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    An Amish Christmas Love: Four Novellas
    An Amish Christmas Love: Four Novellas
    An Amish Christmas Love: Four Novellas
    Ebook420 pages7 hours

    An Amish Christmas Love: Four Novellas

    By Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kelly Irvin

    4.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman

    Three generations of Stoltzfus women are all living under the same roof. At twenty-five, Naomi has never been married, and both her mother, Barbara, and her grandmother, Ruth, have recently been widowed. Each nursing broken or lonely hearts, they also each have potential suitors. When a storm on Christmas Eve forces the three couples to take shelter in the basement of the Stotlzfus homestead, secrets are revealed, hearts are opened, and all three potential grooms drop to their knees for very different reasons—a proposal, a prayer, and an epiphany.

    The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston

    Emma Bontrager is spending her first Christmas alone after her husband of 45 years, Henry, passed away in July. Although the Amish don’t normally allow animals in their homes, a big, fat, orange barn cat keeps coming into Emma’s house. She shoos the cat away, but it continues to appear in her house, settling on Henry’s favorite wingchair. But the cat isn’t the only Christmas visitor: a group of young people help bring the Christmas spirit to Emma, reminding her that love and hope abide.

    Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin

    As a young man enjoying his rumspringa, David Byler gave his heart to an Englisch girl, but he eventually realized he couldn’t give up his Plain faith and family for her, so he let her go. He’s found a new love in his Bee County Plain community, Molly Shrock. Molly has been patient, waiting for the man she loves to love her back. Just as he is ready to propose, David makes a startling discovery: Bobbie McGregor, his Englisch love, is back. Will Molly’s prayers for a Christmas love be answered?

    Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid

    When a misdirected GPS sends Ellie Whetstone to the wrong address, she inadvertently finds herself breaking into the home of Amish man, Ezra Mast. Ellie hopes to fix up the house left by her aenti and sell it quickly, but a series of run-ins with Ezra and his young daughter have her questioning whether a hasty sale is the right move. Could this new place with its slower pace be the right home for Ellie?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOpen Road Integrated Media
    Release dateSep 12, 2017
    ISBN9780529119001
    An Amish Christmas Love: Four Novellas
    Author

    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

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    Reviews for An Amish Christmas Love

    4.5/5

    16 ratings7 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I loved each of these stories, but I have a weakness for cats, so I would have to say that I was absolutely charmed by The Christmas Cat. Who knew that cats liked brownies?
    • 5/5
      This is a very enjoyable set of four Christmas novellas. These are all sweet and make you cry.
      The first book is Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman. This is a story of romance between neighbors. Will the three generations of women fall in love with the three men who rent the David Haus from them.
      The second book is The Christmas Cat byAmy Clipston. Emma learns to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas again.
      The third book is Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid. Ellie is a wonderful character. She has to decide what she will do with her life.
      The fourth book is Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin. I liked Molly. I don’t know if I would have been quite so patient.
      I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 5/5
      Sunday, October 15, 2017
      An Amish Christmas Love ~ Four Novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, and Ruth Reid, © 2017

      Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman
      ~*~
      You are going to love these characters! Feisty mammi who goes to the library to check out people on the Internet; her widowed daughter-in-law who finds love again; and her granddaughter who discovers first love. All wrapped up in Christmas and our Love born among men. How grateful I am.

      Wayne was easily my favorite character. He went beyond himself to care for another and have Truth exposed. And this is only Novella number one! A treasure to behold. This story alone shouts, "Christmas gift."

      The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston
      ~*~
      Come and meet a golden-orange cat with a golden heart. Nudged anew, Emma finds love in an unsuspected place with a Christmas Eve visit.

      I especially like her "now and then" inspired memories refreshed by the gathering of young friends; so important to mingle together to restore life and hope. Each generation is warmed by the value of each other in experiencing and remembrance!

      Katie Ann became my favorite character with her gentle caring ways and regard for her brother.

      May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
      --Romans 15:13

      A Christmastime to remember of new beginnings.

      Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin
      ~*~
      Bee County, South Texas

      Forget the former things;
      Do not dwell on the past.
      See, I am doing a new thing!
      Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
      --Isaiah 43:18-19

      Back to Bee County! Have you met these families from Kelly's previous writings? I have enJ*O*Yed "watching" the children grow up.

      My husband talks to the TV quiet and low on football play determinations, whether it was in or out; I am talking out loud to a character warning him. Referee decision? lol

      A beautiful story of redemption and being rescued by Truth. My favorite character was Molly, determining to be still and leave the decision with the Lord to lead. Releasing another to Him became more important than words that muddle and confuse with no substance. I hope there is a continuance to this story in the future.

      Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid
      ~*~
      An unfamiliar area, walking into the wrong house, Ellie and her prized dog, Lulu, are met by the neighbor and his young daughter ~ with awe, at least by Allison, and uncertainty in the eye of her father, Ezra. Directed to her original destination, Ellie has a few mishaps that eventually get straightened out. She finds that she isn't as self-reliant as she would like to think. While Ellie has labeled Ezra as decidedly a "cat person," Lulu has chosen Allison as the perfect playmate.

      A beautiful story of coming home; home to family values, and a love left to find exactly where you left it. Over the years that Ellie and her mom had been gone, her Aenti Bonnie kept a Prayer Journal that included Ellie; a heritage left just for her.

      The warmth of love brings more than security, but a lifetime to discover. I really enjoyed this story and it rounds up these Novellas very satisfactory! I liked the communication and openness exposing the heart's intent. To be known as you are. So in this Novella ~ I would point to all of the characters. Favorites each one!

      ***Thank you to author Kelly Irvin for sending me a copy of this wonderful selection of novellas! This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
    • 5/5
      I am always in the mood for a good Christmas story, and it's always a bonus when I get to sit down and read more than one in one book! So, it never fails when I get a new book with Christmas themes, that I fall in love with them. This is no exception! 

      This anthology contains four heart warming stories centered around the Amish. Each story pulled me in, hooked me and took me on a wonderful sleigh ride through God's amazing graces. These four authors know exactly what their readers like and how to keep them engrossed. Their characters are finely chiseled and real to life and their messages from God are beautifully woven into each story. 

      I can't pick just one favorite though! All four stories held me captive equally, all four stories ones that I would recommend to all. But, Ruth Reid's and Amy Clipston's stories never fail to bring me so many emotions, from happiness to love. They take me on ups and downs, and ins and outs with their moving stories, and I love their writing styles. Ms. Wiseman and Ms. Irving have beautiful styles too, and their stories are vivid and tender. 

      If you love Christmas, beautiful characters and wonderful writing, then this book is the one you want to read this holiday season. These authors will hook you! I highly recommend this book with the highest of 5 stars! Hats off to some very talented ladies.

      *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
    • 5/5
      I love books that have several authors stories in them. Readers get to read stories from amazing authors all tucked into a great collection. Each story follows a theme while highlighting each authors creativity. Their writing style may be different but the stories are always a treat to read. This collection is an example of four authors that write beautifully , emotionally and loved filled stories that satisfy their fans.

      Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman

      I loved this story because it has humor, family , faith and love sprinkled through. How fun it was to see three men move into the daaadi house on by the main where where three women live. I laughed as the women spied on their new neighbors. Barbara has gone through a hard time after losing her beloved husband . It is hard for her to even think about another man, but maybe God has other plans. My favorite character was Ruth. She is fiesty, confrontational at times but loves her family dearly. Ruth has her sights on one of the men and it is so endearing to watch their relationship grow. Naomi is the youngest and the other two women think it's time to get her married. One of the funnies things in the book is when one character says, "You aren't the boss of me." The story is funny at times, and emotional at others. The author really does a great job of developing characters that readers can invest in. Will love be in the air at Christmas for these three lovely ladies?u

      The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston

      Oh my what an emotional love story . I cried through the entire story. Emma is the sweetest person and my heart was heavy for her. She is spending Christmas all alone because the snow is so deep she is afraid to get out in it. Will her friends worry when she doesn't show up for dinner? The love of her life passed away several months ago. They had a great marriage with a few disappointments along the way. Emma is so lonely and knows it will be a hard time for her as she spends her first Christmas without her beloved. A stray cat appears on her back porch and decides to make himself at home. I loved how he strutted in like he had always lived there.

      I loved when friends came over to be with Emma on Christmas Eve. As she began to tell her story of her and Henry, I felt like we had traveled back in time. The author does an outstanding job of transforming us back to when Henry and Emma were first married. Their story is so heartwarming and a true romance. I loved how he gifted her with books because he knew how much she loved to read. This story is one that just makes you feel good inside. Hank as Emma calls him steals the show at times. He can sense when Emma is sad and goes to her side. Her guests are full of cheer and help Emma spend Christmas with happy memories.

      Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin

      The story is set in Bee County, Texas which I was just talking about to my husband. I loved how the author talked about how it hardky snows there. Living in south Texas we don't really know what snow is. I thought that Molly was a great character. She is in love with David and is looking forward to being his wife. But sometimes things don't always work out like we plan. When Molly and David are at an auction, David comes face to face with his past. I can just imagine his heart racing a mike a minute when he sees Bobbie , his girlfriend that left him. She is the last person David thought he would be very see again.

