An Amish Home: Four Novellas

By Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kathleen Fuller

“These four novellas centered on the meaning of home and family highlight Amish life with heart and grace.” —RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

A Cup Half Full by Carol Award winner Beth Wiseman

Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, husband, and family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. But that all changes in one moment when an accident leaves her confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, can Sarah transform her spirit, and once again see her cup as half full?

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston

Down on their luck and desperate after they’re evicted from their apartment, Chace and Mia O’Conner reluctantly take Chace’s Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus on his property. They’re certain they’ll never feel at home in the rustic cabin without modern conveniences, and start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with help from their new Amish friends, they begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize home really is where the heart is . . .

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, they had a rosy life . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon their marriage was in shards. Now fire has destroyed their home, and Thomas and Noreen must sift through the rubble. As recovered items shake loose memories of the past, the two draw closer and a flicker of hope—and love—is reignited . . .

Building Faith by USA Today–bestselling author Kathleen Fuller

Carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but Faith Miller loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks her to make cabinets for her new home, she’s happy to take on the challenging job. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas. As they build Martha’s kitchen, can they build faith in one another again too?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Feb 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9780529119155

Beth Wiseman

Bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman has sold over two million books. She is the recipient of the coveted Holt Medallion, is a two-time Carol Award winner, and has won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award three times. Her books have been on various bestseller lists, including CBA, ECPA, Christianbook, and Publishers Weekly. Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in south-central Texas. Visit her online at BethWiseman.com; Facebook: @AuthorBethWiseman; Twitter: @BethWiseman; Instagram: @bethwisemanauthor

Book preview

OTHER NOVELS BY THE AUTHORS

BETH WISEMAN

THE AMISH SECRETS NOVELS

Her Brother’s Keeper

Love Bears All Things

THE DAUGHTERS OF THE PROMISE NOVELS

Plain Perfect

Plain Pursuit

Plain Promise

Plain Paradise

Plain Proposal

Plain Peace

THE LAND OF CANAAN NOVELS

Seek Me with All Your Heart

The Wonder of Your Love

His Love Endures Forever

OTHER NOVELS

Need You Now

The House that Love Built

The Promise

AMY CLIPSTON

THE AMISH HEIRLOOM SERIES

The Forgotten Recipe

The Courtship Basket

The Cherished Quilt

The Beloved Hope Chest (Available May 2017)

THE HEARTS OF THE LANCASTER GRAND HOTEL SERIES

A Hopeful Heart

A Mother’s Secret

A Dream of Home

A Simple Prayer

THE KAUFMAN AMISH BAKERY SERIES

A Gift of Grace

A Promise of Hope

A Place of Peace

A Life of Joy

A Season of Love

A Plain and Simple Christmas

Naomi’s Gift

NOVELLAS

An Amish Kitchen—

A Spoonful of Love

An Amish Cradle—

A Son for Always

An Amish Christmas Gift—

Naomi’s Gift

An Amish Market—

Love Birds

An Amish Harvest—

Love and Buggy Rides

YOUNG ADULT

Roadside Assistance

Destination Unknown

Miles from Nowhere

Reckless Heart

NONFICTION

A Gift of Love

RUTH REID

THE AMISH WONDERS NOVELS

A Miracle of Hope

A Woodland Miracle

A Dream of Miracles

THE HEAVEN ON EARTH NOVELS

The Promise of an Angel

Brush of Angel’s Wings

An Angel by Her Side

NOVELLAS

An Amish Miracle—

Always His Providence

An Amish Second Christmas—

Her Christmas Pen Pal

An Amish Christmas Gift—

An Unexpected Joy

KATHLEEN FULLER

THE AMISH OF BIRCH CREEK

A Reluctant Bride

An Unbroken Heart

THE MIDDLEFIELD AMISH NOVELS

A Faith of Her Own

THE MIDDLEFIELD FAMILY NOVELS

Treasuring Emma

Faithful to Laura

Letters to Katie

THE HEARTS OF MIDDLEFIELD NOVELS

A Man of His Word

An Honest Love

A Hand to Hold

OTHER NOVELLAS

An Amish Christmas—

A Miracle for Miriam

An Amish Gathering—

A Place of His Own

An Amish Love—

What the Heart Sees

An Amish Wedding—

A Perfect Match

An Amish Garden—

Flowers for Rachael

An Amish Second Christmas—

A Gift for Anne Marie

An Amish Cradle—

Heart Full of Love

Copyright © 2016 by Elizabeth Wiseman Mackey, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, Kathleen Fuller

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

[If applicable, literary agent acknowledgment]

Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [e-mail].

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International

Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark

Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

CIP data available upon request.

Printed in the United States of America

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CONTENTS

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman

Dedication

Glossary

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston

Dedication

Glossary

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

About the Author

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

Dedication

Glossary

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller

Dedication

Glossary

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Recipes

Recipes from Beth Wiseman’s A Cup Half Full

Sarah’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Brenda’s Beef and Cheese Casserole

Recipes from Amy Clipston’s Home Sweet Home

Black Raspberry Pie

Barbecue Meatloaf

Recipes From Ruth Reid’s A Flicker of Hope

Easy-to-Make Strawberry Delight

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Salad

Recipes from Kathleen Fuller’s Building Faith

Mud Hen Bars

Overnight Amish Potato Salad

DEDICATION

To: Ann and Bill Rogers

GLOSSARY

ach—oh

bruder—brother

daed—dad

danki—thank you

Englisch /-er—a non-Amish person

fraa—wife

gut—good

haus—house

kapp—prayer covering or cap

lieb—love

maedel—girl

mamm—mom

mammi—grandmother

mei—my

mudder—mother

nee—no

rumschpringe—running-around period when a teenager turns sixteen years old

sohn—son

Wei bischt?—How are you? or Hi there.

ya—yes

* THE GERMAN DIALECT SPOKEN BY THE AMISH IS NOT A written language and varies depending on the location and origin of the settlement. These spellings are approximations. Most Amish children learn English after they start school. They also learn High German, which is used in their Sunday services.

