eBook Platforms: The Dating Game

When searching for a platform vendor, especially for your second vendor, it's important to fill the needs of the library or the areas lacking from the vendor you currently have. Much like dating, finding the right vendor can be tricky. Yes, they will call you after the video demonstration. No, they won't blow you off.

There are many choices out there but my library decided to focus on the following three: iLibrary by Ingram, Axis 360 by Baker and Taylor, and 3M Cloud Library by 3M. We currently have OverDrive, so the three new platforms were compared to it. At the end of this post I will include resources I used to help evaluate the platforms and the report I sent of why RCPL should choose 3M. The report was made in July.

How to get ahold of platform vendors:
You can always try their website. Like most websites vendors have a "Contact Us" page or sometimes a form to fill out. A complication I did not expect was how hard it would be to contact 3M. When I filled out the contact form I received an e-mail stating that my form did not reach them. I followed the link from my e-mail and it just looped back to the form that didn't work.

Networking is another great way to reach vendors. I contacted a person on LinkedIn that responded to posts in several library groups. By networking to him about 3M,  I had a regional representative from 3M Cloud Library contact me within days. Don't forgot to network and ask other libraries their opinions on platform vendors. Those libraries that already have the platform know the daily tips and headaches. 

What I've learned from dealing with vendors:

I've found the staff at platform vendors to be very helpful and willing to answer all my questions. If you have never dealt with platform vendors there is no need. Platform vendor companies would not choose people who aren't friendly, because then they wouldn't make as many sales. And though the sales reps are personable, they are still trying to make a sale. So when it comes down to it, selecting a vendor comes down to what the library needs, not the person who is your rep.

Several changes since my report in July:
Penguin joined Random House, bringing the big six down to the big five. OverDrive has gone through several strong changes: there is now a clear agreement with Penguin Random House and MacMillan, meaning there are a LOT more high demand publications available; and with OverDrive One, patrons can switch from one device to another by creating an account. 

My draft report for why RCPL should choose 3M Cloud Library:

The following statistics were gathered by reviewing the Material Request folders for eBooks that were not available at time of request. The percentage is not 100% as some items were found when I did a search after the publication date, that was not available during request. Anything that was not found with all three platforms was removed from the list. The list totals 60 titles or authors during a time period of March through July of this year. Of 60 items, OverDrive had 15 items or 25%. Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360 had 27 items or 45%. And the clear winner was 3M Cloud Library with 44 items out of 60 items or 75%.

It’s clear to see that if we add another platform vendor that we will be able to add more titles that our patrons would want, including those found on the New York Times Best Sellers list. I propose that we look into opening a second platform with 3M as they have all six major publishers (Penguin, Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan). 3M is able to easily download eBooks using only one app and does not require an Adobe ID (making our patrons create an account outside of their library card). Since this is a “cloud” library, a patron can start reading on their phone then pick it up on their computer, tablet, or eReader device- without losing their spot. Since 3M gives ownership of titles to us (pending publisher approval) we are able to transfer the eBooks to another platform. We are also able to create a download station at the library, regardless if patrons have Wi-Fi or internet at home, so everyone will be able to come into the library and download some eBooks. A download station is something that OverDrive will not allow us to do without spending thousands of dollars. Plus, with our Sony eReaders, patrons would be able to easily download- and perhaps we could have an extension of this for the homebound patrons (with eBooks preloaded). Some authors that we are missing right now that 3M has: J.R. Ward, Robert B. Parker, Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, J.D. Robb, John Green, Lori Armstrong, Ann Rule, and more.

Pros

All 6 major publishers

1 app for all devices to download

Cloud- stop and pick up from another device where you left off

We own items- can transfer to another platform

Download station

Log into app once, no need to keep re-entering your library card number.

Cons

No Audiobooks (in the works)

Not many picture books (talking to publishers)

No Amazon/Kindle books (works with KindleFire, Amazon has an agreement with OverDrive)

3M’s Cloud Library explained: http://3m-ssd.implex.net/cloudapps/.

Resources:

ALA TechSource- Report for comparison. This resource is nice but since technology of platforms change so quickly, it is best to directly contact vendors.

There is no "me" in Team

Not sure how to work in a team? Don't worry- there are books, quotes, webinars, classes, and many more resources to help you with that. But first, do you know where you fit? They say there is no "I" in team but there is a "me".  What you bring to the table is part of that collaboration- that part that creates the environment and camaraderie.

