Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Two Book Giveaway With Vannetta Chapman

An Amish woman is standing next to a buggy.




Vannetta Chapman's "A Perfect Square"





There's more to the quaint northern Indiana town of Shipshewana than handcrafted quilts, Amish-made furniture, immaculate farms and close-knit families. When a dead girl is found floating in a local pond, murder is also afoot. And Reuben Fisher is in jail as the suspect! Reuben refuses to divulge any information, even to clear himself of a crime Deborah is certain he didn't commit. So, with her English friend, Callie---fellow sleuth and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop---Deborah sets out to uncover the truth. But the mystery deepens when an elderly man seeks Callie's help in finding his long-lost daughter, missing since the days of the 1965 Palm Sunday Tornadoes. An old man who has lost his past. A young man who may lose his future. Once again Deborah and Callie find themselves trying to piece together a crazy quilt of lives and events---one that can bring unexpected touches of God's grace and resolve the tragedy that has shaken this quiet Amish community.

photo of author Vannetta Chapman


Interview With Vannetta Chapman



1 Tell us a little about yourself, Vannetta.


I was a full time teacher for 15 years. During that time, I wrote articles for Christian family magazines while I was learning the craft. After several years of queries (and rejections) I was offered representation by the Seymour Agency, who I'm still with. My agent suggested that I try writing an Amish romance. While I was doing that research, and discussing it with my mother, she reminded me that my grandfather on my dad's side was born in Albion, Pennsylvania--that in fact I do have Pennsylvania German roots. That was the personal connection I needed jump into this genre. My first Amish romance came out in 2010. I now write Amish mysteries for Zondervan, Amish romance for Harvest House, and Amish novellas for Abingdon.


2. Tell us about your most recent book.

A Perfect Square is book 2 in my Shipshewana Amish Mystery series. Readers return to this small town in northern Indiana, where an Amish girl has been found floating in a local pond. Reuben Fisher is in jail as the suspect and refuses to divulge any information, even to clear himself of a crime Deborah is certain he didn't commit. So, with her English friend,Callie---fellow sleuth and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop---Deborah sets out to uncover the truth. The mystery deepens when an elderly man seeks Callie's help in finding his long-lost daughter, missing since the days of the 1965 Palm Sunday Tornadoes. An old man who has lost his past. A young man who may lose his future. Once again Deborah and Callie find themselves trying to piece together a crazy quilt of lives and events---one that can bring unexpected touches of God's grace and resolve the tragedy that has shaken this quiet Amish community.



3. Why did you choose this particular genre?

Actually it wasn't my idea to pair murder mystery with Amish, that was the brain child of Sue Brower at Zondervan. We had sent her an Amish romance (which Abingdon later bought). She said she liked it but didn't need another romance writer, because she has the fabulous Amy Clipston. She wanted me to write something different--Amish murder mysteries. I was all over that--my fav t.v. programs are 24, The Firm, etc. I like suspense in general, so it's a good fit for me.

4. What was your journey to publication like?

It's been 14 years since I started writing. I had finished my graduate degree, which I pursued because I enjoyed my undergrad degree in English so much I didn't want to stop. I had gone back to school as a 34 year old single mom. I wasn't sure what I'd do with the grad degree, but my advisors assured me it would make me more employable. It did in fact help with my teaching profession, and it certainly helped with my writing. But I graduated with my MA in English in 1999, and my first inspirational book (A Simple Amish Christmas) came out in 2010. I wouldn't say that everyone needs a degree to publish a book, but it helped my skills immensely.



5. What is a couple of your favorite books and what are you reading now?

I'm a huge fan of Stephen King. His most recent book, 11-23-63 is a wonderful example of stellar CRAFT in writing and characters that you care about. In inspirational circles, I like Dan Walsh and Shelley Shepard Gray. For mysteries I like Harlan Coben, Nelson DeMille, and Nevada Barr. Right now I'm reading the Bible-in-90-Days with my church, so it's taking up a lot of my reading time.Great book, though!



6. What are you working on now and can you give us a little peek inside it?

I've turned in Book 3 in my Shipshewana Series: Material Witness (releases in August). I wanted to do something different with each book in this series, so with book 3, I accelerated the plot to 4 days. Fun! Murder to resolution in 4 days. Yeah.Tick-tock. I've also completed 2 books in my Pebble Creek Amish romance series for Harvest House. These books are set in Wisconsin, where the communities are more Old Order. Sweet, lovely people who I very much enjoyed meeting and writing about (A Promise for Miriam releases in July).



7. What advice would you give authors who are on their own journey to publication?


Keep writing. Keep improving your craft. Write another book.