CHAPTER ONE

SARAH SAT NEXT TO ABRAM IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE van while their hired driver stowed Sarah’s wheelchair in the rear compartment. Wheelchair. It was a word she would need to get used to, along with the knowledge that she’d never walk again.

Wait until you see what I’ve done to the house. Abram latched onto Sarah’s hand and squeezed, as if he’d done a luxurious remodel of their home. Instead, he’d turned it into a handicap-accessible house so that Sarah could get around inside, complete with a wheelchair ramp leading to the porch, he’d told her.

She forced a smile as the driver pulled out of the hospital parking lot, a place she’d called home for the past month.

Johnny helped me lower the sinks and cabinets, and we have handrails everywhere you might need them. Abram’s dark eyes shone with an emotion Sarah hadn’t been able to identify over the past few weeks. Was it pity? Empathy? Regret? Guilt? Sarah had assured Abram that the accident hadn’t been his fault. Thankfully, her husband had walked away with only a few scratches and a bump on his head. Sarah’s side of the buggy had taken the hardest hit from the blue car. She didn’t remember much about that day, but she remembered the blue car.

Your family should be at the house when we get there, to welcome you home. Abram brushed back a strand of Sarah’s red hair that had fallen from her kapp. She’d spent her entire life getting used to the fact that she was the only one in their district with red hair and freckles. Now she’d be the only person, as far as she knew, in a wheelchair.

Sarah’s brother and parents had come to the hospital most days. They’d all been witness to her tantrums, depression, and anger at her new situation. She’d promised herself that she would tuck away those emotions today and be grateful that God had spared her life, and that He had kept Abram from serious injury.

Abram rattled on about more modifications he’d made to their home. Sarah had heard it all before. Her husband had shared every detail throughout the process, and bragged on Sarah’s eighteen-year-old brother, how Johnny had come every day to lend a hand. Sarah had never been close to her brother. They were five years apart; maybe that was why. But, interestingly, Sarah had been the most comfortable at the hospital when it was just her and Johnny. He didn’t fuss over her, but he was there if she needed anything. Mostly, he just let her be. And that was what she needed. Time to process what had happened to her.

Sarah sat still in the van while Abram paid the driver and retrieved the wheelchair from the back. An intern at the hospital had worked with Sarah, showing her the easiest ways to get in and out of the wheelchair. But despite what she’d learned, Abram insisted on picking her up and putting her in the chair that would be a part of her world forever, like a child being put in a booster seat.

Abram had placed wide panels of plywood in areas of their muddy yard, including a pathway toward the porch that would accommodate a wheelchair following rainy weather. She could see her parents on the porch, both smiling, but she barely gave them a glance. Her focus was on the slowly ascending plank that stretched before her like a bridge between her old life and her new one. A railing wrapped around the porch, upon which were two white wooden rocking chairs. Sarah wondered if she’d ever rock again. Her legs would just rest on the wooden slats with no way to kick herself into motion. It had always been her favorite place to be, sitting on the porch, sipping meadow tea, and watching her husband work in the fields. Especially this time of year, in the spring, with her flowerbeds filled with colorful blooms. She’d usually knit as she rocked. At least she could still do that. Playing volleyball on Sunday afternoons with the young folks wouldn’t be an option ever again. And she was certain that list would grow over time.

I’ve made a roast, potatoes, and carrots for dinner. Her mother clasped her hands in front of her, smiling as Abram pushed Sarah’s wheelchair up the ramp. And a red velvet cake for dessert.

Sarah suspected there was a much larger display of food awaiting them inside. Mary Stoltzfus believed that food cured all things. But being permanently handicapped wasn’t an ailment that Sarah’s mother could mend.

Danki, Sarah said as she looked up at her mother, then her brother, and lastly at her father, who was looking at the ground. He’d visited her in the hospital the least and had very little to say. Unusual for a man who almost always voiced his thoughts. Sometimes when he shouldn’t. I appreciate everything you’ve all done.

Sarah’s father opened the door, and Sarah breathed in the aroma of supper. She welcomed the familiarity of her mother’s cooking. But when she crossed the threshold of the front door, she gasped.

You don’t like it? Abram stepped in front of her as the lines in his forehead creased. More lines than she remembered. I can change it. A muscle quivered at his jaw.

"Nee, nee, she said before swallowing hard. It is fine. Very gut." She’d known this was coming, but seeing the counters a foot shorter shocked her anyway. And all of the cabinets above the counters were gone. A long row of locker-style cupboards on the floor now housed her kitchenware against a wall, which used to have racks for hanging hats and capes.

I can change anything. Abram walked to the sink, where he towered over it like a giant who had wandered into the wrong home.

"Nee, it’s fine. Really." Sarah knew the hours her husband had put in to transform their home. And between working outside and putting in his thirty hours per week at the hardware store, she suspected he had lost a good bit of sleep completing the task. But he’d still found time to visit her daily at the hospital. That added the expense of hiring a driver since it was too far to travel by buggy. Her parents and brother had also incurred that cost. Sarah had become a burden before she’d set one foot inside her house. A knot formed in her throat, knowing she’d never actually set her feet anywhere again.

Abram told his mother-in-law how wonderful the food was, thanked her for preparing the meal, and thanked Johnny again for all his help. As Sarah stayed quiet and picked at her food, Abram and Sarah’s father settled into a conversation about the bishop. A topic Abram would have chosen to avoid since Saul never had anything nice to say about the man. Especially lately.

If my roots weren’t firmly grounded in Lancaster County, I’d pick up and move, Saul said, frowning. Lloyd Yoder has no business being bishop.

Mary sighed heavily. Saul, this is not a conversation for the supper table. She narrowed her eyebrows at her husband, nodding slightly toward Sarah, whose head was down. Especially not today.

Saul raised a bushy gray eyebrow. I think the Lord made a mistake when He saw fit for Lloyd to become bishop.

The Lord doesn’t make mistakes, Mary said as she shook her head. Now, eat your supper. She turned to Sarah. "How’s the roast? I bet you’re glad to have a home-cooked meal, ya?"