      David at one time was in love with Bobbie but chose not to marry her. His faith and family were to important to him. With Bobbie not being Amish, he couldn't walk away from his faith. Molly knows Bobbie has come back to help her ill father, but does she have another agenda as well? I loved how the author showed the turmoil David was going through as he decides who he wants to be with. He knows in his heart what he wants, but will temptation win out? I loved the way Molly trusted God to make all things work out. Will David find comfort in God? This is a great story about trust and listening to God.
    • 4/5
      An Amish Christmas Love contains four novellas centered around Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kelly Irvin. Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman is set in December in a snowy Lancaster County. Naomi Stoltz lives with her mother, Barbara and grandmother, Ruth in the main house on their farm. They have just rented out the daadi haus to Amish construction workers who will be in the area for a month. When Ruth notices that the three gentlemen are in similar age to the three women, she is hoping cupid’s arrow will strike. Barbara has been a widow for three years and it is time for her to move on (at least in Ruth’s opinion). Ruth has been looking for the right man since she lost her husband and it is past time for Naomi to marry (according to Ruth). Will these three women get their happily ever after this Christmas?

      The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston takes us to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Emma Bontrager is a sad this Christmas as it is the first one she has experienced alone in forty-five years. Her husband, Henry passed away during the summer. Emma was invited to the Blank house for dinner, but, with the heavy snow, she feels it would not be safe to venture out. Emma is heading inside when she notices an orange tabby cat on her porch. She tries to shoo the fellow away, but instead he ends up inside and resting comfortably in Henry’s chair. Katie Ann Blank is worried when Emma does not arrive for dinner and did not leave a message. Ephraim, Katie Ann’s brother, and Katie Ann (along with two friends) decide to visit Emma and bring her some Christmas cheer.

      Kelly Irvin’s Snow Angels returns readers to her Bee County Amish series. David Byler has been courting Molly Shrock for the last year. Molly is hoping that David will soon become baptized and then propose to her. David and Molly are at a local auction when David sees his old Englisch girlfriend, Bobbie McGregor. Bobbie’s father has become ill and she is needed to help run their ranch. David has been in love with Bobbie, but he could not leave his community and his faith. Seeing her now brings back his feeling for Bobbie. She has not stopped loving him. David needs to make a choice about his future. Will David jump the fence or become baptized and propose to Molly this Christmas?

      Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid takes us to Posen, Michigan. Ellie Whetstone is a dog handler who travels the country visiting dog shows in her RV. She is visiting Posen to visit the house she inherited from her aunt, Bonnie Whetstone and get it ready to sell. Ellie follow the directions from the GPS and finds a small farmhouse. She soon discovers that she is at the wrong property when Ezra Mast returns home with his daughter, Allison. Allison instantly falls in love with Lulu, a three-year-old Standard Poodle, much to her father’s consternation. A series of unfortunate events keep putting Ellie and Ezra in each other’s path. When an accident takes Ellie away, Ezra fears he has seen the last of her. Is there a chance for love between the Englischer and the Amish gentleman?

      An Amish Christmas Love contains four lovely, heartwarming stories. They are about love, faith, hope, trust, power of prayer, friendship, trusting in God’s path for our lives, and the magic of Christmas. My favorite story is The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston. It is such a sweet story and I enjoyed the antics of the orange tabby that Emma names Hank. I like how the author reveals Emma’s history with her husband and how much they loved each other. Winter Kisses is humorous thanks to Ruth (she is a lively character). Snow Angels had a slower pace than the others and it ties into Kelly Irvin’s existing Bee County Amish series (can be standalone). I am rating An Amish Christmas Love 4 out of 5 stars. The four stories are well-written and enjoyable to read. I liked the life lessons presented in each story. An Amish Christmas Love is the perfect escape novel.
    • 5/5
      Four heart warming novellas that are just right for a one sitting quick read, of course, you won’t be able to stop at just one.
      Four different authors and four different stories all set in Amish country, all taking place at Christmas time, and all contain a form of “love”, whether human or animal, they all make real the meaning of my favorite holiday.
      Each story is set in a different part of the US, but all are connected by being set with Plain people, and feature a bit of romance, all set in the winter.
      This book has a bit for everyone and four of my favorite authors, when I seen their names I know I’m in for a treat.
      I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

