Patricia Davids Christmas Brides of Amish Country: An Amish ChristmasThe Christmas QuiltA Hope Springs Christmas

by Patricia Davids

  She pushed away slightly. “I look forward to that, but don’t we have things to do?”

  “Ja, we have much work to finish before my family arrives. Let me put your horse up and we can get started.”

  It took him only a few minutes to stable her mare. When he was finished, she asked, “What’s first?”

  “I thought we could gather some greenery for my mantel.”

  “Sounds like fun. Do you have a hatchet?”

  He picked one up from his workbench near the barn door. “What self-respecting Amish handyman doesn’t have a hatchet?”

  “‘Self-respecting.’ That makes you sound so serious.” She giggled and darted out the door.

  Laughing, he chased after her. She was waiting with a snowball in hand. She let it fly and it smashed against his coat. He stumbled to a halt and held up his hand. “No. I refuse to throw snowballs at you.”

  She scooped up another handful and casually packed it together. “You don’t have to throw any.”

  “Good. After what happened last time, I’m not taking that chance again.”

  “Fine. I’ll do all the throwing.” She let loose and knocked his hat from his head.

  “Rebecca Marie Beachy, stop that.” He bent to pick up his hat and felt a snowball hit his rear end. He straightened with as much dignity as he could muster, dusted off his hat and settled it on his head. He bent to scoop up a handful of snow and turned to face her.

  Rebecca took a few steps back. “You said you weren’t going to throw any at me.”

  “I can put snow down your collar without throwing it.” He shifted his weapon from one hand to the other.

  “Only if you can catch me.” She took off toward the house at a run.

  He caught up with her before she’d gone a dozen feet and swung her into his arms. She shrieked and squirmed, but he held on and turned her to face him. He gazed into her sparkling eyes and knew the joy that had been missing in his heart for a decade. “I love you.”

  “Not as much as I love you.” She rose on tiptoe and planted a quick kiss on his lips.

  Dropping back on her heels, she patted his chest. “Go cut the greenery. I’ve got to start baking the ham. Vera, Grandpa Reuben and his wife will be here soon. Adam and Emma are on their way, too.”

  Within the next two hours, Gideon’s simple home came alive with the spirit of an Amish Christmas. The smell of pine boughs and food scented the air. Cookies, candy and snacks appeared on the countertops. His family arrived an hour after Rebecca’s. The sounds of happy chatter and conversations filled the rooms as everyone became acquainted. Emma and Adam arrived shortly before three o’clock.

  Gideon, his brothers and his nephews spent the afternoon trekking through the orchard to find the alpacas. Snow clung to the animals’ thick coats and long eyelashes as they munched on hay bales Gideon had set out for them that morning. Afterward, the boys occupied themselves with games and coloring books on the living-room floor, enjoying the presents they had received from their parents that morning.

  When everyone was settled, Gideon called his mother, his sisters and Rebecca in from the kitchen where they were putting the finishing touches on the dinner they were about to share. Gideon crossed the room and handed his Bible to Reuben. “Would you read to us the story?”

  Everyone grew quiet. Reuben opened the Bible and began in a strong, steady voice to read the Christmas story.

  Even the children remained quiet until Reuben finished reading from the second chapter of Luke. Gideon glanced at Rebecca. She smiled softly at him and he knew it was time. He thanked Reuben and said, “Before we eat, I have a gift for Rebecca.” He withdrew a large bundle from inside the closet and carried it across the room to her.

  She blushed as everyone looked at her with curiosity. The package was wrapped with plain brown paper and string. Rebecca began to carefully work the string off.

  “Me do it.” Little Melvin rushed to help. Grabbing the paper, he yanked it apart, smiling at the ripping sound. His mother quickly snagged him and held him in her lap. He protested until his father spoke sternly in his ear.

  Rebecca pushed the rest of the paper aside to reveal the quilt she had made. She looked up at Gideon. “You’re giving it back to me?”

  “I took it under false pretenses. It is your gift to give, and I understand if you wish to give it to someone else.”

  Everyone laughed. As the families filed into the kitchen, Gideon hung back to speak with Rebecca. “I hope you like your gift.”

  “I like it, but it belongs to you.”

  “Danki. One day I pray we will share it as husband and wife. Will you marry me, Rebecca?”

  “Ja,” she answered without hesitation. Her eyes sparkled with her love as she drew his face down for a tender kiss.

  “Marry me soon,” he whispered. “I can’t wait long to make you mine.”

  “Only a little longer,” she promised.

  “When?”

  “Amish weddings take place in the fall. You know that.”

  “I can’t wait that long.”

  She drew back and shook her head. “We could have a spring wedding, but you know what folks will think.”

