What an exciting way to jump back into the blog! We’re so pleased to announce that The Amish Blacksmith by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner won a Christy Award in the Contemporary Series category! You can find a list of all the 2015 winners and learn more about the awards at www.christyawards.com.

Curious what all the hullabaloo is about? Well, we’re giving away a copy of The Amish Blacksmith to one of you in celebration of this happy occasion! Just leave a comment with your email address letting us know you’d like to be entered in the drawing. You just might be a winner, too!

Fine print: Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only, and participants must be 18 years old or older to enter. A winner will be randomly selected and emailed on Tuesday, July 7th. This giveaway is in no way sponsored by or affiliated with Facebook, WordPress, or Twitter.

The Amish Blacksmith by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner (August 2014)

Book 2 in The Men of Lancaster County series

(Book 1: The Amish Groom; Book 3: The Amish Clockmaker)

About the Book:

Apprenticed blacksmith Jake Miller is skeptical of Priscilla Kinsinger’s innate ability to soothe troubled horses, especially when he has own ideas on how to calm them. Six years earlier, Priscilla’s mother died in an awful accident at home, and Priscilla’s grief over losing her mother was so intense that she was sent to live with relatives in Indiana. She has just returned to Lancaster County.

Not that her homecoming matters to Jake, who is interested in courting lighthearted Amanda Shetler. But Jake’s boss is Priscilla’s uncle, and when the man asks Jake to help his niece reconnect with community life, he has no choice but to do just that. Surprisingly, he finds himself slowly drawn to the beautiful but emotionally wounded Priscilla.

Jake then determines to prove to her that it’s not her fault her mother died, but what he discovers will challenge everything they both believe about the depth of love and the breadth of forgiveness.

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Mindy Starns Clark, Susan Meissner by Amber | AmishReader.com
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I’m wondering how many of you have been blessed with a godly woman in your life? Maybe it’s your mother or grandmother; maybe it’s an aunt or a cousin or a friend. It could be someone you’ve known your entire life or someone you met recently. Regardless of who or how long, these relationships nurture us. These are people we can trust, who will listen to our hurts and celebrate with your joys.

I like to write about these types of relationships. I realize we don’t all have a perfect mother or a best-friend sister, but I think most people have at least one maternal figure in their life that they are grateful for.

In the story A Promise for Miriam, we see this relationship between Miriam and her mom (even though her mother makes some terrible herbal tea for Miriam to drink when she’s sick). And we see how Miriam passes on the same love and kindness to the new little girl in her school—Grace.

I try to emphasize that it’s not about being perfect, since none of us can be that. Rather it’s about not judging one another, offering a calm and peaceful presence, committing to praying for one another, and encouraging one another.

I’m not sure there is any stronger bond than that between a mother and her child (except maybe a father and his child). It’s something that truly lasts a lifetime. As a mom, I understand that I would do absolutely anything for my children—including my stepchildren. They are more than an extension of ourselves. They’re also a blessing and an important part of the future. They are, essentially, more valuable than our own life. That’s just what being a mom means. That you put the child first.

Proverbs 31 describes a woman of “noble character.” Deuteronomy and Exodus and Ephesians remind us to honor our mothers. Proverbs 6:20 tells us to “not forsake your mother’s teaching.” We are reminded of Sarah’s love for Isaac, Elizabeth’s love for John, and Mary’s love for Jesus. Scripture is resplendent with stories of mothers and children and the sacred bond that exists between us.

Often in my stories, I depict mothers and grandmothers who are old, somewhat feeble, but giants in the faith. They consider Scripture to be their lifeline, and they share those precious verses when my heroine is in trouble.

In A Wedding for Julia, Ada is the cause of Julia’s distress and yet she is also the reminder of her salvation. Ada consistently and patiently reminds Julia of the faithfulness of God and the truth of His word.

