UPDATE: This giveaway is now over. This giveaway was very exciting, and I had over 450 entries! So much fun! Random.org was used to select the winner. Congratulations to Brandie W.!
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought a post about how the Amish find a spouse would be a nice topic.
Amish typically get married around twenty to twenty-two years of age, but how did they find romance inside their conservative culture?
For generations the parents have had traditions in place to help the next generation find their mate. As important as this decision is, the parents aim to keep their opinions out of the mix and trust God to direct their adult children’s steps…as long as the prospective mate is from an Amish household.
The young people begin this journey during their rumschpringe, which usually begins at sixteen.
The word rumschpringe means running around, but there seems to be a lot of misinformation about it. The phrase indicates the difference between being young and running around to enjoy days of freedom and seeking a mate as opposed to being settled with a home and family to tend to.
Those writing about rumschpringe often imply that the Amish raise their children strictly, but when those children enter their rumschpringe, they let them run wild, allowing them to indulge freely in drinking, drugs, parties, sex, etc.
That is not true. Yes, some teens, regardless of how they’ve been raised, will break free of all their parents hold dear and act in unbecoming ways. This is true for Amish and non-Amish alike. Does that mean the parents throw open the door and encourage their children to sow their wild oats while they can? Of course not.
During my times of staying with the Old Order Amish, I’ve witnessed the parents allowing their teens to express their personalities. They give leeway for their energy and provide opportunities to bond with other Amish teens. Although the parents have large families and their days are spent trying to meet the needs of all their children, they do a remarkable job of providing guidance and protection for those in their time of rumschpringe.
One of the main social events young Amish men and women enjoy is the Sunday evening singings. Amish teens begin attending at the age of 16. These singings can include Amish teens from many districts far and wide, and the events are adult-supervised. The parents who live on the property and the ones who’ve come to help out will stay seated during the singing until the good-bye song begins. Then they set out the baked goods and drinks.
It’s a great way to fellowship and to have romance spark between young people.
If an unattached young man and woman meet for the first time during one of these gatherings, or if two young people who already know each other begin to feel an attraction, the man will ask to drive her home (in his buggy). Even if a non-Amish driver brought a load of Amish from a district far away, the Amish are usually dropped off at a friend or cousin’s house so that they can drive a buggy to the event. If they enjoy each other’s company, he will begin picking her up and taking her home from future gatherings. If either of them has siblings who are married, they’ll visit that couple while dating/courting.
The parents of the young couple may or may not know they’re seeing each other. Couples often enjoy keeping their relationship a secret.
Click here if you’d like to read about what an Amish bride wears on her wedding day and what a typical Amish wedding looks like.
In years past, Amish couples did not take a honeymoon away from the community. They usually spent the first several months of married life visiting the homes of folks who came to their wedding. Some couples today hire an Englisch driver to take them somewhere special for a few days—Niagara Falls is a favorite. One young couple I know hired a driver and took a trip out west to see the Grand Canyon.
After marriage, if a couple can’t afford a place of their own, they may move in with either the bride’s parents or the groom’s, depending on which home has the most space. Or they might stay in a room above a carriage shop or rent a garage apartment of a non-Amish neighbor, or a small home on someone’s farm.
The fresh-shaven face of the groom before the wedding won’t remain smooth after the wedding. In accordance with the Ordnung, unmarried men keep their faces shaven, but once a man is married he begins to grow a beard. He will never shave it off, even if he becomes a widower. When there is a multi-district Amish event, a young woman doesn’t need to wonder if a man is married, or try to get close enough to spot a ring. His beard can be seen from quite a distance.
With great anticipation, the bride and groom’s family hopes the couple will be expecting by the following wedding season.
What is your notion of an ideal date? Where would you go?
Book Giveaway Results
I have the results of two giveaways to announce! Random.org was used to select each of the winners.
The first is the two winners of an autographed copy of Plain Wisdom: An Invitation Into An Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Congratulations to Donna Taylor and “tmhhherbelin!”
Congratulations also to Jenny Holdgrafer! She will receive her choice of either Heaven is for Real or Same Kind of Different As Me.
Ladies, please send your name and mailing address to cindy@cindywoodsmall.com to claim your book!
New Book Giveaway
If you would like to enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of A Season for Tending AND The Winnowing Season (books one and two in the Amish Vines and Orchards series), simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post on my website.
If you are reading this anywhere other than my website, such as on Facebook, in an email, or on Goodreads, please hop on over to my website (http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/2013/02/07/amish-dating/) and leave a comment at the bottom of my post to enter the giveaway.
Only comments left on this post on my website will be entered into the giveaway.
The deadline for this contest is Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at noon. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be contacted privately, as well as announced on next week’s post.
Both books will be shipped to the winner once I receive my author copies of The Winnowing Season.
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My favorite date is one that my husband and I do very often. We will drive to the top of Roan Mountain at night and take a basket of homemade goodies and sit and watch the stars and sometimes dance to the sounds of the night. Oh how I love that man and his wonderful romantic side!
Thanks for sharing that information! I did know about that, just from reading Amish novels. I love reading the Amish novels! Thanks for the great giveaway!! I would be thrilled to win!
I like reading books about Amish people. I would really enjoy reading these two books. Kathy M.
I loved reading about the singings and I would love to read your books. My ideal date would be a picnic by a lake.
i have a;; your books and enjoy each one, can;t wait to read your new ones
I really love readingabout the Amish people. There way of life is so refreshing. Their getting to know one another is so romantic. They live life the way we all should. Patricia Barnette. I would love to win.
Can’t wait for you new book to come out. Now if my newborn will just give me enough time to read it.
Maybe I will read it to her. We love to read books together.
