It Starts Long Before Chapter One - The Hidden Gems of Research– And a Giveaway!

 

I find it exciting to start a new book, although the story actually begins long before Chapter One with the research for the book's setting.   

In Among the Innocent, my June Revell release, I decided on the Amish community of St. Ignatius, Montana for the location. That decision took me on an amazing journey.

Though the community is small, I love that it is located at the base of the Mission Mountains that provide stunning vista views of the mountains that create their own form of danger. In the book, a killer is stalking Amish girls, much like he did the heroine of the book, Leah Miller, many years earlier.   

Although there are buggies used in the community, because of the flatness of the valley, many Amish use bicycles here. There are two church districts within this community.

One interesting fact I discovered was that the St. Ignatius community is the only Amish community in the US located on the Flathead Indian Reservation which bring different cultures together.

Using the mountains as a backdrop, I love the contrast they create between the beauty surrounding the simple Amish community and a dangerous killer on the hunt.

There are several landmarks around the area that make St. Ignatius the perfect setting. From the popular Mission General Store, which is like the Amish bulk food stores found in other communities, to the Mission of St. Ignatius, there is plenty to see and plenty of history in the area. The Mission of St. Ignatius was built in the late 1800s, and is unique because on its walls and ceilings there are 58 original paintings.

These were just a few gems that I discovered while researching Among the Innocent. I hope you find them as interesting as I did.

Here is a little about the book:

When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to forge a brighter future--together.

What about you? Have you discovered something while reading a book that has really stuck with you?

I will also be giving away an ebook copy of Among the Innocent to one reader who comments when the book releases on June 7^th.  I will announce the winner on April 29^th. Don’t forget to include your email address in your comment.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net