Guest Blog by Tiff
Hello. My name is Tiffany Stockton, but I publish under Amber Miller, a combination of my middle and last names.
My “big sister” Cindy, invited me here on her blog today as part of my 3-week blog tour to talk about something–in her words—”warm and historical and…” I wasn’t quite sure what that meant, so I took a look at this blog and immediately felt I had nothing to offer. So much richness and historical detail can be found. A lot of the ‘plain’ living is depicted, and I know only a small bit about the Amish. What can I share with the readers here?
Then, it hit me. My first series of 3 books is set in Colonial America in the area known as present-day Delaware. That’s not far at all from the Amish world and communities where Cindy’s books are set. And in fact, there are Amish communities scattered all throughout Delaware. The influences from the Colonial era and the Amish lifestyle can still be felt today. There is a certain simplicity for the farmers and residents living in the rural areas.
For my books, there are a lot of the everyday tasks the colonists had to complete described throughout each individual story. From making their own quilts and churning their own butter to sewing their own clothes and baking pies from scratch (original ingredients). Researching the specifics of these was a lot of fun. I would sometimes get lost in the pages of the newspapers or documents or books I studied and forget I was supposed to be taking notes! In this world of modern technology and fast-paced living, there is something to be said for that uninfluenced way of life. At times, I wish I could chuck it all and live like that, but then I realize how much I’d miss my electronics. 
Raelene wouldn’t miss it, though. She’s the heroine in my first book, and she endures quite a bit of hardship, after being raised as the only daughter of a man serving His Majesty in the Royal Army. When she is left with nothing but her family’s farm and forced to make something of it in a few months’ time, she quickly learns what it’s like to be a true farmer. Her neighbor–whose suit she had scorned the year before–becomes her overseer when no one will discuss business with a young unmarried woman. With reluctance, she realizes there is no other option, and she accepts. But it’s not without bitterness and anger at God for leaving her alone and taking away everything and everyone she loved, forcing her into these circumstances.
What’s worse is the fact that her new overseer is a strong believer and Raelene wants nothing to do with faith. Gustaf, however, made a promise to Raelene’s father to look after her. Although he wants nothing more than to pack his things and head west toward the Appalachian mountains, his promise keeps him bound to Raelene and the land. Raelene also promised her father she’d make their farm successful. So, she and Gustaf manage to strike a bargain that suits them both.
Then, the revelation of her father’s will forces Raelene to also find a husband before she turns eighteen. Gustaf tells her it shouldn’t be a problem, so she thrusts this responsibility on him. And so begins the ebb and flow of the primary relationship, fraught with frustration, anger, impatience and yes, even humor. You should see the types of men who come parading in front of Raelene, hoping to win her favor. It’s worse that a 3-ring circus!
Promises, Promises is a book that I hope will keep you engaged to the end. If you’re a fan of historical fiction and love early America in the days when it was pure and just getting started, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book.
Book 2, Quills & Promises, is also out. It picks up with the next generation and takes the colonies into the French & Indian War. Both are available for order on my web site. Book 3, Deceptive Promises, will be out in December.
That’s all from me. I hope you haven’t been too bored at the drastic shift from the norm here on the Plain Talk blog. Make sure you leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of either book 1 or book 2. And be sure to come see me over at A Fiction-Filled Life (www.ambermiller.com). I love ‘meeting’ new friends…especially readers.
And a special thank you to my “big sis” for hosting me here today. She “adopted” me a few years ago at one of the ACFW conferences, and we’ve had a great time ever since. I owe you one, girl. You’ll have to collect your repayment in Minneapolis in September…if you’ll be there.
