Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Amish Witness Protection Continuity



By Debby Giusti

Love Inspired Suspense is starting 2019 with a bang…and an exciting new continuity that’s sure to please. The three stories feature heroes and heroines in the Witness Security Program who are placed in various Amish communities to keep them off the grid and away from the vile villains who have them in their cross hairs!


When my amazing editor, Emily Rodmell, asked if I wanted to take part in the Amish Witness Protection Continuity, I couldn’t say “YES!” fast enough. Plus, the opportunity meant working with talented authors Maggie K. Black and Dana R. Lynn. Both gals write fast-paced suspense that keeps me on the edge of my seat so I knew this continuity would be a hit with readers.  Maggie’s story, Amish Hideout is a January release. My story, Amish Safe House, follows in February, and Dana’s book, Amish Haven, completes the series in March.

Being part of a continuity comes with its own challenges so I thought you might enjoy learning a bit about the process and how it works.

Emily created the continuity “bible,” as it’s called, which provides a basic outline for each story and information about anything that must be revealed as the series progresses. U.S. Marshal Jonathan Mast is the hero in book one who comes up with the initial idea of hiding the heroes and heroines in various Amish communities. Jonathan also plays a role in the other stories, along with two additional U.S. Marshals, all of whom work together to create new identities for the WITSEC characters.


Here’s what Maggie K. Black said:

Writing Amish Hideout was a challenge because I’d never written an Amish book before. But my heroine, Celeste, had never visited an Amish community before—so it was something she and I had in common! 

Celeste is a computer programmer who risked everything to singlehandedly take down a criminal hacker who has been eluding the F.B.I. When he uses the power of the internet to send killers after her, the hero Jonathan will take her to the one place he knows technology can’t be used to hunt her down or hurt her—the Amish family he left behind when he became a cop.

In writing this book, I relied a lot on the wisdom and kindness of fellow authors. I listened to lectures on how to write about the Amish and also fired off questions to other writers when I was stuck or there was something I didn’t know. I also benefited from my excellent editor.

For me, Amish Hideout is a book about family, forgiveness and feeling lost. Jonathan has to reconcile with his family, overcome the damage his leaving did, and also figure out how to reconcile his faith and Amish roots with his calling to be a cop. Celeste too has to figure out where she belongs and what her future holds. It was deeply inspired by a family who came alongside me while I was going through a rough time and showed me acceptance, love and mercy.   



Debby here:

In Amish Safe House, a down-on-her-luck single-mom tries to hold her family together, but after her teenage son witnesses a gang shooting, Julia Bradford and her two children are forced into Witness Protection in hopes of eluding the street thugs who have them in their cross hairs. Three years earlier, Abraham King left law enforcement after his wife and daughter were killed and returned to his Amish roots. When his old friend, Jonathan Mast, asks Abraham to provide safe refuge for a family in danger, the reclusive former cop turned Amish farmer agrees, never suspecting that Julia and her children will upset not only his peaceful way of life but also the wall he’s built around his heart.

I had fun writing the two children into the story and fell in love with them almost immediately. Keeping the children safe while evil loomed upped the stakes and challenged me to find creative ways to outsmart the bad guys. The Amish lifestyle with its lack of electricity, cell phones, automobiles and weapons provided additional demands not found in most contemporary suspense novels.

Abraham and Julia come from opposite worlds and seem an unlikely match. Both carry guilt for mistakes they each made in the past that must be brought to light. Old wounds need to be healed with the salve of forgiveness and their faith in God reaffirmed before they can find their happily ever after.


Dana shared the following:

I am so happy to be on Seekerville again. I’m especially tickled to be here with Debby Giusti and Maggie K. Black, both of whom are authors I admire so much. This whole process was one more dream realized for me.


I have wanted to be part of a continuity ever since I started to read Love Inspired Suspense years ago. As a reader, I would wait for the next book in each series every month with anticipation. When my editor emailed me and asked me if I wanted to participate in a mini-series with Debby and Maggie, I was overjoyed. And a bit nervous. Writing a story which shares elements from other books that I didn’t write was a challenge.

It was also tremendous fun. I loved talking with the other authors as we brainstormed and tried to line up our stories. Connecting with friends on such a unique project was entertaining and also educational as we researched together.

