I am delighted to announce the release of my new book, Winterberries and Apple Blossoms: Reflections and Flavours of a Mennonite Life.

Recently, I read an article by a writer who described the anticipation of a forthcoming book as “having a secret.”  Being a writer is a bit like having a secret life.  As writers, we sit in our hovels creating unknown worlds, and years later, our friends and family discover what we have been up to. 

I have been working away on my new book, Winterberries and Apple Blossoms, for a few years.  What began as a couple of poems, reflecting the life of an Old Order Mennonite girl in Elmira where I grew up, evolved into a story, with tiny tastes of young Naomi’s life throughout the year, each one needing to be distilled down to its essence.   Next came baking and tasting hundreds of cookies, pies, and fruit-filled desserts to create seasonal recipes to accompany Naomi’s story. 

Having Peter Etril Snyder, a fabulous artist renowned in this area and throughout the world, agree to create the paintings for this book has been an incredible honour.  Being allowed to meet and work alongside the book’s illustrator is a rare privilege in the world of children’s books. 

Peter and I both share a love of the unique culture of the Old Order Mennonite Community and our work is a reflection of this passion.  

In this hectic world, filled with technology and distractions, we hope this book will allow you to pause and experience the simplicity and beauty of Naomi’s peaceful life.

Happy Reading!

Nan 

Click on book cover to find out information about the Nov. 12 LAUNCH