Author Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Vannetta Chapman

I am so glad to again welcome Vannetta Chapman to The Power of Words because not only is she a talented writer, but she loves to interact with her readers. Besides that, I've really enjoyed getting to know her. There's just something about Vannetta's writing that clicks with me, so I hope you'll try one of her books if you haven't already. And Vannetta's fans will be thrilled to learn all that she has in the works for us!

Vannetta is graciously giving away an ebook or print book to one of The Power of Words' readers, simply by answering the entry question she suggests in her interview. Giveaway details are at the bottom of this post.

Now let's enjoy what Vannetta has to share about Murder Simply Brewed and the Amish Village mystery series - and maybe learn something new about Vannetta!


Q:  What is your favorite genre in which to write? to read?

I was an English teacher/professor for 15 years, so I read absolutely everything. And I also like to write in different genres. For me, it's all about the characters, and I can put them in any "frame" a publisher wants. Romance, mystery, suspense, women's fiction--they're all wonderful genres to explore.


Q:  Is quilting something you've enjoyed learning?

Yes! Funny story, I wasn't much of a quilter before the last year. Then I started attending quilt shows to promote my book, The Christmas Quilt. At the Tyler quilt show I met a wonderful woman who owns a quilt shop in East Texas. She encouraged me to attend a quilting retreat - from that moment on I've been hooked!

Q:  Tell us about the Amish Village Mystery series and the book we are featuring today, Murder Simply Brewed.

For this book I visited the Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana and interviewed as many people as I could, including the general manager. It's a lovely setting where Amish and Englich work side bv side. Of course the murder and the mystery are pure fiction!


Q:  Please share a little about the main characters, Amber and Hannah.

They're rather polar opposites who do not expect to become close friends. Amber is the manager of the Village, Hannah is an hourly employee. Amber is older and unmarried. Hannah is young and being courted by several boys. The death of Ethan Grey pulls them together, and then God uses their friendship to restore peace and harmony to the Village (after some rather exciting events of course).


Q:  Is there anything we can learn about death based on the way the Amish view or accept death?

I think so. In Englich society, we keep aging and death at arm's length. We see both as something to be avoided at all costs. But the Amish embrace the later phase of life as well as our rebirth into our heavenly home. Of course people still mourn loved ones, but they also trust that God has a purpose for each of our lives, and sometimes that purpose is going home to be with our Father.


Q:  What faith elements did you weave into Murder Simply Brewed?

I try to emphasize God's grace in every story that I write. Without it, where would we be? I fall on that grace daily, and I want to show my readers that God is waiting, arms open, ready to give them the comfort and rest they need.


Q:  Do you enjoy reading in your spare time? Any favorite authors?

I have been on a reading frenzy this summer! I recently discovered Richard Paul Evans, and I read his 5 books of The Walk in 4 days. Isn't that fun? They're not necessarily mysteries but they are a good read.


Q:  What other stories can we look forward to in the near future?

I'm so glad you asked! My first romantic suspense, Hidden, will release in September. Murder Tightly Knit (book 2 in my Amish Village series) will release in December. And I'll participate in another Amish collection--An Amish Cradle, which will release in February.


Q:  How can we support and/or pray for you, Vannetta?

If you enjoy reading my books, please tell someone. The #1 way people find new authors is someone tells them about a book!

I'm happy to give away an ebook or print book to one of your readers. How about we discuss summertime. Comment below with your fav summertime activity.

Thanks for having me!

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for Murder Simply Brewed or your choice of books (ebook or print), simply answer Vannetta's question and leave your e-mail in a safe format. I'll contact the winner for book title and format. Here is a complete list of Vannetta's books:  Vannetta Chapman book list.

If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook. Also, please "like" my Facebook page, The Power of Words Book Reviews, if you haven't already. And new followers of this blog are always welcome!

• E-mail required, one entry per person. Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
• Contest ends at midnight PST on Sunday, August 3. No purchase necessary.
• Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail on Tuesday, August 5. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
• Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older