Safe Hearts (Amish Safe House, Book 3)

by Ruth Hartzler

  Daniel Glick is drawn to the lonely figure of Nettie, but Nettie wants to be left alone.

  However, when Jebediah Sprinkler tries to force Nettie to hand over her house, Daniel springs to the rescue.

  As Nettie’s struggles mount, she has to decide whether to take the law into her own hands.

  And what will Daniel do when he discovers the secret that Nettie is hiding from him?

  About Ruth Hartzler.

  Ruth Hartzler’s father was from generations of what people refer to as “Closed Open” or “Gospel Hall” Brethren. Ruth’s mother, a Southern Baptist, had years of struggle adapting to the cultural differences, and always cut her hair, which was a continual concern to Ruth’s father’s family. Ruth was raised strictly Brethren and from birth attended three meetings every Sunday at the Gospel Hall, the Wednesday night meeting, and the yearly “Conference,” until she left the Brethren at the age of twenty one. Ruth still has close friends in the Brethren, as well as the Amish, both groups descending from Anabaptists. Ruth’s family had electricity, but not television, radio, or magazines, and they had plain cars. Make up, bright or fashionable clothes, and hair cutting were not permitted for women. Women had to wear hats in meetings (what others would call church meetings) but not elsewhere. The word “church” was never used and there were no bishops or ministers. All baptized men were able to speak (preach, or give out a hymn) spontaneously at meetings. Musical instruments were forbidden, with the exception of the traditional pump organ which was allowed only if played in the home for hymn music. Even so, singing of hymns in accompaniment was forbidden.

  Ruth Hartzler is a widow with one adult child and two grandchildren. She lives alone with her Yorkshire Terrier and two cats. She is a retired middle school teacher and enjoys quilting, reading, and writing.