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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Patrick E. Craig and "The Amish Heiress"

6/23/2015

58 Comments

 
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Author Mini-view:

Hello, readers! I'm pleased to introduce author Patrick E. Craig here on the blog today. Let's get this interview started!


Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing. (How did you get started? How many books have you written? Where are you on your writing journey?)

I’ve actually been writing since I was seven when I had my first article published in the school paper. I had a gifted Aunt who was a brilliant writer and a mother who encouraged me in all my creative endeavors.  In school I was always the editor of the school paper and won several awards including a commendation from the Wall Street Journal for an editorial I wrote on the death of President Kennedy.  After college, I became a professional musician in San Francisco and my forte was always lyric writing.  I had many published and recorded songs.  Then when I met the Lord in 1984, I went to Bible College and went into the ministry.  I wrote several books on worship and discipleship.  In 2007 I stepped out of the ministry to concentrate on something I had always wanted to do—write fiction with enduring characters, lots of romance and plenty of adventure.  So far I have published two mystery books for teens and I have three Amish fiction books published by Harvest House, The Apple Creek Dreams series.  My latest book, The Amish Heiress, will be released in late July.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I’m a big Zane Grey fan and I just finished a terrific novel of his, “30,000 on the Hoof.”  It’s a wonderful story about a pioneer couple who settle in a remote area the Arizona wilderness and raise their family.  It’s filled with incredible courage and nobility in the face of hardship, danger and evil men—a really terrific book.

What book are you featuring today?

I’d like to feature The Amish Heiress, my soon to be published novel.  It’s It’s a different kind of story, but then I’m not exactly known in Amish circles as someone who writes a typical Amish novel. I think that’s because I read too many Zane Grey books when I was a kid. His books had adventure, mystery, and danger and as you can see, I still read them today. For those of you expecting a typical light-hearted romance dressed in Amish clothing, you will certainly find far more than that in this story, so be prepared. But Grey was also one of the best romance writers that ever put pen to paper and, in the end, good Amish fiction has to have romance, and plenty of it.  Here’s the back cover blurb for The Amish Heiress:

 Rachel Hershberger’s life in Paradise, Pennsylvania is far from happy.  Her papa struggles with a terrible event from the past and his emotional instability has created an irreparable breach between them.  Rachel’s one desire is to leave the Amish way of life and Paradise forever. Then her prayers are answered.  Rachel discovers that the strange, key-shaped red birthmark above her heart identifies her as the heir to a vast fortune left by her Englischer grandfather, Robert St. Clair.  If Rachel will marry a suitable descendent of the St. Clair family she will inherit an enormous sum of money. But Rachel does not know that behind the scenes is her long dead grandfather's sister-in-law, Augusta St. Clair, a vicious woman who will do anything to keep the fortune in her own hands.  Augusta’s grandson, Gerald proposes marriage and Rachel, seeing a way out of the turmoil of her life, agrees.  At first everything seems perfect, but as the days pass, Rachel realizes that enormous wealth and a godless, loveless marriage will never compare to the plain ways of her people and the true love of a faithful Amish boy. And as the deceptions and intrigues of the St. Clair family bind her in their web, Rachel realizes that her change of heart may have come too late.

If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?

 In my new book, The Amish Heiress, the most important thought I want my readers to come away with is that the law does not save you, only Jesus saves you. The Bible tells us that 'Salvation Belongs To The Lord' - Ps 3:8. Yet, Christians believe that, after we are saved, we have to work to keep our salvation. The difference between 'religion' and the gospel of grace is that religion adds burdens by announcing that Jesus plus something equals everything while the gospel of grace absorbs burdens by announcing that Jesus plus nothing equals everything. Law feels safe. Grace feels risky. We often speak about grace with a thousand qualifications which reveal a paralyzing fear that grace will be taken too far.

About the Author:

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Author Bio:

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the western United States. In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. The books are historical Amish fiction and the first book, A Quilt for Jenna, was released February 1, 2013.  The second book in the series, The Road Home, was released September 1, 2013.  Book number three, Jenny’s Choice, came out February 1, 2014.  His current series is The Paradise Chronicles and the first book, The Amish Heiress, will be out in August, 2015. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency. Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in Idaho and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.

Where can readers find me online?

www.patrickecraig.com  (Webpage)
https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig (Facebook)
https://twitter.com/PatrickECraig (Twitter)
http://tinyurl.com/pn5rzf9  (LinkedIn)

Where can readers purchase the Apple Creek Dreams Series?

http://tinyurl.com/n6sfagg (Amazon)
http://tinyurl.com/ou2kb2y (Barnes & Noble)

The Amish Heiress will be available in August on Amazon, B&N and GoodReads.

Giveaway!

Patrick is giving away a paperback copy of "The Amish Heiress" to one lucky winner! To enter the giveaway, simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway ends 6/30. Good luck and happy reading!
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58 Comments
Anna Weaver Hurtt
6/23/2015 12:43:56 pm

Thanks so much for visiting the blog today, Patrick. Your book sounds excellent... Can't wait to get the chance to read it! :)

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Patrick link
6/23/2015 02:49:39 pm

Thank you for the opportunity to share, Anna!

