Life with Lily chapter book ~*~ ages 8-12, ©2012 Enjoyable For All Ages!

Life with Lily is the first in the new Adventures of Lily Lapp series for children. This story of a spunky young Amish girl will introduce children to the gentle life of the Amish people. The book is based on the true childhood of Mary Ann Kinsinger, who is co-authoring the series with beloved Amish novelist Suzanne Woods Fisher. This is not a “picture book,” but has engaging illustrations throughout the book.

The first of four novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, Life with Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish--and lots of fun and laughter along the way. 

Life with Lily, book 1: For a child, every day is a thing of wonder. And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily's life is always full of adventure.

Here is a sample part of the first chapter of Life with Lily:

Chapter 1
Strange Goings-On

It was still dark outside. Lily tried to keep up with Papa's long strides as he carried little Joseph across the yard to where the horse and buggy were tied to the hitching post. The wet grass swished against the hem of Lily's long flannel nightgown, making it slap against her legs as they hurried along. She felt wet and cold.
     Only moments before, Papa had awakened Lily from a sound sleep and handed her a coat to wear over her nightgown. Something mysterious was going on that wasn't explained to five-year-old Lily.
     Papa boosted Lily and Joseph up into the buggy and hurried to untie Jim, the buggy horse. Coiling up the rope, Papa tucked it under the seat before he climbed into the buggy. He gave a quick "tch-tch" to Jim and a light touch on the reins to guide the horse out the long, winding driveway.

[illustration of Lily, Papa, and Joseph riding in the buggy under the stars]

     The chilly night air had wiped all the sleepiness from Lily's eyes. In the sky, stars twinkled and a full moon hung above the trees like a big golden ball. The only sounds she could hear were the clip-clopping of Jim's hooves and the crunchy sound of the buggy wheels as they rolled over the gravel road. The leaves rustled in the chilly night breeze and cast dancing moon shadows in the trees along the road. The lanterns that hung outside the buggy created little circles of light that shone on Jim's hindquarters. He twitched his ears forward and then back again, listening for Papa's voice.
     It seemed to Lily as if they were the only people in the world who were awake. There were no lamps shining in the houses they passed. There were no cars on the road. No birdsong in the trees. The only sound of nature she could hear was the sweet sound of spring peepers, calling to each other in the creek.
     As soon as they arrived at Grandpa and Grandma Miller's house, Papa hopped off the buggy and led Jim over to the long hitching rail. He helped Lily and Joseph jump down from the buggy. Then he reached under the buggy seat for a suitcase. Lily hadn't noticed it until now.
~*~
Every DAY is a new ADVENTURE!
On a small Amish farm in upstate New York, young Lily Lapp has plenty to do and plenty of people to love. But changes are coming--including a new baby brother, a new teacher at school, and new ways of looking at the world. Lily's growing up Amish, and there's always a lot to learn--if only Lily can stay out of trouble!

Authors

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish and currently writes the popular blog A Joyful Chaos as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of several Amish novels, including the Lancaster County Secrets series and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is the host of the internet radio show Amish Wisdom and lives in California.

My Review

Life with Lily is a fun book that will be enjoyed by any age! A chapter-a-night for your little ones at bedtime will have them enjoying the antics of Lily, the big sister of not one, but two little brothers. She shares her days with you in 39 chapters. The illustrations add to the story and are reminiscent of Little House days, in an Amish setting. Visit the website AdventuresofLilyLapp to meet the authors, get to know Lily and her family, learn more about the Amish, and find fun games and activities. Don't miss the next Adventure with Lily Lapp in Book 2, A New Home for Lily, coming in February, 2013.

*Thank you to Revell Blog Tour/Baker Publishing for this copy of Life with Lily to review in my own words.*

The Adventures of Lily Lapp, Book One, Life with Lily, is available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Book 2, A New Home for Lily, is available for pre-order.

EXTRA ~*~ EXTRA
Life with Lily is in stores now and Suzanne is hosting an eReader Giveaway and an Author Chat on FB with her co-author, Mary Ann (10/16).
Two Grand Prize Winners will receive a Prize Pack (valued at $230):

* A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)

* A signed copy of Life with Lily for you and a young reader in your life.

Then on 10/16 join Suzanne and Mary Ann for the Life with Lily Author Chat Party on FB at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, 8:00 EST)!
During the party Mary Ann will be answering questions about growing up Amish and she and Suzanne will talk about what it was like to co-write the Lily books. Stop by for prizes, chat and laughs!! RSVP early and tell your friends!

http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/295458
Available to enter October 1, 2012 @12:00am (PDT) - October 15, 2012 @11:59pm (PDT)