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    The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #2)
    The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #2)
    The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #2)
    Ebook307 pages5 hours

    The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #2)

    By Beverly Lewis

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    About this ebook

    The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis

    Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

    Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateSep 11, 2012
    ISBN9781441260390
    The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #2)
    Author

    Beverly Lewis

    Beverly Lewis (beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 19 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family.

    Read more from Beverly Lewis

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    Reviews for The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #2)

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    • 3/5
      I liked Joanna better in the first book as a secondary character.

      I was / am still unclear on what caused the strife between her and her sister and as mic a part of the story it was, I thought the make up was a little disappointing.

      This book was just not what I wanted it to be.
    • 3/5
      Beverly Lewis's second installment of the Home to Hickory Hollow series, The Bridesmaid, was a nice, neat story. I did enjoy it, but kept feeling like everything worked out a little too perfectly. I am a devoted fan of Beverly Lewis, but this was not one of my favorites.
    • 3/5
      I know I have mentioned this before, but I am a fan of Amish fiction now- I think it is pure fascination of how an entire community lives near me, and yet I have no idea how they live and get by on a daily basis.The first book in this series was The Fiddler, and I reviewed it here on the blog a few months ago- Beverly Lewis seems to an expert at cranking books out very quickly- she has a large fan base that buys all of her books, so I suppose that is a good reason to keep putting out many books a year.I did love the first book in this series, but I struggled a bit with this one. I loved Joanna's character in the Fiddler- and her character didn't change, but I wasn't a fan of Eben. For as much as Joanna and Eben talked on the phone and in letters- they didn't seem to actually communicate with each other. I felt that Eben was lacking a bit in the story hero that I enjoy. This was a very short book compared to Lewis' other novels, and it felt a bit like a novella.There was an entire second storyline of Joanna and her sister and Joanna's writing- I felt like this was never "tied up" at the end of the book. I have no idea what happened- was she still allowed to write? Did she and her sister get along better? All in all this was an enjoyable read, but this is not a Lewis book that I will revisit.
    • 3/5
      Lighthearted inspirational romance. Beverly Lewis does not disappoint with her Amish fiction series. The ending feels a bit rushed, and the book could have been a few chapters longer. All in all, a good story!
    • 3/5
      This is not the Beverly Lewis that I am used too. Somehow this novel did not rise to her usual outstanding level of authorship. What it lacked in substance, it did not make up for in style. This would, for the very first time, be one of Lewis' books I could not recommend to a friend.
    • 4/5
      I was privileged to get a review copy of Beverly Lewis' new book The Bridesmaid. This is the next book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. Not too long ago I was able to read the first book called The Fiddler. The Bridesmaid begins with Joanna of the characters from the first book. She was a good friend to the Englischer, Amelia. In The Bridesmaid, Joanna and her younger sister Cora Jane do not see eye to eye on everything. Cora Jane warns Joanna about the age old saying... "3 times a bridesmaid, never a bride", but Joanna doesn't listen and wonders if she is risking meeting someone by being a bridesmaid so many times especially considering that she is already 24 years old. Cora Jane becomes pretty upset with Joanna when Joanna meets a young man from another state and becomes romantically attached to him. Joanna is not sure that her long distance romance will last and maybe she will be written off as a maid. This was a fun, easy read. I like to read continuing stories of characters I've previously met. This book can be read as part of the series or a stand alone novel. It was interesting to see the characters grow as they each encountered disappointing circumstances choosing to trust God in spite of what was happening in their lives. The plot was well written, and I would recommend this book.**I received this Bethany House Publisher's book free from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.
    • 4/5
      I have read all of Beverly Lewis's books I can get my hands on. This is another sweet Amish story. Joanna Kurtz has been a bridesmaid several times, and her sister Cora Jane is always reminding her. Joanna at 24 is almost considered a old maid.Eben Troyer from Shipshewana, Indiana and Joanna from Hickory Hollow, PA have a chance meeting on a beach in VA. Guess not to far fetched considering they are all there to pay their respects to her Uncle who has passed...he is an Amish Bishop.Eben and Joanna are able to spend three glorious days together, and then promise to write. So begins a long distance romance. Can they ever get together? So many miles.Eben's family need him in order to keep their farm going...his brother has left and gone English. Joanna's roots are deep in Hickory Hollow, can she give everything she loves up?I loved spending time with these families....the meals, quilting bees, the gardening and canning. Visits with loved one, and new babes....feel good moments.Enjoy this fast great read! Hard to put down once you begin!!I received this book through Net Galley and the publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis is another great book written by Lewis! Her romance novels have a great following of Amish fiction readers, and this is another 'can't put it down' book. Joanna has been asked to be a bridesmaid for the third time, and her cousins warn her: Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride. But Joanna has met a special young man, who lives in another state, and has many responsibilities on the family farm. Ebey and Joanna fall in love, but neither of them can see their way to moving to another state to be with the other. Finally, they both make up their minds and they end up passing each other on their way to acceptance. The Bridesmaid is an inspirational and slightly humorous book that you'll want to read!
    • 4/5
      I love anything Amish! Beverly Lewis does it again! I was able to connect with the characters, especially Joanna. Some needed to be developed a bit more. There is love, struggle, disappointment and betrayal even in good old Amish living. Loved it! Just wished it were a bit longer.
    • 4/5
      What can I say....another great book by Beverly Lewis. I had already fallen in love with Hickory Hollow before this book, and was so glad to return there again! Beverly Lewis has fast become one of my favorite authors, as I really enjoy reading about the Amish and their way of life. Each book puts you right in the middle of Amish country - the detail is always fantastic, and I always find myself feeling as if I am experiencing everything right along with the characters in the book. THAT is how you know you are reading a really good book by a really great author. If you love Amish fiction, Hickory Hollow, or Beverly Lewis, you can't go wrong with The Bridesmaid. It is definitely a keeper!
    • 4/5
      This was a very sweet book that had you guessing until the end of what was going to happen. Loved the way the people in their small town love and care for each other. Such an example for all people of the world to follow and the world would be a better place.
    • 5/5
