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    A Cousin's Challenge
    A Cousin's Challenge
    A Cousin's Challenge
    Ebook352 pages5 hours

    A Cousin's Challenge

    By Wanda E Brunstetter

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    Listening for the Voice of Love

    After a serious van accident leaves Amish schoolteacher Jolene Yoder profoundly deaf, she leaves home to learn how to read lips and communicate with sign language. But two years later, a family with children who have been deaf since birth moves to Jolene’s hometown, and she is asked to return as their teacher.

    Lonnie Hershberger has lost faith in God and in women ever since his girlfriend broke up with him when he lost his hearing during an explosion. When he starts falling in love with Jolene, love-shy Lonnie sees no future in becoming emotionally tied to Jolene. For how could he hope to protect her, if he can’t even hear? Besides, Jake Beechy seems to be taking up most of her free time.

    Meanwhile, Ella Miller is worried Jake will end up breaking her cousin Jolene’s heart. Little does Ella know that Jake is interested in her—not Jolene. What drastic measures will God use to bring these couples together?

    Indiana Cousins Series:
    Book #1: A Cousin's Promise
    Book #2: A Cousin's Prayer


     

     
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBarbour Publishing
    Release dateApr 1, 2010
    ISBN9781607421528
    Author

    Wanda E Brunstetter

    New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com. 

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    Reviews for A Cousin's Challenge

    4/5

    22 ratings5 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This had a good ending and it cleared up some loose ends at the end of the series.
    • 4/5
      I like to read "Amish romances", and am just finishing this book. Overall, this story was enjoyable. . . but having read the first two books in the series, this one takes the cake in terms of the sheer number of accidents and tragedies! There is a new one (or two) in nearly every other chapter!
    • 1/5
      Yet another book where hearing people have no idea how to write deaf people, so they give us lipreading superpowers.
    • 4/5
      This story was about Jolene Yoder, an Amish schoolteacher who become deaf after a car accident her and her cousin's were in (from book one). Jolene had left her home in Indiana to learn sign language and reading lips, but now finds herself moving back home to teach two deaf children in the school. While there she will find herself teaching many more folks who want to learn how to communicate with her. She will also try to teach Lonnie Hershberger how to sign when an explosion causes him to lose his hearing. Together these two will learn to "listen" to their hearts and admit their love for each other.

      I also liked how this story tied up some loose ends in other character's lives in this series. Ella Miller, who I had a hard time liking, will finally find love, as will Eunice, a young lady who needs to learn to stop chasing men and let someone find her.
    • 5/5
      Jolene has returned to her home in order to teach two deaf children that have moved into the Amish community. Soon after her return, Jake Beechy, who left the community during his Rumspringa also returns to the area. He shows no signs of joining the Amish church or remaining in the area and his father refuses to speak to him.

      Lonnie Hershberger finds himself falling in love with Jolene, even though he sees no future with her since she is in love with Jake. Ella Miller is angry with Jake, thinking he will hurt her cousin, as he hurt her when he left the community.

      There is a lot of tragedy in this book but the faith of the characters shine through and we see that God has a plan for all of us if we will just listen.

    Book preview

    A Cousin's Challenge - Wanda E Brunstetter

    Questions

    CHAPTER 1

    Quiet darkness met Jolene Yoder as she stepped into Aunt Dorcas’s kitchen. After losing her hearing two years ago in a van accident, she’d become used to the quiet. There were even times when she saw it as a blessing rather than a hindrance. Oh, she missed some things—twittering birds, rain splattering on the roof, the soft mew of a kitten, and her mother’s gentle voice. What she didn’t miss were blaring car horns, squeaking doors, roaring thunder, and the shrill voices of people shouting.

    She flipped on the light switch and glanced around. Aunt Dorcas was obviously not at home. If she were, she’d be in the kitchen, starting supper. Maybe she was still at the sewing circle, where she and several women from her Mennonite church were making quilts and other items for the Mennonite Relief Sale that would take place later this fall.

    Someone touched Jolene’s shoulder, and she whirled around.

    Sorry if I startled you, Uncle Charlie signed.

