The Next Romance Trendsetters: The Amish?
Romance authors penning books with Amish characters as romantic leads.

Talk about an Amish paradise!
The quaint community from Southeastern Pennsylvania are quickly developing their very own Carrie Bradshaw in Cindy Woodsmall—the Amish romance novelist.
Woodsmall (who is not Amish herself) penned not one, but two New York Times bestsellers with her first series, Sisters of the Quilt. The book series chronicles a conservative Amish woman as she struggles with the demands of the Amish world and affection from a man outside of it.
Woodsmall is just one of a number of successful authors penning Amish romance novels, with the genre earning its own nickname "bonnet books."
The author, who is preparing for the release of her upcoming series, Hope of Refuge, told ABC News that the Amish mystique has something to do with the success of the books.
"People are seeing the quaint, peacful-looking, picturesque view of [the Amish] and they want to know the real," Woodsmall explained.
Those of us used to the antics of Carrie and Samantha might be in for a surprise if we pick up When the Morning Comes or When the Soul Mends, because Woodsmall points to the community's deep faith as part of the books' appeal. Which Sex and the City Gal Are You?
"They are rooted in family and community... And people want that," the author explained to ABC.
Because of that, there is very little sex in the novels, Woodmsall said, adding that a 10 year old would be able to pick up the book. Woodsmall compared her novels to that of Victorian literature where holding hands can unleash a flood of emotions.
And, while you might think the Amish wouldn't take kindly to such an invasion of their culture, the opposite is actually true.
"I have some really good [conservative] Amish friends who read the manuscripts before they go to print," Woodsmall said. "So they really help with the authenticity of it." Woodsmall also pointed that before any agreed to help, they insisted that the good and bad was shown of the Amish community.
With flicks like Witness and For Richer Or Poorer giving us glimpses of the Amish life, we can't wait to see what Amish romance is like.



