Diese Autorin taucht in die Welt der Liebesromane ein und verbindet ihre tiefe Zuneigung zu romantischen Erzählungen mit einer Faszination für die Amish-Kultur. Ihre Geschichten erforschen traditionelle Werte und ein langsameres Lebenstempo, oft durchdrungen von Südstaaten-Charme. Sie bringt eine Wärme des Heims und der Familie in ihre Erzählungen ein, inspiriert von konventionellen Geschlechterrollen und ihrer eigenen Freude an häuslichen Tätigkeiten. Ihr Schreiben spiegelt einen aufrichtigen Glauben an Liebe und Romantik wider und bietet den Lesern Trost und Freude.
At the age of forty-three, Amy Lee Lillard learned she was autistic. She learned she was part of a community of unseen women who fell through the gaps due to medical bias and social stereotypes. A Grotesque Animal explores the making, unmaking, and making again of a woman with an undiagnosed disorder.
Explore a living museum of women from across time. A life app that forces women to comply with beauty standards. A future internment camp with a literal race for survival. A former band of middle-aged Riot Grrrls, taking vengeance with a new power. In the stories of Exile in Guyville, probable futures and alternate realities take aim at unruly women, and show how we refuse to be ruled. With gendered rage, and a speculative surreal style, Exile in Guyville renders the invisible as seen, and the powerless as empowered.
Twenty-something advice columnist and amateur sleuth Sissy Yoder loves helping out at her Aunt Bethel’s Sunflower Café in Yoder, Kansas. It connects her to family, to the close-knit community—and to the suspicious events that always seem to bubble beneath small-town life . . .The unusual death of local herb farmer, Ginger Reed, is the talk of Yoder. Naturally, Sissy is intrigued. The official report classifies Ginger’s demise as an accident, concluding that she ran herself over with a tractor. But Sissy’s cousin, Naomi, a friend and longtime employee of Ginger’s, insists that’s impossible. When she asks for Sissy’s help in unearthing the truth, Sissy’s on the case—accompanied as ever by her loyal Yorkie companion, Duke . . .The deeper Sissy digs, the longer the list of suspects grows—and none of them are Ginger. Near the top is Ginger’s resentful sister-in-law, Mallory. Next is Naomi’s brother, Lloyd, who’s bitter about the oil derrick presumably pumping black gold from Ginger’s land—land that once belonged to his family. Naomi herself could be a suspect—it’s her tractor, after all. But the investigation stalls when Naomi makes a shocking turnaround in her story. Is she lying? And if so, why? Then a missing dog, a desperate lawyer, and a teenage con artist are added to the mix, and the puzzle becomes hopelessly complicated. If Sissy doesn’t solve it quickly, she’ll be lost in the weeds as a killer reaps a deadly harvest . . .
A reluctant proposal born from duty sets the stage for a complex relationship. As the characters navigate societal expectations and personal desires, they must confront their true feelings and the consequences of their choices. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle between obligation and passion, leading to unexpected revelations and emotional growth.
Professional advice columnist turned café manager and amateur sleuth Sissy Yoder is adjusting to life in her parents’ small but not-so-sleepy former hometown of Yoder, Kansas, where family is plentiful, the tomatoes are “to die for”—and murder is often in season . . . Twenty-something Sissy Yoder never imagined herself running her Aunt Bethel’s café, but her help is needed, so she’s making a go of it. And she must admit that life in tiny Yoder has been anything but dull–she’s already solved one homicide—after being named the prime suspect in the case! Enjoying a peaceful respite after all that excitement, Sissy just wants to write her advice column, hang out with her loyal Yorkie, Duke, and procure some of local farmer Walt Summers’ scrumptious “To Die For” tomatoes for the Sunshine Café’s menu. But when the unsavory Summers–resented by just about everyone in town–turns up murdered in his garden shed, it’s up to Sissy to roll up her sleeves, dig for some clues, and weed out the culprit . . .
Joy Lehman has pressed on faithfully since losing her husband, raising their children and running a thriving bakery alone. Even caring for her oldest son, Johnny?seriously injured after a fall?has not shaken her fierce independence. Johnny will walk again, she?s sure. Until then, a meeting of the Widows? Club at her home makes it clear that Joy must consider some costly renovations. Her brother-in-law, Uriah, is happy to provide the lumber and the labor?if Joy will accept his help. Uriah understands family challenges?he?s a widower himself, and father to four daughters. Yet he can see that Joy?s struggle lies deeper than house repairs, in learning to accept an altered future for her son. As Uriah?s daughters begin helping in the bakery, and Joy and Uriah?s bond grows deeper, a new possibility glows bright?the unexpected happiness that lies in embracing one strong, united family, filled with support and love
While most women her age are searching for husbands, Astrid Kauffman has chosen a different path—writing romance novels and donating her profits to her beloved Amish community. But when Astrid struggles with writer’s block, she agrees to play matchmaker for Imogene Yoder, a widowed mother of rambunctious twin boys. Perhaps the diversion—and the entrée it gives Astrid to the stories among the Widows’ Club—will spark her creativity . . . Fortunately, Astrid has just the match for Imogene: a widower she believes is the finest, most handsome man in town. In fact, Astrid realizes he’s perfect . . . for herself! Soon, the plot thickens as Imogene questions what kind of marriage she really wants, and Astrid wonders what kind of matchmaker falls for someone else’s match. But by letting faith guide the way, all involved may discover true love has written a far better next chapter than any of them expected . . .
