DC03 - Though Mountains Fall (43 page)

My wife, Pam, who, besides being an extra pair of eyes, has given me the ability to create believable women. For me, a woman’s mind is a terrifying landscape, where I would never dare to venture alone and unescorted.

My father, Howard Cramer, whose Amish upbringing has supplied me with a wealth of authentic details and priceless anecdotes.

My cousin Katie Shetler, who tried very patiently to help me understand the Amish mind-set, and sometimes even succeeded. Any glaring blunders are entirely my own.

Marian Shearer, a local writer born and raised in Mexico, who corrected my Spanish and graciously shared her encyclopedic knowledge of Mexican life, culture and geography.

My old friend Larry McDonald, who has been and continues to be a constant source of support and encouragement.

Lori Patrick, a freelance editor who not only gave me honest feedback and some insights on midwifery but also wrote the back cover copy.

A host of other friends too numerous to list (but you know who you are), who helped me shape early drafts through brainstorming sessions and fireside chats.

My editor, Luke Hinrichs, both cheerleader and coach, who brings all the various aspects of writing, editing, cover art and marketing together into a cohesive whole.

My agent, Janet Kobobel Grant, a keen-eyed editor and wise counselor.

Last, but certainly not least, this work owes a great deal to a book by David Luthy titled
The Amish in America: Settlements That Failed, 1840–1960
. To my knowledge, it is the only comprehensive written record of the Paradise Valley settlement, and it was instrumental in creating the backdrop for this novel.

About the Author

D
ale Cramer is the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed novel
Levi’s Will
, based on the story of Dale’s father, a runaway Amishman. Dale’s series, T
HE
D
AUGHTERS
OF
C
ALEB
B
ENDER
, is based on an Amish colony in the mountains of Mexico, where three generations of his family lived in the 1920s. Dale lives in Georgia with his wife of thirty-seven years, two sons and a Bernese Mountain Dog named Rupert.

For more information about the author and his books, visit his website at
DaleCramer.com
. Or readers may correspond with Dale by writing to P.O. Box 25, Hampton, GA 30228.

Books by Dale Cramer

Sutter’s Cross

Bad Ground

Levi’s Will

Summer of Light

T
HE
D
AUGHTERS
OF
C
ALEB
B
ENDER

Paradise Valley

The Captive Heart

Though Mountains Fall

Resources:
bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook

Website:
www.bethanyhouse.com

Facebook:
Bethany House