Introductions

[Carolyn E]

Marsha: Thanks for the info. I will certainly add this to my list. (I am glad to see there is a paperback version as I don't do e-books.)

[Michelle]

Hi all! I just wanted to post that An Amish Buggy Ride by Sarah Price is only 4.99 for your Kindle...it is a fantastic book :)An Amish Buggy Ride

[Tasha]

Hello there! My name is Tasha and I LOVE Amish fiction. Its ironic because, at first, I thought that Amish fiction was for old ladies and I promised myself that I would NEVER get into the genre. However, out of curiosity I read Beverly Lewis' "The Shunning", and I was hooked.
What I think I love most about Amish fiction is that it provides a form of escape unlike other novels. The Amish live lives so very set apart from the modern world and to read a vivid description about the goings on in one of their communities is almost like a vacation in your head (if that makes sense). I look forward to hearing from you!

[Carolyn E]

You picked an excellent book to start with. That book is really a classic by now. When I first started reading Amish stories, the only authors were Beverly Lewis and Wanda E. Brunstetter. I used to literally count the days until the next book from either of these authors was released. Now, of course, there are so many excellent Amish books that it is hard to keep up with all of them.

You are absolutely right to say that Amish stories are almost like a vacation in your head. I find these stories very uplifting, especially in the winter time when the weather is cold and gloomy, and one does not want to venture out--and boredom sets in.

Welcome to our group! Enjoy!!

[Tasha]

Thanks!

[Brandi]

Hey, Tasha (& the rest of y'all on here to)! Have you ever read any by J.E.B. Spredemann? I promise you that her books are unlike any other in the Amish fiction genre! An Unforgivable Secret is currently FREE (ebook)!!! If you haven't read any by this author, please do!
P.S. If you're looking for a light read, try Amish by Accident but if you'd like something more realistic, g for An Unforgivable Secret.

[Brandi]

Danika's Journey (by J.E.B. Spredemann) is also FREE!

[Diane U]

Welcome Tasha! I can totally related to how you feel about Amish fiction. To me, it is like my own little Amish soap opera when there are several small stories along with a main one. They are quite refreshing for a change.

[Tasha]

I agree Diane! I love how a lot of times the reader is introduced to taboo issues that exist within the Amish communities that would otherwise remain hidden.

[Bob]

Hi, new to the group and a man which I notice are in limited numbers on here. I just wrote my first Amish-ish novel. Very intrigued by the Amish and thoroughly enjoyed interviewing a nearby (about 12 mi away) family for the book. A sequel is in the works, along with 2 more novels involving family members. I hope to remain true to the Amish culture in my tales. If you want to know more about me - www.bobnailor.com I just started writing Christian novels - having written many fantasy, horror and other genres.

[Barbara]

I just noticed we're at 999 members!
I can't believe how we've grown. Who's going to be #1000?

I feel silly. I wanted took at something on here through goggle rather than the app on my iPad, and I see we're at 1,001 members.. Oh well.. Can we tell who #1,000 was?

[Bob]

Barbara Ann wrote: "I just noticed we're at 999 members!
I can't believe how we've grown. Who's going to be #1000?

I feel silly. I wanted took at something on here through goggle rather than the app on my iPad, an..."

By going to the membership listing, you can see them by "join date" which reveals that if the number is 1001, Linda is the 1000th member. Hope that helps.

[Elizabeth]

Hi , I am Elizabeth Dent and everyone calls me Liz . I love good Amish books . I am retired and love to read. Just finished one by J.E.B. Spreadmann . An Undeniable Secret and it is one of the best i think she has written . I did give it a 5 stars.

[Julie]

I'm Julie and I just joined this group. I love to read, but don't seem to have time, since I home school my 2 children and that seems to take most of my time. I started out on Beverly Lewis Books. I find the free ones on Amazon poorly written and boring, so I'm always looking for a good new author. I found author Dale Cramer and love his writing and the historical information is all new to me.

Please friend me, since I just joined Goodreads.

[Diane U]

Welcome to the group Julie! There are several great Amish authors out there. If you enjoyed Beverly Lewis, you should try Wanda E. Brunstetter, Amy Clipston, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shelley Shepard Gray, Vannetta Chapman, Barbara Cameron and Beth Wiseman. All of them have some outstanding series with memorable characters and situations. You will not be disappointed!

I am also adding you as a friend!