8. Do you have any books or websites that have helped you with your writing that you could share with us?


As far as CRAFT books, no. The best craft books in my opinion are to read good,well-written books. I have enjoyed playing with "The Pocket Muse" by Monica Wood. Filled with fun exercises, I'll turn to a page and plop it into the middle of my book! I've also learned a lot from Margie Lawson's courses and credit her with helping me take my writing to the level where it would be attractive to editors. http://www.margielawson.com/



9. Is there anything you’d like to tell us we haven’t covered?

Just thank you! And if you think you don't like Amish fiction, please give my mysteries a try. They ARE different. : )



Please let us know where we can find you on the web.


http://www.vannettachapman.com/

http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/

www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman

How to win a copy of Vannetta's "Falling to Pieces" or "A Perfect Square"

1. Be a follower or sign up as a follower of Sleuths and Suspects
2. Leave a comment and tell us if you know what a cozy mystery is.
3. Leave your email so we can get in touch with the winners.




*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.

87 comments:

  1. Thanks for having me on your blog! I'm delighted to give away copies of books 1 and 2 in this series, and if anyone has questions about the Amish genre--let me know!

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  2. I just followed your blog! These books sound great!

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  3. Love, love, love Vanetta's writing...you go girls...

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  4. Vanetta,
    It was so nice to have you stop by and share with us.
    Thanks.
    Jackie

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  5. The Firm is one of my favorite TV series. I much prefer the real forensics. That said, I would love the opportunity to read an Amish murder mystery. I know it has to be different just because of the setting. Please enter me for a chance to read one of your books.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  6. I failed to read the instructions. Mea culpa!

    I became a follower of Sleuths and Suspects
    A cozy mystery, in my eyes, isn't an inspirational type novel, but it's cozy enough to not have your ears singed with c-words.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  7. Linda, I had the same thought when Zondervan asked me to write an inspirational cozy. : ) It is possible to put God's grace in the middle of such a plot though. At least I did my best. I hope you'll check it out.

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  8. Virginia, it's great to see you here. : )

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  9. I love your books Vannetta

    Harrietstrawn@aol.com

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  10. Can't wait until this book comes out Vannetta Chapman is a fantastic author and I have loved every book I have read...if you get the chance read her materials you will not be disappointed.

    Geri Kelley :)

    Gkkel@aol.com

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  11. hi, I have you on my facebook and I do read what is going on and everything. I think a cozy mystery is a book that has mystery in the story but it is laid back and not so intent as normal mystery's. A amish mystery is a amish book ( which are cozy and relaxing) and a mystery put in one. I know when I come home from a hard night or just getting ready for bed, I always want a amish book to read because it is calming and relaxing. Thanks for writting them and giving me peace and calmness in my life.
    -kala-

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    1. my email address is elegantly_yours@yahoo.com

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  12. Sounds like a wonderful change of pace! Somehow, missed the first one, but plan to rectify that situation directly!

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  13. Love your work.. can't wait for more... Joney Crowder. joneyc@yahoo.com

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  14. I would love to win your books. I need some new reading material and my birthday is coming up Sunday so what a present that would be. Thanks for the opportunity to win your books. You are great. God Bless.

    dgaamiller@comcast.net

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  15. Hey Vannetta, great interview! I have not read your books yet, but I love your comment about them being different Amish fiction-sounds good to me!
    A cozy mystery to me is a book with action in the plot that isn't offensive or gory. Cozy mysteries are safe reads, but very enjoyable :) Thanks for the giveaway!
    Blessings,
    Kara
    wman4jc@aol.com

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  16. Vannetta, you are a awesome author, thanks for the chance to win! A cozy Mystery is a Mystery that isn't too wild, kinda low key! Have a blessed day! Dawn S. ~~~~~~Searcy4U@aol.com

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  17. Teresa Wade SherokeMarch 14, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    Love shows like NCIS. I get so engrossed in them piecing things to together to solve the mystery. Love all your books Vanetta!

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  18. Vannetta meet you in Shipshewana In. At Blue Gate Theater last year. Bought your book and read Falling to pieces. Love the mystery couldn't put it down. Can't wait to get and read A Perfect Square and all that wil follow.

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  19. I just followed this site. Vannetta I love your books! leahhammack@yahoo.com

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  20. Hello Vannetta , I have read the first one but would be tickled pink to get "The Perfect Square" your ? about a cozy mystery, I would think maybe that the victim and the bad guy know one another, and mystery is secret between them. thanks for sharing
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  21. i'm wanting to read both of these books. i love mysteries and these sound great not gory and yucky.debbiemosley44@hotmail.com

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  22. Read Falling to Pieces. Added A Perfect Square to my wish list. Would love to try and win it!! This is a wonderful interview with Vannetta and also a great blog. I am now a follower and signed up for the email.

