Amy Lillard – författare

Grace Sinclair's life is all planned. As the eldest daughter to a widowed father, it's her responsibility to help him care for his church and congregation in Calico Falls, Arkansas. It's all part of God's plan. Just as it is part of God's plan for her younger sister Maddie to marry her long-time love Harlan Calhoun. But when Grace catches sight of Harlan's best man, she starts to wonder if working with her father is exactly what God wants from her.Ian McGruer is taking a new job as soon as he returns to New York from Arkansas. It's the job he's dreamed of since he became ordained, assistant pastor at one of the largest churches in the state. But one look at Grace Sinclair and he falls hard and fast.Can he convince Grace that her place is at his side, or will she remain forever in Calico Falls?Two people who fall in love at first sight and who start to question their own dreams. One charming town in the Ozarks.

After five years in the California mountains, Birdie Banks longs to return to civilization. Her father is gone and mining camps are no place for a lady alone. With the help of her Asian manservant, Lin Sing, Birdie hires Jedidiah Evans to escort them down the mountain. Jed is a big man, strong and capable and Birdie knows that God sent him to help get them back to Sacramento and to her fiancé Nelson O'Neil.Nelson is a highly successful California merchant. He's a bit older than Birdie, but they have been corresponding through letters for the last five years. Now the time as come for them to be together and Birdie can hardly wait. The treacherous trip down the mountain will be more than worth every danger they will face.Making sure a tiny woman and Chinese man get down the mountains safely will be too easy. Jed is almost embarrassed to take her money, but when they are set upon by would-be thieves the truth comes out: Birdie and Lin Sing are transporting a fortune in gold. They need Jed to protect it—and Birdie—as she makes her way back to town.Jed hates everything about gold. He lost his brother on the mountain and the precious time he spent looking for a way to save the family ranch in Texas. Birdie agrees. She lost her father and her health. She may have found a fortune, but she has learned the hard way that wealth can be a curse as well as a blessing. That's why she's giving it all to the church as soon as she gets back to town.Once in Sacramento, Birdie gives Jed the money he needs to save his family's land, though he refuses to take it. How can he take the money from her when he's fallen in love with her? Yet with a fiancé as perfect as Nelson O'Neil why would she ever fall for a common man like him?Birdie is confused by her feelings, conflicted over the time she spent loving Nelson from afar to the days and nights she spent with Jed, riding, walking, talking, just being. He's a good man, a godly man. Still how could she fall in love with someone in a matter of days? She couldn't. Not when she has loved Nelson for the last five years.But like gold, love is strange and treasure is in the eye of the beholder. And she'll have to choose between the treasure she has always known and the one God sent especially for her.

Penelope Pinehurst didn't reach the ripe old age of twenty-five without knowing what the townspeople call her behind her back: Not So Pretty Penny. So when her neighbor declares his eternal love—citing her beauty among her many attributes—she knows he can only be after one thing: her family's land. With her father and brothers still not home from the war, Penny needs a husband to help her save the farm. But in a country still in recovery, marriageable men are in short supply, leaving her only one choice.  George Washington Brannock is slated to hang for murder, never mind that he was framed. Only the pouch of gold delivered to the sheriff allows him to walk free. Well, almost free. He still has to marry the homely woman who paid for his life. She may have saved him from the gallows, but he's not staying with her forever. He'll help her plant her crops, then he's off to find the man who killed his sister.  Penny knows that Wash is looking for revenge, but she only needs him until her family comes home. Yet with each passing day the hope that her father and brothers will return safely dwindles. Despite her optimism and faith, she begins to believe that she's all alone in the world. All alone except for her husband. The more time she spends with Wash, the more she starts to care for him. She might not be pretty, but she's smart enough to know that when he leaves she'll end up heartbroken.  Wash soon learns that God has given him a second chance. Suddenly his life has meaning. He finds himself not only wanting to stay and farm the harsh Kansas prairie, but falling in love with his wife. Then the killer shows up at the farm and Wash has to choose between the wife he never wanted and the justice he deserves.

