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An Amish Holiday Wedding (Amish Country Courtships)
by Carrie LighteA business arrangement…or a Christmas proposal?Anything’s possible with Amish Country CourtshipsOn the brink of losing her bakery, the last thing Faith Yoder’s interested in is courting—until Hunter Schwartz returns to Willow Creek. After hiring him to deliver her treats to a Christmas festival, Faith’s determined their relationship will stay strictly professional. But despite a secret that’s kept her single, Faith can’t help but wish she and Hunter could become husband and wife.
An Amish Home: Four Novellas
by Beth Wiseman Kathleen Fuller Amy Clipston Ruth Reid“These four novellas centered on the meaning of home and family highlight Amish life with heart and grace.” —RT Book Reviews (4 stars)A Cup Half Full by Carol Award winner Beth WisemanSarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, husband, and family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. But that all changes in one moment when an accident leaves her confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, can Sarah transform her spirit, and once again see her cup as half full?Home Sweet Home by Amy ClipstonDown on their luck and desperate after they’re evicted from their apartment, Chace and Mia O’Conner reluctantly take Chace’s Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus on his property. They’re certain they’ll never feel at home in the rustic cabin without modern conveniences, and start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with help from their new Amish friends, they begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize home really is where the heart is . . .A Flicker of Hope by Ruth ReidFifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, they had a rosy life . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon their marriage was in shards. Now fire has destroyed their home, and Thomas and Noreen must sift through the rubble. As recovered items shake loose memories of the past, the two draw closer and a flicker of hope—and love—is reignited . . .Building Faith by USA Today–bestselling author Kathleen FullerCarpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but Faith Miller loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks her to make cabinets for her new home, she’s happy to take on the challenging job. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas. As they build Martha’s kitchen, can they build faith in one another again too?
An Amish Homecoming (Joyful River #1)
by Rosalind LauerAuthor Rosalind Lauer weaves a patchwork quilt of life and love in the Pennsylvania Amish community of Joyful River, where new beginnings and old ways meet with faith, hope, and compassion . . . Essie Lapp&’s birthday is doubly blessed. There&’s a delicious meal to savor with her family, and the sweet gift of time spent with her beau, Harlan. Over two years they&’ve forged a bond as strong and hopeful as a tree reaching for the sky. To practical-minded Essie, there&’s comfort in knowing exactly what her future will bring. Yet Gott has his plan, and it soon turns her family&’s world upside down . . . Essie&’s widowed English uncle has brought his troubled teenage daughters back to their mother&’s Amish community, convinced it&’s the fresh start they need. Essie strives to welcome her cousins, but adapting to plain living won&’t be easy, even if the rewards are great. As cultures clash and hearts collide, Essie feels the first stirrings of doubt about Harlan&’s commitment to her. Yet as the seasons change, and the heat of summer gives way to crisp, ripe autumn, this homecoming might mean a bountiful beginning . . .
An Amish Homecoming: Four Stories
by Shelley Shepard Gray Beth Wiseman Kathleen Fuller Amy ClipstonFour brand new Amish stories of coming home.No Place Like Home by Amy ClipstonEstranged daughter Eva Dienner has been staying with her in-laws since her husband was killed in a fire, but now she wants her son to meet his maternal grandparents. Upon her return, Eva finds that the man her parents always intended for her is living in their daadihaus and running the dairy farm for them for free, despite her suspicions of him taking advantage of her family. Eva knows she should put the past behind her, but is she ready to move into the future?When Love Returns by Beth WisemanHurricane Harvey forces Sarah Zook to return to the home she fled six years ago when she couldn&’t face her stern parents&’ reaction to her unplanned pregnancy. Upon her return, Abram King can think of nothing but the pain she caused him—until he meets Sarah&’s daughter and realizes that he never really stopped loving Sarah. Sarah and Abram must find a way to face the truth of their past so they can rekindle their first love.The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard GrayAfter the death of her Englisch husband, Irene Keim seeks a fresh start by staying with her new friends Mary Ruth and Henry Wengerd in exchange for helping them around the house. But when Mary Ruth and Henry&’s son Marcus comes around, he isn&’t pleased with the woman they&’ve taken in and is determined to push her out. Misunderstandings abound, but both Irene and Marcus learn that people aren&’t always what they seem.What Love Built by Kathleen FullerIndependent and headstrong, Carolyn is determined to forge ahead with the opening of her bakery, a lifelong dream, in the Birch Creek home she left ten years ago. But she&’s in over her head and needs help with the cleaning, shopping, and deliveries. Carpenter Atlee Shetler is visiting Birch Creek to escape the memories of his late wife. He takes a job renovating the new bakery and finds the project—and its owner—to be much more than he bargained for. Both Carolyn and Atlee must face pains of the past if they want to have the bright future God has planned for them.
