It’s countdown week at AmishReader.com! Anna’s Healing (Book 1 in the Plain & Simple Miracles series) releases this Thursday, and we’re celebrating with a series of fun little interviews with author Vannetta Chapman. Let’s discover something new about this prolific Amish-fiction author and dive into the major themes of her new book!

Today’s interview looks at some big concepts from the book and Vannetta’s thoughts on them…

Vannetta’s Definitions

1. A Miracle

In Anna’s Healing, Chloe Roberts describes a miracle as “a holy encounter, [where] you come away forever changed.”

2. Healing

I think of healing as restoration. Many things can be healed—relationships, communities, our faith, and of course our bodies. God’s ability to restore, or to make us whole, is a cornerstone of our faith.

3. Hope

Hope is mentioned 180 times in the Bible. There are references to different types of hope, but always … always, our hope is in Christ.

4. Love

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (I John 4:10, emphasis added).

5. Faith

I was a young child when I memorized Hebrews 11:1 (“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”). I love this verse. It has always been something I can hold on to. Though I might not see the answer to a certain problem, though my heart may be breaking in two, I can have hope.

Join us tomorrow for Part 3 of the interview!

* * *

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Vannetta was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time where she lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.

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It’s countdown week at AmishReader.com! Anna’s Healing (Book 1 in the Plain & Simple Miracles series) releases this Thursday, and we’re celebrating with a series of fun little interviews with author Vannetta Chapman. Let’s discover something new about this prolific Amish-fiction author and dive into the major themes of her new book!

Today’s interview takes us back to the good ol’ school days with a multiple choice quiz…

Vannetta Gets Quizzed

1. If you weren’t a novelist, you would be…

• A journalist
• A farmer
• A nurse
• A secretary at a nonprofit

Vannetta explains: I published 150 articles before the novel-bug hit me. I like researching and trying to provide perspective on difficult topics. It’s a rewarding job, and one that would definitely be fun to do.

2. The best thing about autumn is…

• The colors
• The food
• Wandering through a corn maze
• Cozy evenings by the fire

Vannetta explains: We don’t have a lot of color in most of Texas—it’s mainly blue sky, green from crops and trees, and the rest is brown owing to a perpetual drought. We had record floods in June, and then not a drop of rain in July and August. All that explains why I love fall color. I like to plant any type of flower with color in it, and when I have the chance to see fall leaves, I’m thrilled!

3. The character from Anna’s Healing who most resembles you is…

• Anna Schwartz
• Ruth Schwartz
• Jacob Graber
• Chloe Roberts

Vannetta explains: Chloe is dedicated to doing a good job, but she finds herself putting people before the story. I can relate to that! While I taught, the students always came first—before testing or administrative tasks or grading. I also like that Chloe provides a type of bridge between the Amish and the Englisch. As a novelist, that’s one of my goals.

4. The most interesting topic you researched for the book was…

• Miraculous healings
• Oklahoma Amish communities
• Journalism
• Natural disasters

Vannetta explains: I did quite a bit of research on miracles—modern day as well as those found in Scripture. It’s a fascinating topic, and one that causes me to pause and consider my faith. I also did a survey on my Facebook page. We had 330 people respond that they did believe in miracles and 3 respond “maybe.” No one said they did not believe in miracles.

5. If you could take any mode of transportation, you’d travel by…

• Bus
• Tractor
• Buggy
• Car

Vannetta explains: I would choose a buggy as long as I don’t have to hitch up the horse! But seriously, I love walking and bike riding. Anything that slows me down and causes me to actually look at the area around me, that’s a good mode of transportation.

Your turn! Which answers would you pick for this quiz? Let us know in the comments, and join us tomorrow for Part 2 of the interview!

* * *

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Vannetta was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time where she lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.

*Autumn trees photo courtesy of Vannetta Chapman.