Maddie Sinclair loves Harlan Calhoun and would do almost anything to secure his attention for her own. Anything including trading her second best dress for a bag of herbs guaranteed to make him fall in love with her.But after baking them into a batch of gingerbread cookies, Maddie has an attack of conscience. Too late, Harlan eats the cookies and immediately proposes. Now, Maddie has to confess the truth and hope that Harlan understands.Harlan swears he loved Maddie before he ate the cookies, but how can she accept his proposal knowing what she does?

Four fantastic Christian novellas in one complete volume. THE GINGERBREAD BRIDE Maddie Sinclair loves Harlan Calhoun and would do almost anything to secure his attention for her own. Anything including trading her second-best dress for a bag of herbs guaranteed to make him fall in love with her. But when her plan backfires will she be able to trust that his love for her is real? THE WILDFLOWER BRIDE Grace Sinclair's life is all planned—she'll remain in Calico Falls and assist her widowed father with his church. Ian McGruer has plans of his own—he's got a church ready and waiting for him back in New York. But when the pair meet at Maddie and Harlan's wedding they both fall instantly in love. Two people with different plans, yet God has something else in mind for them both. NOT SO PRETTY PENNY Penelope Pinehurst didn't reach the ripe old age of twenty-five without knowing that she's not a comely woman. In desperate need of a man for her farm, Penny has one choice: buy a husband from the gallows. Wash Brannock is not the husband Penny expected. He's bent on revenge and vows to leave as soon as their crops come in. But when Penny finds herself falling in love, will she be able to let him go? Or has God made bigger plans for them both? NO GREATER TREASURE  After five years in the California mountains, Birdie Banks longs to return to civilization. With the help of her Asian manservant, Lin Sing, Birdie hires Jedidiah Evans to escort them down the mountain and back to Sacramento to her fiancé. Making sure a tiny woman and Chinese man get down the mountains safely will be too easy. But when they are set upon by thieves the truth comes out: Birdie and Lin Sing are transporting a fortune in gold. Jed hates everything about gold. He lost his brother on the mountain looking for gold to save the family ranch. Like gold, love is strange and treasure is in the eye of the beholder. Birdie will have to choose between the treasure she has always known and the one God sent especially for her.

An Amish single mother and a brokenhearted man could have a beautiful future together if they shed their painful pasts in this inspirational romance.   Caroline Hostetler arrived in Oklahoma determined to forge a new life for herself and her daughter, Emma. As a single mother, she values the warmth and safety she’s found in close-knit Wells Landing. She’s even caught the eye of a handsome newcomer—a man who just may be the partner she longs for and the father Emma deserves. But the arrival of an Englisher threatens to lay bare the secrets she’s worked so hard to leave behind. . .   After losing his life-long sweetheart, Andrew Fitch moved to Wells Landing to work in his uncle’s furniture business and nurse his broken heart. Finding love again seems all but impossible—until he meets Caroline and Emma. But his plans to join their lives together may be shattered when the truth of Caroline’s past comes to light—unless, together, they can learn the true meaning of sacrifice and forgiveness. . .  “[A] sweetly inspirational contemporary love story. . . . Rich with the trappings of Amish culture and tradition, the novel informs as well as entertains.” —Publishers Weekly

Return to Wells Landing, the close-knit Amish community in Oklahoma, where a young woman struggles to find true love while staying true to her faith… Emily Ebersol is the bishop's daughter, and everyone—including Emily—assumes she'll marry a faithful Amish man and live out her days within the community. But her childhood sweetheart, Luke Lambright, fell in love with racing cars during his rumspringa and decided to leave Wells Landing. Emily prays for his return, but as the months go by, she begins spending time with another young man—a man who may not be as exciting as Luke, but perhaps he's exactly what she needs… Elam Rhiel knows that Emily has always been in love with Luke—but he is certain he could be the loyal, steady husband Emily deserves. Then, just as Emily begins to fall for him, Luke returns and complicates her feelings. Now, they all must learn that the greatest love requires the greatest sacrifice…

