“Pockets of Promise” by Laurie Stroup Smith

Posted April 24, 2020 by Leslie in Reviews by Leslie / 10 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for Pockets of Promise by Laurie Stroup Smith, coordinated by the author.

Title: Pockets of Promise

Series Title: Book #1 in The Pocket Quilt Series

Author: Laurie Stroup Smith

Publisher: Vinspire Publishing

Release Date: April 30, 2020

The Story Behind the Story…

Inspiration for Pockets of Promise originated from an image of a quilt I saw on Facebook. In the hopes of helping our daughters who were grieving the loss of two grandparents, I started writing the story about a seventh-grade girl who needed to rely on her faith to get through a tough time. When I pitched the idea to my agent, she instead strongly suggested I consider telling the story from the point of view of a young Amish woman during her Rumspringa. I’m so glad I followed her advice!

Three years after I submitted Pockets of Promise to my agent, I was editing my seventh manuscript when I received a call from her. She had found a home for Mariah’s story, and now I get to share the book with you.

Blurb…

A young Amish woman—torn between two worlds and two men—travels to the Amish snowbird community of Pinecraft. It is there where she finds wisdom and guidance through letters tucked in the pockets of a special quilt.

Mariah Mast’s best friend Josiah Weaver has concentrated his efforts on providing for their future together, but on her eighteenth birthday, Mariah finds herself edging away from Josiah and her faith. An encounter with police, a misunderstanding of intentions, and hurt feelings compound her confusion. Her grandmother sends her to stay with an aunt in Pinecraft and gives her a pocket quilt with handwritten messages tucked inside.

Thrilled to have her help at the bed and breakfast, Aunt Birdie introduces Mariah to a group of new friends, including Luke Yoder, a young Amish man who works for his father’s construction company. Spending time with him opens up a new world for Mariah. Her grandmother’s words of wisdom offer guidance as she makes a decision that will have lasting consequences for those she loves. Will she find fulfillment in Florida? Or does her heart belong in Holmes County?

My review…

If you’re a fan of Amish-themed novels, you’ll want to check out this debut book and author! It’s a charming, coming-of-age tale.

Mariah’s struggles with trying to determine what she wants for her future … as well as which man Gott has planned for her: friend and Amish man Josiah or Englischer Devin. She also has to decide if she’s ready to be baptized and join the Amish church.

The author’s characters are relatable and well-developed, and it’s great to see Mariah’s growth throughout the book. The setting and scenes are so detailed that the reader truly feels a part of the story. Like Mariah, I have a close relationship with my grandma, so those scenes between her and her grandmother were perhaps my favorites.

This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to reading upcoming books.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Purchase links…

Giveaway…

One winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Pockets of Promise, a $10 Amazon gift card, a turtle bookmark, and a handmade pocket pillow.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/05b8a7155/?

Visit each stop on the tour and increase your chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 24, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 30, 2020. US mailing addresses only.
Giveaway terms and conditions can be found here.

BLOG TOUR LAUNCH PAGE

About Laurie…

While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to connect readers with friends and family through her stories while inspiring her audience to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine.

Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. For a week or two each summer, they enjoy discovering new adventures along the western coast of Michigan. Connect with Laurie on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.