I loved that while all our stories contained some similar characters, they were all very different stories. Mine is a reunion romance, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I love the themes of forgiveness and second chances. I had such a blast with this project and would do it again in a heartbeat!


We hope you like the series and would love to hear your thoughts on continuities. Do you enjoy the connected stories? What about Amish reads? When you see a bonnet or buggy on the cover do you add the book to your shopping cart or search for another selection? If you read Amish stories, what draws you to the genre? Have you written an Amish story or is that something you might try in the future? We’d love to answer any questions you have about writing continuities and/or writing Amish suspense.

Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for the entire Amish Witness Protection series. The winner will receive all three books: Amish Hideout, Amish Safe House and Amish Haven!

Happy reading! Happy writing!

Wishing you abundant blessings!
Debby Giusti


 AMISH HIDEOUT
By Maggie K. Black

She must survive to testify…
The first exciting Amish Witness Protection thriller!

With a price on his witness’s head, US Marshal Jonathan Mast can think of only one place to hide Celeste Alexander—in the Amish community he left behind. As a computer expert, leading a life off the grid isn’t easy for Celeste. But will staying in Jonathan’s childhood home save her…and convince them a future together is worth fighting for?

Order HERE!





AMISH SAFE HOUSE
By Debby Giusti

Hiding in Plain Sight
The second thrilling Amish Witness Protection novel

After Julia Bradford’s son witnesses a gang shooting, hiding in witness protection on Abraham King’s Amish farm is the only hope the Englischer and her children have. Even as danger closes in, Julia is drawn to the community’s peaceful ways—and the ex-cop turned Amish protector. But when their location is discovered, can Abraham protect her family…and possibly have a future by her side?

Pre-order HERE!




AMISH HAVEN
By Dana R. Lynn

A Refuge for His Family
An Amish Witness Protection story


When criminal lawyer Tyler Everson witnesses his boss’s murder, he becomes the killer’s next target—along with his estranged wife, Annabelle, and their daughter. Now they must enter witness protection in Amish country. But reuniting with his family isn’t easy when Annabelle doesn’t trust him. Will going into hiding keep them safe…and bring the family back together for good?

Pre-order HERE!


262 comments:

  1. Hi Debby:

    It looks like the quiet Amish community is in for lots of outside trouble!

    What makes this series a continuity? Are all the stories in the same Amish community? Is it that they all involve the Witness Protection Program? Are the books best read in order? Are there any characters that appear in all three books?

    I like the idea of a recluse getting a ready made family. Great theme.

    With all this Amish publicity do you think the bad guys will now look to Amish country first to find the people they need to eliminate?

    Also do you plan on any more CID Army books?

    One last thing: given that there is a bible ahead of time, are pantsers illuminated from doing continuities?

    Good luck on the series.

    Vince

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    1. Hi Vince!
      US Marshal Jonathan Mast--the hero in book 1--and two of his associates play a role in each story as they provide new identities and work to keep the WITSEC folks hidden. The authors had to ensure the bad guys in each story didn't learn about the WITSEC people hiding out in Amish communities. Or if they did uncover the Amish connection, something had to happen to those villains so the information would not be revealed to other members of their gang or to other criminal elements. Actually, that was a challenge.

      Each story can be read alone, and if the series is well-received, I feel sure the concept will be used in future LIS continuities.

      I enjoyed writing the CID series and would love to do a few more books with CID heroes. Thanks for your interest, Vince!

      The bible is a fairly general outline that the author can revise somewhat so I doubt pantsers would be challenged any more than plotters. Most authors work from some type of synopsis or story outline. Even pantsers must submit proposals for the non-continuity stories they write, which are probably more detailed than a "bible" would be.

      Always great to see your comments, Vince! Hugs to you and Linda!

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoy Amish stories, Kim! Thanks for being with us on Seekerville.

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    1. Thanks for your kind comment, Mary! I hope you enjoy the stories.

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  4. How exciting these books sound!!! Can’t wait for a chance to read them.

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  5. I love books based on the Amish. Thank you for the chance.

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    1. Hi Angela! So glad you could stop by Seekerville today.

