An Amish Blessing
AN AMISH ROMANCE INSPIRED BY A BELOVED BIBLE STORY
© J.E.B. Spredemann 2018
*Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2018 by J.E.B. Spredemann
All rights reserved. No part of this work/book may be copied, transmitted, or stored in any form or by any means, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior written consent from the authors/publisher.
All incidents and characters in this book are completely fictional and derived by the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual incidents and persons living or dead are purely coincidental.
Disclaimer: The herbal information in this book was derived by the author’s (J.S.) education and experience as a Nutritional Herbologist, but is written for fictional and informational use only. No herbal information in this book is, in any way, meant as a prescription or medical advice. This information has not been approved by the FDA, AMA, or any other government agency. It is your constitutional right to prescribe for yourself, if you choose to do so. The author assumes no responsibility for the treatments in this book, if you should choose to implement them. Therefore, the government requires the recommendation that you see your health care provider if you have any medical concerns/issues.
Published in Indiana by Blessed Publishing.
www.jebspredemann.com
All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Cover design by iCreate Designs ©
ISBN: 978-1-940492-34-6
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
BOOKS BY J.E.B. SPREDEMANN
(*J. Spredemann)
AMISH GIRLS SERIES
Joanna’s Struggle
Danika’s Journey
Chloe’s Revelation
Susanna’s Surprise
Annie’s Decision
Abigail’s Triumph
Brooke’s Quest
Leah’s Legacy
NOVELS*
Love Impossible*
Amish by Accident*
An Unforgivable Secret* - Amish Secrets 1
A Secret Encounter* - Amish Secrets 2
A Secret of the Heart* - Amish Secrets 3
An Undeniable Secret* - Amish Secrets 4
A Secret Sacrifice - Amish Secrets 5
A Secret of the Soul* - Amish Secrets 6
Learning to Love – Saul’s Story* (Sequel to Chloe’s Revelation – adult novella)
Englisch on Purpose (Prequel to Amish by Accident)*
NOVELLAS
A Christmas of Mercy – Amish Girls Holiday
Christmas in Paradise – (Final book in Amish by Accident trilogy)
An Amish Blessing
NOVELETTES*
Cindy’s Story* – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 1
Rosabelle’s Story* – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 2
COMING 2018 (Lord Willing)
An Amish Honor (tentatively Sept-Oct)
A Secret Christmas – Amish Secrets 2.5 (tentatively Nov.)
Unofficial Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words
Ach–Oh
Aldi–Girlfriend
Boppli–Baby
Bruder–Brother
Dat, Daed–Dad
Denki–Thanks
Der Herr–The Lord
Die Heilige Schrift–The Holy Script (Sacred Text, Holy Scriptures, German (Luther) Holy Bible)
Dochder–Daughter
Dummkopp–Dummy
Englischer–A non-Amish person
Ferhoodled–Mixed up, Crazy
Fraa–Woman, Wife
Gott–God
Grossmudder - Grandmother
Gut–Good
Jah–Yes
Kinner–Children
Kinskinner–Grandchildren
Lieb (Liebchen)–Love, My Love
Maed–Girls
Mamm–Mom
Nee–No
Ordnung–Rules of the Amish Community
Schatzi–Sweetheart
Vatter–Father
Dear Reader,
This series is loosely based on stories of actual people who are mentioned in the Bible. These books are not necessarily retellings, although you will find quite a bit of similarities between the books and their Bible counterparts. I am, in no way, attempting to rewrite the Bible (God has done a fine job with it and He certainly doesn’t need my help!) nor am I depicting the true Biblical characters. The characters in my books are portrayed as Amish and there are some things contained in the actual Biblical accounts that simply cannot be included, due to Amish culture and customs. With that said, I hope that you will enjoy this series as it is, but I also hope that it will encourage you to go back and read the actual Bible stories themselves. There are so many truths contained in God’s Word that we can never even really scratch the surface of its depth. His mercy and grace are beyond measure.
Blessings,
J. Spredemann
PROLOGUE
Bo King stood on his sweeping porch, gazing out at his fields as he had each morning, a mug of freshly brewed black coffee securely between his hands. He breathed in the delicious aroma of this new blend of coffee beans, as the steam danced before his face and now mingled with the crisp scent of a spring morning.
Der Herr had been so gut to him. He had more blessings than any man could ask for. Yet, he lacked one thing. He didn't want to ask God for more—He already knew his heart.
"Gott, thank You for Your bountiful blessings. You have given me much. You know my heart and what it longs for, but I will trust You to do what You think is best. Please be by my side on this day which You have created, let me rejoice and be glad in it. Help me to dwell on the blessings that I do have and not on that which I don’t. Guide my steps and use me to bring joy to others and glory to You. You are my all. Thy will be done. Amen."
He inhaled another breath, sipping on his morning delight. Why had Gott allowed him to have that dream last night? What had it meant? It seemed so real. He thought on it now. The images flashed vividly through his mind, his heart...
A woman smiled down at a newborn boppli in her arms, and gazed into his innocent eyes, as his tiny hand fisted around her loose kapp string.
