When I had the opportunity to write a novella for AN AMISH MARKET, I jumped
at the chance. I live near Middlefield, OH and visit there often. One of the
prime attractions is the Middlefield Market. Each Monday they hold a large flea
market which includes clothing, fruits and vegetables, Amish baked goods, and in
the spring and summer, vegetable plants and flower baskets. I wrote about the
Middlefield Market briefly in my novella “Flowers for Rachael” (in the anthology
AN AMISH GARDEN) and I
was excited to revisit it in this novella collection. In “A Bid for Love”, a
fictionalized version of the DCC Benefit Auction is featured. A series of
misunderstandings at the quilt portion of the auction leads Hannah Lynne and
Ezra to sort out their feelings for each other.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend the DCC Benefit Auction. This
is a yearly auction that supports the DCC Clinic for Special Needs Children
located in Middlefield. There are several auctions held throughout the year that
support the DCC Clinic and the Clinic for Special Needs Children in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. I knew this would be a special auction, but it far exceeded my
expectations.
This auction draws many Amish and Mennonites from Ohio and Pennsylvania, so the
market was packed with people. There was an entire tent of baked goods (yum!)
along with hot dogs, pop, chips, and homemade donuts available for purchase.
There was a Chinese auction similar to the one in “A Bid for Love”, along with a
main auction where a variety of items were sold off—a cord of wood, quilts,
services for buggy repair, farrier services, tools, even broom and dustpan sets.
The bidding was lively, and there were several Amish auctioneers running the
auction. Some were young teenagers, and I was impressed with their
professionalism and skill. It’s not easy to speak fast and keep track of bids,
but these guys did it with aplomb.
I strive to show the similarities between the Amish and non-Amish in my books.
Certain cultural norms set us apart, but at the end of the day we’re all part of
the body of Christ. It was interesting to see the different mixes of Amish and
Mennonite families in one large place. There were several families with adopted
children, and several with special needs kids. There were also plenty of
“Yankees” in the mix, and we all had a great time.
The last event of the evening was Cow Patty Bingo. Being the auction novice that
I am, I had no idea what that was so I asked a woman standing next to me. She
explained with a smile how people purchased a number that corresponded with one
of the squares marked on the market floor. Soon a cow would come in, and whoever
had the square the cow dropped a patty on would win the pot. Then she laughed at
my expression of disbelief. Sure enough, a few minutes later, the cow did its
business and made one bingo player very happy.
The DCC Clinic’s mission is “to enhance the quality of life for people with
special needs caused by rare genetic disorders”. As a former special education
teacher, this is a cause near to my heart, and it was inspiring to see so many
communities coming together to support these children, their families, and the
personnel who work with them. That takes true community spirit and love—two
things that are bountiful among the Amish.
Giveaway
Auctions and markets across the country raise money for causes. Do you have one
you're familiar with or attend? Tell us below and one person will win a copy of
the AN AMISH MARKET that
includes Kathleen's story: “A Bid for Love."
Kathleen Fuller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock,
Arkansas, and currently lives in Geneva, Ohio. Fuller has been married to James
for 21 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) She started writing
in 2000, and published her first short story a year later. Fuller has a Masters
degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually
impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education.
A few
of her favorite things: her relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!),
autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take
themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did we mention
chocolate?
All the color and variety of a quaint Amish
shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your
favorite authors. Feel free to come in and
browse!
A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller
Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market.
And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read
too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way,
despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win
the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from
taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?
Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin
Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to
make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But
as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the
frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon
learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for
some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that
broken heart and renew his faith in love.
Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman
Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee
David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring
around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David
have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish
Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for
their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.
Love Birds by Amy Clipston
While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother,
Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd
is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him
to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations
and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and
Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another,
but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with
him?
