Well, I'm not doing too good with my New Years Resolution - to blog more often.  I'm so sorry!  My intentions were good.  There has been a lot going on, and I'm trying hard to stay on top of things...LOL.

Thanks to everyone for putting An Amish Gathering on the ECPA Bestseller List!

Plain Paradise, book #4 in the Daughters of the Promise series, will release in March, so if you would like to read the first chapter, click below:

Plain Paradise - Chapter One

To see the book trailer for Plain Paradise, click below:

Plain Paradise Book Trailer


Look forward to hearing what you think!

Many Blessings,
Beth

        

Hi Friends,

Plain Paradise, book #4 in the Daughters of the Promise series,  goes to print on Friday, and today I received the 'final' back cover copy.  What do you think?

Linda's Amish life seems like paradise.  Until she finds out her family has been lying to her since the day of her birth.

Josie was just a frightened teenager when she left her baby in the care of an Old Order Amish couple in Lancaster County.  Since then, seventeen years have passed and while many things have changed, one thing hasn't.  Josie still longs to reconnect with her daughter Linda.

Linda is unaware of Josie--and is living an idyllic life within the Amish community.  The bishop's grandson, Stephen, is courting her and she hopes that he will propose soon.  But when her birth mother comes to Paradise, Linda finds herself drawn into the Englisch world.  Meanwhile, her adoptive parents--and her Amish beau--are trying to understand how this interruption in Linda's life could possibly be God's will.

As new relationships begin and old ones are tested, no one's life will ever be the same.  But in the process of losing and letting go--Linda realizes who's daughter she really is.  As only God can do, something more powerful, and far more beautiful, is forged within the Daughters of the Promise community...hope.

Includes Reading Group Guide and Authentic Old Order Amish Recipes.

Visit BethWiseman.com and AmishLiving.com.

Beth Wiseman has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of living.  She is the author of the bestsellers, Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, and Plain Promise.  She and her family live in Texas.

Releases in March.  Waiting to find out if it will release early!

 

        

Thanks to everyone who voted on whether or not to repackage book #2 in the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Pursuit.  The original cover won the vote by a large margin, so my publisher - Thomas Nelson - has decided not to repackage the book.  I love the way Thomas Nelson allows readers to have opinion about my covers.  My editor actually came to this site and read all of your comments.  So - no changes to the cover!

Thanks everyone!  It is 16 degrees at my house this morning - in South/Central Texas!  Hasn't been this cold here in 14 years.   Burr!! 

Stay warm everyone!

And the winner is...the original cover!

        

Hi friends!  We're bracing ourselves for some cold weather here in Texas.  I know that many of you are having even colder temperatures, but when it drops into the teens and 20s in Texas, that's super cold for us! 

Yesterday, I was interviewed live by Phil Main with CKNX AM920 in Canada.  For a glimpse into my life, how I started writing Amish fiction, how I develop my stories, and my personal testimony about the power of prayer...here's the audio of the interview.  Stay warm everyone!


CKNX Interview

        

Wow!  My publisher just informed me that book #1 in the Daughters of the Promise series--Plain Perfect--has surpassed a milestone - over 109,000 units shipped thus far!  A HUGE thank you to readers!

Plain Perfect was my first.  It will always have a special  place in my heart!

 

Plain Pursuit (book #2 in the series) and Plain Promise (book #3) both just hit the ECPA Bestseller list for January, so another THANK YOU!  And Plain Promise and An Amish Christmas are on the CBA Bestseller list.  And, yes...another THANK YOU!

I'm overwhelmed by how well these books have been received.  I hope and I pray that God will continue to bless me with stories to tell!

Did I say THANK YOU?? 

        

My publisher--Thomas Nelson--is considering a repackaged version of Plain Pursuit, book #2 in the Daughters of the Promise series.  They would like for readers to vote!  So, which cover captures your attention?  Which one would you be tempted to grab off the shelf at the bookstore? 

Thanks so much for participating, and thank you to Thomas Nelson for truly listening to readers.  (Readers chose the cover for book #4 in the series, Plain Paradise.)  

Here's the back cover copy to help you make a decision:

Carley has given up chasing her dreams.  Now her dreams are chasing her.

Carley Marek experiences culture shock when she visits her friend Lillian's family on their farm deep in Amish country.  She'll get an article out of the visit--and maybe some of Lillian's newfound peace will somehow rub off on her.  

Just when Carley is getting used to the quiet nature of the Plain community, Lillian and Samuel's son falls ill.  But the local doctor who can offer the most help has been shunned by the community and forbidden to intervene.

As David's condition deteriorates, Dr. Noah determines to do whatever it takes to save the boy's life.  Carley is caught in the middle--drawn to Noah, wanting to be helpful in the crisis--and confused by all their talk about a God she neither knows nor trusts.

Carley must decide what in life is worth pursuing...and what to do when she's pursued by a love she never expected. 

	The original cover... OR...
	The proposed cover...

Just leave a comment under this blog post!

        

Happy New Year!  Hope everyone had a great holiday.  I'm a couple of days behind announcing the winner of the contest for one of my books.  Sorry!  Today is my birthday, and I went with my husband and son to lunch and to see the movie 'Avatar'.  Not really my type of movie, but it was good, and the special affects were really awesome.  I'm hoping to go see Blind Side soon.  I've heard great things about that movie!

And the winner of one of my books is SHAYLA VILLINES!!  Shayla, email me at author@bethwiseman.net with your address and which book you would like to have.  Congrats!

Here's a couple of pics from our New Years celebration:

	Me and Patrick.  We went to a local place on the town square for dinner.
	Me and best friend, Renee'.  Her son is still in the hospital, but what a blessing that he was doing well enough for her to come spend New Years with us!