“A strikingly different Amish tale of finding family, love and forgiveness” from the author of A New Love for Charlotte (Fresh Fiction).Welcome back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma, the tranquil Amish community where still waters run deep and a brave young woman sets out to discover her faith, her family, and herself . . .Lorie Kauffman is grief-stricken when her father passes away unexpectedly. But her heartache quickly turns to bewilderment when she discovers he''d been leading two lives—one of simplicity and hard work in Wells Landing, and one fraught with painful ordeals in Tulsa. As she starts digging into her family''s past, Lorie finds herself torn between the Amish world and the Englisch world—and she''s no longer certain where she belongs . . .Lorie knows that if she leaves Wells Landing, she may never be able to return. But what if her destiny lies in the outside world—the world her father knew so well? Change is never easy, but with a bit of courage and the help of a handsome and kind-hearted Englischer, she just may find the peace, acceptance, and love she''s been longing for . . .Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels“[A] sweetly inspirational contemporary love story . . . Rich with the trappings of Amish culture and tradition, the novel informs as well as entertains.” —Publishers Weekly“An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal“Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due.” —RT Book Reviews

The Amish of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, treasure their close-knit community, and the promise of their growing families. But one young woman is struggling to choose a future that is true to both her heart and her faith…Everyone in Wells Landing has long expected Sadie Kauffman and Chris Flaud to marry--despite Sadie''s telling them differently. While she loves Chris, it is more as a friend than a husband. Yet at twenty-two, the plainest girl in her group, Sadie is also the only one who is still single. Perhaps it''s time to be practical and marry Chris--though he still has not asked. But when Sadie meets a kind, handsome Mennonite, it seems her prayers have been answered… With Ezra Hein, Sadie at last feels the joy she nearly gave up on. Unfortunately, others only feel shock that she would consider marrying an outsider. To complicate matters, Chris has finally begun talking to Sadie about their future. Distressed, Sadie will have to search her heart to recognize God''s marvelous gifts to her--and find the courage to accept them, challenges and all…Praise for Amy Lillard"An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust…will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis." --Library Journal on Caroline''s Secret"Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due." --RT Book Reviews

A novel of redemption from the author of Just Plain Sadie. “Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard’s vivid characters and positive message.”—Publishers Weekly  In Wells Landing, Oklahoma’s warm and welcoming Amish community, there’s always hope for a new beginning—and a second chance . . .   Five tumultuous years have changed Titus Lambert in every way. Back then, Titus was preparing to marry his longtime sweetheart, Mandy Yoder. Then came the unthinkable—a tragic car wreck that left Titus serving time for vehicular manslaughter.   Titus isn’t sure he belongs in this peaceful place anymore, but he must make amends. When he goes to visit the Kings, whose son, Alvin, died that terrible night, he’s shocked to see that their farm has fallen into disrepair. Alvin’s sister, Abbie, resents Titus’s reappearance, but there’s no denying she needs his help. Honest toil—and their evolving friendship—slowly help his soul to heal. But with his feelings for Mandy still strong, Titus must choose between two very different futures, and find the strength and faith to claim the surprising gift of a fresh start.  Praise for the Wells Landing Romances   “[A] sweetly inspirational contemporary love story . . . Rich with the trappings of Amish culture and tradition, the novel informs as well as entertains.”—Publishers Weekly   “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.”—Library Journal   “Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due.”—RT Book Reviews

The author of Titus Returns delivers a “wistful inspirational romance . . . Lillard is skilled at creating memorable characters with enduring faith” (Publishers Weekly).  Life isn’t always as simple as it seems for the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma. Neither is love . . . Everyone in town knows that Sarah Yoder is enamored with Jonah Miller, even though he’s been with his girlfriend, Lorie, for years. But all that changes when Lorie runs off with another man. Inconsolable, his faith in love shattered, Jonah resists everyone’s attempts to ease his pain—until the unexpected happens one night. Jonah is filled with confusion. Sarah is not the woman he yearns for, yet he asks for her hand in marriage, if only out of honor. Still, he worries, can they live in harmony if their vows are built on a lie? As Sarah seeks spiritual advice, Jonah tries to look toward the future—and finally begins to see her for who she really is: A beautiful, strong-willed woman whose heart is pure and belief is true. But will it be too late for him to prove that he wants to be her husband?  Praise for the Wells Landing Romances   “[A] sweetly inspirational contemporary love story . . . Rich with the trappings of Amish culture and tradition, the novel informs as well as entertains.”—Publishers Weekly   “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.”—Library Journal   “Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due.”—RT Book Reviews

