KCWC Blog tour Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton

Patchwork Dreams Author: Laura V. Hilton Publisher: Whitaker House ISBN-10: 1603742557 ISBN-13: 978-1603742559 Release Date: April 5, 2011 Paperback: 144 pages Retail: $6.99           Patchwork Dreams Blog Tour - June 6-10   Book Summary Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community. Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin. Instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap—sending men from his Pennsylvania district to the Missouri district to bring new blood into the Amish community. Becky dreams of marriage, but doesn't dare hope that anyone would choose her—not with her history. Can God use the lies that have affected Becky and Jacob to bring them together? Or will Jacob rebel and head home to his first love?     Author Bio Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Web. Prior to Patchwork Dreams, she published two novels with Treble Heart Books: Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past, as well as several devotionals. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, visit her blog at http://lighthouse–academy.blogspot.com/. An Interview With Laura:   How has being published changed your life?  Well there’s a lot of administrative stuff that I didn’t know about beforehand. And a lot of things that take me out of my comfort zone. I’m naturally a shy quiet and private person, and suddenly I have to be more willing to talk about what I’m doing.   What is your current work in progress? I am starting the third book in the Amish of Seymour series, which will be Becky’s friend, Annie’s story.  What would be your dream vacation?  Oh, well, I would love to spend a month or two in Michigan (our whole family loves Michigan and we missed it when we moved away) and just poke around the lighthouses, waterfalls, etc. that make the state great. Also, if I ever have a chance to go overseas, I would love to see Big Ben and visit some of the European castles. Also, I’d love an extended stay at an Amish bed and breakfast. How do you choose your settings for each book? Well, most Amish books are set in Ohio and Pennsylvania because that is where the largest communities are. I chose to set mine in Seymour, Missouri, because there is an Amish community there. Missouri is an untapped setting for Amish stories, and it was close enough for me to drive up there for research.  If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?  Oh, Beverly Lewis. When I grow up I want to write like her. I’d love to talk writing with her.  What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?  My most difficult obstacle was trying to write in the living room with five children!  I’ve gotten pretty good at blocking out noises though. Unless the children are fighting or crying I can work through it.    For a chance to enter to go into the grand drawer post a comment with a way to contact you by June 16th  with a way to contact you. One commenter will go into the drawer from my blog.   Amish Gift Set $50 Value  Grand Prize Giveaway: * 1 apple mug * 1 apple scented candle in decorative tin * 1 small packet of Starbucks coffee * Amish made rose petal soap * Beverly Lewis' Amish Cookbook * Simple Joys of the Amish Life by Mindy Starns Clark * $5.00 McDonald's Gift Card * Amish Popcorn * Autographed copy of Patchwork Dreams My Review: This is a good story. The story is about Jacob who has been sent to work with his cousin and is under the impression he will be returning to his home and to marry his girlfriend who his father doesn't think is good enough. When he gets to his cousins place in Missouri he finds his father lied to him and sent him there to find a wife. Becky is an unwed mother after her rumspringa and although she has repented of her sin she feels shunned. Jacob is determined to help her and make her smile and get her involved with the young people.  It is interesting learning more about the amish and I think part of the appeal is the simpler life. The book mentions how gossip is considered a sin but at outings and meetings the women will be talking about whats happening and gossiping about people Becky found it hard and mentions how its a sin but it seems to be accepted. Also when they want something to get out to others they know that by telling certain people it will get round to everyone. It makes me think its interesting how we often make a big deal about gossiping and  so many say they wouldn't partake but just having someone tell you something about someone and then telling someone else without either verifying its correct and checking its ok to tell someone else its gossip. I do love books that make you stop and think which this book does. It also shows the Amish are not perfect and very human which I think sometimes gets left out. Great read.