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  6. I read the first book in this series and loved it [https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2621615211] I'm sure I would like the the others in this series!

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    1. Maggie's story is wonderful, and she's such a talent writer. How thoughtful of you to post a review!

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  7. Looking forward to reading all these books. Just started to read Amish Suspense & mystery books.

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    1. Hi Nancy! What drew you to reading Amish stories? What do you enjoy best about the Amish genre?

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  8. I love the amish theme suspense books. Great authors who write amazing stories .Hope to read them soon!

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    1. Thanks, Connie, for stopping by and leaving a comment! So glad you enjoy Amish reads!

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  9. Love Amish fiction! This series looks like a definite “must read.”

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  10. This looks like great series to read. Love the front covers on them all. Need to add them to my must reads. Thank you for doing the give away.

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    1. Hi Kristina! So glad you like the covers. I do too. Love the meme showing all three of them!

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  11. Love Amish fiction would love to read these books

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    1. Hi Ernestine! Always great to see you here on Seekerville! Your support means so much to all of us!

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  12. These books look like great reads! Can't wait to read them!

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  13. This is so exciting, Debby. Congratulations to you, Mags and Dana. Readers are going to eat this series up.

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    1. I hope so, Mindy! Love the covers, don't you agree?

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  14. Congratulations 🎈 This sounds like something I would love to read. Thank you for sharing. Blessings

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    1. Hi Lucy, thanks for being with us on Seekerville! You're in the drawing!

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  15. I'm excited to read this LIS series written by three different authors. I'm sure they each brought something different to the table, yet managed to tie the books together. I love Amish genre, so that's a big plus for me. All the books have piqued my interest!

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    1. Judith, I hope you enjoy the stories. Mine was so fun to write...lots of action and romance! :)

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  16. I cannot even begin to imagine how scary a process of writing a continuity must be! But on the otherhand, it would be reassuring to have others to bounce ideas off of who are more invested than usual in the process. Way to go ladies! I would LOVE to be entered in the draw for the series. Lee-Ann B

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    1. Ps I quite enjoy Beverly Lewis' amish stories and I have a pile of Jan Drexler books that I am anxious to dig into (if only the house would clean itself and lunches would magically appear...).

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    2. Lee-Ann, working with Dana and Maggie was a blessing, for sure! They're both not only friends but also talented authors.

      Beverly Lewis is the Queen of Amish stories, in my opinion. I credit her for the success of the Amish genre. Don't know if she was the first author to write about the Amish , but her book, THE SHUNNING, became a movie and introduced so many folks to the Amish way of life.

      And Jan Drexler is amazing! So are her stories!!! Love them. Love her!

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    3. I hope you can get to those books soon, Lee-Ann!

      By the way, housecleaning is overrated and people don't really need to eat every day!

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  17. These new books sound wonderful and I look forward to reading them. I enjoy continuity series because they allow me keep up with a setting or even characters but it isn't necessary to read them in order.
    Congratulations Maggie, Debby, and Dana.
    Blessings!

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    1. Connie, thanks for your comments about continuities. Yes, it's nice to have those overarching threads throughout the series, and as you mentioned, the books can usually be read is any order.

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  18. Debby, I love your stuff and am looking forward not only to yours, but to experiencing two new authors. New to me, anyway. Currently reading "Amish Christmas Secrets." Rosie is an appealing heroine.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, KB. Rosie tugged at my heart the first time I mentioned her in the Amish Protectors series. She was an extra tidbit of information I included on a whim to enhance the plot of book 1. Then she kept appearing in the other books in the series and, finally, demanded a book of her own. She's a feisty Amish gal, for sure! :)

      As you mentioned, continuities introduce readers to new authors, which is a win-win for all!

      I always appreciate your support! Hugs!

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  19. That's such an interesting idea, to send people to Amish communities for witness protection.

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    1. The concept came from our wonderful editor, Emily Rodmell. She's so creative!

      A unique idea, for sure!

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  20. Oh my goodness, these look so good! I would love to win all 3 for my mom and me. We love sharing books. Thankfully it makes shopping for each other easy since we like the same type of books. :) Thanks for a chance to win.

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    1. Unknown, we need someway to get in touch with you if you win. Can you add your name?

