In the Pacific Northwest, a drought is a cause for celebration. Last summer we endured the least rainfall since 1951. In truth, we had plenty of water to keep our lawns green, but paid summer prices, and our well up at the beach did not go dry.
I love the arrival of autumn. As I’m writing this the temperature hovers in the 50s. Our trees are just beginning to change colors, nothing dramatic yet. It’s raining but I need to walk Piper.
A Lancaster Family Christmas released on September 28. The reviews have been fabulous. I want to thank everyone who has purchased or downloaded a copy, requested a copy at their library, and left an online review. Love those reviews! Even so-so reviews help me become a better writer.
As an author I enjoy weaving threads of truth with fiction. (BTW: My grandmother was a weaver.) I have visited Lancaster County often and feel comfortable writing about it, although the area and its Amish and Mennonite population is ever-changing. I continue to check my facts through my family and friends, many of them Amish. I greatly respect them, and I endeavor to be realistic when I portray the Amish knowing many are avid readers and may pick up my book. I just loved it when a Lancaster County resident exclaimed that she knew exactly where I was writing about in one of my many Amish novels.
Early autumn along Discovery Bay, WA.
A Lancaster Family Christmas is fiction, but here are some facts.
THE TRUTH:
Piper is our real cairn terrier, like the one in the Wizard of Oz! Although not quite as brave as I portray her, she is loyal to the max and is a Mama’s girl. My husband plays second fiddle.
I have Mennonite relatives living in Lancaster County who helped in this story. My relatives are warm and inviting but they don’t own a dog or horses.
I am a member of the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society.
Lancaster County is one of my favorite places in the world. I’ll leave it at that, lest I write a whole post about what I love about Lancaster County!
I have visited NYC many times and the Metropolitan Art Museum’s gift shop often. The restaurant’s chicken Marsala really is delish. My favorite period of art is Impressionism.
Two of my family’s barns burned. Terrible losses that I wanted to keep alive in my writing. My favorite cousin, Alex, in Connecticut described the ordeal when her parents’ magnificent barn was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.
Another truth is that I am awestruck by the Amish community’s dedication to each other as exhibited by barn-raisings. The Amish never cease to amaze me.
ALSO TRUE:
Diana Manzella is a fictional character, her first name borrowed from a Diana who has never been to Lancaster County.
Diana and my other characters took me on a journey, not the other way around. The story was outlined in my mine but often surprised me. Fun!
This is not an every-day Mennonite/Amish romance. I wanted to write something unique that would keep the reader turning the pages.
I also wanted to share with you that I’m currently writing an Amish book, but I write slowly so please be patient. I admire writers who can write one-hundred-miles an hour, but that’s not me.
Leaves turning color against a blue sky in Port Gamble, WA.
I hope you’re able to get outside and enjoy the marvelous autumn days no matter where you live. I love to walk with Piper, my time to admire the changing of seasons, and I adore reading. What would I do without a stack of books by my bed?
Enter for a chance to win an Amish-made doll named Lizzy from Lancaster County, PA, a set of my favorite covered-bridge themed notecards, a signed copy of one my books, including my newest book, A Lancaster Family Christmas, and a bookmark. Good luck to all who enter!
Winner will be announced on October 19 and has three days to respond. US only.
The truth is I am from California but love the country now
Thank you so much for the chance to win, any of the wonderful gifts. Blessings. Ruby
I love your giveaway! When I saw your Amish doll Imy heart melted. I had one and I gave it to a little girl I barely knew. Since the I’ve wanted to replace that wonderful doll.
Nothing wrong with being from California. In Washington state we have our problems … I love the country too!
Love all things Amish! I’ve been to Lancaster and love going to Pine rest when I visit Florida. I live close to Shipshewana.
I would love to visit the Amish in Florida and Indiana!
I am very into the Amish culture and love all things Amish including fiction and non-fiction books. My goal is to visit other Amish communities besides Lancaster County Pennsylvania and in or around the Berlin, Ohio area.
I hope you get a chance to visit soon!
I wouldn’t know how to navigate if I didn’t have my books around me. Reading is a wonderful adventure and feeds your spirit.
I totally agree! No matter where I am I read before bedtime
I cant wait to get your new book. I love all things Christmas. Reading has always been a passion.
Amish is all I read, love all the Wonderful Books, I am a indoor person, thanks for the chance Kate, I have visited both Ohio & PA Amish Country ❤
I love Christmas all year!
