Picture a Maine storyteller who traded city lights for Amish buggies to craft gripping suspense novels—meet Ashley Emma! This bestselling author has carved a unique niche in Amish-themed mysteries, blending heart-pounding thrills with heartfelt romance. From her early days scribbling stories to founding Fearless Publishing House, Emma’s journey is as inspiring as her books.
With her Covert Police Detectives Unit series, Emma has captivated readers worldwide, earning accolades for her authentic portrayal of Amish life. Her secret? Living among Amish families to soak up their culture, faith, and apple dumpling recipes. Let’s dive into the world of Ashley Emma, where suspense meets simplicity.
The Making of Ashley Emma
Born and raised in Maine, Ashley Emma was a bookworm with big dreams. At just 12, she penned her first novel, publishing it by 16—a feat that screams determination. Homeschooled and fueled by a passion for storytelling, she found her calling in fiction. Her fascination with the Amish began at 20, when she spent time living with families in Unity, Maine, immersing herself in their traditions. This experience shaped her authentic, respectful portrayals of Amish life, setting her apart in the genre.
Emma’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to found Fearless Publishing House, where she helps aspiring authors self-publish. Her dual role as writer and mentor reflects her commitment to creativity and community, all while raising four children with her husband in Maine.
Ashley Emma’s Unforgettable Stories
Emma’s Covert Police Detectives Unit series is her crown jewel, blending Amish culture with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Her debut, Undercover Amish (2016), follows Detective Olivia Mast, a former Amish woman investigating a murder in her old community. Readers rave about its twists, romance, and respectful depiction of Amish life, earning it 26 out of 27 points in the 2015 Maine Romance Writers competition.
The series continues with gems like Amish Under Fire (2017), a semi-finalist in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest, tackling human trafficking with gripping intensity. Amish Amnesia (2019) weaves memory loss and mystery, while Amish Alias (2020), a Global Book Awards gold medalist, delivers a tale of secrets and survival. Emma’s style is clean, fast-paced, and infused with Christian themes, making her books accessible yet thrilling.
Beyond suspense, Emma dabbles in Amish fairytales and nonfiction, like Ashley’s Amish Adventures, a true account of her time with the Amish. Her ability to merge research-driven authenticity with emotional storytelling keeps fans hooked.
Why Ashley Emma Matters
Ashley Emma’s impact goes beyond her page-turners. By spotlighting Amish culture in suspense fiction, she bridges worlds, fostering understanding through stories of faith and resilience. Her novels tackle heavy topics—domestic violence, trafficking, forgiveness—with sensitivity, resonating with readers seeking meaningful narratives. Her work’s clean, uplifting tone has earned her a loyal following, especially among fans of Christian and Amish fiction.
Through Fearless Publishing House, Emma empowers others to share their stories, democratizing publishing. Her hands-on research and advocacy for authentic representation make her a trailblazer in niche genres, proving that small-town stories can have global reach.
- Born: Maine, USA
- Key Works: Undercover Amish, Amish Under Fire, Amish Alias
- Awards: Amish Alias, Gold Medal, Global Book Awards 2021
- Fun Fact: Emma lived with Amish families to research her novels.
Ready for a thrilling ride through Amish country? Snag Undercover Amish and dive into Ashley Emma’s suspenseful world!