VIOLETS FOR AN AMISH GIRL - Jeanie Smith Cash - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Jeanie has been a long-time writer friend. One time when I was speaking in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jeanie and her sister drove over from Arkansas. It meant a lot to me. They surprised me where we were eating lunch. I love Jeanie’s writing. We’ve been in the same Christmas novella collection from Barbour.

Welcome, Jeanie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. 

I think there is a little of me in all of my characters, and I try to show my love for the Lord in each one.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Several years ago my daughter and I were Black Friday shopping ,and we got our basket full of items we had bought, stuck in the gravel trying to get it to our car. After several attempts to get it to move, we were laughing so hard we couldn’t even budge it. We finally took the items a few at a time to the car. Once it was empty one of us got on one end and one on the other and lifted it out of the gravel so we could return it to the store. We still laugh about that occasionally when we go shopping on Black Friday.

That is funny. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

One afternoon, I was reading one of several romance novels I had read, and I felt the Lord telling me this was what He wanted me to do. I prayed about that for awhile and just kind of played at writing. I wrote two books which are still on my shelf and one day I may work on them again. Finally one night before I went to bed I prayed, Lord if you want me to do this, please give me the story You want me to write. The next morning when I woke up I knew the whole story He wanted me to do. With help from a good friend, Barbara Warren who is and author and editor, some of the authors from ACFW, including you, Lena, I wrote the first Christian Romance book that was published by a Christian Publishing House. Violets For An Amish Girl is now my 13th book published. The Lord truly answers prayer if you follow his calling.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. 

The Bible, Christian Romance, Amish Christian Romance, and Christian Romantic Suspense.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I try to start my day with prayer, reading my Bible and my devotional book. I take time to exercise, go to church, have quality and fun times with my family, as well as spending time to write.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I have a baby book of names and I use it some and sometimes I use names that I’ve heard that I like. I try to choose names that fit my characters personalities.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being happily married for many years to Andy, my wonderful Christian husband and together raising our children in church. They are born-again Christians, and they are raising our grandchildren in church. Our grandchildren are also born-again Christians, all but the two who are just babies, but I know they will both also be raised in church as they grow up. I am not only proud, but we are so very blessed.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

To be honest, I’ve never had the desire to be an animal, but since I need to choose one it would be Bentley, our little Boston Terrier. He is such a good little guy and he is very well loved, gets lots of hugs, he’s is fed well, gets treats, and has a soft bed to sleep in.

What is your favorite food?

I love Mexican Food.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Pure POV. When I joined ACFW I got into a Critique group which taught me how to write with pure POV.

Tell us about the featured book.

Katie Fisher is raised by an Amish mother in an Englischers world. After losing her mamm in childbirth, Katie is scared and alone. When child services threatens to take Susie, her baby sister, Katie honors her mother’s last request and runs with the baby to her Amish grandparents house where they won’t find them. When Katie and Susie arrive, Katie discovers her Daadi is the Bishop. She struggles with his decision to shun his own child. She is given a farm, but in order to keep it, she has to agree to be baptized into the Amish faith and marry Caleb Schmucker, one of the Amish young men she has just met in her grandparents’ community.  

Please give us the first page of the book.

Katie Fisher had been sitting on the bus holding her boppli sister in her lap, for twelve long hours. The closer the bus brought them to their daadi and mammi’s community, the more nervous Katie became. What would they say? Would they let them stay? If not, what would she do? She had very little left after buying her bus ticket and even if she had the money, she didn’t have anywhere else to go. Mamm said she had been shunned for jumping the fence, as she had referred to it and married Katie and Susie’s daed. Mamm said even though she had been shunned, her daed and mamm would take Katie and Susie in because they were their grandkinner. Katie prayed her mamm was right.

Thinking about Mamm brought tears to Katie’s eyes. She missed her so much and didn’t understand why Daed had to die eight months ago in a car accident and now Mamm in childbirth. It didn’t seem fair, but Mamm said it was Gott’s will and we should never question it. She said Gott would take care of me and little Susie because He loved us. Katie knew Gott would provide for them she had no doubt, but she prayed, Please Gott let it be by Mammi and Daadi taking us in like Mamm said they would.

Katie felt better after her prayer. She dried her eyes and took a deep breath. She could do this, Gott would help her. She had no other choice. Susie depended on her and Katie wouldn’t let her down. She kissed Susie’s little head. “You don’t worry Susie and you don’t have to be afraid, everything will be all right. I will take gut care of you. Child Services won’t find us at Daadi and Maami’s, we’ll be safe there.”