    It’s okay, Jolene spoke as she signed. She understood that tapping her shoulder was sometimes the best way to get her attention. I thought Aunt Dorcas would be home by now. Do you know why she’s so late?

    When she left this morning, she said she planned to make a few stops on her way home from church this afternoon. Uncle Charlie spoke rather than signed, and Jolene interpreted by reading his lips.

    Guess I’d better start supper so we can eat as soon as she gets home.

    Would you consider making chicken potpie?

    She nodded and grinned. Uncle Charlie might not have a Pennsylvania Dutch background, but he sure liked Pennsylvania Dutch food.

    If you don’t need me for anything, I think I’ll go back to the living room and finish reading the newspaper, Uncle Charlie said.

    I can manage, so go right ahead.

    We’ve sure enjoyed having you here. He patted her arm and ambled from the room.

    She quirked an eyebrow. What had Uncle Charlie meant when he’d said enjoyed? It sounded as if he thought she had plans to leave.

    Jolene shrugged and turned toward the stove. He probably hadn’t meant anything.

    She had just started the broth for the potpie when Aunt Dorcas got home. Sorry I’m late, she both said and signed. It took me much longer to do my errands than I expected, and traffic was terrible between here and Lancaster.

    No problem. I’ve already started supper. Jolene motioned to the bubbling broth on the stove, filling the room with a savory fragrance. It shouldn’t take too long.

    Aunt Dorcas pulled out two chairs at the table. Would you sit a minute? I’d like to talk to you about something. Her expression was solemn.

    Is something wrong?

    While you were at the dentist’s this morning, I talked to your mother on the phone.

    How is she? Are things going well at home?

    Aunt Dorcas nodded. She had a message for you.

    What was it?

    The school board met yesterday, and they asked if you’d come home.

    Jolene’s eyebrows rose. How come? They know I can’t teach anymore.

    Two deaf children have moved with their family from Millersburg, Ohio, to your hometown of Topeka, Indiana. Their parents have the Rh factor, and the children haven’t been able to hear since they were born. They’ve each had a year of schooling, but they need someone who can sign and read lips to continue their education.

    Jolene shook her head. Huh-uh; I’m not ready for that.

    You’ve been with us two years now and have become proficient at signing and reading lips, Aunt Dorcas said. I think you’re more than ready to go home and teach those special children.

    Why don’t their parents send them somewhere else to learn? There are lots of good schools for the deaf, like the one here in Pennsylvania where you’ve taught.

    They did take the children somewhere to learn how to sign, but they want the family to be together at home now. Aunt Dorcas placed her hand gently on Jolene’s arm. They want you to provide their basic schooling and teach them how to read lips.

    A gentle breeze floated through the open window and fluttered the curtains. Jolene shivered. She felt comfortable and confident here in Pennsylvania. She’d made friends with some of the deaf students Aunt Dorcas taught. The thought of going home sent a ripple of apprehension up her spine.

    You’ve missed teaching school; you’ve mentioned it so many times, Aunt Dorcas said.

    I know, but this would be different. I’d be teaching children who can’t hear.

    "That’s right. And since you can’t hear, who better to teach them?"

    Aunt Dorcas’s innocent question pried through Jolene’s numbness, and she turned to stare out the window. She tried to envision what each person in her family was doing right now, for she truly did miss them. She tried to picture herself back home again, teaching two deaf children how to read and write. She thought about her cousins and how nice it would be to spend time with them again. She even thought about her buggy horse, Belle, and wondered if the easygoing mare missed her.

    After several minutes of contemplation, Jolene turned to Aunt Dorcas and said, Call Mom, and tell her to let the school board know that I’ll be home by the end of the week.

    CHAPTER 2

    The clean scent of freshly laundered sheets on Jolene’s bed brought a smile to her lips. She’d arrived home last night and had been greeted enthusiastically by her family. Her brother Andrew had even given Jolene one of his balloon creations made to look like a flower. She was grateful that she knew how to read lips, since no one in her immediate family knew how to sign. She wanted to begin working on that right away and hoped that once Mom, Dad, and Andrew learned, one of them might be willing to sign during their church services.

