Shannon here: Kathleen Fuller shares a romantic trip that fed her fiction, plus a chance to win an autographed copy of her latest Amish Romance, The Innkeeper’s Bride. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Feb 1st, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Kathleen:
Romance in Amish Country
The setting of my latest book, The Innkeeper’s Bride, is a small inn in the fictional town of Birch Creek, OH. Amish country is renowned for their inns, small hotels, and B&Bs. Although Birch Creek is imaginary, it is based on small Amish communities located outside of Holmes County, OH, which is the largest Amish settlement in the country. There you’ll find dozens of quaint and peaceful places to stay. Holmes is a popular destination for visitors looking to have a romantic getaway or to simply get away from an increasingly hectic world.
Years ago, my husband James and I did just that and spent our anniversary at The Barn Inn, a lovely bed and breakfast located in Millersburg, OH. Our stay there was so relaxing we didn’t want to return home! If you get a chance to visit Amish country, I highly recommend staying at an inn or bed and breakfast. They are great places to unplug and unwind. While I didn’t model Stoll’s Inn–the bed and breakfast featured in The Innkeeper’s Bride–on The Barn Inn, it is a composite of several inns I’ve stayed at over the years, both Amish and non-Amish.
Building and running an inn is hard work, but it’s is also rewarding, as Levi Stoll finds out when his family decides to go into the hospitality business. However, he definitely didn’t prepare for dealing with the inn’s problems on top of his growing attraction to new maid Selah Ropp, along with his meddling, matchmaking grandmother. For her part, Selah has returned to Birch Creek and is eager for a fresh start. She doesn’t anticipate falling for the local innkeeper—or feeling like part of a real family for the first time in her life. She now has to handle the huge dent in her best-laid plans. Can Levi and Selah overcome these obstacles and find love? Read The Innkeeper’s Bride to find out.
About Kathleen: With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, the Amish Letters series, the Brides of Birch Creek series, the upcoming Mail Order Brides of Birch Creek, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. She has also contributed to numerous novella collections. She and her husband James live in Arkansas and have three adult children. When she’s not writing, Kathleen is avidly crocheting, reading, and traveling, sometimes all at the same time. She runs the Facebook group Books & Hooks, which combines her love of books, crochet, and collecting recipes that she’ll never have enough time to make. Learn more & connect:
Kathleen’s Blog Kathleen’s Instagram Kathleen’s Facebook
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About the book – The Innkeeper’s Bride
With two matchmakers on the loose in the Amish community of Birch Creek, the new innkeeper doesn’t stand a chance in this sweet Amish romance.
When Selah Ropp returns to Birch Creek, she is a different person than when she left. I know I haven’t done much listening in the past, Lord, she prays. But I’m listening now. Her new friend, Cevilla Schlabach, urges her to let go of regrets and allow this to be a fresh start. Cevilla herself, though, hides a secret longing behind her weathered face.
Levi Stoll and his family spent a year transforming a large English house into a small inn. Now that they are open for business, Levi is pleased to have Selah join them as an employee—as long as his grandmother doesn’t try any matchmaking schemes on the two of them. After all, Selah seems as guarded as he feels, and the last thing he wants is for anyone to remind him of his history.
With Kathleen Fuller’s trademark humor and memorable characters, The Innkeeper’s Bride reminds us that God’s grace in the present and our hope for the future is stronger than any pain of the past.
Question for Readers: Have you ever stayed at a small in or bed and breakfast? What did you enjoy most about your stay?
Come back January 28th for Lisa Phillips!
I have never stayed at a bed and breakfast or a small Inn. Have always stayed in a chain motel when i have traveled. I don’t like going to people’s homes because i feel uncomfortable there so I really don’t think i would like a bed and breakfast.
I have but it was when I was younger and dont remember alot, but my daughter and two friends stayed in one last summer and she loved it, she talked about it for weeks, she said the beds were so comfortable and she loved the breakfast served, they are wanting to do it again this summer.