Sarah nodded, but continued to move her food around on her plate. Mary would faint if she knew about all the fast-food Abram had picked up on the way to see his wife. Halfway into Sarah’s stay at the hospital, their driver—Lucas—would ask, Where to today? Sometimes it was burgers and fries. Other times, they’d grab a pizza or deli sandwich to take to Sarah. The expense had added up, but there wasn’t anything Abram wouldn’t do for Sarah. And the only thing that seemed to bring an inkling of joy to her was fast-food, something they hadn’t grown up on and rarely splurged on. His wife was particularly fond of Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell.

"You’ve done a fine job on the haus, Abram." Saul glanced around the room at Abram and Johnny’s handiwork. Abram’s father-in-law had offered to help, but everyone knew Saul had a bad back. And Abram could only take his father-in-law in small doses. He loved the man for his good heart, but he was opinionated and outspoken. And it had gotten worse since Saul and Bishop Yoder had a heated argument about fertilizer a couple of months ago following a worship service. The bishop was trying to get more folks to grow organically, and Saul wasn’t having any part of it. That conversation had led into another discussion about the proper way to erect a barn, a subject that was argued quite often among the men in the district. And if Saul and Bishop Yoder hadn’t already bumped heads enough, the bishop tried to tell Saul that any renovations to Abram and Sarah’s house needed to be approved by him. Saul had gone bonkers and hadn’t been to church since the argument.

That had been one time that Abram had agreed with his father-in-law. He’d made the modifications to their home without detailing it out for the bishop. Abram had enough problems. Specifically, he wasn’t sure how he was going to pay the bills he’d run up over the past month. He hadn’t mentioned to Sarah or anyone else that he only worked ten hours per week at the hardware store during Sarah’s hospital stay. And the revisions to the house had far exceeded his budget. For the first time in his life, he had credit card debt.

Abram thanked his father-in-law for the compliment, but as he looked upon his wife, there was no mistaking the tears she was holding back as she kept her head down, occasionally taking a small bite of roast. Abram was not going to burden her with anything. His sole purpose was to make a good life for Sarah. He hadn’t had much of a chance since they’d only been married one week prior to the accident.

They had their entire lives ahead of them, they’d made plans and shared dreams. Abram still had those same dreams, but Sarah’s spirit seemed broken. As her husband, it was his job to take care of her, to help her heal, and as such, he needed to carry the weight of his burdens alone for now. It wasn’t just his job. He loved Sarah with his heart and soul. But he’d done this to her, put her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Folks could shout his innocence to the moon and back. But Abram knew the truth.

CHAPTER TWO

SARAH FACED OFF WITH HER NEW BATHTUB, A MODERN contraption that looked like it belonged in the sci-fi movie she’d seen during her rumschpringe. She and Abram had dated longer than most couples in their district, probably pushing the acceptable time for courtship and running around. They’d also watched more movies than the bishop might have approved of, if he’d known. Neither of them had been baptized until they were twenty and twenty-one, and it still took another three years before they got married. They’d justified the long courtship because Abram’s mother was ill and later died.

Everything okay in there?

Sarah pulled her eyes from the tub and glanced at the closed bathroom door. "Ya, I’m fine. Just taking my time and being careful."

The bathtub had a door that opened from the side, and inside was a seat. She’d positioned her wheelchair right next to the entrance and dropped one armrest, hoping she could just scooch into the tub seat, similar to what she’d learned at the hospital about how to get in a vehicle. But after two attempts, she was taking a break. Her legs were like dead weight, baggage that she’d have to heave from one place to another for the rest of her life. Just taking a bath in her new tub was proving to be more troublesome than she’d imagined. She glanced at the shower stall in the corner, where Abram would be showering. Another modern convenience with glass walls. All these new amenities had replaced the claw-foot tub that had been in the house since her grandparents lived here prior to their passing.

Sarah took a deep breath, her body trembling as she lifted herself onto the bathtub seat, then she curled her arms under her legs and brought them in front of her, shutting the bathtub door. Abram had already warned her that she couldn’t fill the tub until the door was shut, which was obvious now that Sarah saw the setup. She sat naked on the seat, cold water pooling at her feet, another downside to her new situation. She would never again climb into a warm, steaming bath. But maybe she should be glad that she trembled from the coldness of the water, that she could even feel it. She used the opportunity to let the flowing water drown out the sobs she’d been holding in all day.

Abram readied the bed in the same manner he’d seen Sarah do for the first week of their marriage. He folded back the light yellow and blue quilt that covered their full-sized bed, then lay the white sheet back as well, fluffing both their pillows afterward. He’d already opened the window, and a cool spring breeze filled the room as crickets chirped in the distance. The lantern was lit on the nightstand by Sarah’s side of the bed, along with the book she’d been reading before the accident. Abram had offered to take her books in the hospital, particularly the one she’d been in the middle of at the time of the accident, but Sarah hadn’t been interested. He glanced at the book, something he was sure Bishop Yoder wouldn’t approve of. On the cover, a beautiful Englisch woman gazed into a man’s eyes, and the title—For the Love of June—hinted there might be some intimacy within the pages. Something Abram had high hopes for this evening.

Everything still okay? He held his breath, hoping he wasn’t being overprotective. Sarah had been irritated when people fussed over her in the hospital. Abram cringed when he recalled Sarah’s reaction to the news that she’d never walk again. It had started out with tears, then angry comments directed at God, and finally . . . she’d said she wanted to die. The next day, she’d said she didn’t mean any of it, but the first week was especially hard for her. He asked again when she didn’t respond. Sarah, you okay?

"Ya, Abram. I’m fine."

It sounded like she was gritting her teeth, so he needed to back off, give her time, and be patient. But as he climbed into bed wearing only a pair of boxers, patience wasn’t on his mind. He was anxious to show his wife how much he loved her, show her that nothing had changed between them, and that making a baby was still part of the plans they’d made. The doctors had assured them both that the accident hadn’t affected Sarah’s ability to conceive and carry a child.

