Mary B. Barbee's Blog
September 11, 2021
Good Intentions Paperback & Hardcover Release
If you’ve been waiting for the release of the paperback version and/or the hardcover version of my newest book, Good Intentions, I’ve got great news for you! Both are now live on Amazon and ready for purchase!
Click here to purchase the Good Intentions paperback book.
Click here to purchase the Good Intentions hardcover book.
I’m so excited for you to read this, and to hear what you think!
And to get you just as excited as I am, here’s a quick little sneak peek into Chapter Four, when Hazel, Hank’s assistant and the victim in Good Intentions, and her boyfriend are having a pretty heated conversation over lunch at Heaven’s Diner:
Hazel looked as if steam could shoot out of her ears at any point. Her face was bright red, and her hands were on the table in front of her, her fists clenched, her knuckles white. Jessica worried that she might start swinging at the young man sitting across from her. He sat with an expression that looked as if he were enjoying Hazel’s fury.
He pushed the ticket her way, grabbed his cell phone and stuffed it into his pocket, and said in a calm voice, “If you think I’m moving out, you’re delusional. I’m on the lease, too. If you wanted to move out and live in that stupid Amish Inn for the rest of your life, I would encourage you to do so.”
As he stood, he leaned in closer and said one final thing that sent chills down Jessica’s spine, “Karma’s comin’ for you, Hazel.” He winked and clicked his teeth before turning to make his exit.
Happy Reading! And thank you in advance for your purchase! ❤️
by Mary B. Barbee
August 18, 2021
Good Intentions Excerpt
Good Intentions
Good Intentions is the fourth book in The Amish Lantern Mystery Series, and it is so close to being ready to hit the shelves that just talking about it fills my stomach with butterflies!
I have really enjoyed writing this story, so much so, that you’ll probably notice that it’s a bit longer than the others in the series. I’m not sure why that happened the way it did, but my chapters almost doubled in size, and this one technically graduated from a novella to a novel.
Now, I know you have been very patiently waiting for the book, so I wanted to take just a minute and share an excerpt from the book with you.
Click here to read an excerpt from Good Intentions.
Good Intentions will be available for pre-order this weekend! It’s so exciting, I can hardly stand it!! Book 4 already – I can’t believe it!
Now, back to tackling that deadline…. 😊
Good Intentions is the fourth book in The Amish Lantern Mystery Series, and it is so close to being ready to hit the shelves that just talking about it fills my stomach with butterflies!
I have really enjoyed writing this story, so much so, that you’ll probably notice that it’s a bit longer than the others in the series. I’m not sure why that happened the way it did, but my chapters almost doubled in size, and this one technically graduated from a novella to a novel.
Now, I know you have been very patiently waiting for the book, so I wanted to take just a minute and share an excerpt from the book with you.
Click here to read an excerpt from Good Intentions.
Good Intentions will be available for pre-order this weekend! It’s so exciting, I can hardly stand it!! Book 4 already – I can’t believe it!
Now, back to tackling that deadline…. 😊
July 14, 2021
Questions (and answers!) about the Amish
I am elbow deep writing book four of the Amish Lantern Mystery Series, and as a writer, the burden of research never ends.
Besides the typical crazy research that comes along with being a mystery writer, I also have the privilege of constantly learning more and more about the Amish culture and lifestyle. And most of the Amish research is sparked by questions from my readers, which I love!
So, I thought I would share some of the most common questions I get about the Amish with you here. I hope you’ll find them as interesting as I do! 😊
Most common question: Are the Amish a cult?
My answer: Absolutely not! There are actually so many different “types” of Amish communities when it comes to use of technology, styles of dress, expression with music, and more… but, probably the most important thing they all have in common is their strong Christian faith. They are most definitely not a cult. Amish communities gather together to worship God, not their bishop nor a living charismatic leader.
Another common question: How does shunning work in the Amish community?
My answer: I’ve actually done a ton of research on this topic, mainly for one of my favorite characters in my book, Matthew Beiler. Matthew went off to Rumspringa and chose not to return for many years. Was he shunned? The answer is no, because he was not yet baptized. Most young Amish return to get baptized after Rumspringa. Matthew chose a different path and never made baptismal promises. Now that he has returned, he is able to rejoin the community and choose baptism, if he feels the calling.
