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hank you for joining the Christian Fiction Spring Scavenger Hunt. I’m so glad you’ve joined the fun. As you probably know, the hunt began at noon MST on April 4th. The hunt begins and ends at my friend Robin Lee Hatcher’s website (So make sure you stop over there, too). The hunt ends on April 6 at midnight Mountain. You’ll have all weekend to complete it, so there’s no need to race.
However, be sure to collect a clue in red at each stop, writing them down as they go. For those of you checking in from overseas, this hunt is open to international entries. Be sure to read all the way to the end for a chance to participate in a separate giveaway I’m doing here. Prizes include a Kindle Fire HDX + $100 gift certificate and two runners-up will receive all 31 of our books.
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Olivia Newport, my guest for the hunt. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her at ACFW, and am delighted to welcome her here. I’ve really enjoyed her books, too, so that’s a fun plus!
Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. She is the author of the Avenue of Dreams series, the Valley of Choice series, Hidden Falls serialized novel, and the forthcoming Amish Turns of Time series launching with Wonderful Lonesome. Connect with her at www.olivianewport.com, Twitter, and Facebook.Olivia is married with two grown kids. And she is fortunate enough to live at the foot of the Colorado Rockies. I LOVE the Rockies. Wish I could join her there!
Taken for English is Olivia’s latest release. Here’s more about it: Annie joined the Amish church based on prayerful conviction, not romantic dreams. And yet, she’d hoped to share her new life with Rufus. But he’s obviously in no hurry. Family history clearly shows it’s never been easy living a plain life in the English world. Will the changes and challenges Annie now faces as a young Amish woman test her newfound faith in good ways or bad? And how long will Rufus test her patience?
Are you intrigued? You can purchase Taken for English at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, other online retailers, or your local bookstore.
Olivia has sent me a exclusive guest post about the setting for this Amish novel. Who would have imagined there were Amish in Colorado! Love to know what you think after reading it.
The Real Westcliffe, Colorado
I can’t think of a single time I’ve said, “I found out there’s an Amish community in Colorado” and someone answered, “I knew that.”
“Really?” “I never heard that.” “In Colorado?” “How did you find out?” Those are the typic
al responses.
Actually there are several clusters of Amish in southwestern Colorado. The area around Westcliffe is just one of them, and it’s where I decided to set my story. So of course I had to go there.
I had a delightful day driving from Colorado Springs to Westciffe, the way my characters Annie and Ruth do. The Amish are primarily in outlying areas and not necessarily visible around town all the time the way they might be in other parts of the country, but
it was fun to see the town for the first time and store mental images of the peaceful place that made Annie leave her high-tech life behind and venture into the Amish community.
Here are some of the photos I snapped that inspired the very small-town setting of the Valley of Choice series, which includes Accidentally Amish, In Plain View, and Taken for English.
THE SCAVENGER HUNT SKINNY
—Thanks for stopping by my website! Before you move on to Stop #9, Olivia Newport’s site, to pick up your next clue, be sure to write down this Stop #8’s clue: “he reads.”
Now here’s how you can enter my giveaway. Thanks for participating in the Scavenger Hunt!
Comments 178
Well, I’ll join the ranks of those who had no idea there were Amish communities in Colorado! These books look fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing about them! Thanks also for being a part of the scavenger hunt. I love online scavenger hunts – totally brings out the kid in me!
I don’t know if you ever participate in linky parties, but if you are ever so inclined, I’d love for you to join our book-loving community at Booknificent Thursdays on Mommynificent.com. We gather every Thursday and share posts about books we’ve been reading or writing and how books are impacting our lives. We’d love to have you join us anytime!
Blessings,
Tina
Author
Tina! Thanks for the heads up! I want to do more of the linky parties. Making a note about yours. 🙂
I am currently reading The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti
Author
I’ve never heard of her. What style book is it?
Hello, this scavenger hunt is so much fun! Uhm, I always have been curious by your novel ‘Shadowed by Grace’ since I first heard of it. I very much love WW2 era novels!
Ooh, I am right now reading ‘Jane Eyre’ for the first time by Charlotte Bronte, and ‘The Mind of the Maker’ by Dorothy L. Sayers. Both very good!
