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.
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?
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?
ISBN-13: 9781420149562
Guest Post from author Amy Lillard
It’s no secret that I’ve been blessed with many wonderful opportunities which have allowed me to spend a great deal of time with Amish people from several different communities. Each community is unique, of course. Some ride bikes or scooters while in others such transportation methods are forbidden. In some, the women all wear darker colors, while brights are acceptable in others. Prayer coverings vary, buggies can be anything from white and brown to bright yellow, all depending on what is allowed there. But there is one thing the people all share: the need for love and acceptance within their community. Out of this need comes the story of Buddy and Jenna. Loving Jenna is a book I’ve been wanting to write for quite some time. You may remember Buddy Miller from other books in my Wells Landing Series. He has Down syndrome and is the brother of Jonah Miller who has been in the series since book one (Caroline’s’ Secret). Buddy has the wonderful knack of telling the honest truth, even when the person he’s telling it to might not be ready to hear it. Which is why he plays such an important role in Marrying Jonah, his brother’s story. But in writing about Jonah and Sarah, Buddy came to life and I knew that he needed a story of his own.
But who in Wells Landing could handle a sweet firecracker like Buddy (Ivan Dale) Miller? Jenna Burkhart. Jenna wasn’t born with her limitations but gained them after a swimming accident in which she died and then was resuscitated. She’s new to Wells Landing having moved there from one of my favorite Amish communities in Yoder, Kansas. With her caring disposition and gentle manner, Jenna’s the perfect complement to Buddy. But it seems their families are not sold on the idea of the two of them as a couple. With as hard as the well-meaning Burkharts and Millers work to keep them apart, Buddy and Jenna have to work twice as hard to prove themselves worthy of love and happiness, something that should be a God-given right for us all. Yet we all know, love and life are never that simple, even in a slow-paced Amish community like Wells Landing. But with a little faith and a whole lot of prayer, maybe their families will realize what Buddy and Jenna have known from the start: they were meant to be together. Always and forever.
Amy Lillard
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I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course! I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter. |
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I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I love to write inspirational romances. The two go hand-in-hand for me.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop. I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.) |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
Amy Lillard is generously giving away
a print copy of Loving Jenna
a print copy of Loving Jenna
USA only