A romance of rekindled love from the author of the Wells Landing novels, who “writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due” (RT Book Reviews).  In Pontotoc, Mississippi, the Amish way means a chance to rebuild, renew, and reawaken a love from long ago . . .   Fifteen years. That’s how long it’s been since Hannah McLean set foot in the Amish community where she was raised. Through it all her heart has never forgotten Pontotoc—or Aaron Zook, her first love. Now widowed, and left with little more than her hurting teenager and her prayers, she returns home, even knowing she and her son may be turned away.   When Aaron learns Hannah has returned, he nearly falls to his knees. He’s a strong man, but lately the care of his three motherless children and family land have been more than he can handle. Now providence has delivered the first woman he loved, and with her, the rush of feelings they once shared. But will his simple, removed way of life leave Hannah longing for something more, or can they begin anew, finding a new way forward together?  Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal   “[A] sweetly inspirational contemporary love story . . . Rich with the trappings of Amish culture and tradition, the novel informs as well as entertains.” —Publishers Weekly

“A thought-provoking story of faith, family, and love” from the author of A Home for Hannah and the Wells Landing novels (MontanaMade).  For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith can open minds—and hearts—to create surprising bonds for a lifetime . . .   Independent-minded Leah Gingerich has always been outspoken. And even though she is now a progressive Mennonite, she’s rediscovering the joys of family traditions back in her Amish hometown. Yet she can’t help but clash with her handsome new Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. He’s too hard-headed and old-line to see that his traumatized young nephew, Peter, needs faith and help—or that a woman who stands up to him may be what he needs to heal . . .   After a devastating tragedy, Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his nephew for a fresh start. Holding fast to his beliefs is the only way he feels he can aid Peter—and himself. But somehow, Leah’s freethinking ways and feisty challenges are sparking a happiness he’s never felt before. Soon, Jamie can’t imagine his life without her. But are their differences ultimately too great to overcome—or can love bridge their way to a future together?  Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels “[A] sweetly inspirational contemporary love story . . . Rich with the trappings of Amish culture and tradition, the novel informs as well as entertains.” —Publishers Weekly   “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal   “Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due.” —RT Book Reviews

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith and family are everything-even when they pose the greatest challenge . . . Gracie Glick is known for being the helpful one, always available for a relative in need. But now that she's longing for a home and family of her own, it's time to help herself. With few eligible men in Pontotoc, Gracie's choices, and her time, are limited. So she takes a bold leap of faith: she proposes to Matthew Byler, a handsome, recently widowed, father of five. It's not until after they're married that Gracie learns Matthew doesn't want more children . . . With his grief still fresh, and his children needing care while he tends to his farm, Gracie is the answer to Matthew's prayers. But a marriage in name only suits him fine. And when he finally tells Gracie the dismaying reason why, they must decide whether to continue together-or apart. It's a choice that will force them both to look deeper into their hearts than ever before . . . Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels "e;An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis."e; -Library Journal on Caroline's Secret "e;Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard's vivid characters and positive message."e;-Publishers Weekly

The author of The Quilting Circle gives readers the gifts of “family, friendship, love, and second chances” in a joyous Amish romance (Two Girls and a Book).    Families rejoicing together, caroling parties full of cheer, and church get-togethers brimming with delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Ivy Weaver would give anything to be a part of Christmas in the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma. But one reckless mistake made her an outsider, and it’s all she can do now to tend to her ailing grandfather and make a living. She sure doesn’t need Zeb Brenneman returning to help after he abandoned her for no reason. He’s working hard to make amends, but Ivy isn’t sure there’s enough faith—or still-sparking love between them—to stir her forgiveness . . .   Zeb knows leaving Ivy was the biggest mistake he’s ever made. Even though she won’t hear him out, he’s determined to prove he’s become the trustworthy, steadfast man she truly deserves. But bright new chances and surprising revelations will give him and Ivy choices they never imagined. And finding their way back to each other will be the most challenging—and precious—Christmas gift of all . . .  Praise for the Wells Landing Romances   “[A] sweetly inspirational contemporary love story . . . Rich with the trappings of Amish culture and tradition, the novel informs as well as entertains.”—Publishers Weekly   “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.”—Library Journal   “Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due.”—RT Book Reviews

