An Amish Heirloom: Four Novellas
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An Amish Heirloom: Four Novellas
380eBook
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Overview
This volume of inspiring and heartwarming stories includes:
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston, author of the Amish Legacy series
Volunteer firefighter Leon King agrees to repair his ex-girlfriend Susie Bontrager’s grandparents’ antique rocking chairs for her future home with her fiancé—and is forced to acknowledge that his feelings for her have not quite gone away . . .
The Cedar Chest by two-time Carol Award winner Beth Wiseman
Decades after inheriting her great-grandmother’s cedar chest, Emma Fisher decides to pry it open—only to discover a beautiful love story in the form of letters between her great-grandparents. But as Emma immerses herself in their story, family secrets are revealed, and she must decide whether to share them . . .
The Treasured Book by USA Today–bestselling author Kathleen Fuller
For two years, Shane Broyles has felt God leading him to join the Amish. He’s staying with friends in Birch Creek, OH, when he is reunited with Lucy Fisher. Shane and Lucy have never revealed their feelings for each other, but when they stumble upon an antique Bible at a flea market, they feel drawn to each other—and to the mystery of the contents found within.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin, author of the Every Amish Season novels
Iris Beachy is a midwife who longs for a family of her own. When Mahon Kurtz seeks her help in delivering the baby of two young teenagers who have sought refuge in their town, little do they know that the unprepared couple will leave their newborn behind in an antique quilt—and change Iris and Mahon’s future . . .
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780310351870 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Christian Publishing |
| Publication date: | 08/22/2023 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 380 |
| Sales rank: | 750 |
| File size: | 990 KB |
About the Author
Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including Christianbook, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at AmyClipston.com; Facebook: @AmyClipstonBooks; Twitter: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston; BookBub: @AmyClipston.
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
With over two million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the USA TODAY bestselling author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com; Instagram: @kf_booksandhooks; Facebook: @WriterKathleenFuller; Twitter: @TheKatJam.
Kelly Irvin is a bestselling, award-winning author of over twenty novels and stories. A retired public relations professional, Kelly lives with her husband, Tim, in San Antonio. They have two children, four grandchildren, and two ornery cats. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: @kelly_irvin; Facebook: @Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Leon King swallowed the swelling lump of emotion that threatened to choke him as he stood in a cemetery, surrounded by a multitude of community members. He was vaguely aware that the warm September sun was beating down on his shoulders and black hat, but he didn't care. He was staring at the moist earth covering the grave of his friend Charlie Glick.
As the minister began reciting a closing prayer, Leon lifted his head to observe Minerva Yoder, Charlie's fiancée. Tears poured down her cheeks, and she gripped her father's arm as if it were a lifeline.
Leon had seen Charlie only a couple of weeks ago. Their volunteer fire companies both responded to a call, a traffic accident on Lincoln Highway in Paradise. The two men worked together to free the passengers from a car pummeled by a tractor trailer, and once the injured were loaded into ambulances, they chatted as they cleared the scene. Charlie talked about his upcoming wedding and moving into the house he'd built on his father's farm.
But now Charlie was dead. Two days earlier he'd been hit by lightning while repairing shingles on his father's dairy barn. He was gone in an instant. And he was only twenty-five years old, the same age as Leon.
Leon looked to his right. His friend and fellow volunteer firefighter Jamie Riehl stood with his girlfriend, Kayla Dienner. Kayla sniffed and wiped her eyes, and Jamie released her hand and put one arm around her shoulder. She leaned against him. Like Minerva, Kayla seemed to rely on someone else to hold her upright.
The affection between Jamie and Kayla touched Leon deep in his soul, surprising him. And then an unexpected thought overwhelmed him.
He was alone.
He hadn't had a serious girlfriend in nearly four years. He had no one to comfort, no one special to encourage him after a tough day at the fire station or working at his father's furniture store.
A nagging hollowness filled his gut as his gaze moved back to the grave. He couldn't allow himself to waste another day. He was ready to find someone special and settle down.
He looked again at Charlie's grave, and a chill moved down his spine at another gripping thought. I don't want to die alone.