      How special that you and your mother enjoy the same books and share what you read. Bless you both!

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  21. I love continuites. I will have to look for these and hope my Walmart has them.

    Would appreciate prayers. Spent most of the night in the ER with chest pain that is continuing. Waiting on a call back from the doctor.

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    1. Wilani, I hate hearing that you were in the ER. I hope the doctor prescribes the right medicine to get you back to good health! You've had a hard winter so far.

      We're praying for you!

      I hope you can find the stories in your Walmart. You should find Amish Hideout there now. My story is supposed to be on the shelves by early FEB. Dana's will appear in early March. Some Walmarts put them out mid-month so keep checking if you don't find them at first.

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    2. Praying for you, Wilani. Hope you get some answers from the doctor.

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  22. I enjoy Amish books :) Can’t wait t read them!!!

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    1. Hi Get well! Thanks for stopping by Seekerville today!

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  23. This series sounds fantastic! Looking forward to reading them!

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    1. Thanks, Edwina. I keep thinking about your Thomas Merton study for 2019. I hope you're enjoying the lessons!

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  24. Good morning. Congratulations to all of you! What fun to get to work together! I love the idea of witness protection...and in an Amish community...this could be such a challenge! I regularly buy sorghum from a delightful Amish family I know in the Missouri Ozarks and would love to read these books about other Amish communities. Please enter me in the drawing!

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    1. Hi Kathryn, as I recall you had a number of connections with the Amish...and I believe you were the first to tell me about "The Budget" newspaper, which I've been getting for two years. Thank you for that great tip!

      You're in the drawing! We're grateful for your interest in the stories and for your support of Seekerville and all the authors!

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    2. Hi Debby,
      I'm so glad you're enjoying "The Budget." It is a fascinating publication! So happy to be in the drawing and I love Seekerville...

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  25. I would love to read and then review these books. I like Amish fiction because of their hard but simple life. I learn a lot from them.

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    1. Hi Jan! We always love reviews so thank you! You're so right! The Amish life is hard but simple. Such a great description! I do admire their work ethic and their strong faith and love of family.

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  26. Great post, Debby. I always enjoy hearing how continuities work. I love to read series books. I am not so much into reading Amish fiction, but I do like the suspense ones and these sound good. Please enter me in the drawing.

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    1. Hi Sandy! The continuities have been popular with LI and LIS readers, and the authors always have fun writing them. Amish suspense adds a different twist to the Amish genre, for sure! :)

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  27. What a great post, I'm wondering were do you come up with these great stories?

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    1. Hi Melissac! We get ideas from everywhere...a comment we overhear, the evening news, a story in the local paper. The continuity stories were our editor's ideas. She provided the basic outlines and we developed her outlines into full-length novels.

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  28. I am excited to get the chance to read these books. I love reading about Amish and how the authors do a great job of making us feel like we know the characters and their customs . The stories are always filled with hope and I appreciate the authors hard work in making the stories realistic.

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    1. Thank you, Deana! So glad you enjoy the stories. Yes, we always want them to be realistic! Even as we sit at our computers in heated homes with electricity! :)

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  29. I've loved the Amish LIS books I've read so far. LIS does a fantastic job on their covers, that's for sure. And I love reading series, too! Congratulations to all three of you for this one. Please enter me in the drawing.

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    1. Hi Laurie! So glad you enjoy the LIS books. I've been happy with all my covers. The authors fill out forms and send photos to the Art Dept for each book, then they come up with the cover. Often, the covers they create for my books look similar to what I've submitted.

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  30. I always enjoy the Love Inspired stories. I love that this continuity series combines my two favorite genres, Amish with a touch of suspense. How wonderful to see the collaboration of three great authors!
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann

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    1. Hi Maryann! I love that combination, as well...Amish and suspense! I hope you enjoy the stories. You're in the drawing!

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  31. This series sounds wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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    1. Emma, thanks for stopping by the blog. My grandmother's name was Emma. Beautiful. I need to write a character with that name.

