SCAVENGER HUNT STOP #20: Follow the clues to win a Kindle Fire, free books, and more!
Welcome to the Fall Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! The hunt begins on October 25 at noon, MDT and ends on October 28 at midnight MDT. There are 31 stops on this tour where you will discover 31 new or upcoming novels. Sweet.
Collect the clues in red from each stop, beginning with Stop #1. Be ready to provide the completed clue quote, gathered from all 31 stops, within 24 hours of email notification or another winner will be randomly drawn. No need to email/submit it, unless you are notified on 10/29/12.
- Grand Prize: A new Kindle Fire, plus 31 new novels! NOTE: Please comment at every stop that allows for comments to be eligible for the Grand Prize.
- 2nd & 3rd Prizes: $50 Amazon, B&N, CBD or BookDepository.com gift certificate
- Contest is open to international entrants. If the winner lives outside the United States, they shall win the equivalent in gift certificate funds to the prize in US dollars.
Meet Judith Miller
As part of the scavenger hunt, I’m hosting historical author, Judith Miller. Whoops! Judy’s an author of historical fiction, but she tells me she hasn’t quite attained an age that would qualify her as historical. She does say she’s almost there, but I know that isn’t quite true!
Judy loves history and has penned more than thirty-five books. (Penned is one of those authorly terms Judy likes to use—she’s really plunked out those books on her keyboard.) Her latest release, A Hidden Truth, begins Judy’s second series set in the picturesque Amana Colonies located in Iowa.
Here’s what the book, A Hidden Truth, is about:
In the Amana Colonies, hidden truths are about to change everything for two young women.
When Karlina Richter discovers a new shepherd will be sent to her village, she fears she’ll no longer be allowed to help her father with the sheep, and she’ll be relegated back to kitchen work. Her fears increase when the new shepherd shows little interest in the flock—or in divulging why he’s suddenly been sent toEast Amana. Is he keeping secrets that will impact Karlina’s family?
After the death of her mother, Dovie Cates visits the Amana Colonies to learn more about the place where her mother grew up. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother’s past, no one seems willing to reveal anything, so she decides to take matters into her own hands. Will the answers she finds spell disaster for her future plans and the longings of her heart?
A Scavenger Hunt Exclusive from Judy:
Like the Amish, the people of the Amana Colonies lived a plain life for many years. For that reason, and the fact that Amish and Amana begin with the letter “A,” the two religious groups are often confused. So, I thought you might enjoy learning a few differences:
The people of Amana no longer live what is thought of as a ‘simple life.’ By a vote of the membership the people of Amana ceased communal living during the Great Depression in 1932.
Prior to 1932, the women wore long, dark calico dresses, dark caps or bonnets when working outdoors and the men wore dark clothing, similar to the Amish, but a bit more colorful.
Although the families ate meals in a communal kitchen house (there were several kitchen houses in each of the seven villages) they were assigned living quarters that consisted of a parlor and bedrooms for their families. (Usually there would be two or three families in each of the larger homes—much like a small apartment building.)
The people of Amana were permitted to leave the Colonies at will, and were also permitted to return if they decided they couldn’t adjust to life outside of the villages. They were not shunned if they left and could come back to visit relatives whenever they wished.
The current descendants wear the more traditional clothing for the early church service on Sunday mornings that is in the German language and for special events where they give presentations regarding their heritage. Otherwise, their clothing is the same as yours and mine.
They still enter their meeting house through separate doors—the men through one door and the women on the other and they continue to sit on opposite sides of the church, as well. There is no musical accompaniment. The churches do not have steeples and appear very similar to other buildings in the community. Inside, they are very plain with wooden benches and minimal adornment so that attention is not diverted away from the Lord during worship services.
The people of Amana have always embraced and encouraged machinery and time-saving innovation whereas the Amish shy away from technology. (The first radar range was made in Amana and the appliance factory still remains in Middle Amana, although it is no longer owned by the Amana Corporation.)