    Jolene slipped out of bed and stretched her arms over her head. She padded across the cold hardwood floor in her bare feet and stared out the window. The morning sun cast a golden haze over their cornfield. Her nose twitched as the smell of burning leaves, a sure sign of fall, drifted through the open window. Dad must be working in the yard already. He’d always gotten up early to do his chores so he could be in his buggy shop by eight o’clock.

    Jolene turned away from the window, and her gaze came to rest on the hope chest sitting at the foot of her bed. She’d received it as a birthday present when she’d turned sixteen and had started filling it right away with a variety of things she might need when she got married. I guess that may never happen, since I don’t have a boyfriend, she thought. Even if I did have one, would any man want to marry a woman who can’t hear?

    Knowing she couldn’t give in to self-pity and needed to get downstairs to help with breakfast, Jolene moved over to her dresser. She picked up her hairbrush and began brushing her long hair, which hung below her waist.

    Sometime this morning, she wanted to see her cousins Loraine, Ella, and Katie. Then this evening, she planned to meet with the school board and talk about teaching the two deaf children who’d moved to the area.

    Uneasiness tightened her chest. Was she really ready to begin teaching again? What if the children were difficult to teach? What if she didn’t have all the skills she needed? Maybe she’d made a mistake in agreeing to take this position.

    A vibration she felt told Jolene someone must be knocking on her door, so she turned from the window and yelled, Come in! At least she thought she’d yelled the words. Since Jolene could no longer hear her own voice, she couldn’t be sure how loud she’d spoken.

    When the door opened, her brother Andrew stepped into the room. Mom said to tell you that breakfast is almost ready.

    Jolene was glad Andrew had spoken slowly while looking directly at her. Otherwise, she couldn’t have read his lips. She smiled and said, Tell her I’ll be down as soon as I get dressed and have my hair put up in place.

    Andrew hesitated a minute as though he might want to say something more, but then he gave a quick nod and hurried out the door.

    Jolene sighed. Did Andrew feel uncomfortable talking to her? Would he be willing to learn sign language so they could communicate better? She certainly hoped so.

    Is Jolene up? Mom asked when Andrew entered the kitchen.

    "Jah. Said she’d be right down. Andrew poured himself a cup of coffee and took a seat at the table. It’s hard to think of her being daab. I mean, she seemed to understand every word I said to her. It made me feel like she’s not really deaf."

    "Remember what she told us last night? She was reading your lips, the way your daed’s sister taught her to do while she was living in Pennsylvania." Mom set a plate of toast on the table.

    It just seems strange to me, that’s all. Andrew blew on his coffee and took a tentative sip. "Do you think she’ll be able to teach those daab kinner?"

    Mom’s forehead wrinkled. Of course she can teach the deaf children. Jolene was a good teacher before she lost her hearing, and I’m sure she’ll be a good teacher to the daab kinner, too.

    He drummed his fingers along the edge of the table. You think she’ll expect us to learn how to talk with our hands?

    Uh-huh. Before Jolene went to bed last night, she told me and your daed that she hoped we would all be willing to learn signing. Mom took a jug of Dad’s homemade apple cider from their propane-operated refrigerator. Jolene’s right, Andrew. If we’re going to communicate with her and tell her what others are saying, we need to learn sign language.

    But if she can read our lips, why do we have to learn how to sign?

    Mom set the cider on the table and took a seat across from him. We need to understand the signs Jolene uses when she talks, and we need to learn to sign. It will help us all if we can communicate that way. And when others are speaking, like the ministers during church, hopefully one of us will be able to sign so Jolene will know what they’re saying.

    Maybe those two daab kinner, too?

    Jah. It would help them as well.

    Sorry I’m late, Jolene said when she entered the room. It felt so good to sleep in my own bed that I slept longer than I thought I would.

    Mom smiled. That’s okay. Your daed’s still outside, so we won’t be ready to eat until he comes in.

    Dad went back to bed? Jolene asked with a look of surprise.

    Mom’s eyebrows shot up. "I think you missverschtch what I said."

    Didn’t you say that Dad’s in bed?

    Mom shook her head and then glanced over at Andrew with a strange expression. He was beginning to realize that just because Jolene could read lips it didn’t mean she understood every word they said.