    Karen Gervais
    kmgervais@nycap.rr.com

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  23. I'm a new follower!!! I love a good mystery, that has a happy ending that the reader didn't EVEN see coming!!! :-)

    (grammiesleeth@gmail.com)

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  24. I am a follower of Sleuths and Suspects.
    A cozy mystery is a book that you want to curl up with something to drink and not be bothered until it is read!

    Cheryl Baranski

    Baranski1987@gmail.com

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  25. Kala, what a sweet comment! Thanks so much for stopping by. I feel the same way about Amish books. : )

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  26. Linda, the first one is on sale for $2.99 on ebook. Just had to add that. : ) Falling to Pieces. It's a fun read!

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  27. dgaamiller -- happy birthday! : ) We should have cupcakes.

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  28. Kara, I like how you say that -- safe reads. Yes, as in you don't have to worry about handing them to a teenager, or reading them before bed. They're WHOLEsome. Thanks for your comment! : )

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  29. Dawn, I like that low-key idea. And it has a little humor, which might sound strange, but if you've read about Callie and Deborah, YOU KNOW. : )

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  30. Teresa, I like how you bring up the idea of piecing something together. That's a KEY of cozy mysteries. : )

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  31. Anon, thank you for coming out to see us in Shipshe. I adore that town. And I'm glad you enjoyed Falling to Pieces. I PROMISE you that A Perfect Square is even better ... : )

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  32. Leah, thank you so much. I appreciate your comment! : )

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  33. I love reading any books about the amish. i am sure these books will once again exceed my expectations.

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  34. PAULA, you're trying to figure this out already? : )

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  35. Love to read would love to win.
    Connie Ellis
    dutchcyclone@hotmail.com

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  36. Debbie, they're not gory at all--more like Harry's Law. I hope you have a wonderful day.

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  37. Karen, thank you so much. I appreciate your support of my writing, and your support of Amish fiction. : )

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  38. would love to win. Angela from KY
    angelac@mchsi.com

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  39. Grammie sleeth, I think you're right. Sometimes you don't think of mysteries having a happy ending, but they CAN. : )

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  40. Cheryl, a mystery does pull you in so that you want to finish it. Right? : )

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  41. Dava, thank you for supporting Amish fiction!

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  42. Angela, I appreciate your stopping by!

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  43. I'm following your blog! Love your books Vannetta!

    Marie Ferland
    mariefluffy@yahoo.ca

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  44. I'll follow Vanetta regardless if I win or not...I figure finding her books to read "winning" anyway. :-)

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  45. This is a new site for me. I am excited to find it and to learn about the new author. I hope I win a book but will certainly start reading her books.
    Shirley Culpepper
    bluebell5071@yahoo.com

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  46. My mom just had a breast removed, due to breast cancer. She is relaxing at home and lives to read Amish books. We follow your blg. Thank you,
    Joni krzes. Rfg1979@roadrunner.com

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  47. I've read one Amish mystery and it was very good! Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark! Reading Amish Fiction has always been enjoyable and throw in a mystery and it makes it even better. Good luck with your new series Vanetta!
    jennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com

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  48. blog follower of sleuths and suspects :) TY!

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  49. abel.barb@yahoo.com I would love to win her books sounds very interesting

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  50. a cozy mystery? one with a likeable amateur sleuth, located in a small town or village without graphic depictions of gore, and with realistic people you'd consider neighbourly. But there is a knowledgeable source to fill in the details that helps the sleuth solve the crime :) a diversionary type of brain teaser read...

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  51. faithhopecherrytea at gmail dot com
    for contacting or at my blog ~ welcome! tea's on ~

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  52. I want to enter this big Vannetta Chapman book contest...I love Vannetta's books...and would be so honored to win her books......never a duel moment with her new mystery amish books.....babyruthmac16@yahoo.com

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  53. I need both of these books bad!!!!!

    lds58lilachotmail.com

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  54. I also shared on Facebook.

    lds58lilac@hotmail.com

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  55. Cozy and Amish just go together. A bit of mystery makes it even better.
    O Norman
    onorman@wilkes.net

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  56. I am a sleuths and suspects follower - amhengst at verizon dot net
    I love cozy mysteries - you can sit and be cozy reading a great mystery

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  57. I love suspense and I love Amish books. I have the pleasure of knowing Vanetta through e-mails, and would love to own one of her books.