In a charming new cozy mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard, twenty-something advice columnist Sissy is ready for a fresh start in the small town of Yoder, Kansas – along with her loyal Yorkie, Duke. She’s planning to help out at her aunt’s Sunflower Café, but little does she know her new duties will soon include solving a murder! After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag; picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. Plus she can continue to secretly write her newspaper advice column as seventy-year-old “Aunt Bess.” But it’s Sissy who could use some advice when she finds the milk deliveryman out behind the café with a knife in his back. As the sheriff’s prime suspect, it’s up to Sissy to catch the backstabber herself—before someone else gets creamed...
Bookstore owner Arlo and her Friday Night Book Club sleuths are going to have to read between the lines to solve this mystery! It's movie time in Sugar Springs and the whole town is pitching together to get the historical Coliseum Theater ready for the event of the year--the premiere of Missing Girl, local author Wally Harrison's bestselling novel turned film. Thrilled to bring tourists to Sugar Springs, the town comes together to host the late author's event. But when a stranger arrives, boasting he has definitive proof that Wally didn't write Missing Girl...well, drama leaps from the page into real life. Mishaps start taking place around the theater--and then the stranger is discovered dead in his hotel room right before his press conference. Can Arlo and her Friday night book club to sleuth out the killer and solve the mystery before the town's Hollywood dreams go up in smoke?
Renewed faith and happiness await three generations of women in this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, set in the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing...With her daughter newly married, widow Charlotte Burkhart should have been content to find a companion for her later years in Amish widower Glenn Esh. Yet, Charlotte longs for more than life has offered her thus far. When she discovers a baby on her doorstep, the child seems like the miracle Charlotte's been praying for. Unfortunately, Glenn doesn't feel the same way. What's a single woman aching to experience motherhood once more to do?From the moment Paul Brenneman sees Charlotte Burkhart with a new baby, he senses his lovely neighbor and the sweet child are meant to be. Which is why he offers to marry Charlotte and make her adoption dreams come true. No stranger to heartache himself, the stalwart widower knows second chances don't happen every day--especially not with a woman like Charlotte, the first woman in a long time who has him taking a leap of faith that happily-ever-after is still possible...
Amy Lillard's uplifting new series unites a Widows Club of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri . . . When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too--until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby's arrival, Millie's sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love . . . Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it's clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along--but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again . . .
"The next in the Main Street Book Club mysteries! It was only a few months ago that the ladies of Arlo's Friday Night Book Club-Fern, Camille, and Helen-solved the murder of the renowned author, Wally Harrison. So when they select Wally's bestseller, Missing Girl, for their next discussion, Arlo is hopeful it will be the end of their mystery hunt. But the women are convinced Missing Girl was inspired by a 50-year-old cold case from their own Sugar Springs, Mississippi-the disappearance of Mary Kennedy-and Arlo can do little to stop the book club ladies from investigating. When a young girl is murdered in the exact place the women believe Mary went missing all those years ago, it becomes clear these two cases are connected. And with Arlo's help, they may just be able to crack the case"--
"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?"--Provided by publisher.
In this heartwarming series from Amy Lillard, three generations of women find the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing a heaven-sent opportunity to take new leaps of faith . . . Wife, widow, mother, and grandmother--sixty-something Nadine Burkhart is everything a sensible Amish woman is supposed to be. She's moved to Wells Landing to give her daughter-in-law and granddaughter a fresh start--not herself. So as far as she's concerned, good-hearted farmer Amos Fisher should find something better to do than try to draw her out, be there when she needs help--and make her believe in love for the first time . . .A friendly but solitary man, Amos is realizing there's more to life than work. Although he hasn't courted in years, Nadine's honesty makes him long to know her better--and understand her standoffishness. But when everything he tries fails to soften her stubbornness, he'll just have to trust his heart that real, true, and utterly impractical love will prevail--for a lifetime . . .Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels "An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis." --Library Journal "Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard's vivid characters and positive message." --Publishers Weekly
For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, all roads lead to faith, family, and tradition, even when the path is unconventional—especially at Christmas . . . Tillie Gingerich is so in love with Melvin Yoder that she agrees to leave her conservative Amish home to live with him in the English world. But when the struggle to make ends meet leads to conflict, and reveals troubling weaknesses in their relationship, Tillie returns to Pontotoc—pregnant and unmarried. Her loving family accepts her, but to convince the rest of the community, they must turn to the bishop. Distraught, Tillie runs away on Christmas Eve—only to get as far as an isolated house on the edge of town. Levi Yoder, Melvin’s upright distant cousin, is grieving the loss of his wife and wants to be alone. He is hardly pleased to open his door and find a pregnant woman––a painful reminder of all he’s lost. But with an ice storm approaching, he can’t turn Tillie away. Yet as morning nears, the miracle of Christmas brings unexpected challenges, opportunities—and promises for the future . . . Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels “An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal on Caroline’s Secret “Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard’s vivid characters and positive message.” —Publishers Weekly
Not every murder is by the book... As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town's legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That's when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo's front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime. When the elderly ladies of Arlo's Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally's reputation, the suspect list only grows longer--his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident. Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally's death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.