Carla's Book Crush

Green Pastures by Patricia Johns
Series: The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill – Book 1
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Amish Romance

​​Tabitha Schrock’s return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha’s leaving Shepherd’s Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community.

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

PURCHASE LINKS:
 Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon
Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 50 books. She writes Amish fiction with tight communities, outspoken heroines, and the handsome, rugged men who fall in love with them. She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son.

Connect with Patricia by visiting patriciajohns.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Q&A

CB: What inspired you to write Green Pastures?

Johns: For Green Pastures, I wanted to look at the relationship between sisters when one sister left the Amish life and then returned. Because while we normally focus on the one who left, I wanted to also look at the fallout for the sisters who stayed. Because there are always ripples! And how do those sisters feel now that the prodigal has returned? That was the spark that started this book. 

CB: How did you choose your main character?  

Johns: In this book, the main character would be Amanda, and I chose her because I wanted a woman who is ready for a leap within the Amish world. She’s not leaving the faith. In fact, she’s determined to stay true to her Amish beliefs, but she’s certainly pushing a few boundaries! I always find that spark of bravery in a character to be inspiring.

CB: I’m aware you do a lot of research on the Amish community for your books, what types of resources do you use for this (The Budget newspaper, talking to Amish friends, etc.)? 

Johns: I’ve been researching the Amish for years, so I’ve read non-fiction books, I follow Amish bloggers, I follow several ex-Amish social media personalities who share about the Amish life. I even became friends with one non-fiction author who wrote one of my research books, and if I have a question about something specific, she will go ask her Amish friends for me and report back. So I’m incredibly blessed to have that connection! It’s all about research piled on top of research, and over the years it adds up.  

Q: Why do you think that Amish romances resonate with readers? 

Johns: There are a couple of things that I think make Amish romances appealing. First of all, the simple life they lead is almost like slipping back to a simpler time when the world moved more slowly. With the high speed of news, politics, and demands on our schedules, that slowing down is therapeutic.  

Secondly, the focus on living a moral life and staying connected to God is reassuring. The characters aren’t making their choices based on money or status. They are looking at different markers for success. They want to please God, to be able to support a family, and to make choices that bring them peace and stability. It helps us to take a deep breath and evaluate our lives a little differently, too. Most of us aren’t considered wealthy, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t successful. If we can love our families well, stay connected to God, have a faith community and know that we are a part of a bigger plan, we are rich in the ways that matter most. 

CB: One of the things that draws me to your books is the underlying message of God and hope. How do you keep your love of scripture going and know when to incorporate it in a book? Do you have a religious advisor that you work with?  

Johns: I don’t work with a religious advisor, but I am a church attending Christian, so church on Sunday and the Bible during the week keep my well filled. I think I allow the faith elements in the story to trickle in naturally. In this book, I did look at the Amish tendency to see God in a more formal way than I do as a main stream Christian. I see God as my friend, as my father, as my confidant and my first contact for everything. But the Amish see God a little more formally—God is the king, the ruler, the creator. We’re all right about who God is, and I think we can learn from each other. But I did show some of those differences in this book.  

CB: Is there anything you edited out of Green Pastures? Perhaps something you think would be best as its own story?  

Johns: I didn’t edit anything out. But I do have some story lines that will continue in the next book. For example, Tabitha and Jonas make an appearance in the second book, Still Waters, which comes out in November.  

CB: What do you consider literary success?  

Johns: I’m a firm believer in the “sweet spot,” and I think I’ve found it! I want to be able to write full time, which I do. I want to be able to continue writing my books, sharing my stories, connecting with my readers, and loving my family. I’ve seen some really “big” authors receive abuse online, or get bullied by people who are jealous of their success. They are forced to hire companies to take care of their social media platforms so that they have a buffer between themselves and the negativity. They have to be careful about hiding where they live. But in the sweet spot, I don’t have to worry about that. I’m able to chat with my readers directly, interact with them on social media, and write the stories I love to write. 

This. This right here is literary success to me. I’m truly happy and grateful for this writing life!  

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of Green Pastures!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of Green Pastures!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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