Sunday, July 31, 2011

THE PROMISE OF AN ANGEL - Ruth Reid - Free Book

Ruth Reid Bio:
Ruth Reid is a full-time pharmacist who lives in Dade City, Florida, with her husband and three children. Her fascination for the Amish began twenty-years ago when she skipped college classes to watch a barn-raising. Today, she’s still captivated by the simple ways of the Amish lifestyle, and in her debut novel, The Promise of an Angel, she writes about what started her curiosity with the Amish—a barn raising. When Ruth is not working, she loves photography.   

Welcome, Ruth. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
A friend told me after reading my first book how she looked for me, but found herself. I told her she would have to piece together a little from every character to find me.

In Brush of Angel’s Wings, the second book in the Heaven on Earth series, the main character is a bad cook and unable to keep her sewing stitches straight. That’s me; my quilting friends would confirm that I spend more time ripping out stitches then sewing them right the first time.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I gave my sister, Joy, a haircut. She asked me to trim her straight, no bangs, shoulder length hair, and by the time I finished evening-up the sides, she had sideburns and spiked bangs. I should be dead—but Joy is much more understanding than anyone I know.  I still don’t know why I thought I could cut hair…

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I was in 5th grade when a teacher encouraged me to enter the Young Author’s Writing Contest. Writing that 12 page short story ignited the desire in my heart.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
My interest ranges from non-fiction, pharmacology journals and frontier medicine, to most genres of fiction. I love a good “who done it” mystery and, one day, I plan to use my pharmaceutical background to write a medical thriller…or, a historical romance rich with frontier medicine.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
As the song goes, “…Without God, I can do nothing. Without Him I’d surely fail…” I’ve learned that when my sanity starts slipping it’s because I’ve allowed myself to become distracted and I’ve taken my focus off of God. When this happens, I increase my prayer time, take long baths, and talk to friends who help get me back on track.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Since most Amish names are Biblical, I tend to choose my character’s names from the Bible. Another resource I use is a log a dear friend provided of the district divisions, family names, dates of births, deaths, and when the family moved to the Michigan settlement that I write about in my books.    

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My three children love the Lord.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I’d like to be an Eagle. Two reasons: They soar, and Eagles are protected species.

What is your favorite food?
Pepperoni and black olive pizza.   

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I don’t know that I’ve totally overcome it, but I fear sharing my work. Let’s face it not everyone will respond to your writing with the same unconditional love like mom. I remember how nerve racking it was when I first joined the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) critique group, but I am so grateful I did. I found out everyone in my group was nervous.  

Tell us about the featured book.

Interrupting the ordered routine of the Mecosta County Amish settlement, an angelic visitor awakens Judith to a new faith.

All Judith Fischer has ever wanted is to marry within her community and raise a family of her own. She longs for the day when her parents will allow Levi Plank to officially court her.

But on the day Judith suspects Levi will ask her parent’s permission, her younger brother Samuel has an accident under her charge. Rushing to Samuel’s aid, Judith spies a strange man helping him; a man she later believes was an angel.

When she shares her conviction with her family and close friends, she is shocked to find that no one believes her, including Levi. In the days following the accident, the angel visits Judith with information that may guide her down the path of faith, should she choose to follow. 

As her community slowly distances themselves, only one person is willing to stand up for her – the bishop’s son, Andrew Lapp. But can he convince the settlement to listen to her? With a show of faith that flies in the face of her conservative upbringing, can Judith hold strong to the promise that there are even greater things in store for those who believe?

Please give us the first page of the book.
Readers can find the first two chapters posted on my website. (see link below)

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website (where the first two chapters are posted)  http://ruthreid.com/
My facebook page (I’d love the readers to “like” my page)
Amishliving.com (A site where readers and authors talk about the Amish lifestyle.)
http://www.amishliving.com/profile/RuthReid

Thank you, Ruth, for stopping by my blog.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

35 comments:

peachykath said...

I have always been fascinated with the Amish Community. Growing up in Northern Indiana, the communities were all around us. I would love the opportunity to read this novel. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.

Katherine from Northern California

Anonymous said...

I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO READ THIS BOOK FOR AWHILE NOW, WOULD BE BLESSED TO WIN A COPY.
ANGELA FROM KY

Unknown said...

Thanks Lena for another awesome interview. you find the greatest authors and giveaways! Thanks for the chance to win Ruth Reid's The Promise of an Angel. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

Jo said...