Katie looked out the window and noticed the bus was pulling into the station. She took another deep breath and with Susie in one arm and the diaper bag over her shoulder, she grabbed their suitcase with the other hand. Their bag and the diaper bag held everything she and Susie owned so she took them and followed the passengers off of the bus. She looked around the town of Mattoon, Illinois, and wondered if Arthur, Illinois, was as nice a community. Maybe the station master would know someone who could take her and Susie to Arthur, where her grosseldre  lived. She headed inside to hopefully find a way to get there. It was too far to walk.

“Excuse me, Sir, would you possibly know how we could get to Arthur from here?”

The man looked at Katie and then at Susie. “If you hurry next door, Mike Davis, the Chief of Police from Arthur, is at the café and he’ll be heading back there shortly I imagine. He might give you a ride.”

“Thank you, so much.” Katie hurried out of the bus station and headed to the café next door. Oh, please Gott, let him give us a ride.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Facebook.com/jeaniesmithcash

Twitter.com/jeaniesmithcash

or by email: jeaniesmithcash@yahoo.com

Thank you so much, Lena. I appreciate you doing this interview with me.

It is my pleasure and great blessing to have you here. I am eager to read this book. I know my readers will be, too.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Violets For An Amish Girl (American State Flower) - Paperback
Violets For An Amish Girl (American State Flower) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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.

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CHRISTMAS BELLES OF GEORGIA - Jeanie Smith Cash, Rose McCaulley, Jeri Odell, Debra Ullrick - 3 Free Books

I just love the Christmas novella collections. And all these authors are good friends of mine. Now girls, how did your story for the collection come about?

Jeanie Smith Cash: The Lord gave me the idea for this collection about four young women who were Quadruplets. I thought what if they were adopted out to four different families at birth? What would happen when they find out they have three identical siblings. I emailed to these three authors and told them I was going to write one of the stories and asked if they would like to write the other three stories.

Rose Allen McCAuley: Jeanie Smith Cash came up with the unique idea and contacted me.

Jeri Odell: Jeanie came up with the idea and asked me to join her in writing one of the stories.

Debra Ullrick: How did your story for the collection come about? It was Jeanie’s idea and a great one at that. *smiling*

What are you reading right now?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I just finished reading Allie Pleiter’s book, Bluegrass Hero. I enjoyed it so much that I’m now reading her second book, Bluegrass Blessings. These are good books. I plan to read the other two as well, Bluegrass Courtship, and Bluegrass Christmas.       

Rose Allen McCauley: Woodlands by Robin Jones Gunn and In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer. And typing in these author’s names remindeds me of people like them and Lena Nelson Dooley and Jeanie Smith Cash who use their maiden names plus their married names when they write which I chose to do also.

Jeri Odell: Erasing Hell by Frances Chan

Debra Ullrick: Dance of the Dandelions by Dina Sleiman

What other books have you had published?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I have novellas in three other collections, Christmas in the Country, Wyoming Christmas Heroes, and Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe. I also have two short stories in Magazines.

Rose Allen McCauley: This is my first fiction publication, although I do have some non-fiction selections already published.

Jeri Odell: I've had 10 novellas and 9 Heartsongs and 3 collections and 1 nonfiction book. My latest are Romancing America Nevada and Perfect Peace. I have two Christmas novellas coming out this fall

Debra Ullrick: The Bride Wore Coveralls, Déjà vu Bride, Dixie Hearts, The Unexpected Bride.  A Log Cabin Christmas, and in January 2012, An Unlikely Wife.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Jeanie Smith Cash: Making sure our stories coincide and they all come together correctly in the epilogue at the end.

Rose Allen McCauley: This novella and this group of authors were a joy to work with, but the hardest part was making sure all the information in one story fit with the others. Although we each came up with our own storyline and locations, the heroines all had to come together at the end of the book in an epilogue written by Jeanie, and they all had to be the same age, weight, height, etc. to fit the storyline.

Jeri Odell: Keeping not just mine, but everyone else’s details straight.

Debra Ullrick: Keeping all the facts straight and making sure they correlate with everyone else’s.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I really enjoyed writing with this team. I thank the Lord for each of them and that He has called us to write Christian Romance. We have become even closer friends through the time we’ve spent working on this collection. It’s very satisfying to see all of the stories come together when they’re finished.

Rose Allen McCauley: It made me so appreciative to our Heavenly Father for bringing me into contact with each of these ladies through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). And it impressed on me how as a part of the family of Christ we could all work together in harmony like His church does.