When the minister's prayer ended, a murmur of conversations spread throughout the crowd, and community members slowly and quietly began to make their way to the buggies that lined the long street.
Leon turned to Jamie and Kayla.
"I can't believe he's gone." Jamie spoke in a low voice and shook his head. "We just saw him at that traffic accident a few weeks ago."
Leon sighed. "Ya."
"We never know God's plan for us," Kayla nearly whispered, and her shoulders shuddered slightly, as though she was still trying to regain her composure.
Jamie nodded. "We have to appreciate every day the Lord gives us."
Leon cleared his throat against another knot of emotion as his friends studied each other for a moment. What was wrong with him? Why was he so sensitive today? It wasn't as though he hadn't seen grief before — or two people in love.
He needed to change the subject before his emotions got the better of him in public.
"Are you volunteering this week, Jamie?"
"Ya. I'm on for Friday."
"I am too." Leon folded his arms over his chest. He looked past Jamie, and his breath stalled in his lungs as his gaze landed on Susie Bontrager, his ex-girlfriend. They worshiped in different church districts, and he hadn't seen her for a couple of years. Her eyes met his, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She gave him a little wave. He returned the gesture.
Susie was standing with her fiancé, Joshua Chupp. She looked up at him and said something, and then they both started walking toward Leon. The muscles in Leon's shoulders tightened. Susie's face was radiant with a bright smile, and she was as pretty as ever.
"I'm going to take Kayla back to her family's restaurant," Jamie said, yanking Leon from his thoughts. "I'll see you at the station on Friday."
"Ya." Leon nodded at Kayla. "Take care."
"I'm sure I'll see you at the restaurant soon." Kayla gave him a shy smile before taking Jamie's hand and leaving with him through the crowd.
"Leon." As Susie came close, her blue-green eyes sparkled in the mid-morning sunlight. "How are you?"
"I'm gut." He smiled at her and then nodded at Josh, who returned the greeting.
"You know Josh, right?" Susie touched Josh's arm.
"Of course I do." Leon swallowed a chuckle. "We were all in the same combined youth group when we were teenagers."
"Right. I forgot that." Susie's cheeks blushed, a pretty complement to the bright-red hair peeking out from under her prayer covering. "We're getting married in November."
Josh nodded. "I'd heard that. Congratulations."
A man appeared beside Josh and touched his shoulder. Josh looked at Leon and then at Susie, as though he might be reluctant to leave them alone. "Excuse me," he said before stepping away.
As Leon was drawn to Susie's gorgeous eyes, regret slammed through him. Why had he let her slip through his fingers four years ago? "You look gut."
"You do too." She smiled up at him, but then her smile faded. "I was sorry to hear about Charlie. He was one of Josh's cousins."
Leon grimaced. "I didn't know that. I'm sorry for Josh and his family."
"Danki. It was a shock. Charlie's dat said it wasn't even raining when it happened. The storm popped out of nowhere, completely unexpected." She clasped her hands together. "Are you still volunteering with the fire department?"
"Ya. I volunteer one or two days every week."
"I remember how much you loved it. Is that how you met Charlie?"
"Ya. We saw each other on quite a few calls. I just saw him at the scene of an accident a couple of weeks ago."
"Josh and I saw him at church on Sunday. I didn't imagine we'd bury him today. You see someone one day, and then the Lord calls him home the next. Change can come in an instant."
"Ya."
And then only silence passed between them as they stared at each other for a moment. He longed to know what she was thinking. Was she remembering their time together as boyfriend and girlfriend? Did she ever miss him? Why, after all these years, did he suddenly feel this rush of attraction toward his ex-girlfriend — especially when she was engaged to someone else?
"I was wondering if I could ask you a favor. I've been planning to get in touch with you." Susie's words crashed through his thoughts.
"Sure." He folded his arms over his black vest and white shirt. "What do you need?"
"Mei mammi left me two rocking chairs. Do you remember them? They were always in our schtupp."
"Ya, I remember them. I sat in them quite a few times." Susie had been so close to her grandmother. Leon knew those chairs meant a great deal to her.
"Right. I was wondering if you could repair them for me."
"I'd be froh to. What's wrong with them?" "The pieces of wood that make up the back." She pointed toward her spine. "You know, where you rest your back?"
