Best of
Amish-Fiction
2012
The Keeper
Suzanne Woods Fisher - 2012
A farm. A heart. All in need of repair.Life on Windmill Farm hasn't been the same since Julia Lapp's father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn't stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul's sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?
A Promise for Miriam
Vannetta Chapman - 2012
As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways. Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn?t yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before. Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek?and maybe find love again.
A Season for Tending
Cindy Woodsmall - 2012
Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden? Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business. Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable. Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions. Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?
Saving Gideon
Amy Lillard - 2012
This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife and son to the point of losing his faith. He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community. But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does Gideon have but to let her in?Dallas socialite Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere lifestyle. Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through (yet another) bad breakup. Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money. All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself. Avery soon discovers the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before. Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her. And there’s something more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness. Yet as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles, or will their sheer differences pull them apart?
An Uncommon Grace
Serena B. Miller - 2012
His stepfather has been murdered and his mother wounded by intruders. Grace saves his mother’s life and Levi is more than thankful. However, any relationship between them is forbidden by his faith.Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of the teachings of his ultra-conservative Amish sect. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from having contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother—who need him to survive. Grace is struggling with trying to figure out how to live her life without the man she has grown to love. Meanwhile, a murderer must be caught. Will love and justice prevail?
Summer of Secrets
Charlotte Hubbard - 2012
. . Summer Of Secrets Summer has come to Willow Ridge, but Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her life--marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood sweetheart. When a strange Englischer arrives in the café claiming to be the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the sturdy foundation of her future crumbling--including Micah's steadfast love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn that even when God's plan isn't clear, it will always lead them back to each other. . . "A heartwarming new voice for fans of Beverly Lewis." --Emma Miller
Amish Knitting Circle
Karen Anna Vogel - 2012
Episodes 1-10 comprise Granny's first knitting circle, when she invites 5 women who are heavy on her heart to knit for charity. Granny Weaver believes these women could be stronger if spun together. She invites five women, all with various issues such as infertility, poor body image and marital problems and haunting secrets. As they meet from October to April to knit shawls for charity, they begin to deal with problems, together, in community, the Amish way. Amish Knitting Circle: Complete Series includes:Beginnings ~ Granny Weaver starts the circle, and all the women have a reason not to come, but push back fears and eventually go.Wedding Season ~ Amish weddings are typically in November. The knitting circle women see happy newlyweds everywhere, but for two, it’s a painful season; one wishing she was married, another wishing she was not.Thanksgiving ~ The Amish celebrate this holiday, now that many work for the English (Non-Amish) and have the day off. The women reflect on all they’re thankful for…Snowflakes ~ December winds blow sparkling snowflakes everywhere and someone learns she’s a beautiful and unique as the ice crystals falling all around her. Christmas Cookies ~ It’s Christmas, and Granny Weaver is excited about the knitting circle’s Christmas cookie exchange. She’s comes to see these “Little Women” as her daughters, and along with that, the fretting heart of a mom. Old World Christmas ~ It’s STILL Christmas, as the Amish celebrate the season over twelve days, ending on January 6th, Old Christmas. It’s a day of fasting and reflection, remembering the arrival of the three kings who brought gifts to baby Jesus.Beauty for Ashes ~ It’s the end of January, and the knitting circle is meditating on the scripture; He gives us beauty for ashes... (Isaiah 61:3). One member is facing a terrible medical diagnosis; another needs counseling for damaged emotions. Wings to Fly ~ It’s a blustery February and the annual Audubon Backyard Bird Count is underway. What life lessons do feathered friends teach the women in the circle?Spun Together ~ It’s March and three weeks until Easter. Unity among church member must exist before this holy day, when they partake of communion and wash each other’s feet. But emotions are running high…New Beginnings ~ It’s Easter, but will it need to be postponed due to discord among church members? An early spring wedding is planned, or will there be two? Wonderful Amish story that makes one truly believe in God directing their life!!! Helen E. Hevener Amish Literature FansKaren Anna Vogel has given readers a realistic peek into Amish life, not sugar-coating or romanticizing it but allowing us to view this quaint, simple lifestyle as it truly is. Kathi Macias, award winning author of 35 books, including Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today.