My son, Cory, asked me today what my New Years resolutions are.  Two things are the same every year - eat less, exercise more...LOL.  But I also told him I just want to focus on being a better person, more generous to those less fortunate, and I need to continue working on one specific thing that I write about in my books - FEAR.  I worry way too much, and I'm fearful about so much - will my kids be ok, will I continue to write books people want to read, will my mom stay healthy, etc...  I know in my heart that it's pointless.  Things happen in God's time, and everything is His will...so worrying is futile, and it makes it harder to hear God.  I'll be working on elimanting fear and stress this year. 

Did you make any New Years resolutions?  Would love to hear... 

        

Thanks so much for all the great comments on my last post, about what you would like to see on this blog.  I'll try to cover all of that, but I thought I would just share a few pics of our Christmas for now. 

On Christmas Day, we went to my mom's house.  It's the same house I grew up in, and I love going there for Christmas.  I love my mom's cooking, and I can almost feel my dad there even though this Christmas it had been five years since he left for Heaven.  I miss him the  most this time of year.  After watching me write for most of my life, he never saw my dream come true in the form of a published novel.  I'd like to think he knows and is watching me from above, proud of the messages I'm trying to share with readers.

The day after Christmas, we had my husband's family at our home.  Since we just moved in June, it was the first time to have everyone to our new house.  It was a super special day - about twenty of us.  Instead of the traditional turkey, dressing, etc., we had all kinds of appetizers - spinach dip, cheese dips, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed peppers, finger sandwiches, artichoke dip,shrimp dip, meatballs, potato soup, pickle trays, cheese trays, and tons of desserts.  

Both our celebrations were wonderful.  Hope you all had a blessed Christmas!  Here are a few pics of my family:

	Me and Hubby Patrick
	This is my 25-year-old son, Eric.  He wanted a fire pit since he is living on his own now.   It's so cool for me that he opens his presents in the same living room that I opened my presents in the entire time I was growing up.  Forty years ago, I was opening up Barbie presents, getting a bike, etc. in that same room.
	This is my baby boy, Cory.  At eighteen, this was his first time to cut the turkey.  My mom said he did a great job!  I think he earned this job from now on....probably not what he intended...LOL.
	This is my nephew, Zackary.  He helped my Lab, Chloe, open her present, then presented it to her!
	This is my mother-in-law, Pat.  She's the greatest.  She cooks for us twice a week since she knows I'm under some pretty heavy deadlines right now.  The family gave her this portrait for Christmas.  Some of you might remember all the blogs I wrote about the very special bridge by my house.  Well, we took our family portrait on that bridge and gave Mom one for Christmas.
	This is me with my niece, Samantha, and my nephew, Zackary -- out in front of our house in the country!

 
I downloaded 62 pics, so too many to post here.  Hope you enjoyed the few I shared, and hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Blessings all, 
Beth 

        

Happy holidays everyone.  Once again, I am behind on this blog.  Much to report again!  An Amish Christmas and Plain Promise are both on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists!  Thanks so much to readers for putting them both on these lists.  I'm super honored! 

Plain Paradise, book #4 in the Daughters of the Promise series, will release in March.  I can't wait for everyone to read this one.  I think it's my best book yet.  Hoping readers will agree!

Okay...my New Year's resolution (and I don't make many!) is to keep up with this blog on a regular basis.  But, I want it to be interesting to those subscribed.  What would you like to see here?  Updates on my books?  New Amish recipes I try for inclusion in the books?  Some of my favorite books?  More about my personal life?  My writing life?  Tips/advice for new writers?  Let me know, and I'll really try to work towards your suggestions this next year!  

 
Now, I'd like to give away a copy of one of my books.  Just post a comment under this blog post, and I'll draw a winner on January 1.  If chosen, you can choose any one of my books, and I'll mail you a signed copy! 

	Plain Perfect - book #1 in the Daughters of the Promise series.  CBD, CBA, and ECPA Bestseller
	Plain Pursuit - book #2 in the Daughters of the Promise series. CBA and ECPA Bestseller
	Plain Promise - book #3 in the Daughters of the Promise series. CBD, CBA, and ECPA Bestseller
	An Amish Christmas - a collection of novellas with co-authors Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron. CBD, CBA, and ECPA Bestseller
	An Amish Gathering - a collection of novellas with co-authors Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron. Newly released!

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

        

Wow.  It's been a while since I blogged here, so I have lots to report. 

First of all, thanks to readers for putting An Amish Christmas on the CBA Bestseller List and Plain Promise on the ECPA Bestseller List.  Super excited about that!

AND, An Amish Gathering is going to release early - on Nov. 25, instead of Dec. 29!!  So, YAY about that too! 

Ships next week!

My publisher has done an amazing thing.  They have designed a site called Amish Living that officially launches today.  This site features all things Amish, and is now open to the public.  They asked me to invite my 'core group' first, and that is you!  You can chat with authors, join in discussions, be up to date on book releases, find new recipes, places to stay in Amish Country, and tons more!  So click on the link and join me there.  I'm not even through setting up my page - that's how new it is.

And check this out.  The Daughters of the Promise series is now available in a boxed gift set, perfect for Christmas.  All three books in the series for $29.99.  Should be available anywhere that books are sold. 





And, for those looking for an inexpensive Christmas present - my publisher snagged a sweet deal for Plain Perfect!  It's now available at 8400 Dollar General Stores (which I believe is all of them) for $2.99 per copy, and it includes a special "Letter to Readers" from me. 

Hope everyone is gearing up and ready for the holidays!  Christmas is my favorite time of the year!

Many blessings, friends!