In this first book of a three-book series, author Vannetta Chapman brings a fresh twist to the popular Amish fiction genre. She blends the familiar components consumers love in Amish books—faith, community, simplicity, family—with an innovative who-done-it plot that keeps readers guessing right up to the last stitch in the quilt
When two women—one Amish, one English—each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town’s reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.
Set in the well-known Amish community of Shipshewana, Falling to Pieces will attract both devoted fans of the rapidly-growing Amish fiction genre, as well as those who are captivated by the Amish way of life.
How I became a published author.
Twelve years ago, I graduated with my MA in English and started writing articles for Christian magazines. I was thirty-six years old, had been teaching for two years, and knew I loved language! After publishing over 100 pieces with Christian family magazines, I was bitten by the novel-bug. I completed 8 novels before selling A Simple Amish Christmas to Abingdon Press (2010).
So you have any Amish background?
Maybe! While researching my first Amish novel, I learned that my grandfather’s family was from Albion, PA–so there might be Amish ancestors in my background!
What made you decide to write an Amish mystery series?
Sue Brower, executive editor with Zondervan, had read my submission, A Simple Amish Christmas. She loved the writing, but didn’t need a romance writer. She called and asked if I’d be interested in writing something different. I said yes! I love suspense–in books and movies. I never doubted this was an answered prayer, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to write something new and different for Zondervan.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d love to hear from readers. They can find me through my webpage (www.VannettaChapman.com) or on facebook (Vannetta Chapman, author). Also I post to my blog 3 times a week (vannettachapman.wordpress.com).