Thursday, October 13, 2011

A MARRIAGE FOR MEGHAN - Mary Ellis - Free Book


Good morning, Mary. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?
I love to write about dealing with grief, overcoming past mistakes and most of all, rising above limitations—personal or societal—to achieve your dreams. Nothing can stop us if we have God on our side and refuse to give up.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?
An Amish Family Reunion will be released in late January, 2012 from Harvest House Publishers. A talented storyteller and a gifted artist team up to create a children’s book…and discover love along the way, despite more obstacles than any young couple can handle.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?
I suppose it would be Kathryn Stockett. I was so moved by The Help. I would love to pick her brain on how she researched and wrote this book.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?
I would love to sit down with Clara Barton and chat with her. Her pioneer work in nursing during the turbulent Civil War has always fascinated me. She’s been one of my heroines since childhood. I once did a book report on her when I was in the second grade. I still have the book used to make that report. And no, I’m not a hoarder or collector or any kind.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
I can only tell them not to give up. I submitted my work for several years and tried writing different genres before I finally landed my agent. And then my agent submitted my work for over a year before landing my first contract. One tidbit would be this…I tried to write in genres I didn’t particularly love reading and that didn’t work out so well. Write only what you love to read. And don’t be too quick to throw in the towel.

Tell us about the featured book.
In A Marriage for Meghan, Meghan is eager to prove to her father, the bishop, that she’s mature enough to teach school. But just as she gains confidence, a troubled student challenges her authority and an enthusiastic suitor challenges her patience. How can Meghan outgrow the nickname “little goose” if she can’t stand on her own two feet? When a series of apparent hate crimes sweep through the district, the sheriff calls in the FBI, and Special Agent Thomas Mast arrives carrying a secret he’s hidden for years. Will he come to terms with the past and regain his relationship with God before his career hardened his heart? With more on her plate than one girl can handle, Meghan sets out to help with the investigation. Thomas works closely with the bishop, who hopes the criminals will be arrested before Meghan finds herself in love with the most inappropriate of suitors—an Englischer.

Please give us the first page of the book of: 

Chapter One

the day after Christmas

Meghan Yost gazed out a frosty window on a world rapidly changing from earth brown to pure white.

“If this snow keeps up, nobody will be going anywhere tomorrow,” said her mamm. With her glasses perched at the tip of her nose, Ruth remained intent on finishing her basket of mending before bedtime.

“James heard on the battery radio that the snow should let up by midnight. If I can walk to the Wrights to baby-sit their two little ones, then surely I can reach the schoolhouse. It’s barely a half mile farther.” Meghan rubbed a dry patch in the condensation with her sleeve.

Gideon Yost released a weary sigh, indicative of a hundred-year-old man, rather than a middle-aged husband, father and bishop of their Old Order district. “Stop smearing up that glass and tell me what is so wrong with working for the Wright family.” He closed his well-worn Bible in his lap to concentrate on the matter at hand. “They’re nice enough folks, for Englischers."

“Nothing at all, daed.” Meghan stared out into the growing darkness.

“They pay you well; they give you most Saturdays off and they would never ask you to nanny on the Lord’s Day. Plus they let you snack on all the junk food and soda pop you want.”

Her mother clucked her tongue with disapproval. “I can’t believe you haven’t fattened up like a brood sow, considering the things I see in Jennifer Wright’s shopping cart at the IGA.”

“I eat enough pickled cauliflower and smoked turkey breast at home to offset the sweets eaten over there.” Meghan perched a hand on her still bony hipbone. “I’ve got a ways to go before someone thinks of taking me to the market.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Readers can find me at www.maryeellis.wordpress.com and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

Thank you, Mary, for a glimpse into your life and your new book.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
A Marriage for Meghan (The Wayne County Series)


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

32 comments:

Rebecca said...

I would love to win this. It looks like a great book.

I am from Oklahoma.

Wendy Newcomb said...

My favorite kind of book, they can be so inspiring, the faith the Amish have is amazing.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

Elyssa said...

