This week on Amish Wisdom: Laura Hilton

Don't miss our guest this week, Laura Hilton. Laura's first book in her Amish of Seymour series, Patchwork Dreams, is releasing next month. Besides being a multi-published author, Laura is also a professional reviewer. She's has over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites. Wow - 1,000+! Be sure to tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm CST to find out more about Laura.

About Patchwork Dreams: Ever since returning from her rumspringa pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community in Missouri. Even after the young mother confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her, and she despairs the unlikelihood of marrying for love. It seems that her only hope is to eventually marry a widower with a family of his own.

Becky’s world changes when Jacob Miller arrives at her family’s farm with the understanding that he will help with chores during the summer and then return to Pennsylvania. What Jacob does not know is that his father, who disapproves of Jacob’s sweetheart, Susie, sent him away as part of a plan to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour. In addition to his work around the farm, Jacob undertakes the task of cheering up the lovely yet listless Becky, inviting her to various youth gatherings and offering her the only unconditional friendship she’s known.

As their friendship grows, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Will Becky and Jacob overcome their insecurities and self-doubts so that their love can grow, or will Jacob keep his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as so many others have done? 

For chance to win a copy of Laura's book, leave a comment here (with email address) and we'll choose a winner at random to receive Patchwork Dreams.

More about Laura: Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools her children. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
 
Her publishing credits include Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past from Treble Heart Books; a devotional in a compilation from Zondervan; and the first book “Patchwork Dreams” in her Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House will be released in April 2011, the second book, “A Harvest of Hearts” in September 2011, and the third in April 2012. Laura has her business degree from Ozarka and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

For more about Laura and her other books please visit her website.

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Comments
  1. Fran (violetcrumble@castelliweb.com) says: I have been drawn to Amish fiction for over 10 years and look forward to reading this novel by laura Hilton. Please enter me in the competition...

    Posted on: 03-29-2011 @ 9:40 pm EST
  2. Lenise says: This book sounds so interesting! I would love to win a copy! iamlenijay@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 03-29-2011 @ 10:18 pm EST
  3. Elaine says: Looking forward to reading this book! rejordan79@msn.com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 10:32 am EST
  4. Elyssa says: I'm a huge fan of Amish fiction, and have been looking forward to reading this one. Sign me up! lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 10:51 am EST
  5. Jenny says: Ooh, this looks like such a great book! Thanks for the chance to win it! jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 10:51 am EST
  6. Ira says: Awesome giveaway! This book looks really good! icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 10:52 am EST
  7. The Jesus Freak says: Please enter me! I can't wait to read this book! thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 10:52 am EST
  8. Emily says: Looks like a great book! Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 11:30 am EST
  9. Debbie says: Please enter me! Can't wait to read it! Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 11:30 am EST
  10. John says: Thanks for the giveaway! Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 11:31 am EST
  11. Terry says: I'd love to win this book! Thanks for the chance! jgiet@sssnet.com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 1:46 pm EST
  12. Becky in Georgia says: Wow! I'm intrigued with this story after reading the review. Thanks so much! bookladye@gmail.com

    Posted on: 03-30-2011 @ 6:52 pm EST
  13. Susan in North Carolina says: Looking forward to winning the book!!! Yup, I'm sooo hooked on Amish life books...it is hard to read anything else!!!!

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 12:14 am EST
  14. Susan in North Carolina says: My comment is above....I forgot my email address, which is tinkerbellmaw@yahoo.com.

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 12:16 am EST
  15. Diana says: I would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity! dianalflowers@aol.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 6:30 am EST
  16. Patsy says: Would love a chance to read this book. Count me in. plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 8:15 am EST
  17. Kim F says: Sounds like a great new series - I will add it to my "to read" list babykf at hotmail dot com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 8:46 am EST
  18. Stacie C. says: I am excited to read another amish series from Missouri. I live in the county where this takes place :)

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 2:29 pm EST
  19. Name says: Comment

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 3:16 pm EST
  20. lynne says: Would loe to read another author of amish fiction!

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 3:16 pm EST
  21. Lori James says: I would love to read a different author on the Amish :) lorij211@excite.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 3:53 pm EST
  22. Kim Wright says: looking forward to another good Amish book!!

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:00 pm EST
  23. NameLinda says: I am anxiously awaiting another book about the simple life...we would all be better off if we let go of more material things in our lives...would love to add this to my collections...lstmyers@cinci.rr.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:00 pm EST
  24. NamKarene says: Sounds like a great book! I can't wait to read it. wkhatfield812@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:02 pm EST
  25. Debra Bearden says: I would love to win a copy.