“I see he has his mamm’s strength,” he’d said.
She looked up into his eyes. The joy and love radiating from her countenance told him this was his wife. Mei fraa.
She surveyed the room, as though searching for someone. “Has the midwife gone?”
“Yes, she left a while ago but she should return shortly. Do you need something? I could get it for you. She ordered me to make sure you get some rest.” He lightly massaged her shoulder.
“No, I’m fine.”
“Has the little one eaten?” He stared down in wonder at the precious blessing she held.
“He should have a full tummy.” She kissed the boppli’s head.
“In that case, he’s all mine. You take a nap now, lieb. You know visitors will be stopping by and you’ll need all the energy you can get. Not to mention, this little one will no doubt keep us up at night.” He leaned over and kissed her lips, as though it were the most natural thing in the world, before securing the baby in his arms. Their young son seemed extra tiny next to his own bulky frame.
He’d been grinning so much, the muscles in his face ached.
Even now. Surely he’d been smiling in his sleep.
If only it hadn’t been a dream.
Oh, how his heart ached. He understood how Adam must've felt when Creation was nearly complete and he looked around for his perfect match. Only to find none—no one for Adam. Until the Good Lord intervened on his behalf.
Gott, if there's any way possible...
ONE
Ruth Johnson
peeked out the family room window the moment she heard the Amish buggy rattling down the road. The new Amish family had moved in over a month ago, but she still got a strange thrill each time their buggy drove by.
The situation was peculiar indeed. It seemed odd that an Amish family would purchase the farm next to her family’s property. There were no Amish groups nearby, at least, not that she was aware of. She didn’t know much about the Amish, but she was pretty sure that they usually lived in communities. Had this family distanced themselves from their Amish group on purpose?
She’d grown up on this property in Moab, Indiana and she’d always loved the rolling hills and farms in this area. The land was certainly suitable for the Amish, seeing that they typically grew their own crops. She was vaguely familiar with the customs of the Amish—she knew they drove a horse and buggy, dressed differently, and often farmed the land. Other than that, she had no clue how they conducted their lives.
This morning, Ruth, her mother, and sisters had been busy making several batches of chocolate chip cookies.
“Ruthie, will you take these next door?” Mom asked.
Heat rose in her cheeks. She’d always been somewhat timid, so the idea of just showing up on the doorstep of total strangers did not sound appealing in the least.
“You want me to take them to the neighbors? Can’t Janie go? She’s older,” Ruth pleaded.
“Only if you’re volunteering to do my chores for me,” her sister hollered from the kitchen, where she currently washed dishes.
That had always been Ruth’s least favorite job. “Never mind, I’ll go.” She did her best to keep the begrudging tone out of her reply.
She wasn’t about to ask her other sister, Daphne. She was meaner than an old flustered hornet’s nest and her fury stung twice as hard.
~
The late morning spring air was absolutely perfect—crisp and lightly scented with the fragrance of wildflowers, especially when the breeze blew softly. Snuggles, Ruth’s fluffy calico cat, met her at the door, meowing softly.
“I’m sorry, Snuggles, but these cookies aren’t for you. I’m taking them to our new neighbors. Do you want to come with me and meet them too?”
“Meow,” was Snuggles’ response, as she rubbed her head on Ruth’s pant cuff.
“Okay, let’s go.” She began the quarter-mile trek to their neighbors’ farm. About half way there, Snuggles deserted her for a starling that descended from a nearby bush. So much for company.
Once Ruth came to the long white pasture fence that separated the two properties, she decided to go around to the front rather than just climb over. A stranger entering their field uninvited might not make the best first impression. She walked down their long driveway and soon spotted a young man clad in suspendered blue pants, a grey buttoned shirt, and a straw hat, whom she guessed must have been one of the family.
As she neared, she became more nervous.
The young man led a horse to a nearby pasture and turned it loose. He met her just as she was about to step onto the porch step. His clothing had obviously experienced much work this morning, evidenced by the stains and unpleasant aroma. She supposed that was to be expected on a working farm.
She stared down at the plate of cookies in her hand to avoid looking at his face. “I brought some cookies.”
“I see that.” His face brightened and a gentle grin lifted a corner of his mouth.
She finally looked up and found the most gorgeous hazel eyes she’d ever seen. “Oh, I…um…” She felt her cheeks warm. Had the temperature risen on her walk over? “I’m Ruth…uh, Ruthie. Your neighbor.”
Oh, but she felt like a fool stumbling over her words.
“Schee,” he mumbled.
“What was that?”
He shook his head and smiled. “Nothin’. Gut to meet you, neighbor.”
Ruth nodded. “You too. What’s your name?” She could kick herself for getting flustered.
“Mahlon. Stutzman.”
“Oh, I don’t think I’ve heard that name before. Is it an Amish name?”
“Jah.” He eyed the plate of cookies.
“Would you like one? They’re for your family.”
The screen door screeched open and a woman appeared. “Mahlon, do we have a guest?”
