Amish Book Up For Grabs


Normally I don't read Amish fiction. I used to, before I started writing, but then I stopped because the same character's story would go on for six books and I'd get frustrated. Or I wouldn't be able to find the next book in my teeny weeny library.
A few months ago I tried again to read some bestselling authors' Amish fiction. I was very, very bored.

So when I picked up fellow writer Amy Clipston's debut novel A Gift of Grace, it was with trepidation. I really wanted to like her story and was afraid I wouldn't.

Her book put my fears to rest. I really got caught up in the story. Her writing was smooth and her characters real. Their conflicts interested me and made me want to read more to see what would happen. In particular I felt a real empathy for the character Jessica (lol, not because of the name either). I feel like I would've struggled with all the Amish rules like she does. Also, she has recipes in this book. It's a pretty cool touch.

Needless to say, this was a great story! If you'd like to enter to win a copy, simply leave a comment.

You can find Amy on the web at her blog, her website and her grog Amish Hearts.

Comments

Jody Hedlund said…
I've felt the same way about other Amish series. Makes me wonder how they've grown to be so popular! Glad to hear this one was well written!
June 16, 2009 at 6:45 AM
Jeanette Levellie said…
Hi, Jessica. Please enter my name.
Because we live so near many Amish, I love their stories. Thanks for sharing your 'find!'
Jen
June 16, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Susan J. Reinhardt said…
Hi Jess -

I'm back! Like you, I've grown tired of Amish fiction, but this book sounds like a winner.

Please enter me in the contest.

susanjreinhardt (at) gmail (dot) com

Thanks,
Susan :)
June 16, 2009 at 9:22 AM
Eileen Astels Watson said…
I haven't read any Amish published books, only ones for an old crit partner.

This might get me hooked, though.
June 16, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Jaime Wright said…
this is good to know! I've pretty much given up on reading Amish novels because they all seem to have a similar premise of Amish person wants to be modern, and so on. I may have to give it one more try! :)
June 16, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Jeannie Campbell, LMFT said…
maybe i'm unusual...but i've never read ANY amish fiction! maybe this one would be the one to get me started in a new genre. :)
June 16, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Angie Ledbetter said…
Hey, you look a lot like the beautiful character on the cover! :)
June 16, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Dara said…
A few months ago I tried again to read some bestselling authors' Amish fiction. I was very, very bored.

That's exactly why I can't find myself gravitating towards it. Every time I try, I find myself bored. It's probably not my thing.

Though I may have to give this book a try...
June 16, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Amy DeTrempe said…
I have not been able to get into Amish fiction, but so glad you found you you enjoyed so much.
June 16, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Terri Tiffany said…
I enjoy good Amish fiction-- and you are right--it isn't always easy to come by. SO count me in!
June 16, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Kara said…
I've never read an Amish fiction book before. I'd enjoy giving it a shot!
June 16, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Amy Clipston said…
Thanks for the awesome review! I appreciate it!

Blessings,
Amy Clipston
June 17, 2009 at 8:26 AM
denise petrovich said…
I think it sounds like a great story and look forward to reading it. Love Mom
June 17, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Warren Baldwin said…
My wife would love to read the book.
June 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
Hi guys,
I have sporadic internet but you're all entered. :-) Thanks for stopping by everyone!
June 17, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Genny said…
I always appreciate a recommendation for a good book...thanks!

Hope you are well! It's great to be back blogging,
Genny
June 18, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Jessie Oliveros said…
I actually did see this book at the bookstore. So I may be unfamiliar with this genre. When you say Amish fiction, you mean fiction that is written by Amish or fiction that is written about Amish regardless by whom?
June 18, 2009 at 6:17 PM
Deb Shucka said…
Looking forward to reading this!
June 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Christina Tarabochia said…
Love your honesty! :-) I'd definitely give this a try as we seem to have the same take on most Amish books.

Total side note: Remember the blog I did about annoying ads? I now use Firefox as my browser and installed its free Ad Block Plus. Presto! The ads are gone and my screen is beautiful. :-) Let me know if you give it a try!
June 19, 2009 at 3:40 AM
Caryn Caldwell said…
That does sound interesting! I'm fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, and fiction seems an interesting way to learn more about it.
June 19, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Kathryn Magendie said…
Don't enter me in the contest - but, wanted to say isn't it great when you are afraid to read a friend/colleague's book and then there is that RELIEF! *laugh!* -I just had that happen - the book is self-published so that made me admittedly worry a bit more - but the book is LOVELY -- well done, well written and I love the character....
June 21, 2009 at 12:33 PM
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