Allow Me to Gush--The Wonder of Your Love by Beth Wiseman is Impossible to Put Down!

The Land of Canaan series has got to be one of my favorite Amish series...ever.  If you don't believe me, I dare you to compare them to some of the other Amish books on the shelves and see what you think.  If they don't have you glued to the pages like they do me...well then, we might have to have a little chat to change your mind (just kidding, I promise).  :o)

I don't know how she does it, but Beth Wiseman has got this incredible way of getting me emotionally invested with all of her stories. I find myself cheering for their successes, and empathizing with their heartbreaks like they were real people.  And if those things weren't enough, then she goes and writes these stirring romantic scenes between her male and female lead characters that literally set my heart to pounding...as in out-of-my-chest pounding!  There are only a handful of authors that are truly gifted when it comes to writing romance into any story, and by golly, Beth is at the top of the list!

But now that this visit back to Canaan has come to an end, it's like anguish...horrible, gut-wrenching anguish.  I know I make it sound like my dog just died, but I usually feel this way after I read one of Beth's books.  How in the world can I make it until I know what happens next in this close-knit community?!  I want to know what will happen with Danielle--is something on the horizon for her and Levi?  Will Eli's children be happy with the changes they are about to make?  Will Martha continue to be her ornery old self now that her relationship status has changed?  See what I mean...there are just too many questions!!!

So, while I patiently wait, I guess I'll have to be satisfied that this particular story ended just how I wanted it to--not a cliff-hanger in sight.  :o)  Still, a return trip to Canaan is on my radar, and I hope Beth won't make us wait too terribly long before we can go back.

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  Yes, and her name is Martha.  She had me LOLing the whole way through!

Click here to see my review of book 1 in the Land of Canaan series, Seek Me With All Your Heart.

Summary of The Wonder of Your Love:

Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.

Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?

Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.

When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.

But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.

**Many thanks to Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Carol Award Winners!

Just in case you missed it, the Carol Awards were announced tonight at the ACFW Conference.  It was so wonderful to be able to sit in my living room and watch a live stream of the entire gala.  :o)

Here's a list of all the winners:

Debut Author
Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers)

Long Contemporary
Never Say Never  by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House)

Long Contemporary Romance
Plain Paradise  by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson) - review

Long Historical
Sons of Thunder  by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press)

Long Historical Romance
Love Finds You in Homestead Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press) - review

Mystery
The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour)

Novella
A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour)

Romantic Suspense
The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)

Short Contemporary Suspense
Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense)

Short Historical
Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired)

Speculative Fiction
König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller
Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan) - review

Women’s Fiction
Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers)

Young Adult
Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell)

***

Well, I won't lie...I was hoping for a few others to win tonight, too...namely Laura Frantz for Courting Morrow Little (review) and Melanie Dickerson for The Healer's Apprentice (review).  I suppose when you get this far, though, it really is an honor just to be nominated.  

But on the upside, I am so happy for Beth Wiseman, Terri Blackstock, and Melanie Dobson on their wins!  Melanie came away with not one, but TWO awards tonight!  I've only read one of her winning novels, and the other is patiently sitting in my TBR stack.  Yep, eventually...it will see the light of day.  :o)  And I just have to say that Beth's speech tonight was so heartfelt that I about burst into tears...probably one of the highlights of the night.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to fellow blogger, Renee Ann Smith from Doorkeeper!  I had no idea that she was a finalist in the Genesis Awards until I saw her name come across the screen.  Congrats on your big win, Renee!  :o)

Congrats to all the winners!

Book Review: Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman/4 Stars

About the book:

Beth Wiseman's Amish novellas are now available for the first time in one collection.

"Healing Hearts"

Levina Lapp and her husband Naaman are alone for the first time in 30 years. When Naaman left to visit cousins in Ohio, Levina wasn't expecting him to be gone a year. Now that he's back, will they be able to move beyond this estrangement and fall in love again?

"A Change of Heart"

Leah is a writer in a community that does not encourage such fruitless endeavors. She lacks the skills necessary to be a good Amish fraa. Aaron knows these things about Leah, but his heart is captured by this spirited young woman.

