Tuesday 10 February 2015

THE MATCHMAKER BLOG TOUR - GUEST POST BY SARAH PRICE & GIVEAWAY


Hi Maria Grazia and thank you so much for inviting me to share a little bit about myself on your blog. I’ve been writing for almost forty years, starting when I was just a little girl when I would write stories about gnomes in little notebooks (which I still have!). I gravitated to writing about the Amish genre because my heritage is Anabaptist and I find the Plain culture fascinating. 
Unfortunately, there is often a misconception that Amish fiction books are poorly written and formula romance. And then there is often a problem concerning many authors’ accuracy of the portrayal of Amish. Many authors do not have first-hand experience with the Amish or readers are basing what they know on “reality” shows. 
My books, however, do bring authentic experiences to the readers as I’ve been directly involved for my entire life with Mennonites (my father’s side of the family) and the Amish (I even lived on a farm!). In regard to my writing style, I focus on methods of absorbing the reader into the story to make them feel as if they are actually there. And character development is my favorite part of the writing process. 
With the Amish Classics series (First Impressions and The Matchmaker), I wanted to provide more than a great, authentic experience for the reader; I wanted to also provide quality literature while introducing my readers to a higher level of reading. It has been my hope that after reading my versions, many of them would be curious and want to read Austen’s books.
Reading classic literature—such as Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters, Charles Dickens, and Victor Hugo, to name a few—can be a daunting task. Many of us were forced to read one of these authors’ books in English class during our high school years. As adults, many of us prefer lighter reads to balance our stressful lives as we juggle home, family, and work. Picking up a classic book might not be at the top of our TBR pile. 
Yet, there is something intellectually stimulating about the classics that is missing in many of these lighter reads. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors. Her writing style is brilliant, her attention to detail is amazing, and her character development is second to none. So I decided to challenge myself and retell Jane Austen’s book in an Amish setting, combining the Amish culture and religion with a Jane Austen style of writing and story-telling. 
Several people told me that they could not imagine how I would pull off such a challenge. I admit that the challenge kept me awake many nights as I tried to create a parallel Austenite universe within the Amish. After all, the high society of 19th century England is completely different from 21st century Amish, right?
Not so! After all, Jane Austen dealt with timeless issues, issues that cross generations, culture, and religion. 
I have two more books in this series, but I’m not opposed to writing more. If I can create an awareness that the Amish genre can be both well-written and interesting as well as introduce my readers to the world of Jane Austen, I consider this a wonderful success!

If you would like to learn more about The Matchmaker and visit other tour stops here is the link to take you to the Blog Tour List.

About the author

The Preiss family emigrated from Europe in 1705, settling in Pennsylvania as the area's first wave of Mennonite families. Sarah Price has always respected and honored her ancestors through exploration and research about her family history and their religion. At nineteen, she befriended an Amish family and lived on their farm throughout the years.
As a masterful storyteller, Sarah Price prides herself on presenting an authentic Amish experience for her readers. Many of her stories are based on actual people she has met and her own experiences living among the Amish over the years. Sarah now resides in Morris County, New Jersey with her family.
While she started out as an Indie author, she signed on with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall Press, an imprint of Brilliance Publishing. Her first book, First Impressions: An Amish Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was released in May 2014.



Get the latest news about Sarah Price on Facebook, Twitter, and sarahpriceauthor.com.


 Buy your copy of The Matchmaker 
at 


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23 comments:

Deanna Stevens said...

I haven't read this is so long..(45 years?) I really need to read it again:) Your comments make me wonder what I have forgotten.

Debbie Curto said...

I really liked this book and I would like to win a print copy to give one to my mom as my copy is a ebook

Robin in NC said...

I can't imagine the challenge of bringing the two genres together. I'm not much of a Jane Austen kind of reader, but I really enjoy the Amish based books, excited to see how they come together! Thanks for sharing Maria & Sarah! Robin in NC
rw620 at aol dot com

cyn209 said...

ok, I've yet to read EMMA, but I will soon.....
this re-telling would be fun to read.........

WarmisunquAusten said...

I have much curiosity for the Amish world, so I wait to read very soon it.

Robin Coxon said...

I find it very interesting the immigration of our relatives from Europe to the United States. Having relatives who were Mennonites has made me even more interested in this series of books.

BookLuver88 said...

I love different variations of Jane Austen's works

Sonja said...

I would love this book. Have read some Austen variations that were good, and so would love this one! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

Sonja said...

I would love this book. Have read some Austen variations that were good, and so would love this one! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

Laurie I said...

I've read and enjoyed Jane Austen's Emma and love reading other Austen-esque type books. This one with an Amish theme sounds interesting.

Ceri said...

Hi there! I know from Amazon that there are 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Emma' books available, and a 'Persuasion' book coming up, but Sarah mentions 4 books, so I was wondering what the fourth one was? I'm outside the US so I can't enter for the prize, but I will share the news of the giveaway with my reading buddies :)

Michelle F. said...

I like Austenesque books but would never have thought that someone would combine them with an Amish story!

Kelli H. said...

I am so excited to see a book based on Emma. Emma is my favorite Austen novel and Mr. Knightley is just wonderful! I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.

Birdhouse Books said...

Emma is one of my favorites by Jane Austen, so I am sure I would love this novel too. Great review!

KayM said...

It's been a while since I've read any classic literature, although I prefer books that do have depth and are well-written. I haven't taken the opportunity to read much Amish fiction. I'm very curious about this book. I think it must be interesting.

Anonymous said...

I love Amish books and do not find them poorly written. I enjoy the peaceful feelings I get when reading them. It has been awhile since I have ready any classics though. It may be time to re read them. Sarah Price's books are very inspiring and I would love to read this one.

Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com

Brenda said...

Oh my I would love to read this book! I love Amish books and I love Jane Austen!

Melody said...

I am interested in discovering your authorship work.

Brenda said...

I visited Jane Austen Book Club page but cannot find a way to let u know on the entry form! It puts me back to visit everytime then I cant back to let u know I have!

Rick Estep said...

Would be a great book for our church library. librarybooks at religious dot com

bn100 said...

interesting inspiration

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...


Sorry to say I have not had one of Sarahs books to read yet. And, I have never read the Jane Austen books that so many talk about, but I do like Amish books and listening to Sarah talk about living among them. Would love to be a winner.
Maxie . mac262(at)me(dot0com <

BeckyC said...

I have spent a little time in Indiana visiting family in an area with a large Amish community. I am very curious to your twist on Emma. Thank you for the giveaway.