Author
I love the scavenger hunt. Such fun to visit everyone. Those books sound great, Joy! Can I admit I’ve never read Jane Eyre?
Have 2 nieces living in Westcliffe! Was at one of the fiirst Amish homes built out there. Maybe 5
families there at that time. Reading Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts.
Author
What a cool connection, Marietta!
I’m currently reading Numb by: John W. Otte, it’s really good! 🙂 Thank You! 🙂
I love Amish stories. My mothers family was german and she thinks we may have some Amish in our background. These stories grab my heart an mind. Looking forward to reading it. (them)
I am currently reading The Shepherd’s Bride (Brides of Amish Country)Davids, Patricia.
Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt.
Right now I’m reading Moby Dick (just so I can say I did – I have to say, it’s slow going), Rick Riordan’s Mark of Athena (a reread), and the Marco Polo guidebook to London, planning my trip with my dad this June!
Author
Our family is a huge fan of Rick Riordan’s Greek and Roman series!
I am currently reading The Chamomile by Susan Craft. I love the scavenger hunt, thank you!
I’m reading A Heart Deceived by Michelle Griep on my Kindle, and Wishing on Buttercups by Miralee Farrel in PB is on my bedside stand… getting more of that one read at this point!
the bride’s books
I’m reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth
I am reading: Your Girl by Vicki Courtney and A Game of Thrones.
I have a huge stack of review books so to get through them I have been reading several at once! Right now I’m almost done with Outcasts by Jill Williamson, The Queen’s Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley, and Sincerely Yours by Laurie Alice Eakes, Ann Shorey, Amanda Cabot, and Jane Kirkpatrick!
I have always been fascinated by history especially WWII and I have been really wanting to read Shadowed by Grace since I first heard of it!
Thanks for taking part in the Scavenger Hunt and for the fun bonus giveaway!
I am reading Incarceron bu Catherine Fisher
At the moment I’m reading ‘A Man Called Peter’ by Catherine Marshall. A very interesting biography of a Scotsman who became chaplain of the US Senate. The descriptions of his sermons are very interesting.
Author
I read that book years ago, and remember enjoying it.
Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt! I am currently reading Frankenstein.
I am currently reading Up At College by Michele Bowen
Right now I am reading too Close to Home by Lynette Eason! I love her she is a very good mystery author!
Author
Oh, I love Lynette’s books, too! She does a great job with romantic suspense!
Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt, it’s always such fun. 🙂
I’m reading Death By Living: Life Is Meant To Be Spent by N. D. Wilson right now.
Thanks so much for being part of the scavenger hunt. Love your books.
Author
Thanks, Shirley!
Right now I am reading The Queen’s Handmaid, almost done and its great! Thank you so much for being part of this hunt!
Author
That book is on my TBR pile. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it!
Thank you for being a part of the scavenger hunt. I love these and this is the way I have been introduced to some awesome authors and books. have a great weekend.
Author
That’s why I love these hunts, too! It’s a great way to meet new authors and books.
You won’t believe this but I’m actually working my way through “Robert’s Rules of Order” (I’m secretary for our Board where I live) My next book is “Summer of Joy” by Ann H Gabhart
Author
I remember reading those rules 🙂
I have two fiction books going right now – Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings & Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering.
I’m having so much fun. Thank you for being part of the scavenger hunt. Right now I’m in between books. I think that my next book will be Women Living Well.
Right now I am reading The Culpher Series by Rosanna White. Getting ready to start watching Turn this Sunday evening. I love reading your books as well. Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt.
I just finished Sleigh Belles and will start Princess Ever After tonight once the kids are in bed. 🙂
I am currently reading It Had to be You by Susan May Warren and Water Walker by Ted Dekker. Both are really good!
Mostly I read mysteries so I’m reading Encounters of Sherlock Holmes (short stories) and a cozy mystery, Tapestry of Lies by Carol Ann Martin. The first one has small print so I’ve been reading it for a while but I have to finish it soon because it’s a library book.
