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Thursday, June 9, 2011

Patchwork Dreams by Laura Hilton Book Review + {Amish Gift Set Giveaway – Ends 6/17} (CLOSED)

Patchwork Dreams

The simplicity of the Amish has always intrigued me. I grew up where there were Amish families living not too far away. We often saw buggies and tried to pick out the houses that they lived in (the ones without electricity running to them from the road). It’s just such a different culture all it’s own.

In the book “Patchwork Dreams” by Laura Hilton you can fit right into a modern day Amish family. They even come with their own sets of problems and concerns. This book was very fun to read. It really immerses you in the Amish culture. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. And one of my favorite parts is that part of the story is told from the prospective of an Amish teenage boy. I’ve read many different Amish fiction books, but this is the first I’ve seen from this perspective. It just forced me to see things a little differently, and I truly enjoyed that.

Book Summary
Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community. Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin. Instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap—sending men from his Pennsylvania district to the Missouri district to bring new blood into the Amish community. Becky dreams of marriage, but doesn't dare hope that anyone would choose her—not with her history. Can God use the lies that have affected Becky and Jacob to bring them together? Or will Jacob rebel and head home to his first love?

Author Bio
Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Web. Prior to Patchwork Dreams, she published two novels with Treble Heart Books: Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past, as well as several devotionals. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, visit her blog at http://lighthouse–academy.blogspot.com/.


An Interview With Laura:
How has being published changed your life?
Well there’s a lot of administrative stuff that I didn’t know about beforehand. And a lot of things that take me out of my comfort zone. I’m naturally a shy quiet and private person, and suddenly I have to be more willing to talk about what I’m doing.
What is your current work in progress?
I am starting the third book in the Amish of Seymour series, which will be Becky’s friend, Annie’s story.
What would be your dream vacation?
Oh, well, I would love to spend a month or two in Michigan (our whole family loves Michigan and we missed it when we moved away) and just poke around the lighthouses, waterfalls, etc. that make the state great. Also, if I ever have a chance to go overseas, I would love to see Big Ben and visit some of the European castles. Also, I’d love an extended stay at an Amish bed and breakfast.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
Well, most Amish books are set in Ohio and Pennsylvania because that is where the largest communities are. I chose to set mine in Seymour, Missouri, because there is an Amish community there. Missouri is an untapped setting for Amish stories, and it was close enough for me to drive up there for research.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Oh, Beverly Lewis. When I grow up I want to write like her. I’d love to talk writing with her.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
My most difficult obstacle was trying to write in the living room with five children!  I’ve gotten pretty good at blocking out noises though. Unless the children are fighting or crying I can work through it.


I think you will enjoy this book. It’s a quick read and a great story. I can’t wait to read another one from Laura. You can find Patchwork Dreams by Laura Hilton in stores and online, including Amazon.com.

Grand Prize Giveaway:

Patchwork Dreams2 * 1 apple mug
* 1 apple scented candle in decorative tin
* 1 small packet of Starbucks coffee
* Amish made rose petal soap
* Beverly Lewis' Amish Cookbook
* Simple Joys of the Amish Life by Mindy Starns Clark
* $5.00 McDonald's Gift Card
* Amish Popcorn
* Autographed copy of Patchwork Dreams



Prize – One person from this blog will be entered as a finalist with people from 24 other blogs for a chance to win the Amish Gift Set ($50 value) listed above.
To Enter –
Tell me what you like about this book. 

This giveaway is open now through Thursday, June 16th. I will post the winner on Friday, June 17th.

Open to USA only!

*Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.*

19 comments:

April @ PolkaDots n' PinkySwears said...

I love anything "amish" but also love that its included God. Seems the world has forgotten him.

ann said...

First off I enjoy reading amish fiction.
This book shows that they also have problems and how they handle them. Would love to win this contest. Thanks much.

amhengstATverizonDOTnet

Anonymous said...

Hi! I like the fact the book is amish fiction and it is set in the Midwest. Anything to do with the Amish fascinates me. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway! :)

Connie
connie_bryant@hotmail.com

Erika said...

I love Amish books - I think they are so fascinating. I am excited to hear about another great book! Thanks for the review & giveaway!
Musingsfromasahm at gmail dot com

Vanessa said...

I love stories about the Amish! They are one of my favorite books to read.vmvazquez83 at yahoo dot com

Danielle S said...

I like to read about the Amish, and plus, it should be a clean book to read especially for a romance.

Michelle said...

I like the Amish lifestyle and find it an interesting topic to read about. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life. It seems so simple and centered.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this.
gardnerad@juno.com

Anonymous said...

I like the aspect of the Amish culture
mkbrander at yahoo dot com

Teresa Young said...

I enjoy reading about the Amish. Every book I have read was from a young female's point of view so it would be interesting to read from a young male's perspective.

tmyoung at rochester dot rr dot com

In Julie's Opinion said...

Up until last year I lived smack dab in the middle of an Amish community in northern Ohio, and I still have friends there. I love reading Amish novels because I can picture the people I knew in the roles! I would love to win this book so I could add another Amish book to my collection:)
jwitt33 at live dot com

Gladys Parker said...

I enjoy books about simple lives, simpler times, about people who believe in their faith.
Gladys P
@sueparks2003
sps1113 at yahoo dot com

Carol N Wong said...

I love reading books about the Amish, we used to go up north to see and eat Amish food in the restauarant there. What I love the most was the famiy style dinners just like when you have relatives over.

I love everything in this giveaway,
coffee, apple mug,cookbook and all.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Barbara said...

I do like reading books about other people's culture, and I haven't read any Amish books yet. I hope that Becky and Jacob get married!

barbs562 {at} gmail {dot} com

Sheena Gossett said...

I love reading books with an underlying lesson from God.

Rachel R. said...

I like that it provides a (fictional) glimpse into the Amish community.
rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com

lisa said...

I am just interested in reading a New Book!
lmkay630@gmail.com

♡♥♬ Raven In A Blue Room ♬♥♡ said...

it is a great way to educate myself more about Amish culture

Thank you for hosting this giveaway

Louis
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com