The Avid Reader: Pockets of Promise by Laurie Stroup Smith: Review & Giveaway!

Welcome to the Pockets of Promise Blog Tour & Giveaway!

A young Amish woman—torn between two worlds and two men—travels to Pinecraft, where she receives wisdom and guidance through secret letters tucked into the pockets of a special quilt.

Title:    Pockets of Promise

Series: The Pocket Quilt Series--Book One

Author:   Laurie Stroup Smith

Publication Date:   April 30, 2020

Genre: Amish

"My Weekend as a Tourist in Pinecraft" | Sarasota Magazine

Arriving by bus in Pinecraft, Florida

About the Book

Mariah Mast’s best friend Josiah Weaver has concentrated his efforts on providing for their future together, but on her eighteenth birthday, Mariah finds herself edging away from Josiah and her faith. An encounter with police, a misunderstanding of intentions, and hurt feelings compound her confusion. Her grandmother sends her to stay with an aunt in Pinecraft and gives her a pocket quilt with handwritten messages tucked inside.

Thrilled to have her help at the bed and breakfast, Aunt Birdie introduces Mariah to a group of new friends, including Luke Yoder, a young Amish man who works for his father’s construction company. Spending time with him opens up a new world for Mariah. Her grandmother’s words of wisdom offer guidance as she makes a decision that will have lasting consequences for those she loves. Will she find fulfillment in Florida? Or does her heart belong in Holmes County?

Amish on vacation at the beach in Pinecraft, Florida!

Walking on Siesta Key Beach (I love it here)

About the Author

While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to connect readers with friends and family through her stories while inspiring her audience to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine.

Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. For a week or two each summer, they enjoy discovering new adventures along the western coast of Michigan.

Pinecraft: The Amish Snowbird Community of Sarasota

Author Links

Website https://lauriestroupsmith.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lauriestroupsmith/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lauriestroupsmith/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/LaurieMSmith/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19903556.Laurie_Stroup_Smith

Amazon amazon.com/author/lauriestroupsmith

Twitter https://twitter.com/LStroupSmith

Discover Pinecraft in Sarasota, Florida: This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun.

My Thoughts

Pockets of Promise by Laurie Stroup Smith has Mariah Mast uncertain about her future. Mariah has just turned eighteen and is beginning to venture out to parties on her rumspringa. Josiah Weaver and Mariah grew up together. He has been her friend and protector since they were children. Josiah wants them to take the next step and begin courting. Mariah’s grandmother understands how she is feeling and plans a trip for Mariah to Pinecraft, Florida. She sends along a pocket quilt with inspiring handwritten notes. Mariah is thrilled for the opportunity and enjoys time with her Aunt Birdie. She makes new friends and meets a special young man. What choice will Mariah make about her future? Pockets of Promise is the first book in The Pocket Quilt series. I thought it was a charming story with engaging characters and two lovely locales. The author’s descriptions of Pinecraft and Siesta Key were spot on. I could envision Mariah taking in all the new sights courtesy of the descriptive writing. I found Pockets of Promise easy to read and with a smooth flow. I like the author’s conversational writing style that drew me into the story and kept me engaged. Mariah is just eighteen with a world full of choices. I could understand her uncertainty. Becoming baptized is a big decision and not one that can be undone without severe consequences. I loved the concept of a pocket quilt. Mariah’s grandmother (Mammi) provided Mariah with wisdom through her letters. My favorite saying from Pockets of Promise is “When we make mistakes, God uses these experiences to shape and mold us.” Mammi and Aunt Birdie were special characters who helped Mariah. Pockets of Promise is a story about friends, faith, family and the future. There is a recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge at the end of the book (yum). I cannot wait to read Pockets of Purpose, the second book in The Pocket Quilt series, which will feature Dixie Yoder. Pockets of Promise is a heartwarming story with a quaint quilt, a perplexing plight, a wealth of wisdom, a faithful family, warm weather, and a difficult decision.

Pockets of Promise is available at Amazon (paperback), Barnes and Noble (paperback), Walmart, Book Depository, Smashwords, and Kobo . Ebook version will be available soon. The author is giving away one copy of Pockets of Promise, a $10 Amazon gift card, a turtle bookmark, and a handmade pocket pillow. You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below. Visit each stop on the tour to increase your chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 24, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 30, 2020. US mailing addresses only. Good Luck! Thank you for joining me today. Tomorrow I will be sharing Shredding the Evidence by Daryl Wood Gerber. It is the 9th A Cookbook Nook Mystery. I hope you have an inspiring day. Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

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April 24

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