About the Book

Book: Miriam’s Little Gentleman (The Heart of the Amish Book 13) Author: Anne Blackburne Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction Release Date: May, 2026 Her Heart Is Set on One Man Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country. Miriam Zook has loved David Miller her whole life, and she confessed her feelings the night before he moved to Indiana and joined the Mennonite church. Miriam, having been baptized into the Amish faith, makes an income by painting beautiful vignettes of Amish life. She has never married, since no one ever compared to David, and, as she is an only child, this concerns the women in her family greatly. Now, seven years after leaving, David is back in Willow Creek to embrace his Amish roots and join the church. Miriam’s heart awakens, but can she dare to hope that he will also embrace her?

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About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

More from Anne

Hello Dear Readers! It seems like only yesterday that the wonderful Christian bloggers who work with Celebrate Literature did a blog tour for my January 1 release in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”! Yet here we are again, with another CelebrateLit blog tour, this time for my May release, “Miriam’s Little Gentleman”. Miriam’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel blessed to have the help of the CelebrateLit folks in launching this next tale from my made-up Amish community of Willow Creek, Ohio. In addition to Jane’s and Miriam’s stories, my previous Heart of the Amish books in the series include, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise”, “Mary’s Calico Hope”, and “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”. If you’re read any of them, you’ll remember Miriam Zook, who does beautiful folk art paintings of Amish life scenes. Miriam was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter. Miriam’s cat is a black and white tuxedo cat named Beau. He enjoys sitting outside in the fresh air while Miriam paints, safely wearing his natty red harness to keep him from wandering into trouble. If you read Jane’s story, you know kitties sometimes do wander off! Miriam has been hung up on David Miller for years. She even told him so . . . but unfortunately, it was too late. David had already made plans to leave Willow Creek the following morning, running from troubles he didn’t make and couldn’t fix. Years later, Miriam and David still have feelings for one another. But are they strong enough to survive the hurt and years of separation, and to forge a real and lasting love? With God’s help, of course, anything is possible. That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy! Thank you for taking the time to learn about Miriam’s story! This book is my fifth in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele, Kelly Irvin and Lisa Jones Baker. I’m currently writing my sixth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in some of my other stories, Rebecca Beachy. Her cat is Patches, a little orange and white boy. Together, with the help of Amish farmer Rudy Miller, they’ll figure out a way to keep a dear old woman from losing her home and business. A buried treasure and a small mystery are involved! I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey! God bless you and yours! Joyfully, Anne Blackburne

Interview with the Author

Do you read books in this genre? If so, who do you like to read?

Absolutely! First, I love to read. Second, Amish romance is a really fun genre, and I like seeing what other authors have to say within its fairly wide, accepted parameters.

I enjoy reading the work of many of my fellow Amish romance authors. A few include Wanda Brunstetter, Shelley Shephard Gray, Virginia Wise, Samantha Price, Vanetta Chapman, Mindy Steele, Dana Lynn, Kelly Irvin, Lisa Jones Baker, Patricia Johns and many more! I’ve made some good friends from among these folks and find them a really welcoming and helpful group of people.

Just like the folks we write about!

2. What is one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I didn’t publish my first book until after I turned sixty! It took me thirty-five years from the time I submitted my first manuscript, a middle reader, until I sold my first book. Therefore, my rule of thumb and the advice I give others is, never, never give up on your dreams!

What inspired you to write this book?

I saw some fun folk art depicting scenes from daily Amish life, and decided the world needed a book about a character who paints such things. Miriam paints art like this.

Share with me a few of your favorite things.

Okay, the song from “The Sound of Music” is playing through my head as I consider this question. Raindrops on roses. . .

My favorite things are legion, because I’m easy to please. I love looking for beach glass; my fluffy poodle Millie; spending time with my children; reading a good book; sharing a cup of coffee with a friend; spending time with my brothers and sisters; sitting on the deck of my house and looking out over the view to the west, where I can appreciate incoming storms and vivid sunsets; spending time with friends; being in a play; going to Amish country and eating quiche at my favorite restaurant; desserts!; painting ceramics; singing in the church choir; taking care of my garden and house plants; eating out; traveling somewhere new or somewhere I love. Spending time with readers at author events.

What is one question you would like readers to ask you? What would be your answer?

Where to buy my books? Lol. I’m always happy to talk with readers about how I got started writing, and to give aspiring writers tips on how to proceed. I especially enjoy encouraging young writers. And when readers ask how they can help me to succeed, I always tell them to please please please go to their favorite online sites and leave a review of my book — even just stars are helpful. I also tell them it’s helpful for them to sign up for my newsletter and like and follow me on Facebook.