      This is wonderful book. A christian Amish romance. Beverly Lewis does it again. Wonderful tale of romance set in Amish Pennsylvania. Twenty four year old Joanna Kurtz is a maidel, the Amish term for an old maid. Finding true love and marriage has just not been in the cards for Joanna until a trip to Virginia Beach changes everything.Beverly Lewis is a master storyteller of Amish life, from the horse drawn buggys to the strick rules of The People. She effortlessly weaves in details of Amish life, complex family relationships and the impact of the Englisch on everyday life and throws in the many delightful details of plain life that keep me coming back for more.I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.
    • 3/5
      A sweet story set in Lancaster County. You get swept into Joanna's and Eben's love story and how God always works things out for the best. Likeable characters who show you the simplicity of the things that truly matter in life.
    • 4/5
      Set in Hickory Hollow, the same place as the Heritage of Lancaster County trilogy, The Bridesmaid tells the story of Joanna Kurtz, an Amish woman who is always a bridesmaid, but not yet a bride. Many in the community already think she will be forever single, but Joanna meets Eben Troyer from another Amish community in Indiana. The two fall deeply in love, but Eben must stay in Indiana to help his father run their farm and Joanna cannot imagine leaving her close knit community of Hickory Hollow. What started out as a happily ever after love story now looks as if it will have a tragic ending. Joanna also secretly enjoys writing fiction stories, which is not allowed by the bishop of her community. After her sister tattles on her to the bishop, Joanna is close to losing two things she loves: Eben and her writing. A great read, especially if you enjoyed the Heritage of Lancaster County books. A nice love story that will make you root for Joanna and Eben! Joanna is a great character, gracious, kind, creative, and always hopeful. Cora Jane, her sister, is a character you will love to hate as it seems her mission is to make Joanna's life miserable! Nice to see an appearance by the Wise Woman, Ella Mae Zook too! Fans of Lewis's books will definitely enjoy this one! Although set in Hickory Hollow, it is a stand alone story, so new readers will enjoy as well.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed reading another book by Beverly Lewis. This book tells the journey of Joanna Kurtz as she is courted from afar. She is past the age when most have married and wondered when her turn would come. It is a great book and really gives you insight to Joanna and her family.
    • 3/5
      I've read most of Lewis's novels, and this one is about like the others. It's fairly predictable - within the first few pages, I knew what the ending would most likely be. Still, I enjoyed the journey to get there. The characters are likable, and I found myself caring about what happened to them. (Except for one. One of the main characters was someone I never did develop a liking for, and I think the author means us to.) There is some insight into the Amish culture, but no more than I picked up from her other books. In this novel, Joanna has a sister that keeps reminding her "three times a bridesmaid, never a bride." On a trip to Virginia, she meets and falls in love with a young Amish man from Indiana, a long way from her home in Pennsylvania. This is Christian fiction, and the message is there, but you aren't beat over the head with it.
    • 5/5
      Beverly Lewis has yet to disappoint me! This book follows, but is not a direct sequel to, her last book, The Fiddler. It is not necessary to have read The Fiddler, but if you have you will be excited for further development and insight into the character of Joanna Kurtz. Past the age where most young Amish women are already married, she is being courted from afar. But there are circumstances getting in the way of her love at every turn. Even when it seems like she will never be able to marry, she keeps her faith in God that everything will work out for the best.
    • 4/5
      I highly recommend this book. It is classic Beverly Lewis. She draws you into the characters immediately and you don't want to put the book down. I really liked the main character, Joanna. She seems very believable and the relationship change with her younger sister was interesting and very real. I liked the distinct difference between the two sisters, growing up in the same house but having very different ideals and beliefs. I always like how they build a very believable family structure and the friendships that are weaved into the story from people their own age to older and wiser people within their community. I look forward to the next book!
    • 4/5
      Advanced Reader Copy for reviewBeverly Lewis' latest in the Hickory Hollow setting is very well done. Joanna is a strong character who faces her problems head on and is a joy to read. Her relationships with her cousin and sister seemed very authentic. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly, but generally the story is well paced, and provides plenty of characters to visit in future books.
    • 4/5
      I so enjoy Beverly Lewis' books. She does such a wonderful job of detailing Amish life. It makes it easy for my mind to escape to the different lifestyle of this culture. I particularly like the relationship that she created for Joanna and her sister in this book. Another great story from Beverly. I can't wait for the next one.
    • 4/5
      I received and read this book by Beverly Lewis. I always appreciate the insight to the Amish culture that she provides in her books. This book was a bit difficult to read as a standalone book. I have not read the book prior to this series and it took me a bit to sort out all the names and relationships. It seemed that she took for granted that the reader would know them all already.Other than that, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I got caught up in the emotions of the sisters, as I have a younger sister and could relate to how the relationship changes and sometimes feels like a roller coaster. It was nice also to see the faith of Joanna - that she was not caught up in superstition, but chose to believe in what God said.
    • 3/5
      Beverly Lewis is the well known author of Amish fiction. I have enjoyed many of her books in the past but this book, while good, was not up to par with past books. I thought this book just muddled along and I could not find the normal flow of past books.Always a bridesmaid, never a bride seems to be true for Joanna. While serving as a bridesmaid at manny weddings, she doesn't even have a boyfriend and, at 24, it looks as if she might become an ald maidel. Her superstitious sister, Cora Jane thinks it is a mistake to accept another invitation to be a bridesmaid. While attending a funeral, Joanna meets Eben and they begin a long distance romance. Eban's brother has jumped the fence and his father needs him at home to help on the farm. Joanna's parents and sister want her to remain in Hickory Hollow. It looks like Joanna is doomed to always be the bridesmaid.
    • 5/5
      I was delighted to continue Johanna’s story in this series. Well written and thoroughly enjoyable. At one point I actually had to purposefully put this book down before I got to caught up in the story without time to finish it then and there.
    • 4/5
      Joanna's moving along in life with pressure building on her shoulders of finding a beau and settling down. Going on the age of twenty-five, she's been a bridesmaid numerous times, and is starting to lose faith in ever finding a man to call her own, until one fateful trip to Virginia Beach changes everything. She comes upon an Indiana amish-man with a great passion for photography that captures her heart. With Joanna being from Hickory Hollow (in Pennsylvania) Eben takes a chance to continue courting her with letters and phone calls, but is it enough? Eben's dealing with family issues of his own and although he wants to make a life with Joanna, he must help out his family and hope that his younger brother, Leroy will give up his English life and come back as the prodigal son. Will being long distance lovers fuel their passion, or will it fizzle out?

