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

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:

* 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.*