He met Ruth’s eyes once again and smiled. “Jah.”
“Well, why don’t you invite her inside?” She chided and shook her head at Mahlon. She said something to him in a language Ruth couldn’t understand.
Mahlon responded with a frown which made Ruth all the more curious what the words had meant.
The woman, whom she presumed to be Mahlon’s mother, turned to look at Ruth. “Would you like to come in?”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”
Mahlon motioned for her to enter before him.
She walked in and immediately felt warmth. She looked around and spotted a large woodstove near the kitchen. Why on earth did they have a fire this time of the year?
“Come, sit down.” The woman motioned to a peculiar-looking rocking chair that appeared to be handmade. It sat next to an identical one in the living room, a small matching table between the two.
Ruth did as told. “My name is Ruth, but most people call me Ruthie. I live next door. My mother asked me to deliver these cookies. We made them this morning.”
“Tell your mother thank you, Ruthie.” The woman smiled. “I’m Naomi and I’m guessing you’ve already met Mahlon.”
“Yes, we met outside.” She glanced at Mahlon as he, too, took a seat in an empty chair. “Don’t let me keep you from your work.”
“Nee. Guests come first.” He grinned.
Naomi rose from her chair and disappeared into the kitchen.
Ruth felt like jumping up and running back home as Mahlon eyed her from across the room. A slight smile lifted the corner of his mouth and he winked. Was he flirting with her?
She avoided his handsome gaze, immediately stared at her hands, folded them together, then unfolded them, then rubbed them on her jeans.
Where had Naomi disappeared to? Was it especially dark in there? She glanced up at the ceiling. Where were their light fixtures?
As though reading her mind, Mahlon reached over to a side table and raised the wick on a lantern. The room immediately brightened.
“Lemonade?” Naomi appeared with a tray of glasses and snack bowls.
“Oh, yes, please.” She reached for a glass. “Thank you.”
“Some popcorn?” Naomi nodded toward the bowls on the tray.
Ruth reached for one. “Thank you.” She hadn’t expected this hospitality. It was quite refreshing.
Naomi then served Mahlon and set the tray down on the table.
Ruth sipped her lemonade. “This rocking chair is really comfortable. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like this. Did your husband make it?”
“Mahlon makes and sells them. I make the cushions.” Naomi smiled.
“They’re very nice, Mahlon. Where do you make them?”
He pointed toward the window. “Just outside in the shop there.”
“Do many people buy them?” She’d noticed a small handmade sign out by the road.
“Not yet. But I’m hoping they will sell well here. They were popular with the tourists in Pennsylvania.”
“I sometimes work at a furniture store that my uncle owns. I could see if he’s interested in selling your rocking chairs.”
“Y-you would do that for me?” His humble tone endeared him to her even more.
“Yes, sure. I just need to know a few things. What price you’d sell them to him for…unless you’d rather do consignment. In that case, he’ll need to know how much you want out of each one then he’d tack his price onto that. I’ll need to know how fast you can make them too.”
“How much do you say it would sell for?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t know. These are so unique. And I’m sure they must take some time to make.” Ruth ran her hand over one of the chair’s arms. “Oth
er rocking chairs in my uncle’s store sell for a hundred to a hundred and fifty. I would think you could probably get at least that out of it.”
She couldn’t read the look on Mahlon’s face. Was he pleased or insulted with her assessment? She hoped it wasn’t the latter.
“These are really nice. I think people will appreciate the fact that they are homemade and each one is unique—it’s sort of like a piece of art.” She smiled, hoping Mahlon sensed her admiration for his handiwork.
“Do you think so? That Englischers will like them too?”
She frowned. “The English? Oh, I don’t know if we get many people visiting from England around here. Besides, it would probably be difficult for them to take the rocking chairs back home, don’t you think? Unless, you could ship it for them. But then, I’m thinking that’s probably pretty expensive.”
Mahlon’s grin grew wide as she spoke and he shared a smile with Naomi. Was there some sort of inside joke she didn’t get? Or had she said something wrong?
“What? What is it?”
Naomi spoke now. “We call those who are not Plain—not Amish—Englischers.”
“Oh, so you would call me Englischer, even though I’m not from England?”
“Jah, Englischer.” Mahlon’s eyes sparkled. He was teasing her.
“So, should I call you an Amisher?” Ruth returned his jest.
Mahlon laughed out loud.
Ruth looked up at the clock when it chimed. She really should be getting back home. Mom would wonder what happened to her. “I like your clock.”
“Denki. Eli, my husband, bought that for me as an engagement gift.” Naomi smiled.
Ruth glanced at Naomi’s hand where a wedding ring would usually adorn a married woman’s finger.
Naomi must’ve notice. “We don’t believe in outward adornment. That is why I do not wear a wedding ring like the Englischers.”
“Oh.” Ruth reached for one of her earrings, now feeling self-conscious for wearing them. Not to mention her necklace and ring.
“We don’t judge you. That is not our place.”
Naomi’s statement made her curious now. Did they think that wearing jewelry was sinful?
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