      "Our meeting on the beach--as romantic and special as it was--birthed a renewed hope in me. After all, it was nearly a blight on any Amish girl to still be single at my age. Ach, but Eben Troyer had surely changed all of that. Surely he had..." (8)

      I first learned of Joanna and her love of writing and storytelling in The Fiddler (Home to Hickory Hollow #1) and was pleased to see that she is the center of this second book. I found this book endearing as I followed Joanna and Eben's struggles to be together despite the constant hardships and drawbacks they faced. They both learned not only about their own faith, but the faithfulness in each other as well. With the help of a few wise women, some ancestry and a quilt, Joanna's well on her way to understanding the will of God.

      "Ella Mae wore a smile on her wrinkled face. 'For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God,' Ella Mae recited." (ch.36 pg.5)

      At times this book tested my patience with the actions and attitudes of Cora Jane (Joanna's younger, nosy sister) and Preacher Yoder, but as I read on it got better as they eased up on Joanna. I'm inspired by Joanna's strong faith and steadfast attitude as she learns to wait for whatever God has in store for her. I'm looking forward to reading The Guardian (Home to Hickory Hollow #3), the story of a missing child and how she's come to be cared for.

      First Line: "Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride.'
      That's just what my younger sister said about me–-in front of our engaged cousins, no less." (1)

      Last Line: "Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride.'
      That's just what my younger sister said about me–-in front of our engaged cousins, no less..."       (352)
      -----
      Quotes

      "Although I'd once yearned for a beau and marriage, I'd given up on love." (3)
    • 4/5
      The BridesmaidBeverly LewisBook Summary: Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare. Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?Review: It took me a while to get into the book when I started but then it took off!! I breezed through it. I had mixed emotions about Joanna and Eben in the beginning. I was not disposed to like Cora Jane especially with some of the things she did but Joanna had such a real and amazing love for her sister. I loved going back to Hickory Hallow. That was a special treat, especially with the recent movies of Shunning and Confession that have come out. I really found it to be fun to see where Katie grew up with that community today. I really could empathize with Joanna about the way the Pastor was. I think that it was a little more than necessary since the Pastor’s admonishments were heavy handed to Joanna alone. If true than he should have included her parents in the talk since she lived in their home. Than to include her parents in it at the end when he amended his conditions was less realisticOver all it was a great standalone book that was well put together with realistic characters and an interesting premise along with some fun complications. The ending was almost too convenient but realistic because life does work out that simply in the end.I would like to thank Library Thing and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
    • 5/5
      This is the second book in the series “ Home To Hickory Hollow”. A young Amish girl named Joanna Kurtz is reaching the age where she is soon to be considered an “Old Maid” and has dangerously attended too many weddings as a bridesmaid. She starts to think that she will never know the joy of having a husband and children of her own. Discouraged, she travel to another wedding that takes place in Shipshewana, Indiana where she is attracted to a young man named Eben Troyer. They fall in love after a whirlwind romance where she pledges her heart to Eben and he promises to come to Hickory Hollow to court her and meet her family. Eben banks this future with Joanna on the chance his estranged brother who left the Amish order for the Englisher life will return and take his place beside their father on the family farm. When his brother returns and Eben realizes he has no plans to stay he makes a trip to Hickory Hollow to break the news to Joanna that their dreams of a life together are over. Eben returns home and both he and Joanna try very hard to look to the future by courting others but neither can remove from their hearts the deep bond they have for each other. When they finally realize that their hearts can never belong to another Joanna resigns herself to becoming a spinster and Eben to running his father’s farm. Then something, happens because of a special someone and an wedding ring quilt from long ago that turns everything upside down and brings the worlds of Shipshewana and Hickory Hollow back into balance once again.
    • 3/5