I’ve been blessed with many nurturing women in my life—my mother, my sister, my mother-in-law, very close friends. These ladies provide a stability to my life that helps me to handle the very bad days. I can count on each of these women, and they’ve inspired me to be that same type of person to others. I want to be the one who listens, who doesn’t judge, who guides with God’s word and His love and His mercy.

I understand that our mothers aren’t perfect, and everyone doesn’t have a mother that they can look up to. For some of us, our mothers have passed or perhaps they haven’t been the godly example that we would have wished for. But I like to think that God had a plan when he placed us in the arms of the woman who bore us. Whether we understand that plan or not, we can honor it. And though I’m not a perfect mom (just ask my children), I can vow to make my children a priority, to lead them with a kind and gentle hand, and to remind them of the truth of God’s love.

I’m praying that this Mother’s Day will be extra special and remind you of your Father’s abiding love.

Blessings!

***

Vannetta Chapman has published more than 100 articles in Christian family magazines. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Vannetta is a multi-award-winning member of Romance Writers of America. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas Hill country. Her first two inspirational novels—A Simple Amish Christmas and Falling to Pieces—were Christian Book Distributors bestsellers.

Photo of Vannetta and friends courtesy of the author.

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Devotions, Vannetta Chapman by Amber | AmishReader.com
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Less than a month to go until the official release of A Blessing for Miriam, Book 2 in Jerry Eicher’s new “Land of Promise” series!

Join Miriam and Wayne in Aunt Fannie and Uncle William’s kitchen in this exclusive sneak preview…

***

Miriam listened as Wayne told the story at the kitchen table with great expression. “We were in the barn that evening for our chores, and Joy had this bunch of little kittens who were just beginning to stagger about. They’d already learned that we give them fresh milk during chore time, so they’re out waiting with their mother for their treat. Of course, they can’t sit still—and even more so with the sleepy spring flies buzzing around. At first they only snapped at them, but soon they got to swatting with their little paws, followed by tumbles over each other. Esther and Joy couldn’t stop giggling, and I had to join in myself. It was that funny.”

Miriam looked away from Wayne’s face as the story continued on. Wayne was here for lunch, and somehow the subject of kittens had come up. Wayne had jumped in with this story, but at the mention of Esther’s name, Miriam flinched. At least Esther had only been on the sidelines. Miriam tried to put the image of Esther and Wayne laughing over kittens out of her mind. There was no reason she should be jealous. She had vowed she wouldn’t be.

“They are the cutest things, I must admit,” Wayne concluded. There were chuckles all around the table. Even Uncle William seemed to have enjoyed the tale.

Moments later a knock came from the front door and silence fell in the kitchen, except for Uncle William. He started to get up, muttering, “I wonder who that is in the middle of the day?”

Aunt Fannie motioned for him to sit. “I’ll get the door.” She rose and disappeared into the living room.

Whoever had arrived couldn’t be a big deal. Not much happened in Oklahoma on Saturdays. Everyone moved slower as they got their work done and prepared for Sunday services. Today, even the Englisha had slowed down, as business in the nursery had been light all morning. Miriam had helped out a few hours and then returned to the house to work in the kitchen. The row of pecan pies on the counter was a testament to her morning’s labor. They looked delicious, but she hadn’t dared taste one. She noticed Wayne’s gaze drift toward the waiting pies too.

“I hope they’re gut.” Miriam wrinkled up her nose. “I had to rush.”

“I know they’ll be gut!” Uncle William declared without hesitation.

“You can be sure of that,” Wayne echoed William’s sentiment.

Miriam stared at the line of pies. “Looks can be deceiving, you know.”

“They weren’t with you,” Wayne teased.

Miriam gave Wayne a grateful smile. She’d written Mamm this week about the proposed wedding in October. She was sure Mamm wouldn’t turn her down, so the matter was settled. She was Wayne’s promised one, and she would soon be a married woman. She took a deep breath and thought of Wayne’s kiss the other Friday night. Wayne wasn’t plentiful with his kisses, but he would be once they were married. She was sure of that.