Debra Ullrick: I got to know Rose and Jeanie much better. Jeri’s a super busy woman with a job, so didn’t get to talk to her much. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I have a book of babies’ names, sometimes I use it and sometimes I just hear one I like that fits my story. In this book we named the girls Christmas names since they were born on Christmas Day.

Rose Allen McCauley: Jeanie asked us to all come up with Christmas themed names since it was a Christmas book and the girls were born on Christmas Day.

Jeri Odell: My hero was named after my grandson, Camden. 

Debra Ullrick: Sometimes I go online and look up names. Or, like in my story, Loving Stetson, I knew a boy named Stetson, who my daughter used to baby sit when we lived on the Singer place that was part of Grand River Ranch. Plus, it’s a great brand name of a cowboy hat.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

Jeanie Smith Cash: How important it is to forgive. The Lord gave His life on an old rugged cross to forgive us from our sins and we as Christians need to remember that we all make mistakes, so therefore we need to be forgiving of each other and love one another as He loves us. Also that no matter what, He never changes and He’s always there. When we get ready to admit our sins and ask His forgiveness, we will always find Him right where we left him every time. 

Rose Allen McCauley: The Bible verse I chose was “God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:6. When I studied the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren several years ago, one of the many things God taught me was that he sets each person in their family for His purposes and for our good. Like me, my heroine, Carol, had to come to believe that.

Jeri Odell: God is faithful, even when life is hard, hurtful and confusing.

Deb Ullrick: That our pasts are just that—the past. When we are forgiven for past mistakes, we don’t need to go fishing and keep reeling them in. No need to resurrect dead dogs. The stench is horrific and causes the ones we love to have to live it over and over. Now, if you want to remember it to help you to not make the same mistake again, that’s awesome. But too many times we judge people for what they did in the past. 

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so why?

Jeanie Smith Cash: Yes. To interact with and learn from other Christian writers. Joining ACFW was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my writing career. I also enjoy being a part of the prayer group.

Rose  AllenMcCauley: Yes. It is the best organization for Christian fiction writers around. I doubt I would be published today if God hadn’t led me to ACFW in 2002 right before the first national conference.

Jeri Odell: Yes. I joined when it was American Christian Romance Writer because I love romance. That was many years ago...

Deb Ullrick: Yes, I am and have been for over seven years now. I love the people in ACFW. They’re friendly and ready to help without expecting something in return. Plus, I’ve made a lot of fabulous friends through the ACFW. And, my first published book was a result of being a member of the ACFW. Then called, the ACRW (American Christian Romance Writers). 

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Jeanie Smith Cash: To find a good critique partner that you are compatible with. One that will critique your work, without trying to change your voice.

Rose Allen McCauley: To do the work God sets before me. The best story ideas and writing can’t get you published unless you do the work!

Jeri Odell: For me it was don't read your own press.

Debra Ullrick: If you find someone who understands your voice and style and doesn’t try to change them, hang onto them, they are worth their weight in gold.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Jeanie Smith Cash: Through my website www.jeaniesmithcash.net, my blog, www.jeaniesmithcashs.blogspot.com, on Facebook, Shoutlife, and Goodreads. Thank you Lena, you are a special friend and I appreciate you doing this interview for our new book. God Bless!

Rose Allen McCauley: www.rosemccauley.com and also my blog at www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com Thanks, Lena. I have read your blog for years and even won a couple books on your blog from other authors, so it is such a thrill to be interviewed on your blog and have my own book to give away. God is so good!

Jeri Odell: Jeri.odell@gmail.com

Debra Ullrick: www.debraullrick.com and Facebook, Shoutlife, and Goodreads.

Thank you, ladies, for the fun interview.

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.

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CHRISTMAS LOVE AT LAKE TAHOE - Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid - 3 Free Books

I am blessed to be in two different Christmas novella collections this year. One contemporary, one historical. This is the contemporary one. How did your story for the collection come about?

When Jeanie Smith Cash first contacted me about being part of this collection, I thought about a ski lodge and what I’d want to do if I were working at one. I chose activities director. And if she didn’t really want to ski, who would be the best hero for there to be internal conflict between them. The results is my book No Thank You in Christmas Love in Lake Tahoe.

What are you reading right now?

Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio, by my good friend, Lisa Harris. It’s a wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

This book and the other one that is releasing at the same time are book releases 24 and 25. Go to my web site to read about my other releases. http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Keeping it to under 20,000 words but still including enough character development.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I had worked with Jeri Odell before and knew how to work with her. This was my first collection with Jeanie Smith Cash and Jean Kincaid. I really enjoyed working with them, especially our brainstorming session while we were at the ACFW national conference in Minneapolis last September.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Various methods. For this book, both the hero and heroine told me their names. I did, however, borrow the names of two of my grandson’s best friends for two of the young men who came to the ski lodge with my hero. (Thank you PJ and Big John.)

