The Amish fiction genre remains hot, despite the inroads of novels like Fifty Shades of Grey. We've talked a lot about such novels over the years, with favorites like Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis leading the pack.  As some of you know, I'll be coming out with an Amish-themed full-length fiction book of my own soon (stay tuned).  That book is called Abraham's Redemption and I think it's sort of difficult to categorize.  Abraham's Redemption is hardly Fifty Shades of Grey, but it's probably not as squeaky clean as a Wanda Brunstetter novel (although some of her plots are a little jarring, so maybe I'm ok:).  Also, I am a guy:) and many of the bestselling Amish fiction books are penned by women, so I'm not sure if my gender will come into play.  Anyway, the topic is on my mind today because the Christian Science Monitor has a piece in their paper today about the continuing popularity of such novels.  Click here to read it.  And who's your favorite Amish-themed fiction author?
I did take a stab at Amish-themed fiction in my novella, Rebecca at the Beach, which was released last year.That was fun to write, but it was a very short book. Â Writing a full-length fiction novel like Abraham's Redemption was a lot of work, a lot of moving parts in such a long story!
Cindy Harrison
My most recent reading has been a Kathleen Fuller trilogy. I missed figuring out that it was a trilogy, so actually read the 3rd book 1st. But it's about different groups of people from the same community. Has thrown me off a bit in using different German terms than other Amish fiction writers do. But good books in my opinion.
Zelka Cani
Hi Kevin, absolutely loved reading 'Rebecca At The Beach' recently on a short day stay at a medical clinic. It made the time pass and I managed to read the entire book that morning. As you said, it is a short story. But I felt that I wanted to read more when I got to the end, I felt that there was more to the story that my brain kept coming up with future events between Mark and Rebecca. Will there be a sequel to this lovely story?
Kevin
Thank you for the kind words, Zelka....I do plan a sequel...I'm hoping relatively soon, so stay tuned!:)
Linda from KY
My favorite author of the genre is the original and the best, Beverly Lewis. I do enjoy books by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Beth Wiseman and others, too.
I haven't read your short story yet. Where can I find it?
Barb W.
If you go to the Book Store at the top of the page it will show you how to order the book.
Renee
The only thing I read are Amish books...I feel like they are wholesome and I really like the stories. I do not have a favorite author...I go to the half price book store in my area and pick up a arm load of them....I know that they have Christian values ....that is the main reason I read them.
Love your web-site!!!!!
Renee
Susan
My favorite writer is Beverly Lewis. Her writing is superior to most and very enjoyable to read. Dale Cramer is also excellent and has a very different style. I would not call his style bonnet novels as they are not fluffy romance books. My biggest problem is all the series that are out there. I was trying to read different novels from different authors as they were published. Well, by the time book 2 came out I could not remember book 1 as the same Amish names are used over and over by all the authors. So now I only read a few author's series as published and wait on the others until the series is completed. I have been reading them for over 10 years now and really enjoy them but seems like there is now just "too much of a good thing"! I work at a public library and they are very popular there. But now there are just too many authors jumping on the band wagon! I won't count you Kevin in this group as you have every reason to write a book, due to all the knowledge you have from your personal experience.
Dianne
I love all the Amish authors, and I have read most of them or I have them to read. I do not read them until I get all the books in the series. The first ones I read were in a series and someone lent them to me, I read the first two and the third one will not be out until this fall, so I had to go out & buy the first two again, so I can read them again, it has been so long. I love the Amish books and they are my favorite read. I will buy yours Kevin when it comes out. I still need to get your first one.
Barb
Kevin, you know YOU are one of my favorite 'Amish' authors but also Beverly Lewis. I am anxious to read Abraham's Redemption in the finished form, I truly loved the first draft.
Diana
Kevin, I caught part of a series on TLC network last night regarding Amish leaving their community and going to live in New York city. I wondered if you have seen it and if so what your opinion is.
There are several questions that I have about it.
Kevin
Diana,
I am watching the show tonight, so I'll start a thread about it after I watch it! - kevin
Diana
Good deal, I will be interested to hear what you think.
Tammy
Kevin, I think you will do just fine with Abraham's Redemption, I love to read Jerry Eicher so I think you could be right up there with him. Maybe you could do an interview with him. Thanks for your columns and the time you put in to Amish Cook I enjoy reading them.