Monday, September 5, 2011

Vannetta Chapman's "Falling to Pieces" (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery)

Title: Falling to Pieces (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery)
Publisher: Zondervan

Cover blurb: In the Amish community of Shipshewana, two women—one Amish, one English—reluctantly join forces for a short-term business venture. Neither is looking for friendship, but when the town's newspaper editor is murdered, and an unexpected prime suspect is identified, the women form an unlikely alliance to solve the mystery.

Description: In this first book of a three-book series, author Vannetta Chapman brings a fresh twist to the popular Amish fiction genre. She blends the familiar components consumers love in Amish books—faith, community, simplicity, family—with an innovative who-done-it plot that keeps readers guessing right up to the last stitch in the quilt.

When two women—one Amish, one English—each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town's reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.

Set in the well-known Amish community of Shipshewana, Falling to Pieces will attract both devoted fans of the rapidly-growing Amish fiction genre, as well as those who are captivated by the Amish way of life.

1) How did this story come to you? I was asked by Sue Brower (executive editor) to come up with several ideas for an Amish mystery series. I submitted 5 series ideas with 3 stories each and this is the one she chose! We wanted to pair an Amish woman with an Englisch, and it just so happens Callie is from Texas--like me!

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
My first inspry was picked up by Abingdon Press. Zondervan saw that manuscript and liked it, but didn't need a writer for Amish romance because they have the fabulous Amy Clipston. When Sue asked me if I'd be interested in writing something different, I jumped at the chance.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have a phobia about tall bridges (driving over them), I play the piano fairly well, and I didn't receive my college degree until I was 34 years old.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on book 2 of my Pebble Creek Series (Amish romance) for Harvest House. This is a lovely series set in Wisconsin. Book 1 will release in June of 2012. We hope to continue with more Amish mystery, as early reader response for Falling to Pieces has been tremendous.

5) Parting comments?
Be open to changes in your "life plan." Things haven't always turned out as I envisioned them, but God had something better in mind.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
They can find me through my webpage (http://www.vannettachapman.com/) or on facebook (www.facebook.com/vannettachapmanbooks). Also I post to my blog 3 times a week (http://www.vannettachapman.wordpress.com/).

60 comments:

  1. Interesting concept for a series and by a new author to me. I love hearing about new authors and new series. Please add me to the giveaway.

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

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  2. I've never read an amish book like this, but it sounds like a very interesting concept. I would love to see how it plays out.

    sarahsantanablogs@gmail.com

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  3. This caught my eye since it was set in Shipshewana -- I only live about 40 miles away. Please add me to the giveaway, also.

    Lorraine

    rainerja(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. Hey this sounds like a very, very Good book! I love reading about the Amish and the has a really interesting twist! Please add me to the contest!!! I see HOPE TO WIN!!! Many thanks! REMAIN BLESSED

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  5. Vannetta is not a new author to me. I loved her book, A Simple Amish Christmas. I would love to win a copy of Falling to Pieces. I have been to Shipshewana many times and I'm thrilled about the first book in this Amish series. I will probably recognize a lot of places that is mentioned in this book and the other two to follow. I am looking forward to going to her book signing in November at the Blue Gate!

    God Bless,
    sweetpea.judy{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  6. Book definatly sounds like one I want to read. Would love to win.

    Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

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  7. This is a new author to me but this book sounds great. I love to read about the amish and i know they live in Shipshewana.I would love to win one of her books .Thanks

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  8. This sounds like a great book. I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance.

    agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  9. I thoroughly enjoy reading books about the Amish.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  10. I would love to win this book....love amish books.Thanks.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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  11. What fun! I love hearing that you all are interested in a new kind of Amish book. Of course there will still be the things we LOVE about Amish books--faith, community, simplicity, family--but with a new twist.

    I also like to hear that some of you are familiar with the setting--Shipshe, Indiana! And it's true, I'll be there w/my pals Amy Clipston and Shelley Shepard Gray in November. You can find more details about our book tour on facebook or on our webpages and blogs. And thanks for commenting. I appreciate it!

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  12. I loved A Simple Amish Christmas and how Vannetta brought it to life. (I'm still waiting for more of that story!) This lady has a way with words and if you've not read her work before, you better get ready to enjoy!

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  13. I can't wait to read this one and winning it would be A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!!!!!

    barbarabeers at verizon dot net

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  14. Visited Shipshe once and was not able to spend much time there, and this will be a way for me to "learn" more about it.

    Loretta

    eveningstar888@aol.com

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  15. My oh my, I love mysteries and I love Amish fiction so this would be a great read for me. Sounds like a good story to enjoy.

    Alecia Ernst

    greatdane@citlink.net

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  16. This sounds like a very inyeresting book. Can't wait to read it.

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  17. This looks like a great book! I LOVE Amish fiction, and am always up for a good mystery now and then. Both of them in one book sounds awesome!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Ooh, this sounds like my kind of book! I've never read anything by Vanetta... I can't wait to!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Awesome giveaway! Looks like a great book!

    icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Okay, now you all are getting ME excited! : ) Can't wait to see who wins. And thanks again to everyone for stopping by.

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  21. would love to win
    nakiassgeorge@yahoo.com

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  22. This sounds like a wonderful read.
    I would love to win a copy of your book.
    Shirley
    beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  23. Sounds great Vannetta!! Can't wait to read it!! :) Evelyn Cross

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  24. sounds like a wonderful read, please enter me in the contest, thank you Carol E

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  25. OHHH, this sounds interesting, can't wait to read it.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  26. I'd love to read your books...they sound really good and I enjoy books about the Amish. Thank you for the entry. Have a blessed day. I "liked" you on Facebook too.