    Jolene moved closer to Mom. Would you please repeat yourself? It would help, too, if you spoke a little slower this time.

    Your daed is still outside doing his chores, Mom said slowly. We’ll eat when he comes in.

    Holding her right hand in front of her body, Jolene then brought it up and rested her thumb on her chest. I … She flicked her index finger off her thumb in front of her forehead. Understand. I understand.

    Mom looked over at Andrew. We should both try that.

    He grunted. It looks too hard.

    Would you show us again? Mom asked Jolene.

    Jolene repeated the sentence, as well as the action with her hand, while Mom and Andrew tried to follow along.

    Don’t think I’ll ever catch on, Andrew mumbled as he tried to flick his thumb the way Jolene had done.

    Sure you will. It just takes practice, Jolene said. There’s a lot I can teach you if you’re willing to learn.

    We’ll all learn. Mom smiled. You can start by giving us a lesson this evening after supper.

    As Lonnie Hershberger stepped into the barn, he was greeted by the unmistakable sound of grunting pigs awaiting their breakfast.

    He groaned. Slopping hogs was not his favorite thing to do. But as much as he disliked it, he’d follow through on the promise he’d made to Pop to help out whenever he could.

    Lonnie and his family had moved from Arthur, Illinois, to Middlebury, Indiana, a few months ago. Soon after their arrival, Lonnie had begun working for Rueben Yoder, tuning wind chimes. Lonnie had been playing the harmonica since he was a boy, and he had a good ear for music. Learning to tune the chimes had come easily to him, and he enjoyed his new job more than any other he’d held. Certainly more than working with pigs.

    When Lonnie and his folks had first moved to Indiana, he’d thought he would miss Illinois. But the only thing he missed was his girlfriend, Carolyn, whom he’d been writing to at least once a week. In Lonnie’s last letter, he’d invited Carolyn to visit Indiana. He hoped he’d receive a letter from her soon and that she’d be willing to come.

    He dumped the food into the trough and watched as the mother hogs rustled their snouts into the slop, while their babies nudged the sows’ udders for milk. The greedy little piglets bit each other and carried on as though they were starving to death.

    Knock it off! Lonnie reached over the stall and nudged one of the piglets with a stick, hoping to break up the fight. The mother pig let out a high-pitched squeal, jerked her head around, and bit Lonnie’s hand.

    Ow! Fiery pain shot up his arm. "Let go, you stupid sau!"

    The sow hung on, tearing into Lonnie’s flesh. He ground his teeth together as sweat beaded up on his forehead and trickled onto his cheeks. Let go!

    He swatted the sow’s rump with the stick. When she finally let go, he breathed a sigh of relief but winced when he saw blood oozing from the wound in his hand.

    A wave of anger swept over him. Oh, great! Now I’ll probably need stitches! He kicked the stall door as another burst of pain shot up his arm.

    CHAPTER 3

    When breakfast was over and the dishes were done, Jolene slipped on a sweater. I’m going over to see Ella, she said to Mom, who sat in front of her quilting frame on the sunporch. Then I plan to stop and see Loraine and Katie.

    That’s a good idea. I’m sure they’ll be real glad to see you again. Mom had turned her head toward Jolene, and when she spoke, her lips moved slowly, making it easier for Jolene to know what she’d said.

    I’ll be back in time to help with supper, Jolene signed as she spoke. Even though Mom didn’t know how to talk with her hands yet, Jolene thought it was good for her to see the hand positions. This evening when the family gathered for their first lesson, she would show them some specific words and letters.

    Mom smiled as her fingers moved deftly, creating an intricate pattern on the quilt that was taking shape on her quilting frame. "Could you hand me those schpelle?" she asked, pointing to the container of pins on the sewing machine.

    Jolene picked up the pins and gave them to Mom. Guess I’d better get going.

    "Danki, and have a gut day."

    Jolene nodded and scooted out the door. Her nose twitched as the distinctive odor of wood smoke drifted across the pasture from their neighbor’s chimney. There had been a day when she probably wouldn’t have noticed the smoke, but her sense of smell had gotten keener since she’d lost her hearing.

