Wednesday, January 11, 2012

THE KEEPER - Suzanne Woods Fisher - Free Book

What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?
Faith: What it looks like in the daily grind. Ups and downs and everything in between.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?
This year, there are two big projects releasing. The first is The Keeper—a brand new series, Seasons of Stoney Ridge, about three sisters. Each sister will take a turn as the main character (Julia in The Keeper, Sadie in The Haven, M.K. in The Lesson).

The other project is a children’s chapter book series: The Adventures of Lily Lapp. I’m co-writing the stories with Mary Ann Kinsinger, a popular blogger (www.ajoyfulchaos.com) who was raised Old Order Amish. Mary Ann’s childhood is the inspiration for the series. So excited about it!

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?
Well, this may sound funny, but I would really like to get to know Ina Garten of “The Barefoot Contessa.” Her recipes are ridiculously good…and I’ve had a secret wish that we were related. Like, if she happened to be a long-lost aunt or second cousin.  

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?
Right now, the person I would like to meet would be Mary Coffin Starbuck. I’ve got a three book contract with Revell Books for a series about Quaker Nantucket—and Mary Coffin Starbuck is the woman who brought Quakerism to Nantucket. She’s thought to be a “Deborah” type character (the judge in the Old Testament). I am fascinated by her! As I was researching the stories in Nantucket this last fall, I was able to go through an Accounting Book of Mary Coffin Starbucks—nearly 320 years old. I had to sign away my life for the oh-so-strict research librarian before she went into the vault to get the book. I sat in a windowless room, wearing white gloves, and felt my heart pounding as I went through the sheepskin book. Still gives me shivers! 

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? “Hangeth thou in there.” Rejection is part of the writer’s package. There’s a lot to be learned from it—humility, perseverance, a thick skin. It’s part of the process of preparing for publication and will actually be beneficial to you. Sure doesn’t feel like it at the time. You’ll have to trust me on that!  

Tell us about the featured book?
The Keeper is a story about a family that doesn’t quite fit, though they have huge hearts. The basic storyline is about Julia, the eldest sister, as she tries to convince her former fiancĂ© to “man up” and marry her. Along comes Roman Troyer, known as the Bee Man for his migratory beekeeping, to complicate matters for Julia. You’ll meet Julia’s family and discover added layers of the story through their lives.   

Please give us the first page of the book.

Spring came in a hurry. The wind had softened, bare branches were budding, and soon there would be the heavy green shade of the trees. Julia Lapp had already picked peas and spinach out of her garden, and set them, along with baskets of carrots and bunches of asparagus, on the produce table in front of the roadside stand.

When school let out for the year, Julia would get her youngest sister to watch over Windmill Farm’s stand, but it wasn’t necessary in late April. There weren’t too many customers around, not the way it would be later in summer, once the corn started to sweeten up and the tomatoes ripened.

The day was overcast, but gardening was hot work and Julia had been up since five. She glanced in the mirror that she kept hidden against the back wall of the stand. It was a bad, vain habit, catching glances of herself in mirrors and windows, but she couldn’t keep from looking. What did she see? A twenty-one-year-old face, with shiny mahogany hair and hazel eyes rimmed with black lashes, and nearly flawless white skin. She pulled herself away from the mirror, silently scolding herself for her vanity. But pleased, all the same.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I enjoy interacting with readers.
You can find me at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
and on Twitter: SuzannewFisher

Enter 1/3 - 1/17. RSVP for Party today!

It’s a “Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher! Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway"during the blog tour for The Keeper! During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!


During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:
  • A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
  • A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
  • A copy of The Keeper
But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!
RSVP early and tell your friends!
Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Wow! that's really a wonderful party. I hope you attend.

Thank you, Suzanne, for the interesting interview.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Keeper, The: A Novel (Stoney Ridge Seasons) - paperback
Keeper, The (Stoney Ridge Seasons) - Kindle


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

59 comments:

Coolestmommy said...