The Wings of Morning
Murray Pura - 2012
Jude has also fallen in love with flying that new-fangled invention, the aeroplane.The Amish communities have rejected the telephone and have forbidden motorcar ownership but not yet electricity or aeroplanes.Though exempt from military service on religious grounds, Jude is manipulated by unscrupulous army officers into enlisting in order to protect several Amish men. No one in the community understands Jude's sudden enlistment and so he is shunned. Lyyndaya's despair deepens at the reports that Jude has been shot down in France. In her grief, she turns to nursing Spanish flu victims in Philadelphia. After many months of caring for stricken soldiers, Lyyndaya is stunned when an emaciated Jude turns up in her ward.Lyyndaya's joy at receiving Jude back from the dead is quickly diminished when the Amish leadership insist the shunning remain in force. How then can they marry without the blessing of their families? Will happiness elude them forever?Welcome a powerful new voice to the world of Amish fiction
When Hope Blossoms
Kim Vogel Sawyer - 2012
She hopes the new location will provide a fresh start for them all. But her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have a Mennonite family living next to his apple orchard. When the children try to befriend him, he resists. Tim left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn't want any reminders of his former life. Yet Amy and Tim find their paths colliding far more than either could have foreseen. Will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?
To Love and to Cherish
Kelly Irvin - 2012
It's been four years since Carl left. Four years since he left the safety of the small Amish community for the Englisch world. And in four years, Emma's heart has only begun to heal. Now, with the unexpected death of her parents, Emma is plunged back into a world of despair and confusion. It's a confusion only compounded by Carl's return. She's supposed to be in love with him-so why can't she keep her mind off Thomas, the strong, quiet widower who always seems to be underfoot? Could the man she only knew as a friend be the one to help her to heal? In a world that seems to be changing no matter how tightly she clings to the past, this one woman must see beyond her pain and open her heart to trust once again.
Healing Love
Laura V. Hilton - 2012
Among her biggest concerns is the well-being of her dog, Chinook, as she is no longer able to keep up with the high-energy Siberian husky. Shane Zimmerman moved to Seymour for a fresh start. The veterinarian is still reeling from the loss of his young wife, who died in childbirth - an aneurysm, the autopsy determined, but he still blames the midwife and the herbal remedies she administered. He meets his next-door neighbor, Kristi, when he discovers her wrecked buggy and takes her to the hospital. Eager to deepen the friendship that forms between them, he offers to take care of exercising her dog. Despite all the forces that would keep them apart, Kristi and Shane can't deny the strong attraction between them.So, their on-again, off-again relationship persists, as Kristi submits to physical therapy for her leg and Shane reevaluates his reasons for being Englisch. But will they find a way to stay together? Or are their differences too divisive to resolve?
A Gift of Faith
Sarah Price - 2012
For several months, he is left pondering his losses and how it fits into God's plan. How could God desert him when he has been such a pious follower of His Word? The community tries to help him through his trials but Jonas is resistant. It takes an amazing Christmas miracle to open his eyes to the every day nature of God's gifts to the world. Can his faith be saved in time?
The Tomato Patch
Sarah Price - 2012
Priscilla Smucker finds herself receiving unwanted attention in the community over an upcoming charity event at the local Mennonite church. When jealousy turns to bullying, how will she ever begin to handle it? This Amish novella is a perfect read for young adults and adult readers who love Amish or Christian fiction. Includes discussion questions for book clubs or just private reflection.
Abby Finds Her Calling
Naomi King - 2012
There, she mends the town's clothes and their torn relationships. But the town maidel has sworn off any suitors of her own because of her unrequited love for James Graber, who is about to marry her younger sister, Zanna...On the wedding day, Zanna is nowhere to be found, breaking James' heart. Zanna has brought shame to her family, but there's more in store for them when they discover how far she has fallen. Long-buried secrets come to light, and they test the bonds of the Cedar Creek community. Abby is at the center of it all, trying to maintain everyone's happiness. But will she ever find her own?
Sisters of the Heart: The Trilogy
Shelley Shepard Gray - 2012
But while she feels she?s found a home among the Amish, can Anna deny the life she left behind? And will her chance for happiness be stolen away by the man from her past? Wanted: Frightened by how far she?s strayed from her values during her Rumspringa, Katie vows to cut all ties with the outside world. Now widower Jonathan Lundy has asked her to help him take care of his two young girls. Will the past destroy Katie?s chances for love? Forgiven: Injured when a fire destroys her family?s barn, Winnie returns home from the hospital to find her brother, Jonathan, seeking vengeance on the arsonist responsible. But in an Amish community founded on grace and forgiveness, will his unwillingness to forgive ruin the trust that forms the foundation of their lives?