Can’t wait to read The Winnowing Season. Love all your books!!
Cindy when a man becomes a widower and keeps his beard, how do others know, particularly from other districts, that he is available to marry?
Also, great post. I was very mis informed about the running around years.
I would love to win your books.
Would enjoy reading your latest book as I’ve enjoyed some of your others. Your blog is interesting as well.
I really enjoyed reading your blog today about how the Amish find spouses. I enjoy your books too.
I love your books. Can’t wait till the next one comes out
Love your books and your contests
A friend gave me one of your books last week to read and I finished it in 2 days! It was the first book I had read by you and I am hooked!!! I went to our church library yesterday to see if they had any of your books and there was a few so I am very excited to read more!!!! I am so intrigued by the way Amish people live and how people used to live prior to the 1900s. It is just so captivating! ~Brandie
The first of your books that I have read but really enjoyed it. I read a lot of Amish books and the love inspired series.
I truly enjoyed A Season for Tending, and I would really like to receive your next book of the series. Thank you.
The singings have always sounded like so much fun to me.
Oh, new books! Though, I will find a way to read them one way or another, I’d love to have the set.
Hi Cindy,
I have enjoyed reading books on Amish life having lived in Ohio and visited in Pennsylvania. The simple life seems more enticing the older I get! I had not read any of your books until recently when I found When the Heart Cries and When the Morning Comes in my local library – and now I’m hooked! Can’t wait to find When the Soul Mends. Your books are so soul searching and real – being a Christian Prayer Minister and Counselor – I love your insights into people’s hearts. Thank you for sharing your gift and encouraging others through your writing!
Leigh Strickland
leighchuckles@yahoo.com
Please choose me to win these books!!
I have already enjoyed several of your books and would love to read these
My experience: when you are the author of the book, it’s worth reading…! I would love to win the books!
I would love to read these books.
I love all your Amish books. I’m sure these two will be great reads too.
I would love to win these books. I love the ones I have read already
Love your books and how they bring the Amish life to the rest of us! ~ Ellen
Love reading your books. Would love to win one of your books! God Bless
I love Christian fiction and would love to win this contest.
I enjoy all of your books. I feel like I am really living in their lives when I can escape to read a few pages before bedtime! We live about 45 mins. from an amish community. My family always looks forward to a day trip there to shop and site see. The Amish have such a peaceful life and they seem so genuine, everyone could learn something from them…if you can’t visit an Amish community you should read a Cindy book!!!! Thank you for sharing your talents with the literary world. Faithful reader I am, Regina Lippert Drebenstedt
I love your books. I would like to win!
Thank-you for all the work that you so to get these wonderful books out to us. I enjoy them so much and get so many inspirational thoughts from them!! Again thank-you!!
I love reading books about the Amish. Cindy Woodsmall’s books are always great stories filled with accurate Amish facts. It is very easy to get lost in her stories
This is another exciting chance to win your books. Oh, how we love to be given the opportunity. Thank you!! Your books are wonderful!!!
Would so love to win to add to my others. Love to read them all.
I LOVE READING YOUR BOOKS AND WHEN I DONE I PASS THEM TO MY DAUGHTER THEN SHE GIVE THEM TO HER DAUGHTER SHE CARE TO HER CHURCH. THE LADY THEIR GET THEM.
Thank you for the information above, I was a little familiar with some of it because of the books I read by you. May God continue to bless you in your writing talent. You bring joy and great source of information about the Amish. I truly enjoy your books.
I enjoy reading the books about the Amish. I have read quite a few by different authors including Cindy Woodsmall. It is refreshing not to have to read worldly books. Hope I win!
i love Amish books in fact they are my favorite to read. Cindy’s books are really good on describing how the Amish live and understand what they believe. i can’t wait to read these next tow. keep them coming Cindy
I can’t wait to read the second book!! A season for tending is one of my favorites.
I thought “Season for Tending” was your best book yet, so I can’t WAIT to read “The Winnowing Season!” What a gift you are to those of us who love Amish Fiction. Thank you, Cindy!
I enjoy your writing. You show compassion….grace and humorous in your books. I would so love to read the next two books. This would be a great birthday present as my birthday is 2.18.
God bless.
I love your books! Great to get away to a simpler time
I would love to enter! These are your only two books that I haven’t read yet, so this would is the perfect giveaway for me!
Love all your books!!
Books! ! ! I love to read! ! !
Love your books! Thanks for the chance to enter another great giveaway.
Your books are the greatest. I have quite a few of your booksin my library. Thanks so much for the chance to enter this ocntest..
I would love to win a copy of your books! Thank you for the chance to enter to win!
My name is Marion Lalonde and I live in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. I have read some of your books Cindy and you have quickly become one of my favorite authors! I would love to win your books so thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us! God bless you.
Enjoyed the article and would like to win both books.
Very interesting post. I have been wanting these books for awhile and to win them would be perfect. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Oh, I’m so in love with this give-away! It would be beyond fantastic to win! Thank you for the opportunity!
God Bless
Susan Ferrell
I love reading about the Amish. I don’t have any of your books but my daughter in-law does and I read all she had when I was there in May 2012. Love them.
I HAVE ALL YOUR BOOKS AND WOULD LOVE TO WIN THESE BOOKS. I LOVE ALL YOUR BOOKS. I HAVE QUITE A COLLECTION. THANKS FOR WRITING SUCH INTERESTING STORIES. I GREW UP IN AMISH COUNTRY IN PA SO I AM FAMILIAR WITH SOME OF THEIR WAYS.
I love your books! It would be great to win these two!
Hmm, an ideal date? Anything other than a trip to Costco together (our usual fare) would suffice. Maybe I can console myself with a couple of new books?!
lovethe giveaways thank you!
