Life with Lily

Established author and Amish specialist Fisher (The Choice) teams up with debut novelist Kinsinger, author of the popular Amish blog A Joyful Chaos, for book one of the Adventures of Lily Lapp series depicting contemporary Amish life. From the initial drama of a new baby brother appearing (“Lily wished she had been home to meet God when He stopped by the house to bring a baby”), the story unfolds from the point of view of bright, well-loved Lily Lapp, who turns seven in the book. Amish and “English” (non-Amish) people intermingle matter-of-factly—English neighbors drive Lily’s brother Joseph to the hospital when he injures his arm, and Lily’s family bakes and sells goodies to the English. The drama comes mostly from within the community. Readers will relate to the mean Amish schoolteacher and Lily’s difficult friend Mandy, who manipulates her into getting in trouble. Adults’ concerns about making ends meet, illness, and death lap at Lily’s life, but her parents prove an unbreachable levee, protecting her and their way of life. The simple prose focused on daily living will appeal to those who like realistic fiction that comforts rather than challenges. Includes FAQ about the Amish. Ages 8–12. Agent: Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency (Oct.)