I just read Abigail's New Hope, and have been looking forward to reading this one! Please enter me- I'm from NY. =)

Jenny said...

Ooh, this looks like a great book! Count me in!

NY!

Ira said...

My daughter has told me all about this series... it looks very interesting. Please enter me!

NY

The Jesus Freak said...

Awesome interview, great giveaway! Looks like a great book! I'm from NY!

Maggie Carr said...

I love books wil comic relief hidden inside.

Maggie Carr
Northern Indiana

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book! I have been hearing a lot of great things about it! :)

Salena
Texas

Unknown said...

this novel sounds like another great way to peak into a culture 'set apart and separate'. i would love to win this one by Mary Ellis

mitzi_wanham [at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

scottsgal said...

I'm just starting to really get into the Amish series of books - I'd love to read this
msboatgal at aol.com
cheryl in IL

Mary Ellis said...

thanks to everyone who dropped by already and posted a comment! It does my lonely heart good to hear from so many readers. Every now and then it's good for me to get away from writing! blessings, and good luck in the drawing!

Pam K. said...

I don't usually read Amish fiction but I read Mary's book "Abigail's New Hope" and enjoyed it very much. I would expect "A Marriage for Meghan" to be very good as well.
Please enter me in the drawing for this book.
Thanks.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

Coolestmommy said...

Can't wait to see how this all turns out. Sounds like internal conflict at its finest.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

apple blossom said...

love Amish books would love to win Mary Ellis' book thanks I live in ND




ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read meghan's story :)

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Sharon Richmond said...

Sounds like a great story! I love reading and would love to win this book. Thanks and God bless!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Charlotte Kay said...

This sure sounds like a good read!!!
Thanks for the chance to win it!

Charlotte Kay
OHIO

Courtney said...

Love Amish books and this sounds really great! Thanks for the chance to win!

Courtney
from WA state

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks interesting. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks and God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

misskallie2000 said...

I love Amish stories and "A Marriage For Meghan" looks like a great story. Great interview Mary. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

I am from Georgia

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Mary Ellis said...

Thanks to everyone who dropped by and posted comments. All the kind works about Amish fiction does my writer's heart good. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, and good luck during the drawing. blessings.

Faith's Grandma said...

Love these books, and this one sounds wonderful...Thanks, Faith's Grandma/Oh

Mama Cat said...

Wow, this looks great! I do enjoy good reading about Amish faith and life. All the best to you as you continue to minister through your writing! Yes, I would be interested in winning a copy, I live in Phoenix.

Judy said...

I have read all of Mary's books. She is an excellent writer. I can't wait to read "A Marriage For Meghan". I would love to win a copy.

Blessings!

Judy from Indiana

Wilma said...

Please enter me to win this book. Sounds like a really good one.
Wilma in TN

wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

It looks and sounds interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Nancye said...

This sounds like a book I would enjoy! Thanks for the giveaway.

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

A.Jones said...

Please enter me in this giveaway- this book sounds interesting!

I live in New York

Patricia said...

Mary thanks for sharing with us. I have never had pickled cauliflower before. My father-in-law is German
and when they served the green beans they were heavy with vinegar. He said when his mother did her canning she used vinegar in just about everything. Their potato salad was even strong with vinegar and mustard. His ranch is the one of the first to have been settled in Leander, Texas. Williams County.
I am a Texas country gal. Born and raised in Houston. I now live just north of Houston.

Thanks for the giveaway I would love to read your book.

Blessings to Your and Yours,
Patricia aka Mamaw

Kristie said...

It's quite sad that the Amish are victims of hate crimes. Especially when they are a peaceful group. Can't wait to see if Meghan finds a forbidden romance. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Joanna Richmond said...

sounds interesting I would Love to read this book enter me in the drawing God Bless
Joanna Richmond,
Blanch NC.

peachykath said...

I will have to let my niece know about your writing advice. She is trying to break into the writing world. I would love the chance to read your book. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thank you

Katherine from Northern California

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com