Before I began work at Rapid City Public Libraries, even before my interview, I was asked to complete a personality test. This is becoming a common occurrence in businesses. After all, everyone can be taught how to do something but generally you can't change a personality. But what test do you take?

• Myers-Briggs
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter
• Strong Interest Inventory

I can't tell you which test(s) is exactly correct. That is a matter of personal opinion. In the case of your library or place of employment, they might lean towards one that best represents their goals or mission statement. If you have the chance take a test or two, please do. Don't let it overwhelm you, look at it as a chance to step back and look at your personality traits. Now comes the part that every teammate has to learn:

• Being in a team is not something you completely prepare yourself for. Unless you have physically gone through every situation imaginable, you don't know how you will react- also, you don't know how other people will think or how they will react. 

Don't misunderstand me. I don't mean that the books, classes, and everything else can't help you...they will to a certain point. After that you are left with: you, your teammates, and hopefully a chance to communicate. I learned in my first year that communication is not just talking and listening, but also taking a moment to consider what the other person is saying. 

No matter how many "I feel" statements or thoughtful questions you ask, you won't get anywhere if you already built a wall around yourself. Open yourself up to hear what your teammate is trying to tell you. And they should do the same for you in return. Who knows, those uncomfortable/awkward moments might have just been a misunderstanding. Or a difference in definition. For example, I tell you I will call you soon. You thought I meant I would call you in the next couple hours but I meant I would call you within the next couple of days.

• Tip: If you're becoming frustrated at work, you waited too long to talk about it (the person or situation that frustrates you). As a part of U.S. culture, conflict is not something we are taught to relish. Conflict is mostly thought to be messy, personal, emotional, and unpleasant. It might be all those things and more, but it might also be a necessary evil. Remember, with conflict comes change- and that could be positive. 

I personally learned that I should speak out when things are starting to get to me. An example is the theme book displays. I take great pride in filling them and feel validated when patrons check them out. Hey, I picked a good one! But when my teammates are too busy to fill it and I end up taking time out of my own projects to fill them, then I feel frustrated. To me it's not just a side project that I like, but good marketing sense. If half the grocery store is stocked, it doesn't look as appealing. So in my way of thinking, why would you purposely leave a large display half filled?

Do you know what I found out by speaking up and communicating with my co-worker? That some of them felt the same way. It is not efficient or effective to have a team where one person feels like the other members are not helping out. But what is shocking to know is...they don't know how you feel unless you tell them. Also, if you're bogged down with a lot of work to do, maybe someone can offer to  help or offer a reasonable solution.

I will leave you with one final truth about teamwork- it's never finished. The projects might be completed, the group may get along wonderful, but life will happen and adjustments will need to be made. Teams need to have adaptability and work with change. But here's the good news, you're not alone in a team.

It's Not My Fault!

It's Not My Fault!- Oh wait, yes it is. 

Whether it is due to pride, ignorance, avoidance, or whatever you are uncomfortable with- when it is a flaw about ourselves it is hard to admit it. The only thing worse than admitting it to ourselves is when others point it out for us. That is how I felt when I found out I needed to work on my interpersonal communication skills. I immediately went to denial, which only made my progress take longer.

In the past with friends and work, I have been known for my listening skills and people skills. But working at Rapid City Public Libraries I dove into a teamwork structure that I had only worked on a little in grad school and a little in previous jobs. With my extrovert personality I was mostly depended on to act or create a plan to get things rolling. After talking to several of my current co-workers I realized it wasn't only interpersonal communication but also perception I needed to improve.

Your colleagues and co-workers have perceptions not just about what you say to them but also what you do. After coming up with an action plan to track my work interactions I realized, I do have an interpersonal communication problem. I was acting or trying to come up with an answer for how to help, when all someone wanted to do was vent or start a discussion. I don't always have to take a leadership role or have the best answer, I needed to listen more. I know I am a person who likes to help, to solve problems, and get things moving. However, to my co-workers I looked over eager, pushy, and what I had learned in my past jobs were the best way to do things.

I'm not going to lie, I am eager. After graduating with my master's this is my first librarian job. This is my career- I get to do what I love, why wouldn't I be excited? I realized that some things don't need to be addressed right now. And I can use past experiences to help me but I can't let that hold me back from learning new ways of doing things. I need to stop talking and start listening. Or asking questions. It's amazing how much you can make someone feel important or involved by asking about their personal life.

