Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Author Spotlight + 2-book GIVEAWAY: Amy Clipston


Come and meet Amy Clipston, popular writer of both Amish fiction and young adult inspirationals.

I've only recently discovered Amy Clipston's writing and she has quickly became a favorite of mine, both as a writer and as my sister in Christ. In comparison to similar books, A Mother's Secret dealt with some difficult social issues and made me pause for reflection, while entertaining and inspiring at the same time (see my review here). Quite an accomplishment, Miss Amy!

So it is with much delight that I welcome Amy Clipston to The Power of Words. Many of you are probably familiar with Amy's writing already, but maybe you will learn something new about her through this interview. And a special surprise is that Amy is giving away a copy not only of A Mother's Secret, but her new book, A Dream of Home as well! Entry details are at the end of this interview.

Now enjoy Amy . . .


Q:  Please share briefly about yourself, Amy. Married with kids? Full-time or part-time writer?

I live in North Carolina with my husband, Joe; two sons, Zac and Matt; mother, Lola; and four spoiled-rotten cats, Molly, Lily, Rico, and Jet. I work full-time for the City of Charlotte, and since I write four books per year, I also write full-time.  I work four 10-hour days for the City in order to have Fridays off for writing, running errands, and volunteering at my boys’ school. I’m also blessed to have my mother living with my family. She handles most of the housework, including food shopping, cleaning, and doing laundry. Thanks to her help, I’m able to spend any free time at home writing. My schedule is not ideal schedule, but I make it work. My family is very supportive and thankful for my book contracts.


Q:  I know that organ and blood donation is something you are passionate about, Amy. Please share a little about this.

        Some readers may not know that my husband, Joe, has endured two kidney transplants. Joe received a kidney from his brother in 2004, and it only lasted four years.  In 2008, he went back on dialysis, and he was very ill. I was willing to donate to Joe, but I wasn’t a perfect match. Instead of donating a kidney to Joe, I found another way to help him.
        I donated a kidney on June 14, 2011, at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through my donation, my husband, Joe, received a second kidney transplant. My husband and I matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. I donated a kidney to a woman, and in exchange, her husband gave a kidney to Joe. My memoir, A Gift of Love, details our journey with Joe’s kidney disease and his two kidney transplants.   You can find my memoir here.
        Due to Joe’s kidney struggles, I’ve become an advocate for both organ and blood donation. I volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation, and I also run blood drives both at my work and at my church. If you are healthy and able, please give the gift of life and donate blood.


Q:  You've posted some delicious looking Amish recipes on your website. Do you incorporate these into your novels and do you have a favorite?

My first Amish series, the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, featured several recipes in each of the five books.  Crumbly Peach Pie was the favorite of Timothy Kauffman, who was featured in my book A Place of Peace. Timothy is one of my favorite characters, so I thought I’d include that recipe here:

Crumbly Peach Pie

9-inch pie shell, unbaked
1 cup sugar
¼ cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 stick butter
8 large peach halves
¼ cup water

Mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then mix in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle half of the mixture in the bottom of the pie shell. Arrange peach halves cut side down over crumbs.  Cover with remaining crumbs. Add the water after and bake for 10 minutes at 450 degrees, then for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.



Q:  Tell us a little about the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series and how the book we're featuring today, A Mother's Secret, fits in.

        The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series features women who work at the fictional Lancaster Grand Hotel.  The series was inspired by the Berlin Grand Hotel in Berlin, Ohio, which I visited in 2011 while I was on a book tour with two other Amish fiction authors, Shelley Shepard Gray and Vannetta Chapman.
        A Mother's Secret is the second in my Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series. In this book, Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?
        Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother's farm with her parents and her 15-year-old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin's father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her. His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn't convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.
        When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn's nephew. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance. After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family - and the unconditional love - she's longed for?