"A Choice to Forgive"

Lydia has loved two men in her life. Daniel disappeared one Christmas Eve long ago, leaving only a note saying he wanted to live in the Englisch world. And Elam, Daniel's brother, to whom she has been happily married for 15 years. When Elam dies, Lydia gives up on ever loving again. But she is shocked when Daniel wants to return to the Order and her life.

These novellas previously were published in An Amish Love, An Amish Gatheirng, and An Amish Christmas.

My thoughts:

What an enjoyable time I had with this book!  For someone who doesn't prefer novellas, I had a hard time pulling myself away from the ones in this anthology.  Each one had a beautiful love story that was unique in it's own way, and I found myself smiling, laughing, and cheering on all of these sweet Amish characters. I also thought this book painted a clear picture of what it truly means to forgive, and how, if we give all our cares over to the One who can use all things for good, He'll give us a song in our heart, a joy in our step, and a peace like we've never known. 

Next to Cindy Woodsmall, Beth Wiseman is my favorite Amish storyteller.  Seriously, she gets better with every new release. Her stories have a way of getting into my heart every single time, and I can't ever seem to put them down!  I'm always anxious to see what she'll come up with next, and believe me, it's worth the wait every single time.  :o)

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  Briefly.  A crazy woman named Auntie Ruth comes to mind.  :o)

**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.

**If you'd like a chance to win a copy of this very book, be sure to check out the interview I did with Beth earlier this week.  She's giving away a copy to someone, and it just might be you!  Click here for more details.


 

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Beth Wiseman

So glad you joined me again this week for another Southern-Style Meet & Greet!  As always, there's lots of fun in store this week with another fabulous author, so stay tuned for a great opportunity to get to know Beth Wiseman.

But first, I can't wait to share the name of last week's giveaway winner of To Die For by Sandra Byrd.  There were a LOT of entries last week, and I can't say enough how much I wish that all of you could be winners!  But, we can only choose one, and thanks to random.org, that person is...

Charity U (photographer4ever832@...)

Charity, I'll be in touch with you shortly to get your mailing address.  Congrats on your win!

And now, time to start this week's Meet & Greet!

Beth Wiseman is high up on the list of my favorite Amish fiction authors.  It took me a long time to discover her books, but once I did, I was a goner.  *sigh*  I love her emotional stories, her believable characters, and her skillful writing. And if that isn't enough to convince you that she's great at her job, maybe this will:

**  2011 Inspirational Readers Choice winner -- Plain Paradise;

**  INSPY Award Winner and best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and The Land of Canaan series;

**  Author of the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year -- Seek Me With All Your Heart;

**  ACFW Carol Award Finalist, Retailers Choice Finalist, Booksellers Best Finalist, National Readers Choice Finalist

Quite a hefty list of accomplishments there, and every single one is so well deserved.  Last year, I had the enormous pleasure of being a judge for the INSPY Awards, and not to take away anything from the other nominees in the now-obsolete Amish fiction category, but her book, Plain Paradise, was one of the very best Amish books I have *ever* read.  Period.  I am so thrilled that she was a winner in last year's inaugural INSPY class among some very fine Christian authors.

So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this week's special guest, Beth Wiseman!
___________________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?  

I wrote my first short story to my grandparents when I was very young, maybe six or seven-years-old.  For as long as I can remember, I always knew I wanted to be a writer.  I worked as a newspaper reporter for years before I sold my first series to Thomas Nelson, and I think that experience helped me with regard to editing and meeting deadlines.  I loved being a reporter, but fiction is where my heart is.  I love to make things up!  :)

 

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be and why? (This is, of course, assuming that writing IS your dream job!)  :o)

I wish I had an answer for this.  I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.

Quite alright.  I'd say the same thing in your shoes. :o)

 

What genre do you most like to write?  

Love stories.  Not necessarily romances, but a love story of some sort—love between husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, mother and daughter, father and son, sisters, best friends, or between a person and God.  Love stories are endless, and my head is full of them.    

Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories?

Yes.  Book #4 in my Daughters of the Promise series—Plain Paradise—is about adoption, and as an adoptee myself, I’m familiar with the emotions that go along with the storyline.  I’ve also written about autism, which stemmed from a friend who worked with autistic children.  There are lots of other instances.  Sometimes it’s hard to write things that are close to my heart, but always rewarding in the end if it helps one person to find peace through my stories.  

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?   