  “That we’ve got a babe on the way and need to rush things along.”

  “Exactly.”

  “All right, a fall wedding it is, but early fall,” he insisted.

  “October?”

  “September,” he countered.

  “September,” she agreed. He kissed her once more and she settled against his side, more content than she’d been for ten years. God had been good to her.

  Gideon laid his forehead against hers. “Do we really have to wait until September?”

  “Ja!” a chorus of women’s voices answered from the kitchen.

  Smiling, Gideon gave Rebecca a quick kiss and together they went in to join the Christmas feast and begin a new life.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed the story of Gideon’s struggle to return to his Amish faith. Both he and Rebecca made bad decisions for the wrong reasons when they were young. Oh, if only we knew at twenty the things we knew by the time we were forty. A lot fewer mistakes might be made.

  Life happens, but we don’t often get the chance for a do-over. Fortunately, I can give my characters that chance. In the same way, God gives us that chance when we admit our mistakes. We get the chance to wipe the slate clean, to start over with a whole heart and a sense of His purpose in our lives.

  By the way, the story of how Adam and Emma Troyer met can be found as a free online read at www.Harlequin.com. Just search the archives for a story called The Inn at Hope Springs.

  May the Lord bless and keep you and may He shine the light of His love upon you. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

  Questions for Discussion

  Were you surprised to learn that Amish youth participate in wild parties?

  Was Gideon wrong to keep his identity a secret from Rebecca when they met at the auction? Did you understand his motivation? Why do you feel he was right or wrong?

  Do you have a past guilt that weighs on your heart? How does that affect your relationship with your family? With God?

  Rebecca suffered a debilitating and life-changing event when she lost her sight. Do you know someone who is sight-impaired? What is their attitude toward their disability?

  Did you learn anything new about the Amish in this story?

  What character did you identify with in this story and why?

  Do you believe your community would come together to help a member who lost a business the way the people of Hope Springs gathered around Reuben Beachy when his shop caught fire? Why?

  The Amish are depicted as leading simple lives. Do you believe this is true or is it merely that it appears that way to outsiders?

  What part of the story would you like to have changed and why?

  The practice of shunning is one we find hard to understand. Do you believe it can be helpful for wayward fa
mily members or is it a cruel form of punishment?

  Many people feel Christmas is too commercial. What part of our Christmas traditions would you like to see changed?

  Gideon gave up flying to return to his faith. What sacrifices have you seen people make in order to become closer to God?

  Several people have said the Amish seem adept at getting around the restrictions placed on them by their faith, such as hiring drivers instead of owning a car. What do you think of their ability to “bend” the rules? Do you think it diminishes their faith?

  If you could travel only by horse and buggy, how would that change your life?

  The Amish clearly face the same challenges and trials that we face. What do you think makes them so strong?

  ISBN: 978-1-4592-8249-0

  THE CHRISTMAS QUILT

  Copyright © 2011 by Patricia MacDonald

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Love Inspired Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This edition published by arrangement with Love Inspired Books.

  ® and TM are trademarks of Love Inspired Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.

  www.LoveInspiredBooks.com

  * Brides of Amish Country

  Season Of Second Chances

  Amish widow Sarah Wyse does not see wedding bells in her future. Still, she can’t think of a better way to spend the Christmas season than helping her handsome, shy neighbor Levi Beachy find a wife. But once the single ladies of Hope Springs start visiting his buggy shop, Levi sends the town’s eligible men Sarah’s way. Neither expects to find love—but with help from the close-knit community, they just might mend each other’s broken heart.

  Levi wondered if Sarah realized how pretty she was with the new morning light streaming through the window bathing her face in golden light.

  To his eyes, she grew more beautiful with each passing year. It was no wonder Daniel had fallen in love with her.

  Levi dropped his gaze to his feet, afraid his thoughts would somehow show in his eyes. “Do you mind?”

  “Do I mind what?” she asked at last with an odd inflection in her tone.

  He waved his arm to indicate the shop. “That I made changes?”

  “Nee, it is your work space,” she said quickly.

  “Goot.”

  “What needs doing in here today that Grace would normally do? I’m at your beck and call, so put me to work.”

  “I don’t need anything.” What he wanted was for her to go home. The workshop was his sanctuary. How could it be a place of peace with Sarah in it?