[Janet]

Hi I'm Janet from Houston, TX. Traveling to PA in a few weeks and trying to find a way to stop by Amish country. Love Amish Fiction but haven't been reading it as much although I never miss a book by Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods fisher, Shelley Shephard Gray and my favorite Amy Clipston. Time to go check out what the library has for some of these others.

[Barbara]

Janet wrote: "Hi I'm Janet from Houston, TX. Traveling to PA in a few weeks and trying to find a way to stop by Amish country. Love Amish Fiction but haven't been reading it as much although I never miss a boo..."

Hi Janet! Welcome to the group. Please drop in our our group reads if you can and feel free to comment on any of the discussions. I hope you can fit in a stop in Amish country. What part of PA are you heading to?

[[deleted user]]

Hi eveyrone,

My name is Maria and I am the manager of two libraries in South Taranaki, New Zealand. Across our district libaries Amish and Christian ficiton are extremely popular so when we started getting the books in I started reading them out of curiousity and now I am hooked! I think people love the books because life can be so hectic and complicated that we love to drift into a simpler way of life in our heads when we read. That's how it is for me anyway and I've also found myself simpflying my life and cleaning out the clutter!

[Lindy]

Hi Maria. I am from Australia, not too far from you in NZ. I agree with you about the Amish books. I think its just the simple life that attracts me to these books and getting away from the hectic lives we lead. We can learn a lot from their way of life I think. Welcome to the group. Happy reading! Lindy

[Barbara]

Welcome Maria! My hubby & I visited your country for our honeymoon way back in 1986. I loved our visit and would like to get back. For me, the draw to Amish fiction is is sense of community. Plus I used to live near Lancaster, Pa so it helps me feel like I'm home.

[C.]

Here is my list of Favorite Amish fiction so far~Leah's Choice: Pleasant Valley Book One by Marta Perry
Rachel's Garden (Pleasant Valley Book Two) by Marta Perry
Anna's Return: Pleasant Valley Book Three by Marta Perry
Sarah's Gift (Pleasant Valley) by Marta Perry
Katie's Way (Pleasant Valley) by Marta Perry
Hannah's Joy (Pleasant Valley) by Marta Perry
Naomi's Christmas (Pleasant Valley) by Marta Perry

A Gift of Grace: A Novel (Kauffman Amish Bakery Series,Book 1) by Amy Clipston
A Promise of Hope: A Novel (Kauffman Amish Bakery Series,Book 2) by Amy Clipston
A Place of Peace (Kauffman Amish Bakery Series,Book 3) by Amy Clipston
A Life of Joy: A Novel (Kauffman Amish Bakery Series) by Amy Clipston
A Season of Love (Kauffman Amish Bakery Series) by Amy Clipston

A Widow's Hope (The Miller Family Series) by Mary Ellis
Never Far from Home (The Miller Family Series) by Mary Ellis
The Way to a Man's Heart (The Miller Family Series) by Mary Ellis

Plain Perfect (Daughters of the Promise, Book 1) by Beth Wiseman
Plain Pursuit (Daughters of the Promise, Book 2) by Beth Wiseman
Plain Promise (Daughters of the Promise, No. 3) by Beth Wiseman
Plain Paradise (A Daughters of the Promise Novel,No.4) by Beth Wiseman
Plain Proposal (A Daughters of the Promise Novel,No.5) by Beth Wiseman

Missing: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book One by Shelley Shepard Gray
The Search: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book Two by Shelley Shepard Gray
Found: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book Three by Shelley Shepard Gray

Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena B. Miller

Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety

Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Annalisa Daughety

Rachel's Secret (The Riverhaven Years, #1)by B.J. Hoff
Where Grace Abides (The Riverhaven Years, #2)by B.J. Hoff

and the Mennonite trilogy~Bygones (Sommerfield Trilogy, #1)by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Beginnings (Sommerfield Trilogy #2)by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Blessings (Sommerfield Trilogy, #3)by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Amish Suspense-Cozy Mysteries~
Hide in Plain Sight (Three Sisters Inn, Book 1)by Marta Perry
A Christmas to Die For (The Three Sisters Inn, Book 2)by Marta Perry
Buried Sins (Three Sisters Inn, Book 3) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #80)by Marta Perry
Murder in Plain Sight (Hqn) by Marta Perry
Lost in Plain Sight (The Brotherhood of the Raven) by Marta Perry
Vanish in Plain Sight (The Brotherhood of the Raven) by Marta Perry
Danger in Plain Sight (Hqn) by Marta Perry
Home by Dark by Marta Perry

Dale Cramer[The Daughters of Caleb Bender series]

Nonfiction~
Amish Society by John A. Hostetler
The Amish of Lancaster County by Donald B. Kraybill and Daniel Rodriguez
House Calls and Hitching Posts: Stories from Dr. Elton Lehman's career among the Amish by Dorcas Hoover

I did read Beverly Lewis until I got tired of her books always portraying the Amish as lying, sneaking, ect, and discovered her grandmother was "shunned", so it seems she has a grudge against the Amish and uses her books to vilify their culture, so I prefer other authors who don't constantly portray them in a negative light.