The peacefulness that we all want and need comes only from God.  Live.  Laugh.  Love.  Forgive.  Cherish.  And pray. 

Well said.  :o)

What is your latest book release?    

Healing Hearts just released.  This is the first time that my novellas have appeared together in one collection.  This book is a great way for someone to ‘try me out’ so to speak.  There are three completely different short stories.  Here’s the back cover blurb:

Three heartfelt stories about second chances, trusting your heart, and the power of forgiveness.

"Healing Hearts"  Empty-nesters Levina Lapp and her husband Naaman have no children under their roof for the first time in 30 years. When Naaman leaves to visit cousins in Ohio, Levina never expected him to be gone a year. Now that he's back, will they be able to move beyond this estrangement, and rekindle the fire of the love they once shared?

"A Change of Heart"  Leah is a writer in a community that does not encourage such fruitless endeavors. She lacks the skills necessary to be a good Amish fraa—cooking, cleaning, quilting, and gardening.   Aaron is aware of Leah’s short-comings, but his heart is captured by this spirited young woman. Will Leah’s role as an Amish wife and mother force her to set aside her creative life--or will Aaron make an offer she never dreamed was possible?

"A Choice to Forgive"  Lydia has loved two men in her life. Daniel, who disappeared one Christmas Eve long ago, leaving only a note saying he wanted to live in the Englisch world. And Elam, Daniel's brother, to whom she had been happily married for 15 years. When Elam dies, Lydia gives up on ever loving again. But she is shocked when Daniel wants to return to the Order and her life. Is there enough forgiveness in her heart to overlook the past and move into a future that could fulfill her dreams?

Previously published in An Amish Love, An Amish Gathering, and An Amish Christmas, gathered together for the first time.

I just finished the first of those novellas a few weeks ago.  Can't wait to start on the other two!

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?  

I am very excited about the book that I just turned into my editor.  It’s my first non-Amish book titled Need You Now.  It’s contemporary fiction, and it releases in April 2012.

Where can readers find you on the web?  

www.bethwiseman.com 

http://blog.bethwiseman.net

www.amishliving.com

www.amishhearts.com 

and on Facebook (Fans of Beth Wiseman) and Twitter.

What is your most favorite thing about the South? 

I’m a born and raised Texan, and it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else—except maybe in August when it is SO terribly hot and humid here!  I love our Southern hospitality.  Recently, some friends visited from Canada, and they just went on and on about how friendly everyone is here.  I live in the country, so everyone waves and there really aren’t any strangers.  

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?   

Depends on my mood…lol.  But my real favorite is raspberry tea.

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?  

Beef!  

Oh, dear...I sense a revolt coming on from all the pork fans!

Potluck dinner or restaurant dinner?   

Oh my…I love both!

Summer or Winter?  

I’m failing this part of the interview because I can’t seem to choose!  We have a pool and it gets hot in Texas, so we enjoy the summer.  BUT, we also have a fireplace, and some of my best books have been written in front of the fireplace.  So, it’s a toss-up!

Country gal or city gal?  

They say you can take the girl from the city, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.  I disagree.  I grew up in the city, but I’ve been out here in the country long enough to be country through and through.  :)

You, you all, or y’all?   

Y’all come back now…lol.  

What she said.  :o)

___________________________________

Oh, what a great time!  Love, love, love this stuff!  Thank you so much, Beth, for coming by my front porch this week, and giving us all the opportunity to get to know you a little better!  It's was a real treat.  :o)

Beth has also been so sweet to offer us a book to give away this week, too!  If you'd like the chance to win a copy of her latest book, Healing Hearts, simply follow the rules below.  Easy-peasy!

Giveaway rules:

1.  Leave a comment with your email address disguised like "yourname at yourdomain dot com" or something similar.  No email address, no entry...sorry.

2.  All entry comments must be left by Sunday, August 28th.

3. Contest is open internationally.

4.  Become a follower/email subscriber for an additional entry, and let me know in your comment if you're a new one or an existing one.  (No need to create a separate comment for this.  Combining everything into one comment is much easier.)  The upside?  You'll know what's happening here with future Meet & Greets...a win-win, for sure.  

Book Review: An Amish Love by Kelly Long, Kathleen Fuller, and Beth Wiseman/4 Stars

About the book:

Romance is in the air, old-fashioned courtship is alive and well, and love is an eternal promise.

