"Rosanna's Gift" by Susan Lantz Simpson ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Susan has agreed to give away a print copy of this book. (US ONLY)You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends January 10, 2020. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) 

The story behind the story...

            I have always been interested in the Amish and their way of life. I remember going to the local Amish farmers’ market with my mother when I was very small. I was totally fascinated even then.

            Over the years my interest increased, and I did a lot of reading and research. When delving into my own family history, I discovered that, way back, my ancestors might very well have been Plain. Maybe my interest was something innate!

            I’ve written stories ever since I could hold a pencil, and I remember talking to my mother about writing an Amish story before any such books were ever on the market. Those ideas must have been germinating over the years.

            My work in community health sometimes involves children in foster care. Some of our local Mennonites serve as foster families; hence, the idea of having a Plain young woman take on the care of an infant was born.

            I have read many Amish stories but never came across any set in Southern Maryland where we have Amish and Mennonite communities. I wanted to set my novels (six previous books in addition to Rosanna’s Gift) here in this very different, rural location.

            My goal in all my writing is to entertain and to encourage. I want readers to enjoy my stories, maybe pick up some new information, and take away a message of hope along with the knowledge of God’s love. I pray I have accomplished these goals.

My review...

I’ve read and enjoyed books by this author in the past, and this one was no exception. The cover is welcoming, and it’s a great match for the story.

Rosanna is a strong heroine, and I found the secondary characters to be well-developed, as well. Emma was enjoyable. She’s Rosanna’s best friend, and she does what everyone needs from a friend: provides honest insight, along with some laughter. Rosanna’s family, particularly her brothers and sisters, had realistic interactions. The author has a way with words that makes the reader feel a true part of the story. Through her characters, she also demonstrates that people are the same in many ways, whether Amish or Englisch. And it was hard not to love Mollie!

The prose is beautiful, and the pace is mostly steady throughout. There were a few lulls in the story, but things balanced out overall. Relationships develop at a realistic pace. A key theme is trusting that God knows best, even when His timing is different than our own.

“ The Lord Gott’s plan might be totally different from ours, but you can be sure He has a plan for you.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

About Susan...

Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully) in addition to her inspirational romances. She was a finalist in the OCW Cascade fiction contest. She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She is a member of ACFW and Maryland Christian Writers Group. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.

Where to find Susan online...

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