        I think readers will enjoy seeing Joshua Glick in this book since he was a minor character in book 1, A Hopeful Heart. Readers will also have the opportunity to find out what happened to Hannah, the main character in the first book.
        Book #3, A Dream of Home, will release on November 4. In this book, readers see more of Saul Beiler and they will also get to know Madeleine, who served in the military before coming to Amish Country. Madeleine, like Carolyn, has an interesting past, and I think readers will enjoy her story.


Q:  Pretend I’m a customer browsing through the Amish section at a local bookstore. What would you say to convince me to select a book from this series?

I would tell you that the books in my Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series appeal to readers because they feature characters who are struggling with some of the same issues you and I are tackling. My books also touch on some deep issues, and the characters struggle with relatable problems.


Q:  Carolyn Lapp's story is a good reminder that the Amish deal with the same life struggles that we face. What will draw readers to Carolyn?

I think Carolyn appeals to readers because she’s not perfect. Carolyn has made mistakes in the past, but she strives to be a good mother to her son. We all have made mistakes, and we struggle with the consequences.


Q:  In comparison to some other Amish fiction that I've read, A Mother's Secret includes some weighty spiritual issues. Is there a theme that particularly speaks to you, Amy?

The theme that always speaks to me is forgiveness.  I believe we all struggle with both forgiving others and also forgiving ourselves.  Carolyn and Joshua encounter this issue throughout A Mother’s Secret, and I think readers will be able to relate to it as well.


Q:  What do you hope readers will take away from A Mother's Secret?

I readers will not only enjoy Carolyn’s story but also be touched by the themes of forgiveness and second chances.



Q:  What stories can readers expect from you in the days ahead?

As I mentioned above, book #3 in the series, A Dream of Home, will release November 3. The book features Saul Beiler, who was a minor character in A Mother’s Secret, and readers will also find out more about Madeleine Miller, who works at the Lancaster Grand hotel with Carolyn, Ruth, and Linda. Here is the book’s blurb:

        Moving to Pennsylvania wasn't in Madeleine's original plans. She should still be in California and should have married her pilot fiancĂ© a year ago-but death has a way of changing everything. Now the former Air Force flight nurse is living alone in Paradise, Pennsylvania, and working as a maid at the Lancaster Grand Hotel. She isn't exactly a widow . . . but she sure feels like one.
        Saul Beiler isn't exactly a widower . . . but his wife is long gone. His eleven-year-old daughter, Emma, doesn't know that her mother fled the Amish community-and married another man-but she does know that her dat is lonely, and that a pretty young maedel just moved in next door. Madeline's numb heart begins to thaw as she spends more time with the innocent and ever optimistic Emma. The stronger her friendship grows with the young girl, the more intrigued Madeline grows about the humble, strong, man raising her on his own.
        But even as a strange attraction pulls Saul and Madeleine across a stark cultural divide, they-and everybody else-have to wonder: What could they possibly have in common besides heartache? Will love allow Madeleine to finally find the home she's been dreaming of all along?


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

The last book in my series, A Simple Prayer, will debut in June 2015.  I’m excited to announce that I’ve finished edits for that book, and I’m working on the first book in my next Amish series. I’m thankful that I’m able to create another series based in Pennsylvania and I hope to share more information soon.

Thank you for featuring me on your blog!
Blessings,
Amy

____________________

GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for A Mother's Secret and A Dream of Home, simply answer the question below and also leave a comment for Amy if you'd like. PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS in a safe format - [at] and [dot]. If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter.


Question:
Do you like having recipes, such as the one Amy shared, included
in books? If so, have you ever tried any?

Please "like" my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, 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 Friday, November 7. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
  • Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older

84 comments:

  1. I love it when recipes are included in books....just gives me a warm feeling!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  2. I love having recipes included with the books! I have enjoyed Amy's books very much and look forward to reading many more!

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  3. Amy is one of my favorite authors. Enjoyed the interview and the article about the book. The recipe was an added bonus. I would love to add anything by Amy to my book collection. Thank you for this awesome giveaway.