I’m currently reading many books!!! Praying For Boys: Asking God for the Things They Need Most by Brooke McGlothlin, A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson #3) by Rick Riordan, and Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James just to name a few. 😀
Reading the “Wrong Kind Of Beautiful”
I’m currently reading The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry for a review right now. Thank you for participating in the scavenger hunt and for the opportunity of the giveaway.
A Simple Hope by Rosalind Lauer, wonderful Amish story.
Ryelee’s Cowboy
Thank you for the giveaway of your book.
Currently reading The Quaker and the Rebel by Mary Ellis. Would love to win, thanks for the opportunity. Linda
I just finished The Night Circus, and honestly, I’m still soaking it all in and not quite ready to start another yet. I’ll probably finish Clockwork Princess next since I’m partially through it and then I plan to read The Apple Orchard as my mother is waiting to discuss it once I’m done!
Author
I’ve never heard of that one, Sparksofember. You have me intrigued!
Right now I am reading Christy Barritt’s Hazardous Duty Squeaky Clean Mysteries.
Author
That is a fun series!
I’m reading Death by the Book by Julianna Deering.
Author
I adore that series, Merry!
Silent Whispers by Megan Wilson
I am reading Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan.
I love reading Amish fiction.
I am reading the Amish Heart series right now. It is really for young people which I haven’t been for 50+ years! but I am enjoying the light fun reads.
I just finished A Promise Kept and now I am reading God is Just Not Fair: Finding Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense.
Author
Pat, Both of those are on my TBR pile. I really like Jennifer Rothschlid’s books. They always make me think in a fresh way.
It Had to Be you by Susan May Warren sooooo gooooddd…
Author
Loved, loved, loved that one, Amanda.
I just finished reading “A Heart Deceived” but I haven’t chosen a new book yet.
This looks like a great book! I love these things, getting to meet some new authors I have not heard of yet 🙂
For such a time as this by Ginny Aiken is my current reading.
Right now, I am reading A Valley Experience (proofing, actually).
I’m currently reading A January Bride by Deborah Raney.
I live in Lancaster County, PA among the amish community here, so I love reading about other amish communities around the country to see how different they are!
I am reading Beyond Hope’s Valley: A Big Sky Novel right now.
Author
Tricia’s books are great, Chris. I really enjoy them.
I am reading the Kill Switch by James rollins
I am reading MaryLu Tyndall’s book Elusive Hope… I love her books! 🙂
Author
Lisa, I’ve read a few of hers, too. Enjoyed them!
Thank you for participating in this fun scavenger hunt and for the opportunity to be a winner! Tonight, I will be reading The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton.
Author
I am learning about so many books to add to my TBR pile. Thanks, Britney.
I am just finishing the Outlander series. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
Right now I’m reading LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS by M L Stedman for our book club and A HEART’S REBELLION by Ruth Axtell for a book review. Love to read. I really enjoy Olivia Newport’s books.
I love reading Amish books, plus many other books I am learning on this hunt! This is great!
Interesting article–like many others, I didn’t know there is an Amish community in Colorado. It’s not surprising, though, since they are more frequently moving to new locations searching for available land. Thank you for sharing!
And I am currently reading Siri Mitchell’s “She Walks in Beauty.”
Shadowed by Grace!
Your book sounds interesting – I will have to put it on my to read list!
Oh, and I am reading Rebecca’s Christmas Gift by Emma Miller and Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst
I am currently reading The Curtain Call Caper
How did you like it?
I’m currently reading Mesu Andrews’ ” Love amid the ashes”
Thanks for being part of this scav hunt, Cara! I just had surgery on Tuesday so I’m not reading anything at this moment. As soon as my anesthesia brain-fog disappears I’ll be starting The Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry.
I am reading Seeds of Evidence by Linda J. White.
I’m reading Derailed by Neta Jackson. Love her books!
I just finished Joel Rosenberg’s “Damascus Countdown” and it exciting!
Hi Cara!
I am reading, Texas Roads, by Cathy Bryant; God Is Just Not Fair, by Jennifer Rothschild and Caught in the Middle, by Regina Jennings 🙂
books sound interesting and mom would enjoy. Have book by every seat along with computer with a long TBR but love historicals
I am reading Secret Room by Catherine Bailey
Thanks for the giveaway!
