Work from sun up to sun down. That is the Amish way. That is what every day is like for my family but not today. My husband is the owner of Miller’s Amish Bakery on Sugartree Street in Rolling Brook, a small town in Holmes County, Ohio. It is a popular bakery, and he’s been planning to expand, which is why this day is different than most and why I’m sitting at home trying to quilt but spending most of my time worrying. Aaron, my husband, is in the barn tending to the animals. He’s not usually home at this time, but we both thought it was best if we let Mattie, Aaron’s younger sister, take care of the bakery this afternoon. Aaron is a shy man, even for an Amish man, and does not welcome prodding questions. I’m sure Mattie is answering plenty of those today.
You see, Aaron wants to open a baking factory on Sugartree Street and bought the land to do it, but the Township Trustees won’t let him. It’s all because Trustee Wanda Hunt got it into her head that the factory will ruin our little township when in fact it will bring more business to Rolling Brook. And now Wanda is dead! Her body was discovered at the Rolling Brook Amish Auction, and now because of the dispute that my husband had with Wanda, the police think he or I killed her!
I’m sorry to be going on like this. It’s not the Amish way to complain. I need to remind myself that this is a test and Gott will take care of my family.
Thankfully, we have Angie Braddock, my best friend, to help us. It is funny for me to say that my dearest friend is an outspoken Englischer from Texas, but in the short time she’s lived here, I’ve come to love and trust Angie. I’m leaning on her now to help me through this.
I can tell by the way the sun is dipping away from my kitchen window that afternoon is almost over. My children will be home from the schoolhouse soon. I have four boys and they will be a welcome distraction. All I can do is hope Gott takes care of this, and knowing Angie, she’s already volunteered to help him.
You can read more about Rachel in Murder, Simply Stitched, the second book in the “Amish Quilt Shop” mystery series, published by Obsidian. The first book in the series is Murder, Plain And Simple. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
Isabella Alan is celebrating the release of Murder, Simply Stitched with a special giveaway! Enter to Win an Amish Charm Bracelet from author Isabella Alan (aka Amanda Flower)! Click HERE to Enter! Giveaway is limited to U.S. and Canadian residents
Bonus giveaway
Comment on this post by 6 p.m. EST on June 16, and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Murder, Simply Stitched. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.
Meet the author
Isabella Alan is the pseudonym for Amanda Flower. Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel, and her children’s mystery, Andi Unexpected, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best Children’s/YA. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
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You had me going for a moment. Thought she was really dead. I love the name Sugartree Street. The bracelets are very cute. Might try to win one.
Already entered for bracelets , would love to read/win the book
I enjoy books about the Amish and mysteries
Another new to me author. Thanks.
I enjoy her books
The description of this book makes me want to read it.
Oh, an Amish theme, love it. Thank you for the chance 🙂
I’d like to try this Amish mystery as it would be my first one. Gott??!! Lol!!
Lauigl [at] Carolina [dot] rr [dot] com
It’s on my list!!!!
I would love to read an Amish mystery. I never have!
Thank you!
In the middle of this book right now and enjoying it! Would love to win a copy for my quilting great Aunt!
I thoroughly enjoy reading your Appleseed Creek Series, I cannot wait to try out these books as well!
Lovely premise for a mystery – two cultures becoming friends – the entire world could use that. Would love to read this book —and goats need love too I am sure.
Sounds like a good book. Love to give it a try.
These books give a fascinating look into the Amish way of life.
I really enjoy Amish stories. I’ve got another to add to my growing list now. Thanks for the chance to win.
So many cat and dog books. Love the idea of the pesky goat. Would love to win this book!!
I would love to win this book.
When I left Ohio as a child, I had never heard of the Amish. Love to learn more.
I would love to read it.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to win one of your books or a lovely bracelet.Love your books & the way you tell a story is wonderful.
Another series that I need to get started on, it sounds wonderful…and I love the goat.
Sounds good–I have enjoyed her previous Amish mystery! Thanks!
i would love to win
It sounds really good. I would love to read this Amish mystery. Thanks for this chance to win it.
I loved Murder, Plain and Simple. Excited to read Murder, Simply Stitched. Thanks
Thank you for a chance to win a copy of Murder, Simply Stitched. This sounds like a series I would like to try.
love how if all else fails, blame the goats 🙂 so cute!
It sounds really interesting.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
What fun, I’d love to win!
I had pet goats as a child, so the cover has me hooked—-I want to read this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I am definitely a fan of Amanda and have her first book but have not yet read it. But I will get to reading soon I hope. Would love to have a second book to add to my Amish mystery books as I have been truly enjoying any and all books written about the Amish people. We spent a week in Lancaster and the area last November for our 50th anniversary week and enjoyed it so much. So many quilts to buy, but money for only one unfortunately. Will be looking forward to reading book 1 soon and hopefully book two right after that.
Thank you.
Cynthia
Would love to read this book!
Sounds like a interesting series. Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win!
contest is closed.