I enjoy reading about the Amish ways of life and truly enjoy your books.
Enjoyed reading the article on how the Amish choose their mates. Thanks Cindy for giving us a glimps into their lives.
I enjoy stories about the Amish people. I’m currently reading one by Wanda Brunstetter and would love to read Cindy’s
two new ones next!
Love your books, always read them as soon as I can
Love your books. I read Season of tending and loved it. I can’t wait to read the Winnowing.
I love your books!!!!! What a blessing you are!
Can’t wait to read!!!
Enjoy each of your books. Your a blessing. Thanks so much:)
Have been reading a lot of books by Beverly Lewis. Love the writings and would love to win and read these as well. Denise
Love your books and would love to win. Thanks.
Wow! The Amish have some interesting ways. You bring out so many of their ways in your books. I enjoy them. Can’t wait til the next one!
Thanks for having this contest. I love all your books! Janice
i love amish books and i would love to win. i was adopted by people that was a closeness to the amish, lower light holiness i went to a camp meeying that had all three amish, minnonites and lower light holiness there so i feel somewhat close
My husband and I did quite a bit of hiking while we were courting. Although we aren’t Amish, we were college students, and neither of us could afford a car. We often took long walks into the woods nearby our college. It was a great opportunity to enjoy creation, get to know each other, and enjoy soe recreation, without breaking our budgets.
I think the Amish courting traditions are very cool. What could be more romantic than a buggy ride under the stars?
Heidi Barrett
I loved A Season For Tending and am looking forward to reading The Winnowing Season!
A quiet picnic at the lake.
I love reading and learning more about the Amish. Thank you for the chance to win.
Thanks for the story. I’ve always loved reading about the Amish. I would love to win!!!
I would LOVE to win these books. Love me some Cindy Woodsmall.
Would love to win one of your books!
YEAH!! I’d love to win!!
Looks like two great books to read. Even better to win them!
This is awesome…. I need to win..
I would love to win!!! I live very near Amish communities and have gotten to know quite a few. I’m always interesting in learning more about their customs.
I would love to win these books! Ty
Cindy, I have loved your books since I first read your first book several years ago. I was lucky enough to meet you a few years ago at eh Barnes and Noble at Opry Mills in Nashville. Sadly that store is not longer there.
Thanks for becoming a writer, you brighten my days.
I loved, loved, LOVED Season for Tending and can’t wait to read The Winnowing Season.
I’m excited to jump in and get reading! Thanks for the great article and the contest!
Love reading your books!
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net
I and my book club have loved your books thus far, and I know these will have us enjoying them the same! Can’t wait!
BARB
I love reading all of your books and can’t wait to read these. Keep up the good writing.
Looking forward to reading your new books.
I have just started reading the books on the amish and love them .please enter me in the contest to win the 2 new books
Thanks for the great giveaways & have a wonderful weekend!
Can’t wait to read them, looks likes some some fun adventures to read.
Can’t wait to read these new books…I’m such a fan.
I would love to have copies of the new books. I can not wait to start reading them
Would love to win the books!
Would love to win! I really enjoy your books.
Winning is a blessing! Looking forward to the chance…….
It is very interesting learning about different lifestyles. Love your books.
Winning would be fun
I love reading your books and am looking forward to the Winnowing Season!!
fI would love to have your books. I have loved each series and I am ready for another one…your books always teach me something about myself…
Thank you for your giveaway. I would like to have my name entered for the drawing. I enjoyed this post. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
I love Amish books. I love learning about their faith and their lifestyle. I would really like to win your books !!
Would love to win these as I love your books. Thank you for the chance. God bless you, as you continue to bless us.
Would like 2 win
I really enjoy your books.
Enter my name please. Love Amish fiction.
I would love to win your books .I dont win much of these contests,so sometimes I give up trying.
I think the idea of singings and buggy rides is very romantic. It would be so special.
I would love to win your new books!!!
rjackson7@att.net
I would love to win these interesting books. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’ve enjoyed your books. Thanks for keeping them “real” to the Amish community.
Enter me please…thanks!!!
Interesting article. Would love to win the books!
I would love to have these books!
I would love an opportunity to win, Cindy. I”ve loved your other books.
PLEASE keep the books coming. You are a great author!
Great article thanks
I have enjoyed reading your books Looking forward to the new ones.
Thank you for the chance to win these. Love your books.
I have read all your books as has my 93 yr old mother. Amish books are her favorite.
i have read so many Amish books.. I love them all and I really admire their traditions and their way of helping each other through hardships, etc .. and what a lovely way to mmet a mate.. it’s too bad that it is not that simple outside the Amish community.. Would love to win your books.. god bless & keep on writing.. I soo look forward to each new one.
I love your books. Would love to win these
Very interesting post–I especially appreciated that you defined the rumschpringe for us as I had some misconceptions about it, too.
Love Amish books.
I would love these! I enjoy reading about the Amish!
love your books — can’t wait to read the newest ones
callie bee 852
Thank you for posting this giveaway and for all your books about Amish life. I would love to win these books. God Bless you and keep you writing for the rest of us.
Cindy I love all your books Can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you for sharing with us. Love your books!
I love reading about the Amish and love your books. I have read all of yours. I would love to win these books.
~Marty Enslin
This was really interesting. Thanks for telling us how it works among the Amish. : ) Looking forward very much to The Winnowing Season!
Its nice how you have give aways thank you for sharing and HAVE a very HAppy Valentines day *S*
Can’t wait to read these two books. Bought the third but couldn’t find the first two–so I have to wait for them so I can read the series. I’m strange that way– have to read the series in sequence.
gometimes i think you write to slow or i read to fast. just waiting tor your next book.