I’m a indoor person who loves to read. Each read is the next adventure! It’s great I read since I’ve been diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease no cure. The Lord and reading has become my help.
“The Lord is my refuge and my fortress” … I am praying for you. In the meantime before you meet our Make, I’m glad you have reading to entertain you!
I love your books Kate and always enjoy reading your posts. I love the beautiful fall colors and the cooler temperatures. Two of my grandchildren are playing fall ball and I love sitting outside watching their games.
I don’t know what I would do without a supply of Amish books ready to read! I look for new ones whenever I go out! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway!
Kate, enjoy your books when I am ab, le to buy them, thanks again for another give away! Good luck to the winner! Under the weather the last couple of day, so will enjoy some reading!
I’m sorry to hear you were under the weather!
How sweet is this? Thank you Kate! Fingers crossed for me! 🙂
I am crossing my fingers for you too!
Thank you for this awesome giveaway and the opportunity to win! I just downloaded your latest book. I can’t wait to read it!
Hope you enjoy it. Happy reading!
Cant wait to get your new book and read it….and hope to win this giveaway…would be a treat! Thanks!
Wishing you the very best luck in this giveaway!
Would love to win this giveaway. I enjoy your books and most all things Amish.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Omg would love a chance to win this giveaway, Thank you for the chance!
Good luck in the giveaway!
Thank You Kate for the amazing giveaway I enjoy reading the Amish Books!
The pleasure is all mine. Good luck!
I always love reading your books, Kate. Cant wait to read the next one.
How lovely that you enjoy reading my books! Music to my ears.
Thank you so much for the chance to win your wonderful giveaway!!!!
The gifts are wonderful!!!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Love all your books. Looking forward to reading this one too!
You are amazing writer,love to read you new book .awesome giveaway,thank
Good luck in the giveaway!
The only thing I read is Amish books and I would love to add these to my collection.
I would love to add one of my books to your collection!
Thank you Kate for this amazing giveaway. I love your books
T
Thanks for answering the giveaway!
Every book I read of yours always brightens my days!
Thank you so very much!
I think you love Lancaster just like I do, Kate. My favorite place on earth besides my home.
Yes, I do!
Thanks for the sweet chance to win! This would be a wonderful Christmas present for my hubs and me!
Wishing you the very best in this giveaway!
Enjoy autumn weather
As we enjoy you’re book.
Enjoy watching you’re walking you’re dog. Dog looks like he’s walking you hehe
I absolutely love Amish books, and I have wanted an Amish doll for a long time!
I’m so glad that fall is here with its cooler temperatures and beautiful colors. There are so many things to enjoy about it.
I love this autumn weather too!
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate the wonderful chance. Blessings
Thanks for ending the giveaway. Blessings to you!
I love going to Amish country and also reading books about th Amish. Thanks for this wonderful give away.
I always enjoyed your comments and posts. Thanks for enter in the giveaway!
What an awesome giveaway Kate, love reading your books and I love everything about the Amish. Love the Amish doll so cute !
Such a sweet doll but I will I have her up to the winner!
Originally from New York. Every year we would take a trip to Pennsylvania or Ohio to visit the Amish country and always return with a Shoo Fly pie, jams and jellies. Some very fond memories.
The fondest of memories!
Not clear about how to enter the giveaway. I like reading about the Amish and love your books.
If you have gotten this far you have entered the giveaway!
i would love to win a amish doll and book all the rest!
I wish you the best of luck in the giveaway!
I love to read, and I love your books, and I’m glad you take your time and want to be as accurate as possible. Thank you for the chance. I live in central Oklahoma and would love to visit Amish country in PA and OH.
I hope you do get a chance to visit the Amish in PA and Ohio!
I love giveaway’s and Texas!
I love giveaways too. Also Texas!
I live in a little town in Pa , I love the country and reading your book among others is my favorite pastime.
I would love to live in a little town rather than a big city, for sure!
I live in Olmsted Twp, Ohio. I love the country and I love visiting my sister who lives in Newcomerstown, Ohio. I have met some of the Amish that are her neighbors and they are such nice people and I have always loved their way of life. Sugarcreek , Berlin, and Charm are just a little North of where my sister lives and I also love to go visit these places. I’ve wished many times that I was Amish I Also love reading Amish books and I thank you for letting me share the chance to win one of your books and the other things you are offering. God bless you and thank you
What fun memories she must have visiting your sister in Ohio! I’m are delighted you enjoy reading Amish books.