An Amish Hope: Three Novellas (The\amish Wonders Ser. #1)
by Beth Wiseman Kathleen Fuller Ruth ReidThree heart-touching novellas by beloved bestselling and award-winning authors . . . This uplifting anthology includes:A Choice to Forgive by Carol Award winner Beth Wiseman (previously published in An Amish Christmas)After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she’s a widow—and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. Can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor?Always His Providence by bestselling author Ruth Reid (previously published in An Amish Miracle)Widow Rosa Hostetler has one month to pay her delinquent taxes before the county auctions her farm. She’s prepared to sell whatever is necessary to pay the lien, but she isn’t willing to request money from the community’s widow fund. But when her income from selling eggs is threatened, will it take a miracle to accept a neighbor’s kindness?A Gift for Anne Marie by USA Today–bestselling author Kathleen Fuller (previously published in An Amish Second Christmas)Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving—in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins . . .
An Amish Husband for Tillie (Amish of Pontotoc)
by Amy LillardFor the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, all roads lead to faith, family, and tradition, even when the path is unconventional—especially at Christmas . . . Tillie Gingerich is so in love with Melvin Yoder that she agrees to leave her conservative Amish home to live with him in the English world. But when the struggle to make ends meet leads to conflict, and reveals troubling weaknesses in their relationship, Tillie returns to Pontotoc—pregnant and unmarried. Her loving family accepts her, but to convince the rest of the community, they must turn to the bishop. Distraught, Tillie runs away on Christmas Eve—only to get as far as an isolated house on the edge of town. Levi Yoder, Melvin&’s upright distant cousin, is grieving the loss of his wife and wants to be alone. He is hardly pleased to open his door and find a pregnant woman––a painful reminder of all he&’s lost. But with an ice storm approaching, he can&’t turn Tillie away. Yet as morning nears, the miracle of Christmas brings unexpected challenges, opportunities—and promises for the future . . . Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels &“An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.&” —Library Journal on Caroline&’s Secret &“Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard&’s vivid characters and positive message.&” –Publishers Weekly Visit us www.kensingtonbooks.com
An Amish Kitchen: Three Amish Novellas
by Beth Wiseman Amy Clipston Kelly LongFall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor's oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern's kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance--until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.Nearby, Hannah runs her parents' bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn--but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?When a storm blows a tree onto Eve's farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents' home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can't agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.Three Amish stories--each celebrating love, family, and faith--all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.Also Includes Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes"Fans of Amish fiction will find triple the enjoyment here thanks to this gathering of novellas in one book." --Publishers Weekly for An Amish Wedding
An Amish Love
by Beth Wiseman Kathleen Fuller Kelly LongRomance is in the air, old-fashioned courtship is alive and well, and love is an eternal promise. Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known? A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love. What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident--and then her boyfriend shortly after that--she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?
An Amish Man of Ice Mountain (Ice Mountain #2)
by Kelly LongAn Amish ManJoseph King has good reasons to work an oil rig far from his beloved Ice Mountain . . . and to mind his own business. He hopes to protect his younger brother Edward from worldly influences. And maybe he can finally forget how yielding to temptation forced him to leave home in disgrace. Still, no honorable Amish man would let Priscilla Allen and her four-year-old daughter remain homeless, living out of their car. And how can he not be drawn to the feisty waitress's bravery and hidden strength . . . Offering Priscilla a home on Ice Mountain as his wife-in-name-only gives her a place to start again. For Joseph, it's also an unexpected chance to regain his reputation and standing in the community. But Priscilla's warmth, caring, and determination to adjust to Amish society are renewing Joseph's long-buried hope. Now as his guilt and her wrenching secrets threaten the fragile trust growing between them, they will need the riskiest of miracles to put the past to rest--and fulfill a promise only love and renewed faith can bring.
