November Blessings

I hope you had a great weekend! My weekend included a double blessing. 

I received a blog award from two wonderful bloggers. 

Saloma Furlong from About Amish and Linda Maendel of Hutt-Write Voice

have blessed me with the Tell Me About Yourself Award!

The award guidelines are as follows:

1) Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

2) Share 7 things about yourself.

3) Pass the award on to 15 other bloggers.

So, here goes:

Thank you Saloma and Linda! 

I enjoy your blogs, and am honored that you passed the award to me.

Seven things about me? 

Hmm, what haven't I told you about myself? Let's see...

1) My summer job as a teen was at my Dad's shoe store.

My friends always asked if I got free shoes. Yes. But technically, Dad paid for them.

2) I've met several NHL players in person. My family and I attended

autograph sessions with Ron Hextall and Garth Snow, to name a few.

3) I had to transfer from one high school to another in my senior year.

We moved about 20 minutes from my childhood home.

It wasn't in the same school district, so I had to leave the friends I'd had 

since kindergarten. I was not happy. But I got over it.

4) My favorite beverage at Starbucks is a tall Green Tea Frappuccino.

So if we ever meet there, I'll probably order that.

5) One of my all time favorite authors is Lucy Maud Montgomery.

6) One of my favorite books by L.M. Montgomery is The Blue Castle. 

 

I think it would make a great movie.

7) I love Williamsburg, VA. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon.

I'm passing the award along to:

All of you! 

I decided that I do not want to choose. You all have been 

wonderful friends, and I appreciate your support so much.

Thank you, and enjoy the award!

What November blessings are you enjoying?

Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit:  Fall at Longwood Gardens, Stock Exchange

Why I Left the Amish - Book Review & Giveaway

 

Part One

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review Saloma Miller Furlong's new book Why I Left the Amish. Saloma is a lovely friend I met through blogging, and I am honored to share the review today. Thursday's post will feature Part Two with Saloma with an interview and another opportunity to enter to win a copy of her book.

Why I Left the Amish

Saloma Miller's life may have looked idyllic from the outside, but in reality, it was not. You might say that her family was dysfunctional and then some. Many people probably think that Amish society is mostly hard work, sunshine, and a peaceful existence. Not always true. They have their problems, perhaps even more so since they've chosen a different and separate lifestyle.

How does Saloma cope? In this memoir, she recounts events, her highs and lows, and the ever present struggle to fit into the Amish community. What's it like to feel like you don't really belong, but must conform? To have a father who lives a tormented life and shuffles that torment along to his family?

We join Saloma with her sometimes raw, sometimes poignant memories in various stages of her life, from her early school days to her brave escape and marriage to her beloved husband. We get to know a little about the adult Saloma has become, through the eyes of freedom and relief.

Saloma's journey from her childhood home to her current life is a testimony to her strength and bravery. Stepping out from a strangled existence to a world of new freedom is a huge step indeed, and I admire her courage. This book provides a unique perspective through one who has indeed endured and flourished. Thank you, Saloma, for telling your story.

To contact Saloma, visit her website. While you're at it, hop over to her blog where she shares more of her insight on Amish life, writing, and other interesting topics.


Giveaway Details


To enter, please leave a comment with your email address on this post. Entries without email address are not eligible.

• Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.

• Receive bonus entries by posting about this giveaway on Facebook,Twitter, and/or your blog. Please be sure  and comment (and link where applicable) letting me know.

• This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.

• Deadline to enter is noon Eastern Standard Time, Sunday, January 23, 2011. Winner will be announced Monday, January 24 and notified via email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.


Don't forget to join us on Thursday for Part Two for an interview with Saloma.

What would you ask Saloma if you had the chance? Do you think you would have the courage to do what she did?

Happy writing!

Karen

This book was provided for review purposes only by Michigan State University Press. No compensation was received.