Molly’s Amish historical romance, “Change of Heart” is the her first book in her keepsake pocket quilt series releasing today in print and ebook in stores and on websites throughout the U.S. and U.K.
Ohio, 1899. Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules until her fiancé jilted her. She’s never been away from Berlin, Ohio, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington and falls in love with him. But Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman. With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances. . .
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Tell us about “Change of Heart” and your latest visit to Amish country.
“Change of Heart” takes place in 1899 in Berlin, Ohio. The ideas came from my fascination and admiration of the Amish. I chose a keepsake pocket quilt theme for my series. The Amish stitch the most beautiful quilts. I admire their devotion to God and camaraderie with each other. This quilt is from an Amish auction. The quilt is backed with material used for flour sacks.
My husband and I went to Holmes County recently. The great gift ideas are endless.
In Berlin and Millersburg, Ohio, farms stretch far and wide. The rolling hills and white houses and barns paint a scenic picture. I loved our tour of the Yoder house. The scent of sugar, ginger, cinnamon and fresh baked pies filled the air. I wanted to start the tour in the kitchen! We did end up there, and the baked goods were the best. The wedding, pinwheel, and assortment of patterned quilts were beautiful. The crisp clean white aprons hung on wooden pegs away from the food.
I stitched an apron in home economics in the ninth grade. Let’s just say I should stick to crocheting!
The Amish guide did a wonderful job explaining Amish customs on the Yoder farm tour. I always learn something new each trip. This trip I learned lye soap helps soothe and heal irritated skin, such as poison ivy. The handcrafted oak and maple furniture, although plain, was well constructed and gave the rooms a cozy feel. Amish traditional clothing filled clothespresses. Prayer kapps were displayed on a table. Pins are used instead of buttons. Pockets are sewn inside and not outside men’s pants. The Amish are careful not to be fashionable. Each bed was covered with a different patterned simple and plain quilt. I love their wedding and Jacob’s ladder quilts the best.
In Millersburg, we stopped at The Amish/Mennonite “Behalt”. A painting fills the walls of a beautiful large carpeted round room showing the history of the Amish and Mennonites. Interesting and intriguing, you won’t want to miss this if you have a chance to visit this town. Great idea for painters who want to tell their story in picture scenes.
In the lobby, they displayed baskets for holding utensils, rolled napkins and more. Great ideas for arranging them on your countertop when you run out of drawer space. The streets of Berlin, Ohio were crowded with buggies. The auction was taking place, and the men had come to town to buy used machinery. The women and children were in the shops buying supplies. It was interesting to listen to them speak about the food they were bringing to the after service meal on Sunday. They picked up the simplest of notions and left me wondering what they would be stitching!
In Mt. Hope, a small dry goods shop had Amish dolls without faces and plain dresses and aprons for doll clothes. They had the small prayer kapps to cover the dolls head. Every stitch was straight and perfect. They had quilted covers for scissors, eyeglasses, and more. Potholders had unique designs for display or actual use.
“An Unexpected Christmas Blessing” is a short story in an “An Amish Christmas Sleigh” anthology along with stories from Amy Lillard and Kelly Long releasing in October.
“Grace’s Forgiveness”, the second book in my keepsake pocket quilt series, will release in February, 2016.
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