  Books by Patricia Davids

  Love Inspired

  His Bundle of Love

  Love Thine Enemy

  Prodigal Daughter

  The Color of Courage

  Military Daddy

  A Matter of the Heart

  A Military Match

  A Family for Thanksgiving

  *Katie’s Redemption

  *The Doctor’s Blessing

  *An Amish Christmas

  *The Farmer Next Door

  *The Christmas Quilt

  *A Home for Hannah

  *A Hope Springs Christmas

  *Brides of Amish Country

  Love Inspired Suspense

  A Cloud of Suspicion

  Speed Trap

  PATRICIA DAVIDS

  After thirty-five years as a nurse, Pat has hung up her stethoscope to become a full-time writer. She enjoys spending her new free time visiting her grandchildren, doing some long-overdue yard work and traveling to research her story locations. She resides in Wichita, Kansas. Pat always enjoys hearing from her readers. You can visit her on the web at www.patriciadavids.com.

  Patricia Davids

  A Hope Springs Christmas

  Let your light so shine before men,

  that they may see your good works,

  and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

  —Matthew 5:16

  This book is lovingly dedicated to my daughter Kathy and her husband, Tony. Thank you for

  your help and love. You both mean the world to me.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Epilogue

  Dear Reader

  Questions for Discussion

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  “You can tell me the truth, dear. How are you really?”

  Sarah Wyse dropped her gaze to the pile of mending in front of her on the scrubbed pine kitchen table without answering her aunt. How was she? Frightened.

  “Tell me,” her aunt persisted. Emma Lapp didn’t believe in beating around the bush. She had a sharp eye and a gift for two things, matchmaking and uncovering gossip. How had she found out so quickly?

  Sarah had expected to have a few days before having this conversation, but that wasn’t to be. “I’m fine, Aenti Emma. Why do you ask?”

  “You put on such a brave face, child. I know how hard the holiday season is for you. To lose your job on top of everything, my heart goes out to you. You must remember the Lord never gives us more than we can bear. Put your trust in Him.”

  “All is as God wills, even when we cannot comprehend His ways.”

  Christmas brought Sarah more painful memories than joy. Too many of her holidays had been marked by funerals. She dreaded the arrival of winter each year with its long, dark, lonely nights. It was her job that kept her sane. Had kept her sane.

  What would she do now? What if the crippling depression she struggled to overcome got the upper hand?

  “How will you manage?” Emma asked.

  Sarah raised her chin and answered with a conviction she didn’t feel. “As best I can. Would you like some tea?”

  “That would be lovely.”

  Her aunt’s sudden arrival was a blessing in disguise. Sarah had been sitting alone in her kitchen, wallowing in self-pity. It solved nothing. She needed to be busy.

  She rose and crossed to the cupboard. Taking down a pair of white mugs, she carried them to the stove and filled them with hot water from the kettle steaming on the back of the cooktop.

  “I know how you depend on the income from your job, Sarah, being a widow and all. Your onkel and I will help if you need it.”

  “Don’t fret for me. It’s only for a few months. Janet is moving her mother to Florida and wants to make sure she is settled before coming back. She plans to reopen Pins and Needles after Easter.” Surely, she could hang on that long.

  Emma cocked an eyebrow. “Will she be back? I heard she might stay.”

  A flash of panic hit Sarah, but she suppressed it. Janet would be back. Then things would return to normal.

  “I’m sure she’ll be back. Her business is successful. She enjoys the
shop and loves the town. I have ample savings and the income from the rent of the buggy shop. I’ll be fine.”

  Things would be tight, but Sarah would manage financially. Emotionally, that was another story.

  Emma said, “Pins and Needles is successful because of the long hours you put into it. Anyway, you can depend on your family and the church to provide for you.”

  “I know.” Being the object of sympathy and charity again was something Sarah preferred to avoid. She knew her attitude was prideful. Perhaps that was why God had set this challenge before her—to teach her humility.

  Emma folded her arms over her ample chest. “You must find something to keep you busy.”

  “I was making a to-do list when you arrived.” Sarah indicated a spiral notebook on the table.

  “Goot. Have you thought of inviting your brother and his family for a visit? You haven’t seen them in several years. The girls will be grown women before you know it.”

  After having been raised with only sisters, her brother, Vernon, had been blessed with two girls of his own and finally a boy. He and his wife were expecting another child in the spring. It would be good to see them. Having children in the house might help dispel the gloom that hung over her holidays.

  “That’s a fine idea. I’ll write to Vernon first thing in the morning and invite them for a visit. There isn’t much room here for the children to play. I hope they won’t mind a stay in town.” The family lived on a large dairy farm outside of Middlefield where the children had acres of woods and fields to roam.

  Emma grinned. “You’ll have to take Merle fishing if you want to keep that little boy happy. The last time we went to visit them, that was all he wanted to do and all he talked about. The girls entertain each other.”

  Sarah suffered a stab of grief. Her husband had liked to fish. It wasn’t something she cared for. She should have tried harder to enjoy the things he liked, but how was she to know their time together would be so short?