Please welcome my guest author Mary Ellis!
Mary, how do you find out so much about the people you write about-the Amish?
Answering that question is easy-I jump into my car and drive to where they live and work. With my pen, tablet and camera, I study them in the fields, at farmers’ markets, in bakeries and quilt shops, and watch their children at play at recess. (From a respectable distance, of course.) I ask questions when it’s feasible, or just observe when interviewing would be inappropriate.
But usually that’s where the “easy” part ends. For A Little Bit of Charm, I headed to Kentucky to research the Old Order Mennonites and Amish of Casey and Barren Counties. Generally, these people moved here from over-populated areas of Ohio or Pennsylvania. They came looking for cheaper, more plentiful farmland and found it. What does that mean for a wannabe researcher? I spent my third summer vacation in a remote area without cell phone service, or a single fast food restaurant for miles. If you go in search of horses-and-buggies and a slower pace of life, always remember to bring local maps. My GPS kept getting confused and shutting off. Luckily, I was able to stay at my friend’s house and commute back and forth, since there were no hotels or motels close by. Her grand-daughters came along to keep me company-very handy considering how often I was lost. The girls received a priceless education in the Plain culture that surpassed any textbook. And having them with me opened plenty of doors for this nosy writer. Who could resist answering the questions of three adorable little girls?
About Mary Ellis
Mary Ellis grew up near the Amish and fell in love with them. She has now written nine bestselling novels set in their communities. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, bicycling, and swimming. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Living in Harmony, book one of this series won the 2012 Lime Award for Excellence in Amish Fiction. Book two, Love Comes to Paradise has been nominated for a 2013 Lime Award. She can be found on the web at her website, her Blog, or on Facebook.
Answer Mary’s question to enter to win a free copy of A Little Bit of Charm:
“Have you ever considered changing your faith because of a romantic relationship?”
Contest open to US and Canadian residents only. Winner has one week to respond. Please leave an email address or contact info in case you win!
Congratulations to Susan P., winner of the Laura Hilton Amish novel.
No, I wouldn’t change my faith because of romance but I did change from baptist to a pentecostal. Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com
Thank you, Sharma!
No I’ve never had to consider changing my faith, I’ve been fortunate!
Thank you for the chance to win Mary’s book.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks for leaving a comment and for entering the free book giveaway, Wendy!
No I would never consider to change my faith. I can marry to someone of different faith. Would celebrate both religions, but not change it. Thank you for the chance to win.
Janna
brs882(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for your comment!
I was a Baptist pastor’s wife for 24 1/2 years and after our divorce (not my choice), I did join a Pentecostal church with new hubby which I love the services and we are now members at the church he grew up in: a Northwestern Christian denomination….which I also love….
Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
Sounds like a fascinating journey, Rhonda!
No. I never had to face that situation. But when I was a child I wanted to join my Aunt and Uncle’s church who were a different religion than my parents. I thought their church was more fun and not stuffy like the church I was going to.
Karen G.
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
Thank you for leaving your comment, Karen!
No I wouldn’t change my faith …glhicks69@Yahoo.com
Thanks for your comment and for entering the free book giveaway!
No but my husband was catholic till we went to talk to the priest before we were married and i wouldn’t agree to confess to him so Carl joined my church!
Sounds like all things worked together for good, Debbie! Thanks for leaving your comment.
When my hubby and I married almost 46 years ago, we were of different faiths. I knew down deep that I would never be able to change my faith. After we were married for about 2-3 years hubby became a baptized member of my church. We raised our daughter together in the same faith. Praise God.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a book.
God Bless
Alyson_jen@msn.com
I am sorry, I forgot my name.
Alyson King Jenkins
I’m so glad you found common ground, Alyson!
No! My faith is deeply grounded in Jesus Christ. My Church Family is my support group.
Thanks for all you do. And God Bless.
bride57no1@yahoo.com Phyllis
Thanks for your comment, Phyllis, and for entering the free book contest!
That was never an issue as my husband and I seem to always agree on everything making for 42 years of a blissful marriage. 🙂
Wow, 42 years of blissful marriage. Thanks for your elevating comment! To enter the free book giveaway, please leave an email address or contact info.
Met my husband in church on Good Friday. The following Valentine’s Day we were married in that church. The 3rd generation to be married on Valentines Day in his family. That was 33 years ago and still happily married. We both shared the same faith. joann@sssnet.com
Can’t get more romantic than that! What a terrific true-life story!
My husband and I have been married 52 years, met in 7th grade! Would like to win a copy of your new book. jynhoffman@yahoo.com
How wonderful! Thanks for your comment!
No, I would not change my faith for romance. My husband & I share the same faith and it has never been a problem. I’m not sure how couples manage otherwise. Faith in God is very important to me & it is such a blessing to share that faith with my husband of 29 years. Would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity! Linda
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
thanks so much for commenting, Linda!
no, i never thought about it, but I would have only prayed about it if it had happened..I want to do what the Lord would tell me to do…my email is buddyshaner@comcast.net …(that is my little doggies name that I used)
Thanks for leaving a comment and for entering the free book giveaway!
well said! thanks for commenting.
I have not had to make that decision. I would love to win your book! I think the Amish are very interesting people. Donna d.brookmyer@yahoo.com
Thanks for entering to win a free book!
In my part of the country the religions of residents consist of various Protestant denominations or Catholic. Not a lot of issues develope among those choices in this era. Glad I did not face religion choices many years ago.
It is nice to see a new (to me) author. I am anxious to check out her writings.
Thanks for your comment, Darlene! If you wish to enter to win a free book, please leave an email address or contact info.
No, I haven’t had to make that decision and I know I never would have to. I love reading your books and would love a chance to win your newest book. Thank you.
prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks for your comment, Kevlin! Good luck in the book giveaway!
Well, to answer your question, I can’t say that I have because I am married for 30 years now and we married when I was young-17. lol I became a Christian in my early 30’s. 🙂 I probably would have though, knowing now, what I do about Christian life/living. But…God gave me this life for a reason and I am blessed with 4 wonderful children and 3 beautiful grandchildren! <3
Blessings to you!!
Cathy
You sound like you have a wonderful family, Cathy! I just noticed you did not leave an email address, needed for contacting the winner. But some people only wish to leave a comment, which is fine …