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

That as a Christian, we can let go of our fears and really rest in the Lord.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes. I believe this is the premier organization for writers of Christian fiction. I recommend it to other writers all the time. As a matter of fact, I currently serve as the president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers, and I always either speak or do paid critiques at the national conference, or do both.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Keep writing and keep learning.

I'm really happy to introduce you to Jeanie Smith Cash, one of my good friends. Her idea was the catalyst for this collection. Welcome, Jeanie. How did your story for the collection come about?

I love Lake Tahoe area and the snow. I thought it would be fun to write about four young ladies fresh out of college, determined to concentrate only on getting their careers off the ground. But what happens to their career-first attitude when as they work at the ski lodge through Christmas and the winter season, they each one meet the man the Lord has chosen for them?

What are you reading right now?

Two Love Inspired Suspense, Guarded Secrets, by Leann Harris and A Silent Terror, by Lynette Easton. Both excellent stories.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have three published, A Christmas Wish, in the 2-in-1 Christmas In The Country, Doctor St. Nick, in the 4-in-1 Wyoming Christmas heroes, and The Christmas Miracle, in the 4-in-1 Christmas Love At lake Tahoe. I wrote two suspense novels that aren’t published yet, one I’ve submitted and the other one I’m working on submitting.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Making sure all of the information in each story coincides.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It was a real blessing working with you, Lena, Jeri Odell, and Jean Kincaid. It was exciting seeing these stories come together. I feel it brought us closer together as Christian friends and fellow authors.

I agree wholeheartedly with your last statement. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I’m always looking for a name I like. When I hear one that catches my interest, I tuck it away for future stories. When I’m ready, I use the one I feel fits my characters.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

The message of salvation. That we have a Savior who loves us and once we accept Him, He is always there for us. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes, I am a member. The best thing I ever did for my writing career was to join ACFW. Another was meeting you, Lena, and several other authors as well as my editor, Becky Germany, that helped me to get my books published. I love the fellowship of other authors and the resources for writing the group offers. I love the prayer group and that we pray for each other when we have a need.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Always pray before you write a word and ask the Lord’s guidance. He is the true author; we are just the vessel He uses to write His story. We have no talent without Him. Don’t give up, keep writing and keep submitting until you get a sale. Trust the Lord that it will happen in His timing. He will take care of our needs. I strongly believe in the scripture, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

I'm really happy to intruduce you readers to Jean Kincaid. We've been friends for many years through ACFW. And Jean and her husband are missionaries. I have a deep love for missionaries. Welcome, Jean How did your story for the collection come about?

I visited several states this past year, courtesy of Time Share invitations and liked the concept. I thought it made an interesting job for a young person.

What are you reading right now?

Vacation Bible School Material, lol.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I co-authored the book, Shelter in Seattle, with Rhonda Gibson.

Yes, I featured that book on this blog, and I love the story. What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Correlating the material for the stories.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I learn that communication is vital.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

By using family member names.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

That the Lord loves us unconditionally, especially when we feel no one else does.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes. ACFW has been the greatest schooling I’ve had concerning writing and publication.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Write what you know and put your rear in that chair every day.

Unfortunately, our fourth author, Jeri Odell, was unable to join us on this interview. You'll love her story in the collection, too.

Here's more info on the book:

Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

Love Hits the Slopes at Christmastime

Four young women, fresh out of college, pursue their careers at a new ski lodge at Lake Tahoe's Incline Village during the winter season.

Bethany Stillman's resolve to focus on her RN career falters when she meets paramedic Cole Beckman. Cole wonders how long it will be before Beth realizes he's to blame for crippling her grandfather. Can a Christmas miracle forge a path to love and forgiveness?

Social director Scarlett McKaye loves planning things down to the last detail. But what she didn't count on was having to spurn the bold advances of a reckless suitor. How far will daredevil Derrick Greene go to cancel Scarlett's reservations?

Stephanie St. John is determined to make a go of the time-share program at Snowbird Lodge. But Darrin Hart seems to be undermining her efforts, her confidence, and her reputation. Will misunderstanding be resolved, or will Stephanie succeed in business only to lose at love?

A wounded-at-the-heart Michaela Christianssen has chosen a male-free existence. But her friends and an eleven-year-old girl have other ideas. Widower Jonas Bradley is content with his life as father and forest ranger, until he finds himself pining for Michaela. What will it take to fell her oppositions to romance?

Will these four women hear wedding bells chime this Christmas?

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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.

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

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