I love your books and would absolutely be thrilled to receive these two new ones. I don’t have a lot of money for entertainment so the library is my source for books and not always the best source! Thank you!
Can’t wait to read both of these!
I can’t wait to read the second book “Winnowing Season”.
Big Fan of yours Cindy!
I would love to read these two books!
I enjoy Amish fiction and yours especially. Here’s hoping to be a winner of the giveaway. Blessings to you for sharing your talent.
Anne Rightler
I would love having such a book in my shelve
Cindy, you are awonderful author. Your books have me right there in the amish communities you write about. You are truly blessed with a special gift.
I would love to get a copy of The Winnowing Season. A Season for Tending was great and I can’t wait to read the next!
I would love to have such a book in my selves.. Here I am cindy…
would like to win these for my wife to read, she loves your books
Thanks for sharing the story of how Amish find a partner! I love reading your books! Marilyn nelson4him@gmail.com
Would love to win these books..I enjoy reading your books
Love your writing and would sure enjoy winning. Keep writing. God bless
Would love to win. Love Cindy Woodsmall books.
I would love to win, Amish fiction is my favorite.
Loved a Season of Tending and looking forward to reading Winnowing Season.
Always look forward to reading your books, don’t have any of my own but check them out at the Laurel County Public Library in London, KY. By the way I work at the Library and I order the Christian Fiction so your books will always be there not only for me but for the patrons. But it would be nice to have some of my own. God bless you
Can’t wait to start reading book 2
I love all your books
Very interesting & sweet!
I love your books, and I find the amish fascinating
joyofchrist777@gmail.com
Love your books!
I would love to win Cindy!
I would love to see an Amish wedding .
Amish weddings sound so interesting. I love the simplicity and the traditions.
I’d love to win!
I would so much love to read this books, please pick me cause your books are great
Jcisforme@aol.com
Thank you for another fun giveaway!
I would love to win these books. I always enjoy reading your books.
I would love to read these books and winning them would be so sweet!
Please enter me to win!
Would love to win…I love your books
Ruth Arquitt
ruttie77@gmail.com
I would love to be the winner odf these two books!
Love your books!!! I can not wait to read The Winnowing Season!
Hope I win. Thanks for the opportunity.
Got my fingers crossed!
Wud so love to win those books I love ur books!
Would love to win!!!
I love your style of writing inever want to put the book down. keep them coming. i am excited to win these two books
Would love to win these books. I love them all!
Cindy, I love your books. I not up to date with all of them yet but will as I can afford them. They are awesome
Love reading your books, Cindy.. and your web site. it is always so informative. love it…
Really enjoy your books Would love some easy to make recipes from the Amish
Sure would love to win….just once in a life time. Especially my favorite reading material…Your books!!!
I am an avid reader, I have many of your books along with many others in my library. I always love finding books I have not read in the past. I pass them on to family and friends to read. I have also donated a number of books to our church Library .
I would very much love to receive these books.
I
I would love a chance to win! My favorite books to read are Amish fiction! I am fascinated with their lifestyle and enjoy learning more about their language and customs. I also enjoy the recipes and eating in an Amish restaurant.
I live close to Holmes County Ohio, so I know a lot about the Amish. Enjoy reading your books, always factual.
I loved reading the first book in this series and love reading books by this author.
I would enjoy reading these books. Pick me!
I love reading your books. I had stopped reading for awhile, but now I am back at it and reading all the time.
I love your books, Cindy.
Loved the first book can not wait to read book two
I really enjoyed this article and would love to win these books…thanks
This is the first time I have visited your site. I grew up in northern DE and we often went to Lancaster, PA to have some delicious Amish cooking and visit their sales. My son went to Lancaster Bible College in the midst of Amish country and made several Amish friends. I have always been interested in Amish culture and I find the things you write about very interesting. I would love to have and read the two books you are giving away to add them to growing collection of Amish reading materal.
Thanks for this awesome giveaway, Cindy!
Would love to win these two books: love reading about the Amish. The topic of these two sounds fascinating. Thank You.
I would love to win..
Would love a chance to win these books… all your books are a very fun and interesting read
I would love to win Cindy’s books. thanks for a chance with this giveaway.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
I would love to win.
love your books thanks for the giveaway. I love reading how Amish find there spouce fun read. thanks
Hi – I’d love to win your beautiful books. I so enjoy reading fun stories about Amish families. One day, it’s my wish and desire to get to know an Amish family and learn from them. Their gentleness is something we can all benefit from. There response in dealing with the Nickel Mine tragedy was inspirational. How encouraging to learn better ways to deal with all the tragedies that enter our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Also, in reading your book, Plain Wisdom, with Miriam Flaud, I so enjoy the recipes printed and plan to try the Overnight Blueberry French Toast soon, as well as several others. Take care and see you on Facebook!
Great books, looking forward to reading the new ones. Thanks for the opportunity!
From the time I read When the Heart Cries that I found in a half price book store, I have waited for each book to come out. Would love to win these two.
I enjoyed reading about young Amish and how they find spouses. It sounds so much nicer than computer dating and such. I would love to win your books.
I love your books and enjoyed A Season for Tending and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
I Alwys enjoy a good read, and I’m very interested in learning more about the Amish. I find their simple way of life very interesting, and think it is great how they really show what their faith means to them!
I just finished the “Ada’s House Series” and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to see a fourth book in the series and “see” how the characters are doing. I love your writing and look forward to reading more about the Amish community.
I would absolutely love to win these books! All your books sound like great reads!
These books look great!!! Thanks for the chance to win
– Darcy
I’m way past dating(married 15 years), but just the two of us in a cabin on a lake, with nowhere to go and nothing to do.. wouldn’t that be nice? Just forget the world for a couple of days.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your books, and reviewing them. God gave you a great gift!