If you want to learn more about the Colonies, you can visit this website: http://www.amanaheritage.org/
Make sure you grab a copy of Judy’s book where you can learn even more of these interesting historical facts. You can find a copy:
- Amazon.com paperback
- Amazon.com Kindle
- Barnes and Noble paperback or Nook
- ChristianBook.com paperback or ebook
Thanks for visiting my blog, Judith! Your book sounds wonderful! I love the cover. And what an interesting post about Amana vs. Amish. I never knew those things. Very neat.
Scavengers, before you go, write down this STOP #20 clue: What I
Your next stop is Judith Millers’s own blog. Have fun!
BONUS PRIZES! I recently turned in the edits for my February 2013 dystopian release, Captives (the first book in The Safe Lands dystopian trilogy). In celebration, I’m going to give away five copies of this book when it releases to five lucky participants of this scavenger hunt. All you need to do is:
Like my Facebook Page and leave a comment on it saying, “I found you on the Fall Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt” (if you already Like my Page, leave the comment and say “I’m participating in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt” and …- Sign up for my quarterly ezine which is only sent out four times a year. Your name on the newsletter signup must match your name on Facebook. If you’re already a subscriber to my newsletter, first click on the link and make certain your name is subscribed as well as your email address. Then private message me on Facebook with your email address so that I can verify and get your name entered in the drawing.
All eligible names will go into a hat for a drawing after the close of the scavenger hunt. Winners will be announced on this blog, on Facebook, and via the email address signed up on the newsletter mailing list. I will mail out the winning books in February.
Good luck in both the scavenger hunt and in my bonus contest! And as always, look under Contests and Freebies to see what other giveaways you might be able to enter on my site.
133 Responses to “SCAVENGER HUNT STOP #20: Follow the clues to win a Kindle Fire, free books, and more!”
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My name is Jill.
I’m a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms. I write weird books for teens. I'm a believer. A Whovian. And a recovering fashion design assistant, who was raised in Alaska.
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I definitely want to check out your books, Jill!
Thanks, Hannah!
Do you read a lot of YA?
This has been so much fun!
I’m glad. It’s a different kind of contest, huh?
I liked your page!
Thank you very much, Valerie!
Your books look great. I’m so excited to have Christian fiction for my kids to read in the future! Blessings~Stacey
Thanks, Stacey! Are your kids big readers already? My oldest is. He’s 11. And he reads as much as he breathes! LOL
Thanks Jill! This has been fun!
You’re welcome, Amy! Thanks for commenting.
Hey Jill! just wanted to let you know that I’m ‘liking’ you on FB and signing up for your newsletter……….and that I can’t wait for the books of yours that I ordered from the library get here so I can check them out!
Thank you, thank you, Ruth!
Which book did you order at the library? Just curious.
And thanks for asking your library to order it!
I really want to read this book!
Sweet!
Which one, though? A Hidden Truth or Captives?
*wink*
I’m so excited to read your book! It’s definitely on my must-read list!
Fabulous! What are your favorite types of books to read, Marisa?
Thanks for participating in the Scavenger Hunt. I am learning so much about authors I didn’t know about.
Isn’t that fun, Susan? There are so many amazing authors out there. I’ve discovered a few new ones too!
LOVE this scavenger hunt!!! I am “meeting” so many great authors that I know I am going to enjoy reading just as soon as I get their books in my hands!!!
Thank you for being part of the blog-hop/scavenger hunt! I’ve never been part of one before, and I’m enjoying it.
Great scavenger hunt, this is fun!
Thanks so much for this scavenger hunt!
You’re all very welcome! Isn’t this a blast?
Jill – thanks for being a part of this scavenger hunt. What a great way to get to know new-to-me authors and books.
I liked you on FB and signed up for your ezine – looking forward to what the Lord is going to do through your words.