      I liked the main character, Joanna Kurtz, age 24, several times a bridesmaid but getting to the age in her Amish community where she might be called an old maid or Maidel. Her younger sister. Cora Jane was trouble. Joanna could not trust her. Cora Jane was sneaky and wanted to get Joanna trouble. I wondered about this and was disappointed that Beverly Lewis did not go more in deep with that character. Joanna met a responsible and caring man, Fben Troyer and they immediately liked each other. They were at a funeral at Virginia Beach. Unfortunately, Joanna lived in Hickory Hollow and he in Indiana so it had to be a long distance courtship. Eben also had trouble with his sibling. His younger brother had become enchanted with airplanes and wanted to fly like a bird. This background helped a lot in understanding why his brother left the Amish community to live on the outside He had no grudge against Eben, he just to be a pilot. Eben father is insistent that Eben's brother come back and and care for the family farm before Eben can leave to marry Joanna.This seems like an impossible situation. I enjoyed most of the book but was troubled by why Cora Jane was wanting to get Joanna in trouble. I wanted more depth. I still recommend this book to fans of Beverly Lewis.
    • 4/5
      Joanna?s decision to ignore her sister?s warning and keep both her writings and Eben a secret fractures their close relationship. I do not have a sister so I?m coming into this without that background. It seemed odd to me that her sister would get so upset over this issues, particularly when Amish youth traditionally keep these things secret. If confessing your interest in writing would threaten your standing and that of your family in the church, would you tell a sister?I love every other aspect of this novel, though. The unfolding romance moved me to tears at multiple points. Lewis does such a good job of expressing frustration and longing without being explicit about it; I could just feel these emotions rolling off her characters. A very well-written addition to the Home to Hickory Hollow series.
    • 4/5
      The quaint lifestyle and simple faith of the Amish people provide the backdrop for Beverly Lewis’s “The Bridesmaid”, a gentle story of a young Amish woman’s search for God’s will in the midst of love and loss. Joanna, the book’s protagonist, is “old” at 24 years to still be single in the Amish culture, and the pressure is mounting, especially from Joanna’s little sister, to marry a good man within their community. The story follows her journey as she finally finds love, only to see the smitten couple’s future threatened by circumstances beyond their control.I especially enjoyed this author’s insight into a culture so different from my own. The simplicity of the characters’ faith was incredibly encouraging, and I enjoyed Lewis’s ability to share God’s love and light through this unique lens without being preachy or overbearing. The meandering pace of the story, the vivid descriptions of the countryside’s surroundings, and the twists and turns in the book’s plot all captivated me. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next in Joanna’s small world!If I had one complaint, it would be that Lewis wrapped up the story a bit too quickly in the last part of the book. I was so thoroughly enjoying the tale that I couldn’t believe it came to an end when it did. I would have liked the conflict’s resolution to keep the same leisurely tempo that Lewis had so masterfully woven in the first half of this book.“The Bridesmaid” is a light, endearing book that will both refresh and renew one’s soul. It also provides a blessed peek into the mystique and veil of the Amish culture. I highly recommend this engaging piece for women who need a break from the heaviness and toil of our driven, industrialized society.
    • 3/5
      This is a gentle tale about a gentle people. Joanna Kurtz is 24 years old, and is still unmarried with no serious prospects. Her younger sister warns her that there is truth to fear behind the old saying “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” but Joanna ignores her warning and accepts yet another request to be a bridesmaid. This leads to bad feelings between the formerly close sisters. During an out-of-town visit to attend a funeral, Joanna meets Eben, a single Amish man, and an attraction on both sides ensues. But since they come from different Amish communities in different states, their courtship is fraught with difficulties. Their pending marriage is dependent on the actions of other people, and is further complicated by the desires and ability Joanna possesses for writing. Trusting God, Joanna and Eben work to discover His plan for their lives, still hoping to be together but fearing it is not to be. This second stand-alone installment in the Home to Hickory Hollow series will appeal to fans of inspirational Amish fiction, but, echoing Amish life, the pace is slow and even the conflicts are mild. No page turner, the character development of the secondary characters is almost nonexistent, and even the main characters lack details that would better define them. A balm to the hectic life most of us lead now, this novel will sooth you to sleep rather than keep you awake, but maybe that is a good thing, after all.