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:05 pm EST
  26. NameSue Laitinen says: Sounds like a wonderful book. Please enter me in the drawing. I can't wait to read it! Comment

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:06 pm EST
  27. Sandra Kaczanowcke says: Winning a copy of this book would be great. I love to discover new authors, and writers of Amish fiction makes it even better. kaczmom@gmail.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:24 pm EST
  28. NameBarb Abel says: CommentWould love to win her book I love new authors. abel.barb@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:47 pm EST
  29. NameCheryl Callan says: CommentWould love to win one of her books.. Callan210@msn.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:52 pm EST
  30. NameRhonda Staggs says: Would love to have her book ! rhonda_staggs@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 4:59 pm EST
  31. Pat Schultz says: Sounds like a great story looking forward to reading it.

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:04 pm EST
  32. Pat Schultz says: Forgot to give my email...patedsch1@comcast.net

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:05 pm EST
  33. Rhonda Staggs says: Nice to hear that Laura is from Arkansas, population little over 2,000. Been thru there many times. Live in South Central Arkanasas. Amity, population little over 700. Enjoying this interview so much.

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:16 pm EST
  34. Mary Brown says: Hello Suzanne, I would love to be entered into this contest. Thanks so much I do love your show. mbb1214@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:17 pm EST
  35. Dena Casey says: I'm enjoying the interview and would love to win a copy of the book! It sounds really good. denawcasey@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:18 pm EST
  36. Judy B says: Oh this books sounds so good! Would love to win it!! I haven't read any thing by Laura yet! judyjohn2004@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:19 pm EST
  37. Jenny says: I'm really enjoying your interview. I live about 20 miles from Seymour, MO, and have seen some of the buggies on the highway. I'm really looking forward to reading this since it's set in my neck of the woods. Thanks for the chance to win. eviesmommo at yahoo dot com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:26 pm EST
  38. LaNell D. says: I would love to win this book. It sounds great. I love to read Amish books. And I also love quilts. Thank you. lanelldobyns@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:26 pm EST
  39. Name Donna Harmon says: Wow I can't wait to read this book. My two favorite things are quilting and reading Amish books. Thanks for your generosity and your gift of writing.

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:32 pm EST
  40. Name Teddy Coltharp says: Comment Thank you for sharing your God-given talent with one blessed winner, Laura. I love the title !

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:38 pm EST
  41. Dena says: I've home schooled my 4 from the "get-go". My son's have graduated and my daughter's are almost done. One will graduate this spring and the other in 2013! Very rewarding. I'd love a book!! simplejoys4@gmail.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:39 pm EST
  42. Karla Hanns says: This books sounds fantastic. I would love to win it- Laura is a new author to me and I too love quilting. k_hanns@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 5:45 pm EST
  43. Cat ward says: Thank you for taking time to go on AmishWisdom today; it was my first time listening to A.W. and I enjoyed hearing about your influences and busy life! I have seven kids but NO homeschooling-lol! I need quiet to quilt,sew,crochet,and of course -READ! Email: cameos2crochet@gmail.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 6:01 pm EST
  44. Karen G says: Great interview. Looking forward to reading another Amish book and adding to my collection. kmgervais@nycap.rr.com

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 7:35 pm EST
  45. NameCarolyn J. says: CommentI'd like to win a book . haven't read Laura's yet. Know I'd like it.carolynj63@att.net

    Posted on: 03-31-2011 @ 8:44 pm EST
  46. Kristie Donelson says: I would love to read this book. Amish Romances are my favorite. I'm interested in the fact that she is a professional reviewer. What kind of books? kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    Posted on: 04-01-2011 @ 11:58 am EST
  47. Jusi says: Comment Oh the book sounds so very good. I would love to receive it!! Many thanks Mrst72443@yahoo.com

    Posted on: 04-01-2011 @ 3:58 pm EST
  48. Typo says: Sorry typo. Judi is the name not jusi :(

    Posted on: 04-01-2011 @ 3:59 pm EST
  49. Name: Suzanne says: Comment: Congrats to Linda (stmyers) you've won the copy of Laura's book. My assistant Amy will be in touch for your mailing address!

    Posted on: 04-01-2011 @ 5:15 pm EST
  50. Name Marsha says: Comment Would love to win, looking forward to reading your book, I just love Amish fiction!!!!

    Posted on: 04-02-2011 @ 3:34 am EST
  51. Mary Hake says: I enjoy Kim's writing and her sweet personality.

    Posted on: 04-08-2011 @ 11:05 am EST
  52. Teresa Sheroke says: I love your books and would love a chance to win this!!! Love you Kim and are doing an awesome job!