Maureen
alekee02atyahoodotcom
Can’t wait to read this new series!!
First I would love to win your books. Second my ideal first date would be the one I had with my now husband. We met on eharmony and went to the former minor league baseball team in Portland, OR the Rockies. It was casual and allowed us to talk. My husband didn’t even try to hold my hand on our first date, but he did put peanut shells in my tennis shoe, my kind of fun and romance.
Thrilled to have an opportunity to receive one of your books. Thank you for your generous spirit.
My dating years are far over, but back when I was a young country girl, we might do dinner/movie or go mud’ing in a 4 wheel drive pick up with a bunch of other teenagers. I’ve also been on picnics. Simple is the ideal date for me. Having time to talk and get to know each other.
I will keep trying and one day it will pay off. I love your books.
Love your writing! Would love to read these two titles!
i love your books just finished reading the first 2 of the sisters of the quilt series now to find book 3 i am interested in all things amish and we even used pathway readers for 3 years in our home school these are the same books the amish school kids use. they were great a pack full of good stories, morals and values.
I would love to win either of those books. Once when visiting Lancaster, PA, I had the opportunity to visit a play about an Amish Wedding. I believe the theater was in an old Presbyterian Church in Strasburg, PA. I am not quite sure. We did several things on that trip, but it was a dinner theater and was well worth the trip. Loved the play! The church had a history of the Underground Railroad behind or, or so we were told. Very interesting!
I like your books and enjoy learning more about the Amish
You write such wonderful books.I love to read about the Amish.My neighbors and I exchange Amish books all the time.I hope I can win one of these books.Thanks for your great stories.Happy Valentines Day.
I love your books and am excited for a new series!
I love your books and am really looking forward to reading these new series. I will keep my fingers crossed. lol
I don’t really have an ideal date but I think the closest would be, a picnic and maybe some fishing by a high mountain lake with no people around except us.
Jasmine A.
montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com
Never turn down an opportunity to read a good book! Thank you for sharing your God given gift to write.
Ich besitze alle Ihrer Bücher, die in Deutschland publiziert sind. Ich liebe die Geschichten über amische Familien. Gerne würde ich eines Ihrer signierten Bücher gewinnen, um es in englisch zu lesen.
Hi Cindy, I love reading your books and I would love to win the books you’re offering now.
I love your books, the Amish are so interesting.
Would love to win these. I am a big fan of your books.
Cindy,
Thanks again for another wonderful opportunity to win not only 1, but 2 of your books. I really enjoy the novels you write and would love to keep adding to my Amish fiction library.
Blessings,
Kristin J
Here I am again and I need some new books!!!! Thank you for you generousity! tswilliams552@aol.com Sue Williams
Have you ever seen an Amish wedding? Thank you for writing…….I love the stories based family and faith.
I love your books.
Cindy, I so enjoy reading your books! Books are such a big part of my life; I’d be lost without them. With so many books out today its sometimes hard knowing which are good and which aren’t good. With your books I never have to ask myself that question. I’ve enjoyed each of your books that I have read, therefore, I don’t have to hesitate when I see a new book of yours…I know I’ll enjoy it!!
Yes, I’d love to win these books. Thank you for this opportunity!
Tracey
These sound like great books!
You are blessed with an amazing gift! Love your books.
I’d love to win these books. I love your books! Just can’t support my reading habit without winning a few!
Love your books. Would love to receive copies of these.
Would love to read your books!
Love your books, very touching.
Wenddie Mikulcik
lovingmy3monkeys@yahoo.com
Your books are very inspiring.
i really & truly do love reading your books mrs. woodsmall. it change my point of view on how people are different from one & another. it clearly open my eyes & heart! keep up the good work!
Love your books! Anxiously waiting the release of your next book ” The Winnowing Season”. Absolutley loved the first book.
I would love to win these books, they look good. Thanks for the chance.
I love to read about Amish customs.
Awesome blog post!
I’d love to win a copy of these books!!!!
I would love to wiin a copy of the books: copy of A Season for Tending AND The Winnowing Season (books one and two in the Amish Vines and Orchards series). I will be waiting with anticipataion to receiving these books.
Please accept my entry in this wonderful giveaway. I would be thrilled to add them to my collection. Thank you
Cindy– Please enter me in your contest for the 2 book giveaway. i would LOVe to have a couple of your books to read, to help me make it thru this winter in Michigan……….. Thanx !
I love your books and I would love to read these!
I would love to read these! Thank you for entering me in your giveaway.
I love your books.
I would love to win! I love her writings!
I enjoy these books a lot!! I would really love to win a book!
I luv the stories of the Amish, such a simple yet hard way to live but so refresing. I’d love to win one of your books
I love reading Amish fiction – would love to win your books!
Good article. I would love to win these books.
I love reading your books, nothing like being curled with a blanket and a good book& cup of Folgers!
I think the buggy rides are a romantic part of Amish courting.
I’d really love to win these books. I am a huge fan of Amish fiction. My ideal date is a nice dinner at a quiet place with good food…..and either a nice drive in the country (if it’s the time of year it’s still light outside in the evening) and maybe a stop for some dessert on the way home.
I enjoy reading your books.
Thanks for a very I formative and interesting article. It was enjoyable reading.
I would love to win A Season for Tending and The Winnowing Season! Thank you for the opportunity to win them. I love reading Amish fiction.
ibakecakes4you@AOL.com
I’ve not read any books in this new series, thanks for the chance to win!
Cindy I so love reading your books.
I would be honored to win these to books of yours to read.
I am an Amish book junkie.
CherylB1987@hotmail:disqus .com
Love your books!