    Book preview

    The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #2) - Beverly Lewis

    Cover

    Prologue

    Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride."

    That’s just what my younger sister said about me—in front of our engaged cousins, no less—most of them planning to marry come Amish wedding season. A mere five months away.

    Seventeen-year-old Cora Jane’s words echoed in my head . . . and rippled through my heart. Jah, she was as superstitious as many of us in Hickory Hollow, but to be so glib about announcing it?

    There I was, sitting on the sand at Virginia Beach, surrounded by oodles of Englischers—families with little children, young couples, and singles like me. All had come for the sunset. Some were celebrating more than others, relaxing on their portable beach chairs with cans of soft drinks.

    Meanwhile, my younger Witmer cousins, Malinda, Ruthann, and Lena—first cousins to each other—and my fair-haired sister Cora Jane were up yonder on the boardwalk, laughing and eating cotton candy. Sighing, I recalled Cousin Malinda earlier today, looking mighty excited when she asked me to be in her wedding. We had been packing sandwiches with Cora Jane and the others for a picnic lunch when Malinda leaned over to ask me, her face pink from more than the June sun. If I was to agree, it would be the third time I’d be a Newesitzer—side sitter, or attendant in a wedding.

    It just ain’t schmaert, Joanna, Cora Jane warned, her big blue eyes flashing. You’re already twenty-four, ya know!

    And still a Maidel. I shrugged away the wretched thought. Drawing a long breath, I tried to relax on the beach, alone with my writing notebook . . . away from Cousin Malinda and other relatives who’d come to attend tomorrow’s funeral for my great-uncle Amos Kurtz. We’d traveled in large vans to honor the eighty-eight-year-old deacon, who was revered in Hickory Hollow and the Shipshewana, Indiana, church district where he later lived. As a result, many Amish had come to pay last respects and to offer comfort to his elderly widow. Years ago Amos and Martha had retired here in Virginia, joining a growing community of other aging Amish near the ocean they loved.

    My thoughts returned to Cousin Malinda’s upcoming wedding—and her kindly request. Although I’d once yearned for a beau and marriage, I’d given up on love. And I wished I’d never confided in Cora Jane about any of that. I rejected her pity—and anyone else’s, for that matter. Goodness knows, I’ve dished out enough of that on myself!

    Opening my notebook to the end of the last scene in my current story, I pushed my bare feet into the warm sand, still wearing my green dress and matching cape apron. My white organdy Kapp was safely in the hotel room—no sense in getting it unnecessarily soiled. Even so, as I sat fretting and looking ever so Plain amongst all the folk in skimpy bathing suits and shorts, I knew I must be a peculiar spectacle. The years of wearing Amish attire at market and elsewhere outside the confines of the community had led me to accept the fact there would always be curious stares.

    But soaking up the ocean spray and salty scent was worth any amount of attention. Oh, the wonderful-gut feeling of the sea breeze against my hair, still up in a tight bun. How I longed to let it down . . . let the wind blow through it. Still, I didn’t want to add to the misconceptions far too many Englischers already had about us, some even from novels they’d read.