He tried in vain to fight a grin. "You mean the spindles?"
"Right." She gave a little laugh, and she looked adorable. "They're loose on both chairs. The arms are loose as well. Come to think of it, the legs and rockers are too. Mei dat says they can be repaired, but he's not a furniture expert. I also think they need to be re-stained. It's been a long time since anyone cleaned them up."
"I can sand them down and re-stain them for you, as well as make the repairs. Just bring them by the store."
"Wunderbaar," she said with a wide smile. "I'll pay you, of course."
He shrugged. "All right. I can fit them in between projects I'm doing for mei dat. How soon do you need them back?"
"Not until the end of November. I want to put them in our new haus. Josh is building it on his dat's farm, and he says I can decorate and furnish any way I want. I always dreamt of putting the chairs in mei haus. Mammi left mei schweschder her hope chest, but she knew how much the rockers meant to me." She blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm babbling."
"It's fine. It's gut to talk to you. It's been a long time."
"Ya." She nodded. "I haven't seen you since last year, right? When some of our freinden went to the lake. Or was that two summers ago?"
"I think so. You weren't dating Josh then, were you?"
She shook her head. "No. We've been together only a year."
"Oh." Once again he took in her beautiful face. How did Josh convince Susie to marry him in a year? Of course, marriage was what Susie had wanted.
Why did he care? It was none of his business. Not now.
"I'll bring those chairs to the store tomorrow."
"That would be perfect," he told her.
Josh returned and touched Susie's arm. "I'm ready to go now," he said. Leon said good-bye to the couple and then made his way to his buggy through the thinning crowd of mourners. He was sad about losing Charlie, but at the same time seeing Susie lifted his spirits — even though she was engaged to another man.
Leon's Sunday best now hung on a peg in the restroom, where he'd changed into his work clothes before stepping into the workroom at Lancaster Furniture Sales and Repair. His older brother, Ben, was working on a wingchair. "How was the funeral?"
"Bedauerlich." Leon took a bottle of water from the propane refrigerator at the back of the room, and then he went to his work area and hopped up on a stool. "Minerva Yoder is his fiancée, and she sobbed through most it. His mamm did too."
Ben blanched and sat down on a stool beside the chair he'd been repairing. "Ach, that had to be tough to see."
"It was." Leon opened the bottle and took a long drink as his thoughts turned to Susie. She was still so stunning. Her red hair and striking eyes had made her the most alluring young woman in his youth group. It took him a year to work up the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend. He'd convinced himself she would say no, but she'd responded with an excited yes. In fact, she said she'd hoped he would ask her.
Then after two years everything fell apart when she told him she wanted more out of their relationship. She wanted marriage, and he'd had no choice but to admit he wasn't ready to take that step. He was only twenty-one.
Almost before he knew it, they'd broken up.
"Leon?"
"Huh?" Leon's gaze snapped to his brother.
"Where did you go just now?"
"Go?" Leon lifted an eyebrow, and Ben laughed as he pointed at him. "You were lost in thought. What's on your mind?"
As he debated how much to share with his brother, Leon squeezed the bottle of water, which crinkled in protest.
"You don't have to tell me, little bruder." Ben stood and returned to repairing a leg on the wingchair.
Leon usually didn't appreciate Ben's little reminders that he was two years older. Strangers would have no idea which brother, both with the dark eyes and dark hair inherited from their father, was the eldest. But today he'd ignore his comment.
"I'll tell you." Leon pushed off the stool. "I saw Susie at the cemetery."
"Susie?" Ben turned toward him. "Susie Bontrager?"
"Ya." Leon finished his water and tossed the bottle into the nearby trash can. "Josh Chupp was there too. They're getting married in November, and they were at the funeral because Charlie was Josh's cousin. Susie asked if she could bring her grandmother's rocking chairs here for me to re-stain and repair, and I assured her she could. She wants to put them in her new haus."
He paused. "She looked really gut."
"Okay." Ben sank down onto his stool. "Susie is getting married?"
"Right."
"Then why are we even talking about her?"