A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long

Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller

When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident--and then her boyfriend shortly after that--she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman

He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

My thoughts:

Novellas aren't normally my thing.  I've found that I enjoy a longer story much more than a short one.  However, I bit the bullet in this case, and read an anthology of novellas.  And if I really want to be truthful, it was only because Beth Wiseman's name was on the cover. :o)

And guess what?  I was pleasantly surprised!  Beth's story was great, of course, like all of her other books have been.  There were a few places where the story seemed to be rather drawn out, but on the whole, I enjoyed it.  I loved that it was a little spicy on the romance which, compared with other Amish novels, was a refreshing change.  I came across a review while I was reading this book that said the romance was inappropriate.  Puh-lease.  I found nothing wrong with a married couple (who had drifted apart from one other) that was desparately trying to reconnect romantically with one another.  If that's too much for some folks, then...wow.  I found it to be very realistic because unless you have the *perfect* marriage, there's nothing wrong with a wife being courted all over again by her husband.

Moving on...

Kathleen's story was just okay. I didn't dislike it, but it just wasn't as great as the other two stories, in my opinion. However, it was different in it's own right, dealing with a young blind woman living among the Amish (which was a first for me).

The most pleasant surprise, though, was Kelly Long's novella--A Marriage of the Heart.  Until now, I've not had the pleasure of reading any of Kelly's books, but let me just say...WOW!  What a great introduction to a new author!  Her story was so much fun, yet serious, and I loved the blossoming romance that happened after an impromtu marriage.  I can't wait now to find one of Kelly's full-length novels because I'm pretty confident that I'll find another good story nestled between it's pages.  :o)

This set of stories would be perfect for those wanting to try out the Amish genre, or any of these authors, in general.  Each novella is a little more than 100 pages, and gives a reader a glimpse into the Amish lifestyle and culture.  It would also be a perfect read around Valentine's Day because it is a little heavier on the romance than most Amish stories are.  My rating is 4 Stars.

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman

About the book:

Miriam secretly vows to follow Saul no matter what the future holds.  But she never thought that future might take them away from their Amish community.

Miriam Raber could have her pick of any of the eligible bachelors in Lancaster County. But she only has eyes for one . . . Saul Fisher. He captured her heart years ago, and she’s never looked back. Even when rumors circulate that Saul may leave their Amish community to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime apprenticeship, Miriam makes a bold assertion: she will stand by him, whether he stays or he goes, though she knows this decision could break her family’s heart.

Saul Fisher has experienced an inordinate amount of loss in his short life. Saul is raising his two brothers and caring for a grieving father who privately seeks solace in the comfort of his homemade wine. Saul has kept his father’s drinking from the community, but if he leaves Lancaster, the burden of secrecy will be left to his young brothers. How does he balance this with the dream that burns bright within him?

As Miriam and Saul consider leaving their lives behind, God starts revealing things to Miriam that make her think twice about what it means to be a Daughter of the Promise, and what it means to make a home.

Experience this love story with a surprising resolution by one of the most popular voices in Amish fiction.

My thoughts:

To say that I'm a huge fan of Beth Wiseman would be the understatement of the year. I just cannot get enough of her books! Her books all have simple Amish storylines, but there's something about them that draws me in every single time.

Now, I'm a huge fan of Amish fiction, in general, and have been since Beverly Lewis' first book. I have learned so much about their lifestyle, their beliefs, and their quiet strengths. But the way those characteristics are displayed in a Beth Wiseman book put her in a league of her own. In her last book in this series, I learned that the Amish don't believe in "ministering" to other people, but instead, choose to live their lives as a Christian example to others. That same theme carried over into this book, and blended into the story beautifully. While it's not something that I believe in wholeheartedly, I do understand it from their point of view.

Out of this series, this was the first book that explored one of their own leaving, and possibly choosing an English lifestyle. I was happy to see that change of pace for this series, as there have been a handful of people that have come from the outside world into this strict Amish world. I truthfully didn't know what Saul and Miriam would choose, and I admit that I got frustrated a few times with Miriam's mother and her meddling.