I will continue with another blog, talking about working in a team environment. But for now I will share some great resources for self-help and reflection. I hope this blog will help those who have been following me: The Unemployed Librarian, Library Certificates & Library Education, Free Webinars and Other Library Training Resources, and Preparing For a Library Job Interview. This blog and the next one or more to come are from my experience in my first year on the job.


Warning: Since self-help is a personal topic, not all resources/theories will work for everyone. Learn what works for you. And this is no where near a complete listing of what is available. Also if you need a sounding board or help, please seek someone for counseling.

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.
2. The Drama-Free Office: A Guide to Healthy Collaboration with Your Team, Coworkers, and Boss by Jim Warner and Kaley Klemp.
3. Get Out of Your Own Way at Work...And Help Others Do the Same: Conquer Self- Defeating Behavior on the Job by Mark Goulston.
4. People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts by Robert Bolton, Ph.D.
5. Self-Defeating Behaviors: Free Yourself from the Habits, Compulsions, Feelings, and Attitudes That Hold You Back by Milton R. Cudney and Robert E. Hardy.
6. What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. (or read an excerpt article "Which Workplace Habits Do You Need to Break to Become More Successful?" from The Journal For Quality & Participation; Summer 2007.
7. You Want Me to Work With Who?: Eleven Keys to a Stress-Free, Satisfying, and Successful Work Life...No Matter Who You Work With by Julie Jansen.

Pin Addiction = Great Marketing

Back in April I posted a blog about Pinterest when my co-workers introduced me to it. After taking a look at the library's account, I decided I would like my own account. Since then I realized that posting to Pinterest is not only addicting but as a librarian it can be a marketing and self-promotion gold mine. Plus, it is a nice resume builder.

For example, I posted the following pin in June:

Since that time, you can see how many likes, repins, and comment it has created. This one pin might have brought people to look at my Pinterest account, but people started following the board it was posted in because of my hard work. I created the Paranormal Kind of Love- Teen/YA Readers board after my blog post of the same name. So from the beginning I had a nice list of books, however; if I wanted people to come back to my board I needed to continue to add new posts. 

• Tip*- My personal secret on finding books for selecting purchases is Barnes and Noble, but if I want to stay up-to-date with current books before they hit Barnes and Noble I use goodreads.com. Rapid City Public Library already has goodreads to help show their user reviews (which appear while viewing item records in our catalog).

Another thing I have learned from using Pinterest is that as great as blogs are they are a time consuming- unless you are someone who posts often. Which I personally find is not easy to do with two full-time jobs (librarian by day, devoted mother by night and weekends). I can pin 2-5 items a day and that seems to satisfy the Pinterest main websites categories to keep my account visible enough. Not to mention the crazy Twilight pin that started out silently, but averages 100 new repins a week. 

• Warning: Do NOT forget to select what kind of category your board should be listed under, that won't make the searches as affective. I learned this when I hardly had anyone looking at my boards.

Now that you see it from an individual point of view, let's look at things from a group/organization view point:

Pins + Public Interest = Followers. 

Basic principle but true. By working together the staff at RCPL went from the following numbers on April 5, 2012:

16 Boards

327 Pins

12 Likes

134 Followers

and 186 Following. 

To the current numbers (as of 11pm November 14, 2012):

35 Boards

1,009 Pins

48 Likes

441 Followers

and 257 Following.

• Tip*- Number of "Likes"? Not important. Number of "Following" does not need to be high to be impressive. 
• The truth that can be found in the statistics is how many new followers you have and WHO those followers are. If you have a Pinterest account, go ahead and see how many people you know. Now look and see how many are companies (libraries, groups, etc.) and how many people are unique users that you do not know (or affiliated with you in some manner). If you have any in the latter rather than the former, you are doing great. If not, try looking at this article on what website can help you better understand your Pinterest account. 

Let us not forget the important topic of self-promotion. Whether you are an individual user or a group using the same account, a successful Pinterest account can (in my opinion) only be seen as an asset. Pictures do circulate without the users caring where the original website the image was taken from (beware of malware, viruses, or inappropriate content). Yet, if you are using Pinterest for self-promotion you need to utilize where the pin's attached link takes the users.

For example, RCPL will post an image with a little information about the item. To give users the added value, RCPL staff does not link to a Google image search or a book store, we link directly to the catalog so that the users can place a hold on the item. People are very visually oriented, and as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks become even more popular a patron would like to see the below image, instead of just a name of the book and the author(s).

