Welcome to Takeover Tuesday!
Susan has offered to give away a print copy of Lizzie's Heart. (US ONLY) You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of my blog post. (Giveaway ends June 16, 2020.) Share on XIf you are the randomly chosen winner, I’ll contact you.
Back cover copy…
Good-hearted and impulsive, twenty-year-old Lizzie Fisher has many chores—and secrets. She’s caring for kittens abandoned by their mother and practicing her drawing talent away from disapproving eyes. So the last thing she needs is someone like handsome Stephen Zimmerman constantly “helping” her out of trouble. But when she discovers they both have lovelorn siblings, she has an idea: why can’t she and Stephen bring his older brother and her older sister together? After all, how had could matchmaking be?
Even though he’s the youngest son of an Old Order Mennonite family, Stephen is used to looking out for everyone else. Yet somehow the romantic schemes he and Lizzie cook up keep going awry—in ways that hint they may suit each other. But their deepening bond is both delightful and complicated. For bridging their differences will take bravery, compromise—and faith in their hopes and dreams…
The story behind the story…
I have always been interested in and fascinated by the Amish. I have tried to learn as much as possible about their ways, but there are always new things to learn, and every community is a little different. We have Mennonite and Amish communities in Southern Maryland. I wondered what would happen if there was an attraction between members of the two groups. From there, my imagination was off and running. I wanted to show some subtle differences in the communities. I like using characters who are strong and caring and also have a sense of humor. I believe Lizzie and Stephen exhibit these characteristics. I try to write stories of faith and love that will entertain and encourage. If I can make readers smile, that’s an extra bonus! If I have done these things, I have accomplished my goal.
Q & A with Susan…
Q: Which character is most like you and why?
Q: Have you ever played matchmaker for someone (or did someone ever do that with you)?
Q: I’d save similar things. I have a few of them in locations that are close to each other, so that would help. One final question. What can you tell me about your current WIP/next project?
That sounds interesting! I look forward to checking it out. Thanks so much for stopping by, Susan. I’m sure my readers will enjoy getting to know a bit more about you and your book.
My review…
Simpson knows how to craft realistic Amish characters and scenes. The reader is made to feel a part of the story. There’s a nice mix of romance, truth, and humor. And if you’re a fan of animals, like Lizzie, you’ll enjoy the kittens (just check out the sweet cover!). Lizzie’s struggle to balance her talents with Amish life is relatable, even to Englischers. Her and Stephan are easy to root for.
The author does a great job noting the differences between Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups. I had an understanding of this already, but I still found it interesting.
Mary was one of my favorite characters, and I enjoyed her relationship with Lizzie. Weaving is mentioned, and it’s not something I commonly see in novels, including Amish-themed one. It would be nice to see a future book centered on Frannie, Lizzie’s sister, or even Seth, Stephen’s brother. I enjoyed their roles in this story.
This is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. Overall, it’s a fun, enjoyable, quick read.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully) in addition to her inspirational romances. She was a finalist in the OCW Cascade fiction contest. She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She is a member of ACFW and Maryland Christian Writers Group. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.
Where to find Susan online…
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
Can’t wait to read this thank you for the chance!
You’re welcome, Kim.
Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!
Always exciting to meet a new author. Would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you.
Great! I’m glad I could introduce you to a new-to-you author 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog. Good luck, Mary Ellen!
I did once and they got married!
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Good luck, Danielle!
I have never played matchmaker for anyone. Thanks for the chance.
You’re very welcome, Lynn. Thanks for visiting my blog. Good luck!
I played matchmaker one time and it didn’t work out. I decided it wasn’t my calling. So, I stay away from matchmaking. Thanks for the opportunity to win your book. I would love to read it.
Sorry it didn’t work out well for you. God must have a different calling for you.
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by my blog, Barbara, and good luck!
My husband and I tried to play matchmaker for his friend and our sons teacher. It was a disaster.
Merry, thanks for sharing. I’m sorry to hear that it didn’t go well for you.
Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.
No I’ve never played matchmaker and wouldn’t want to.
Thanks for stopping by, Vivian. Good luck!
I have never attempted matchmaking.
Thanks for weighing in and stopping by, Roxanne.
Good luck!