I enjoy reading the information you provide on the Amish way of life. I’d love to win a book!
I love reading your books! They touch me in many ways. I would love to win these books!!!
Would really love to win these books and be able read them. I have read a couple of yours and they were really good.
Please enter me .Love your books Kim Ralston ralstonsweets@yahoo.com
Would really love to read these books. I love your books.
Really enjoy eading your books and am always looking forward to your next one!
I’m so glad our library keeps a good supply of Amish books, including yours. Would love to win.
I love your writing and would love to win a book of yours!
Have never read any of your books. Would love to win to begin reading.
I have would like to win these books. I have read many others that you’ve written and enjoy them so much!!!! Jean Wengerd
I love reading about the lives of Amish, and you do such a good job of depicting that. I would love to win these books.
I really enjoy your books. I would love to win either of these as I haven’t read either one yet. :D
I cannot wait for winnowing! Not sure why my comment below doesn’t show my contact info so I logged in and tried again
Mrs Cindy this is Ida’s husband Norman typing this. Ida loves to read about the Amish. she reads the books at night before she goes to sleep,and she read to our pet before he passed away. our date would be eating a good homecook meal and reading a book aloud to each other (an Amish book or the Holy Bible).my email is hankaudrey01@gmail.com. thanks for listening Norman Davis
Would love to win these, love Cindy’s books. Thanks,
I can’t wait for Winnowing!!!
Loved the article.. would love to win and read the books!
Would love to win! Thanks!
I love to read Amish books
I just finished reading book 1 from the library. I would love to win it, and the 2nd one!
Interesting article. I would love to win your books!
I really enjoy your books. Have a good day! -
I love all of your books. Can’t wait to read these.
Just got Plain Wisdom to read and waiting for The Bridge of Peace. Looking forward to more of your books (started with Sisters of the Quilt).
Would love to have these books and share with friends.
to answer the question in the post , my ideal date depends on the mood . It could be anything from dinner and a movie out to pizza and watching tv on saturday night . Just depends .
Love your books can’t wait for the next one to come out .
Would love to win!
Love your books!! Can’t wait to read the new ones!! :)
would love to win the books, cant wait to read them. tammymom@iwon.com
While I can’t say that would be my ideal date, I appreciate the traditions they maintain. I would love to read these two!
I absolutely love the fresh, spring look of the covers of both these books. I enjoyed reading about Amish courtship and thinking back to how we “Englisher” young days were. That was a few years ago – lol. Smiles for a beautiful day.
Looking forward to reading your new series! The spring backgrounds look good, too, especially on this winter day
I love your writing and story lines. I hope I am the lucky winner! luvsherfam @ gmail dot com
Cindy i am typing this for my wife Ida. she doesn’t know I am doing this.she loves yalls books and she loves Amish. She sits in bed at night and she wont put the book down til she finished it. her favorite date is going out to eat and going to a movie. Ida used to read to our pet til he passed away in january of this year. I know that sounds crazy but it is true.
Love all your books!
Love reading amish fiction and mysteries. Thanks for the contest!
I love your Amish facts!
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
luvs2read4fun@gmail.com
I enjoyed the above explanation of how the Amish find their spouses. I like the aspect of them keeping it a secret! I can’t wait to read these books.
Absolutely love your books. Visited Holmes County in Ohio and was hooked on reading every book I could about the Amish.
I have been reading Amish books for 3 years and can not put them down when I start any of them. You books are so great, they make you feel like you know the people in them and like you are right there Thank you
love ur books and all ur emails and blog!!! hugs from west virginia
Love your books.
I love all your books and look forward to the latest release….I even mark it on my calendar!
Cant wait to read the 2 nd book
Weddings are so exciting! Thanks for going with a Valentine’s theme! : )
mickinakm@gmail.com
I can’t wait to read them.
I would love to win this…and read those books on a snowy cold day like this!
Would love to win these books. I love Cindy’s books…thanks for the chance. angadair(at)nwcable(dot)net
Thank you Cindy for this wonderful opportunity. I’d love to win these books and I know so many others want to win too. I’ll be crossing my fingers and toes that I’m the lucky one. :)
Love your books and blogs!
Thank you for your books and for your author information and stories
LOve your books!!
Interesting post. Thanks
Can’t wait to read!
Monica.Greer@usmc.mil
thanks for the above writing…most I knew from readings.. but there was some clarification of some info there also. Enjoy reading your books.
Amish Fiction is my favorite books to read! I have read most of your books! When I read its almost like I can become one of the characters, like I am right there! Hope to win! Thank you for writing
I would love to win a couple of your books! Thank you for this giveaway!
Love your books! I can’t wait for the next one!
yes i would like to win these book love reading your books
I am currently reading A Season of Tending. If I was amish my ideal date would be going to a signing then riding home with my bf on a slow cozy buggy ride!
This would be wonderful. I love your books. (My Mom always buys them and then she “Passes” them to me)
I love reading about the Amish….hope I win!
I love reading about the Amish…hope I win!
Enter me. Maybe I’ll get lucky !! Happy Valentines Day to ALL!
Love reading your books! Would love to win! Thanks for the nice chance to try to win!
I can never wait to get the next book on your series!!! I love you, Cindy!!!
one of these days, it’ll be my turn
Love your giveaways!
Tsthis looks like a great series!
I would love to be the winner of these very fine books!!!!
This looks like a great giveaway.
enter me i love your books
Thank you for writing more and the opportunity to win a copy to keep us warm up here in snowville.
My husband and I have five children, so anytime we get time to ourselves feels like a date. I would love to win these books.
I love your books!
Thank you for the giveaway!
I enjoyed your article as well.
Love, love, love your books.