Wayne nudged Miriam under the table. “What are you thinking?”

Heat rushed into Miriam’s face.

Thankfully Aunt Fannie saved the moment when she reappeared at the kitchen doorway. “It’s for you, Miriam, and it sounds serious. You’re to call home at once.”

***

Excerpted from A Blessing for Miriam by Jerry Eicher

You can order the book now on the Harvest House website. (And don’t forget to pick up Book 1, Miriam’s Secret, if you have yet to begin this series full of twists and turns!)

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Jerry Eicher by Amber | AmishReader.com
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On Tuesday (St. Patrick’s Day) our Facebook fans were asked to vote for the “green” recipe they’d prefer out of three options:

1. Zucchini Casserole
2. Apple Caesar Salad (with crouton recipe)
3. Roasted Green Beans

And the winning green food is…Roasted Green Beans!

This recipe comes from The Amish Family Cookbook by bestselling author Jerry Eicher and his wife, Tina:

What’s your favorite way to serve green beans?

Filed under: Jerry Eicher, Recipes by Amber | AmishReader.com
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Amish cooks are fond of using Velveeta cheese because it’s shelf stable. And it makes sense when a household lacks refrigeration, because Velveeta can be stored on pantry shelves right alongside all the home-canned fruits and vegetables that Amish women process to feed their families over the winter months. So, even though it doesn’t seem “Amish” or “old-fashioned,” Velveeta cheese is a staple in many homes. (Although, with the advent of propane or gas-powered refrigerators, using Velveeta is more for taste than it used to be.)

The recipe I’m going to share with you today is one that I got years ago from an Amish Mennonite friend, but I’ve changed it—instead of using Velveeta cheese I now use cheddar cheese, which I think tastes much better. But if you like Velveeta, feel free to substitute—use 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes. It might take longer to fully melt into the cheese sauce, so turn the heat to low and keep stirring until completely melted.

One more note: This recipe easily serves 8-12 people, so feel free to cut the recipe in half (in fact, that’s what I did for the photos that accompany this post) and bake it in an 8 x 8-inch baking dish instead.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

½ cup Panko crumbs (you can substitute bread crumbs if you don’t have Panko)
½ cup (1 stick) butter, divided
4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
¼ cup flour
3 cups whole milk
1½ tsp. dry mustard
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper

* * *

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and, in a small bowl and using a fork, mix melted butter with the Panko crumbs, mixing until completely incorporated; set aside for now.

Cook macaroni according to package directions—don’t overcook! Drain noodles.

While the noodles are cooking you can make the cheese sauce as follows:

Using 2 tablespoons of the butter (which has been softened to room temperature for easy spreading), grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish; set aside for now.

In a large pot, melt ¼ cup (½ stick) butter over medium-low heat and then sprinkle in the flour, whisking as you do so. Turn the heat to about medium (or a wee bit higher) and cook the roux, whisking all the while, for 1 minute. Pour in the milk, whisking while you pour. Add the mustard, salt, and pepper and continue whisking until the roux boils and thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to your lowest setting, add the cheese, and stir to melt.

Combine the cheese sauce and cooked macaroni noodles; mix gently but thoroughly.

Note: You can eat the macaroni as is, but I like the Panko crumbs on top, so if you’re in agreement, read on.

Pour the macaroni and cheese into the buttered baking dish. Top with the buttered Panko crumbs and then broil until the Panko crumbs are lightly browned. You can also refrigerate the macaroni and cheese and heat later. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350º oven about 25 minutes or until bubbly. You can finish by removing the foil and placing it under the broiler until the crumb topping turns light brown and crisps up.

* * *

This is a very kid-friendly dish, but adults like it too. Whenever I make my homemade macaroni and cheese I’m sure to get compliments on the meal. And with the topping of Panko crumbs, deliciously golden and crisp, it’s a dish you can even serve company!