"We're not. I'm just telling you she's bringing in her rocking chairs." Leon turned toward his work area and studied the bureau he'd started to sand before heading to the funeral. He pulled on his face mask, retrieved his sanding block, and set to work trying to erase Susie's attractive smile from his mind.
Then Ben appeared beside him, and Leon jumped with a start.
"What?" Leon pulled off his mask and glared up at his brother.
"Forget the rocking chairs. Do you still have feelings for Susie?"
Leon frowned. Why had he told Ben anything?
Ben lightly punched his arm. "You do! Leon, you need to let that go if she's getting married. Besides, you two broke up ... what? Four years ago? Why would you even consider —"
"Leon!" Dat had appeared in the doorway, and Leon blew out a sigh of relief.
"I didn't even know you were back. You must've slipped in the back door. How was the funeral?"
"It was really bedauerlich." As Leon recounted some details about the funeral, he was thankful his father had interrupted Ben's interrogation. He didn't want to discuss his confusing feelings about Susie with his brother.
But he had to admit the truth to himself. He was looking forward to seeing her again.
CHAPTER 2
Susie Bontrager stared up at the Lancaster Furniture Sales and Repair sign. It seemed like only yesterday she was visiting Leon in his father's store after shopping at the market. They'd been dating then.
Betty, her younger sister, tapped her shoulder. "Suze? Are you going to get out of the truck? Or are you going to stare at that sign all afternoon?"
"Oh, right." Susie pushed open the passenger door of her driver's four-door pickup truck and climbed down as her sister exited from the backseat. "I'll go see if Leon and Ben will carry the chairs inside for us."
"I can take one of them."
Susie spun and then swallowed a gasp. Leon stood grinning at her from the sidewalk in front of the store. "You startled me." Had he been standing at the window, watching her stare at the store's sign like a dope?
"I'm sorry. I thought you saw me come out. I was working the front of the store when I saw the truck pull up." Leon stepped off the sidewalk and moved to the bed of the truck where Grayson, her driver stood waiting. "I've been watching for you."
"You have?" Susie blinked.
"Ya." Leon's smile seemed ... sheepish. "Is that bad?"
"No." Susie shook her head. But it's surprising.
Grayson dropped the tailgate and picked up Mammi's chair. Leon grabbed Daadi's.
"I'll get the door." Susie jogged over and pulled it open.
Leon and Grayson carried the rocking chairs through the showroom and toward the workroom as Susie and Betty entered the store.
"Susie! Betty!" Leon's father came around the front counter and shook Susie's hand. "Wie geht's?"
"Hi, Menno. We're well. How are you?" Susie always found herself marveling at how similar Leon's eyes were to his father's and brother's. They reminded her of melted chocolate.
Betty sidled up to Susie and extended her hand as well. "It's nice to see you, Menno."
"Leon told me you were going to bring your grandparents' rocking chairs in for repair." He leaned back against the counter.
"He's excited to work on them."
"He is?" Susie asked.
"Ya, he is." Menno touched his graying brown beard. "How are your parents doing?"
"They're well," Betty chimed in. "The farm keeps us all busy. Dat hired a couple of buwe from my youth group to help him. Susie and I are still helping Mamm with all the household chores and quilting."
"I haven't seen your dat in a while. Tell him to stop in the store sometime. Or I suppose I can go to see him."
"Susie."
Susie turned toward the doorway that led to the workroom.
Leon was beckoning her.
"Could you come here for a moment?" he asked.
"Ya." Susie looked at his father. "Excuse me." As she approached Leon, she took in his face. She'd forgotten how handsome he was with his intelligent dark eyes, dark-brown hair, strong jaw, broad shoulders, and wide chest. He was muscular too, as though he spent hours every day working on a farm, not making and repairing furniture.
She bit back another gasp. How dare she contemplate how attractive she found her ex-boyfriend? She was engaged! Josh would be hurt if he could read her mind.
Leon raised his eyebrows as she came closer, and she shook off her inappropriate thoughts. The sweet scents of wood and stain filled her senses as she stepped into the workroom.
"What do you need?" She hoped her cheeks didn't radiate embarrassment as she went to stand beside him.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "An Amish Heirloom"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin.
Excerpted by permission of ZONDERVAN.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
