Sheβs also the author of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adeleβs Journey, as well as seven novellas with Barbour Publishing. Two of her novellas have been finalists in the FHL Readerβs Choice Awards.
Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, where she can be found reading way too many books, obsessing over her favorite BBC dramas, dreaming up her next novel, and trying to figure out a way to get on the first possible flight to England. Connect with her on Facebook and visit her online at: amandabarratt.net.
Welcome to the blog, Amanda. I’m so excited to have you here today. Congratulations on your latest release, My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adeleβs Journey. I LOVE the cover!
Thank you so much, Savanna. So thrilled to be joining you!
What do YOU love most about this story?
I loved being able to write about a unique hero! Iβve not yet come across another novel featuring a funambulist heroβalthough Iβm sure there are some out there. Paring a hero who performs death-defying stunts with a heroine who fears risk, was such fun.
I also love the themes woven throughout the novel. Adele is a heroine I completely relate to. Sheβs spent much of her life trying to βfixβ the problems that come her way, rather than giving them to God. Because of this, sheβs weighted down by the responsibility she carries. Throughout the novel, she discovers that true peace is found only when oneβs burdens are handed over to Christ. I loved being able to share that through story!
Oh, I love this. They sound fascinating and relatable, a perfect blend in my book. π
Have you visited any of the historical sites from your books? If not, what places are at the top of your list to visit someday?
I visited Niagara Falls before writing this story. It was such a wonderful experience and totally worth the trip. Seeing the Falls in all their splendor brought Drew and Adeleβs journey to life!
It’s definitely on my bucket list!
What has been the most memorable book you’ve read so far this year?
Love this question! There are few things that make me happier than talking about books. π
Because itβs waaay too hard to list only one, Iβm going to give two answers. Kristen Hannahβs The Nightingale and Kara Isaacβs Then There Was You. Though Iβm not usually a re-reader, Iβve read The Nightingale twice this year. Itβs one of those stories that hits all the right notesβmemorable characters, page-turning plot twists, and a sweeping descriptive style that begs to be savored. Plus, itβs WWII, which is my go-to era, these days.
And Then There Was Youβ¦love this novel! Kara Isaac writes inspirational contemporary romance like none other! Iβm still laughing over the comedic moments in that book. The characters were so real and relatable, and the ending was swoonily romantic. <3
Who were some of your favorite authors growing up?
Laura Ingalls Wilder, L.M. Montgomery, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austenβ¦ As a teenager (and even before that) I adored classic literature and historical fiction. Not much has changed! π The local library has always been my happy place!
We share many favorites! π
Which heroine from a book would you like to be? Why?
Iβm going to go with the heroine from my favorite classic novelβJane Eyre. Though Janeβs childhood wasnβt easy, she emerged a strong, compassionate woman. Plus, I love her romance with Mr. Rochester!
Just hearing you mention Jane Eyre has me wanting to read it again. Love that story!
Thanks for sharing, Amanda. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Next June, Iβm thrilled to announce I have a novel releasing from Kregel Publications. Itβs called My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Bonhoefferβs Lost Love. This story holds such a special place in my heart, and I canβt wait to share with readers!
Hereβs a bit about the book.
In the face of the greatest evil, the cruelest dictator, a few brave men and women dared to resist. One of them was a German pastor and theologian. His name was Dietrich Bonhoeffer. To the Nazis, he was a traitor. To the 21st century church, he is a hero.
To Maria von Wedemeyer, he was simply Dietrichβthe man she loved.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. Nor has there ever been a more tumultuous time to experience romance. With the Reich in power, those who choose loyalty to God over allegiance to government are branded as traitors. Actively involved in the conspiracy against Adolf Hitler, Dietrich knows what his choices may cost him.
The realities of war strike Maria von Wedemeyer when her father and brother are killed on the battlefield. The last thing she needs is to fall in love with a man entangled in a deadly conspiracy. Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer offers comfort to her family following their devastating losses, she does simply thatβfalls in love. But with love, comes risk.
