Stop #6
Amy Lillard
While most women her age are searching for husbands, Astrid Kauffman has chosen a different path—writing romance novels and donating her profits to her beloved Amish community. But when Astrid struggles with writer’s block, she agrees to play matchmaker for Imogene Yoder, a widowed mother of rambunctious twin boys. Perhaps the diversion—and the entrée it gives Astrid to the stories among the Widows’ Club—will spark her creativity . . .
Fortunately, Astrid has just the match for Imogene: a widower she believes is the finest, most handsome man in town. In fact, Astrid realizes he’s perfect . . . for herself! Soon, the plot thickens as Imogene questions what kind of marriage she really wants, and Astrid wonders what kind of matchmaker falls for someone else’s match. But by letting faith guide the way, all involved may discover true love has written a far better next chapter than any of them expected . . .
Fortunately, Astrid has just the match for Imogene: a widower she believes is the finest, most handsome man in town. In fact, Astrid realizes he’s perfect . . . for herself! Soon, the plot thickens as Imogene questions what kind of marriage she really wants, and Astrid wonders what kind of matchmaker falls for someone else’s match. But by letting faith guide the way, all involved may discover true love has written a far better next chapter than any of them expected . . .
Interview with Astrid & Ira from The Amish Matchmaker
Heroine: Astrid
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
An extrovert, definitely.
Chocolate or strawberry?
Both. Why does a person have to choose?
What single thing do you most like about Ira and what single thing really drives you crazy?
(she laughs a little behind her hand) He’s a really great man which I knew all along, and I appreciate his love of God and his family. But he has a habit of eating the last piece of pie straight from the pan and then leaving the whole mess in the sink. I swear, sometimes it’s like having my brother Jesse underfoot again!
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. (she gives a small cough) I have a tendency to take matters into my own hands. This verse reminds me that I don’t have to do that. I just have to trust God.
An extrovert, definitely.
Chocolate or strawberry?
Both. Why does a person have to choose?
What single thing do you most like about Ira and what single thing really drives you crazy?
(she laughs a little behind her hand) He’s a really great man which I knew all along, and I appreciate his love of God and his family. But he has a habit of eating the last piece of pie straight from the pan and then leaving the whole mess in the sink. I swear, sometimes it’s like having my brother Jesse underfoot again!
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. (she gives a small cough) I have a tendency to take matters into my own hands. This verse reminds me that I don’t have to do that. I just have to trust God.
Hero: Ira
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I’m an introvert by nature, but because I own my own business I am a forced extrovert, I guess you could say. I’m out and talking to people, helping them there in my store, but I would love nothing more than to be home with my shoes off and my Bible open in my lap. We do what we have to do, I suppose.
Chocolate or strawberry?
Chocolate. Wait...are we talking about ice cream or something else?
What single thing do you most like about Astrid and what single thing really drives you crazy?
Astrid has a smile that can light up a room. I love to see her smile. As for the other...(he shifts uncomfortably in his chair) she does have a tendency to be bossy. You’re not going to tell her I said that are you?
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Well, if I have to pick a favorite I would say Genesis 1:3. And God said let there be light and there was light. That’s all you need to remember. God was there in the beginning. He’ll always be there and He has it all under His control.
I’m an introvert by nature, but because I own my own business I am a forced extrovert, I guess you could say. I’m out and talking to people, helping them there in my store, but I would love nothing more than to be home with my shoes off and my Bible open in my lap. We do what we have to do, I suppose.
Chocolate or strawberry?
Chocolate. Wait...are we talking about ice cream or something else?
What single thing do you most like about Astrid and what single thing really drives you crazy?
Astrid has a smile that can light up a room. I love to see her smile. As for the other...(he shifts uncomfortably in his chair) she does have a tendency to be bossy. You’re not going to tell her I said that are you?
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Well, if I have to pick a favorite I would say Genesis 1:3. And God said let there be light and there was light. That’s all you need to remember. God was there in the beginning. He’ll always be there and He has it all under His control.
Together:
What do you hope that people will learn from your story?
Ira: That love is all around, I guess. I mean, I wasn’t looking for love and there it was.
Astrid, shoots him a look. I would like to say that love is precious and shouldn’t be undersold.
Ira shrugs. That too, I suppose.
Where do you hope to be ten years from now?
Astrid: Right here! Married, in love, loving God.
Ira: What she said.
What piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Ira: Love is all around. And it’s patient, the Bible tells us. So you have to be patient if you want love to come to you.
Astrid: Or you could hire a matchmaker! (She laughs.)
(Ira frowns) You are not a matchmaker.
Astrid: I know. But that doesn’t mean a real matchmaker couldn’t help them.
Ira: (back to the interviewer) God is the ultimate matchmaker.
Ira: That love is all around, I guess. I mean, I wasn’t looking for love and there it was.
Astrid, shoots him a look. I would like to say that love is precious and shouldn’t be undersold.
Ira shrugs. That too, I suppose.
Where do you hope to be ten years from now?
Astrid: Right here! Married, in love, loving God.
Ira: What she said.
What piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Ira: Love is all around. And it’s patient, the Bible tells us. So you have to be patient if you want love to come to you.
Astrid: Or you could hire a matchmaker! (She laughs.)
(Ira frowns) You are not a matchmaker.
Astrid: I know. But that doesn’t mean a real matchmaker couldn’t help them.
Ira: (back to the interviewer) God is the ultimate matchmaker.
Author:
Favorite Bible verse:
Philippians 4:13. Generally paraphrased as I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I know readers have heard writers say that we are always filled with doubts and it’s true, we are. Even after writing so many books, I sit down and wonder if I can do it again. This verse reminds me that the words aren’t just mine, but His as well. It gets me through the stages of doubt, those first pages when I wonder if I have another book in me, through the middle when it seems like it’s going too good to actually be good. And then the end. When doubts come in again and the little voice whispers that every word should be erased and I should just start over. Or quit. Completely. Like, forever. This verse pulls me through and keeps me going. Then later when I go back and read what I have written, it’s like a miracle. Where did those words come from? Are those really my words? I guess for the most part they are and for the most part they’re His. It’s fine combination.
Philippians 4:13. Generally paraphrased as I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I know readers have heard writers say that we are always filled with doubts and it’s true, we are. Even after writing so many books, I sit down and wonder if I can do it again. This verse reminds me that the words aren’t just mine, but His as well. It gets me through the stages of doubt, those first pages when I wonder if I have another book in me, through the middle when it seems like it’s going too good to actually be good. And then the end. When doubts come in again and the little voice whispers that every word should be erased and I should just start over. Or quit. Completely. Like, forever. This verse pulls me through and keeps me going. Then later when I go back and read what I have written, it’s like a miracle. Where did those words come from? Are those really my words? I guess for the most part they are and for the most part they’re His. It’s fine combination.
 Amy Lillard | Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely way up on the list. Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband and two spoiled cats. ^..^ When she's not creating happy endings, she has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework. Amy is an award-winning author with more than sixty novels and novellas in print. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. |
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