An Amish Market: Four Novellas
by Kathleen Fuller Amy Clipston Vannetta Chapman Kelly IrvinAll the color and variety of a quaint Amish shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your favorite authors. Feel free to come in and browse! Love Birds by Amy Clipston While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth's friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd's creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him? A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it--Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can't stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love? Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn't the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn't think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will's heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love. Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.
An Amish Marriage
by Emma Miller Mindy SteeleA union of strangersCourting His Amish Wife by Emma Miller When Levi Miller learns Eve Summy will be forced to marry her would-be attacker or get shunned, he marries her instead. Now husband and wife, but complete strangers, they must figure out how to live together in harmony. But with Levi&’s family questioning the motives for their surprise wedding, getting to know each other—and possibly finding love along the way—is harder than they expected.His Amish Wife's Hidden Past by Mindy SteeleEnglischer Hannah Raber will do anything to protect her children when they are sent into witness protection—even marry her late husband&’s brother. Learning to be an Amish wife is a big adjustment, especially since she&’s determined to keep an emotional distance. But as her girls bond with Daniel, Hannah can&’t help but wonder if strangers from different worlds can turn a convenient marriage into a forever love…2 Uplifting Stories Courting His Amish Wife and His Amish Wife's Hidden Past
An Amish Marriage of Convenience (Surprised by Love #4)
by Rachel J. GoodIn Rachel J. Good&’s sweetly romantic inspirational series, a bustling Green Valley Farmer&’s Market in Pennsylvania is the perfect place for residents of nearby Amish communities to find the partner of their dreams—when, and how, they least expect it! Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Jennifer Beckstrand. When widower Stephen Lapp moves his five children from New York State to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, his only plan is to buy his family&’s farm stand, Lapp&’s Pastured Pork. That way, his brother can move closer to his fiancée and open his own stand. But on Stephen&’s first trip to the market, his brave act of kindness nearly ends in catastrophe—until strong-willed Nettie Hartzler saves him—and makes an impression he can&’t forget . . . A widow with private heartaches of her own, Nettie has no interest in getting involved with any man, though she doesn&’t discourage their respective children&’s new friendships—despite Stephen&’s contentious oldest daughter. But when Nettie runs into serious money worries and Stephen proposes a marriage of convenience, she&’s distressed and conflicted. She&’s come to know Stephen&’s gentle heart and generous soul, and she can&’t believe he&’ll want her if she reveals the sins of her past. God has His own plans for the faithful, however, and this time they may include a second chance at love . . .
An Amish Match
by Jo Ann BrownA Convenient Wedding With a baby on the way, a toddler son to care for and a run-down farm, Amish widow Rebekah Burkholder is worried for her family's future. So when a kind, hardworking Amish widower with three children proposes marriage for sensible reasons, Rebekah accepts. She'll oversee Joshua Stoltzfus's household, be a loving mother to his children and try to reach his rebellious teenager. Joshua will make a wonderful father to her young son and the little one soon to be born. But as Rebekah unexpectedly falls for her new husband, dare she hope that Joshua will reopen his heart to love, too?