    As Jolene walked toward the barn to get her horse, a blustery breeze hit her full in the face. She looked up and saw the branches in the trees way up high hitting each other. Then she glanced at the dead leaves on the ground and noticed the wet, earthy smell they gave off. They were well into fall, and soon winter would be ushered in by cold snow and harsh winds. Maybe by then, her family would be able to communicate through signing, and she’d feel more at ease. She’d been gone so long that she almost felt as if she didn’t belong here anymore. She’d been comfortable living with Aunt Dorcas and Uncle Charlie. Even though she’d missed her family in Indiana, Pennsylvania had begun to feel like her home. Maybe after a few more days, she’d feel like she was part of the family again.

    Something soft and fuzzy brushing Jolene’s leg brought her thoughts to a halt. She looked down and smiled at the silver-gray kitten staring up at her. It couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old.

    She bent over and picked up the kitten. Its nose felt soft, like a swatch of velvet, and Jolene felt the vibration of the kitten’s purrs against her chest. "Where’s your mamm, little one? Should we see if she’s in the barn?"

    The kitten opened its tiny mouth in a silent meow. Jolene patted its soft, furry head. We’ll find your mother, don’t worry.

    When Jolene opened the barn door and stepped inside, she was greeted by the aroma of sweaty horse flesh mixed with sweet-smelling hay. She smiled. Some things never changed.

    She spotted Fluffy, the mother cat, sleeping in a pile of straw, and placed the kitten beside her. As Jolene was getting ready to open the gate to her horse’s stall, Andrew showed up.

    Jolene saw his lips move as he turned his head toward the stall, but she had no idea what he’d said. She tapped his shoulder. I didn’t understand you. Please, look at me when you speak.

    He turned toward her with a sheepish expression. Sorry. I was just saying that I heard you were going over to see Ella, so I thought I’d get your horse hitched to the buggy for you.

    Even though it had been some time since Jolene had hitched a horse or driven a buggy, she was sure she could do it. But she didn’t want to appear ungrateful, so she smiled and said, Danki, I appreciate that.

    Andrew touched Jolene’s arm. I’m sorry for the way I acted this morning. I’m just not sure I can learn to talk with my hands.

    She thumped his arm. I learned how to do it. I’m sure you can, too.

    Guess we’ll have to see how it goes. Andrew took Jolene’s horse, Belle, from her stall. As he led Belle out of the barn, Jolene followed.

    She marveled at the agility of Andrew’s sun-bronzed hands as he worked easily to hitch Belle to the buggy. He’d done it much faster than she ever could.

    When Andrew finished the job, he held the horse while Jolene climbed into the buggy. Guess I’d better get my own horse and buggy ready to go now, he said, poking his head into the buggy and looking directly at Jolene. I need to get to the harness shop or I’ll be late for work.

    All right, then. Have a good day. Jolene picked up the reins and got the horse moving. When she reached the end of the lane, she was relieved to see that no cars were coming in either direction. Getting the feel for driving the buggy again would be easier with less traffic on the road.

    As Jolene traveled along, she felt the rhythmic vibrations of the horse’s hooves pounding against the pavement. This was another sense that had increased since she’d become deaf. Even though she couldn’t hear any cars that came up behind her, she could sense their presence by the vibration of the wheels on the road and see them by looking in her buggy’s side mirrors.

    Jolene relaxed against the seat, enjoying the fall foliage and gazing at the many Amish farms scattered along this stretch of road. Despite the comfort she’d come to know in Pennsylvania, she had missed Indiana and its wide-open spaces. Even though this area was often visited by tourists, it wasn’t nearly as congested or commercialized as what she’d seen in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

    After a short drive, Jolene guided Belle up the driveway to Uncle Rueben and Aunt Verna’s place and pulled up to the hitching rail near the barn. Just as she was climbing down from the buggy, Ella came out the front door and sprinted across the lawn.

    "Ach, it’s so good to see you! Ella said, rushing up to Jolene. Her pale blue eyes filled with tears, and she gave Jolene a welcoming hug. Are you able to read my lips?" she asked after she’d pulled away.