Tip*- Don't just pin to books or images- Be Creative!

• Share videos of a librarian reading a story or videos doing product comparisons.
• Honor your local businesses and show what they have to offer.
• Advertise events and programs that take the user to link that provide more information (Omaha Public Library has a wonderful board dedicated to this).
• Archive or present historical information that should be saved for future generations.
• And don't forget to search for other important companies/groups that are already on Pinterest: Consumer Reports, American Libraries Magazine- ALA, New York Public Library, SOS Inc Resources, and Coach, Inc. to name a few. Not only might they offer great pins to share, but give you a look as to what they are doing with their Pinterest account.

I am glad I have the opportunity to pin for Rapid City Public Libraries and the Black Hills Knowledge Network. Otherwise, I wouldn't have learn the above information. While the first year on the job is supposed to be the hardest I feel like I have learned much more. Perhaps something I can carry on through the rest of my life. This is just a hint to my next blog posting. I promise it won't take as long as it did for this one.

Please let me know of any comments, questions, and suggestions. I believe the best way to learn is through communication and shared experiences. Thanks for reading!

For more information:

10 Amazing Pinterest Tools To Help You Get The Best Out Of It by smashinghub.com.

http://smashinghub.com/10-amazing-pinterest-tools.htm

20 Ways Libraries Are Using Pinterest Right Now by edudemic.com.

http://edudemic.com/2012/03/20-ways-libraries-are-using-pinterest-right-now/

In Defense of Pinterest by Wired.com

http://www.wired.com/design/2012/10/st_thompson/

Pinterest and Academia

Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) webcast 9/18/12. http://www.slideshare.net/joseph.murphy/pinterest-for-academic-libraries-webcast-murphy-acrl

Pinterest for Business- "We are cataloging and archiving everything we can find that will help grow your business with Pinterest."

http://pinterest.com/pinterestbiz/

Pinterest for Business (Pinterest Board for statistics)

http://pinterest.com/pinterestbiz/pinterest-statistics/

Use Pinterest to Promote Your Programs And Services by Library Journal.

http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2012/02/industry-news/use-pinterest-to-promote-your-programs-and-services/

The Amish Are Coming! and Other Religious Fiction

While looking through the returned books at RCPL I’ve noticed a trend lately. Whether it’s Amish, Westerns, or Romance, I’ve noticed on the spine they are mostly marked “Religious Fiction”. I personally gave an Amish book a try recently, A Time to Love (Quilts of Lancaster County, #1) by Barbara Cameron. It was a free book I found through pixelofink.com so I thought, why not?

Borrowed from
GoodReads.com

I soon found out why so many people are turning to these books- it’s back to the basics with love. Gone are the unrealistic science fiction fantasies about were-animals and vampires, and back to stories that people can relate to. Hardships overcome with love winning as the hero. For those who prefer a simpler book without all the violence and smut, this is a genre that you should look into.

But don’t limit this new genre to only women. I recently had a patron come up to me telling me how much he loved a book he found in the library. Yes, I said “he”. The book was A Lady Like Sarah (A Rocky Creek Romance #1 by Margaret Brownley. He said he mostly likes traditional Westerns, but he loved the spunky female heroine. Yes, there are Western books with a religious element, another example is Mysterious Ways by Terry W. Burn.

Since I have focused on kids, teens, and general romance themes I thought I would provide something new for people who wanted something different. So here is my list of Religious Fiction for those who love a new classic with a familiar yet timeless theme- love conquers all.

Or if you still want Amish with a little bit of paranormal , there is an Amish series with vampires in it called, “Plain Fear” by Leanna Ellis (Plain Fear: Forsaken- 2011; Plain Fear: Forbidden- expected August 1, 2012). Perhaps a Western with vampires, zombies, and a touch of Religious Fiction. Why not try Reed Butler's Story: cowboys vampires zombies and the power of God by James Emory Thomas. And no, I swear I didn’t go out of my way to find these, they found me.