And neither Dietrich, nor Maria, are prepared for just how great that risk will soon become.
Ahhh, I can’t tell you how excited I am for this book! It looks and sounds amazing!! So happy you could join us today, Amanda. We’ll be watching for your next release! π
GIVEAWAY!!
Amanda has graciously offered to give away a print copy of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele’s Journey. Enter below and it could be YOU! π
Thanks for entering!Β Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends December 4, 2018.Β The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
I have already read the Niagara Falls book and loved it, so I won’t enter to win, but just wanted to stop by and read the lovely interview with Amanda. Personally speaking, she is a young author that I have enjoyed watching emerge into her writing voice . . . . and what a talented voice it is.
Aww, thank you, Rebecca! Your kind words blessed my heart! So appreciate the gift of your friendship! <3
Aww, thank you so much, Rebecca!!! So grateful for your kind words! <3
I’m so glad you took the time to stop by and share those sweet words about Amanda. I couldn’t agree more! I’m so grateful to have gotten to know her this year and I’m excited to keep following her journey from here. Blessings to you, Rebecca!
What a lovely interview! Thank you for the chance to win My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York. It is on my wish list!
Oh and one of the most memorable books I read this year was The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jeane! Love The Lost Castle! Such a great book! <3
Ohhh, I love Kristy Cambron’s books. All of them! π Thanks for sharing, Jeanne. Good luck in the drawing!
The Bible! Even though I’ve studied the Bible since I was a young girl, I am still amazed at the “new” things I discover!
Love this! I just recently started verse mapping the Bible and am loving all the “new” things I’m discovering too. So glad you stopped by, Barb!
I love The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.
I haven’t heard of that one before, Becky. Thanks for sharing!
One of the most memorable books Iβve read is The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli. It was,so good and left me thinking about it long after I finished reading it.
Ohhhh, yes! I don’t think I’ll ever forget that book. An incredible story!
Sheβs a new to me author but Iβve been wanting to read her books! Thanks for the giveaway. Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof was one of the best novels Iβve read this year.
I just finished Joanne’s book this week and loved it! No surprise there. She’s one of my favorites. Hope you get to read and enjoy Amanda’s book soon!
A book that Iβve read that was memorable was Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar. I enjoyed the interview.
I haven’t read that one, but I’ve heard about it. Thanks for mentioning it. I need to add that to my reading list. Good luck in the drawing, Lucy!
The Impossible Girl was a very intriguing book.
I need to check that one out, Melanie. π
It’s impossible to pick one! I recently read My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and really enjoyed it! I was reminded of Christy.
Awww, I’ve been wanting to read that one!! Looks so good and I LOVE Christy! π
Looking forward to reading the book about Bonhoeffer. I have a few of the My Heart belongs series but I guess I missed yours. Would love to add it.
Most memorable book this year is hard to pin down. Two come to mind. Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd and An Hour Unspent by Roseanna White.
There are a lot of good Christian Fiction books out there. I love historicals!
Sounds like you and I enjoy a lot of the same books, Paula. Love it! So glad you stopped by. Hope you get to read Amanda’s book real soon! π
This sounds like my kind of book. Thank You for the giveaway.
Marilyn
Hope you get to read it soon, Marilyn. Happy Holidays!
I enjoyed Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. Such a good book!
That looks so good! Thanks for sharing, Caryl. π
As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack. It was very though provoking, and a subject matter that isn’t on my usual TBR pile. It really was one I can’t get out of my head and makes you see things from other’s perspectives.
Sounds like a story worth the read! Love it, Laura. A book like that for me this year was Heidi Chiavaroli’s The Hidden Side. An incredible (and emotional) read!
There were so many good ones this year! Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar comes to mind, but possibly the best one was The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli.
I didn’t see your comment until after I’d posted above about Heidi’s book. How funny! π Tessa’s book is on my TBR list too!