Mary Ellis' "Abigail's New Hope"

We're happy to have Mary Ellis with us today talking about her book Abigail's New Hope. To learn more about Mary and her book, read on!

Title: Abigail’s New Hope, 1st in Wayne County Series
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Cover blurb: Love Blooms in Unexpected Places
As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, she is faced with some hard choices. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies—but the baby is saved. When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail for her mistakes, her sister Catherine comes to the Graber farm to care for Abigail’s young children while her husband, Daniel, works his fields. For the first time Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who is deaf and thought to be simpleminded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents. While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining grace. An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.

1) How did this story come to you?
I became intrigued by a real-life story that happened here about 5 years ago in Ohio’s Amish country. Although I fictionalized many details, a strong woman’s test of faith remains the focus of my story too.

2 Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It took me ten long years of writing and rewriting several books before I found a lovely agent who believed in me. She matched me with this wonderful publisher, and I feel I am “home” at last. I can write the books of my heart to glorify God, which is the best way to spend your day!

3)Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
One, although I have many pie recipes in my books, I have Amish friends who invent these recipes for me. I am not a good baker at all, but I do make very good homemade soup. Two, I absolutely love lima beans, Brussel sprouts and cooked spinach—three vegetables many people run away from, and three, I’m a rather slow reader. I’ve always envied fast readers. But at least, once I finish a book it usually sticks with me for a while.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m just finishing the second in the Holmes County Series, A Marriage for Meghan—the story of a former problem student turned schoolmarm. What could possibly go wrong? And next, I’ll be writing the 4th installment of the Miller Family Series. I can’t wait to revisit the characters of my first 3-book series set in Holmes County Ohio. It’ll be like meeting old friends for lunch.

5) Parting comments?
I hope those who are going through dark days will turn to the Bible first and foremost, but also not discount the ability of fiction to heal wounded souls.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Readers can find me at http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/ and I hope they’ll drop by and say hi.