    Posted on: 04-08-2011 @ 12:27 pm EST
  53. Teresa Sheroke says: Suzanne thank you for having this contest...I truly enjoy your books as well as all the author's that write these Amish stories.

    Posted on: 04-08-2011 @ 12:33 pm EST
  54. Namevonne says: I love Amish books. Patchwork Dreams sounds like a good book to read under a cozy quilt. Thanks to all of you who write. ychristensen.52@gmail.com

    Posted on: 04-08-2011 @ 2:44 pm EST
  55. Sharon Riley says: Would love to win this book. Really love the Amish book. Thanks to all the author who give us such good reading. tucks_gmas@hotmail.com

    Posted on: 04-08-2011 @ 7:36 pm EST
  56. Raetta Gasser says: Would love to add PATCHWORK DREAMS to my library. My ancestry consists of Amish/Mennonite and I was born smack dab in the middle of Amish country. Love the Amish and love good, Christian romances.

    Posted on: 04-11-2011 @ 2:15 pm EST
  57. Ann says: Would love to win patchwork dreams. Love Amish fiction. amhengst@verizon.net

    Posted on: 04-19-2011 @ 4:41 pm EST
  58. nancybiggers@comcast.net says: Comment: i would love a copy of your book..nancy

    Posted on: 04-21-2011 @ 5:28 pm EST
  59. Ann says: Love these book can I win them? amhengst@verizon.net

    Posted on: 04-28-2011 @ 8:52 pm EST
  60. patneilj@gmail.com says: I read my first Laura Hilton Amish book. Loved it I will loo for more of Lauras books. Iread a lot of Amish ooks and like her writing very much Look forward to more of Lauras books.

    Posted on: 01-09-2012 @ 9:55 am EST


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Schedule of Guests

February

23: Dale Cramer

March

1: Jen Hatmaker (An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess) / Nancy Sleeth (Almost Amish)

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5: Murray Pura

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3: Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

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Suzanne's Latest Releases

The Keeper -- Avaialble NOW!

Book 1 in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series

"The Stoney Ridge Season starts off with characters who are trying to make the right choices, but sometimes with unexpected results. Fisher always brings freshness to her Amish novels. The Amish culture is interesting to read and learn about, but there is also a message: God has plans and those plans may vary greatly from the plans you have." -Romantic Times, 4 Stars

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher's vivid characters grapple with yielding to God's will when it doesn't match their own.

A Lancaster County Christmas -- September 2011 (Revell)

Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forwardto abright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

Amish Values for Your Family -- August 2011 (Revell)

For readers who long for strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much to learn from the Amish. Values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car, changing your wardrobe, or moving out to farm country.

In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows how you can adopt the wisdom of the Amish when it comes to family matters. In this inspiring and practical book readers will find charming true stories interlaced with solid, biblical advice about parenting, marriage, and all aspects of family life. As readers get an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of real Amish families, they will learn to prioritize what's truly important, simplify decision-making, slow down as a family, safeguard time together, and let go when the time comes.

The Search--Book 3 in The Lancaster County Secrets Collection -- January 2011 (Revell)

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

The Waiting--Book 2 in The Lancaster County Secrets Collection -- October 2010 (Revell)The Waiting

Jorie King’s life is on hold. She’s waiting for Ben Zook to return from serving in the war as a conscientious objector. Waiting for Ben to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. As friendship ripens into love, Jorie and Caleb plan for a life together filled with the promise of a fresh beginning, until the past intrudes.

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

AP

Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life -- August 2010 (Revell)

If you want to know a people, know their proverbs. These small, concentrated packages of insight allow outsiders to peek into a fascinating closed community. In Amish Proverbs, a collection of more than 200 proverbs uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Amish people. Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows.

The Choice--Book 1 in The Lancaster County Secrets Collection March 2010 (Revell)TC

"Fisher kicks off a refreshing new series, Lancaster County Secrets, with characters that are strong, both in body and spirit. They also have weaknesses that develop into strengths with the choices they make." 4 stars Romantic Times

One moment, Carrie Weaver is planning to elope with Lancaster Barnstormer Solomon Riehl, leaving their Amish community behind. The next, she is staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now Carrie faces a choice. An opportunity. But will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?

Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World (Revell) AP

You don't have to "go Amish" to make personal peace a reality. Organized around five central themes in Amish life, Amish Peace shows you how you can cultivate a simple life of love, gratitude, and faith in the midst of a very complicated world. It includes real-life stories and examples of Plain People, Amish proverbs, and fascinating facts about Amish communities. Each section also contains questions for reflection and action, outlining things you can do in your own life that "make for peace."