Prom dresses for $30.00? A local dry cleaner takes donated prom, bridal attendant, wedding, and cocktail dresses and cleans each one for free. This fourth year project gathered 2700 wearable dress and sold almost everyone of them. All the money (nearly $81,000) raised will go for counseling of women at Lydia House, a women's shelter. The counseling includes work coaching, living skills and emotional support. I am proud to live in a city that has a business that cares! (Joanne Hicks 7:07pm February 26, 2016)
Our volunteer fire department has a fish fry and auction each October and it is a huge event. The Amish ladies in our community donate a quilt (sometimes two) and they normally bring $750-$1000. The fish fry/auction is a wonderful way for our community to show our appreciation for these volunteer firemen and we appreciate the support that our Amish friends offer! (Connie Saunders 5:14pm February 27, 2016)
I really love my local towns farmers market. They do it every Friday during the season, and I know a part of the profits goes towards things that the town needs - whether it be for the schools, firefighters, senior center, etc. It's nice to shop local and know you are giving back. (Lily Shah 9:02pm February 27, 2016)
I used to go to the farmer's market, but my health prevents me from doing so anymore. (Wilma Frana 10:43am February 28, 2016)
I've never been to one but it sounds fascinating. :) (Theresa Norris 11:04am February 28, 2016)
I haven't been to any of the markets or auctions to raise money for different causes except for pie auctions at my church . The ladies bake pies ,cakes , cookies or cobblers and they are auctioned off with proceeds going to our new church that we are trying to get paid off . I love stories of the Amish people and enjoy reading all that I get my hands on . They are fascinating people and very strong in their beliefs . (Joan Thrasher 1:14pm February 28, 2016)
It wasn't recently, but I used to go to my church's white elephant auction. The money used to go to programs to help young, disadvantaged Catholics to pay for their schooling. (Cynthia Powers 5:30pm February 28, 2016)
The one I always try to buy something from, even if it's a book, is Brenda Novak's online auction. I even got my Dad, gone now, a book by an author he liked because he had diabetes. That was what started me buying in there. He is gone now but I still buy one thing. It's for my Daddy, RIP. (Vicki Hancock 6:15pm February 28, 2016)
I go to a farmers market that has an Amish couple selling baked goods. They travel over an hour to set up their stand at the farmers market. Great Whoopie Pies! (Karen Gervais 7:19pm February 28, 2016)
I live in along the coast of Washington State and we do not have an Amish population that I know of. I have heard that there is a Mennonite community in Eastern WA. So I am unfamiliar with any Amish markets, but I sure would love to go to one. (Terrill Rosado 9:47pm February 28, 2016)
Just local garage sales, i love them! what a great way to outfit small kids, yourself, collect books, then to free yourself of excess when the time comes. (Darci Paice 12:31pm February 29, 2016)
Silent auctions are common in our part of the country. Several organizations I work with and volunteer for have them several times a year to raise funds. Our church usually has a silent auction during their Fall Festival, as do many of the other churches in the area. (Patricia Barraclough 12:47pm February 29, 2016)
I always try to attend our local humane society walk for the animals. (Sue Farrell 9:34am February 29, 2016)
Farmers Markets, garage sales, thrift store visits--it's all good! (Nancy Ludvik 9:59am February 29, 2016)
Farmers's Markets, garage sales, shopping at thrift stores- -it's all good! (Nancy Ludvik 10:00am February 29, 2016)
Mmmmm... Chocolate. I love my local farmers market. So many wonderful fruits, vegetables, fresh honey, bread and pastries still warm from the ovens, handicrafts, exotic flowers, kettle corn, a dizzying array of foods, and so much music. (Kelly Erickson 10:39am February 29, 2016)
I help out with our library's Friend's of the library's book sales. I help out with the Walk for Life annual garage sale. This year I assisted at the collection site for Christmas Boxes to be sent to children in other lands by the Franklin Graham association. (Sharon Karas 12:06pm February 29, 2016)
I love our local Farmer's Market.... yummy fresh veggies and berries (Mary McCoy 5:09pm February 29, 2016)
I was so happy to hear about a new author of Amish books. I love Amish stories as our family loves to take trips to Lancaster County Pa. almost every year. I am looking forward to finding out more about this series. one of my favorite places to get my spices and herbs is at Shady Maple. Thank you for the chance to win your contest. I would be delighted. (Cynthia Blain 5:42pm February 29, 2016)
My husband had myasthenia gravis, a neurological disease, and they do a yearly seminar that includes s silent auction. I donate some books I win from sites like FreshFiction. This year I also donated a set of pillowcases I hand embroidered. We do not have Amish in my area. (Leona Olson 8:21am March 1, 2016)
My grand-daughter has autism so I support all causes related to that and also breast cancer. (Denise Austin 1:23pm March 1, 2016)
I grew up close by the Amish country. We would go to the Amish Markets often. Can't wait to win this book to read it. (Merle Tolin 1:46pm March 1, 2016)
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