The only thing that didn't seem to fit well with this book was at the very beginning. Unless I completely missed it, Shelby's age was not mentioned until I had gotten well into the story. Initially, her character seemed rather juvenile, and her journal writings didn't seem to match her age of 19. However, as the book progressed, more of her past was revealed, and I knew she couldn't have been the 14- or 15-year-old girl that I first pictured her being.

If you've not read any of the books in the Daughters of the Promise Series, I would highly recommend that you read all 5 of them in order. It's not an absolute must, but it will definitely make for a better reading experience. Beth is also in the middle of a spin-off to this series which is set in Colorado called The Land of Canaan Series. It's first book, Seek Me With All Your Heart, falls right into place between books 4 and 5 of this series, and should be read before reading Plain Proposal, in my opinion.

Confusing enough for ya? It's well worth it, I promise. :o)

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

4.5 Stars

**Many thanks to Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Top Ten Books of 2010

I can hardly believe that 2010 has come and gone in the blink of an eye!!  There have been some truly fabulous books this year, and I have to seriously wonder if 2011 will be able to top it.  I mean, come on....TWO Francine Rivers books in one year (at 500 pages apiece, no less) says it ALL!!

So, these are my top 10 books for 2010.  Each book was published in 2010, and the genres are all over the place.  I've included the link to the reviews I did of each book, and I can assure you...these books are the best of the best!

In no particular order, here we go...

1. The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen (review)
2.  Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers (review)
3.  Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers (review)
4.  Deceit by Brandilyn Collins (review)
5.  Predator by Terri Blackstock (review)
6.  The Sister Wife by Diane Noble (review)
7.  Masquerade by Nancy Moser (review)
8.  For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman (review)
9.  Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar (review)
10.  Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman (review)

Honorable Mention

June Bug by Chris Fabry (review) - This book was published in 2009, but it didn't cross my path until this year, and it was one of the most powerful books I read.  Highly recommended!!

Book Review: Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman

About the book:

What would cause the Amish to move to Colorado, leaving family and friends behind?

Some Amish are making the trek to Colorado for cheaper land. Others are fleeing strict bishops with long memories.

For Emily Detweiler and her family, the move is more personal. Tragedy struck Emily in Ohio, shaking loose everything she believed was firm, including her faith. Her family took the bold step of leaving Ohio to resettle in a small Amish community in Canaan, Colorado, where they hope the distance will help erase painful memories.

David Stoltzfus's family moved to Colorado for reasons he doesn't understand. But Canaan is turning out to be something other than the promised land they all anticipated. Fearing that a health condition will cut his life short, David plans to return home to Paradise, Pennsylvania, as soon as he can. But then he meets Emily, who stirs feelings in his heart despite his apprehension about the future.

Emily's growing love for David surprises her, but she fears that he will find out the truth about her past and reject her. But what if the truth is that they are made for each other? And that God longs to give them the desires of their hearts if only they will seek Him first?

My thoughts:

Oh, my...I think this was one of the best books I read all year! I already know that whatever words I can come up with to describe how much I enjoyed this book will be so insufficient. It had beauty and tenderness, along with sadness and pain, but with definite joy at the end of the journey.

I've said so many times that Amish fiction has reached a point where so many stories are similar, and for something to really reach out and grab me, it needs to have a little something extra. This is that book! First of all, the setting is brand new for Amish fiction fans. This is the first book that I know of set in the mountains of Colorado. That was very intriguing simply because of adjusting to the different weather conditions there compared to Pennsylvania. Second, Emily and her family have to deal with a situation that is almost unheard of in their communities. I won't mention what it is because I don't want to spoil anything, but I've only ever seen it mentioned in one other Amish series. Seeing Emily overcome her past, while also trying not to be attracted to David, is a very beautiful thing to watch unfold.

I also want to give some love to some of the secondary characters. Martha....loved her to pieces!! The scene where she introduces her parrot to David and Emily grabbed ahold of my funny bone, and wouldn't let go! And I wish that something had developed between her and certain gentleman, but I'm thinking (and hoping) that story will be featured in a future book. Another character that had an integral role in the story was Katie Ann, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her from the get-go. Her story was never really a part of the Daughters of the Promise series, so I'm glad that she will be the primary focus of Beth's next book set in Canaan, Colorado.