Thanks for sharing. I love the play on words with "Keeper" being bee keeper in part...and I assume our Heavenly Father 'Keeper' is another facet. Sounds like a great story.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Patsy said...

I love reading anything Amish. And if it's by Suzanne I know it's got to be good. Would love to read "The Keeper".

from South MS

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Patty said...

As the daughter of a bee keeper, this sounds tight up my alley!

Patty in SC

Patty said...

oops! make that 'right' up my alley.

Patty

Unknown said...

a great interview/post and giveaway. i've been seeing the write ups on Keeper and really would like to win it! Thanks Lena and Suzanne for the opportunity.

Marianne from Arizona

mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

Wendy Newcomb said...

I would LOVE to win this book, I can't tell you how much. Thank you for the interview and for hosting the giveaway.

I live in FL.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

scottsgal said...

This one is on my TBR list - I'm really starting to read more Amish books and enjoy them
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

fredamans said...

I have read the series, but was unable to sign up for the tour for this book. I would love a t chance at winning though, thank you!

Freda from Ontario, Canada

Kianna Rose said...

I love to read Amish books! I also love Suzanne Wood Fisher's books.

rosesaved2@gmail.com

Great interview by the way!

Gena Robertson said...

What a nice interview! I can't wait to read this book and learn about so many things, including bees and their importance to crops!

Gena Robertson
robertsongena@hotmail.com

Jaedyn said...

Ooh, definitely wanting to read this. :)

Lindsey
Pacific Northwest

Lori O. said...

If she meets Ina, I'd like to be invited to that...food and fiction...wow! :)

Lori O. from Missouri

fyrgrl said...

Thank you for sharing! I would of course love to win!

Mary Jo said...

I can't wait for this series, Suzanne always stands out for her writing!

Jennifer Walters said...

I love Suzanne's books!Thanksfor the wonderful article,and I would love to win The Keeper....can't wait to read it.

walters@centurylink.net

Julie Bish said...

I love all of Suzanne's books and I would love to win a copy of The Keeper.

Angela S said...

I love reading about the Amish. I find them so interesting! I would love to win this book!

astaszak@gmail.com
Erie, PA

Anonymous said...

I am a huge fan of Suzanne books. Love reading about the Amish and would love the opportunity to win this book. Thanks for writing such wonderful books.

Mountain View, Arkansas

LeAnn Mooneyham said...

Love Suzanne's books have all but 2 of her books. Would love to read and enjoy The Keeper. Good luck everyone. Thanks for a chance to win it. God Bless everyone.

Laurie said...

Love reading about the Amish. I have an Amish penal for about 5 yrs now and it's has been very enlightening. They have ups and downs just like us.

Lisa E. said...

I love Suzanne's writing, and I'd love to win this book! I'm very interested in learning about bee keeping, especially an Amish bee keeper. It seems like a pretty uncommon profession.

followsjc[at]yahoo[dot]com
Washington State

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Maybe I'm confused, but I thought this book is about Quakers, not Amish. Am I right?

Beth said...

I have loved all your books and can't wait to read The Keeper. It was a pleasure to meet you in Citrus Park last year. I also appreciate hearing your thoughts on Sherry Gore I have been keeping up with her on her web site and face book.Keep writting... May God bless you and your family !

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy of "The Keeper". Thanks for the chance.
angela from KY

Anna said...

LOVE reading Amish books and Suzanne's are my favorite-both fiction and non-fiction. Just finished Amish Values for Your Family and loved it!

Anna from Alabama
aatkinson5680 at gmail dot com

Twyla St. Louis said...

I just finished reading 5 books by Suzanne and loved all of them. I can't wait to read The Keeper.

Kathleen said...

This is the first I've known of your Nantucket book-to-be, and having had ancestors from the Island, I will be thrilled to read that one! Looking forward to reading your books, as well,when I have time to read!

Julia said...

Suzanne is the master storyteller. I love the characters she brings to life for me on every page. They are not perfect people and the fact that they are Amish does not keep me from relating to them in many ways. I find myself a little sad the closer I get to the end of her books! Thanks & keep writing!

