My beloved father passed away last August and it still seems that this wonderful man of the woods has only just gone. Before he died and while he was still able to drive, he took me to the Coudersport Ice Mine, a favorite childhood haunt and natural wonder-It’s a cavernous mine that’s filled with ice in the summer and is completely dry in the winter. However, the Ice Mine was boarded up and had been for many years, yet my fascination with the place still lingered. Later, on that drive, my dad pointed out that there were some Amisch and Mennonites who farmed locally-and the idea for the series was born. The series was purchased by Kensington Publishers in New York and the first novel, The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain, is due out this Oct. 30th. To date, of the twelve books previously written, this novel is by far my favorite, not only because of my father’s involvement in its conception but because of My Heavenly Father Who made the Ice Mine as one of His wonders. And, curiously, the Coundersport Pennsylvania Ice Mine was recently purchased, is being renovated, and is due to reopen this Memorial Day through Labor Day-it is truly a wondrous place to visit. In fact, Inez Bull of the famous Ole Bull family wrote long ago of the Ice Mine:
“As you gaze upon this bewitched phenomenon your life appears to unfold before you. Dreams seem more conquerable and the unknown mystery gathers you within its vapor and your faith comes forth. Yes, it emanates in all the glory that the ice stalactites issue in the caverns. You feel it surging within you, from the tip of your toes to the top of your head. Strong and firm it grows, and grows, imbuing faith in the mysteries of the unknown, in nature, in people, in yourself and in life.”
And I, as both an author and Believer, most heartily agree.
Thank you,
Kelly Long
Post a comment about your thoughts for a chance to win a book from Kelly titled, Threads of Grace. US and Canada only. Winner will be picked in one week.
Threads of Grace, by Kelly Long
Kelly Long
About Kelly
Kelly Long is a bestselling CBD, CBA, and ECPA Amish Fiction author. Please follow me on Fans of Kelly Long on FB, and Kellylongamish @ twitter.
I have been to the ice mine in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. It is a wonder, especially in the summer when there is ice inside the cave. They had a cute little outdoor gift shop right next to the mine. I went with my first husband who has long since passed.
My father is still alive but I love the trips we went as a family or the things that we do now that I am an adult and I would not trade those moments for anything! I am glad that she has the memories of the times that they shared!
Kelly, I so love your books.
Looking forward to reading The Amish of Ice Mountain.
CherylB1987 AT Hotmail DOT com
I had not heard of the ice mines -sounds intriguing, love to read amish stories though and look forward to this new series. thanks for sharing comments and a book today.
Paula O
I think it would be interesting to see the Coudersport Ice Mine. I have been to Carlsbad Caverns and Luray Caverns and loved them. One day I hope to make it to Pennsylvania to see the mine and Amish country, it’s on my travel wish list.
Very interesting article. I am a PA resident and would love to visit the Ice Mine. Never knew of it’s existence before. Please accept my entry into this giveaway. Thank you.
Sounds like an interesting place to visit! Thank you Kate for the opportunity to win Kelly’s book!
lorrainealx [at] hotmail [dot] com
It sounds like it was a very interesting place to visit. Would love to be ab e to see an ice mine.Thanks for a chance to win this book.
I have never heard of ice mines, been in several mines and was so surprised by their beauty. I would love someday to see the ice mines. On TV recently they showed some ice mines/caves that due to the really frigid weather this winter, the mines were showing off their spectacular beauty, and they were all that! I was so enthralled by the beauty of them. Gods hands at work creating such a masterpiece. I must admit, I have not read a book by Kelly Long and this sounds like a very interesting book for sure.
Wow sounds beautiful…an ice mine….unique. Brrrrrr 🙂
would love to win 🙂
It sounds like it was a very interesting place to visit. Would love to be abe to see an ice mine.Thanks for a chance to win this book.
That sounds awesome! Never heard of an ice mine. Would love to win your book.Thank you
How fascinating! Now that’s on my bucket list for when we travel to the East. Looking forward to reading your new book set there! I’m so sorry that your father passed away. Mine did as well, 8 years ago, and I wish he was with us still to share experiences with my children. We keep his memory alive as best we can, though 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m wondering what part of the state that is in, I don’t recognize the town?
Really looking forward to reading the new series. Would love a chance to win Threads of Grace since I have the first two books in this series. Keep up the good work Kelly and Thank You Kate for the post and giveaway.
I haven’t heard of this Ice Mine. Sounds intriguing…
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Looks like a must read.
How interesting, would love to learn more about the Ice Mine and the surrounding area in Penn. Would love to read your book, The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain. Thank you for this opportunity.
I would love to visit the Ice Mines! Thank you for giving us this opportunity to win one of Kelly Long’s books! I haven’t read one yet and good luck to everyone entering and posting great comments!
Being strong and moving forward and producing something tangible is such a positive way to handle the loss of your beloved father. Thank you for sharing this and for reminding me that it is important to treasure every moment. Thank you for the opportunity to receive a copy of your book. Very nice post. I enjoyed it.
I would love to win this book.I have always wanted to visit a mine.I enjoyed reading this post.Thanks for sharing.
I would love to win your book. I have always wanted to visit a Mine.
Would love to win a copy of this book.
This sounds like a great book. I would love to win it. I love reading and especially Amish
books. Good luck to all would also love to have this book. God bless all, Patti in VA
Thank you, Kelly Long, for being my guest! And thanks to everyone who has entered the book giveaway. Good luck to you all!
Would love to win the book.
I have never heard of the ice mine. Sounds interesting! I can understand about loosing a parent. I’m kind of an orphan. My father passed away in June, 2007 and then my mother in October, 2014. Its hard I know, but try to keep their memory alive.