Leave comment answering Elizabeth's question at the end to possibly win a copy of this book, and be sure to include a way to contact you. --
Title: SEASONS
Author: Elizabeth Byler Younts
Publisher: EBY Books
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4611-4867-8
Genre: Inspirational/nonfiction/Amish/memoir
Lydia Lee Was the oldest child of an improvised Amish family, having little but love, to see them through. She had ten younger brothers and sisters, and her father often moved them around, hoping for a new job, a better future. Liddie became used to going without food to feed her younger brothers and sisters.
Liddie grew up during the Great Depression, then World War II. The story is quite sad in places, but interesting to read about how the Amish lived during that time when most everyone had it rough.
The last few chapters of the book were enough to raise the book from a 4 star to a 5. I absolutely adored the story of Liddie’s romance with Freeman Coblentz; it was so romantic.
Technically, this isn’t a memoir, as a memoir is written by the author about the author, but it isn’t as dull as some biographies. I’m going to have my daughter read it as a biography for a school report, but I’m labeling this a memoir though it technically doesn’t fit in there either. Ms. Younts calls it creative nonfiction. $10.00. 173 pages.
***
Why do you write the kind of books you do?
Seasons is actually a little off the beaten path for me. I prefer to write fiction but this book is creative nonfiction. I chose to write this story and others I hope will be published someday also because I want the reader to experience truth in fiction and God’s amazing blessings in broken hearts.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
Well, I have to pick 3 days! The day I married my husband – my best friend – my true love. And the days my 2 daughters, Felicity & Mercy, were born.
How has being published changed your life?
I think that publication, whether self or traditional, it builds your confidence. Knowing that I started and finished a project to TOTAL completion is an amazing feeling.
I agree, it does do that. What are you reading right now?
I just finished an ARC from award-winning author (and close friend) Allison Pittman…the 2nd in her SisterWife Series. I loved the book!
I can't wait to read Allison's book. What is your current work in progress?
I’m in the beginning stages of a book I call Crimson Rock. It’s a contemporary women’s novel. I am not sure I am able to talk much more about it than that. But I can say I’m very excited about this story!
What would be your dream vacation?
Well, I’m huge Ann Bolyen fan so I’d love to go to London & see everything about her…then my husband & I would LOVE to go to Hay on the Wye. It’s a small town (less than 2000 residents on the boarder of England and Wales. Imagine this: 30 major bookshops in one teeny town! ;-) A writer and book lover’s haven.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
The character seems to come first & then somehow it seems she picks the setting.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Okay…excluding friends & family…I’d choose either Nicholas Sparks and Lynn Austin…for obvious reasons. ;-)
What three things about you would surprise readers?
Oh, fun..I love these types of questions…
Okay, these are in no particular order:
1-I cry at the Shamu Show at SeaWorld.
2-My 2nd daughter, Mercy, was born at home. My husband “caught” her. My midwife was about 5 minutes away from our house. ;-) Completely unforgetable and wonderful.
3-In my early 20s I acted in a small role in an indy film that won 3rd place at a small film festival. It was a blast!
My fourth child was born at home and my husband caught her too. He says she's his baby. :) I completely understand. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Photography, DIYing, sewing, and crocheting.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it.
Getting through the middle!!! I allow myself to just write whatever I can to get through the areas I can’t seem to get right and then just go back and fix it later.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Take learning your craft seriously. Be part of a critique group and attend as many good workshops & conferences as you can.
Tell us about the book.
As the oldest child in an impoverished Amish family, Lydia Lee knows little more of life beyond hard work, sacrifice and extreme hunger. Yet, even as a young girl she strives to be content with all God has provided.
Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Lydia’s childhood unfolds as her family struggles to survive, finding strength from their Amish faith. But, when tragedy strikes, that very faith is tested beyond what any child should have to endure. When all hope seems lost, Lydia is reminded that all things have seasons.
The spring of her life has been spent planting prayers in the soil of sadness and heartache. Will she see a summer of true love? Will there be a harvest of happiness?