However, if someone in the community breaks their vows of baptism and refuses to confess their error, then the church and the community will proceed with “shunning,” ...but the intent is always with hopes that they will return. Shunning is practiced in different ways in different Amish communities, but it most often involves the shunned individual moving away and not sharing a meal at the same table if they return for a wedding, funeral or for any other visit.
My favorite question: Do the Amish only live in America?
My answer: I have always been so moved by the fact that people from all over the world are reading my books. I have sold hundreds of copies in the UK as well as in Australia, for instance. So, I am not surprised at all when this question comes up, but the answer is a bit complicated. There really is so much history around the Amish, and I’ll try to sum it up here.
In a sort of history lesson nutshell, the Amish religion was founded in Switzerland back in 1693, but shortly after 1800, it is reported that several hundred Amish families moved to North America. Even before that, though, it is said that the first Amish community in North America was established in Lancaster, PA in the late 1700s.
You can still find some Mennonite communities in Europe, but the Amish communities continue to grow here in America and in Canada. Plus, there are a few communities now established in South America, as well, particularly in Bolivia and Argentina where land is a bit cheaper.
And a more timely question: How are the Amish coping with COVID?
My answer: I know there’s a theme here, but again, how the Amish are dealing with COVID varies from community to community (not much different than with us Englishers). Some communities are practicing social distancing and others are not, but I understand that masks are often being worn in public outside of their communities. In my research, I’ve found that there tends to be a heavy resistance to the vaccine, and my personal hope is that we all just stay safe.
******************************
Even though I really enjoy writing cozy mysteries about the Amish, I definitely do not consider myself an expert on everything Amish. I am still learning every single day… and every single day, I have more and more respect for the Amish beliefs and culture.
What about the Amish interests you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts around all of this - and feel free to shoot me any new questions or information you might have so I can continue to share what I learn.
I’ll end this with one of my favorite quotes from famous author, Zora Neale Hurston: “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” I love that!
Now, back to writing...
Besides the typical crazy research that comes along with being a mystery writer, I also have the privilege of constantly learning more and more about the Amish culture and lifestyle. And most of the Amish research is sparked by questions from my readers, which I love!
So, I thought I would share some of the most common questions I get about the Amish with you here. I hope you’ll find them as interesting as I do! 😊
Most common question: Are the Amish a cult?
My answer: Absolutely not! There are actually so many different “types” of Amish communities when it comes to use of technology, styles of dress, expression with music, and more… but, probably the most important thing they all have in common is their strong Christian faith. They are most definitely not a cult. Amish communities gather together to worship God, not their bishop nor a living charismatic leader.
Another common question: How does shunning work in the Amish community?
My answer: I’ve actually done a ton of research on this topic, mainly for one of my favorite characters in my book, Matthew Beiler. Matthew went off to Rumspringa and chose not to return for many years. Was he shunned? The answer is no, because he was not yet baptized. Most young Amish return to get baptized after Rumspringa. Matthew chose a different path and never made baptismal promises. Now that he has returned, he is able to rejoin the community and choose baptism, if he feels the calling.
However, if someone in the community breaks their vows of baptism and refuses to confess their error, then the church and the community will proceed with “shunning,” ...but the intent is always with hopes that they will return. Shunning is practiced in different ways in different Amish communities, but it most often involves the shunned individual moving away and not sharing a meal at the same table if they return for a wedding, funeral or for any other visit.
My favorite question: Do the Amish only live in America?
My answer: I have always been so moved by the fact that people from all over the world are reading my books. I have sold hundreds of copies in the UK as well as in Australia, for instance. So, I am not surprised at all when this question comes up, but the answer is a bit complicated. There really is so much history around the Amish, and I’ll try to sum it up here.
In a sort of history lesson nutshell, the Amish religion was founded in Switzerland back in 1693, but shortly after 1800, it is reported that several hundred Amish families moved to North America. Even before that, though, it is said that the first Amish community in North America was established in Lancaster, PA in the late 1700s.
You can still find some Mennonite communities in Europe, but the Amish communities continue to grow here in America and in Canada. Plus, there are a few communities now established in South America, as well, particularly in Bolivia and Argentina where land is a bit cheaper.
And a more timely question: How are the Amish coping with COVID?
My answer: I know there’s a theme here, but again, how the Amish are dealing with COVID varies from community to community (not much different than with us Englishers). Some communities are practicing social distancing and others are not, but I understand that masks are often being worn in public outside of their communities. In my research, I’ve found that there tends to be a heavy resistance to the vaccine, and my personal hope is that we all just stay safe.