    Jah, but it would be easier for me to know what you’re saying if you could talk with your hands.

    I’m not sure I could learn to do that. I think it would be too hard.

    It’s not that difficult. I’m going to teach my family, and I’d be happy to teach you if you’d like to learn.

    I’m willing to try. Ella motioned to the house and then turned her head in that direction.

    Even though Jolene could see Ella’s lips move, she had no idea what she’d said. She stepped in front of Ella. In order for me to read your lips, I need to see your face.

    A blotch of red erupted on Ella’s cheeks. Sorry about that. What I said was, ‘Let’s get your horse put in the corral; then we can go inside for a cup of tea while we get caught up on one another’s lives.’

    That sounds good, but I can’t stay too long. I want to stop and see how Loraine and Katie are doing.

    If you stay awhile, you won’t have to stop and see them, because they’re both coming over here soon.

    They are?

    Jah. We knew you were supposed to get home last night, so we made plans to meet here and then go by your place and take you out for lunch.

    That sounds nice, but it’ll be harder for us to visit at a restaurant with so many people around.

    What if we stay here and have lunch?

    Jolene smiled. That’s fine with me. I’d be more comfortable eating here than at a restaurant, anyway.

    They’d just gotten Belle put in the corral when a horse and buggy came up the drive. Thinking it must be Katie or Loraine, Jolene turned and waved. After the buggy had pulled up to the hitching rail and the driver got out, she was surprised to see that it wasn’t either one of her cousins. It was a young Amish man with wavy blond hair. She was sure she’d never seen him before.

    Ella must have known him, though, for she rushed right over. They talked a few minutes, but with their backs to Jolene, she had no idea what they were saying.

    Finally, they turned, and the young man followed Ella as she headed back toward Jolene. His chiseled cheeks and prominent jaw dwarfed his narrow nose, and his eyes were the rich brown color of spring soil. Jolene couldn’t help but feel his curious gaze, and her face heated.

    I’d like you to meet Lonnie Hershberger, Ella said, looking at Jolene. He and his family moved here a few months ago, and Lonnie’s been working for my daed, tuning and cutting the pieces of pipe that make up our wind chimes. She looked over at Lonnie and smiled, and then she motioned to Jolene and looked back at her. This is my cousin Jolene. She’s the one I told you had been living in Pennsylvania, where she learned to sign and read lips.

    It’s nice to meet you. Lonnie shook Jolene’s hand. That’s when she noticed a large bandage wrapped around his other hand.

    One of my daed’s ornery pigs bit me this morning, Lonnie explained. The wound was so bad that I had to get stitches and a tetanus shot.

    Jolene grimaced. Does it hurt much?

    "Not so much at the moment, but it sure did when the dumm sau bit me." Lonnie’s thick eyebrows almost met his nose when he frowned.

    Will you be able to work today? Ella asked. Her question was directed at Lonnie, but she was turned toward Jolene enough so that she could read her lips.

    Lonnie’s frown deepened. Afraid not. With only one good hand, I won’t be able to cut any pipes.

    That’s too bad. I’m sure Papa will be sorry to hear about your hand, Ella said.

    Guess I’d better go tell him right now. Is he up at the shop? Lonnie asked.

    Jah.

    Lonnie gave Jolene a brief nod. Nice meeting you.

    It was nice meeting you, too.

    As Lonnie headed up the driveway toward the shop, Ella turned to Jolene and smiled. He’s nice, and he’s sure got an ear for music. Before Lonnie came along, Papa couldn’t find anyone besides himself to tune the chimes. We’re fortunate to have Lonnie working for us.

    Jolene didn’t voice her thoughts, but seeing the way Ella’s face lit up when she talked about Lonnie made her wonder if there might be something going on between them. As they reached the porch steps, Jolene said, Lonnie’s nice looking, don’t you think?

    Ella’s eyebrows shot up. After only one meeting, are you interested in him?

    Jolene shook her head vigorously. Ach, no! I just meant …

    Ella touched Jolene’s arm. "I hope you don’t have any ideas about Lonnie, because he’s got a girlfriend back in Illinois, and I believe she might be coming here for a visit soon. I suspect from what Lonnie’s

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