    Book preview

    An Amish Christmas Love - Beth Wiseman

    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

    THE HEARTS OF THE LAN CASTER GRAND HOTEL SERIES

    A Hopeful Heart

    A Mother’s Secret

    A Dream of Home

    A Simple Prayer

    THE KAUFFMAN 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

    Love Birds included in An Amish Market

    Love and Buggy Rides included in An Amish Harvest

    Home Sweet Home included in An Amish Home

    A Spoonful of Love included in An Amish Kitchen

    A Son for Always included in An Amish Cradle

    Naomi’s Gift included in An Amish Christmas Gift

    YOUNG ADULT

    Roadside Assistance

    Destination Unknown

    Miles from Nowhere

    Reckless Heart

    NONFICTION

    A Gift of Love

    KELLY IRVIN

    THE AMISH OF BEE COUNTY NOVELS

    The Beekeeper’s Son

    The Bishop’s Son

    The Saddle Maker’s Son

    EVERY AMISH SEASON NOVELS

    Upon a Spring Breeze

    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

    Always His Providence included in An Amish Miracle

    Her Christmas Pen Pal included in An Amish Second Christmas

    An Unexpected Joy included in An Amish Christmas Gift

    An Amish Christmas Love

    © 2017 by Elizabeth Wiseman Mackey, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Ruth Reid

    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.

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

    Scripture quotations 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.® And from the King James Version. Public domain.

    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.

    Epub Edition June 2017 ISBN 9780529119001

    Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

    CIP data is available upon request.

    Printed in the United States of America

    17 18 19 20 21 LSC 5 4 3 2 1

    CONTENTS

    WINTER KISSESby Beth Wiseman

    Glossary

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Discussion Questions

    Acknowledgments

    About the Author

    THE CHRISTMAS CATby Amy Clipston

    Glossary

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Discussion Questions

    Acknowledgments

    About the Author

    SNOW ANGELSby Kelly Irvin

    Glossary

    Featured Bee County Amish Families

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Discussion Questions

    About the Author

    HOME FOR CHRISTMASby Ruth Reid

    Glossary

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Discussion Questions

    Acknowledgments

    About the Author

    Winter Kisses

    BETH WISEMAN

    To: All the women who have inspired me throughout my

    life, especially my mother—Pat Isley—who continues

    to astonish and amaze me with her vitality and love

    of life. Happy 84th birthday this year, Mother.

    GLOSSARY

    ab im kopp: off in the head, crazy

    ach: oh

    daadi: grandfather

    daadi haus: a smaller house on the property, where older relatives might live

    daed: dad

    danki: thank you

    dochder: daughter

    Englisch: English, non-Amish

    frau: wife

    gut: good

    haus: house

    kapp: prayer cap worn by all Amish women

    maedel: girl

    mamm: mom, mama

    mammi: grandmother

    mei: my

    mudder: mother

    nee: no

    Ordnung: the written and unwritten rules of the Amish

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

    sohn: son

    Wie bischt?: How are you?

    ya: yes

    Chapter 1

    Naomi Stoltzfus carried an arrangement of red roses as she crossed the living room. "Mammi, Mr. Cotter will be by later today to pick these up. I’m going to put them on the kitchen counter." The older Englisch man ordered flowers for his wife, Ann, on the first Monday of each month. The gesture was romantic, even by Amish standards, but such extravagance wasn’t in Naomi’s future. She’d seen what an emotional attachment could do to a person.

    "Ya, ya. Okay." Naomi’s grandmother didn’t lower her binoculars as she peered out the window toward the daadi haus.

    Naomi slowed her stride, stopped in the middle of the room, and studied the older woman. Ruth Stoltzfus was barely five feet tall, walked with a cane, and wore thick black-rimmed glasses. Pride and vanity were frowned upon, but both Naomi and her mother had tried numerous times to convince Ruth to get more delicate gold-rimmed frames that didn’t take over her face. "Mammi, what are you looking at?"

    "The renters moving into the daadi haus for the month of December. There are three men carting suitcases inside."

    Naomi edged closer to the window until she was looking over her grandmother’s shoulder across the snow-blanketed yard. A layer of white topped the silo like a winter cap, and the pond in between the main house and the daadi haus was partially frozen. "I thought only two people rented the haus," she said as she squinted to see the men.

    "Ya. That’s what your mudder said. But three men got out of the taxicab and are carrying suitcases up the porch steps." Mammi’s binoculars clinked against the lenses of her glasses. Ouch, she whispered as she lowered the binoculars, but her scowl was quickly replaced with a twinkle in her eyes. One man looks to be about seventy, another maybe fortyish, and there’s even a young lad that looks about your age.

