An Amish Family Reunion by Mary Ellis
Mary Ellis, best selling inspirational author of seven Amish novels, grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmer’s markets and woodworking fairs. She loved their peaceful, agrarian lifestyle, their respect for the land, and their strong sense of Christian community. She, her husband, dog and cat now live close to the largest population of Amish in the country—a four-county area in central Ohio. They often take weekend trips to purchase produce, research for her best-selling books, and enjoy a simpler way of life. Visit her at her website, www.maryellis.net.
From the book's back cover
Julia Miller misses her children.They are grown and have families of their own now, but her mother's heart yearns for a houseful of laughter and joy once again. She plans to gather her chicks together in a summer celebration to remember.
At the farm next door, Julia's niece, Phoebe, meets Eli Riehl, a young man who charms her--and everyone else--with his exceptional storytelling ability on a rumschpringe trip to Niagara Falls. When Phoebe sketches scenes to illustrate one of his tales, Eli encourages her incredible talent, and together they embark on a lofty and unlikely business venture for two young Amish people--writing and illustrating a children's book.
Eli's kindness and appeal extend beyond his knack for words to reach inside Phoebe's shy heart. But he is an only son with five sisters, and when tragedy strikes at home, Eli gives up his writing to assume responsibility for the farm. Though willing to abandon his dream of becoming an author, he won't give up his beloved Phoebe.
Can their love for a good story develop into something that lasts forever, or will memories of the past stand in their way?
From Jo
Mary Ellis is well equipped to write Amish novels with memorable characters and this one is no exception. From reading Amish novels I've learned of their simple, but protective life. Among the Amish, their strict rules must be obeyed and it is usually the father of the family that comes across as rather harsh when enforcing those rules. Phoebe's father is such a man and protests when she asks permission to go on a bus trip to Niagara Falls so she can find new things besides farm animals that she can draw. Phoebe's mother convinces the father to allow Phoebe the trip as it will be all Amish young people. On that trip she meets Eli and her sheltered life will never be the same.
Remember to leave a comment on THIS post by midnight Sunday, February 5, 2012, and you'll be entered in the drawing for a copy of An Amish Family Reunion.book I review below. U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. Please remember to leave your email address so that should you be the winner I can get in touch with you for your mailing address.
thanks so much for inviting me to your blog! the ocean waves are soooo peaceful. I don't want to go back to work. I need some beach-time! blessings.
ReplyDeleteMary, you are so welcome.
DeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteBeach time sounds wonderful, especially coming from cold upstate NY! Brr...
Thanks Jo, for a chance to win Mary's new book.
cllyrics(at)gmail(dot)com
Cynthia, thanks for your comment. Brr...is right from a Southern gal thinking of upstate NY. Thanks for reading my blogs posts.
DeleteHi Cyndy, hope to see you again in NC in May. thanks for dropping by Jo's blog.
DeleteI'd love the chance to win Mary's book. I've read a couple of hers and enjoyed them both. I live in an Amish community and she writes the stories well.
ReplyDeletetwinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com
Pegg, It's interesting that you live in an Amish community; I wonder if you've met Mary. Thanks for your comment and I appreciate your reading my blog posts.
DeleteNo, I haven't met Pegg yet, but when we do I hope she brings that horse! I love to ride. thanks for your kind words about my writing.
DeleteWould love a chance to read Mary's book. Thank you, Jo and Mary, for the chance to win. And Pegg is right, Mary does write her Amish fiction well.
ReplyDeletecselliott3 at gmail dot com
Cindy, you are so welcome. Thanks for your comment and for reading my blog posts.
Deletegood luck in the drawing. and thanks for your support regarding my writing. I truly love my work!
DeleteI WOULD LOVE TO WIN. THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE.
ReplyDeleteANGELAC@MCHSI.COM
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your following my blog.
DeleteBeautiful writer, I'd love a chance to win a book by Mary Ellis
ReplyDeleteAmy.J.Palmer@gmail.com
Thank you for your comment. Glad you read my blog posts.
DeleteI don't know about the beautiful part, except maybe on the inside. thanks for dropping by Jo's blog.
DeleteI'd love to win a book!
ReplyDeleteMy dad says KEEP SMILING to me alot and books make me smile.
dag53@tds.net
Donna
Donna, if you've read my stuff for very long you already know that my daddy said, "if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours." Books make me feel good too.
Deletebooks make me smile too. Although I own a Nook, I still keep buying paper-bound books. I just love the feel of a book in my hands.
DeleteNice review. Mary's books are great! Thanks for the opportunity to win this one.
ReplyDeletehomesteading{at}charter{dot}net
Anne, glad you liked my review. You are welcome for the opportunity to win Mary's book. Thanks for reading by blog posts.
Deletegood luck in the drawing!
DeleteThis is another one of Mary's 5 star books! I loved it! I could not put it down until I read the very last page! Good luck everyone, I hope if you don't win a copy of the book you will go out and pick up a copy. Mary Jackson
ReplyDeleteThanks for this chance to win one of Mary's books. It sounds really good. Nice meeting you Jo!
ReplyDeleteMaxie Anderson ( mac262@me.com)
Nice meeting you too, Maxie. Thanks for commenting and for reading my blog.
DeleteJo, I also enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMaxie Anderson
Thank you, Maxie. Hope you continue reading my blog.
DeleteNice to meet you, Jo! I look forward to reading An Amish Family Reunion, and have put it on my to read list! Mary has a wonderful line of books.
ReplyDeleteloree dot huebner at yahoo dot com
Loree, nice to meet you too. Thanks for commenting and for reading my blog.
ReplyDelete