Enjoy and may you and your loved ones be richly blessed today and always.

Georgia Varozza, author of the popular Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook (nearly 60,000 copies sold), enjoys teaching people how to prepare and preserve healthy foods, live simply, and get the most from what they have. She works in publishing and lives in a small Oregon community. Visit her online at www.georgiaplainandsimple.blogspot.com.

Filed under: Georgia Varozza, Meats/Main Dishes, Recipes by Amber | AmishReader.com
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Not surprisingly, one overriding theme in The Amish Clockmaker is time—recognizing it, seizing it, respecting the fact that its passage cannot be stopped. Time is something that comes up often for me when I think of the Amish. For example…

When I visit an Amish home, time often seems to stand still. Without the usual noise and distractions of an Englisch household, I’m better able to be “in the moment” and savor what’s right in front of me.

When I get dressed in the morning, my time often feels poorly spent. Standing at the closet, stumped, I tell myself that if I were Amish, this would be so much easier, no decisions required.

When I’m in the car, time often seems like my biggest enemy. Racing around like a madwoman, one eye on the clock, I can’t help but wonder what life would be like if I were Amish. With only a horse and buggy to get me from place to place, I couldn’t go nearly as far for the things I need—or think I need. I would group my errands and appointments more efficiently. I would eliminate various tasks and responsibilities entirely, because their distances would make them undoable.

There’s just something about time and the Amish that feels right to me. They don’t seem to fight time as I do. Thanks to their agrarian lifestyle, not to mention their eschewing of electricity, their days are far more in rhythm with the earth, with the rising and setting of the sun. Perhaps, sometimes, with God Himself.

Last night, I sat down to watch a show on Netflix. My husband and I usually head to bed at a decent hour, but he was out of town so I decided to stretch it a bit. But then one more episode led to yet another, and eventually I found myself deep into an hours-long binge watch. I finally turned the TV off in the wee hours of the morning, and today I’m tired and cranky.

Ephesians 5:16 tells us to make “the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Obviously, these things—a television, an automobile, a closet of clothes—are not evil in and of themselves. But they can serve evil, depending on how I choose to use them—or rather how I choose to allow them to rule me. Thanks to a plethora of modern-day devices, we have gained the ability to artificially prolong our days—which can sometimes lead us to pretend we’re actually extending time itself.

But we’re not.

In The Amish Clockmaker, one character points out that we can use time or misuse it or waste it, but we can’t stop it. Today, I am trying to embrace that truth. With an eye toward the Amish, I am reminding myself that…

I can make time seem to stand still, simply by eliminating distractions.

I can use time more wisely, simply by paring down my choices.

Finally, I can view time as a blessing, simply by being more deliberate in how I choose to spend it.

I pray the same for you as well.

***

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction (more than 800,000 sold), including coauthoring the Christy Award-winning The Amish Midwife. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania. Visit her online at www.mindystarnsclark.com.

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Devotions, Mindy Starns Clark by Amber | AmishReader.com
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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9 (ɴɪᴠ)

This is the verse on which I based the story of Bethel Graber, the main character in Love Still Stands, which is the first book in the New Hope Amish series published by Harvest House. Bethel, who was a school teacher, suffered injuries to her legs in a terrible storm and could no longer teach. She feared she wouldn’t be able to be a good fraa or mudder, either. Who would marry her? She prayed for healing, yet it didn’t come, not in the manner she hoped or expected.

Little did I know when I wrote this story that I would experience something similar in my life. It wasn’t a storm, but my own body that rebelled against me. About six months ago I found myself losing my ability to walk. I couldn’t do aerobics anymore, run on the treadmill, or zip across the street to beat traffic on my way to work. It was like losing the ability to breathe.

