County, Pennsylvania, with a gripping new story about hope, faith and
family with the first young adult novel in her ECPA and Christian Book
Distributors bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series.
In RECKLESS HEART (ZONDERVAN; April 2012; $9.99), Lydia Bontrager
seems to have the perfect Amish existence—a loving family, a boy in
whom she's interested, loyal friends and a promising position as a
teaching assistant that may soon lead to a full-time career. But
following a night out with a group of "bad boys," she finds herself
carrying the burden of a shameful secret that threatens to destroy her
reputation. That same week, her four-year-old sister is diagnosed with
leukemia, forcing Lydia to take on a maternal role to her younger
siblings – all while continuing to work at the schoolhouse and her
grandmother's bakery.
With the added pressures at home, her community's displeasure with her
friendships and a faltering relationship with the only boy she's ever
loved, Lydia feels as though her safe little world is crumbling around
her.
Early readers of Reckless Heart say Clipston has hit a homerun,
creating a strong-willed character who is sure to become one of the
most beloved heroines on the YA fiction scene. Teens will instantly
fall in love with Lydia and empathize as she struggles to find her
place in the Amish community while keeping her relationships with
family, friends and God.
Mastering the unique Amish dialect, Clipston captures the cultural
charm of the community in stunning precision – right down to the
scrumptious chocolate peanut butter cookie recipe included at the end
of the book.
Clipston says she's always been drawn to the simplicity and faith of
Amish society: "Due to my German heritage, I feel a loose connection
to the Amish and their culture. My plots come straight from my heart
and all involve family issues intertwined with faith."
To schedule an interview with Amy Clipston, to receive a review copy,
or for more information on RECKLESS HEART, please contact Candice
Frederick at DJC Communications at 212-971-9707 or candice@djccommunications.com
.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amy Clipston is the author of the bestselling
Kauffman Amish Bakery novels, as well as last year's YA title Roadside
Assistance. She is also the recipient of the 2011 Selah Award for
Fiction for A Promise of Hope. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina,
with her husband and two sons. www.amyclipston.com.