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  4. Yes! Me and my 4 year old granddaughter made the Shoo Fly pie last weekend. Everyone loved it! She was so proud. I love making memories using the recipes from the books.

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  5. I love having the recipes including in books! I would love to win! I love your books!

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  6. I like seeing the recipes haven't tried any yet been to busy reading Amish Fiction books lol sue.whitmarsh@yahoo.com

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  7. I love it includes the recipes.
    jls345(at)att(dot)net

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  8. Kate, Amy's recipe looks so easy and delicious that I might try it with canned peaches! Thanks for visiting today, and I picked up your e-mail and deleted the other post.

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  9. Amy, getting to know a little about you through this interview has been a delight and we all appreciate you taking the time to be with us these few days.

    And thanks for sharing that peach recipe! It looks so easy and delicious that I may try it with canned peaches. We have to eat sugar free, so substituting Splenda and low-fat margarine would probably work fine.

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  10. Welcome and thanks to all of you who are visiting today! Please be sure to leave your e-mail address if you want to enter the drawing. Thanks!

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  11. I have several books with recipes in the back but I haven't tried any yet.
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  12. I have read and enjoyed reading all of Amy's books. The recipes included are just an added bonus. I have made the crumbly peach pie several times, and it is delicious. Thank you for sponsoring this contest, and good luck to all. heyjudybat (at) gmail (dot) com

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  13. Glad to get to know you and your work on the Linky hop....

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  14. Love your books and it's awesome when recipes for food mentioned in the books. I have tried many off then in Amish fiction. Emilie Hinton noazrk2@hotmail.com

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  15. I do enjoy recipes in the book. I have tried a few, I will try this peach dessert with the splenda, sounds so yummy
    dkstevensne @ outlook dot com

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  16. I love when recipes are included in a book. I haven't made any of the recipes yet but I plan to soon. I have never read any of Amy's books but, after reading this I want to.
    dettle70@aol.com

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  17. Would love to read these books.

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  18. I love a good Amish book, and one with recipes is even more enjoyable.

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  19. I love Amy's books and would love to win. I do like the recipes. Don't think I've used any yet

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  20. Yes. I enjoy read the recipes. And thanks for the chance to win!
    ~Charis Z.
    gracelz1@hotmail.com

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  21. Though I truly enjoy your novels, the addition of an Amish recipe is a wonderful added bonus that I look forward to. I've added many of the recipes to my baking and cooking file and use them often. So, yes, please include a recipe or two at the back of each novel. Perhaps the ones referenced in the story line. Thanks so much.

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  22. I love to see recipes at the end of books. They give me great ideas.
    Thereadmaster(at)me(dot)com

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  23. I like it when the recipes are in the book. We made cookies from an Amish book my daughter class was reading. I think they were called mud pies??? Whatever the name they were good.
    pam1lunsford ( at ) gmail ( dot ) com

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  24. I LOVE������ when recipes are included in books and yes I have made MANY that have come from the Amish books I read. �������� hulkgilmore(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. Love it when books have good recipes included in them. Thanks for a change at winning your book.
    seraphinangel7(at)aol(dot)com

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  26. I love it when they have recipes in them it makes me want to try different ones
    missyprice91.mp@gmail.com

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  27. I like all recipes i find in books. Yes i have tried some of them. I read alot of Amish books. This would be great for my collection. LGA2511@yaoo.com

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  28. I like it when there are recipes in the books. I collect recipes and do try a few.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  29. The Recipes are always a fun addition. Even if I don't make them I still enjoy reading through the.
    Darlene Dgtmt1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. I love your books about the Amish and I love there potato salad. It's the best.
    Esthercanderson@hotmail.com

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  31. I love when there are recipes are included in books. It gives me a chance to experience & try something new and to share with others. Amish banana bread is a favorite as well as others. I also so enjoy Amy's books which make me feel as though I am part of the story.
    oceanpearl@q.com

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  32. Yes I love the Amish fiction books, love the recipes that are in them. Yes I have tried some of the recipes.