Blessings,
Becky
Thanks, Becky! What are your favorite types of books to read? (I hate that question, because I like reading lots of different kinds of books…)
Thanks for doing this hunt – I am finding so many new Christian authors ! It’s great
Thanks so much for being a part of the scavenger hunt.
Thanks for participating in this fun scavenger hunt. I had never even heard of the Amana before. Fascinating!
I’ve read quite a bit of Amish fiction but never any Amana fiction. Interesting!
Judy! Great to see you here
Can’t wait for the chance to read the new book!
Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt!
Having a blast on this hunt. Thanks for joining in!
I love how this is introducing me to new authors.
Thank you for being a part of this hunt! Your books are awesome!
flghtlss1(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Thanks, Wanda!
Wow that sounds like it is a interesting book to read.
Great post! I knew nothing at all about the Amana colonies. So wonderful to learn something new
Thanks for being part of the hunt.
Thank you so much for the clue!
Good luck with your mini contest! 
You’re welcome! And thank you!
Good luck with the BIG contest.
Loving the scavenger hunt and learning about new authors!
I commented on your facebook and subscribed to your ezine.
Can’t wait to read your new book someday Jill!
Thank you, thank you!
And I hope you’ll like that new book someday. LOL
My son would love these books. I’ve “liked” your fb page
Sweet! Thanks, Lynn.
Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt. : )
I commented on your facebook page. Thanks for participating in this hunt!
Your book sounds great, can’t wait to read it!
I haven’t heard of the Amana before, was very interesting learning the differences and similarities!
Hi Jill was so nice to meet you on the “Hunt” thanks for hosting Judith and her wonderful books about the Colony, it was most interesting.
Paula O
This is sooooooo Cool!
Thanks for being a stop on the scavenger hunt. So much fun reading about the authors and all the new books. I liked and commented on your FB page and signed up for your ezine.
I liked you on facebook and signed up for your newsletter.
Hidden Truth sounds like a great book.
I liked your fb page and signed up for the newsletter.
Thanks for the opportunity to win Captives and for participating in the scavenger hunt. So much fun!
Thanks for joining in the hunt! Love meeting new authors to check out.
Signed up for the newsletter and on FB.
Love your web page, and love the scavenger hunt, it’s been fun!
Thanks for participating, this has been so much fun.
This is such a fun thing to do on a fall day!
Thanks for being one of the stops on the scavenger hunt!
I worked in a middle school for several years and straighten up the library when I wasn’t in class with special students! So glad you are writing books they will love and check out, and tell their friends… Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Thanks, Kathleen! I love high school libraries. I just took my newest book down to my local high school library and donated it. So much fun!
Your books sound terrific! Must see if my library carries them!
oh, and i liked the FB page and signed up for the ezine!
Thanks, Barbara! If they don’t, they’d likely order them.
Just signed up for your newsletter. This is exciting! Thanks for this opportunity. I love Christian fiction. My favorite way to relax!
Thanks for being in the scavenger hunt! Your books look great!
I tried to sign up for your newsletter but it wouldn’t accept.
I added you, Beth. You should get a confirmation email of some kind soon. Don’t know what went wrong there. Computers, anyway! lol
Thanks for signing up!
this is a fun hunt
found you via the Scavenger hunt. i need to look more at your YA titles. my husband has a 16 year old who seems to like the dark YA titles out on the market. i’d love to direct her to more wholesome reads while still satisfying her “weird” interests.
Hi, Deb! Nice to meet you! Yeah, my books crossover fairly well, especially the fantasy novels and the dystopian ones (will). If she’s really against Christian books, Replication might bother her because the main character is overtly Christian. Reading some of the 1 and 2-star Amazon reviews might give you a better idea of what non-believers thought. Ha ha.
Is she’s REALLY dark, I suggest you check out Travis Thrasher’s YA horror novel series. It’s about a boy who moves to a town where bad stuff is happening. They are super creepy books–not for everyone. But the main character becomes a Christian in the third book and in the last book, which isn’t out yet, he’ll need to stand up to evil and such. Here is a link to my review of the first book, Solitary: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/2010/10/review-solitary-by-travis-thrasher/
I have not read about the Amana people before – very interesting. Thanks for the info and for participating in the hunt!