    Naomi shook her head but grinned as she walked across the wood floor to the kitchen. "That’s not appropriate talk, Mammi," she said as she heard her grandmother’s steps behind her.

    "You sound like your mudder." Mammi slid into a chair at the kitchen table and reached for a biscuit left over from breakfast. It fears me that the both of you will end up lonely old maids if you don’t make an effort to find a husband.

    Naomi was definitely of marrying age at twenty, but every time she saw the pain in her mother’s eyes, it solidified her decision not to marry. We are not in a hurry to find spouses.

    "Ach, well, you should be. Almost every single fellow your age is promised for marriage, or you’ve already kicked the poor suitor to the curb." Mammi chewed on the biscuit. "And your mudder isn’t getting any younger either. Your daed died three years ago, and that’s more than enough time to grieve and remarry."

    "Everyone’s different, Mammi."

    Naomi’s grandmother began the hunt for a husband the day after they’d buried Naomi’s grandfather ten years ago, even checking the obituaries in other districts so she’d know when a man lost his wife. It was a process that irritated and embarrassed Naomi’s mother since Mammi didn’t try to hide her ambitious courting attempts, often sharing her intentions and the results of her efforts with members of the community.

    Mammi pushed her chair away from the table and walked to the rack by the kitchen door. She put on her black cape and bonnet and reached for a black scarf and her gloves. I’m going to go welcome our guests.

    Naomi’s mother walked into the kitchen with an armful of folded kitchen towels. You’ll do no such thing. Mamm set the stack of towels on the table and put her hands to her hips. Naomi braced herself for the argument that was sure to come.

    Barbara reminded herself that Ruth was her elder, even though most days her mother-in-law had the maturity of a teenager. Let our guests get settled. Then we can take them a basket of baked goods and some fresh fruit. She glanced out the kitchen window. "Assuming we can make the trek to the daadi haus without sinking in snow or slipping on ice."

    It seems even colder than usual for December, Naomi said as she began putting the kitchen towels in the drawer.

    Barbara didn’t respond to her daughter as she kept her eyes on Ruth, who had tied her bonnet and was now putting on her gloves. "Are you still planning to go over there right now? Can’t you wait?"

    Ruth lifted her chin, a sour expression filling her features, exaggerating the spidery lines that connected across her face. "You might have been the boss of my sohn, but you are not the boss of me."

    "Ach, gut grief, Ruth. You sound like a child. It was just a suggestion that we wait until—"

    Ruth walked out the door, slamming it behind her.

    Barbara shook her head. That woman is intolerable.

    Naomi walked to the kitchen window. Barbara sighed as she walked toward her daughter, stopping next to Naomi at the window. Barbara would watch Ruth all the way to the daadi haus and wouldn’t feel settled until her mother-in-law safely returned.

    "Mammi took off her glasses and set them on the rocking chair on the porch. Naomi leaned close to the windowpane. She left her cane too."

    Stubborn old woman. She’s blindly teetering across ice and snow to see if one of our guests would be a suitable husband for her.

    Naomi giggled. Oh, she’s not just seeking a husband for herself. She’s already said that there’s an age-appropriate man for each of us too.

    Barbara rolled her eyes before she walked to the stove to stir a pot of chicken tortilla soup she was warming for lunch. "Only two men rented the daadi haus. She shook her head as she clicked her tongue. I’m grateful those two fellows don’t live nearby in case your mammi embarrasses us. Again. She scratched her chin. I wonder who the third man is and if he lives in this area. The two renters came from a district near Pittsburgh. A man named Wayne said they would be here for at least a month working on a construction project that they’d won the bid on."

    Naomi gasped loudly. "She fell! Mammi fell!"

    Barbara rushed back to the window. Naomi was already putting on her heavy coat and winter hat. Barbara didn’t even take the time to do that. She burst out the door, hurried down the porch steps, and began trudging through the snow.

    Ruth was on her side in the snow and not moving. Oh, dear Lord, please let her be all right.

    Barbara was making slow progress and sinking in snow to her ankles. She slowed her pace when Naomi yelled at her. "Stop, Mamm! I have your boots and cape."

    She did as her daughter instructed and slipped on the warmer clothes, though she couldn’t take her eyes off her mother-in-law. Barbara felt sillier than Ruth for darting out the door without her cape and boots, but it had been an instinctive dash from the house.

    I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to that crazy old woman.