    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

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  27. This book sounds like one where you would like to be or try too be friends with different people to find out who the murder is an why they murdered that person in the first place. Crochetsandi@hotmail.com Thanks an God Bless you all.

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  28. Hey ... we're at 27 comments (this makes 28). That's awesome! If we can make 35, I'll give away a copy of A Simple Amish Christmas AND Falling to Pieces, so you all go tell your friends about Dawn's blog. : ) Both to the same person or first name drawn gets F2P, second name gets ASAC? We'll let Dawn decide! What fun!

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  29. Look at all these responses!! See how much you are loved Vannetta! I would love to win Gone To Pieces!! Already have A Simple Amish Christmas and absolutely loved it. Whoever wins, will be very lucky, indeed,
    k_hanns@yahoo.com

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  30. Love Amish fiction and Amish mystery. jlscott49@roadrunner.com

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  31. Would love to read a book by a new-to-me Amish author.

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  32. Anything Amish is a must read !!
    Djkrueger@wildblue.net

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  33. It sounds like it would be very interesting to read. especially the two ladies becoming friends and trying to solve the murder. It would be one I know I would enjoy. Please add me to your list. I would love to win one of your books.
    Connie Elrod
    Juzona@aol.com

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  34. I enjoy reading any Amish fiction. This one sounds like it will be a good read.

    Agree about the changes in "life's plan". God's plan is always better!

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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  35. I am excited about the group of women trying to work together with such different backgrounds.

    Loved the interview! When I was living in Indiana I had to drive over a bridge coverd with "black ice". I held my breath and then the car started to go sideways. I got out the car and looked at it. It was ready to fall out of the ditch on the railroad tracks below. I was so afraid. I stayed with some neighbors until a toll truck came and pulled it out of the ditch. Then I had to try the bridge again. My hands were shaking!

    Please enter me for one of your books!



    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  36. Enter my name for the giveway. I love reading amish fiction. tagon@mi.rr.com

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  37. I am going to get this in both book and ereader format. I can already tell I need both! Please enter me.

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  38. You all are fabulous. It's very encouraging to see so many fans of Amish fiction! And we made our 35 comments, so I'm giving away an autographed copy of Falling to Pieces AND an autographed copy of A Simple Amish Christmas. WooHoo! Nice going. : )

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  39. This sounds like an interesting book.

    I do not like bridges either. I have had a recurring dream since I was little about going over a bridge. To this day I don't like them.

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  40. I can NOT wait to read this book. The cover is simply adorable, and I can't wait to hear about this unlikely pairing! And, Vannetta is just super nice to boot!!

    stacey.barbalace@verizon.net

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  41. Loved A Simple Christmas & would love to win this book.
    Wilma


    wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com

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  42. I am a fan of Vannette's books. I would love to win a book. Thanks for the contest. Debra B. Al.

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  43. Would love to win you books. Love anything Amish.

    callenmcdougal@wk.net

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  44. I descend from Lancaster County, Pa. so I love books on this subject..I hope I win!!

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  45. love discovering a new author!! Anyone who combines quilting and Amish fiction is on my must read list!! I would love to be entered in the give away!!
    lilquackerjack@yahoo.com

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  46. Can't wait to read your book!

    Cindy
    cselliott3@gmail(dot)com

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  47. This sounds very interesting. I can't wait to get it for my mom and I to read.Thanks
    Mae

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  48. I love to read Amish books and a good mystery adds an interesting concept! Would love to win!

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  49. This sounds like a beautiful book. Can't wait to read it.
    Thank you for writing it!

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  50. I have adored the Amish culture since I was a little girl growing up in driving distance of Lancaster County Pa. I look forward in reading your new Amish Mystery book series!!! Congrats on such a clever concept!! :o) Best wishes to you. Please include me in your special drawing.
    ~Daisy Adams
    daisyflower.adams@gmail.com

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  51. love Amish books would love to win thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  52. Goodness! You all have been busy over here while I was chasing a fawn out of my back yard this morning. :) I think this you all are fabulous. I just wanted you to know that.

    I'll tell you a secret about the book, because you all have earned it. If you look closely at the cover, you'll see the words Daisy's Quilt Shop on the awning of the shop. Callie's Aunt Daisy owned the shop previously, and I named it after my great Aunt Daisy. : ) Fun, right?

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  53. Count me in...would luv to win one of your books...they sound so interesting....babyruthmac16@yahoo.com

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  54. I love Amish books and mysteries so I'm looking forward to reading this one. And I've added Vanetta to my list of authors to look for. Thanks for the chance to win a book!

    choco1950(at)netins(dot)net

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  55. Ms. Chapman, What a fun looking book...both "Falling to Pieces" and the Christmas book! You might not want to come to Virginia if you don't like high bridges...my daughter has the same fear. Thank you for the chance to win!

    Blessings,
    Kelly Y. in Virginia

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  56. It's nice to know I"m not the only one who hates those tall bridges! Thank you everyone for entering. : ) I'll have my Random Number Generator choose a winner at 7 p.m. Texas time tonight. : )

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  57. We have our winners! My Random Number Generator Machine picked Crochetsandi@hotmail.com and jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks everyone for playing and keep your eyes on my blog at http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/. I'll be giving away lots more books this month. : )

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  58. Huh-oh. Crochetsandi@hotmail.com your email didn't work. Please post a different email address here so I can send you your prize or you can contact Dawn via this blog site.

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  59. Darn it Vannetta! How did I miss this? Oh well, I will be reading it soon anyway!!!! Loved the little info about you.

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  60. Always enjoy reading and learning about the Amish. This got a little slow since this young man went down the same path many times. I was surprised that the elders kept giving him another chance. But still I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others who have an interest in reading about the Amish.

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