Abram locked his hands behind his head, waiting for the love of his life to join him. As the lantern flickered, shadows danced throughout the room. Earlier he’d lit two lavender-scented candles and placed them on top of their dresser, which not only added to the flickering shadows in the room, but also filled the cool air with the floral fragrance.

It was a perfect night. Sarah was home, and things were going to be okay. Abram wasn’t going to let his financial woes or guilt affect this evening. God would provide, as always. God had forgiven Abram for the accident, but Abram quickly asked the Lord again to help him forgive himself. His shoulders were burdened. He was carrying enough worry. Continuing to haul guilt around would only hurt him and Sarah in the long run.

Sarah managed to get herself back into the wheelchair, but she’d dripped water all over the floor in the process—their new tile floor, which replaced the wood floors that had been original to the house. The tile was modest, a cool-gray color speckled with white. Although, right away, it reminded her of the bathroom floors at the hospital. Once she’d worked her way into her nightclothes, she rolled herself the two feet to the sink, which had also been lowered. After she brushed her teeth, she opened the bathroom door and rolled through the widened doorway. The smell of lavender assaulted her from the bedroom. It was a scent she used to love, but now it reminded her of the intimacy she and Abram had shared on their wedding night and the nights that followed. Before everything changed.

Abram sat up in bed. Need some help?

Sarah took a deep breath and reminded herself not to take offense. Abram loved her, and he just wanted to take care of her. But was this how it would be for the rest of her life? Everyone always trying to help her?

Abram slid his legs over the side of the bed and started toward her. She held up a palm. I’ve got it. I don’t need help. She’d allowed him to help her in and out of the wheelchair during her stay at the hospital, but Abram would head off to work in the morning, and Sarah needed to learn to get by on her own. As she rolled the wheelchair to the side of the bed—which she noticed was lower now—she positioned herself in the way she’d learned at the hospital, then tried to heave herself onto the bed, her legs not participating in the effort, as they hung lifeless, like they belonged to someone else. All the while, the fragrant lavender made her want to throw up.

Here, Sarah, let me—

Abram was rounding the corner of the bed when Sarah yelled, Stop! I can do this myself. She lifted herself onto the bed as Abram froze beside her, probably praying for his old wife to return, the one who could walk, who wasn’t bitter, whom he didn’t have to overhaul his home for. It was a wicked thought. They’d grown up together, dated for an eternity, and Sarah had always believed they were soul mates, an Englisch term she’d heard used in more than one of the movies they’d watched. But as she spit her words at him, there was no denying—the Sarah she used to be was gone, replaced by someone who couldn’t seem to capture the hope she’d once carried around like a precious gift. But the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Any hope for the future they’d planned had been snatched away.

She was a smart woman, though, and she would settle into her new life. But it was a life that wouldn’t include children. Sarah was worried about just being able to take care of herself. How could she possibly take care of a child now? She’d had a recurring dream in the hospital. She’d fallen out of the wheelchair. A little girl—a toddler—was walking toward the stove, which had been lowered even in her dream. Steam rose from a pot of boiling water as her baby girl reached for it. Sarah tried to crawl across the living room floor, dragging her dead legs behind her. But she couldn’t get to the child, who pulled the pot off the stove each time. Sarah always woke up, sweating, consumed with anxiety. If she had a child, that’s how it would always be.

Abram stood perfectly still until Sarah had tucked herself in, then he walked to his side of the bed and got underneath the covers. He snuggled up next to her, his head resting on her shoulder as he kissed her on the neck.

It’s raining again, she said softly as she lay still and closed her eyes, recalling the time a couple of years ago when she and Abram tried to rustle up three of Abram’s goats that had gotten loose. Abram’s mother was sick, and it was just Sarah and Abram running around the yard trying to get the goats penned. And it had started pouring. Abram was so mad that Sarah had thought he might curse. That’s when she’d broken out laughing, and eventually Abram laughed, too, and they’d danced around in the rain like children. They eventually got the goats back in the pen, but it was well after dark. It seemed funny to Sarah that she’d think of that now. A day running around in the rain, something she’d totally taken for granted at the time. What she wouldn’t give now to run around in the rain like a silly child.

I missed you so much, Abram whispered as he continued kissing her on the neck.

Sarah stiffened, unwillingly and unintentionally, as if in an automatic reaction to his touch. I missed you too, she breathed in a whisper, forcing herself to relax. The doctor had said there was no reason for them not to carry on as husband and wife in the bedroom. Sarah hadn’t lost the feeling in her legs, only the ability to move them due to muscle damage. But Abram wanted to start a family, and even during Sarah’s time in the hospital, he’d never veered from his desire for this. We will have plenty of time to make babies when you are well and at home, he’d told her. And she’d never argued.

Her husband had walked into her hospital room every day, trying to hide the bags beneath his eyes, and he’d always stayed cheerful and hopeful. She wanted to fall into the safeness of his embrace, to feel him love her. But her new fear about getting pregnant had put up an invisible shield around her, a barrier she hadn’t even known was present until now. She eased away and put a hand on his chest, wishing her heart could just speak to his without any words, but the sorrow in her husband’s eyes deserved a verbal response.

I don’t feel well. It was all she could come up with. Even though she felt all right physically, she didn’t feel well emotionally at all, so she decided it was a justified tiny white lie.

Abram cupped her chin as he leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. Then he smoothed her red hair back from her face and said, What can I get for you? Do you want some hot tea? Or maybe something else?

Sarah gazed into her husband’s eyes, knowing he’d do anything for her. And as much as she wanted to make him happy, she couldn’t. Not tonight.

Abram smiled sweetly. What can I do for you? he asked again.

Can you pray that I’ll walk again? It was a hollow prayer that would never be answered. Sarah had already gone through that with the doctors, told them miracles happen, that maybe she’d walk again. They’d all been adamant that Sarah would never take another step. It had seemed cruel at first, to so despondently write off the power of the Lord. But deep down, God had chosen not to fix her. He’d taken from her, and it was her duty to accept His will.

She stared at Abram for a while before she said, Can you blow out the candles?

Abram’s expression dropped, like she’d kicked him in the teeth. But he recovered quickly and lifted his jaw, offering her another smile. "Ya. Sure."