I love reading Amish stories. Very fascinated with the Amish community. Thank you for entering me in the giveaway.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win this. Looks like a great book.

I am from Oklahoma.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Katherine from Northern California,
Thanks for leaving a comment. The Amish I write about live in Michigan, but I think they have relatives in Indiana and Ohio.
Ruth

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Angela from KY,
Thanks for leaving such a sweet comment that you've wanted to read The Promise of an Angel for awhile.
You've blessed me by stopping by and entering.
Ruth

Ruth Reid said...

Marianne,
I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. I had a lot of fun answering Lena's questions.
Ruth

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Jo,
Thanks for entering the drawing. It's nice to hear from people who read Amish fiction. The Promise of an Angel was a lot of fun to research and write.

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for stopping by and entering the contest!
Ruth

Tamara Cooper said...

I'm a Christian writer and I've never read an Amish book. None. I so enjoyed this interview, and I would think if my five children were all saved, I would be a blessed mother! What an accomplishment for Ruth Reid, to have all her children love the Lord. The book sounds very intriguing because, sometimes, don't we all want to just "chuck it" and run away? But we don't. We stick. We live. We love. We continue on. I would love to have this book. Thanks again for the wonderful insight into Ruth's life!

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

Califorina

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Sarah said...

Would love to win!

Sarah H
Oklahoma

Erin said...

I have recently gotten into reading about the Amish and I have fallen in love with the books. Have been wanting to read "The Promise of an Angel" since it hit stands...looks like it is an amazing book.

Erin from Rock Hill, NY

apple blossom said...

oh, please include me in this book giveaway thanks
I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Coolestmommy said...

WOW!!! What a powerful premise and opening for the story. Thank you for sharing your book!!!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Miss Mona said...

I think I'll just read this book and not let Ruth cut my hair LOL....this sounds like a great book and different than any of the other Amish books I've read....hope to win this one... Thanks, Ms. Mona in Ohio

Kristie said...

Angels and Amish are an unusual combination. Very interesting.I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me in the contest, Thank You!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

JJ said...

I gave my step-dad a haircut when I was a young girl. I did pretty good. It was my first attempt at cutting hair. lol Since being married I have cut my husband and children's hair a lot. thanks. gahome2mom/a/gmail/d/com

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Texas Tami,
I hope you try at least one Amish book (Mine--ha ha.)
What do you write? Are you a member of ACFW?

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Linda from California,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Ruth Reid said...

Thanks for stopping by, Sarah from Ok.

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Erin from Rock Hill, NY.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I hope you get a chance to read the book.

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Apple Blossom. I visited ND once, very cold. Even in the summer. While I roast in FL I hope you're blessed with a cool summer.

Ruth Reid said...

Hi Robyn. Thanks for leaving such a sweet comment.

Ruth Reid said...

Ms Mona,
NO, don't let me cut your hair. RUN. My sister let me color her hair, too, that's another crazy story.

Ruth Reid said...

Kristie from OH, I had a lot of fun writing both the Angel part and Judith's encounter with him.

Ruth Reid said...

Abigail thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Ruth Reid said...

gahome2mom,
I cut my husband's hair when we first were married. He usually complained I took too long--so I would walk away with it half done. After he threatened to go to work like that and tell everyone I cut his hair, I finished it--but I took my time.

Jo said...

What a fascinating book this sounds like. I always love to read about the Amish and would love to have a copy of this book.

Blessings from Jo in Southern Arizona

Krista said...

Sounds like a great book. Please enter me.

Krista from Gresham, OR

sarahw said...

looks and sounds like a great summer read. please enter my name in the draw.
thanks, sarah, MN

Mama Cat said...

Thank you for sharing about yourself, Ruth! When I grew up in Michigan, I had no idea there was an Amish community. Through reading many Amish novels, their lifestyle intrigues me and their faith draws me and convicts me to seek a higher level of faith in action. And I would be excited to see a historical romance, mystery, etc relating to the pharmacy industry, as a former pharmacy tech, or historical medical romance. Please enter me into your drawing; I would be very interested to begin reading your books. Jeanie from Arizona

misskallie2000 said...

I love to read Amish stories and The Promise of an Angel sounds like a great story. Thanks for the great interview Ruth and Lena. I already have this book on my wish list.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

I live in Georgia

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com