After a series of doctor’s appointments and endless x-rays and MRIs, I learned scoliosis, which I’d been born with more than 50 years ago, was the culprit. My spine was so crooked the spinal cord was being compressed, causing nerve damage that affected my muscles’ ability to do their job. Long story short, I had surgery to correct it in October, but not before the neurosurgeon went to great lengths to make sure I understood I might not ever walk normally again.

Now I’m in the rehabilitation stage, and I’m learning it’s possible that he was right. I pray every day that he was wrong, but no matter how much physical therapy I do, my normal, carefree stride has not returned. I can’t bend over. I have trouble tying my own shoes. I shuffle along with a cane, feeling like an old lady. Yes, I admit it, sometimes I feel sorry for myself. Sometimes I wonder how I could have written such a story with such a blithe offering of God’s will and God’s timing and God’s provision.

And then I think, Where would I be without Him? God has provided. He has provided truly phenomenal medical care. He’s provided outstanding health insurance. He’s given me a husband who arose in the middle of the night to turn me over when I couldn’t turn myself over in bed, and who helped me shower and get to the restroom. Who cooks, cleans, buys groceries, and does laundry because I can’t yet do all those things myself. When the doctor explained to us that my surgery would require me to learn to walk again and that rehabilitation could take six months to a year, Tim’s response was to remind me of our vows: in sickness and in health. He has more than lived up to his end of what surely isn’t much of a bargain for him. No matter what Hollywood may tell us, this is true romantic love.

On February 14, Tim and I celebrated our twenty-seventh wedding anniversary. Like Bethel, I am trying to learn to accept that I may not get the answer to my prayers that I so desperately want, but God has a plan for me and He knows why this is happening to me (and to Tim). He is made strong in my weakness. His plan will be revealed in His time.

I know I’m not the only one out there who is struggling with this battle, so I offer a prayer for you and for myself:

Heavenly Father, You are the Great Physician. I ask for a miracle of healing for myself and others who are suffering ailments they can’t bear. I know You will do what is best for Your children. You will provide for us in all our needs as You see fit. Give us the strength and the perseverance to run the race You have set for us. Strengthen our faith even as our bodies fail. We ask this in the mighty name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

***

Kelly Irvin is a Kansas native and has been writing professionally for over 30 years. She and her husband, Tim, make their home in Texas. They have two children, two grandchildren, two cats, and a tankful of fish. To learn more about her work, visit www.kellyirvin.com.

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Devotions, Kelly Irvin by Amber | AmishReader.com
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“But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 ɴʟᴛ

My mother had her own version of that particular Scripture: Stop tooting your own horn. And her favorite: The less said about one’s self, the better.

The immortal maxims of my late mother still ring in my ears today, making me smile. The problem is Mom was a stay-at-home housewife, not a published author. How does a Christian balance being humble with the necessity of self-promotion, essential in many careers? Not only writers, but musicians, dancers, actors, salespeople, public speakers, sports figures and—of course—politicians must do quite a bit of horn-tooting to stay in the game. Often this type of marketing is not only expected, but required in the fine print of contracts. When I struggle with the dilemma of promotion vs. setting oneself above others, I take a lesson from the Amish.

After studying their culture for years, I learned the Amish are reluctant to draw attention to themselves or their accomplishments. In my most recent Amish book, A Plain Man, Caleb struggles upon his return to his family after a five-year rumschpringe. Caleb must not only give up his electric tools, English clothing, and pickup truck, but also his need to take credit for personal achievements. In Cleveland at the carpenters’ union hall, Caleb had to make sure everyone knew about his superior abilities. He needed to stay above his peers. But among the Amish, everyone works together without any one man or woman getting the glory. Now Caleb must find a balance between using the skills God gave him and humbling himself in the community and before his Lord.

As an author, I too must walk a tightrope between not puffing myself up and spreading the word when I release a new book about God’s infinite grace, mercy, and love. If the Lord continues to put words into my head, I will weave them into gentle stories about the Amish or romances about strong women in history. But I must never forget: It’s not about me. It’s all by His hand and for His glory.