An Amish Match for Christmas
by Patricia Davids Emma MillerAn unexpected Christmas giftAn Amish Wife for Christmas by Patricia Davids Bethany Martin has until Christmas to prove to the Amish community that she can raise her siblings—including her mischievous brother—without a husband. Then handsome newcomer Michael Shetler arrives, winning over Bethany&’s siblings. He might be the answer to their prayers, but Michael has a troubled past. Can Bethany love a man with secrets…even if it&’s the only thing keeping her family together?Her Surprise Christmas Courtship by Emma Miller Handsome Amish men like Elden Yoder don&’t fall for big girls like Millie Koffman, so she&’s sure he bid on her charity-auction cake by mistake. Only it&’s all part of Elden&’s plan to woo his pretty neighbor—and put his failed engagement behind him. But as the past threatens their new courtship, can they overcome their own insecurities…and find love for Christmas?USA TODAY Bestselling Author Patricia Davids2 Uplifting Stories An Amish Wife for Christmas and Her Surprise Christmas Courtship
An Amish Match on Ice Mountain (Ice Mountain #5)
by Kelly Long“Kelly understands the human heart and writes about it with beauty and resonance.” —Beth Wiseman An Amish homecoming . . . Disgrace drove Stephen Lambert from Ice Mountain, but honor drives him back to his Amish home. After rescuing a pregnant young woman from a burning house, the rugged firefighter knows the remote Amish mountain community is the only place Ella Nichols will be safe. Abandoned by the father of her child, the brave Englischer beauty needs him like no one before. Determined to protect her, Stephen claims the unborn babe as his own—and prepares to return to the town, and the family, that once falsely accused him . . . From the moment she is caught from peril by Stephen’s strong arms, Ella feels sheltered, nurtured. How else could she agree to sequester herself on Ice Mountain, among the Plain folk there, but for the promise of Stephen’s loving protection? But as she steps deeper into his world and discovers his haunting secrets, Ella longs to heal the heart of the man who has captured hers forever . . . “Delivers a sense of escape from today’s hustle and bustle into a gentler and simpler world.” —Publishers Weekly “Long creates storylines that captivate her readers.” —RT Book Reviews “Long’s writing style is smooth and engaging, her characters true to the period yet timeless in their hopes and flaws and personal battles.” —USAToday.com
An Amish Miracle: Three Amish Novellas
by Beth Wiseman Ruth Reid Mary EllisFrom bestselling authors in the Amish genre come three sweet stories of romance and miracles. Always Beautiful by Beth WisemanBecky Byler is eighteen and overweight. She is overwhelmed by the embarrassment she feels when comparing herself to other girls her age. Having lost all hope, she considers taking her own life. As she stands before rushing water, unable to swim, Becky begs God for a miracle. In just several months, Becky sees her prayers answered as food and temptation lose their hold over her. She&’s finally pleased with how she looks, but does she like the person she has become? And has the man she has dreamed of been right beside her all along, loving her exactly as she is?Always His Providence by Ruth ReidWidow Rosa Hostetler has one month to pay her delinquent taxes before the county auctions her farm. She&’s prepared to sell whatever is necessary to pay the lien, but she isn&’t willing to request money from the community&’s widow fund. She&’s embarrassed and refuses to admit she needs help. Rosa depends on income from selling eggs, but when that income is threatened, only a miracle can help Rosa accept the kindness of a neighbor.Always in My Heart by Mary EllisHope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She&’s hidden this secret from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends her isn&’t a new baby but the fifteen-year-old boy she gave up years ago. Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-aftersBook length: 75,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubsIncludes Old-Order Amish recipes
An Amish Mother for His Child: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Amish Country Matches #4)
by Patricia JohnsShe&’ll make the ideal mother… But could she be his perfect match? Marrying a virtual stranger gives Verna Kauffman almost everything she&’s ever wanted—a husband, a daughter…and a list of childcare rules. Despite Adam Lantz&’s strict standards and formal demeanor, Verna is determined to turn their convenient arrangement into a happy union. But when their growing relationship is challenged, can they overcome their opposite views of marriage to discover what they really need is each other?From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.Amish Country Matches Book 1: The Amish Matchmaking DilemmaBook 2: Their Amish SecretBook 3: The Amish Marriage ArrangementBook 4: An Amish Mother for His Child
An Amish Mother for His Twins (North Country Amish #5)
by Patricia DavidsShe&’s a reminder of his past… Could she be the key to his future? Amish widow Maisie Schrock is determined to care for her newborn niece and nephew, and no one will stand in her way—not even their father. But Nathan Weaver refuses to accept help from the identical sister of his late wife, who abandoned him. Before the next bus home leaves, can Maisie convince Nathan she&’s the ideal guardian for the twins…and his wounded heart? A NORTH COUNTRY AMISH STORY He&’s not looking for her help…in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Patricia DavidsFrom Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.North Country AmishBook 1: Shelter from the StormBook 2: The Amish Teacher's DilemmaBook 3: A Haven for ChristmasBook 4: Someone to TrustBook 5: An Amish Mother for His Twins
