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 5^th 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)

http://ruthreid.com/

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)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ruth-Reid/183828688320022

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.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com