She extinguished the lantern while Abram blew out the candles, then he got back in bed beside her and found her hand. He brought it to his mouth and kissed her fingers, then they both lay quietly, lost in their thoughts. Sarah wondered what it would be like to be lost in Abram’s thoughts.

It was quiet. The rain had stopped. The crickets and frogs had put themselves to bed, and there wasn’t a breeze anymore, no rustling of leaves outside their bedroom window. Just darkness and silence.

Sarah closed her eyes, even though she doubted sleep would come. It was only nine thirty, and that was their normal bedtime prior to the accident. But during Sarah’s time in the hospital, her sleep schedule was anything but routine, and now she found herself wide-awake as Abram started to snore.

A few minutes later, she heard her husband’s cell phone ringing in the kitchen. Sarah had never owned a mobile phone. They had a phone in the barn for emergencies, and it was easy enough to hear from the house when the windows were open. But Abram had gotten a cell phone while Sarah was in the hospital so that he could call and check on her throughout the day. Her first instinct was to run to answer it, but she quickly ruled that out as an option. If it was an emergency, the caller would try the barn phone, and Sarah would hear it. She reasoned that a call coming in on Abram’s new phone must have something to do with work, so she opted not to wake her husband.

But when Abram’s phone rang again in the other room, she nudged him. Then the phone in the barn started to ring.

Abram. She nudged him harder until he moaned. Wake up. Your phone in the kitchen is ringing, and the phone in the barn is ringing too. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. Something is wrong.

CHAPTER THREE

ABRAM CLOSED THE BARN DOOR BEHIND HIM AND WALKED toward the house, shining the flashlight in front of him as he tried to sidestep the standing water still in the yard. Once he hit the sheets of plywood leading to the ramp, he picked up the pace as he neared the porch, but paused at the front door. He didn’t want to lie to his wife. But he

Reviews for An Amish Home

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Though written by some of the leading authors of Amish fiction, this I found this group of novellas lacking in depth. Some of the stories had little in the way of a detailed plot, and you could easily predict the end at the beginning. Because of the shorter length, there sometimes wasn’t much in the way of character development. The stories themselves weren’t terribly interesting. There was nothing really wrong with them, they just weren’t very engrossing.

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Cup Half Full by Beth WisemanSarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.Newlyweds Sarah and Abram's lives forever changed when a buggy accident left Sarah confined to a wheelchair. While she recovered in the hospital, Abram started transforming their home. He wants nothing more than to show his love for her by making life easier for her, but it comes at a higher price than he expected. He struggles to find a way out of debt without burdening Sarah with his troubles. Meanwhile, Sarah is bitter about the loss of her perfect dreams, and fearful of what the future might bring.I ached for both Abram and Sarah as they struggled alone with their issues, neither wanting to burden the other. Sarah was filled with self-pity at the beginning, but gained inspiration from an unlikely source. I liked seeing her begin to embrace her new normal, though there were still challenges to overcome. Her conversation with her mother was an eye-opener for her, coupled with an amusing revelation. I also liked her conversation with Abram's coworker, Brenda, and the unexpected partnership that came from it.Abram quickly discovered that he was in over his head when the bills came due for his work on the house. I shook my head at his naivete when he got involved with the quick loan guy and knew there would be trouble there. I liked his friendship with his coworker, and the support she gave him. I understood his reluctance to share his problems with Sarah, since she was fighting her own battles. I liked his conversation with his father-in-law and the surprising resolution that came from it.The biggest thing that both Sarah and Abram discovered was that their problems were easier to deal with when they were shared with each other.Home Sweet Home by Amy ClipstonDown on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O'Connor reluctantly take Chace's Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadi haus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.Chace and Mia are a young couple who have fallen on hard times. When they are evicted from their apartment Chace's Amish boss offers them the small house on his property. Though grateful for the roof over their heads, both are overwhelmed by how different their lives are from what they had planned. Though they came from very different backgrounds, Chace and Mia's love for each other and their baby daughter was strong. I ached for them both as the stress of their situation aggravated their fears of inadequacy. Chace was never accepted by Mia's wealthy and snobby parents, and he feels guilty about not providing for them the way he feels he should. Mia is terrified of being a bad mother, thanks to the cruel things her mother said to her. Though the stress frequently caused them to lash out at each other, they never doubted their love for one another.I enjoyed seeing how Isaac and his family gave the couple the support they needed. Unfamiliar with Amish ways, Mia was stunned by everything that was offered. I liked seeing the friendship that grew between Mia and Vera, and how that friendship helped Mia gain a little confidence in herself. I hurt for Chace when one thing after another seemed to go wrong, stretching him to the breaking point. I loved how Isaac provided the kind of guidance that Chace had never experienced before.When baby Kaitlyn got sick, it brought many of their fears bubbling to the surface. Erupting tempers did nothing to calm those fears. I liked seeing both of them finally face those fears, and with a little help find their way back together.A Flicker of Hope by Ruth ReidFifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope - and love - is re-ignited.This is a story told in flashbacks, back and forth from the present day to fifteen years earlier. Thomas and Noreen have been married for fifteen years. The book opens in the present as their house burns down and they lose everything. The reader immediately gets the sense that things are not well with their marriage, and the fire adds to the strain that is already there.In the flashbacks, we see their courtship and early marriage. Thomas irritated me during these parts. He professes his love for Noreen, but it seems like he is more interested in what he wants. Noreen's father is not in favor of their courtship or of Thomas wanting to marry her. Instead of biding by her father's wishes for them to wait, Thomas continues to push. A tragedy ends up forcing her father's consent, but he makes Thomas promise to always put her needs ahead of his own. The early days of their marriage are blissfully happy until a devastating loss drives a wedge between them. For the next fifteen years their relationship slowly disintegrates, leaving both lonely and bitter.It seems as if the fire may be the final straw that drives them apart. Both Thomas and Noreen blame themselves, and the guilt causes them to withdraw rather than lean on each other for support. I liked the way that their community banded together to help, but even that added a bit of stress to the couple's life, as it became more difficult to hide their problems. As they combed through the rubble of their home, now and then something would remind them of the love they shared at the beginning. Just as things seem to be looking up, another devastating loss adds insult to injury. Fortunately, Thomas also receives a kick in the seat that reminds him of what is most important. I loved the ending with its two surprises for a new beginning.Building Faith by Kathleen FullerFaith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiancé, Silas. As they work to build Martha's kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?Faith misses her grandfather deeply. She feels closest to him when she works with the wood they both loved. Since his passing, Faith spends all of her free time in the shop, shutting out everyone else. When her cousin and best friend, Martha, asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new kitchen she is happy to take on the challenge. That is, until she discovers that she has to share the job with her ex-fiancé, Silas.Silas works as a carpenter with his father. He hasn't always been the most reliable of workers, but he's had to make the effort lately. His father is busy taking care of Silas's sick mother, leaving Silas to run the business. With mounting bills to pay, Silas can't afford to turn down any work. When his friend, Melvin, hired him to build the cabinets in his new home, Seth felt a great deal of relief. He was determined to do a good job, and was dismayed to find out he would have to work alongside Faith.This was a good opposites attract story. Faith and Silas courted and became engaged, in spite of their differences. Silas was a bit of a dreamer, with creative ideas but lacking in the ability to follow through. Time meant nothing to him and he was always late. Faith is ultra-organized, preferring to plan and schedule everything to the minute. Silas's attitude frustrated her, but when he didn't show up for her grandfather's funeral, she'd had enough and ended their engagement without explanation. Living in the same district, they can't avoid seeing each other, though they do their best.Neither was happy to discover that they'd each been hired to build the cabinets, but they tried to put aside their differences for the sake of their friends. There were some intense clashes between Faith and Silas. Faith can't forget the issues that drove them apart, and Silas is frustrated by Faith's controlling ways. A big blowup between them opens Faith's eyes to some uncomfortable truths. I liked the scene the next day as they finally talked to each other instead of their usual sniping. I loved how they worked things out. The conclusion was sweet and satisfying.