******************************
Even though I really enjoy writing cozy mysteries about the Amish, I definitely do not consider myself an expert on everything Amish. I am still learning every single day… and every single day, I have more and more respect for the Amish beliefs and culture.
What about the Amish interests you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts around all of this - and feel free to shoot me any new questions or information you might have so I can continue to share what I learn.
I’ll end this with one of my favorite quotes from famous author, Zora Neale Hurston: “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” I love that!
Now, back to writing...
July 9, 2021
Utah, Kayaks, Tennis, and Fiona the Flamingo
Whew! Where has the time gone? I can’t believe it is already the beginning of July! I hope that you are having a truly wonderful season so far!
It has definitely been a busy season! Just a couple weeks ago, I returned from my first ever visit to the beautiful mountainous town, Park City, Utah, where my siblings and I gathered to celebrate my sister’s 50th birthday.
Let me tell you, the scenery in Park City was just breathtaking, and the seventy-seven degree weather was a bonus since there was a heatwave that was hitting my hometown of Spokane, WA at the same time. I returned to record high temperatures of 112 degrees! ☀️
Things returned to a more normal temperature, thankfully, for this past holiday weekend, and I was able to enjoy the sunshine while kayaking on the river and during a few sets of tennis. I even walked away from all of the fun sunburn-free, which is always a win – with the exception of a strange triangle shape of pink on my right knee. 😂
When is the next book (book #4) in The Amish Lantern Mystery Series going to be available? It seems like I have gotten that question a few times in the last couple weeks, and the answer is always “very soon, I promise!” I am in the process of writing Good Intentions, and I can’t wait to share it with you! You can find out more about the upcoming book here.
In the month of June, I spent some time writing a short story to contribute to a collection of cozy mysteries. This was my first experience collaborating with nine other cozy mystery authors, and it was so much fun! The only writing prompt we were given was “Write a cozy mystery about a flamingo,” and I would be lying if I said I didn’t struggle for just a bit straying away from my beloved Amish mysteries.
But, in the end, I love the story that just flowed onto the pages, and I’m even thinking about taking things a little further at some point in the future. If you’re interested in a fun, new read about a pet flamingo named Fiona, then please grab a copy of the collection on Amazon here (paperback is coming soon!). 🦩
You can also jump on my website and find out more about the story by clicking here.
It has definitely been a busy season! Just a couple weeks ago, I returned from my first ever visit to the beautiful mountainous town, Park City, Utah, where my siblings and I gathered to celebrate my sister’s 50th birthday.
Let me tell you, the scenery in Park City was just breathtaking, and the seventy-seven degree weather was a bonus since there was a heatwave that was hitting my hometown of Spokane, WA at the same time. I returned to record high temperatures of 112 degrees! ☀️
Things returned to a more normal temperature, thankfully, for this past holiday weekend, and I was able to enjoy the sunshine while kayaking on the river and during a few sets of tennis. I even walked away from all of the fun sunburn-free, which is always a win – with the exception of a strange triangle shape of pink on my right knee. 😂
When is the next book (book #4) in The Amish Lantern Mystery Series going to be available? It seems like I have gotten that question a few times in the last couple weeks, and the answer is always “very soon, I promise!” I am in the process of writing Good Intentions, and I can’t wait to share it with you! You can find out more about the upcoming book here.
In the month of June, I spent some time writing a short story to contribute to a collection of cozy mysteries. This was my first experience collaborating with nine other cozy mystery authors, and it was so much fun! The only writing prompt we were given was “Write a cozy mystery about a flamingo,” and I would be lying if I said I didn’t struggle for just a bit straying away from my beloved Amish mysteries.
But, in the end, I love the story that just flowed onto the pages, and I’m even thinking about taking things a little further at some point in the future. If you’re interested in a fun, new read about a pet flamingo named Fiona, then please grab a copy of the collection on Amazon here (paperback is coming soon!). 🦩
You can also jump on my website and find out more about the story by clicking here.
May 10, 2021
Saving Grace is now available in paperback!
Saving Grace is now available in paperback! You can click here to grab your copy on Amazon.
And if that wasn't enough great news to start the day, I'm excited to share that Amazon has selected me to be one of the very first authors in my genre to offer my books in hard cover! It's such a privilege to be involved in something so exciting!