    I just became a new follower. :)

    Ginger
    ginger[dot]solomon[at]gmail[dot]com

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  58. I loved Falling to Pieces. Read it on my Nook. Can't wait to read A Perfect Square. I am the librarian for our church library and would love to have both of these books for it!
    bldawson@hiwaay.net

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    1. I am reading Falling To Pieces on my Nooj and love it. Can't wait to read A Perfect Square.
      coll33m.bartell@gmail.com

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  59. I am following you on Pinterest, facebook and now this blog. Not sure if I know what a cozy mystery is but I do love mystery books. Tammy tamtrax@gmail.com

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  60. I love Amish mysteries. I'm so happy that you write these mysteries. Hope you will continue. I think cozy mystery is an amatuer person who slueths like a detective to solve a mystery in a small community. To sum it up Deborah and Callie as amatuer slueths and Shipshewana as the small community.

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  61. Oh.... You all are ahead of me in comments! Now how do I catch up? Know that I am personally sending my love and thanks. Ok? Because I am. You all rock!

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  62. I love Vanetta's books.I signed up as a follower.I'm not sure what a cozy nystery is,but to me it would be a good clean mystery.One that you just want to keep reading.Thanks....jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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  63. I love Vannetta Chapman's books and would love to win:) I am a foller:) a cozy mystery lets you sleep at night:) I is clean and keeps you guessing, i have read th first one and cant waight to reed the 2nd:) thanks for writing these
    Jennie the_tabers@comcast.net

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  64. Love your books!! A Cozy mystery is one that keeps you on "the edge of you couch" makes you think.....thanks for a chance to win ....following sleuth and suspects. Nancylee100@Aol.com

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  65. I love Amish stories. I love romance with suspense or mystery to rev up the story but also like just a good romance with HEA. Love your books Vanetta.
    To me Cozy Mystery is usually written by a female author and has a female sleuth. The books don't go into the gory details, usually located in small towns, and most have a pet. The ones I have been reading usually have humor which I love in a story.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    I am a GFC follower

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  66. Great interview - I "discovered" Vannetta's books during her book tour last year in Lancaster County and love them! I don't know what a cozy mystery is, but I guess it would be a mystery that still makes you feel good :)

    babykf629 at gmail dot com

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  67. I love reading about the Amish..A cozy mystery to me is cuddling up and reading one..One that is mysterious but yet not scary..
    Cheryl Callan
    Callan210@msn.com

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  68. would love to win your books.

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  69. A cozy mystery is one that omits the violence and blood for the most part. There is usually a death, but not with great detail and the plot focuses on solving the mystery of who committed the murder---like Ginny Smith's "Murder by Mushrooms." There may also be another important element, but the mystery is the most important element. annknowles03@aol.com

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  70. If you post anonymously, please, please leave your e-mail address so we can contact you if you're a winner.
    Thanks for entering everyone. Glad to see you stop by and really hope you'll continue to stop by. More reviews, interviews, and giveaways planned this year! :)

    Heidi

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  71. I love reading about the amish's(I live around them in and around PA and Oh.)so i been in some of the houses and the farm.Would love to win 1 and 2 I can't find any books of your hear in OR,so keep up the writing and if I win I can say I've read your books Thank Vannetta and its would be a pleasure to get to know you and your writing,Thank

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  72. A cozy mystery is a mystery where the characters are likeable and use honest ways of solving their mystery.
    Thank you for offering a copy of this book!
    Nancee
    quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

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  73. I love cozy mysteries! Most cozies have a theme, a cast of enjoyable characters and a mystery to solve. Vannetta's series looks wonderful and different, I'd love to be entered.
    I'm a new follower.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  74. 1. I am a follower.
    2. A "Cozy Mystery" is a "gentle" read, fast paced, sex happens only behind closed doors, takes place in a small community, amateur detective is usually a well educated/smart female who police consider a "wack".
    3. I enjoyed this interview....especially the part about being a teacher (I am a teacher with dreams of being a writer) and I too love the TV mystery/who dunit shows, ie: criminal minds, CSI, 24 hrs, etc.
    Thank you for the opportunity!!!
    Darby
    4. darbyscloset@yahoo.com

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  75. 1 I am a follower

    2. A cozy mystery is a light mystery that isn't altogether gory and usually set in smaller communities and revolves around themes of bakeries, cooking, detectives, etc.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  76. Wow, I spent 19 years living near Shipshawana. I can't wait to read this series. I'm glad your blog made me aware of the series. Pam rnpbarry@juno.com

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  77. I would love to read this series as well! Please enter me. I'm a follower.

    Jeannie
    the character therapist

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  78. I've always loved Amish stories, and tossing in a mystery, too...well, that just makes 'em all the better! I'd love the opportunity to win Vannetta's books. :o)

    Thanks!

    Christy
    southernsassythings at gmail dot com

    Also, just signed up as a follower. :)

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  79. I've wanted to try one of Vanetta's mysteries for awhile. cara at caraputman dot com. Thanks.

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