Titus had been the one to bring up the idea, although we never got around to going. But now, thinking of him, I recalled how he’d described pushing the oars slowly and steadily through the water as we moved along. Just Titus, me, and the Good Lord’s love shining down on us.
I’d imagined Titus picking some white wildflowers for me, so I could hold them as he rowed across the glossy lake, the moonlight making the blossoms all the whiter. And I wondered now what it would be like for Titus to kiss me in the rowboat, the moon high above us, the water all aglimmer. Would we feel as close as we did before Dat’s sin was exposed?
I glanced at the house, far in the distance now, and had no desire to hurry back. It was disquieting to have weathered the tempest of Dat’s excommunication, and then miraculously find we had all survived, only to get hit by this whirlwind called Adeline, as fancy as her name.
As the evening sun slipped toward the horizon, I had only one recourse . . . to turn to God in prayer, remembering all the times Mamma had come out here to walk this same dirt path around Dat’s big green meadow.
Dear Lord, please help my parents make it through this new and unforeseen storm, I pleaded with my heavenly Father. Please help us all, I pray.
The Millers’ Story Continues . . .
As the only daughter, Sylvia Miller has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers’ Hickory Hollow farm. It isn’t that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household. And with Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome an outsider—especially this outsider—into their midst.
Can God allow something good to come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline’s arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community? Find out in The Timepiece, the compelling conclusion to The Tinderbox, available September 2019!
Author’s Note
If I had more space here to write about the many Amish folk who assisted with research for this book, it still would not be sufficient. Of course I wouldn’t publish their names, but they certainly know who they are, and my heart is overflowing with appreciation for their exceptional kindness, generosity, and time.
I’m grateful, as well, for the opportunity to visit with the delightful clockmaker’s wife at Kauffman’s Handcrafted Clocks in Ronks, Pennsylvania—a must-see for all my reader-friends!
It was really terrific having Dave, my husband, accompany me to Lancaster County for an incredible week of research and fellowship with Amish and Mennonite friends, including my own dear Buchwalter relatives. I had loads of fun brainstorming the conclusion to The Tinderbox, which is entitled The Timepiece and releasing September 2019.
I offer abundant thanks to my steadfast editors, David Horton, Rochelle Glöege, and Elisa Tally, as well as to my amazing reviewers, Ann Parrish, Dave Lewis, Barbara Birch, and my Plain consultants. The Bethany House marketing team also deserves a standing ovation!
Enormous gratitude goes to my beloved friend and former teacher colleague Martha (Marty) Nelson, who faithfully prayed for me while she was so very ill during the writing and research of this book. A true gem!
Special thanks—and love—extends to my daughter Julie, one of my greatest encouragers and helpful beyond belief! Hugs and kisses across the miles to my sweet twinnies, Janie and Jonathan, who cheer me on with their thoughtful phone calls and handwritten notes.
To my dear prayer partners, including the group at Bethany House Publishers, my wonderful church, and my own extended family—Buchwalters and Joneses alike—thank you! I’m also indebted to my sister-writers whose constant support from afar and faithful prayers make this busy writing life possible.
As you may know, I cherish my loyal readership. It is a true honor to write for you, my dear reader, hoping this story will touch your heart as it did my own. If you ever have the opportunity to visit my beloved Lancaster County, I hope you’ll take time to drive (or walk) the back roads and visit some of my very favorite shops, all of which influenced my latest novel: Smucker’s Quilts, Lapp Valley Farm, Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies, Shady Lane Fabrics, and the Old Candle Barn, just to name a few.
Now, to the Lord above, I offer up my greatest tribute. Soli Deo Gloria—to the glory of God alone.
Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than one hundred books. Her stories have been published in twelve languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother’s Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and is an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award.
Beverly has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. She lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.
Visit her website at www.beverlylewis.com or www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis for more information.
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Table of Contents
Cover
Half Title Page
Books by Beverly Lewis
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
Epigraph
Prologue
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Epilogue
The Millers’ Story Continues . . .
Author’s Note
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
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The Tinderbox Page 24