If you've not read Beth's Daughters of the Promise series, then I strongly encourage you to do so before reading this book. There are a handful of things in this book that build upon the previous books, and unless you are okay with a few spoilers, the entire story is best appreciated if it's read in order.

That said, I don't know how in the world I'm gonna wait until the end of 2011 to find out what happens next in Canaan!! I'll be able to get my Beth Wiseman fix in March (thankfully, that's not far away) when she releases the next book in the Daughters of the Promise series, Plain Proposal. Listen now, when I discover a new author that I love, you better get out of my way at the bookstore...this woman can write!

5 Stars

**This book was purchased by me, and I was not influenced to write a review.

Book Review: Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman

Winner of the 2010 Inspy Award for Amish Fiction

About the book:

Linda's Amish life seemed like paradise. Until she found out her family had been hiding a secret since the day of her birth.

Josie was just a frightened teenager when she left her baby in the care of an Old Order Amish couple in Lancaster County. Since then, seventeen years have passed and while much has changed, one thing hasn't. Josie still longs to reconnect with her daughter Linda.

But Linda is unaware of Josie--and living an idyllic life within the Amish community. The bishop's grandson, Stephen, is courting her and she hopes that he will propose soon. When her birth mother comes to Paradise, Linda finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josie's world. Meanwhile, her adoptive parents--and her Amish beau--are trying to understand how this interruption in Linda's life could possibly be God's will.

As new relationships begin and old ones are tested, no one's life will remain the same. In the process of losing and letting go--Linda realizes whose daugther she really is. And as only God can do, something more powerful and far more beautiful is forged within the Daugthers of the Promise community...hope.

My thoughts:

I've been on an Amish fiction binge lately, and recently stumbled upon some great books by Beth Wiseman.  Let me just say that I think I've found another favorite Amish author (what???....it's not like you can have too many)!  :o)  I just finished Beth's fourth book in her Daughters of the Promise series, Plain Paradise, and it definitely ranks in the Top 10 of my all-time favorite Amish books.  It's a story that I've read several times--never from an Amish perspective--about a mother who gives up her child for adoption, then after many years, searches to find this child and build a relationship.  Only thing is...there's not much time for Josie to find Linda, and make up for lost time.

What I have really come to love about Beth's books is that they are perfect for a new Amish reader.  Her style of writing gives a lot of factual information about the Amish, but the info flows very well with the rest of the story.  Now, I've been reading Amish fiction since Beverly Lewis hit the market, and while I'm no expert, I know the basics.  Since I've been reading Beth's books, I love that I'm discovering new things that I didn't know.  Until I read Plain Paradise, I didn't know that the Amish don't feel it is their calling to minister to others (yes, you read that right).  When I read that, I actually had to take a second look, and then, mull it over for a minute.  I came to the conclusion that this "rule" is probably in place to keep them even more secluded, and not unequally yoked with non-believers (another tidbit mentioned in this book that goes beyond the marital aspect that most of us are familiar with).  Furthermore, it keeps them away from any temptation of going against their Ordnung, or being led astray by something fancy in the Englisch world.  Instead of direct ministering, it appears that they choose to live their lives as an example to others of their faith and trust in God.  Wow...what a great witness, and a selfless one at that!! 

Amish fiction is not for everyone, but since I've been reading so much of it lately, I've developed a much greater admiration for thier simple lifestyle.  As we know, they aren't encumbered by a lot of things or distractions, and instead, focus their time and energy on living a life pleasing to the Lord.  Goes back to living by example, huh? 

All of the Daughters of the Promise books can be read in any order, but I would recommend reading them as they were released.  Each story builds upon the one prior, and continues the storylines of all the characters.  I cannot wait to read the conclusion to this series, Plain Proposal, due in March of 2011.  In the mean time, I'll be hunting for a copy of Beth's newest book, Seek Me With All Your Heart, which appears to be a spinoff of the Daughters of the Promise series.  Definitely looks to be some good reading!  :o)
4.5 Stars

**I received my copy of this book through PaperBackSwap, and was in no way influenced to write a review.

**Click here to read Beth's interview after she had been nominated for an Inspy Award.

Announcing the Winners of the 2010 Inspy Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


INSPY Winners Announced

December 13, 2010—The INSPY Advisory Board announced today that the following books have been awarded the inaugural INSPYs in their categories. Recognizing the need for a new kind of book award, the INSPYs — http://inspys.com/ — were created by bloggers to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.
The INSPY Award winners are:

