In celebration of her latest release, Vannetta has graciously offered to give away a hard copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends September 30, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!
Q & A with Vannetta...
Q: What inspired you to write this?
A: One of the things I like to do in
Amish fiction is show that Amish families and communities deal with many of the
same issues that the rest of us do—whether it’s mental illness, addiction, or
handicaps. The way they live their life is certainly different. It’s plain.
It’s simple. But life is rarely plain and simple, and so I created the
character of Sarah who has suffered with an eating disorder for years. We first
meet her in Joshua’s Mission, and
then in Sarah’s Orphans she becomes a
major character. We learn that her eating disorder was her way of coping with a
difficult home life. And we’re able to see how God uses her in spite of the
struggles that she’s faced.
Q: I loved Sarah! Such an inspiring character. What can you tell me about your next
project?
A: I’m currently working on edits for What the Bishop Saw, a new Amish mystery
series. Henry Lapp is 64 years old and the bishop for a relatively new Amish
community in the San Louis Valley of Colorado. Henry is also an accidental
savant. He suffered a brain injury as a child, and the result is an uncanny
ability to draw anything he has seen. It’s not quite a photographic memory, but
it’s pretty close. And that sort of talent can come in very handy in a murder
investigation, especially when the person killed was one of their own. It’s a
story about gifts, God’s grace, and learning to trust that God has a plan for
our life.
Q: That sounds good. I can't wait to read it. What is something about you, or your
writing process, which would surprise your readers?
A: I write
my story out of order. By that I mean that I write the beginning, maybe 1/3 of
the book. Then I stop and write the ending. I envision the most perfect,
satisfying ending that will cause a reader to sigh and close the book with a
smile on their lips. After I’m done with the ending, I go back and write the
middle. I’ve done this for all 17 of my releases, and it’s a very good process
for me, though it’s probably not the “normal” way to write a book.
That's interesting. It obviously works well for you! Thanks for giving my readers the chance to get to know you a bit better.
My review...
Sarah Yoder never imagined she would be in charge of
her household, caring for her four younger siblings and trying to save the
family farm from foreclosure. An encounter with a young Hispanic boy and his
sister puts even more on her plate, but it also leaves her with a sense of
peace about her purpose.
Paul Byler is new in town. He is there to help his
brother after a heart attack. Paul buys the property next to the Yoder family,
and he soon discovers that God has plans for his life beyond what he had
envisioned.
This is the third installment in Chapman’s “Plain
and Simple Miracles” series, though it could be read as a standalone. This is a
heartwarming tale full of delightful characters which will tug at the reader’s
heartstrings. The importance of family and community is highlighted, and the
faith elements are smoothly integrated. Difficult topics, such as bipolar
disorder, depression, and anorexia, are skillfully addressed. The story also
highlights the important need for foster families in today’s society. This book
may leave the reader looking for miracles in their daily lives. While there is
some predictability, it is definitely not your average Amish tale.
Disclaimer:
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon link for purchase...
About Vannetta...
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published more than 100 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 10 Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas Hill country with her husband.
Where to find her online...
Thanks so much for having me on your blog!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!
DeleteIt's interesting to know about her method of writing the ending.
ReplyDeleteDianna
I enjoyed learning that fun fact, too :-)
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Since I have all of the previous books in this series, I am looking forward to Sarah's story. I'm especially interested in reading it now that I know Sarah's struggle in the book.
ReplyDeleteAs you've read the others in the series, you certainly need to read this one. I really think you'll enjoy it :-)
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by!
All of Vannetta's books are intriguing and I have read all but this one and enjoy every one that I have read so far.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Her books are all wonderful :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and good luck!
What interests me about this book is, my mom was sent to an orphanage at age 5, so I enjoy reading orphan books. TY for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Lucy. I've only read a few books which contain orphans as characters, and this is one of the best.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.
I love Vannetta's writing so that's why this book interests me :-) Anything she pens is exceptional!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway chance, I'll also be sharing on FB & twitter.
Thanks so much for sharing about the giveaway, Trixi!
DeleteYou're correct! It's hard not to love Vannetta's books :)
Good luck!