to read the book. Hope I get one.1

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 6:49 pm EST
  28. Maxie Anderson says: Enter me for this contest for one of Vannetta's books. Thanks, Maxie mac262@me.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 7:06 pm EST
  29. Melissa says: Please enter me! Great interview. racky@carolina.rr.com

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 8:13 pm EST
  30. Name says: I would LOVE the opportunity to read one of Vannetta Chapman's books. Thanks! Leigh-Anne from Alberta, Canada

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 8:13 pm EST
  31. NameLora Dietrich says: Comment I have read several of her books would love to win a book.

    Posted on: 08-16-2012 @ 9:15 pm EST
  32. Jackie T. says: Please enter me in the book contest.I would love to win Material Witness.thanks jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 08-17-2012 @ 3:01 am EST
  33. Anne P says: I thoroughly enjoy Vannetta's books. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Material WItness. homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

    Posted on: 08-17-2012 @ 4:11 am EST
  34. Lenise says: It would be awesome to win a book from Vannetta! Thanks for the chance! iamlenijay at hotmail dot com

    Posted on: 08-17-2012 @ 7:57 am EST
  35. Erik says: This is a test...

    Posted on: 08-17-2012 @ 9:45 am EST
  36. Ida says: I would love to win one of these books. thanks and God Bless You. Houswife@gmail.com

    Posted on: 08-17-2012 @ 1:41 pm EST
  37. Name Janie Freeman says: Enjoyed your interview with Vannetta very much! I would love to win one of the books by Vannetta Chappman-they're such awesome stories! janiefreeman@live.com

    Posted on: 08-17-2012 @ 2:14 pm EST
  38. Karen Gervais says: Love reading Vannetta's books. Would love to win a copy of Material Witness. Thank you for the chance. kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

    Posted on: 08-22-2012 @ 9:34 am EST
  39. Name Annita Huff says: CommentWould love to hav a copy of Material Witness. Love your books!

    Posted on: 08-23-2012 @ 6:18 pm EST
  40. apple blossom says: thanks for the chance to win ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    Posted on: 08-27-2012 @ 9:50 am EST
  41. felecia says: Both of the books sound great! Thanks for the chance. felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    Posted on: 08-29-2012 @ 11:28 am EST
  42. Marilyn says: I'd love a chance at winning one of these books! dlm-mjm@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 08-30-2012 @ 4:34 pm EST
  43. Christen -- ckrumm@Litfusegroup.com says: Congratulations, apple blossom! You have won!!

    Posted on: 09-07-2012 @ 10:59 pm EST


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Schedule of Guests

May:

16: Sherry Gore guest hosts | Summer in Lancaster with Joel Cliff of www.padutchcountry.com and the Sensationalization of the Amish with Brad Igou

23: Tricia Goyer - Amish Fiction

30: Erik Wesner

June: 

6: Kate Lloyd - Amish Fiction

13: Dan Walsh - how fiction impacts with real marriages

20: Plain Weddings with Sherry Gore, Maryann Kinsinger, Sharon Lavy, & Rhonda Schrock

Suzanne's Latest Releases

A New Home for Lily (Available now!)

Book 2 in The Adventures of Lily Lapp series.

Change is all Lily faces when her family moves to an Amish community in Pennsylvania. She has to make new friends, settle into her new home—which she thinks is ugly—and adjust to another new baby brother. (Still no sisters!) Even worse, a boy at school, Aaron Yoder, enjoys tormenting poor Lily. There are some bright spots about Lily’s new home—she has a wonderful teacher, and her relatives have moved close by. But there are a few lessons Lily needs to learn about starting over. 

Be sure to visit Lily's interactive website.

The Lesson (Available now!)

Book 3 in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series

In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher’s desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.

Life with Lily 

Book 1 in The Adventures of Lily Lapp series.

Life with Lily is the first book in the ‘Adventures of Lily Lapp’ series. Lily is six in this story, just starting first grade in a one-room schoolhouse in upstate New York. Her parents are busy building a farm, and soon animals join the family—Jenny the cow and Chubby the miniature horse. A baby brother arrives, too, which Lily has mixed feelings about. (She wanted a sister!) Aside from a mischievous friend like Mandy Mast, Lily is happy at school and even happier at home. Trouble is brewing at the schoolhouse and change is on the horizon for Lily and her family.

Click the Adventures of Lily Lapp badge to visit Lily's interactive website. Geared toward children of all ages the Lily site is loaded with fun, games, downloadable coloring pages, Mama's recipes,a way to ask Lily questions...and more! Check it out by clicking on the pix...and be sure to watch the fabulous trailer about Lily!   

The Haven 

Book 2 in the 'Stoney Ridge Seasons' series

From Publisher’s Weekly:

“Popular Amish romance novelist Fisher (The Choice) continues her Stoney Ridge Seasons series with a stand-alone tale focusing on Amos Lapp’s middle daughter, Sadie. Fisher’s style is light and engaging. Her setting may be a simple Pennsylvania Amish community, but the struggles of faith, trust, and forgiveness are common to a wide-ranging audience. Moral elements are so deftly woven into the plot that most readers will learn the lesson before realizing there is one.”

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.

Read an excerpt!

The Keeper 

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 

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 

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 

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 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.

Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World

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."