Are you ready for Spring? I am! And this cover’s trees blossoming is making me impatient! Jan often bases her books on stories of her ancestors as she’s done for this one and that always intrigues me. Welcome Jan!
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Indiana , 1930s , 1929-1939 (US Great Depression) , Child-Care Workers, Farming , Bonnets (Amish, Mennonite, Etc.) , Drexler-Jan |
As nanny for her nephew, Judith Lapp’s finally part of a vibrant, joyful Amish community instead of living on the outskirts looking in. But teaching her neighbors’ Englischer farmworker to read Pennsylvania Dutch wasn’t part of her plan. And the more time she spends with Guy Hoover, the more he sparks longings for a home and family of Judith’s own. Guy figured he would never be truly accepted by his Amish employers’ community—even though the Mast family treats him like a son. But Judith’s steadfast caring shows him that true belonging could be within his reach…if he and Judith can reconcile their very different hopes—and hearts. |
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Other Books in this Series:
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Questions about Jan’s Story
What inspired your story?
This story was inspired by my grandfather. He had been left in an orphanage at an early age by his father only days after his mother died in childbirth. His newborn sister was placed for adoption, but his father never signed away his parental rights for Guy and his younger brother. So, they grew up in the orphanage, spending their summers working for area farmers. I put a fictional twist on the true story but kept my hero’s character as close to my grandfather as I could.
Did any of your characters “fight” with you until you succumbed and changed their personality or the story choice you were forcing them into?
I tried to make Luke Kaufman, one of the secondary characters, into a real weasel. I thought he was one of these fellows who considered himself a superstar in the community. But even though he cooperated with me early in the story, he wouldn’t stay in his predetermined role.
Which scene is your favorite, the one you never tired of working with?
There is a scene in chapter ten that was very hard to write, but it is definitely my favorite. Up until this point, Guy has been hiding behind an emotional wall, not revealing his feelings to anyone, not even himself. In this scene we see and feel what he wants…what he needs… And we’re left wondering if he is ever going to be brave enough to grasp at that dream that floats just beyond his reach.
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Questions about Jan’s Reading
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Which was the last Christian Historical Novel you read, and what was your favorite thing about it? I recently read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new release, “Phoebe’s Light.” I could tell that Suzanne had done extensive research on the history of Nantucket, the whaling industry, and the Quakers in the 1700’s, but the historical accuracy came second to the characters. Somehow, even when Phoebe made the wrong choices, I was rooting for her. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series! |
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What was the last Christian Historical Novel whose characters stayed in your head days after you finished reading it? Last spring, I read “Like a River from Its Course” by Kelli Stuart. It was haunting and beautiful. I had stayed up all night reading it and was a basket case the next day…but it was worth it. |
Jan is giving away a copy paperback OPEN WORLDWIDE and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!
**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**