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  32. Hello everyone! YAY, a new series by some of my favorite authors! I cannot wait to let my eyeballs feast on this series! I absolutely love continuities. Don't put my name in the drawing as I will receive these with my reader service. Have a great day seekerville. I'm about to get to spend time with my adult son at the shooting range! He's taking the afternoon off from farming to help me get ready for my LTC test on the 26th of this month:)))

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    1. Pat W! So good to see you here! Thanks for getting the books. I hope you enjoy the stories. Have fun on the shooting range and good luck on your LTC test! I'm impressed!

      Hugs!

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  33. Hello Debby Love these books and love reading The Amish stories Thank you all so much for the wonderful chance to win these!

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    1. Hi Sarah! Thanks for stopping by Seekerville. Hope all is well with you and your family! You're in the drawing!

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  34. The series sounds interesting - thanks for the chance to win it!

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  35. This sounds so good,thetee is nothing I enjoy more than curling up with a good boom

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    1. I agree, Vickie! Love to read on cold, wintry days. Hope you enjoy these stories!

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  36. This sounds like a great continuity, Debbie! I'm looking forward to reading all three books. :-)

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    1. Thanks, Jan! I'm sure you saw your stories praised in one of the earlier comments! Congrats on your success and thanks for writing such delightful stories!

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  37. I'm so excited about this continuity, Debbie. I know Emily loves Witness Security because that was the first book I sold to her. Having them hide out with the Amish is brilliant. I'm reading Maggie's book now and really looking forward to the others.

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    1. I remember your debut novel, Cate. Loved that story. Emily did as well! :)

      Amish WITSEC is a unique concept...and Emily gets all the credit!

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  38. I love reading any book that is based on the Amish. I do love reading mystery books that involve the Amish also. Looking forward to reading these books. Not sure if I would be willing to write Amish fiction but one never knows what the future holds.

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    1. Hi DCraw! I hope you enjoy the stories! Amish mysteries and Amish suspense stories always provide new twists! If you've ever considered writing Amish fiction, now's the time! Would love to see one of your stories in print some day!

      You're in the drawing!

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  39. Congrats on being part of this continuity series. I haven't read any of the books yet, but they look very intriging

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Seekerville, Linda. So good to see you here. We talk about books and writing everyday so be sure to come back again. :)

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  40. Debby, thank you so much for the look at behind the scenes of a continuity series and what it entailed for the three of you. Your books are amazing. When my MIL was in the hospital and asked for Amish fiction books, I gave her one of yours and she enjoyed it.

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    1. I hope your MIL is better. Thanks for sharing my book with her!

      Continuities are somewhat like a work-for-hire project, as Guidepost's stories are.

      Always good to see you on Seekerville, Tanya!

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  41. This sounds like a really great set of books. One of these days I will have to get them.

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    1. Patricia, you're in the drawing! Thanks for stopping by Seekerville.

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  42. I'm so excited about this series! I have the first two books on my TBR pile right now. Eeeeep. They are still icy cold from sitting on the stoop in the blustery weather this afternoon. Luckily, I was expecting a Harlequin delivery so I checked outside just a bit ago and sure enough there they were all huddled together with some other LI and LIS books trying to stay warm. :-) Let the reading begin!

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    1. Too funny about the books trying to stay warm! And too sweet and wonderful of you to get our books, offer reviews, and most of all, provide support and encouragement. You're a jewel! A diamond. Love you, Kav

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  43. Two of my favorite things to read! Love Amish based stories and a great thriller.

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    1. So good to hear! Thank you for your support of Amish suspense!

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  44. Hallo, Hallo Seekerville!!

    I've been trying to get back to this lovely post ALL day! *seriously!* Between a horrid allergy attack, a beautifully lovely birthday celebration for Da (*see my tweets tonight*) AND celebrating a fellow book blogger trying to Kickstarter a Self-Pub edition of her reviews -- I've been a wickedly busy little beaver today! lol

    I spied the top its of this post and just *swooned!* Seriously you all, whenever I find out there is a limited series (ie. continuity) from either Harlequin Heartwarming OR my beloved #LoveINSPIRED Suspense --- I am bouncing with glee & giddiness! I told Mum when she was off work today -- we need to get back into having our script for this imprint before February ends! We had it for a short spell and then had to go on hiatus (ie. life, etc) -- so much to be celebrating right now with the line!

