I read a bit of your blurb on Amazon. I too was a reader of the gothic romances when I first started to read romances at 13. Tempest's Course sounds so good!
My grandma's father was what they called "jerked over" Amish. So, I grew up with wonderful Amish food. Christmas Eve was at her house. They had a small Christmas tree with bubble lights on it. My favorite treat on Christmas Eve was her oyster stew. Made with whole milk and fresh oysters and their liquor.