    Chapter 2

    A woman fell down in the snow." Eli pointed out the window before he looked over his shoulder at the two men he would be working with for the next month. Or longer. The thought caused his stomach to lurch. Eli didn’t mind hard work, but he didn’t like the cold, and they would be outside at least eight hours a day building a large metal shop for an Englisch family. Now there are two other ladies hurrying to the one who fell.

    The elder of the two men, Jethro, rushed to the front door. The other fellow, Wayne, was right at Jethro’s heels. Eli let out a heavy sigh, not eager to go back out in the weather, but he followed them anyway. He picked up his pace when the other two men did, even though the deep snow made walking a challenge. He was grateful he was still wearing his winter clothes.

    By the time Eli, Jethro, and Wayne got to the woman, she was standing up, her black cape and bonnet caked with snow. She was a tiny lady with a lot of wrinkles, and long gray strands of hair hung loose from beneath her kapp. Jethro hurried out of his black coat and draped it around her.

    The woman blinked her eyes several times, then smiled. "Danki. I’m so careless." Her voice rattled and cracked as her lips trembled.

    Ruth, are you all right? One of the women following the eldest of the trio stepped up to her and put an arm around her shoulder.

    "Ya, ya, Ruth said. I must have lost my footing." She stared at Jethro, blinking her eyes and smiling even more. Eli wondered if she had a tic like Jacob Lapp, his friend from high school. Jacob blinked his left eye all the time, and his mother called it a tic. But Ruth blinked both eyes, so Eli wasn’t sure if she suffered from the same ailment.

    But everyone else faded into the white space around Eli when he laid eyes on the third woman in the group. She was tall, like Eli, with huge brown eyes and olive skin. Long eyelashes swept down onto high cheekbones, and when she smiled at Eli, he felt like a snowman melting into the white slush beneath his feet.

    Maybe we should move introductions inside, Jethro said as he motioned to the cottage. Eli breathed a frosty cloud of relief. He didn’t feel very manly with his teeth chattering and his entire body shivering.

    Eli waited as the women moved ahead of the men, but when the older lady—Ruth, the other woman called her—slipped, Jethro quickly reached for her and latched onto her elbow. Careful, now.

    Jethro had a deep voice and one of the longest beards Eli had ever seen, almost to the top of his pants. It was completely gray. Jethro reminded Eli of Santa Claus, even though his people didn’t celebrate the icon the way the Englisch folks did. Jethro had a large belly, too, and the same rosy cheeks Eli had seen in pictures of Santa.

    I must have sprained my ankle when I fell. Ruth shook her head as she struggled to take steps in the snow.

    May I? Jethro held out his arms in a position to scoop Ruth into them.

    Eli turned his attention to the beautiful young woman a few feet away from him, guilt nipping at him as he sort of wished she’d trip, too, so he could take her into his arms.

    "Oh my. Danki." Ruth began to bat her eyes again before Jethro cradled her in his arms. Definitely a tic.

    As the six of them made their way to the daadi haus, Eli’s eyes locked with those of the youngest of the women. He held her gaze until she smiled a little, then looked away.

    Maybe this project, a penance forced upon him by his father, wouldn’t be so bad after all.

    Naomi was having a hard time not looking at the young man walking to her left. He was tall and straight like a towering spruce, skinny enough to still be growing into his body, but with broad and confident shoulders. His beardless face told Naomi he wasn’t married, and his hair was the color of field oats. A defined, square jaw furthered his air of confidence, along with blue eyes that lent a softness to his overall appearance. The flirty glint in his eyes could surely break a girl’s heart.

    She’d seen that look before from suitors in her district, although those men hadn’t come calling in such a perfectly put-together package. Just his looks were enough to give Naomi pause. She had spent her teenage and young adult life fending off the affections of young men who wanted to make a home with her, fearful of the emotions that went along with a relationship. But as she watched this man stroll up the porch steps, she wondered if maybe she just hadn’t met anyone worth the risk.

    She jumped away from her thoughts when her mother elbowed her, then whispered, "You do realize your mammi is faking this, ya?"

    Of course. Naomi grinned at her mother before letting her eyes drift to her grandmother. Her mammi had laid her head against the large man’s shoulder. I think it’s sweet.

    How can you say that? It isn’t sweet. It’s embarrassing. Mamm rolled her eyes, something she did a lot when she referred to Naomi’s grandmother. Barbara Stoltzfus was a proper woman, someone who always followed the rules and practiced perfect etiquette in everything she did. Naomi’s grandmother was the exact opposite, a fun-loving bundle of energy who felt rules were in place to be broken. Naomi’s father had been a glorious mix of the two personalities. I miss you so much, Daed.