[cecilywolfe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An uplifting and emotional collection of novellas from authors we can count on to offer great Amish fiction that not only entertains, but provides thoughtful situations that are make readers think about their own faith and actions. All of these stories focus on characters in difficult and painful situations, with serious obstacles that keep them from trusting themselves and others, and sometimes, God, but find their way back in unexpected ways.

Ruth Reid was the only author involved in this collection whose work I hadn't read before this, and I was moved by her story of a married couple torn apart by tragedy and guilt from the beginning of their union. How could they possibly reconcile, especially after further difficulties create problems, I wondered as I kept reading, hoping that the author wouldn't create some easy path for them to miraculously overcome the past. She didn't, but what she gave them, as all these authors did for their characters, was hope. Hope doesn't fix what is wrong, but it gives strength to work towards finding a solution, patience during the journey, and the promise that neither party will be on the path alone.

Thanks to these fine authors for another great Amish novella collection - looking forward to more in the future!

[shannon.dolgos · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Each author offers a story filled with heartache, love, faith, and devotion. The writing flows nicely and the novellas quickly draw you in. The characters are fleshed out well, it's difficult to put the book down because you want to know what happens next. Each novella could easily be made into a full book...aspiring readers want to know. :)

The novellas are appropriate for young adults and adults alike.

[jboyzmom · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As an Amish fiction lover, I couldn't wait to read this anthology! These 4 authors are absolutely amazing and I have been a fan of their work for many years. These four stories are beautifully written and so full of wonderful characters and messages. Each page turn brought more inspiration and by the end of the book, I was sitting there reflecting, thinking about my own life and the simple things we tend to take for granted. I loved all four stories, but Beth Wiseman's story, A Cup Half Full, really stuck with me. Sarah's disability and her doubts and fears and having trouble accepting God's will really is something I've dealt with. Beth Wiseman's attention to Amish simplicity during trying times and weaving God's understanding grace into the story really was a wonderful experience. I received this book for free from Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This book is worthy of 5 stars and highest recommendations. If you love wonderfully written stories, faith inspired plot lines and authors who love their readers, then this is a book just for you. I can't wait for another beautifully written anthology by highly talented authors!