Currently reading “In The Shadow Of Jezebel.”
I enjoy Amish fiction but have yet to read any of Olivia’s novels. I look forward to reading some of them. Thank you for participating.
I am currently reading River’s Edge by Terri Blackstock.
Stephanie C.
HI!! THank you for this information! Your books sound delightful. I look forward to reading them. I wasn’t sure if this giveaway is open to internationals, so I thought I would ask… Blessed day!
I am between books right now. I am currently trying to find my next read. 🙂
I am currently reading “The Amish Nanny” by Leslie Gould and Mindy Starns Clark
I am currently reading A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
I am reading Her Mother’s Hope:1(Marta’s Legacy) by Francine Rivers. Thanks you participating in the Scavenger Hunt.
Thanks for being a part of the spring scavenger hunt! Currently I’m reading the Mortal Instruments series, I bought the 5 in one book.
Thank you so much for the scavenger hunt I am being introduced to so many new authors!!
I am currently reading Ocean’s Away by Lisa Harris.
Right now, I’m reading The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd!
Thank you for participating in the giveways!!
Ooops, posted too soon! Right now, I am reading (again) Anne’s House of Dreams by Lucy Maud Montgomery. My FAVORITE series!
I love books about the Amish and look forward to reading your new book..
I’m currently reading The Last Battle of the Icemark. From the Icemark Chronicles. Thanks for participating in this survey:)
Currently reading Cathy Marie Hake’s That Certain Spark
I’m currently reading Wildwood Cottage by Lisa Wingate.
That’s so funny that your books are based in Colorado Springs and Westcliff. I’m reading Lisa T. Bregren’s Homeward Trilogy…which is also based in Colorado Springs and Westcliff, but in the 1800s. And I did not know about Amish in Colorado, and maybe Lisa Bregren doesn’t either, because she doesn’t mention it! LOL Or maybe there weren’t any Amish there yet. I’m on the last book of the Homeward Trilogy now. So I am very anxious to read your trilogy based in this same area but a different time period!
I am currently reading the civil war series by Ginny Dye! Great books! Thank you!
I’m reading Murder Simply Brewed by Vannetta Chapman. But I just finished A Beauty So Rare and LOVED it!
Having loads of fun on the scavenger hunt! Another great post.
Oh, and I’m reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 🙂
I’m trying to finish Beyond These Hills by Sandra Robbins. I’m excited to start some great new books, just in time for summer’s arrival.
I’m reading A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander.
Unlikely Praise by Carla Rossi. She just had the second book in the series, Unlikely Wedding, come out this past week so it is like double the pleasure! I do Praise and Worship so I love reading about it.
I am reading The Medium by Emily Chambers. It is a very interesting book.
Just finished reading Mesu Andrew’s book, Love Among the Ashes! Awesome reading!
The Deeper Life by Daniel Henderson
Rafflecopter does not work for me, but would love to be included in the drawings.
I am enjoying the scavenger hunt. Right now I am reading Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher.
Hello Cara. I have been trying over and over to win this book of yours. Maybe some day I will get lucky. I am loving this Scavenger Hunt. They are so much fun. Funny not to have heard any of the many authors I’ve seen on the blogs have mentioned the Amish in Colorado. I have family living there. Thanks for this give-away. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Sorry I forgot to answer your question. I am reading Out of Control by Mary Conneally. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
I am reading Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate
Thanks so much for the extra giveaway!!
I’m still choosing which book to read next!
I am currently reading “Seeing a Large Cat” an Amelia Peabody Mystery 🙂
I’m reading Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson. I tend to read historical or biblical christian fiction so this one is a departure from the norm but it’s good.
My husband and I went to see the movie “Monuments Men” on one of our rare date days (the kids were in school). I’d like to read your book and see how they relate.
Thanks for hosting the hop!
Thanks for the Hunt and this giveaway!!! The book I’m reading right now is called “Gardenias For Breakfast” By Robin Jones Gunn!!! I think all of your books look amazing and I would love the chance to some of them sometime soon!!!
Sarah Richmod
North Carolina
I’m reading To Whisper Her Name by Tamara Alexander, Darkness Rising by Lis Wiehl, and In the Shadow of the Sinai by Carole Towriss.