    Naomi snuck another look at the youngest man as they all moved inside the daadi haus. The men hadn’t been there long enough to start a fire, and as all of them blew clouds of cold air, the living room reminded Naomi of the smoke-filled dance hall she’d visited once at the beginning of her rumschpringe, long before she’d chosen baptism. But the breaths of cold air here didn’t have the horrible stench that went along with cigarettes. If there was one thing about her father Naomi would have changed, it was that he enjoyed an occasional smoke out in the barn. Sometimes it was a cigarette and sometimes it was a cigar. Naomi could recall her mother lambasting him each time, but her father would wink at Naomi and tell her, She’s the most beautiful when she’s feisty. That’s the only reason I smoke. Then Naomi’s father would look at her mother in a way that Naomi had never seen another man look at a woman. Her parents’ marriage was everything Naomi had ever longed for. Until her father died and she watched a part of her mother pass along with him. Mamm didn’t smile anymore. Naomi missed her father, but she also missed the part of her mother that left when he did.

    Barbara fought not to shake her head when Jethro set Ruth down on the couch. After he’d asked Ruth if she was okay, the older man hustled to start a fire. The youngest of the three men left the room, but not before he snuck a peek at Naomi. The young man’s obvious interest in her daughter might have made Barbara hopeful, except that Naomi had turned away any boy who had come to call. She doubted this fellow would be any different. Barbara chided herself for being so cynical.

    As a scowl settled into Barbara’s expression, she felt eyes on her and instinctively turned to the far corner of the living room. The third man had his arms folded across his chest as he leaned against the wall gazing at Barbara. She took in his appearance the same way he seemed to be doing with her. The man was bearded, his facial hair a mix of salt and pepper, contrasting with the dark locks that framed his face beneath a black felt hat. His cropped bangs were too long and his mouth turned up slightly from one corner. Barbara raised her chin, then looked away.

    When her eyes drifted back to his, he narrowed his eyebrows, squinting at her. The lines around his eyes hinted that he was older than Barbara might have thought at first glance. He was so serious-looking and solemn with deep worry lines above the bridge of his nose that he might have frightened her if she’d met up with him alone somewhere. Moreover, she was acutely aware of his height. He towered several inches over the other two men, his shoulders straining against a dark blue shirt. He’d braved the cold outside without any winter attire, and even now, in a room cold enough for human breath to cloud the space around them, he didn’t so much as tremble.

    Barbara quivered as her heart beat too fast for her liking. Drawing in a slow breath, she forced herself to remain calm, uncomfortable with the effect this stranger was having on her. She’d loved John with all of her heart and soul, and no man would ever take away those feelings. Not even someone who could send a shiver up her spine with barely a glance. Silly as it was, she could see why Ruth had paired them all up in her mind. Barbara’s mother-in-law had used the Internet at the library to research the two men who would be staying with them—much to Barbara’s disapproval—and had learned that both men were widowers. Barbara wasn’t sure how the boy fit into things.

    She cleared her throat as she clasped her hands together in front of her. I’m Barbara Stoltzfus. She smiled as she addressed the men, determined not to look at the man in the corner. She motioned with her hand toward Naomi. "This is mei dochder, Naomi. Dropping her hands to her sides with more force than necessary, she nodded at the older woman, although she couldn’t hold on to the forced smile. And this is my mother-in-law, Ruth."

    "Naomi was named after me, my middle name. And Barbara used to be married to mei sohn, but he passed three years ago. Ruth sat taller as she spoke. So Barbara got stuck with me by default. I was raised on this farm."

    Barbara could feel her face reddening as she took a deep breath. "I don’t feel stuck, Ruth." She glanced at Naomi, hoping for some backup, but her daughter just grinned.

    The older man added another log to the fire, and as orange sparks shimmied upward, Ruth stood and sidled up to him, reaching her palms toward the warmth. What a lovely fire you built for us.

    Barbara’s face burned from embarrassment, but the older man’s cheeks dimpled above his beard before he stoked the fire with one of the fireplace tools nearby.

    I see your ankle must be better, Barbara said to Ruth.

    "Uh . . . ya. Ruth looked down and bounced up on her toes. All gut now. Much better."

    Barbara wondered if Ruth realized how much she was squinting. The woman surely couldn’t see much past the tip of her nose without her thick glasses. On the other hand, she sure seemed spry without her cane in her hand. Barbara had always known Ruth carried the cane for other uses than merely keeping herself stable on her feet. Ruth found more uses for a cane than its maker ever could have imagined. Barbara had seen her use it to hammer in a nail, to reach things high on a shelf, and, most recently, to stave off a wild dog.