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Tammy Cordery
6/23/2015 01:10:32 pm

Love the book. Sounds like a great book to read.

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Melanie Backus
6/23/2015 01:27:35 pm

I am excited about this one. It sounds great! Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.

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Sunnie link
6/23/2015 01:50:59 pm

I have enjoyed all of Patrick's books. He style of writing is so engaging and I would love to read this wonderful book!

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Lynda E.
6/23/2015 02:16:35 pm

This sounds like a very different kind of Amish novel. Thanks for the interview and for the giveaway!

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Virginia Winfield link
6/23/2015 02:27:03 pm

I love your books. They are always really good.
Thereadmaster@me.com

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Patrick link
6/23/2015 03:09:55 pm

Thank you so much for the encouragement!

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Cindy
6/23/2015 02:32:34 pm

Sounds like a great book and I look forward to reading it. Thank you for stopping by the blog!

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Barbara Thompson
6/23/2015 03:02:42 pm

I enjoyed your interview. This book sounds wonderful. I have always enjoyed reading your books. Thank you for the opportunity of this giveaway.

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Patrick link
6/23/2015 03:09:08 pm

Thank you, Barbara!

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Terrill Rosado
6/23/2015 06:55:05 pm

Hello, Mr. Patrick Craig. This is funny to me, but I only recently realized Zane Grey was also know for romance in his books. As a child, my grandmother was always reading a Zane Grey novel. I had pegged them as westerns with cowboys and natives (as any child would.) My grandma was a sly one. :)

And, Wow, does The Amish Heiress sound amazing. I just read my first Amish book about a month ago (Leslie Gould's Amish Promises) and prefer atypical romances. It's already on my TBR list.

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Patrick link
6/23/2015 10:51:16 pm

Yes Terrill, Grey writes wonderful romance, bull of manly men and feminine women, honor, nobility, and grace—everything that real romance should be about.

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Terrill Rosado
6/29/2015 05:48:16 am

I am going to seek one of Grey's books out and read it as an homage to my Grandma. Who knows? Maybe I'll get hooked.

Anne Rightler
6/23/2015 08:18:43 pm

Your new book sounds like a good read. I'd love to be a winner. Thank you for sharing in the interview and for sharing your talent!

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Becky Montague
6/23/2015 08:41:38 pm

I am looking forward to reading this book! I have enjoyed your previous books so I know this one will be just as terrific!

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amyc
6/23/2015 08:51:33 pm

Thank you so much for this fabulous post! I love learning more about Patrick.

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teri raschka
6/23/2015 08:56:50 pm

Ty,I would love to have a book of yours signed and sent to me

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Angie M
6/23/2015 09:15:56 pm

Thank you for such a fun giveaway!!!

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Ellen Wycuff
6/23/2015 10:01:07 pm

Interesting interview, thanks for giving us a chance to win

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Deanne Patterson
6/23/2015 10:03:02 pm

I absolutely love Amish books. I started out reading them years ago when I discovered Beverly Lewis. I had always thought of Amish books as something a woman would write but then I discovered Jerry Eicher books and also Ervin Stutzman. I enjoyed their books immensly ! I have not read any of your books but I am really looking forward to reading your latest book ! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity !

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Juanita Cook
6/23/2015 10:24:58 pm

Thanks for a chance to win your new book.

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Patrick link
6/24/2015 02:00:17 am

Hi, Juanita! Good luck!

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Jody Rigle
6/23/2015 10:28:25 pm

I so look forward to reading your new book!!! I love that your Amish books are different than the others. It keeps me coming back!!!

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AnnaLee Conti link
6/23/2015 10:41:38 pm

Patrick's new book interests me. My LeFevre ancestors, French Huguenots looking for religious freedom, were the first white settlers in Lancaster County. They named their settlement "Paradise," because they had finally found a place where they could worship God freely. Today, a monument to Isaac LeFevre stands near the railroad in Paradise. Incidentally, my mother was born in a house just outside of Paradise. She used to say, "Someday I'll make it in." She went to her eternal Paradise 3 years ago. My grandmother was born and raised in Strasburg, PA, and I have visited relatives in Lancaster County many times. We are a family of authors. I love Amish fiction.

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Patrick link
6/23/2015 10:59:43 pm

AnnaLee,
The Huguenots started coming to America after the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572. The Amish began coming 100 years later. After William Penn bought Pennsylvania from the English, he traveled to Europe seeking settlers. The people most interested in coming were the Anabaptists and the Huguenots, because at the time they were both still facing terrible persecution—not only from the secular authorities but from both the Catholic and the Protestant churches. A large group of Amish came to Lancaster in 1720 and spread west from there.

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Wendy Newcomb link
6/23/2015 11:06:04 pm

I would love to win a copy of Patrick's newest book. Thank you for opportunity to win a copy.

wfnren at aol dot com

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Beth C
6/23/2015 11:14:14 pm

I have been waiting for this book! I have read all the Apple Creek Dreams books and really look forward to this new book.