    My pen poised, I played my favorite what-if game as I began to write. The squeal of a sea gull caught my attention as the sun fell, faster now it seemed, behind me, over my shoulders, its gleaming rays fanning out to the clouds high above. I leaned back and stared at the evolving light show above me, letting my mind wander as I watched beachcombers and shell collectors. Certainly I hadn’t meant to be rude, ignoring Malinda’s request.

    Yet, dare I accept?

    Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a tall Amish fellow walking barefoot in the foamy surf, snapping pictures every few seconds. A curious sight, to be sure! His black pant legs were rolled up, and he was minus his straw hat. His light brown hair fell below his ears, longer than that of the young men in the Hickory Hollow church district back home. I could scarcely pry my gaze from him.

    What’s he doin’ here? I whispered, observing his amble through the gentle breakers, his handsome face aglow with a rosy cast.

    Then, surprisingly, he glanced over at me.

    Hullo there. He smiled in the fading golden light.

    I almost looked around to make sure his greeting was meant for me. Hullo, I managed to reply, quickly closing my notebook.

    As the sky dimmed, he moved away from the water and walked right toward me. Mind if I join ya?

    "Nee, not at all."

    He sat down beside me, pointing to a black ship on the horizon.

    Jah, awful perty. I felt too shy to say more.

    We sat, not speaking, amidst the smell of popcorn and sea air while beams of red, pink, and gold sprayed the sky from the west.

    No wonder people thought the earth was flat, back before Columbus, he said quietly.

    I nodded. Sure looks that way from here.

    Ever see anything like this?

    My first visit to the ocean, I admitted. So, no.

    He turned slowly, unexpectedly. I’m Eben Troyer, from Indiana. His smile was disarming.

    Joanna Kurtz . . . from Hickory Hollow.

    Ah, Pennsylvania, where some of my cousins grew up. But I’ve never been there—unique name for a town, jah?

    We talked further, and I soon learned that soft-spoken Eben had come here for his deacon’s funeral. I could hardly wait to say that it was the same service my family and I had come to attend.

    Well, how’s that for a coincidence? he said, his features growing faint in the twilight.

    He showed me his camera, saying he took mostly pictures of landscapes and animals, same as our bishop, John Beiler, allowed. Rarely pictures of people, he remarked . . . although the way Eben brought it up, he almost sounded like he wanted to take my picture.

    His attention flabbergasted me, but it was ever so pleasing. No one had ever sought me out like this. For sure and for certain, my family and every last one of my girl cousins had written me off as destined to be an alt Maidel.

    How long are ya here for? he asked, his smile warming my heart anew.

    Three days, counting today.

    Then Eben surprised me again, asking if I’d like to walk with him to the fishing pier down yonder. I agreed, and he politely offered his hand as I got up from my sandy perch. Oh, glory be, we must’ve walked for miles into the night. So far and so long we got ourselves plumb lost trying to find our way back.

    Following the funeral the next day, Eben and I hurried again to the beach. There, we waded into the ocean up to our knees—in our clothes, of all silly things. And later, after the sun and wind dried us out some, we rented a bicycle built for two and rode up and down the boardwalk, the warm air on our faces. We ate chili dogs and ice cream under the fishing pier, and his eyes rested on me when he said, I’ve never known a better day, Joanna.

    My heart pounded in my ears.

    That evening and the next, we met at sunset, laughing together and talking about whatever popped into our heads until, wonder of wonders, Eben reached for my hand! My heart beat so wildly, I wondered if he sensed it. All I could think of was our interlaced fingers.

    But all too soon, we had to part ways, our private time together at an end. He asked for my address, and I happily gave it. In such a short time, we’d become so dear to each other. I tried not to cry.

    Our meeting on the beach—as romantic and special as it was—birthed a renewed hope in me. After all, it was nearly a blight on any Amish girl to still be single at my age. Ach, but Eben Troyer had surely changed all of that. Surely he had. . . .

    Then and there, I decided it was safe to go out on a limb. I agreed to be Cousin Malinda’s bridesmaid, hoping with all of my heart to prove wrong my sister’s pointed warning.

    Chapter 1

    If Joanna hadn’t witnessed it, she wouldn’t have believed Cousin Malinda would break down and cry on the morning of her wedding. Certainly all the preparations were stressful, and November’s weather was also quite unpredictable—today was undeniably disappointing, with rain making down in sheets. But is that reason to shed tears on your wedding day? Joanna wondered.

    Neither of the other two brides Joanna had stood up with had wept before going downstairs to make their marriage vows. But then, neither of those weddings had taken place on days with a cloudburst and deafening thunder.

    Standing before the bishop with Malinda and her tall, brown-eyed Andrew, Joanna hoped her cousin wasn’t moving ahead with something she might later regret. Once the sacred promises were made, there was no looking back. Marriage was to be honored for life.

