Olivia Newport and Free Books!

When a one-room schoolhouse collapses, Ella finds herself losing traction as familiar ground slips away—along with her wedding date.

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Where Treasure Hides, by Johnnie Alexander, is:

wpd_2@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Olivia Newport, author of the Historical Amish novel, Brightest and Best (Barbour/Shiloh Run, August 2015).

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. She lives in stunning Colorado, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Her past work includes the Avenue of Dreams series set in 1890s Chicago; the Valley of Choice series of intertwining contemporary and historical Amish stories; Hidden Falls, a digital-first contemporary small-town series; and the Amish Turns of Time series exploring real historical moments of Amish values.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- My favorite pizza toppings are artichoke hearts and black olives.

-- I have been to nine other countries.

-- My yard is a wild mess of larkspur and I love it.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Brightest and Best.

Ella Hilty’s deepest desire is to marry Gideon Wittmer and be a mother to his children. But Ella’s 1918 Ohio Amish community gets caught in a storm of controversy when English authorities dictate that Amish children must attend consolidated public schools and attend past the eighth grade.

English schoolteacher Margaret Simpson had given up thoughts of marriage years ago, and she’s content with her peaceful life. But a budding romance and conflict with the neighboring Amish community lead Margaret down a path she never expected.

Citing freedom of religion rights, Amish parents stand their ground against progressive English laws, but their stance doesn’t come without consequences. Soon Margaret puts her last chance for romance at risk for the only choice her conscience can abide, and all eyes turn to Ella to bring unity to the Amish and understanding to the English.

What is it about Ella and Margaret that will make your readers care about them?

This story has two female leads whose lives present them with unexpected choices, and they dig deep to discover the right thing to do. Their stories orbit each other and finally find a rhythm together. I hope readers will follow the paths of Ella and Margaret and be inspired to listen to surprising callings on their own lives in service to others.

Who is one of your favorite fictional characters?

One that has stayed with me for many, many years is Asher Lev from Chaim Potok’s My Name Is Asher Lev . It’s a burning story, but it doesn’t back away from living fully in a place of tension and intention. I first read it when I was in college, but the older I get the more I appreciate that life is not as black and white as we often hope it will be.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I just finished reading A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert. All the nominations and awards it’s won are well-earned. Readers who enjoy crisp contemporary stories will appreciate Katie’s terrific delivery of a story that reminds us all of the brokenness we share and the power of community to be a healing balm.

What are you working on now?

I am in the final throes of finishing Hope in the Land, a Depression-era Amish historical that brings to life the contribution that Amish women make to the productivity of their households at a time when so many people grasped for hope that their futures would not leave them abandoned. Hope in the Land will release April 2016.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.olivianewport.com , @OliviaNewport, Facebook


The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons and links:



     CBD




Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Since personal recommendations are a great way to find new books or authors, I’d like to know what everyone’s reading and loving. Think of it as a book club meeting! Let’s load up our TBRs.

What a fun question! I'm looking forward to hearing those comments.

Thanks, Olivia, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel.

Readers, Olivia has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, August 24. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Olivia's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.