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In this excerpt from Anna’s Healing, the first book in Vannetta Chapman’s Plain & Simple Miracles series, Anna ponders the hired hand who has joined them for the harvest. What’s Jacob Graber’s story?

Enjoy the preview!

***

Leaving her room, Anna walked down the hall hoping she wasn’t late for breakfast, but she needn’t have worried. She stumbled to a stop as she peeked into the kitchen. Mammi tottered in from the back porch. Already sitting at the table was her onkel, her aenti, and the man they had hired to help with the harvest.

Jacob had shown up at the farm two days before with Bishop Levi. He was polite enough but terribly quiet. Though they had been working in the same field the day before, they hadn’t exchanged more than a dozen words.

Taking her place at the table, Anna nodded to Jacob, said good morning to her aenti and onkel, grinned at Mammi, and bowed her head for prayer. When she finished and reached for the large pot of oatmeal, she noticed Jacob studying her. She smiled at him, but he quickly ducked his head.

Polite and quiet and shy.

“You did well with the horses yesterday, Anna.” Her onkel reached for his coffee cup. “If you like, Jacob can take the team today.”

“Nein. I enjoy driving Snickers and Doodle. They are gut horses.”

Jacob again glanced up from his breakfast, but he didn’t say anything.

How did he arrive so early? Did he walk? Or did someone drive him? She’d heard through her aenti that he was staying with the bishop. It wasn’t a far piece, but he would have had to rise at least an hour early in order to dress and walk to her onkel   ’s farm for breakfast. No wonder he ate as if he hadn’t seen a full plate in years, though he certainly didn’t look as if he were starving.

Anna snuck glances as she ate her breakfast.

Jacob was tall—nearly six feet if she were to guess.

He obviously wasn’t married. His face was clean shaven.

But he was older, probably older than she was. So why wasn’t he married?

Anna shook her head. She hated it when people asked her that question, and here she was wondering the same thing about him.

His blond hair needed a cut, and his blue eyes had such a calm, serious look that she wondered what he had seen in his traveling. The only thing she knew for certain about him was that his parents lived in New York and he didn’t have any family in the area. So why was he here? Simply for the work? But they would be done by the end of the day. As far as Anna knew, Cody’s Creek wasn’t on the way to anywhere. How had he picked their little community?

***

Excerpted from Anna’s Healing by Vannetta Chapman

Ready to read more? Purchase a copy of the book through AmazonSmile to support both Vannetta and Project Linus, a nonprofit organization featured in the story! See the button below for the three easy steps you’ll need to take.

(Project Linus organizes the donations of handmade blankets and afghans to children in hospitals and other areas where they’re in need of some comfort and warmth. You can learn more and find ways to support the group at ProjectLinus.org.)

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Happy first day of autumn, dear Amish readers!

On Monday we asked our Facebook fans to vote for a hearty meal recipe they’d like to try to celebrate the change of seasons:

1. Dutch Meat Loaf
2. Farmer’s Soup
3. Potato Chip Chicken Casserole

The winner is…Farmer’s Soup!

However, it was a pretty close race between Farmer’s Soup and Potato Chip Chicken Casserole, so we want to offer both recipes to you! You can find the recipe for Farmer’s Soup on our Facebook and Pinterest pages. Below, you’ll find the recipe for Potato Chip Chicken Casserole.

If you want to try the Dutch Meat Loaf or discover even more delicious recipes, don’t miss the new cookbook, 99 Favorite Amish Recipes by Georgia Varozza!

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In this excerpt from Miriam and the Stranger, the final installment in Jerry Eicher’s Land of Promise series, Miriam is introduced to the visiting minister, whose gaze and words leave her flustered. Why is Mose really in Oklahoma?

Enjoy the preview!

***

As Miriam approached the other end of the married men’s table, Deacon Phillips looked up to say, “Well, if it isn’t Miriam Yoder, our schoolteacher, serving the tables today. What a blessing you are.”

