Amish Spotlight: Author Amy Lillard

For my Amish Spotlight this month, I’m introducing you to a debut Amish Romance author, Amy Lillard.  I met Amy at the ACFW Conference in September, and she has an infectious personality. Amy and I both write Amish fiction for B&H, so it’s extra special to have her drop by my blog.  Her first Amish romance, Saving Gideon, was released on October 1st and received 4 stars from Romantic Times.  Please welcome Amy! Enjoy!

About Saving Gideon:

Gideon Fisher wants only one thing out of life— to be left alone.  This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife.  He has lost his faith.  He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community.  But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does he have but to let her in?

Dallas socialite, Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere life style.    Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through—–yet another—–bad breakup.  Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money.  All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself.  Avery soon discovers that the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.

But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before.  Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her.  But it has even more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.

Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness.  But as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles or will their sheer differences pull them apart?

Amanda: Why did you set your story in Oklahoma?

Amy: I live in Oklahoma and I thought it would be intriguing to set the story outside of traditional Amish communities like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Amanda: While researching the novel, what was the most surprising thing you learned about the Amish?

Amy: I find it very interesting that the bishop makes the decisions for the district. One district may allow bicycles while the next district over is not allowed them. Depending on where you live and how the districts are aligned, it is possible to be allowed to have roller skates while your neighbor is not.

Amanda: Who’s your favorite character in the book?

Amy: Mary Elizabeth Fisher, Gideon’s niece, is my favorite character. She embodies the struggle between Amish and English, which life to choose. She’s young and is soon to be faced with the decision of staying with the Amish or joining the English for the education she dearly wants. Yet, she loves the Amish ways. As a female she will have less opportunities than her male counterparts. Her internal struggles and fresh attitudes make me smile.

Amanda: What’s next? Will there be more Clover Ridge Novels?

Amy: There are at least two more Clover Ridge novels. Katie’s Choice will be available in May 2013 is the story of Gideon’s sister, Katie Rose. Their brother, Gabriel, will get his story told in 2014.

Learn more about Amy:

Amy Lillard.com
Amy on Facebook

Where to buy Saving Gideon

Barnes and Noble

LifeWay

Christian Book Distributors 

Amazon.com 

Thank you Amy for stopping by my blog! I wish you success and blessings on your writing journey!- Amanda