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes, General & Literary Fiction (Tyndale House)

Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans, Creative Nonfiction (Zondervan)

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, Historical Fiction (Bethany House)

The Knight by Steven James, Thriller/Suspense/Crime Fiction (Revell)

Green by Ted Dekker, Speculative Fiction (Thomas Nelson)

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman, Amish Fiction (Thomas Nelson)

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren, Romance/Romantic Suspense (Summerside)

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr, Young Adult Fiction (Little, Brown)


The 2010 INSPY Awards cover books published from July 2009 through June 2010.
"We on the Advisory Board are really pleased with this year's winners," said Amy Riley, who spearheaded the INSPY's creation. "We're looking forward to building on this year's success in the future." The winner in each category was collectively chosen by a panel of blogger-judges, who were working from a short list of five books.
The Advisory Board collectively expressed their appreciation for the volunteer judges. "We really want to thank our judges for all their time and hard work," Riley said.

The judges in each category explained why they chose the winner they did:

• "Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes focuses on issues we all must face, such as life, death, relationships, and the choices we make when faced with our mortality.… Holmes leaves her characters flawed and human, which makes them extremely relatable."

• In Evolving in Monkey Town, "[Rachel Held] Evans' honesty in telling her faith journey impressed us along with how much her love of the Lord imbued the entire narrative. Interweaving her own tale with the views of people she meets, Evans juxtaposes all of the voices about God in her life."
• In She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, "a steadfast faith is embedded into the plot seamlessly and not, instead, centered out as a forceful plot device. The novel's inspirational resonance will reach Christian and non-Christian readers alike."

• "The literary skill employed by Steven James creates a story" — The Knight — "that steals the reader’s sleep while also stealing their breath. Creating an unforgettable set of characters who face an unimaginable and escalating series of terrifying crimes, James captures both the imagination and heart of the reader as he spins his tale."
• "The brilliance of Green by Ted Dekker is the fact that it is both the beginning and the end of the series. He did something completely unexpected with the ending of his book, while tackling the Christian faith from a different angle."
• Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman "is perfect for people who have never read Amish fiction before. The story line was interesting and it was easy to get involved with the characters. This book dealt with subject matter not normally found in Amish fiction, which made it a refreshing change."
• "Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren is an epic story that spans a couple decades and takes place on several continents. Warren took us from the Greek Isles to Prohibition-era Chicago, and back again, with enough description to make us feel like we'd lived in both places; she filled the book with rich detail, multi-layered characters, and plot twists we never saw coming."
• In Once Was Lost Sara Zarr "authentically portrays Sam, a pastor’s daughter, grappling with her faith in the midst of personal upheaval and uncertainty. Teens will relate to this excellent and very real book that goes beyond a surface-level exploration of what it means to follow God."

The innovative INSPY Award is designed to help readers in their search for the preeminent faith-inspired literature of today. The INSPYs were created to select and showcase books with the highest literary standards that grapple with the Christian faith. To find these works, the INSPYs net is cast wide, accepting nominations of books aimed at the Christian bookstore market as well as those from the general market.

The Inspy Shortlist for Amish Fiction!

In case you haven't heard, the short-lists were recently announced for the Inspy Awards.  I, for one, think that all the categories have some pretty good stuff going for 'em.  I can't wait to get started on the category I was chosen to judge:  Amish fiction.  :o)

(In my best Academy Award presenter voice...)  Here are the nominees for Amish Fiction for the 2010 Inspy Awards:

Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety, Summerside Press, 1st September, 2009

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson, 16th March, 2010

Winter’s Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray, Avon Inspire, 1st February, 2010

Anna’s Return by Marta Perry, Berkley, 1st June, 2010

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman, Thomas Nelson, 30th March, 2010

Now, I'm a HUGE fan of Amish fiction, but would you believe I've not read even ONE of these books?!?!?  Wow, I must really be behind.  :o)  All of these authors are new to me except for Shelley Shepard Gray (I've read two of her books so far) and Annalisa Daughety (I've read Love is a Battlefield by her), so I can't wait to see what's in store from Kathleen Fuller, Marta Perry, and Beth Wiseman.

The winners are set to be announced on December 13th.