In this new novel set in the beloved Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing, three generations of women challenge themselves and each other to make a fresh start in faith, family—and love.     Jenna Burkhart is tired of being “special” and hearing about what she can't do. Even though she suffered a head injury in a childhood swimming accident, she wants a life of her own just like any Amish woman. But now that she, her mamm, and her mammi have moved to Wells Landing, she's having a hard time fitting in. . . . Until she meets Buddy Miller, a boy just like her, who gives her the confidence to reach for the impossible . . .   Like Jenna, Buddy is used to being the boy no one expects much from, the one people see as “different.” Still, being around Jenna’s lively, kind-hearted ways makes him strive ever-harder to become the self-sufficient Amish man she deserves. But in the face of family disapproval and their own fears, will Jenna and Buddy's courage be enough to give them a forever happiness together?  Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal “Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard’s vivid characters and positive message.”—Publishers Weekly

In this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, three generations of women find the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing a heaven-sent opportunity to take new leaps of faith . . .   Wife, widow, mother, and grandmother—sixty-something Nadine Burkhart is everything a sensible Amish woman is supposed to be. She’s moved to Wells Landing to give her daughter-in-law and granddaughter a fresh start—not herself. So as far as she’s concerned, good-hearted farmer Amos Fisher should find something better to do than try to draw her out, be there when she needs help—and make her believe in love for the first time . . .   A friendly but solitary man, Amos is realizing there’s more to life than work. Although he hasn’t courted in years, Nadine’s honesty makes him long to know her better—and understand her standoffishness. But when everything he tries fails to soften her stubbornness, he’ll just have to trust his heart that real, true, and utterly impractical love will prevail—for a lifetime . . .  Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal “Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard’s vivid characters and positive message.”  —Publishers Weekly

Renewed faith and happiness await three generations of women in this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, set in the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing . . .  With her daughter newly married, widow Charlotte Burkhart should have been content to find a companion for her later years in Amish widower Glenn Esh. Yet, Charlotte longs for more than life has offered her thus far. When she discovers a baby on her doorstep, the child seems like the miracle Charlotte’s been praying for.  Unfortunately, Glenn doesn’t feel the same way. What’s a single woman aching to experience motherhood once more to do?   From the moment Paul Brenneman sees Charlotte Burkhart with a new baby, he senses his lovely neighbor and the sweet child are meant to be. Which is why he offers to marry Charlotte and make her adoption dreams come true. No stranger to heartache himself, the stalwart widower knows second chances don’t happen every day—especially not with a woman like Charlotte, the first woman in a long time who has him taking a leap of faith that happily-ever-after is still possible . . .  “Lovely . . . Lillard does an excellent job of depicting with accuracy and compassion the difficulties faced by those with mental disabilities. This affecting tale will surely inspire.”—Publishers Weekly on Loving Jenna (Starred Review)

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, all roads lead to faith, family, and tradition, even when the path is unconventional—especially at Christmas . . .   Tillie Gingerich is so in love with Melvin Yoder that she agrees to leave her conservative Amish home to live with him in the English world. But when the struggle to make ends meet leads to conflict, and reveals troubling weaknesses in their relationship, Tillie returns to Pontotoc—pregnant and unmarried. Her loving family accepts her, but to convince the rest of the community, they must turn to the bishop. Distraught, Tillie runs away on Christmas Eve—only to get as far as an isolated house on the edge of town.   Levi Yoder, Melvin’s upright distant cousin, is grieving the loss of his wife and wants to be alone. He is hardly pleased to open his door and find a pregnant woman––a painful reminder of all he’s lost. But with an ice storm approaching, he can’t turn Tillie away. Yet as morning nears, the miracle of Christmas brings unexpected challenges, opportunities—and promises for the future . . .  Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels  “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal on Caroline’s Secret  “Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard’s vivid characters and positive message.” –Publishers Weekly     Visit us www.kensingtonbooks.com