    ---- *whew*... need to read the post in full now...

    Ms Guisti,

    I have Ms Black on my TBR - Mum and I've been gathering a heap of these second-hand since last year but we also had a script for several months and want to reactive it this New Year. Honestly - as I was lamenting previously (either here or on my blog) these lovelies give us both the kind of thrilling read we love to seek out - you know going in you can handle the content of the stories (no triggers) plus it has the uplift of being faith-based and a lovingly clean read (mind you, I read across mainstream & INSPY as a hybrid reader, but these are my guilty pleasures because not only do they capture our hearts, imaginations & minds but because their just seriously well spun!) - where you can just soak into it w/o any worriment over coming into a scene you can't handle!

    I still *gasp!* and react out loud reading them - reading in tandem with Mum is always wicked good because we cross-compare our reactions & those moments where we're hugging the edge of our seats... lol (suppose you could say we're diehard fans!)

    Being this is an Amish Suspense serial is seriously #awesomesauce - we LOVED the Amish stories from Heartsong & Love Inspired so this is just icing on the cake!!

    Thanks for revealling a bit about how these are assembled; I learnt a heap from reading the Return of the Blackwell Brothers continuity but they approached it slightly differently so this was a nifty glimpse "behind the book!"

    ---- Part One

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  45. ---- Sorry I'm writing at hyperspeed - I just had a hectic and beautiful day celebrating my Dad's 74th, two years after his stroke when I became his caregiver watching his recovery & healing progress into a kickin' rockin' 74th where he says he feels as young as his 50s and his spirits are high. He's returnt to himself despite the additional issues with his limited sight, he's such an example of transitioning through adverse health crises. It was just a seriously good day,... so I might be slightly hyper *but!* I also am dearly addicted to this imprint,..

    Your Qs --

    * Ooh my gosh - do I EVER love connected serials! No matter which publisher is doing these, I LOVE them! Mum and I are constantly gathering more Love Inspired Suspense books which are actually like this limited serials - I created a whole spreadsheet just for that purpose! I. Kid. You. Not. It is the only way to track which ones we have on our shelf, which we can inter-library loan (esp if its older, harder to buy) and which ones are still easily obtainable to purchase in future. We update the sheets as we read the books & we log each new book we gather - so we know exactly which authors we've read, which series and which one-offs!!

    We love serial fiction - getting to spend time with the characters & seeing their growth & the supporting cast come forward into their own story-lines?! #blissitude!

    * lol Already answered our mutual love of Amish Fiction!

    * Bonnet is almost a #mustread cover art inclusion & a buggy means the Amish are taking center stage so it is an immediate #mustread! I also love stories of the Mennonite as I had a friend who owned her own Mennonite bakery and learnt a heap from our friendship

    * The closeness of the Amish community, the strict traditions & the cultural heritage they've established through their communities; I read Amish stories which parlay into the old order and the reformed orders - both Contemporary & Historical; there is something to be said for reading outside your life experiences and I believe the Amish are a good read for those of us who are Protestant who want to read about another person's faith life who has a different religious heritage - as this is my entry point. I truly appreciate how their dedicated to their customs and how they work hard to uphold their family togetherness whilst they support their community overall. There is so much to love - not to mention they are carrying on old world arts, crafts and artisan trades inasmuch as agriculture.

    * I wouldn't attempt to write an Amish story as I'm too removed from their lives and their areas of living - I might write a Mennonite story simply due to real life experiences and the takeaways I remember by the memories my baker friend shared; sometimes when you are writing outside your own experience as it relates to a new religious heritage it helps to have connections to those communities - at least for me. I'd want to honour their lives and honour their living histories or I wouldn't / couldn't be able to write a story celebrating their life.

    * I'd rather read about the Amish and celebrate the authors who are honouring their legacies in the craft. I loved Patricia Davids of late for giving me a new entrance into the Amish - I can't remember the title but the lead was going blind? This is a series Mum & I want to read -- ooh! as The Christmas Quilt began it and we didn't realise it!

    Q for you: What is the most challenging aspect of drafting a story set in an Amish community whilst pacing out the Suspense which knits together in the background? What kind of research do you do to ensure you get the details and the honest representations right about their lives and customs?