[Sarah]

Hi my name is Sarah, I just joined this group and I look forward to making new friends. my hobbies include deer hunting with my husband, helping him on our cattle farm here in KY, and of course Reading. I am a daughter of the one true king, glory be to god in the highest.

[Barbara]

Welcome Sarah!

[Timothy]

Jolina wrote: "Thank you so much for sharing about The Outcast, Diane and Carolyn E, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Timothy. My husband is a Mennonite/Amish background Petersheim; I was a Lancaster County Menno..."

Die HERR sie mit dir! - The LORD be with thee!

[Barbara]

Vicky wrote: "Hello everyone!! I just joined this group. I enjoy reading christian fiction and amish fiction. I am currently reading . I am enjoying this series."

Welcome Vicky!! The series you're reading is one of my favorites. Please join us in our group reads if you can. Ask questions anytime.

[Tonya]

Hello everyone! My name is Tonya. I have am fairly new to Amish fiction. A client of mine introduced me to the genre and I really enjoy it. Some of my favorite authors are Cindy Woodsmall, Shelley Shepard Gray, Leslie Gould and Amanda Flowers. I also have read the Linda Castillo Kate Burkholder mysteries. I joined this group because I don't know many people who read the genre, and to get exposure to more authors.

[Timothy]

Having nearly joined a New Order Amish Gemeinshaft, and having contacts with all the Anabaptists: Amish, Old German Baptist Brethren / Old Order River Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites, I enjoy reading from the genre. I know it is usually a good clean reading experience. . .also, I am working on returning to my own writing that hath been unfinish'd for two years. . .and perhaps, publish it. Blessings to thee Tonya!

Timothy

[Neisa]

Hello. I'm Neisa. Thought I would join since I've been reading Amish Fiction for years now. I just finished Winter's Awakening and loved it! I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks. They are perfect to listen too while cleaning and help pass the time. I never appreciated them until I became a stay at home mom. I'm glad to be here and share my love of reading with you all. I also enjoy baking, the beach, and traveling.

[LauraP]

Hello. I'm Laura, living in Toronto area with family. I have read Amish fiction in the past and was neutral on it. When I occasionally would visit Christian bookstores, it would drive me nuts to see many books with an Amish theme. I was sick of it. Now, I'm intrigued by it, as I do respect the community. It's a challenge to belong to a group who enjoys reading Christian fiction. I'm starting to read "fire in the Night,' by Linda BYLER and enjoying it. I enjoy reading Christian fiction, in 2 library book clubs locally and a few online, mystery, romance, etc.

[Carolyn]

Laura, I'm in this group read for " fire in the night' I have not read this author before; and am also enjoying the book. There is a group read discussion online here; if you want to view comments and follow along. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... if the url doesn't work; go to discussions here on good reads and group reads.

LauraP wrote: "Hello. I'm Laura, living in Toronto area with family. I have read Amish fiction in the past and was neutral on it. When I occasionally would visit Christian bookstores, it would drive me nuts to se..."

[Wendy]

Hi, my name is Wendy. I was homeschooled my whole life, and so really relate to Amish fiction. I'm hoping to find like minded Christians here. That love to read Amish of course. Thanks so much. I look forward to getting to know everyone :)

[Barbara]

Welcome Wendy! Please make yourself at home here. Sometimes we're chatty and sometimes life keep us pretty busy and we keep to ourselves. Join in anywhere.

[Carolyn]

Hi Wendy, enjoy having you with us; there are a couple of books listed today for almost nothing; if looking for suggestions. libraries, have a lot of amish books also.