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: An Amish Home (4 Novellas)Author: Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid & Kathleen FullerPages: 400Year: 2017Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating 5 out of 5 stars.Each novella in this collection is not only written by a different author, but is also a stand-alone story that isn’t interrelated. First is A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman where our hearts are grabbed by the character of Sarah Lantz who had dreams for her future home and marriage when an accident radically altered not jut her life but others in the community as well. Second, a story by Amy Clipston titled, Home Sweet Home where Englishers Mia and Chace O’Conner accept help to live on Amish property after being evicted from their apartment with a young baby. Third is Ruth Reid’s novella titled, A Flicker of Hope where the trials endured by Thomas and Noreen King cause them to end up separated for a season in their hearts from each other. Finally, Kathleen Fuller’s tale titled, Building Faith where we meet two people who though in their younger years were engaged but that was broken off by Faith due to a tragedy she endured without the help of her then fiancée Silas.I found that each novella impacted my heart by what the various characters went through and how the community came together to aid them as they at times had to rebuild their lives. Each tale too showed how the characters had choices placed before them that were challenging to them in different ways. Whether it is broken dreams, a broken heart or even a broken body, the choice to keep putting one foot in front of the other by faith was extolled.In one story, it was a young newly married couple that faced new challenges while in another the couple was married for 15 years, but both of them had to choose whether to build their marriage by clinging to God or to walk away. I was touched by Chace and Mia’s story, especially when they experienced firsthand the love people can show others by simply meeting everyday needs and then some. I could relate to Mia who wanted to keep her grandfather’s carpentry legacy going. Each novella is unique, heart-grabbing, filled with hope and leaves the ending really to the reader’s imagination. While the tales do come to some type of ending, it seems to me that the authors left readers to let the story resonate with their hearts and imagine what might come next in the lives of the characters. So, if you’re looking for stories that reflect life with both its joys and sorrows, tragedy and hope as well as filled with faith, here is your next compilation to enjoy!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[lanehillhouse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tuesday, February 7, 2017An Amish Home ~ Four Novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid & Kathleen Fuller, © 2017An Amish Home releases today!!Thank you, author Amy Clipston for sending me a copy of An Amish Home. I will be reviewing her novella within, "Home Sweet Home."Bird-in-Hand, PennsylvaniaDriving rain welcomes Chace and Mia O'Conner and their infant daughter, Kaitlyn, to an adventure not soon to be forgotten. Shelter and friendship are before them as they settle into a small cabin, destined to become their own Home Sweet Home. With nowhere else to go, it becomes more than they could have imagined for their family beginnings.Fresh country air beckons them as they are intrigued by their new surroundings. Isaac Allgyer and his wife, Vera, and their children welcome them and greet them beyond what they had ever experienced. Family.Mia has never been extended such courtesies and is uncertain how to negotiate kindness. Blaming her husband for their lack displays an uneasiness of all he is doing to rectify their dilemma of bills occurring unprepared. A young marriage, learning to work together, easing guilt brought on by not knowing what to do or say, may open a door to a solution they will recognize as not only urgent but necessary to extend a hand to each other. Forgiveness, acceptance, a love greater than their own.I really liked this story of growing together and relying on God. No other way would surface than in His love.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An Amish Harvest contains four stories by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman, and Amy Clipston. Under the Harvest Moon (Beth Wiseman) is set in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Naomi Dienner is a widow with two children. Her husband recently passed away and Naomi is not exactly sad. Stephen, her husband, was abusive to her, but Naomi did not tell anyone. Brock Mulligan was hired by Gideon, Naomi’s father to harvest her fields. Brock and Naomi get to know each other, but Naomi is not sure she can ever trust another man. Will Naomi be able to get over Stephen’s abuse and have a happy future?Love and Buggy Rides (Amy Clipston) is set in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Janie Lantz has a new job as cashier at Lancaster Buggy Rides and Souvenirs. On her first day Janie witnesses an accident between a car and one of the buggy drivers. Janie is not questioned by the police at the time. Later on, Janie hears that the car driver is blaming Jonathan Stoltzfus, the buggy driver, for the accident. Janie wants to come forward to clear his name, but her father forbids it. Will Janie listen to her conscience or her father?A Quiet Love (Kathleen Fuller) takes place in Middlefield, Ohio. Dinah Keim has a bad stutter and prefers to be alone (to read book, write poetry, and not be judged). Her mother is sending her to help her Aunt Judith in Ohio. Dinah meets Amos who is different. These two form a bond. But are they meant to be?Mischief in the Autumn Air by Vannetta Chapman is the final story. Martha Beiler is a widow in Sugar Creek, Ohio. Martha has just received a letter from Aunt Irene who is offering her a place to live in Shipshewana (there are a few rules though). Martha has no choice but to accept. Aunt Irene is not the most pleasant person in the world and Martha is thankful for the job she gets at a local auction barn (Bishop arranged it for her). Eli Wittmer owns the auction barn and is having trouble adjusting to Martha’s sunny disposition (and many suggestions). During the Fall Festival (they are very busy), Martha notices some unusual bidders. She tries to warn Eli but he ignores her. Three items went for an unusually high price and they were sold to the strange bidders. Upon further examination, they discover parts of a map on the three pieces. The furniture belonged to Jacob and Charity Weaver who just moved into a retirement home. Eli and Martha set off to get answers and unravel the mystery.An Amish Harvest was a pleasure to read. Each story was well-written, had likeable and engaging characters, and a moral lesson (that apply to all readers). An example is relying on God and his plan for each of our lives. The stories are short (the last one is the longest), but they are packed with charm. I enjoyed the fall time period. It is my favorite time of year and the one thing I miss by living in Florida (we never really have a fall). My favorite story was Mischief in the Autumn Air. I liked the unique mystery, the setting, and the characters (Martha had a good outlook on life and personality). I give An Amish Harvest 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). You can purchase the book whole or you can buy the stories individually (if you just wanted one or two of them). I will definitely read books by each of these authors in the future. I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth WisemanNaomi Dienner is a recently widowed young mother; she is dealing with the fact that she is not really sad that her abusive husband is gone. She has also recently discovered she is pregnant, and is afraid she might have a miscarriage, so she spends quite a bit of money on a powwow, I interpreted it as witchcraft, but it is in the Amish community.She has a harvest to get in and her father has hired a friend of his, and English man Brock Mulligan to help. He is a widower and went through so much pain in loosing his spouse; he has no interest in becoming involved again.This is a very fast read but you are going to love his reaction to the children, and what they say about him.Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy ClipstonJanie Lantz is innocently eating her lunch when she witnesses an accident with a car hitting one of the buggies that belong to her boss. She then meets the driver of the buggy, an Amish man Jonathan Stoltfuz, who is just visiting the area and staying with his grandparents.Janie tells her family about the accident, and her farther forbids her to tell anyone about what she saw, he doesn’t want her involved, but when Janie gets to know Jonathan and is interested in him, what will happen.We also wonder what is going to happen when he leaves.A Quiet Love is a very sweet story about Dinah Hochstetler, a very shy, quiet, lover of poetry, young woman whose family has sent her to visit her Aunt. Now Dinah loves her Aunt, but she doesn’t like leaving her family, she is a stutter.When she arrives at her recently married Aunt’s house she meets a handsome, special, young man, Amos Mullett, he is a farmer, and knows he is different, but would love to have a family of his own.This is a story of when a parent needs to let go, but also be there with a helping hand. When our special children grow up and want to spread their wings, can or are we able to let them go?Mischief In The Autumn Air by Vanetta ChapmanMartha Beiler has left her home and gone to live with her Aunt, but boy I wondered why she made the move. She is also working with Eli Wittmer, who is not thrilled when the bishop asked him to help and give Martha a job.When an elderly couple send some of their last possessions to auction, a mystery is created when they pieces go for a lot more money than expected.Will Amos and Dinah find answers to their questions, and go on with their lives, or will there be a spark that will make then move forward?

