Shannon here: Laura V. Hilton shares insight into her characters’ romance from her latest Amish Romance, The Bird House. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Sept 7 – 11 to enter the drawing for a copy. Deadline: Sept 19th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Laura:
Interview with Josh Yoder:
Hi, I’m Josh. My family owns a blueberry farm in Jamesport, Missouri. I’m Amish, but I left the Amish for three years and worked as a migrant farm worker. I also hiked the Appalachian Trail which is where I found God.
- Are you open to your own romance?
Yes. I’ve been in love with Greta Miller since we were in school together. But I made some mistakes and left, ruining our relationship. I would love to win her back.
- What’s the number one quality you’d require in a mate?
Well, I used to say it was looks. After all, Greta is pretty. And sweet. But now, I think it would be a commitment to God.
- What’s the number two quality you’d require in a mate?
Personality. I have to be able to talk to her and grow together as friends.
- Where is the best place you can think of to find a mate?
Well, I’m Amish. So I would say right there in the Amish community. After all, that’s where Greta is. We grew up together. Went to school together. I started courting her as soon as she turned sixteen…
- Where is the worst place you can think of to find a mate?
In the bars I visited sometimes when I left the Amish. They are not women I’d ever want to marry.
- What would be a reason to end a potential romance for you?
If she was unfaithful. Or if she lied to me.
- Where do you dream of getting married?
The way it’s usually done is at the girl’s home. Either in the barn or inside, with the walls shoved back to make one big room.
- Where do you dream of spending your honeymoon?
The way it’s usually done, is at the girl’s house the first night, then traveling to different relatives afterwards, collecting gifts as we go. I never dreamed of anything different. Though, maybe a secluded cabin in the woods would be nice…
- If you could order a carbon copy of an actor or actress with the perfect character traits and beliefs for your mate, who would it be?
I don’t know anything about actresses. We don’t have television. But I can’t think with their lifestyle and mine, that I’d be a match with any of them.
- What would be the best gift a potential mate could buy for you?
Store-bought gifts mean nothing. I would rather have the gift of her love, the gift of her time, and her willingness to spend the rest of her life with me.
About Laura: Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse releasing in October 2015. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book planned for April 2016.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Learn more and connect:
Lighthouse Academy Blog Laura V. Hilton Blog Twitter Facebook Pinterest
About the book – The Bird House: Twenty–year–old Greta Miller’s daed has been injured in a farming accident during the summer. The supportive Amish community tries to help out, but Greta and her sister must work outside the home to make ends meet, and so Greta rents a booth at the farmers’ market. Because Greta is still in her rumspringa and free to explore the world, her family selects her to sell her homemade jams, jellies, and preserves to Englischers.
Josh Yoder wants to court Greta, but years ago, he made the mistake of rejecting her during a seemingly innocent game; which resulted in him leaving the Amish. Three years later, he’s back, but Greta wants nothing to do with him. Josh struggles to fit in and rebuild relationships he destroyed. Knowing Greta’s family needs help, he steps in, hoping to win her back. When Greta admires one of his birdhouses, he gives it to her, hoping that it will open the door to more.
But as their friendship begins to grow, a series of unfortunate events pull Greta away from the Amish, leaving her rejected by those she loves. Will Greta get beyond her family’s distrust and return home? Will she prove her innocence? Or will she remain outside her Amish community?
Purchase Links:
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Question for Readers: Have you ever bought or sold items at a farmers’ market?
Come back Sept 9th for Laura’s interview with Greta!
It sounds like there are so many obstacles for Greta, her fathers’s health, money, freedom, choices, and work at the market etc. I sometimes think some of the greatest opportunities are the obstacles in front of us. Overcoming one, and moving on, giving up to God, trusting Him to work out the ones beyond our ability, humbling ourselves in spite of what other people think, and going on even when we don’t want to. Things like that grow us and the book characters into more mature adults. It sounds like Josh had to leave in order to find himself, and what he really wants. Freedom is not always the answer we think it will be.
Looking forward to reading the book.
Yes, I have bought many items at a farmers market. Fresh baked goods and veggies. I love going to the Amish Farmers Markets. This book sounds like a wonderful read. Thanks for a chance to win and have a blessed day.
no I have not.
I love Farmer’s Markets. The food is the freshest, the people are real, the pace is relaxed. My hubby and at least one of my kids feel the same way, so we seek them out when we travel. I’ve met “real” people in Little Rock, Benton, Hot Springs, Perryville and Fayetteville, Arkansas as well as Cincinnatti, Ohio and Orlando Florida. I am new to Amish fiction, so I would love to have one of Laura’s books. This sounds like a great one!
i have bought a good bit and sold stuff as well!
Thanks for stopping by everyone, and thanks for hosting me, Shannon!
I go to the Farmer’s Market almost every Wednesday (the day it’s in my town) We have Amish selling vegetables and jams, jellies, and honey. And another one selling baked goods.
Hope you enjoy my book!
We love going to farmers markets. Our last trip we bought sweet corn, hot peppers, tomatoes and watermelon. At another market we bought homemade jelly and fresh cut sunflowers (my favorite).
I love going to farmer’s markets and have certainly bought things there… fresh produce and baked goods mostly.
My Dad is a beekeeper and has sold his local honey at the neighborhood farm market.
I have bought things at a farmer’s market. It is always so much fun to go!
My family and several church members have gardens and keep me supplied in fresh vegetables. I’ve never needed to stop at a farmer’s market.
Nice interview.
Yes, I have bought at the Farmers Market when I didn’t have my own garden and I usually give away my excess instead of selling it. I ask God to bless it so I can share with others. Thank you for the chance to win.
We have not done a farmers market, but we have bought and sold at swap meets and flea markets. Not only are they fun but a great place if you are a ‘people watcher’, lol. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “The Birdhouse”.
wfnren at aol dot com
I love farmer’s markets! There is a great one in my town during the spring and summer. I try to go at least twice a month while I can. I love the one in our town because they often have people who sell things like home spun wool. There is also a great farm about an hour away from us. We love heading there in the fall for pumpkin picking and lots of apple cider drinking. They always have great homemade preserves too.
I like going to the farmer’s markets. I have bought many items.Thanks for a chance to win.I am looking forward to reading The Bird House.