I have stayed at one in Rising Sun,IN that was very nice.Owner was very nice and our group had the entire place to ourselves
I love staying at Bed and Breakfasts. I enjoy the cozy atmosphere, furnishings, and the food!
haven’t
Yes I had stayed at a bed and breakfast in Eastport , Maine. I enjoyed it and the owner made it very homey and comfortable. I wouldn’t mind staying at another one.
We’ve never had the opportunity to stay at a B&B but we have stayed at some quaint cabins located in a wooded area which was extremely peaceful. We even had wildlife, including elk, in the yard late in the evening. We could sit in and watch them through the big picture window while sitting on couch by the fireplace. We loved it and love the wooded/mountain feel. So much so that 3 years ago we picked up bag and baggage and moved to the Ozarks. Now instead of getting that peace, quiet and restful feel just a few days a year, we have it everyday all year long. Still love it and can’t imagine living any other way. Now when we vacation, we still look for a quiet out of the way place to stay. Unfortunately B&B’s are out of the questions because we have a 15 year old chihuahua furbaby that goes everywhere with us. Haven’t found one that allows pets yet. 🙁 Still trying though.
Can’t wait for the opportunity to read Selah and Levi’s story in “The Innkeeper’s Bride”. Definitely on my TBR list. The Amish genre is my favorite to read. We really enjoy visiting Amish communities. We are planning a trip in August through Amish communities in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. Can’t wait!
Yes, we have stayed in several – Talkeetna, Alaska, Seward, Alaska, St. Augustine, FL. Estes Park, CO. & just recently in Cody, WY.
The thing I enjoyed the most was getting to meet the owners & hearing their stories. Also, the home cooking was wonderful
Never stayed at a bed and breakfast but I did work for one.
I have never had the pleasure of staying at a bed and breakfast, they sound heavenly though.
wfnren at aol dot com
I have stayed in one small bed and breakfast and enjoyed it!
I never had the chance to stay at a B&B but would love to someday especially on a street where the Amish buggies travel on.
I haven’t stayed at either, but it sounds like an amazing idea for a relaxing vacation away from the craziness!
We have stayed at a bed and breakfast several times and really love it. I hope we can again.
My husband and I stayed at a B&B outside of Nashville once… it wasn’t as relaxing as hoped but he did get a few good recipes…
Unfortunately, I have never stayed at a bed & breakfast. My hubby prefers hotels or motels. Would love to be able to stay at one someday. So many lovely ones to choose from.
No, I haven’t but I would love to some day. They always have held a special fascination for me and I love reading about them.
No I can’t say that I have but they sound so scumptious can’t wait to stay in one.
I have never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast or a Inn but it sounds like something that I would like to do sometime . Love the interview with Kathleen and Thanks for the chance to win
My hubby and I stayed at our first B &B about 4 years ago in Estes Park. I liked the fact that the owner’s wife took into consideration the special diet I was on, and also, conferred with her daughter who was familiar with the diet. She made me my own special breakfast with compliant ingredients that was completely different than my hubby’s breakfast. It was delicious!!!
Have never stayed at a bed and breakfast even though would love to one day to see what is like. Heard many good reviews on them
Never had the opportunity to stay at a small inn or Bed and Breakfast…I know it would be relaxing and fascinating to do so…Can hardly wait to read this new book…:)
I have never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast, but I would love too. One time we stayed at this cute little cottage. Everything was fine until 2 days later I was red from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. It not only itch, but hurt. Something I was allergic to. That has me a little worried about staying at B & B. Should I be worried or hesitant?
The very first bed and breakfast I ever stayed in was in Lancaster County, PA. Loved it! In fact, we loved it so much that thereafter when we went on vacations we always tried to stay at a B&B.
Love Your books, thanks for a chance to win
I’ve not stayed at one but would like to.
I haven’t had the privilege of staying in a B&B but I hope to one day have the chance. I enjoyed this post!
I have a winner! Loretta Shumpert won this drawing. I appreciate Kathleen for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.