“Don’t say that so loudly,” Miriam whispered back. Heat crept up her neck. The visiting minister was sitting right beside Deacon Phillips.

Deacon Phillips chuckled, and the minister turned around to look up at Miriam. The tender look from earlier in the day filled the man’s face. “So this is Miriam. I thought she might be the woman I was told about.”

“Yah, our very own Miriam,” Deacon Phillips said with a grin. “And Miriam, this is Mose Stoll, from near your area in Possum Valley. He’s visiting us for a while.”

“Hello.” Miriam choked on the word. What was she supposed to say?

“Gut to meet you,” Mose said, the tender look still on his face.

Deacon Phillips continued as if Miriam wasn’t present. “She’s as faithful a member of the community as one could wish for, Mose, and a gut schoolteacher on top of that. I don’t know what we’d do without her.”

The bowl of peanut butter slipped from Miriam’s fingers and dropped to the table with a loud bang. Her face must be blazing. What on earth was Deacon Phillips up to? Why was he singing her praises to this strange man?

Mose regarded Miriam with a steady gaze. “The Lord guards the hearts of men and maidens alike,” he said. “It’s gut to know His work produces such comely results.”

Deacon Phillips chuckled again. “Yah, like my own frau, Katie, Miriam is a jewel. Any man who can capture her heart has done well.”

“I can see that, ” Mose said with a nod. “This Miriam has been blessed by the Lord indeed.”

Miriam fumbled with the last peanut butter bowl and nearly dumped the contents into Mose’s lap. What had gotten into Deacon Phillips? In a quick motion, Miriam pushed the bowl away from the two men. It slid across the table and stopped with a clink against the red beet dish. Splashes of red juice went airborne and then landed on the tablecloth and spread out in a slow stain. Several bearded men looked up with surprised expressions on their faces. They had been involved in their own conversations and hadn’t heard the flattery about her. Well, they would have to think her a clumsy klutz. She was not about to explain. With quick steps Miriam fled back to the kitchen and slipped into a corner to calm her nerves.

This wasn’t like Deacon Phillips at all. Nor was it like a visiting minister to pay so much attention to an unmarried woman—unless the man was here on a search for a frau. Miriam’s hands tingled. Could this be true? Was the minister on a search for a frau to replace one who had passed away? He was too old to have never been married. And he didn’t appear nervous around women. That could mean only one thing. He had been married before to a godly frau who had honored and obeyed him.

Miriam tried to breathe deeply. The married men’s table still needed attention, and she was in no condition to help. But surely she was wrong about the visiting minister. No Amish man of such high regard would simply appear in a community and pick her out of the crowd.

“Get a grip,” Miriam whispered out loud. Thankfully none of the other women heard her in the loud bustle of the kitchen, but she would have to go back. Miriam filled her hands with bowls again and headed for the married men’s table—at the other end this time.

***

Excerpted from Miriam and the Stranger by Jerry Eicher

You can order the book now on the Harvest House website or your favorite book retailer!

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Brian’s Choice is a story about mistakes we make, our attempt to make amends, and how God may lead us on a path vastly different than we imagined—all in our quest to find forgiveness.

My husband and I visited Cody’s Creek, Oklahoma in June of 2014. Actually, if you look at a map of Oklahoma, there is no such place. But if you happen to be in Tulsa and drive east on Highway 412 for about 40 miles, you’ll come to Chouteau. The name for this small town of 2,000 was originally Cody’s Creek—named after a creek that flows north of town. It’s a small place, and you won’t find any touristy things to do.

But you will find a few places that sell plain, simple food. Amish girls often work behind the counter. And if you drive through the surrounding countryside you’ll see Amish farms, though here that farm will most often include a tractor of some sort. Amish have lived in this area for over 100 years, and it was in 1937 that the community began to allow the use of tractors due to the harshness of the Oklahoma soil.