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  33. Yes I enjoy it when recipes are included. It makes a fun way to connect with the characters and the author! bcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

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  34. I like the recipes at end of your books. I bought amish cookbook made some chicken and dumplings. darlene0326at hotmail dot com. Love your books.

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  35. I love recipes at end of the books. I made amish chicken and dumplings. Love your books. darlene 0326 at hotmail dot com

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  36. I love the recipes in the books! I haven't tried them yet but I'm planning on trying the ones I like! I would love to win one of your books! I'm always looking for new authors!
    Grandmama_brenda (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  37. I like the recipes even if I don't try them.
    onorman (at) wilkes (dot) net

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  38. Feeding a family of 12 children,myself and hubby is not an easy task.
    I am always looking for new recipes to feed my family. I love the recipes in your books and have tried a few of the desserts. New recipes are great help to me wether they may be for main dishes or desserts. They like almost everything I make.
    My oldest daughter who is 19 saw me reading one of your Kauffman bakery books and she started reading it. Now you are her favorite author. We can't wait to read more new books by you and try more recipes.

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  39. I truly enjoyed reading this interview. I do enjoy the recipes in the books. I have not yet used any but I will. I cannot wait to read this book.

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  40. Forgot to leave my email address
    Deanne Cnnamongirl (at ) aol (dot ) com

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  41. I love reading the recipes inside each book, because it gives the books more warmth! I have read all your books Amy. I always look forward to each new book. Don't ever stop writing!! Mrs. Clint Cogburn

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  42. I love when books include simple recipes like this one. I have made a monkey bread one time from a book. I must also say that the Kauffman Amish Bakery series was really good.

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  43. Forgot to leave my email address in my comment. JonesFD(at)aol(dot)com

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  44. I love when a author includes a recipe in their book and yes I have tried quite a few of the recipes and that have been some of my favorites! Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com

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  45. Love your books, and really enjoy when there is a recipe included. Have a Blessed Day.

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  46. I think the recipes are fun, although I must admit that I'm not much of a cook. But I pass them along to my husband because he loves to cook! So far, we haven't tried any, but I hope we will in the future! And I want to tell Amy that I love Amish fiction. I haven't read any of her books yet, but I would love to because they sound terrific. Thank you! Email: smhparent [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  47. I like recipes in books but I just keep collecting them and never get around to trying them. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

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  48. I love to read the recipes that are included in books, especially in Amish books. I grew up in a small town that included a very conservative Amish community in Central PA, and so most of the recipes I have my own version of. I enjoy the comparison, though!

    amybradsher (at) gmail (dot) com

    Love your books, Amy! Keep'em coming! :-)

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  49. Would be awesome to win any of your books. momtr3(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  50. I love seeing the recipes, however have never tried them. Will have to do that soon!!!

    laurahix (at) gmail (dot) com

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  51. I do love the recipes in books, even though I haven't tried to make any yet. I love the simple nature of the Amish recipes.
    Amy, I love your books and can't wait to read the new ones! I hope you can make it out west for a book signing soon. ( I live in Gastonia ;-) )
    JSnyder22@carolina.rr.com

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  52. I love recipes in my books. I have so many cookbooks. I love to find new recipes to try. This looks like a wonderful book.
    eppersonkatrina(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  53. Hi Amy, thank you for sharing and a chance to win. I love it when there are recipes in books. It adds a more personal touch and a connection with the character. I also love trying new recipes. Amish recipes are the best! ~ Blessings ~

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  54. I truly love when recipes are posted I have even tried a few
    May I take this opportunity to wish you a terrific, God blessed day
    Amy Thank you for writing God bless you
    Chris Granville
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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  55. Loves the recipes---Love to win---Thanks

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  56. Yes, love recipes! Have a huge collection, books, blogs, etc. Can't get enough of them. sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  57. Yes, love recipes! Have a huge collection, books, blogs, etc. Can't get enough of them. This sounds like a fun one! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  58. Yes it is nice having the recipes included in a book when they are mentioned a lot. When it is something you are partial to, lol, like pie, cake or breads, you get hungry for the food that is talked about a lot in a story, lol.