    Surely Cousin Malinda’s tears were related instead to something other than second thoughts or cold feet. Oh, Joanna hoped so. Something to do with a blend of many emotions, maybe?

    Through the windows, she saw the last vestiges of leaves falling in the downpour, the sky a slate gray. It nearly looked like nightfall, even though it was closer to noon.

    Returning her attention to the bride and groom, Joanna was relieved to see Malinda look up adoringly at Andrew just as Bishop Beiler pronounced them husband and wife. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

    After the tears, only love remains, Joanna thought, aware of the reverent spirit in the temporary house of worship. So many church members were present today, as well as extended family from other districts and even Englischer friends.

    O Lord, bless Cousin Malinda and her husband, Andrew, with your loving care, Joanna prayed silently.

    All during the wedding feast and the fellowshipping that afternoon, the rain continued, pouring over the eaves and streaming down the windowpanes. Then, lo and behold, it turned to sleet . . . and later to snow, with thick flakes filling the sky.

    Such a lot of weather for a single day, Joanna overheard Malinda’s mother saying to Andrew’s, a heavyset woman in her late fifties.

    Makes things interesting, jah? Andrew’s mother replied, making note of the edible wedding novelties for the bride and groom at the Eck, the special corner of the wedding table. Besides sticks of chewing gum and wrapped candies, there were little animals made from Rice Krispies and candy. And miniature buggies made from marshmallows, hitched with toothpicks to animal cracker horses.

    Joanna nodded absentmindedly from the corner where she and several other single girls, including her golden-haired cousins, Ruthann and Lena, stood talking and nibbling on sweets.

    Cora Jane was there, too, looking exceptionally pretty in her bright green dress and white apron. To be honest, weather ain’t the only thing amiss today, she said, looking askance at Joanna.

    For goodness’ sake, thought Joanna, letting the remark slide over her, even though it felt like an ocean wave threatening to topple her. True, this was the third time she’d served as a bridesmaid, but now that Eben Troyer was in her life, she wanted to set foolish superstition aside and just enjoy the day.

    Joanna thought back to the beautiful beach where she’d met handsome Eben. How she yearned to hear his voice, the way he’d said her name as they walked together. It was easy to fall into that daydream; she missed him terribly. She would not soon forget the delightful day at the mailbox last summer when she’d laid eyes on Eben’s first letter, her name and address written in his strong hand. It was the beginning of their long-distance friendship, now blossoming into something so much more. She secretly treasured that special letter, having read and reread it before tucking it safely away in a wooden letter box in her hope chest. It was there that Joanna kept her most treasured possessions, including her writing notebooks.

    Around midafternoon, copies of the German hymnal, the Ausbund, were passed around, and a special wedding Singing began for the newlyweds’ enjoyment, with the courting-age youth sitting in pairs at the feast table. Such a happy time, Joanna encouraged herself, out of place though she felt at such gatherings anymore.

    She put on a smile when she spied good-looking Jake Lantz, also known as Freckles Jake, sitting across the front room. The nickname arose from the freckles dotting his nose and cheekbones. His tall, robust frame proved he was hardworking, the kind of young man any Amish girl would welcome as a beau. His sandy hair and hazel eyes were identical to those of his younger brother, Jesse, who sat nearby, singing with other fellows in their late teens. Though Jake was twenty-three, both brothers were still quite single—according to the rumors, Jake had scared off a couple of girls on the first date, wanting to hold hands too soon.

    Remembering that Eben had taken her hand in his the last evening they’d been together, Joanna couldn’t help but smile as she sang with the others. Eben’s gesture had been so natural, an outgrowth of their shared affection.

    Between songs, Joanna chuckled over the candies made to look like little airplanes that decorated the table in front of her. When did make-believe planes become the norm at Amish weddings?

    Suddenly, she was again aware of Jake’s gaze and felt a wave of pity for him, feeling as sorry for him as she had for herself last year around this time, at her first wedding as a bridesmaid. No doubt Jake just wanted to marry and get on with life. Maybe if he’d had a sister, he’d know better how to treat a girl. . . .

    Later, Joanna poured her heart into the gospel song I Love to Tell the Story, one of her favorites. But she wasn’t able to put Jake out of her mind for long. Several times over the course of the afternoon he caught her eye, and as Joanna learned later, he even went so far as to ask Malinda to pair him up with Joanna for the evening barn Singing.

    He’s awful sweet on ya, cousin, Malinda herself revealed to Joanna in whispered tones prior to the evening meal.

    But Joanna gave no indication she’d heard . . . nor did she say she was no longer available. Best to hold to tradition and keep Eben a secret—at least till the proper time.