***

Mary Ellis has written twelve bestselling novels set in the Amish community. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. She has enjoyed a lifelong passion for American history and is an active member of the local historical society. She has recently finished several romances set during the Civil War and is currently working on a series of mysteries titled “Secrets of the South.” The Last Heiress is her latest release. She can be found on the web at www.maryellis.net or on Facebook.

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Devotions, Mary Ellis by Amber | AmishReader.com
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On Wednesday our Facebook fans were asked to vote for the recipe they’d prefer out of three options. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner (as in, tomorrow!), this month’s recipe options featured sweet desserts you can make for loved ones (and yourself, of course!):

1. Angel Food Cake (with chocolate sauce)
2. Lemon Blondies (with glaze)
3. White Chocolate Raspberry Torte

And the winner is…Lemon Blondies! Yum, yum!

Enjoy this recipe from The Amish Baking Cookbook by Georgia Varozza and Kathleen Kerr:

What sweet treat do you traditionally indulge in for this special holiday?

Filed under: Desserts, Georgia Varozza, Recipes by Amber | AmishReader.com
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I suppose the thing that has fascinated me most about the Amish is their stance on non-violence, which is something they share with Hutterites, Quakers, and most Mennonites. So when I write my Amish stories, that aspect of their faith is prominent. And when my Mennonite neighbors buy and read my books, it is the aspect of my Amish stories they identify with.

But it is not the only thing they connect with. One woman, picking up The Wings of Morning, exclaimed, “Oh, your book is about us!” She said this because of the way the heroine is dressed on the front cover. The Amish and the Holdeman Mennonites do have a lot of the same clothing and physical appearance codes – women’s dresses must be full length, hair must be up and partially covered; the men must have short hair and sport no moustaches, but men who are married must have a bit of a beard on the chin.

On the other hand, Amish women normally wear dresses that are black or navy blue or other dark plain colors. Holdeman Mennonite dresses are colorful and have busy patterns. I met a young woman recently whose dress was dark purple and covered by scorching black flames. And the Holdeman (officially known as Church of God in Christ, Mennonite) drive pickups and cars, use quads and tractors and gas-driven combines. They also use cell phones and computers.

Yet at their core Amish and Holdeman Mennonites are the same – no musical instruments, no TV, no radio, no CDs, no applause, their ministers are bi-vocational and serve for life, bishops have a great deal of authority over all matters of life and faith, they don’t vote or enlist in the military or get involved in law enforcement. And they share a pacifist approach to life in a violent world. After reading The Wings of Morning one Holdeman woman asked me, “Do you believe the same way?” She was referring to the hero’s non-violent lifestyle, no less heroic for that choice in a story that takes place during World War One.

After years of writing about the Amish and living among the Mennonites (they have three houses on my street), I finally made the decision to write a story about my Holdeman Mennonite friends. I told them about this, but they don’t seem worried – perhaps they are more pleased than worried. I told them I was transplanting their congregation to New Mexico for the story’s setting but all the rest would be them. Including the romance. Because if they didn’t love romance, they wouldn’t be reading my books. And I can’t write about the Amish and the Mennonites without bringing into the stories all their common characteristics, which include the love of God and the love of a man for a woman.

Murray Pura earned his Master of Divinity degree from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and his ThM degree in theology and interdisciplinary studies from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more than 25 years, in addition to his writing, he has pastored churches in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Alberta. Murray’s writings have been shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award, the John Spencer Hill Literary Award, the Paraclete Fiction Award, and Toronto’s Kobzar Literary Award. His novels for Harvest House include The Face of Heaven, The Wings of Morning, and Ashton Park. Murray pastors and writes in southern Alberta near the Rocky Mountains. He and his wife, Linda, have a son and a daughter.

Filed under: Amish Fiction, Murray Pura by Amber | AmishReader.com
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