    ---

    Please add my hat to the bookaway - I'd love to have a chance to win this series and share it with my Mum.

    --- Part Two

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    1. Hi Jorie, I love your enthusiasm for Amish stories and specifically LIS! Also enjoyed hearing about the wonderful relationship you have with your sweet parents. I could feel the love!

      I'm impressed with your spread sheets on books you've read. Such dedication...and organization!

      To answer your question: Writing Amish suspense can be a challenge because of the limitations of their lifestyle. As I mentioned in the blog, I couldn't use weapons or cell phones, and of course, they don't have electricity or own cars. But they do quite nicely without all those "worldly items" and my characters did as well. :)

      Yes, I'm always researching the Amish way. I have subscribed to "The Budget" newspaper for over two years. I'm on a number of Facebook sites that include Mennonite folks and those who have been Amish. I also read non-fiction books about the Amish way. Most important probably is that I lived in Amish areas in Ohio and Pennsylvania so I already knew a lot about the Amish before I started writing Amish stories. I also have a delightful Amish pen pal! :)

      So glad you stopped by Seekerville. Wonderful getting to "chat" with you today. Hugs to Mom and Dad.

      Wishing you abundant blessings!

      Delete
    2. Thank you for such a lovely and engaging response, Ms Giusti!! Especially as you've confirmed what I felt was the best way to write about the Amish - I am now even more eager to read your Amish stories as I know you've delighted us with a unique perspective on their lives! I love writing letters myself which is why I know how dear it is to write someone postal letters, congratulations to you and your friendship.

      lol The spreedsheets for LI: Suspense are quite engrossing as I have sub-notes as reminders for Mum & I about where we are and which series/author we're both reading through! lol It does help to be organised or you'd be lost to know which one to be reading next!

      I definitely agree - even without some of the tech and convenience we have in our lives, the Amish live well-rounded and full lives. It will be keenly interesting to see how you circumvent those obstacles (for us) and see how you thread your story with the same heart-pulse sequences of suspense.

      Thanks for blessing me with the joy of your words - I am thankful I've had a close connection to my parents throughout my life as well as to the rest of my family. I come from a close knit background and I have felt blessed to have had the moments I've shared with them all. I was thankful I could share a part of my life which could resonate with you the way I had hoped it could be received. It was such a wonderful celebration for my Dad.

      I'll be giving them your hugs and smiles!

      *waves!*

      Delete
  46. Love Amish books, would love win

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  47. I enjoy reading about the Amish and often wonder how I would’ve fared as an Amish Mamm! This series sounds great. Thank you for the opportunity to win the books.

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    1. Hi Anne! I would miss electricity--along with heat in the winter and AC in the summer--and my computer to write stories and my car to get me places. I would not make a very good Amish Mamm! :)

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  48. These are all new authors for me. This series sounds so interesting. I read Amish fiction sometimes, and I like when the story is more than just a romance.

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  49. Hi Dianna, thanks for stopping by Seekerville. The suspense adds another dimension to the story, in my opinion. I hope you enjoy the series!

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  50. Thanks for explaining how the continuity series works. The stories sound interesting.

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  51. Hi Debby:

    I know it is late but I had an idea for authors when they are doing a continuity series and that is to make a 20 to 60 minute podcast in which you discuss the making for the series. It would be nice if Harlequin could upload the podcast and readers who want to can listen to the podcast at their leisure.

    I think this could be done while you are still all in your own homes. The podcast could be advertised in the books themselves and by the authors when they are doing a book tour.

    I know Karen Ball does podcasts.

    Just an idea.

    Vince

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  52. I love Amish books period. Don’t guess I have read one I just didn’t like. I also enjoy continuity series. Excited to read this series!
    jtabalk@hotmail.com

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  53. I live close to a community if Mennonite they are the sweetest gentle,kind hard working ppl,I don't know the difference between them an the Amish,they appear the same

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  54. Would love to win these for my mom and I. Haven't gotten to read these quite yet. Thanks for a chance to win! Lela, paralegal7@hotmail.com

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  55. This looks like a very interesting and captivating series to read. Thanks for an opportunity to win these books!

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