I have been waiting for your new books! I am so excites to read them!!
Love reading your books…I look forward to The Winnowing Season.
Thanks!
Love to win…Love these books!
I enjoy reading your books AND your blogs! Keep ‘em coming!
I love reading your books – and your insight on the Amish lifestyle in your blogs.
Love your books and have been wanting to read book 2 in that series!!
jdb8420@aol.com
I have always loved to read & I just had my 65th birthday so have been reading for pure pleasure for a long time. I love all Amish centered books. I am so glad there are many authors who write about them. Thank you Cindy.
Love your books.
Have always loved Amish fiction… Look forward to a chance to win a couple of your books!
This would be a great read!! My wife loves your books!!
Love your books!!
great giveaway!
Loved the post above and would love to have these books to read. I enjoy your books!
I haven’t read these books of yours, and I would love to win them! I really enjoy your books, and I have read most of them! Thanks for the great giveaway!!
Would love to win these. Love, love. love, your books. I enjoy reading about the Amish as well. Thanks and keep them coming.
I would love to go to the park or a long walk on the beach followed by an intimate dinner in a small local place.
Thx for the invitation, i love to win the books. But i wil rather wait untill in the neterlands the books were translated. It’s easier for me to read in my own language.
And it takes a while before your books are available in the Netherlands, but i am looking forward to it
Keep on writing, every book is a gift
I’d love to win!
please enter me
Love your books! I would live to win these!
I would love to win these books!
I enjoy all your books Cindy. I’m a big fan of Amish fiction and love my trips to Lancaster. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift of writing to one of your fans who is an avid reader.
My favortie books have to do with Amish romance. I find novels about the Amish so refreshing in that they are not filled with sex and violence but I am drawn into the courting and romance of the couple the story is about. It makes me wish we could go back to the days where like was not as rushed. A more simple time where young men were respectful of women and of their parents to ask to court them and women respected themselves. Thanks to you and other authors I can read wholesome books.
I love to read about the Amish. I would love to win a book. Sherry Hatfield
I love learning about the Amish ways.
Would love to win these books.
Thanks for the chance.
Wilma .
Thank you for chance. My ideal night out is dinner, a stop by a store, etc
I love reading your books!When I start reading I can!t put it down,will love to win but if not I will continue to buy them.
Another great give away. These are awesome books.
After almost 30 years of marriage and the raising of 3 amazing children, my husband and I finally get to go on dates. There was never enough time or money over the years. We never took vacations, saved time and money to do things that the children wanted to do. Now that they are all grown, our idea of a date is to jump in the car and head to Lancaster PA. We never stay longer than a couple days. Being amongst the Amish, their farms is just so relaxing to us. There are many places that we could go, but would much rather be there. A couple days in Lancaster does more for our marriage and our peace of mind. If it were not for my love of Amish books, I don’t know if we would ever known so much joy. Thank You and god bless
I would love to win these books!
I would love to win this.
Love your books! Would so enjoy both of these. Read “A Season for Tending”, and can’t wait for “The Winnowing Season” to come out!
I love your books….you draw me in and I feel like I know these people when I am done reading them. I find the Amish fascinating and my daughter Faith and I have taken a trip ( just us girls) to Bird in Hand and we loved it!! We stayed in a little cottage called the Dawdi Haus run by a former Amish couple! Such a great time for us two Amish enthusiats.
I would love to win both books! I love your writing.
I Love your books! I was reading a bit about the Amish weddings….it is very interesting that, even though, it is simple….it is also beautiful. Please enter me into the contest…I would really love to win
strgth4yu@hotmail.com
Love love your books , Young Amish People usually meet at Sunday night Singings
I would love to win these two books Cindy! You are my favorite author. I can’t wait to read The Winnowing Season! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Great article! Would love to win these books!
The Season of Tending, sounds wonderful as the planting season in farming is just ahead!!
Love your books. Myself, my mother, and my aunt all read and share your books! Hope I win:)
I always have found Amish courting
fascinating.
Ms. Woodsmall, I truly do love your work! Your presentation of the Anabaptists is unparalleled by any of the other authors of this genre. Thanks ever so much for sharing your talents with all of us!
I enjoy looking into the amish culture through your books, My family has small contact with the amish in our area, our horses ferrier and some members of his family visit us every few months.
I would love to win these books! I also enjoyed the article about Amish courting traditions.
I would love to win your book
Cindy I enjoy reading your books. You do a good job..
I love your books, Cindy! Thanks for the opportunity to win a few
Cindy, I just love and have almost all your books..thank yu for the wonderful stories, they are so touching and fun to read…I know many amish and have witnessed some in their rumschpringe..they are no different than any other teens..we love our amish friends and get inspired by then…we like their dating practice, meeting at singings, keeping it hush,hush..and the whole process…I would love to win these 2 books, a wonderful addition to my collection..thanks
Love your books. Would love to win these two books, so that I can add them to my collection of Amish books.
I would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
I am ready to win… Thanks
would love to win these books! cant wait for the winnowing season…
cindy,thanks for the chance at this contest.i love your books and would like to win these books.
Love your books. Would love to win to add these two books to my collection of Amish books.
Thank you for a chance to win two of your books and accurate information about Amish customs.
I loved the first book in this series and can’t wait to read the new one!
I love hearing all the stories about the amish and all there traditions. looking forward to the new book coming out April 2nd.
Love your books’
Would love to win these two books! I love your books
I love your books. You are my favorite author! Thank you for sharing your gift with us!
I would love to win these books.
I so enjoy these books and would love to win these.
Thank you so much.
I love this series!
Thank you for this opportunity to enter to win your books.
~Cindi
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
I love reading Amish fiction, it is so refreshing!! Would love to win these two books!
