How Amish Fiction And Western Historical Are Similar

 

Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.
It's just a week until Christmas - where in the world did the month go? Like many of you my Christmas gathering will look a lot different this year and the plans are still pretty fluid. Several family members have tested positive at various times over the past few months - the latest one just this morning.  But I know God is  in control of all that's happening here and in the world at large. So my hope is in Him and in His awesome Love for us.

 

Anyway, a bit of fun news - My first Amish romance, Her Amis Wedding Quilt, released this week! As most of you know, for a little over a year now I’ve been immersed in writing the books in my Hope's Haven series. There will be three books in the series and I'm currently wrapping up book 2. It’s required a ton of research and reading all about this very unique group of people who have their own dialect and mores, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge.

One of the things I learned along the way, however, is that, at least on the surface, there are a number of similarities between Amish fiction and western historicals, the previous genre I wrote in.  Here are several of them

 

The most obvious is, of course the mode of transportation. My previous research into issues such as how to hitch a horse to a wagon and how long it takes a horse and buggy to travel xx number of miles came in handy for sure.

 

Another not-so-surprising similarity is the lack of technology in their everyday life. Although the Amish do make use of some technology they are very deliberate in what they allow into their homes and into their lives. So even though the Amish stories I’m writing are contemporaries rather than historicals, I have to avoid many of the trappings of present day life. Except for very strictly defined exceptions that can vary from district to district – no cellphone close to hand, no television, no computers or tablets. There’s also no electricity but these days many use generators or solar power.

 

Both groups have a strong feelings about the value of close ties to family and community and a belief in neighbors helping neighbors. It’s not unusual to find several generations living under one roof or in close proximity. And you can find several videos of Amish barn raisings, frolics (what they call their gatherings to help an individual in the community with a task) and other tasks.

 

Of course there are lots of differences too. The Amish dialect for one thing. And their strong belief in pacifism. And these book are set in the modern world so even though the Amish themselves don’t make use of all the modern conveniences they interact with those who do and even hire non-Amish to do things like chauffer them to and from places that are too distant for them to travel by buggy.

 

And in honor of this being release week for my first Amish book I’m doing a special giveaway. One of the visitors who leave a comment on this post will be selected to receive a copy of Her Amish Wedding Quilt AND their choice of any of the historical western romance books in my backlist.

 

So leave a comment – are there some similarities I missed? Do you prefer one genre over the other?

Or let’s just talk about Christmas traditions – I haven’t even gotten my tree up yet (yikes!!) but I have taken out the stockings which are my favorite decorations. And there will be a new addition to the crowded line-up on the mantle – my 6 month old grandson. I just need to get out my sewing machine…

 

HER AMISH WEDDING QUILT

An Amish seamstress and a single father have a chance to make a fresh start in this heartwarming first novel of a new series.

Spirited, forthright, impulsive -- everyone told Greta Eicher she'd have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta's wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children.

Noah knows it's time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance?

Learn more or purchase HERE