What do you want readers to take away from the book?
I hope that everyone learns a little more about the Amish from Liddy’s experiences and learn that in all things there is contentment in the Lord. I truly hope that my readers will feel the hope that Liddy does by the end of the book.
Is there anything interesting about this book that you want us to know?
Even though this is creative non-fiction it reads more like a novel…YET it is so close to REAL LIFE and my grandma’s voice I feel like she’s talking to me throughout the entire book.
What one question would you like us to ask your readers?
What Amish book you’ve read would you like to see as a movie? (If you haven’t read an Amish book yet…just pick another book.)
Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.
I’m giving away one copy of Seasons. I will sign it to the lucky winner. Please let me know who to sign it to as well.
If you don't want to wait - you can buy the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ELIZABETH+BYLER+YOUNTS&x=0&y=0
17 comments:
I would like to see The Storekeepers Daughter made into a movie by Wanda E Brustetter.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
what a great interview...love your daughters names, felicity & mercy...thanks for the chance to read your fabulous novel.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I enjoyed the interview and would love to read the book. Sounds like it is quite interesting.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Would love the opportunity to read Seasons.
tamara6400@gmail.com
There are so many Amish books now that I can't pick just one. So I'll go with another "book" I've often said would make a good movie if don't by the right person -- The book of ACTS from the Bible. What an exciting time that must have been!
I would love to see Wanda Brunstetter's book, The Journey be made into a movie. It would most certainly capture the viewers interest. I just loved this book.
Seasons sounds like a great read and I'd love to win a copy of it. I love books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction.
Blessings,
judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com
If I win, please sign it to the lovely Judy..joking!! Just sign it to Judy.
Please add me to the list. I bought Seasons for my kindle but I would love a hard copy to give to my mom! Thanks. Congrats Elizabeth!
Salena
srstormo at yahoo dot com
Actually this is a hard question for me...I've read so very many Amish books. One that has lingered with me would be Cindy Woodsmall's When The Heart Cries, Sister's of the Quilt Series.
alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com
I loved reading the interview, and would love to read the book Seasons. It sounds really, really interesting! I would have to say that I agree with Maureen. The books that had me looking for more Amish fiction when I was through with them were Cindy woodsmalls Sisters of the Quilt series. I would absolutely love to see them made into a movie. But I've read so many good books, it really is hard to pick just one!
Guess I should have put my name on the comment and email! Sorry about that!
Sue rkl499(at)comcast(dot)net
Lovely interview. Would love to read the book, Seasons. I've read so many Amish books that it would be hard to pick one. I would watch any movie that is Amish. If I get the chance to win the Seasons book you can sign it to Karen. Thank you.
Karen G.
kmgervais@nycap.rr.com
another one I cant believe I missed out on...sounds great!!
~Cindy~
Wow, I'm new to reading Amish books so a particular title doesn't come to mind...if I could recommend any book right now? Hmmm....possibly one of Lynn Austin's? She has an amazing way of capturing a certain period in time with wonderful historical details and then pulling a fabuluous plot and characters together to equal an excellent read. Thanks to Elizabeth for recommending Lynn Austin to me a few years ago! :)
Please count me in for the giveaway! Instead of choosing a book, I would like to see any of Karen S. Harper's amish books made into movies, well no wait perhaps I would rather see P.L. Gaus' amish mysteries made into movies, there are so many good stories and authors its hard to choose just one! kittycrochettwo at msn dot com
I would like to see the book Beside Still Waters by Gricia Goyer made into a movie. That was such a great book. Would love to read Elizabeth's book. It sounds really good.
If I win the book just sign it to Patsy.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I think "Falling to Pieces" by Vanetta Chapman would make a great movie. I loved the book!
This one sounds like a really great read too. Thank you for the chance to win it.
countrysunset40 (at) aol dot com
I want to say Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer because I just finished reading it and I am now reading the second book in the series Along Wooded Paths. I believe this series would make a wonderful movie. Thanks you for an opportunity to win a copy of your book.
plb1050 at gmail dot com
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