I have to say….I read a wide variety of books and YA is usually out of my range, but every once in awhile a REALLY good YA book comes out and I love it. The whole dystopian factor of your new book really captures my attention. For some reason, YA books tend to capture this the best in my opinion lol. The whole Armageddon theme and such too, you know? I’m not sure why, maybe because it relates to kids and not just adults? Who knows! But it looks great! I’ve never read anything by you, but I’m totally glad you’re on my radar now
Liked your Facebook page too!
Thank you,
Hannah
Thanks, Hannah! I love YA books, and you’re right. Dystopian YA works really well. What are your favorite types of books?
Hmmmm good question lol. Fiction is definitely my favorite. I think I tend to go in phases where I read more adult and more YA. Currently I’ve been reading one adult, then one YA, then one adult, etc. Have you ever heard of Ellen Hopkins? I enjoy her writing a lot. Have been reading a lot of hers lately! I enjoy Christian Fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, romance, lol I’m not picky be it good or bad
I’ve always been an avid reader. What do you like to read in your free time?
No, I hadn’t heard of Ellen. I just looked her up, though. What an interesting concept, to write books in verse.
Yes! I always read in my spare time. I like everything. My favorites are YA fantasy and suspense/thrillers–I particularization enjoy Christian suspense. Wish I had time to read more. I went to a class by Rene Gutteridge at a writer’s conference, and I’ve been dying to read one of her books ever since.
Thanks for the interview and the great scavenger hunt!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com
You know I like you & your ezine
Jill Rocks!!!!
LOL! Thanks, Angie.
Jill, you are the best. I just bought the New Recruit today and I am super excited! And impatient… I’m really excited about the Scavenger Hunt too, thanks for participating!
Thanks so much, Margaret! What are you impatient for?
Hasn’t the scavenger hunt been fun?
Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt! It’s been a lot of fun so far!
Thanks for helping with the Scavenger Hunt, Jill!
Waving at Judy Miller!! LOVE her books (and love Judy too—she’s a precious lady).
I’m discovering so many new authors through this hunt! So neat!!
Thanks for participating!
I signed up for you ezine, but unfortunately I don’t have Facebook! But I signed up with the e-mail vanessachic36 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
This scavenger hunt is so much fun!!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I’ve got you entered. I’m glad you’re having fun. I am too.
Thank you for the exclusive. I loved it.
Just stopping by to say thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt. I’m enjoying meeting new authors.
Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt! I am loving it so far. I will definitely have to be on the lookout for more of these events!
Thanks for being a part of the hunt! It’s been fun
Thanks for being part of the Scavenger Hunt!
I love weird young adult fiction too! I am a middle school teacher and am always reading books along with my students. I feel like I have had the exact same thoughts you have about these books also being Christ focused. I am so excited to discover your books!
Thanks, Sharon! It’s nice to meet you. Thanks for teaching middle schoolers. I love them. They’re always such great readers.
Having so much fun!!
Thank you for hosting the hunt. I love your books.
Thanks for taking part in this scavenger hunt!
Thanks for the fun hunt!
ThOse books sound great. Love dystopians too…haha..
Dystopian! Whoo! LOL
Thanks, Sarah.
Thanks for participating in this scavenger hunt!
Thanks for teaching a little about the differences between the Amish and the people of Amana. Very interesting, and for including a link for more info which I do intend to check out. Thanks also for participating in this hunt and allowing us to learn about you and your writings. Am looking forward to picking up a book or two, or maybe winning one of your new ones.
Blessings
Thanks, Shan!
Tried subscribing to your ezine and thot it had worked but it keeps stalling out. Tried also through facebook but not working either. Is there another way to go about it?
Hi, I don’t know what’s up with that. I entered your email myself, so you should be getting a confirmation email. Either way, I’ve got you entered in the contest. Thanks!