But my story, or rather Brian’s story, begins in California along Highway 101. The tragedy that ensues causes Brian Walker to question many things—his purpose in life, how he can possibly atone for his sins, and whether or not God even has a plan for him. Those are issues I think many of us can relate to. I know that I have messed up before. I’ve felt unredeemable. And I’ve experienced the miracle of God’s grace and forgiveness.

When Brian lands in Cody’s Creek he is captivated by the simple life and the plain people. Here he finds a peace and sense of community that he has never experienced. His decision to “become Amish” isn’t made lightly. After counseling with the local bishop, and much prayer and soul-searching, Brian decides to commit to the simple life and to dedicate his life to Christ.

Everything should be perfect from there. Right? Only it’s not. As Christians, we still face trials, and Brian will face his share of those. In the end, the choice Brian has to make is whether he can accept the forgiveness of others, God’s forgiveness, and whether he can learn to truly forgive himself.

I love the town of Cody’s Creek. It reminds me of the small Texas town I live in and many similar towns I’ve visited as I’ve traveled across our country—all filled with good honest people who are willing to extend the hand of friendship. I hope you enjoy this novella, and I’m looking forward to sharing Anna’s Healing with you, the first full novel in this Plain and Simple Miracles collection.

* * *

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 was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.

*Amish country photos courtesy of Vannetta Chapman

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99 Favorite Amish Recipes by Georgia Varozza released this month! On Monday we asked our Facebook fans to vote for a meal recipe out of three options (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) from the cookbook:

1. German Egg Pancakes
2. German Potato Salad
3. Cabbage Patch Stew

And the winner is…Cabbage Patch Stew!

You can check out the recipe below or on our Facebook page. And don’t forget to check out the new cookbook, 99 Favorite Amish Recipes!

Variation (included in the cookbook):

Prepare a batch of biscuit dough; making sure there is plenty of broth in the stew, pour the stew into a large baking dish. Top the stew with the cutout biscuits and bake at 375º for about 20-25 minutes or until biscuits are done and golden on top.

 

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Today we’re delighted to chat with fiction author Tricia Goyer about her new series (coauthored by Sherry Gore)! Get a behind-the-scenes look at The Pinecraft Pie Shop series, learn more about the setting of Pinecraft, and discover Tricia’s favorite flavor of pie…

* * *

AmishReader: What inspired the idea for The Pinecraft Pie Shop series?

Tricia: There are so many things to enjoy when I spend time with my Amish friends. I love their love for their families and community…and I also love their PIE!

Sherry Gore is a sweet friend. She’s also a wonderful cookbook author. One of her cookbooks is Me, Myself, and Pie. The photos in the book make my mouth water!

I’ve made a few good pies in my lifetime, but I dream of being able to bake like Sherry. For me the best way to become an excellent baker overnight is to step into the life of a fictional character who loves to bake!

Once Sherry and I started talking about a character who loved to bake and who longed to open her own pie shop the series took on a life of its own!

AmishReader: What was the collaboration process like for Made with Love?

Tricia: Sherry and I had a wonderful time brainstorming. We’d talk about characters, ideas, themes, and more. I did most of the writing and she provided all of the information. Sometimes we’d chat on the phone and other times I’d send a dozen emails in the course of a day asking her questions. Since Sherry lives in Pinecraft and lives the plain lifestyle, she provided so much wonderful information. She also offered ideas that made the story even stronger. It was a joy to work with her!

AmishReader: Tell us about the story’s real-life setting. What do you love most about Pinecraft, Florida?

Tricia: I visited Pinecraft over a year ago, but I love the idea that Amish and Mennonites from all types of communities come together. There are Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Mennonites, and everything in between. These plain people come from all over the United States—and some are from overseas. They often live different lifestyles and wear different styles of clothes, but when they come to Pinecraft those differences are overlooked.

AmishReader: What’s your favorite kind of pie?

Tricia: I love raspberry cream pie! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

Thank you, Tricia, for joining us today! We hope you get to have some raspberry cream pie real soon!