I am reading Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson. Such a scary believable book.
I currently rereading The Chronicles of Narnia.
Love the scavenger hunt. I’m reading Luminary by Kristen Mcgee.
Enjoyed your video about how you write your novels especially this one Shadowed by Grace.
I am currently reading Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman. I look forward to reading some of your books Cara!
Author
Hey, thanks everyone for participating. I was out today for my oldest’s state gymnastics meet. Got back to all your comments and books. Can’t wait to note all of these books! Thanks for stopping by.
I just finished reading Smitten Book Club last night, and I haven’t quite decided what to start next. I have quite a stack to choose from! Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt and for having the extra giveaway!!!
Author
Sounds like your TBR pile is a lot like mine. Way too many choices and never enough time!
I’m reading MaryLu Tyndall’s ‘The Redemption’ right now due to my sister’s recommendation and love it.
J.C.
I’m reading the last book in the Left Behind Series.
I am reading Simple Faith by Anna Schmidt
I too, had no idea there were Amish in Colorado. I can’t wait to visit my brother and sister in law again, in Colorado Springs; then take a trip to the Amish community.
Currently reading anything I can get my hands on concerning Type 1 Diabetes…my 5 year old son recently diagnosed with it. So…I’m also reading the Bible. A lot. 🙂
Author
I’m so sorry about the diagnosis. Praying for you and your son!
I am reading Courting Cate by Leslie Gould. I like reading about the Amish. I also like to read historical fiction. I need to add your book Shadowed by Grace to my list of books to be read. Thank you for the scavenger hunt.
Author
I love Leslie’s writing! I hope you do read Shadowed by Grace and enjoy it!
I am so very excited about this scavenger hunt!!!!
I am just now fixin’ to start Beowulf by Ronie Kendig. I’ve been telling lots of folks about your book, Shadowed By Grace. 🙂
Author
You’ll enjoy it, Cyndi! And thanks for spreading the word about Shadowed by Grace!
The Thirteenth Tale an audible book which so far I can’t say I recommend. Characters are disturbing. Not a Christian book.
Author
Making a note to avoid that one!
not reading anything now
I am loving this scavenger hunt so many new authors and books to discover. I am currently reading One of Us by Tawni O’Dell.
I’m currently reading The Glow by Jessica Maria Tuccelli. The story takes place in 1941.
I am reading “Betrayed” by Stan Telchin & “An Amish Garden.”
Right now I am reading Janet Evanovich’s The Chase. Love to read Amish books too!
I am reading A Thousand Splendid Suns.
I am reading “Texas Fortunes” Trilogy by Marcia Gruver. Thank you for your participation in this Scavenger Hunt!
A great contest thanks for sharing.
I’m currently reading Bodyguard Reunion by Margaret Daley and next in line will be Lip Reading by Dr. Harry Kraus
Right now I’m reading For Such a Time by Kate Breslin
I am reading a book for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award so I can’t share the title. However I can tell you it’s a historical romance that came out last year.
Just starting, “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.”
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Just finished a Susan Sleeman book from her Justice series!
I am reading Someone like You, by Beth Vogt.
I’m going to have to go back through and write down these.
book’s. I’m always looking for new books to read.
Right now, I’m reading Frame 232 by Will Mara. It’s about a the mystery surrounding John F. Kennedy’s death.
It’s very interesting!
i literally just finished Second Chance Ranch by Audra Harders. Next up is The Ransom by Mary Lu Tyndall
I’m reading “Beautiful Creatures” right now xD
Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt!
I love reading Amish Christian Fiction! I wouldn’t have believe there were Amish in Colorado either!
I’m currently reading 30 Days: A Devotional Memoir by D.M. Webb.
I am reading “The Scent of Lilacs” as well as “The 30 Day Praise Challenge” and “Living So That.” “The Scent of Lilacs” is a great read because honestly I just love a good trip back in time through a book. 🙂 Thank you for participating in the scavenger hunt.
i literally just finished Second Chance Ranch by Audra Harders. Next is The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall
I just started Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell, a favorite author of mine!
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