An Amish Mother's Secret Past (Green Mountain Blessings #3)
by Jo Ann BrownEvery woman deserves a fresh start…Can an Amish widow’s pastcost her a future filled with love?Widow Rachel Yoder has a secret: she’s a military veteran trying to give her children a new life among the Amish. Though she’s drawn to bachelor Isaac Kauffman, she knows she can’t tell him the truth—or give him her heart. With her forbidden past, Rachel can never be the perfect Plain wife he’s looking for…
An Amish Mother's Secret Past and Her Amish Suitor's Secret
by Jo Ann Brown Carrie LighteSometimes the truth comes at a costAn Amish Mother's Secret Past by Jo Ann BrownWidow Rachel Yoder has a secret: she&’s a military veteran trying to give her children a new life among the Amish. Though she&’s drawn to bachelor Isaac Kauffman, she knows she can&’t tell him the truth—or give him her heart. With her forbidden past, Rachel can never be the perfect Plain wife he&’s looking for… Her Amish Suitor's Secret by Carrie LightePosing as an Amish groundskeeper at Rose Allgyer&’s lakeside cabin retreat, Englischer Caleb Miller is determined to clear his brother&’s name of theft. But as he&’s drawn to Rose&’s good nature, the burden of his ruse gets heavier—especially after learning Rose was deceived by her ex-fiancé. Still guarded, will Rose trust Caleb with her heart when she discovers he isn&’t who he claims to be?
An Amish New Beginning
by Jo Ann Brown Patrice LewisStarting over in Amish countryBuilding Her Amish Dream by Jo Ann Brown Opening a new farm shop on Prince Edward Island with her little sister is Mattie Albrecht&’s chance at a fresh start. But avoiding her past becomes impossible when Benjamin Kuhns—her old secret crush—offers to help with repairs. As they work together to renovate the shop, the new beginning they&’re searching for could be right in front of them…The Amish Animal Doctor by Patrice Lewis Forced to return home to care for her ailing mother, veterinarian Abigail Mast must make an impossible choice—between her career and her Amish community. And handsome neighbor Benjamin Troyer isn&’t making the decision any easier for her. When an opportunity to stay in Montana presents itself, can Abigail come to a decision that will yield the greatest rewards?2 Uplifting Stories Building Her Amish Dream and The Amish Animal Doctor
An Amish Noel (The Amish Bachelors #2)
by Patricia DavidsUSA Today–Bestselling Author: Will his scandalous past douse the spark growing between them?Luke Bowman’s homecoming is turning Emma Swartzentruber’s carefully ordered world upside down. Gone is her rebellious girlhood crush, and in his place is a handsome man who seems committed to serving the community. Luke’s even agreed to work for Emma’s ill father, whose last wish is to see his daughter wedded to a stable, loving man. But Luke—a man who flirted with the outside world with disastrous consequences—is hardly marriage material for a good Amish woman. Yet this Christmas, when her family is flung into crisis, Emma will find that he may just be the one to capture her heart for good.Praise for Patricia Davids’ novels“Uplifting . . . will have fans of Amish romance eager to read more from Davids.” —Publishers Weekly“Patricia writes with heart, integrity and hope. Her stories both entertain and edify—the perfect combination.” —Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of The Tapestry of Grace
An Amish Paradox: Diversity and Change in the World's Largest Amish Community (Young Center Books in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies)
by Charles E. Hurst David L. McConnellWinner, 2011 Dale Brown Book Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown CollegeHolmes County, Ohio, is home to the largest and most diverse Amish community in the world. Yet, surprisingly, it remains relatively unknown compared to its famous cousin in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Charles E. Hurst and David L. McConnell conducted seven years of fieldwork, including interviews with over 200 residents, to understand the dynamism that drives social change and schism within the settlement, where Amish enterprises and nonfarming employment have prospered. The authors contend that the Holmes County Amish are experiencing an unprecedented and complex process of change as their increasing entanglement with the non-Amish market causes them to rethink their religious convictions, family practices, educational choices, occupational shifts, and health care options. The authors challenge the popular image of the Amish as a homogeneous, static, insulated society, showing how the Amish balance tensions between individual needs and community values. They find that self-made millionaires work alongside struggling dairy farmers; successful female entrepreneurs live next door to stay-at-home mothers; and teenagers both embrace and reject the coming-of-age ritual, rumspringa. An Amish Paradox captures the complexity and creativity of the Holmes County Amish, dispelling the image of the Amish as a vestige of a bygone era and showing how they reinterpret tradition as modernity encroaches on their distinct way of life.