I'm in the process of making that happen and honestly just can't wait to add those to my bookshelf!
I've also started writing the next book in the series (book number four). Sleep? What's that?
I took a break from murder in Saving Grace and just set a few fires. But, this next book is a full-fledged murder mystery. And I can promise the victim isn't one of your favorite characters.
I'll be adding a synopsis (and book title) to my website and here on Goodreads in the next few days and will share more details when that's ready.
In the meantime, let me know what you think about Saving Grace . I would love it if you would drop a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Either way, I'm excited to hear your thoughts!
And if that wasn't enough great news to start the day, I'm excited to share that Amazon has selected me to be one of the very first authors in my genre to offer my books in hard cover! It's such a privilege to be involved in something so exciting!
I'm in the process of making that happen and honestly just can't wait to add those to my bookshelf!
I've also started writing the next book in the series (book number four). Sleep? What's that?
I took a break from murder in Saving Grace and just set a few fires. But, this next book is a full-fledged murder mystery. And I can promise the victim isn't one of your favorite characters.
I'll be adding a synopsis (and book title) to my website and here on Goodreads in the next few days and will share more details when that's ready.
In the meantime, let me know what you think about Saving Grace . I would love it if you would drop a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Either way, I'm excited to hear your thoughts!
Saving Grace is now available in paperback!
Saving Grace is now available in paperback! You can click here to grab your copy on Amazon. And if that wasn’t enough great news to start the day, I’m excited to share that Amazon has selected me to be one of the very first authors in my genre to offer my books in hard cover! It’s such a privilege to be involved in something […]
The post Saving Grace is now available in paperback! appeared first on .
April 29, 2021
Saving Grace New Release
My third book in the Amish Lantern Mystery Series is now available on Amazon as an ebook for preorder! 🥳
You can click here to reserve your copy now for only $0.99, and it will be waiting for you to jump in and start reading on May 1st.
And be sure to add Saving Grace to your To Be Read List!
Per usual, the paperback copy will be available soon after and the audiobook, as well.
I am so excited for you to read Saving Grace! I always say that my books are a labor of love, and this one was no exception. With only a few chapters written, my sweet pup and writing buddy suddenly passed away one evening, and as a result, I faced a serious writing block for a few days. Yoko was my little shadow, and her loss has left a tiny hole in my heart. 💔
So, I took a few days (or was it weeks?) to allow myself to grieve. Once I pulled out of the block and was able to tap into my creativity again, the words flowed and another beautiful story unfolded onto the manuscript.
As you probably know, this is the third book in the Amish Lantern Mystery Series, I brought a few key characters back in this story (of course!), but I really enjoyed making some new introductions as well. So, as you can imagine, my diary of citizens of Little Valley is becoming quite long. I use a writing software that lists all the characters and little notes about who they are, what they like, which books they are in, etc, etc. I find that the hardest thing for me to remember is their last names. (I’m terrible with names!) 😂
To make it easy for you to follow along, as well, I’ll be creating a family tree or a character summary of some sort very soon. Whether that will be added to the front or back of the next book, or just as a special separate reference tool for those of you who are interested (or both!)… well, that’s yet to be determined.
I would love your feedback! Drop a comment below and share what family trees or character summaries you’ve seen in the past, what you like or how you think it should look.
I can’t tell you how much your support and your love mean to me! And, thank you for all the wonderful messages you send my way - keep them coming! Every one of them just makes my day!
...so much gratitude ❤️
You can click here to reserve your copy now for only $0.99, and it will be waiting for you to jump in and start reading on May 1st.
And be sure to add Saving Grace to your To Be Read List!
Per usual, the paperback copy will be available soon after and the audiobook, as well.
I am so excited for you to read Saving Grace! I always say that my books are a labor of love, and this one was no exception. With only a few chapters written, my sweet pup and writing buddy suddenly passed away one evening, and as a result, I faced a serious writing block for a few days. Yoko was my little shadow, and her loss has left a tiny hole in my heart. 💔
So, I took a few days (or was it weeks?) to allow myself to grieve. Once I pulled out of the block and was able to tap into my creativity again, the words flowed and another beautiful story unfolded onto the manuscript.