* * *

Curious about the coauthor’s take? You can read an interview with Sherry on the Harvest House blog! And you can learn more about Made with Love, Book 1 in The Pinecraft Pie Shop series, on the Harvest House website.

Tell us, readers, what do you love most about the Amish communities you’ve read about or visited?

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of two, and wife to John. A USA Today bestselling author, Tricia has published over 40 books and has written more than 500 articles. She’s well-known for her Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Amish series. For more information visit Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com. Tricia, along with a group of friends, also runs www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life.

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The Made with Love celebration continues! On Tuesday we asked our Facebook fans to vote for a savory meal recipe out of three options from the novel:

1. Potato Soup
2. Underground Ham Casserole
3. Yoder’s Restaurant Chicken Stuffing Casserole

And the winner is…Yoder’s Restaurant Chicken Stuffing Casserole!

You can check out the recipe below or on our Facebook page. And don’t forget to check out Made with Love to see where the dish pops up in the story (and to get additional yummy recipes)!

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Just in case you need some extra incentive to pick up a copy of Made with Love (or to enter the #ShareAServing giveaway for a chance to win two copies!), here’s a sneak preview from the novel. Meet Lovina and Noah, standing on the threshold of the home where Noah lives with three Amish teens under his supervision…

***

Outside, the air was already heating up. She thought about inviting Noah to her parents’ house, but she didn’t want her parents to overhear. And she wanted to think through her plans before sharing them.

But from the attention she and Noah were still getting from the teens, they’d never be able to talk freely here either.

Noah must have read her thoughts. “How about we meet at Big Olaf’s to talk? A warm day like this is always a good day for ice cream.”

“I love Big Olaf’s.” The words came out too hurried, and heat rose to Lovina’s cheeks. “I have a few things to do around home yet.” She didn’t really have much to do, but she needed some space to regroup and clear her head. Noah’s gaze had a way of pulling her in.

“In an hour then? I have to get these guys working on a deconstruction project.” His eyebrows lifted in hopeful anticipation, and warm eyes peered down on her. A moan sounded from the guys behind him at the mention of work, but that only caused Noah’s smile to brighten even more.

His face was tan and handsome. His eyes were a light bluish green, like the color of the ocean at dawn. He smiled, and she quickly looked away. He no doubt was used to getting attention from Amish women—Englischers too.

“Yes, that will work. See you then.”

Lovina hurried down the sidewalk and hurriedly walked down the road to her house. She crossed her arms over her chest, chiding herself for just lying to Noah. Why had she told him she had something to do at home? It was the way he looked at her, for starters. It was almost as if he could peer into her soul. And that smile. She blew out a big breath just thinking about it. Surely someone like Noah Yoder already had a girl he was courting.

“Lovina!” He called her name, and she turned. Instead of standing in the doorway Noah was walking toward her, pushing her bike. “You forgot something!”

She placed a hand on her cheeks, knowing for certain she’d lost her mind. She turned completely around and then watched in surprise as Noah jumped onto her bike and pedaled toward her.

The sight of the tall, muscular man riding the light blue bicycle with the white basket in front tickled her funny bone. Laughter poured from her lips, and Noah sat straighter, taking on a serious look, as if he was offended by her laughter.

He pulled up beside her and climbed off. He nodded toward the seat. “There, I warmed it up for you.”

“Oh my heavens, I would have given anything for a photographer to have snapped a shot of that. It would have made the cover of an Amish calendar for certain.”

“Anything to see you smile again.”

***

Excerpted from Made with Love by Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore

You can order the book now on the Harvest House website or your favorite book retailer!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter the #ShareAServing giveaway for a chance to win a vintage Pyrex Amish butterprint mixing bowl and two copies of Made with Love (one to keep and one to share)! You can enter on our Facebook page or by clicking this link that goes directly to the giveaway form. Good luck!

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Sherry Gore, Tricia Goyer by Amber | AmishReader.com
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