Amish Series

Abram’s Daughters by Beverly Lewis:

1. The Covenant
2. The Betrayal
3. The Sacrifice
4. The Prodigal
5. The Revelation

Ada’s House by Cindy Woodsmall:

1. The Hope of Refuge
2. The Bridge of Peace
3. The Harvest of Grace

The Amish of Apple Grove by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith (Amish/Western):

1. The Heart’s Frontier (recently released March 1, 2012)
2. A Plain and Simple Heart (expected September 1, 2012)

Amish Vines and Orchard Series by Cindy Smallwood: (Added 01.05.13)

1. A Season for Tending (2012)
2. The Winnowing Season (expected April 2, 2013)

Annie’s People by Beverly Lewis:

1. The Preacher’s Daughter
2. The Englisher
3. The Brethren

Apple Ridge by Cindy Smallwood: (Added 01.05.13)

1. The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country
2. The Christmas Singing: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country
3. Christmas in Apple Ridge: Three-in-One Collection: The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, NEW! The Dawn of Christmas 
4. The Scent of Cherry Blossoms: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country

Brides of Lancaster County by Wanda E. Brunstetter:

1. A Merry Heart
2. Looking for a Miracle
3. Plain and Fancy
4. The Hope Chest

The Courtship of Nellie Fisher by Beverly Lewis:

1. The Parting
2. The Forbidden
3. The Longing

Daughter’s of Caleb Bender by Dale W. Cramer:

1. Paradise Valley
2. The Captive Heart (recently released January 1, 2012)

Field’s of Home by Jerry S. Eicher:

1. Missing Your Smile (recently released February 1, 2012)
2. Following Your Heart (recently released  May 1, 2012)

Forever Faithful by Karen Kingsbury:

1. Waiting for Morning
2. A Moment of Weakness
3. Halfway to Forever

Hannah’s Heart by Jerry S. Eicher:

1. Hannah’s Dream
2. A Hope for Hannah
3. A Baby for Hannah

Heritage of Lancaster County by Beverly Lewis:

1. The Shunning
2. The Confession
3. The Reckoning 

 Home to Hickory Hollow by Beverly Lewis:

1. The Fiddler (April 2012)
2. The Bridesmaid (September 2012)
3. The Guardian (expected April 2013)

Kentucky Brothers by Wanda E. Brunstetter:

1. The Journey
2. The Healing
3. The Struggle (expected  June 17, 2012)

Lancaster County Secrets by Suzanne Woods Fischer:

1. The Choice
2. The Waiting
3. The Search

Rose Trilogy by Beverly Lewis:

1. The Thorn
2. The Judgement
3. The Mercy

Quilts of Lancaster County by Barbara Cameron:

1. A Time To Love
2. A Time to Heal
3. A Time for Peace

Seasons of Grace by Beverly Lewis:

1. The Secret
2. The Missing
3. The Telling 

Sisters of the Quilt by Cindy Woodsmall:

1. When the Heart Cries
2. When the Morning Comes
3. When the Soul Mends 

Snapshots in History by Murray Pura:

1. The Wings of Morning (recently released February 1, 2012)
2.  The Face of Heaven (expected August 1, 2012)

Stitches in Time by Barbara Cameron:

1. Her Restless Heart (recently released April 1, 2012)

Stoney Ridge Seasons by Suzanne Woods Fischer:

1. The Keeper (recently released January 2, 2012)
2. The Haven (expected  August 1, 2012)

Amish- Stand Alone Books

Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fischer.

Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fischer.

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County by Barbara Cameron.

An Amish Gathering: Life In Lancaster County by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Barbara Cameron.

A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana by Murray Pura (recently released January 1, 2012).

Levi’s Will by Dale W. Cramer.

October Song by Beverly Lewis.

                  The book continues the stories begun in the books: The Shunning, The Postcard, and The Redemption of Sarah Cain. 

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter (recently released April 3, 2012).

The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis (made into a movie, Saving Sarah Cain- 2007).

Sanctuary by Beverly Lewis and David Lewis.

Susanna’s Christmas Wish by Jerry S. Eicher (expected September 1, 2012).

Need more Amish? Try the Amish Wisdom Podcasts- and hear the hosts talk with authors, columnist, bloggers, and more.

Religious Fiction Series

9/11 by Karen Kingbury:

1. One Tuesday Morning
2. Beyond Tuesday Morning
3. Every Now and Then 

Above the Line by Karen Kingbury:

1. Take One
2. Take Two
3. Take Three
4. Take Four 

Awakening by Charles Martin:

1. The Dead Don’t Dance
2. Maggie

*Down Where My Love Lives (combines both The Dead Don’t Dance and Maggie)

Bailey Flanigan by Karen Kingbury:

1. Leaving
2. Learning
3. Longing
4. Loving (recently released March 27, 2012)

Cody Gunner by Karen Kingbury:

1. A Thousand Tomorrows
2. Just Beyond the Clouds 

First Born (Baxter Series 2) by Karen Kingbury:

1. Fame
2. Forgiven
3. Found
4. Family
5. Forever

Forever Faithful by Karen Kingbury:

1. Waiting for Morning
2. A Moment of Weakness
3. Halfway to Forever 

Lost Love by Karen Kingbury:

1. Even Now
2. Ever After

Redemption (Baxter Series 1) by Karen Kingbury (with Gary Smalley):

1. Redemption
2. Remember
3. Return
4. Rejoice
5. Reunion

Sunrise (Baxter Series 3) by Karen Kingbury:

1. Sunrise
2. Summer
3. Someday
4. Sunset 

Timeless Love by Karen Kingbury:

1. A Time to Dance
2. A Time to Embrace

Religious Fiction- Stand Alone Books

The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen.

The Bridge by Karen Kingbury (expected October 23, 2012).

Between Sundays by Karen Kingbury.

Divine by Karen Kingbury.

Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingbury (made into a movie, Like Dandelion Dust- 2009).

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (recently released  January 1, 2012).

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingbury.

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden (recently released  January 1, 2012).

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingbury.

The Shepherd’s Voice by Robin Lee Hatcher.

Summer of Light by Dale W. Cramer.

Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin (recently released April 3, 2012).

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck (recently released April 3, 2012).

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin.

Western Series

A Rocky Creek Romance by Margaret Brownley:

1. A Lady Like Sarah
2. A Suitor for Jenny
3. A Vision of Lucy

The Amish of Apple Grove by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith (Amish/Western):

1. The Heart’s Frontier (recently released March 1, 2012)
2. A Plain and Simple Heart (expected September 1, 2012) 

Brides of the Last Chance Ranch by Margaret Brownley:

1. Dawn Comes Early (recently released March 13, 2012)

Brides of the West by Lori Copeland:

1. Faith
2. June
3. Hope
4. Glory
5. Ruth
6. Patience

Land of the Lone Star State by Tracie Peterson:

1. Chasing the Sun (recently published March 1, 2012).
2. Touching the Sky (expected June 1, 2012).
3. Taming the Wind (expected September 1, 2012).

Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke:

1. Love Comes Softly (made into a movie, Love Comes Softly-2003).
2. Love’s Enduring Promise (made into a movie, Love’s Enduring Promise- 2004).
3. Love’s Long Journey (made into a movie, Love’s Long Journey- 2005).
4. Love’s Abiding Joy (made into a movie, Love’s Abiding Joy- 2006).
5. Love’s Unending Legacy (made into a movie, Love’s Unending Legacy- 2007).
6. Love’s Unfolding Dream (made into a movie, Love’s Unfolding Dream- 2007).
7. Love Takes Wing (made into a movie, Love Takes Wing- 2009).
8. Love Finds a Home (made into a movie, Love Finds a Home- 2009).

Mysterious Ways by Terry W. Burns:

1. Mysterious Ways
2. Brother’s Keeper
3. Shepherd’s Son

Sister’s of Bethlehem Springs by Robin Lee Hatcher:

1. A Vote of Confidence
2. Fit to Be Tied
3. A Matter of Character

Texas Dreams by Amanda Cabot:

1. Paper Roses
2. Scattered Petals
3. Tomorrow’s Garden

Western- Stand Alone Books

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer.

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher (recently released February 14, 2012).

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings (recently released February 1, 2012).

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer.

This is by no means a complete list of books (neither by genre or listing of all of an author’s works). If you would like to find more, please use one of the below methods of searching.

GoodReads:

http://www.goodreads.com/genres/christian-fiction

http://www.goodreads.com/genres/christian-romance

http://www.goodreads.com/genres/love-inspired

http://www.goodreads.com/genres/amish-fiction

http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/amish-fiction

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/15619.2012_Religious_Fiction_Releases_You_re_Excited_About#11753932

Western Authors- Featuring Authors of Western Fiction

Various categories.

Inspired Reads (from PixelofInk.com): “Inspired Reads is all about finding and sharing Christian Kindle Books on a Budget! Book deals posted here will take you directly to the book pages on Amazon for Kindle readers, and Barnes & Noble for Nook readers.”

Still need more to read? See if your local library has more suggestions included in their catalog such as Goodreads or NoveList (through Ebscohost). Such as the series, Women of the West by Janette Oke. Suggestion for search terms:

• Amish -- Fiction.
• Love stories.
• Western stories.
• Christian fiction.