    I’m Jethro. The large man who had carried Ruth inside announced his name in a deep voice, with vigor, as if he were notifying the world of his presence. Barbara lowered her eyes, sighed, and reminded herself again: Don’t be cynical. It was a word an Englisch friend had used to describe Barbara not long ago. At first, she wanted to deny the charge. But after thinking about it, Barbara supposed she had allowed herself to become this way since John’s death. I’m going to do better, Lord.

    This is my business partner, Wayne . . . Jethro nodded to the handsome man in the corner. Barbara allowed herself a quick peek, feeling a tiny bit disappointed that Wayne didn’t look her way. And the young lad, well . . . That’s my neighbor’s boy, Eli.

    I, uh, thought there would be just two of you, Barbara said as she tried to calculate if she had enough food planned for an extra person.

    "Ya, ya. Eli’s joining us was unexpected and at the last minute. Jethro stroked his long gray beard. We’d be happy to pay for an extra renter for the month, or if you can direct us to a nearby bed-and-breakfast, we can book him a room there."

    Barbara shook her head. "Nee, nee. It will be fine for Eli to stay on with you, although he will need to sleep on the couch since there are only two beds here."

    "Very kind, Barbara. Danki." Jethro nodded, smiling.

    Barbara noticed the looks being exchanged between Naomi and Eli, and while their mutual interest was nice to see, Barbara remained doubtful that anything would develop. Naomi didn’t talk about it much, but Barbara knew her daughter was fearful of commitment and scared someone she loved would leave her far too soon. But Naomi had to realize that with great love, there sometimes is great loss. She didn’t want her daughter to miss out on what she’d had with John, even though they hadn’t been able to grow old together.

    There’s a sleigh out in the barn behind the cottage. Barbara held her hands in front of her again. "If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, perhaps one of you men could help me get it out. I’m sure none of you want to have to carry us back to the haus because of a fall." She glowered at Ruth for a moment, but Ruth had her eyes on Jethro, and if not for her obvious age, Ruth could have been a schoolgirl with her first crush, batting eyes and all.

    I’ll help you.

    Barbara took in a sharp breath. It was the first thing she’d heard Wayne say, and his voice was as winsome as his appearance.

    He ran a hand the length of his beard before he strolled toward her, studying her in a way that made her feel translucent. She raised her chin and took another deep breath. Being handsome didn’t give him a right to ogle her inappropriately. Or was she misreading him?

    Barbara avoided his assessing gaze, afraid he’d see the crack in her heart and the loneliness that had ensued after John died. Could he read her thoughts or see the desires of her heart?

    Very well. She started toward the front door, still dressed in her cape and bonnet. They trudged across the uneven ground between the barn and the daadi haus, and she didn’t look back until they were in the barn and she heard the door close behind Wayne. As she turned around, the handsome stranger locked eyes with her, and Barbara thought the earth might be shifting on its axis.

    Barbara was always in control of her actions and her emotions.

    Until now.

    Chapter 3

    Wayne held Barbara’s gaze, wondering if she could see the yearning in his eyes. A man who missed his wife more than words could express, but who longed for a woman’s touch, even a simple kiss that could mean everything or nothing.

    There’s the sleigh, she whispered, pointing over Wayne’s shoulder, but their eyes stayed fused, neither drifting from the moment and the power it seemed to have over them. He wondered what it would be like to kiss her. For just a few moments, they could pretend they were in love, that they shared a life together, and that their worlds hadn’t stopped spinning the moment their spouses died.

    Wayne forced the inappropriate thoughts away. It was a vision he’d never act on, and he didn’t want to do anything that would make her feel uncomfortable, or that might disappoint God. He cleared his throat and refocused on the task at hand.

    "Ya, sure." Wayne pulled his eyes away from her, moved toward the sleigh, and began to prepare it for travel. But just being near Barbara caused his heart to flutter and made his cold hands clammy. He fumbled with the harness on the mule, and once the bit was in the animal’s mouth, Wayne turned to her. The light from the barn window lit the space around Barbara, casting an angelic glow.

    You are . . . He stared at her, lost in her beauty. You are . . . , he tried again but shook his head as he lowered his eyes for a moment. I’m sorry, he said as he locked eyes with her once more.

    Barbara moved closer to him, stepping from the light and into Wayne’s shadow. She raised an eyebrow, waiting.

    I was just going to say that you are very beautiful. Soft dark waves of auburn hair framed a delicate face with rosy cheeks. She had emerald eyes that were both examining and questioning. He quickly

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