(stay with me, there’s a giveaway involved!)
When I was in about 6th grade, we went on a big road trip vacation. We drove from Atlanta up the coast to New York, then straight across to Michigan. Then straight down to Georgia. We went to so many fun places and go to see a huge portion of the country.
One of my favorite places was some of the Amish country. I remember the horses and buggies driving on the side of the road (also going through the ATM!). I remember the yummy food we sampled (including Auntie Anne’s pretzels, before it was Auntie Ann’s!). But my very favorite part was a big bike trip we took through the Wisconsin Dells. The path was on an old railroad track (minus the track), we rode our bikes for 9 miles (there and back!) through beautiful scenery. The farms were so amazing–and one reason is because there were no power lines messing up the view!
I became absolutely enthralled with the Amish lifestyle. I bought two books while I was there about Amish girls and devoured them. I’m not sure what it made me feel like, but “haunting” is the first word that comes to mind. It’s a haunting and secretive, yet simple and sweet life.
So, I was excited to review a book set in an Amish community, When the Soul Mends. It’s the third in the Sisters of the Quilt series by Cindy Woodsmall. Not to mention it’s a New York Times Bestseller!
And speaking of haunting, how’s this for a synopsis?
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood. Having fled in disgrace two years earlier, she finally has found a satisfying role in the Englischer world, as well as love with Martin Palmer, a man with whom she can safely entrust her heart. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her reopens old wounds. As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, unexpected truths surface about the events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life—and perhaps to her first love? This intriguing final novel in the Sisters of the Quilt series is richly textured with authentic details drawn from the author’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families.
So, would you like to read it?! Or do you know someone who might want it for Christmas? Well, I’m giving away two copies! Just leave me a comment letting me know if you’ve ever been to Amish country. If you want some extra entries you can leave me a comment letting me know you a) subscrib(ed) to my blog b)blogged or tweeted a link to this contest!
I’ll announce the winner—uhm, Monday? And hey, if you win, don’t forget to pick up the first 2 of the series—I saw them on Amazon for like $2 used. Or buy them new and get free shipping. (I am just loving all the free shipping lately! Did you hear about free shipping day?! Seriously!!)
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Amanda, growing up in the midwest, I too have lots of memories of the Amish. What amazes me is that they have been able to maintain their traditions, separation of lifestyle and culture for so many years, without a lot of hoopla from the rest of society. To me, it’s of the ultimate in separation from the world. My mother and my daughter Meagan love the books about the Amish families. Thanks for sharing this one!
I loved this series. I grew up 30 minutes from Amish country. It truly is a beautiful way of life.
Growing up we took a lot of train rides to Chicago and the Midwest, my family is from there. Many of the Amish rode the train back then and I was so enthralled with them. All in black, beards, long dresses but always so kind. I felt sorry for the children because they seemed so different but when I look back they were so peaceful and happy with their lives. Sounds like a great read!
My mom and dad got married when I was 10 and we began to include my dad’s side of the family in our lives more frequently. They lived in NE PA and in Lancaster, PA. This meant a lot of time spent around the Amish communities there. Like you, I also felt a strong pull towards that lifestyle… not that I could live it but that I really admired it.
I’m going to go put a link to this giveaway in my blog right now!
Oh- and I am a follower of your blog, btw!
Been to Amish country? I grew UP in Lancaster County! In fact, Cami took her first horse and buggy ride in September. I’d love to read the book, and if I don’t win it, I just might buy it!
when we lived in Michigan (almost 3 years ago now!) I would see glimpses of the Amish when we drove to Indiana. I, too, was enthralled to see the buggies and I would watch them as we passed by in our big ol’ truck (by comparison) and would crane my neck until they were out of sight.
Awesome! I’d love to learn more about the Amish. I’ve never visited Amish country. It sounds fascinating!
Gosh and I live very close to Amish country but not far from NY either. On black Friday I passed many horse and buggies at 12am:)
When I was very young, we lived very near the Amish settlement in Shipshewana, Indiana. I’ve always been entranced and kind of think I would like to be Amish–so much simpler. I don’t think my techie DH would like it, though!
I would love to read this book. I have read many Amish books and just bought and watched the movie Saving Sarah Caine recently. Very good. I have also been to Amish Country. We live only about 2 1/2 hrs. from Amish Country here in Ohio and have visited many times. We also visied Lancaster County, PA a few years ago. They are a very interesting people.
I would love to read this book. I’ve never been to Amish country but it is on my list of places to travel some day.
I subscribe
I had Amish neighbors in Ohio I miss them so much! When we visit my son loves when they go by my mothers house. They wave at us and he gets so excited! And then his grandpa will complain about the buggies tearing up the road the just paved! Grumpy old men I swear. I think he’s mad he can’t live that simple
Liz from ‘Eternal Lizdom’ posted about this entry on her blog so that’s how I made it over! and once I find the suscribe link I will be a follower! Your blog is very cute. I really enjoyed the Advent post! xo Tanya
When I was a teenager we visited an Amish community in Ohio. I loved it, and would love to visit again. I’ve also enjoyed books about the Amish (Beverly Lewis, mostly) but hadn’t heard of these.
Oh and also, I already subscribe to your feed via Google Reader!
Ooh, I would love to read this book! Count me in! Thanks, Amanda!
Sounds like a good book!
I’ve never been, but my husband has. When he was a kid, his family went there for vacation during a drought. Oh, the stories they tell about that trip!
I have never visited amish country, I would love to though.
The simple way of life fascinates me, I have read Wanda Brunstetter’s series about the amish but apparently I need to start this one!
Well I’ve never visited an Armish Country (I’ve been in America just one time and then I was in Manhattan) but I’m very interested in there way of live. I can’t imagine how to live without our technical stuff
Best wishes
Im waiting for this book to come into the library…seems ive been waiting forever! Love this series! I have never been to Amish country, but i would love to go someday. I so want to win this giveaway!
Twitter: thevioletfig
December 15, 2008 at 7:22 am
I’ve been to PN many times (that’s where my dad is from), but I never saw any Amish. I do love Amish books though. Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult is a good one. I would love the story, and of course I am a subscriber!
Oh, hope I am not too late this morning to get in on the drawing!
I live in central Pennsylvania -not the part of PA that is traditionally regarded as Amish country (that would be Lancaster area about 150 miles or so to the southeast of me) but there are Amish who live next door to my daughter, who lives about 45 miles from me. They have been very nice to my grandson, showing him different things about their farm, etc., and also, giving my daughter’s and her fiance tips on their vegetable gardens too. Also -loved the book “Plain Truth” by Jodi Picoult, which is about life in the Amish country.
Mom would love this and she entered! Never been to AMISH land!
Twitter: courtp
December 15, 2008 at 10:05 am
Sounds like a great read! I went to the Amish country when I was in elementary school. I remember eating ‘family style’ at a restaurant there. Anyway, before I was married I lived with a girl that would bring back spices from an Amish community near her hometown everytime she visited and they were just amazing!
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