Anonymous said...

I just love your books, Suzanne!!!!! I would love to win this contest and read another one of your wonderful books!

Dianna Bupup
dibupp@yahoo.com

Angie Adair said...

Love Suzanne's books!! angadair@nwcable.net please check out my blog http://angiescookingandbookingblog.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Suzanne Fisher is one of my favorite Amish writers. Great interview

Lane Hill House said...

We had a beekeeper come twice to hive bees from our 1940s home we bought two summers ago. I would have loved to have put plexiglass up to watch them in the wall, but alas, the bees would have covered it over so we couldn't see. It was interesting and my husband even got in with the adventure.

I have enjoyed reading about The Keeper in the reviews. I am among those waiting for the 17th and the p a r t y !!
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Alicia said...

This book looks interesting!

Alicia from Ny
alibaby374@gmail.com

Tammi said...

Please enter my name into the drawing for The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I have read many positive reviews of this book, and it is on my growing list of books that I want to read.

Blessings,
Tammi in Maine

dandtdearing@earthlink.net

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Lorna Faith said...

love your books Suzanne:) I love Amish books...where everything is so much simpler! Would love to be entered to win this one:)

Lorna from Alberta

lornafaith at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win the book...and the other prizes would be great too. Pick me, Pick me!!!!
Connie Kiers

Mama Cat said...

You are a top seller - I would love to read your book and see for myself your God-given gift. Thank you for the chance to win! I live in Phoenix

Suzanne said...

Wow...what lovely comments from your readers, Lena! So grateful to read them tonight. "The Keeper" is Amish...but I will be having some Quaker books coming out in a few years. Thanks for hosting me, Lena! And thanks to everyone for your encouraging words. Warmly, Suzanne I

A.Jones said...

Oh! Please enter me! I've been wanting to read this book!

I live in New York

Mary Preston said...

I have already got THE KEEPER on my wish list. I am looking forward to this read.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

soella said...

have just read 'the search' and loved it, so would love a chance to read this new book

Anonymous said...

Definitely enjoyed everything I've already read by Suzanne. Looking forward to reading The Keeper!

Samantha
from Michigan

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Please enter me in the drawing!!
God Bless,
Sarah
Blanch,N.C.

Ingrid said...

Thank you for the Interview Suzanne, I'm a big Fan of yours.
I can't wait to read "The Keeper" please add me to your Contest.
Blessings

I live in S.Illinois

ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read suzanne's latest novel...

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read suzanne's latest novel...

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Lucky Grandma said...

Would love to win this book...love Suzanne Woods Fisher's books, she is a great author.....Thanks, Lucky Grandma/OK

G said...

I'd love to win this book for my mother! Live in Texas.
ceis8009@yahoo.com

Mark said...

I'd like to enter
Ohio here

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Cindy W. said...

I so enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's books. Would love to win a copy of The Keeper. Thank you for the opportunity.

I live in Indiana.

Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jo said...

l love to read Amish books and this sounds like it will be really good.
Please enter me.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Karen Sweeney-Ryall said...

I love series of books that develop the characters of family members. This sounds like a good book. would love to win a copy.

Bakersdozen said...

This books sounds great. I live in S. CA.

Joanna Richmond said...

Sounds very interesting thanks for the chance to win enter me
Joanna Richmond,
Blanch, NC

Kristie said...

I LOVE Amish books. And Suzanne is one of my favorite writers. Sometimes we push too hard for "our" plan. God has a different - and better - plan for us and we just need to have faith in Him. That is an issue that I struggle with often. Looking back in my life, it is glaringly obvious that my life is in God's hands. It's an amazing story really. Can't wait to read about this family and community. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Merry said...

The Bee man captured my attention, this sounds like a great story. Please include me!
Merry in TX

rubynreba said...

I enjoy Amish books and have heard this is a very good one. Please enter me.
Beth from Iowa