I Would, Love To Win A Book !!!! I Love Reading Amish Books !!!! <3
I love your books and the way the parents leave it to God is amazing. In the modern world parents try to tell their children whom to date and not let God lead the children!
ENTER ME PLEASE AND THANK YOU
I love all your books and would love to win!!!
Throw my name in the hat (bonnet) please!
My perfect date would be sitting around a campfire drinking coco and star gazing!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I enjoyed reading about the Amish courting time. Please include me in this drawing.
This should have been from: ivstonesiv@comcast.net
I love it when my husband and I get a relaxed getaway to a B&B. It gives us a special night away from our daughter to just focus on our relationship and it helps us remember why we got married in the first place.
Love the story and love your books.
Love your books and reading your blogs! Please enter me for a chance to win your autographed books. Thanks very much!
the article above was very well written. And so accurate. Thank you for that. Will love to have these books.
Ideal date – any time I can have alone time with my dear, sweet husband. It can be when we go out somewhere, or even here at home. Recently we celebrated our 25th anniversary at the same place we honeymooned. What a terrific week of reminiscing together, and falling more in love with each other.
I always enjoy Amish books, I guess because I grew up not too far from Lancaster County, PA, and even where I live now, there are many Amish in my community.
Blessings,
Jodie Wolfe
digging4pearls(at)comcast(dot)net
I can’t wait to read them!
I read Amish books and want to be the first guy to win one of your contests. I love your writing. Email is ronniekalil40@gmail.com
Love to win your books! They are always wonderful!
My idea of an ideal date? Well, I guess it would be a relaxed dinner (where I don’t have to cook)and/or a movie (either at home or at a theater) with just the two of us. Although we adore our daughter, it is nice when we can spend a couple hours alone, which isn’t often. I don’t need much.
I would love to win your two books, I have read the first one recently and loved it!:)
Shiloh96@hammacks.net
Thank you for a chance to win and for offering this.I love your books..
I love your books and look forward to reading them. Good luck to everyone in the contest!
I enjoy the in sight you give into the lives of this wonderful group of people. I am have often tried to try to simplify my life because of the peace they seem to enjoy. Thanks you are like a close friend although we only met briefly once.
I want to win:)
A great date for me is not so much where I go..but the person I am with. It is wonderful when you have a great time, laughing, smiling, talking with someone that has the same type of beliefs, loves family life and is very down to earth! It could be a picnic, or a movie, or dinner/lunch..just a coffee…hanging out at a park, playing volleyball..lol It doesn’t matter.
Oh, I would love to win these books! I really enjoy your writing Cindy. Thank you for the chance to win and
good luck everyone!
My e-mail is sunydey26@aol.com
I just love your books. They are so accurate to the lives of the Amish. When I read your books, it takes me home, back to Pennsylvania, and Lancaster county. I would love to be chosen for this drawing. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all.
I truly enjoy your books. My first time reading one of your books was when I did a book review on The Scent of Cherry Blossoms. I have to admit, I was so touched by your writing that I immediately ordered another. Thank you for sharing your talent in such an inspiring way. God be with thee! Sister Lori
would love to have these books!
I have read several of Cindy’s books and loved them all. Can’t wait to read The Winnowing Season. Thanks and God bless.
I have always found it more interesting and much stronger bonds the Amish have in their marriages than us Englishers. I admire their commitment to each other that is rare these days in our complicated lives.
Anna Sanford
anicka2178@gmail.com
My ideal date is being outdoors, maybe camping, roasting marshmallows with my husband.
Would love to win these books Cindy, Thank you for the opportunity
I really love reading about the amish ways of life in your books. It makes me feel like I am there.
I love your books
I would love to be entered into the contest and have a chance to win a few new books
These books look great. Would love to win.
My idea of a good date would be to go to a bookstore and set by a fireplace and enjoy talking and spending time with one another and browse all the books.Then stop on the way home for a romantic dinner.Wow,I wander how many men would think this to be good date.I love your books..
Would love to win these books. I’ve read everyone of your other books.
Thanks for the article…I love reading about these customs.
I love to read how the Amish meet and marry. Although, I have heard that the Amish grapevine is quite good. So how do they keep their meetings and attractions secret? Thank you. Melissa L. racky(at)carolina(dot)rr(dot)com
Thanks for the chance to eneter and win your wonderful books! I enjoyed A Season For Tending and am so looking forward to The Winnowing Season !! I love reading all about the amish ways of life. It’s fascinating!
My ideal date would be to go to a quaint little hideaway restaurant with a table for two by candlelight. After a delicious meal a nice walk around the pond that surrounds this little hideaway restaurant; stealing a kiss and a hug or two while strolling arm in arm. Ahhh a perfect date!
Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to win these books. I already have most of your books, but not these. Thanks for this offer. Keep writing!!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
What a great way to meet a spouse. I love the fact that it is kept secret until baptism season, when the wedding are announced.
angelicamac77@msn.com
I would love to win this. If I do great. If not congrads to the one who does. Good luck eveyone.
trinitys_haven@yahoo.com
I am so looking forward to The Winnowing Season…..I have to know what happens next
Thanks for the chance to win!!
I like to just be able to go out to dinner with my hubby. It is nice to have some time just the two of us! Thank you for your books and this giveaway!
moo77hb at gmail dot com
I’d love this! The review sounds wonderful.
I’ve loved all your books, and I hope I win!
I would love a chance to read these two…
I’m to old to date but I like going to dinner with family
I love reading your books!
I would just like to go to a nice Christian move show on a date, so he can put his arms around me and kiss me. That is where i would like to go. Thank you, i hope i win the giveaway book. God bless you.
Norma Stanforth
n38stanforth@yahoo.com