An Amish Patchwork: Indiana's Old Orders in the Modern World
by Steven M. Nolt Thomas J. MeyersIndiana is home to the world's third-largest Amish population. Indiana's 19 Old Order Amish and two Old Order Mennonite communities show a surprising diversity despite all that unites them as a distinct culture. This contemporary portrait of Indiana's Amish is the first book-length overview of Amish in the state. Thomas J. Meyers and Steven M. Nolt present an overview of the beliefs and values of the Amish, their migration history, and the differences between the state's two major Amish ethnic groups (Pennsylvania Dutch and Swiss). They also talk about Indiana's Old Order Mennonites, a group too often confused with the Amish. Meyers and Nolt situate the Amish in their Indiana context, noting an involvement with Indiana's industrial economy that may surprise some. They also treat Amish interaction with state government over private schooling and other matters, and the relationship of the Amish to their neighbors and the tourist industry. This valuable introduction to the Indiana Amish deserves a place on every Hoosier's bookshelf.
An Amish Picnic: Four Stories
by Kathleen Fuller Amy Clipston Vannetta Chapman Kelly IrvinFrom bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four sweet stories about picnics and romance.Baskets of Sunshine by Amy ClipstonKevin Weaver has lived with his brother&’s family since his parents passed away when he was young, but he craves a home and family to call his own. Freeman Kurtz owns a successful brick mason business, and Kevin takes the job as Freeman&’s apprentice to pursue his own financial freedom. Phoebe Kurtz is helping her sister with her booth at the marketplace when she notices Kevin, her father&’s employee. Their friendship grows, but Kevin is convinced that the difference in their ages makes a relationship between them impossible. Amidst summer outings, Kevin and Phoebe must decide if taking a chance on love is worth the risk.Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly IrvinEsther Marie Shrock loves her job at Valley Grocery Store where she&’s worked for four years. Despite a stutter that has plagued her since childhood, she thrives filling orders from a steady stream of customers. Still, at 25, she and her family wonder if romance is in her future.Jasper Cotter isn&’t good with people, but he&’s found himself obligated to take over day-to-day operations of the family owned grocery store—a store he doesn&’t have the first clue how to run. Thrown together, Esther Marie and Jasper don&’t exactly see eye to eye. One night, the store loses power, and the candles aren&’t the only things shooting off sparks. Esther Marie and Jasper are suddenly forced to discover common ground when it matters most, and they might be surprised with love along the way.Reeling in Love by Kathleen FullerNina Stoll and Ira Yoder are just friends. Just friends and fishing buddies. Every Saturday afternoon, they have a picnic at their favorite fishing hole and see who can out fish the other. Until Nina starts to wonder if there&’s more.Her plans to share her feelings go awry, and circumstances seem destined to keep Nina and Ira apart. With both Nina and Ira confused and hurting, it&’s going to take courage, some help from the community matchmakers, and a little bit of divine intervention for Nina and Ira to realize they&’re each other's perfect catch.Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta ChapmanFaith Troyer is claustrophobic, and David Lapp builds tiny houses. They went on a date years ago with disastrous results. Now that they&’re in their late twenties, their families and friends are beginning to wonder if either will ever find that special someone. When a picnic outing is diverted by the discovery of a package of letters dating back to the 1970s, they take it upon themselves to find answers to a mystery that causes them to rethink their past and consider their future.