This week on Amish Wisdom: Amish Fiction with Adina Senft and Beth Shriver

Thursday on Amish Wisdom I'll be introducing two more Amish fiction authors, Adina Senft and Beth Shriver. The first half hour we'll hear about Adina's Amish Quilt series. Then during the second half of the show, Beth will give us the behind the scenes scoop on her new book, Annie's Truth.

Want to win a copy of these great reads? Just leave a comment on this page and you'll be entered to win The Wounded Heart, The Hidden Life or Annie's Truth. Winner will be notified next week via email.

More about Adina: Adina Senft grew up in a plain house church, where she was often asked by outsiders if she wasAmish (the answer was no), she made her own clothes, and she perfected the art of the French braid. She holds an M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches as adjunct faculty. 

Writing as Shelley Bates, she was the winner of RWA’s RITA Award for Best Inspirational Novel in 2005, a finalist for that award in 2006, and, writing as Shelley Adina, was a Christy Award finalist in 2009. Three of her books have shortlisted for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award for book of the year. Of her fiction, publisher and industry blogger W. Terry Whalin has said, “Readers will be lost in the vivid world that [she] paints with incredible detail and masterful storytelling.” 

A transplanted Canadian, Adina returns there annually to have her accent calibrated. Between books, she enjoys traveling with her husband, playing the piano and Celtic harp, and spoiling her flock of rescued chickens. These days, she makes period costumes and only puts up her hair for historical events and fun. For more about Adina, visit her website at www.adinasenft.com.

More about The Wounded Heart: “With this quaint, gentle read, Senft’s promising series is off to a good start andwill make a nice alternative for Jerry S. Eicher readers who want to try a new author.”  —Library Journal

A widow with two small children, Amelia Beiler is struggling to make ends meet. She is running her late husband’s business, but it’s not what she was raised to do, which is run a home. When she gets an offer for the business from Eli Fischer, she’s only too relieved to consider it--especially when it looks like Eli’s interest might include more than just the shop.

But when she begins to experience strange physical symptoms and is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it’s difficult not to question God’s will. If she pursues the treatment she believes in, she risks going under the bann. But how can she allow Eli to court her when she can’t promise him a future?

More about The Hidden Life: Emma Stolzfus has never been courted or kissed, and now that she’s 30, it has become her place as the unmarried daughter to look after her elderly mother. But in the dark hours when her mother is asleep, Emma writes letters and essays to Amish periodicals, short stories, and even a novel she’s been working on for the last five years.

When a New York literary agent, Tyler West, takes an interest in her work, Emma secretly goes to meet him. When she returns, something about her is different—and the men of her Amish community take notice. But how can she settle for second best when her heart made its choice years ago—to a man she can never have? Only her friends, Amelia and Carrie, know the truth in her heart as they work together on their quilt ... and only they understand when an old tragedy comes to light that will either hurt or heal ... and reveal Emma’s hidden life.

More about Beth: Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Herparents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. Beth received a degree in social work and worked as a caseworker before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats, a beagle, live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. For more about Beth, visit her website at www.bethshriverwriter.com.

More about Annie's Truth: Annie Beiler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.

After learning the truth about who she really is, can this prodigal daughter be accepted back into the safety and security of home?

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Comments
  1. Linda McFarland says: New Amish fiction authors...yay! Would love to win!

    Posted on: 10-24-2012 @ 6:37 pm EST
  2. Cheryl Baranski says: Both sound like very good books. Looking forward to reading something by someone I have never read before. CherylB1987@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 10-24-2012 @ 10:47 pm EST
  3. Ruth Arquitt says: Would love to win...

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 6:28 am EST
  4. Ruth Arquitt says: My email is ruttie77@gmail.com

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 6:29 am EST
  5. Brenda Welch says: I would love to read these books! They sound great! Thanks for your show Suzanne. bbwelch@windstream.net

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 9:10 am EST
  6. Felecia says: I would love to read these books. felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 10:33 am EST
  7. angela chesnut says: would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 3:04 pm EST
  8. Susan Fryman says: These are both going on my to read list. They look wonderful. Looking forward to the program tonight. Blessings to all.

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 3:44 pm EST
  9. Mary Hake says: These are new to me. tormhake @ netzero . com

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 3:59 pm EST
  10. Pat Moore says: I've read books by both authors thoroughly enjoyed each one. I started reading Adina's books earlier this year

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 4:36 pm EST
  11. pat cowans says: would love to win

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 8:07 pm EST
  12. Tammy Traxler says: I'd love to win

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 8:59 pm EST
  13. Johnda Scott says: Would love to win - jlscott49 at roadrunner dot com

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 9:01 pm EST
  14. Maxie Anderson says: WOW! I would love to win any of these books. They all sound really good. Please enter me. Mac262@me.com

    Posted on: 10-25-2012 @ 10:31 pm EST
  15. Namekaren smith says: Comment sure would like to win just like everyone may just maybe khsmith97217@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 10-26-2012 @ 5:43 am EST
  16. Karla Hanns says: Have read both of these books and highly recommend them. Super stories, lots of action, fantastic description of the characters. k_hanns@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 10-26-2012 @ 8:41 pm EST
  17. Ruth Swartz says: Would love to win

    Posted on: 10-27-2012 @ 8:57 am EST
  18. amy c says: Thanks for a great show!! campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    Posted on: 10-27-2012 @ 4:50 pm EST
  19. Kristie D. says: I have not read either of these authors yet. I have a friend who has MS so I would be interested in reading that novel. I could not imagine finding out I was abandoned then adopted. Oh boy! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    Posted on: 10-28-2012 @ 8:08 pm EST
  20. Maxie Anderson says: I enjoyed listeneing to the last weeks show. I would love to win one of these books. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

    Posted on: 10-31-2012 @ 2:36 am EST
  21. Maxie Anderson says: I sure would love to win one or both of these books. Two great authors. ( mac262@me.com )

    Posted on: 11-21-2012 @ 1:20 am EST


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Schedule of Guests

May:

23: Guest Host Judy Christie - Amish Fiction with Vannetta Chapman and Kathleen Fuller

30: Dan Walsh - "Marriage in Fiction" and Homesteading Today with Melissa Norris

June: 

6: Rhonda Schrock guest hosts | Amish Fiction with Kate Lloyd and Shelley Shepard Gray

13: Sherry Gore and a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

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."