    Amy i really enjoy your books!

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  59. I DO love when the authors include recipes of items they're talked about in the book. We're missionaries in Nicaragua, I pass my books onto any female translators... which means I copy out the recipes and make them as soon as I get home!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  60. I like recipes in the books. I also read a lot of culinary mystery books and have enjoyed reading them with the recipes. I would love to win your book. Thanks for the chance.
    prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

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  61. I love Amish food, and I also plan to try making some cookies I found that are Amish. I am one that goes to Ohio and comes home with pastries. :)

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  62. Yes, I do enjoy seeing recipes in books of fiction. I have made a recipe or two in the past if I thought it looks like something my family would enjoy. I love the kitchen and so stories that have kitchen scenes always draw me in...warm and inviting!
    Blessings,
    Kelly Y
    kellyATdkcountryartsDOTcom

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  63. I absolutely LOVE when there are recipes in my books. I always write them out on cards and add them to my "to try" box... these books sound great I would love to read them!!! Reading and reviewing books is my hobby and this would make my month!!! I'm grateful for the chance to win!!! Love your blog!
    Cspicuzza83(at)gmail(dot)com.

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  64. I like having recipes in the books, especially the Amish ones. They kind of take me back to my roots. Since most of the books I read come from the library I usually don't have time to try the recipes when I get to them. If they sound interesting I scan them and try them later. Love Amy's books!

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  65. I LOVE recipes in books. I love to cook and try new dishes. I love the recipe I found for Amish Shoo Fly Pie.

    Katie (johnsonk133ATyahooDOTcom

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  66. I do enjoy when recipes are included at the end of the book. When it's in the middle, I find myself slightly annoyed wanting to get on with the story. Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday!
    Tina

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  67. Some look really good but to busy reading Amish Fiction to try them lol
    sue
    sue.whitmarsh@yahoo.com

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  68. I like it when there are recipes included in the book. I some times try them out on my family and friends. I really like to try Amish recipes outlike your crumblr peach pie for example.
    kris{at}talktoday{dot}com

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  69. I like it when there recipes included in the books I'm reading. I like to try them out on my family and friends. I like to try Amish recipes out.

    kris{at}talktoday{dot}com

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  70. Yes, I enjoy it when recipes are added in fiction books.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  71. Love your books thanks for a chance to win. kamundsen44@yahoo.com

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  72. I've never read a novel with a recipe included, but I think it's a great idea! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    amanda_l_peters@hotmail.com

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  73. I really love when recipes are included in books. And yes, I have tried them before. So much fun!

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  74. Love your books Amy!!!! I tell my sister & friends to read them. I look forward to your new ones. Thank you so much! mahsue953@aol.com

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  75. Yes I enjoy when recipes are included in books and have tried a few. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Lpertelt@aol.com

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  76. Yes, I love having recipes included in my books, as a matter of fact, I've made several! The Crumbly Peach Pie posted here sounds like a keeper too! Thanks so much for sharing Carole & Amy! RW620{at}aol{dot}com

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  77. I love new recipes. I have tried several in Amish books and I have been happy with the results. I own 6 Amish cookbooks and many others and I continue to collect them nearly daily!
    sallydav45 at gmail dot com

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  78. I love the recipes in books, esp. Amish recipes! Love your books, Amy!
    Beowulf@rcn.com

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  79. I love when recipes are included in books, as well as patterns. I think it gives it an extra something special. I will be more apt to try a book that has either of those things in it. :)
    bunnysmip (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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  80. yes I love getting books with recipes in them
    laurie1993@verizon dot com

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  81. I love that the recipes are part of the books, but I have not tried any as of yet! Please continue to include them!

    cgilbert2840@gmail.com

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  82. I love when recipes are included in books. I've tried some of them too :) [I can't enter the contest because I live in Canada. Good luck everyone!!] Kathy

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