[Dede]

Hi, my name is Dede. I live in Pierre, SD. I really enjoy Amish fiction. It is lighthearted, Christian, good values, and a simpler life then most Americans live. It is a way for me to get away from my busy life as a mom of a two year old and working full time. Thanks so much for creating a group like this and I look forward to reading Amish fiction together

[Carolyn]

Dede, welcome to the group; we are a small group; but, dedicated to our amish reading. I just finished Octobers group read suggestion 'Anna's healing' and it is one of my favorite novels; it really kept my interest. Amish mystery, is another type of amish reading, I enjoy.

The last three years our family has cared for our elderly parents, Dads has gone onto his new heavenly home and mom is in nursing home. I have turned to my reading, to also turn off too much heaviness in my life the last year.

[Dede]

Thanks for the welcome. I bought the monthly read however I’m not sure I will get it read before the end of the month. Im looking forward to the read.

[Karen]

Hi all! I recently started reading Beverly Lewis and others. I haven't read Amish fiction in years and I am really enjoying getting back into it.
My favorite genre is books written in the 1800's by women authors. If I find an author I like then I generally read all her books. Authors such as: George Eliot, Kate Chopin, Frances Burney and my fav is Elizabeth Gaskill. Still looking for more authors to read in this line.

I'm looking forward to the monthly reads.

[Carolyn]

welcome Karen.You will find so many books and suggestions to try for next reading experiences. I have been reading amish for at least three years now.
these are not amish; but historic of the 1800: The Icecutter's Daughter (Land of Shining Water, #1) series, was enjoyable
and The postcards from Pullman are late 1800 and the railroad strike.

[Karen]

Thanks so much Carolyn! I will get them on my 'to read' list. I'm really looking forward to this group and hope to be able to contribute too.

[Zoe]

Hi I just joined what are you reading in January 18??

[Carolyn]

welcome Zoe, so many books to choose from. Glad you are joining us. I just finished Paradise Valley the daughter of Caleb binder we had selected for a nomination and enjoyed the 3 book series. It contains enough suspense to keep you interested, unique storyline, and overall good reading. If you have never tried amish mystery, I enjoyed the Elizabeth Harris mystery series, of two books Kingdom Come In the Land of Milk and Honey I haven't decided yet for 2018; but, I have more series to finish

[Dave]

Hi - I'm new to goodreads and as a lover of this particular genre of fiction I am joining the group! I am wondering if I'm the only male here... ;) I have been reading Amish fiction for quite some time and am always looking to read new books and discover new authors.

I'm retired military and was stationed in Philly for a few years and commuted in from Lancaster - which is where my love for this group of people started. Having had some Amish folks for neighbors for a few years I tend to be able to figure out if an author knows their subject or not. I hope I don't get too irritating in group discussions because I will call an author out on it if they don't know what they are writing about.

I do a little bit of writing in this genre myself but it is only for fun and have not been or seeking to be published. I currently live in Daytona Beach with my wife and 14 yo daughter. We also have 2 boys who are out on their own now..

[Carolyn]

welcome Dave, the book we are reading this month, has turned out to be a very good read; keeps a person so interested in storyline.

[Dave]

I plan on starting it today.... I haven’t read anything from this author yet...

[Sarah Michelle Virginia]

HI everyone my name is Sarah, I am fairly new to the group I am a small time writer lol I do a bit of poetry paranormal romance kind of writing and fanfictions.

I just joined the group recently lol I think I am still trying to catch up on both this month's read and last month just a slow reader.
but really enjoying the books and the group thus far.

[Barbara]

Sarah Michelle Virginia wrote: "HI everyone my name is Sarah, I am fairly new to the group..."

Welcome to the family Sarah. No one here judges our reading speed. Some peoples lives are busy, so they don't have as much free time to read, so it all balances in the end. We're just here to enjoy want we're reading.

[Sandybeth]

Good Morning. I am Sandy and I am from England. I live in the rural county of Shropshire, which is in the West Midlands, bordering Wales. I love reading, especially classics, but love to explore most genres. I have never read Amish fiction before but own lots of Amish non fiction books that I have enjoyed. I have downloaded May’s group read to my Kindle and am looking forward to starting it.

[Barbara]

Welcome Sandybeth! I hope you enjoy you're time with us.

[Dave]

Sandybeth- I highly recommend you read some Beverly Lewis books. She is by far the best author in this genre. She knows her stuff when it comes to the Amish.

[Donna]

Hello All. I've been wanting to start Amish reads for a long time now. But where to start?? I'd like to begin a good series so I need recommendations.
Thanks for any direction anyone could give me.
Cheers, Donna