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The authors in this book have a great story to share that will give you hope and feel love. Each one is beautifully written and the characters are a treasure to read about. I enjoy when authors join together and write a collection because it gives readers a book that delivers powerful stories all in one treasure filled book. Each story flows so easily and remind us of unconditional love, helping each other and forgiveness. Set back and enjoy a trip to Amish country and enjoy the stories that fill you will joy and happiness. A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman I loved this story because it showed how a young couple struggles after a tragic accident. Sarah has a lot to overcome as she adjust to her new life in a wheelchair. I loved how the author showed how she was trying to come to terms with her situation. There were times when she was angry and other times when she was ready to give up. Would you be angry if you suddenly weren't physically able to do everything you were use to? Abram is a very hard working man who has done everything he can to make his wife comfortable after she is released from the hospital. I really liked how he sacrificed long hours to be with his wife and tried to keep up with the bills. What happens when Abram finds himself in a financial hardship? Can Sarah get past her injuries and look for a bright future? Will Sarah find her way back to God? I loved the story because the author shows how we can find good in everything. When our anger and bitterness is gone, we are able to be thankful for the things we take for granted. Sometimes we have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and be happy with the blessings around us.Home Sweet Home by by Amy ClipstonOh how I remember when I was first married. We were so broke that we shared a hot dog and a coke at Sonic after saying I do at the Justice of the Peace. As soon as I started reading the story about Mia and Chace I felt like I was transformed back to my early days of married life. Mia is quite surprised to find the cabin they will be living in has no electricity. She is freezing from the icy weather and the baby Kaitlyn, is sobbing as Chace's boss and landlord appears at the home. After losing their apartment it will be a big change for Chace and Mia. I loved how the author described the culture shock . What would you do if you suddenly had to live somewhere where modern conviences were not around? The hospitality that Isaac and his family show Mia and Chace made me cry. Would it be hard to accept help if you had lost everything ? The author does an amazing job of showing how Mia is dealing with the estrangement from her parents. Mia is heartbroken when they turn their back on her and her emotional pain is overwhelming. What would it be like to have your family suddenly stop talking to you? For Mia and Chace they will have to deal with pride and forgiveness. Will they be able to work together or blame esch other for their situation? The story is filled with such deep emotions and I loved how the author made the couple so relatable. Can they stop blaming each other and work together? Will Mia and her parents reconcile? I loved the part in the story when Mia has to decide between her parents or her husband. The author really captured the turmoil that some of us face when we have been hurt by our parents. The story will grab you from the start as you journey with Mia and Chace to find happiness , forgiveness and a new beginning.A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid What an action packed beginning this story is. As the fire burned Thomas and Noreen's home I could visualize the flames shooting into the sky. Noreen barely makes it out of the home thanks to her husband. They are devasted by the loss of their home and I could feel the tension growing between them. Thomas is a stubborn man and there is a slight undertone of bitterness rising in him. He is determined to rebuild as his his wife blames herself for the fire. I loved how the author showed how important communication is in a marriage.As the days go by , their bond is strained but they continue to salvage what they can from the fire. I absolutely loved when the author brought precious memories back to the couple of happy times they shared. There was one memory that was especially emotional and the author does a great job of letting readers sense the pain . I thought it was a very touching memory that brought them back to when they were younger and so in love. Have they let their relationship become stagnant? Can Noreen and Thomas find hope in the midst of what looks hopeless? It is a very good story that examines the turmoil a couple can go through and how they allow God to show them how important their dreams and hope are. Building Faith by Kathleen FullerThis story reminds me of the old saying"opposites attract." Faith has always loved being out in the shop building things. Some may think it is not suitable for an Amish woman but that does stop the determined Faith. She feels close to her grandfather when she is out in the shop and her heart aches since he passed. I could feel her pain as she felt she could have done something to save him. Silas is a very gifted carpenter and has taken on running the business since his father has had other pressing matters to attend to. Silas has been worried about bills and prays that God will provide for him and his parents. I loved how the author showed how devoted Silas is to helping the family out as his mother becomes ill. When a friend asks Silas to build cabinets for his new home he feels like it is an answer to prayer. Through miscommunication Silas finds Faith at the new home taking measurements . He can't believe what he is seeing. To say that there is tension between the two is an understatement. How do Silas and Faith both get hired to do the same job? Will they be able to work together after their falling out that led them to avoid each other. I loved this story because the author touches on pride and forgiveness. Pride is a hard thing to overcome and the author does a great job of allowing Faith to examine herself and realize she has been wrong about Silas. Even though Silas is doing his best to keep the family business running, will he ever have enough faith in himself as a carpenter? The story is well written and I loved getting to know Faith and Silas. Will they find a way to forgive the past and work together? The story is very compelling and really showed how important faith is. I received a copy of this book from author Amy Clipston and Beth Wiseman. The review is my own opinion.

[bemislibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Under the Harvest Moon finds Naomi’s abusive Amish husband Stephen had died leaving her pregnant with three daughters to care for. There is already talking in community about when she should start courting when her dad hires Brock, a widower, to bring in the crops. This story is about the complexities of lost love, children, and faith. In Love and Buggy Rides, Jamie Lantz is the only one who seen what really happened when the car hit the buggy, but it is not the Amish way to get involved. She has to deal with the conflict between following her dad’s orders and the clearing the name of the driver.A Quiet Love opens with Dinah arrival for a visit with her aunt Judith just as Judith’s husband David has a serious accident requiring stitches. The shy and stuttering Dinah put aside her fears to render assistance. In a very short time, she finds herself falling for David’s adult son, a man with special needs of his own. A secret map that slowly reveals it secrets is the center plot to Mischief in the Autumn Air. What starts as a mystery as two bidders purchase three pieces of furniture carved with pieces of the map turns into a quest for answers that involves the auctioneer, his bookkeeper, and a son trying to keep a promise he made to his father. The ending contains more than one surprise.There is a common theme of keeping faith and trust in all four short stories. Some of the language is more modern than what one might expect for Amish characters. Overall, women face a major crisis in their quest to find true love.