    After the wedding supper, Joanna and the other courting-age young folk headed to the barn for the regular Singing. The evening was still, without a hint of a breeze. If it were summer, she might be sitting out by the pond beyond their barn, bare feet in the water . . . her writing notebook on her lap. Out there, with the occasional breeze, she could keep her stories from prying eyes, especially Cora Jane’s. It was one thing for Joanna to keep a daily journal, but quite another to write made-up stories, since fiction was frowned upon by the ministerial brethren.

    All of that aside, Joanna had for some years delighted in spinning her imaginary yarns. There were just so many interesting ideas flitting through her head!

    She glanced at her younger sister, who stood in her usual cluster of friends and cousins. Here lately, Joanna had suspected Cora Jane was getting close to a marriage proposal. Truth was, with her golden hair and big blue eyes, Cora Jane knew how to get a young man’s attention, something she’d even shared back when they were confidantes. Since Joanna had met Eben, however, their sisterly chats had become a thing of the past. And maybe it was for the best, with such a secret to keep.

    Joanna remembered clearly what her sister had whispered during one nighttime conversation: that it was important to let a fellow know you were interested, holding his gaze and hanging on to his every word, interjecting a comment here and there while letting him do most of the talking, especially on the first date. And all of that had come so naturally to Joanna with Eben . . . something that had never happened before.

    The minute the songs were finished, Jake looked Joanna’s way again, and so as not to encourage him a speck, she visited with Cousin Malinda’s younger sisters. She wanted nothing more than to slip out of the barn for home, unseen. Feeling a little guilty about her deliberate aloofness, she returned his smile when she again found him looking her way. Her toes curled in her shoes.

    Will he take it wrong?

    Then, as if by some miracle, Cora Jane, and Malinda’s younger sister, Mary Rose, walked over to the other side of the barn to talk with Jake. Feeling much relieved, Joanna wondered if Cora Jane had, perhaps, observed the silent exchange of smiles and sensed Joanna’s uneasiness. Had her sister stepped in on purpose?

    Looking about her, Joanna saw that she could at last exit discreetly. So she pushed open the barn door and left to walk home through the chilly night. She didn’t mind the snowflakes that sprinkled her nose and lips; Joanna simply pulled her coat tighter around her, glad for her scarf and gloves.

    In that moment, she had an unexpected thought, one that warmed her heart. What if she and Eben were to marry next wedding season? Which two girls would she choose for her bridesmaids? Joanna laughed to herself—she was putting the carriage before the horse again. She was known to have a vivid imagination, something even Mamma had pointed out since Joanna was but a little girl. So now Joanna questioned herself: Was it merely wishful thinking to hope her beau might propose, perhaps even via letter? Or was this just the stuff of the romantic fiction she dearly loved to read . . . and write?

    Wonderful as it was to anticipate and receive Eben’s letters, they were a frequent reminder that her beau lived way out in Shipshewana, where he and his extended family had farmed for generations. She was curious about his parents and siblings—his entire family, really—but hadn’t had the gumption to ask, not wanting to appear forward. She sometimes feared she might mess up and write something awkward, spoiling things between them. So she was careful to see that her own letters dealt mostly with daily life and happenings in Hickory Hollow.

    Joanna had taken care to capture every detail of her own beloved little hollow there in Lancaster County. She’d also written Eben about the dear folk, like Samuel and Rebecca Lapp, and Paul and Lillianne Hostetler . . . and Ella Mae Zook, the old Wise Woman so many in the area turned to with their problems. Joanna hoped she hadn’t gone overboard with her portrayals or the descriptions of the landscape. It was just that she loved everything about Hickory Hollow and was holding her breath that Eben might come there to court her, to settle and eventually marry. So far, though, he hadn’t said anything of the kind.

    Picking up her pace now, she thought of Cora Jane and her steady beau, Gideon Zook. She’d seen him drop her off late at night after a long buggy ride. The memory of Cora Jane’s mirth rang out in Joanna’s mind—that appealing, melodious laughter.

    Do I laugh enough? Joanna whispered into the darkness, unsure how to share her lighthearted side in letters to Eben. But there had never been a need to work to impress him. Why, joy of joys, recently Eben had started signing off, with love.

    A mighty gut sign!

    And tomorrow evening at seven o’clock, Eben had said he’d call her, having asked for the phone number of the community phone shanty situated in one of Dat’s fields.

    So much for Cora Jane’s admonition, Joanna thought with a smile.

    Then a sudden concern presented itself, and she couldn’t help wondering what Eben wanted to discuss by phone. And why now?

    Chapter 2

    Joanna slipped into bed well after ten o’clock that night, but she awakened before dawn with such curiosity and expectation for the day that she got right up and lit the lantern. She hurried across the room, her bare feet chilled by the draft creeping through the floorboards. Then, taking her notebook from the three-ring binder stored in her hope chest, she curled back up in bed and wrote for a good hour, till

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