I, too, love meeting new authors. And I enjoy reading YA. Your books sound very different from any I’ve read. Which, of course, makes me curious enough to want to check them out.
Thanks, Cara! I love reading YA too, and I try to make mine different, which is always a fun challenge.
I just signed up for the newsletter. Hope I’m still eligible for the drawing, even if I don’t do FB. I don’t trust myself on it, heard it can be a time drainer. I have 5 dc and homeschool 4 of them, so I try and not spend too much time on the computer. I think my 3 oldest children would love your books, I hope we win. If not, I’ll find them some. Your name is new to me, but I will look for some books for them. I have a hard time finding books for them that I find suitable. They are all 3 voracious readers, just like their momma.
Thanks for doing the hunt. I’m having fun.
God Bless,
Kim in NC
Hi, Kim! It’s nice to meet you. The hunt has been so much fun! I’ve got you entered in the drawing.
My books are all on ChristianBook.com at fairly reasonable prices. But if you ever need a list of good books for teens, I can throw out some other recommendations. Also, you might also check out the book review part of my website: Novel Teen. You can search for books in the advanced box by age, gender, or genre–or just click on the genres. Here is a link to that page: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/
God bless!
Loving the Scavenger hunt. Thank you for getting back to me on Facebook. I just thought I’d come try again.
LOL You’re welcome, Krystal. Tip for not getting all your time sucked away on Facebook? Turn off all game notifications. Then you won’t be tempted to play.
This is my first time doing a scavenger hunt. I realized that I forgot to comment here on this blog. I liked your facebook page and left a comment there but somehow missed leaving a comment here. I’m going through all of them again now to make sure that I’ve left comments so that I am eligible to with the grand prize on the scavenger hunt.
I’m also looking forward to getting to know your books.
Laura Wilson
Thanks, Laura. You don’t have to comment on every blog to be eligible to win, though. Probably too late to tell you that… Hope you enjoyed the hunt!
Having fun with the scavenger hunt!
FYI had a great time at book banter!
Jill, I first found you on Marcher Lord Press when I was reading about Sharon Hinck’s new release. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Achan, Vrell, Jax and the other knights. Thanks for writing something I can recommend to my nieces.
Thanks, Laura! Love Sharon’s books! And you’re welcome. Teens need good books too.
LOVE YA! Last year I volunteered at our middle school library and found many great titles, but was disappointed at a lot of the questionable titles/themes/content already at that level. We need more Christian YA! I am working on an action-adventure novel for teens but though I am on my third draft it seems to be a constant “work-in-progress.” Definitely gonna add your titles to my Pinterest “books to read” list, starting with REPLICATION.
Thanks, Ronnell! Yeah… there are some questionable books out there for teens. And… sweet! Keep on working on your book! Have you joined any writing organizations? I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Oregon Christian Writers. Both organizations have really taught me a lot–and continue to. If you have any writing questions, feel free to ask. Thanks for following me. I’m on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jillmwilliamson/ What’s your link?
Thanks for the great scavenger hunt, I’m really enjoying it.
Super exclusive material from Judy.
Blessings
Ruth Ann
Thanks for being part of this fun hunt!
Definitely going to like you on fb! Your books sound interesting!!!
Thanks, April!
Hi, I am enjoying the scavenger hunt and am going to look your books up. I have one teen and 2 preteens.
Cool, Amy! And thank you!
Your books look great! I’m glad I found you on the scavenger hunt, as I’m always looking for new books for my book-worm teens to enjoy!
Bookworm teens! Whoo hoo! LOL Thanks, Melinda.
I love the scavenger hunt!
I enjoy Judith’s books!
I liked your page!
Thanks, Wendy!
Thanks for being part of the hunt. I had a good time.
I did sign up for your newsletter (even if I may be too late for the contest.)
Thanks, Martha! I entered you. I’m going to choose my winners today. Thanks!