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DK Stevens
6/23/2015 11:20:38 pm

Haven't read any of your books but after today's interview I'd sure like too. Love Amish books :)

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kim amundsen
6/23/2015 11:35:03 pm

Looks like a good book.

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Susan Floyd Fletcher
6/23/2015 11:57:30 pm

I love giveaways when it involves my favorite genre - Amish Christian fiction. Thanks for all you do! This books sounds wonderful!
susanlulu@yahoo.com

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jane Ritz
6/24/2015 12:31:17 am

Patrick's books are awesome. I've enjoyed everyone I've read.

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Alicia link
6/24/2015 12:50:27 am

This sounds like such an interesting read! Thanks for visiting Anna today - I enjoyed "getting to know you".

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Sally Davison
6/24/2015 12:58:52 am

Nice giveaway, your books sounds very good.

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Emma
6/24/2015 12:59:37 am

this book sounds wonderful. I am looking forward to reading "The Amish Heiress."Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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Patty
6/24/2015 01:49:57 am

I'm not familiar with Patrick's writing, but this sounds intriguing!

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Mary Hake
6/24/2015 02:19:10 am

I enjoy Amish stories and am glad to review books.

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Becky Dempsey
6/24/2015 03:14:37 am

That is so intriguing and nothing like I've read before.

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Karen Hadley link
6/24/2015 05:05:08 am

This sounds like a I can't put it down book and I really enjoy them.

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Karen G
6/24/2015 08:36:09 am

Looking forward to reading another great book by Patrick Craig. Loved his other books.

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Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez link
6/24/2015 09:55:34 am

What an interesting read! I'd love to read and review it! ;) And I also LOVE your Bible verse choice! That is one of my favorites!

Sincerely,
Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

Reply
Patrick link
6/25/2015 12:10:30 am

Amada, I am still looking for ARC reviewers. If you would like to review The Amish Heiress contact me at pec@patrickecraig.com.

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Elaine Shorb
6/24/2015 01:31:12 pm

Thank you for stopping by. I am looking forward to reading this book.

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Sydney Anderson link
6/26/2015 01:32:26 am

This sounds like a fun and inspiring novel. Thanks for providing this giveaway!

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Alaina
6/28/2015 12:44:32 pm

sounds like a good book

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Ann Badder
6/28/2015 01:03:34 pm

Thank you for the giveaway.

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Deana Dick
6/28/2015 01:14:30 pm

I loved the interview and especially discovered a new author to read. Your book sounds intriguing. Thanks for the chance to read your book

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Tina Whitney link
6/28/2015 01:41:50 pm

I would love to read your new book!! And of course I'll have to read your others soon!!

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Trixi O.
6/28/2015 02:11:49 pm

The verse you shared here, Patrick, is one that the Lord has been putting on my heart lately! I am learning to take everything to Him in prayer instead of worrying (or be anxious about). It's not always an easy task for me, but it's becoming a more natural response to life's twists & turns. And I have found that I have more peace in my heart :-) Thank you for the reminder!
Your interview was a great pleasure to read! Thank you for talking a little about yourself and your book. Blessings to you and yours!

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Virginia Winfield link
6/28/2015 07:26:00 pm

i love your books Patrick. Keep them coming.

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Patrick link
6/28/2015 10:58:38 pm

Thank you, Virginia!

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Cathy Lykens
6/28/2015 11:11:44 pm

Although Amish books are popular, I find few that show the true struggle with faith that many may face. I'd enjoy reading your book.

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Dorothy Niver
6/29/2015 03:36:10 am

I love reading these kind of stories. Thanks for the offer of free give away.

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Charlotte Sparks
6/29/2015 04:46:59 am

The book sounds intriguing, Is there a subject you would LIKE to write about, but haven't {yet}?

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Patrick link
6/29/2015 09:57:18 am

Yes, I want to write some westerns and I also have an idea for s romantic adventure series set in the era of the War of The Roses in England.

Reply
Alison G. Boss
6/29/2015 05:06:19 am

Your book description really captured my attention...definitely one I am adding to my "To Read" list! Thanks for the opportunity of this giveaway!!!

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Maxie Anderson
6/29/2015 05:43:19 pm

Hello Anna and Patrick. So glad to find you here Patrick. I remember when I was first on your blog, you was showing A Quilt for Jenny and I won it on your blog. wasn't ever lucky enough to win more tho. This sounds really good and I love the cover. I sure would love to be able to win this one. Can hope anyway. Thanks Anna for hosting Patrick and for a chance to win his new book. Maxie

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Maxie Anderson
6/29/2015 06:09:27 pm

Hi patrick. I'm really anxious to read your new book. Sure hope I can win it. Maxie

Reply



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    Inspirational author. Newbie Air Force wife. Jesus Follower. Recovering musician. Dachshund mama. Coffee addict. Book reviewer/giveaway-er.

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