As you probably know, this is the third book in the Amish Lantern Mystery Series, I brought a few key characters back in this story (of course!), but I really enjoyed making some new introductions as well. So, as you can imagine, my diary of citizens of Little Valley is becoming quite long. I use a writing software that lists all the characters and little notes about who they are, what they like, which books they are in, etc, etc. I find that the hardest thing for me to remember is their last names. (I’m terrible with names!) 😂
To make it easy for you to follow along, as well, I’ll be creating a family tree or a character summary of some sort very soon. Whether that will be added to the front or back of the next book, or just as a special separate reference tool for those of you who are interested (or both!)… well, that’s yet to be determined.
I would love your feedback! Drop a comment below and share what family trees or character summaries you’ve seen in the past, what you like or how you think it should look.
I can’t tell you how much your support and your love mean to me! And, thank you for all the wonderful messages you send my way - keep them coming! Every one of them just makes my day!
...so much gratitude ❤️
Saving Grace New Release
My third book in the Amish Lantern Mystery Series is now available on Amazon as an ebook for preorder! 🥳 You can click here to reserve your copy now for only $0.99, and it will be waiting for you to jump in and start reading on May 1st. And be sure to add Saving Grace to your To Be […]
The post Saving Grace New Release appeared first on .
April 13, 2021
A new season and a new release
It's Springtime here, and the sound of birds singing each and every morning serves as my morning alarm. In the afternoons, I'm excited to spot a local family of quail strolling through my yard. In the past years here, I've loved watching how the momma quail always looks so busy counting her dozen or more babies as she ushers them from one bush to another. The babies should be here in a month or two - it's so fun to watch!
Oh! and this weekend, I baked the most amazing Amish banana bread. If you like to bake, you must try this! Click here to grab the recipe . One recipe spreads out into three loaves, making more than enough to share. During the baking process, I was imagining Beth and Anna, the Amish twin sisters and main characters in my books, adding this to their list of favorites to prep and sell at their booth at the farmers' market. I would certainly be a regular customer!
Speaking of the books, a few of you have reached out to check-in and see when you can expect the next release. It warms my heart to read how my stories are so anticipated, so thank you for the kind words!
I can confirm that the third book in the series, titled Saving Grace, is definitely behind schedule. In all honesty, I admit that I have struggled a bit with this one. Life doesn't always go as perfectly as we plan, or as smoothly as we would like. It would be fair to say that I have had a few rocks thrown into the spoke of my bicycle wheels over the past month that sent me spinning for a moment or two, but I'm back on track now and feeling wonderful about the direction this book is taking.
Saving Grace will be available as an ebook on Friday, April 23rd… and maybe a day or two sooner, if we’re lucky!
And as always, the paperback should hit the shelves just a few days later.
You can check out the new cover and revised synopsis for Saving Grace here . Be sure to add it to your To Be Read list!
...and as always, thank you for all your love and support. I'm forever grateful. ❤️
Oh! and this weekend, I baked the most amazing Amish banana bread. If you like to bake, you must try this! Click here to grab the recipe . One recipe spreads out into three loaves, making more than enough to share. During the baking process, I was imagining Beth and Anna, the Amish twin sisters and main characters in my books, adding this to their list of favorites to prep and sell at their booth at the farmers' market. I would certainly be a regular customer!
Speaking of the books, a few of you have reached out to check-in and see when you can expect the next release. It warms my heart to read how my stories are so anticipated, so thank you for the kind words!
I can confirm that the third book in the series, titled Saving Grace, is definitely behind schedule. In all honesty, I admit that I have struggled a bit with this one. Life doesn't always go as perfectly as we plan, or as smoothly as we would like. It would be fair to say that I have had a few rocks thrown into the spoke of my bicycle wheels over the past month that sent me spinning for a moment or two, but I'm back on track now and feeling wonderful about the direction this book is taking.
Saving Grace will be available as an ebook on Friday, April 23rd… and maybe a day or two sooner, if we’re lucky!
And as always, the paperback should hit the shelves just a few days later.
You can check out the new cover and revised synopsis for Saving Grace here . Be sure to add it to your To Be Read list!
...and as always, thank you for all your love and support. I'm forever grateful. ❤️
A new season and a new release
It’s Springtime here, and the sound of birds singing each and every morning serves as my morning alarm. In the afternoons, I’m excited to spot a local family of quail strolling through my yard. In the past years here, I’ve loved watching how the momma quail always looks so busy counting her dozen or more […]
The post A new season and a new release appeared first on .
