Author: Nicole

A wife and mama who loves to live simply and purposefully.

The Mystery of the Missing Orchids Sample

NicoleLeave a comment

Triplet detectives with a love for plants and thrilling adventures – welcome to The Garden Girls Mystery Series.

Dear Diary: I couldn’t believe my good luck when Mom told me she’d been asked to solve a mystery, and the rest of the family could tag along, too. Pink lady slippers have been disappearing from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it looks like a thief is to blame! Spring break is about to get a lot more exciting!

Join Claire and her family as they try to solve The Mystery of the Missing Orchids in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and encounter more than a few surprises!

This book is written from Claire’s perspective.

About the Garden Girls Series:

Claire, Faith, and Hannah Stone are 12-year-old triplets who live with their family at a native plant nursery in the Appalachian mountains. Join them as they solve mysteries and go on adventures in The Garden Girls series.

This series is filled with surprises, excitement, and an unbreakable family bond.

Garden Girls Mysteries are written for children approximately 8-12 years of age.

Click here to purchase The Mystery of the Missing Orchids.

Chapter One

“Whoa, it’s warm outside. I can’t believe it’s so hot in April.” I held back a grunt as I tilted a wheelbarrow full of compost into a flower bed at my family’s native plant nursery. Sweat trickled down my cheek as I reached up to swipe it from my brow. Yuck. I hope Theo doesn’t see me. My eyes scanned the property as Faith used a shovel to spread the manure into the existing soil.

“It’s a good thing we have Nellie. Otherwise, Mom and Dad would have to buy a lot more compost at the store.”

I wrinkled my nose as soon as Faith started to talk about her favorite pet goat. I didn’t understand why she liked her so much, and decided to tell her so.

“Nellie is smelly, and so is this manure. Plus, I don’t get why we have to do so much work during spring break.”

“Work is good for all of us, Claire. I wish you had a better attitude about it.” I wince as my mom scooted closer to us with another wheelbarrow full of aged manure.

“Sorry, Mom.”

“It’s alright. Now then, the quicker we finish up here, the sooner we can take a break by the pond. How does that sound?” Mom pushed a stray wisp of dirty blonde hair that had escaped from her ponytail behind her ear.

“That sounds great!” Hannah chimed in, pulling up the rear. 

Sighing, I nodded my head. A dip in the pond with my sisters did sound nice.

Since I’m one of three triplets, I’m rarely alone. But usually, I don’t mind. Especially when we’re doing something fun like taking a swim.

“So, how’s spring break going for everyone?”

“It’s only the first day off, so I don’t really know. At the moment, it stinks.”

Mom wrinkled her brow and put her hand on her hip. “Now Claire, I have plenty of fun planned for us later in the week, but today we really need to work at the nursery. It’s not so bad, is it?”

I laughed while elbowing Faith in the side. “No…I mean, it literally stinks. I don’t think any of us like to shovel compost, Mom.”

Mom smirked while wiping her hands down her dirty apron. “Alright, alright. You’ve got me there. But is this compost really that bad? The smell has toned down a lot since last fall.”

Maybe so, but I still know where it came from. I shuddered just a little while I began to push the wheelbarrow away. “I guess I’ll be okay. After we finish up here, what do we need to do next?

I live with my parents and sisters on a small farm and native plant nursery in the North Georgia mountains. It’s usually a great place to be, especially for a twelve-year-old girl. When we aren’t in school, there’s all kinds of fun things to do, like swim, ride bikes, and explore. Oh, and write. We can’t forget writing. Spending time in nature with my journal is my favorite thing to do in the world.

I’m officially the oldest triplet, and sometimes my sisters say I’m bossy. But I firmly disagree. I just have lots of good ideas that need to be mentioned!

My parents found this farm eight years ago, and they snatched it up as soon as it came on the market. Opening up a native plant nursery was always a dream of theirs, and this little piece of land was just perfect for us. My sisters and I love to take care of plants, too. So after we renovated the old white farmhouse, barn, and greenhouse, we moved in and opened Stone Native Plant Nursery to the public. I really love it here, although shoveling dirt isn’t my favorite chore.

“When we’re done spreading compost, we need to water the seedlings in the main greenhouse. After that, you’re through for the day.”

I felt hope rise up in my chest. “Do you mean it?”

“Of course. The Stone sisters have worked hard this morning. And I think the pond is calling your name.”

A whoosh of relief seeped out of my lungs. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Hey Eliza, you’ve got a phone call. You left your cell in the greenhouse. I didn’t answer it, but I noticed the number was from a National Park. It could be important.”

Ivy Carlyle scooted towards the four of us, her bright green eyes looking concerned. Ivy was the greenhouse specialist at the Stone Native Plant Nursery, and she was always fun to be around. Her name was perfect for a botanist, too. Ivy’s son Theo came to work with her this week, since he was on spring break like we were. I felt a blush rush up my cheeks just thinking about it.

“Thanks for letting me know, Ivy.” Mom wiped her hands down her apron before plucking the phone from Ivy’s hand. “The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was calling. How strange.”

Mom padded towards the office, which was currently surrounded by a sea of violets. “Girls, I’m going to step away to return this call. Will you please continue to spread compost while I’m gone?”

“Sure, thing.” Hannah twirled her ponytail while grinning. “I want to go swimming as soon as possible.”

I wanted to get to the pond too, but my thoughts had moved past that and were settled on Mom’s phone call. Why would the National Parks Service call her?

After what seemed like an eternity, Mom returned. A frown worried her bottom lip, and her blue eyes had lost their sparkle.

Curiosity almost got the best of me. “What was the call about, Mom? I can hardly bear the suspense!”

“Don’t be so dramatic, Claire.” Mom patted my shoulder when she reached the group. “An old friend called. His name is Carter Brown. We went to the same college when I was working on my ecology degree.”

I sighed, wishing Mom would just cut to the chase. “And…”

“It seems like there’s a mystery that needs to be solved in the Smoky Mountains. And he called to see if Tom and I could help.”

A shiver ran up my spine. A mystery. I just knew it! It looked like something really exciting might happen over spring break, after all.

“What does he need your help with?”

Mom took a seat on a landscape timber, and Faith did the same while pushing her blonde braids behind her shoulders. Everyone’s cheeks had grown pink in the warm spring sun.

“Well, it’s illegal to pick or dig up flowers from National Parks. Did you girls know that?”

“Nope. That’s new to me,” Faith piped up.

I shook my head while crossing my arms over my dirty t-shirt. I didn’t know that, either.

“Well, it is. And it appears like someone…or a group of people, have been poaching Pink Lady Slippers from the park. They are rare orchids that grow in North America.”

“Poaching? I thought that’s when people killed animals illegally.”

“Well, the term can apply to plants, too. Pink Lady Slippers are endangered in Tennessee, and they are being dug up in the cover of night. Each day, more and more have disappeared. They only bloom for a week or two each year, and many tourists come to see them. The park service is getting very worried. Pink Lady Slippers are an important part of the ecosystem, and they need to be preserved.”

A chill raced down my spine, and I wanted to know more. “That’s terrible. Did Carter give you any more information?”

“Not really. He just knows that Dad and I are experts when it comes to native plants, and we like to help out when plants are in danger. I don’t know if I can help him solve the mystery, though.”

“What does he want you to do?”

“He asked us to camp out where the lady slippers are being stolen, to see if we can find any clues he’s missed. He’s taking care of his niece and nephew this week, and has been short on time. While we’re there, we can check the overall plant health in the area, too. He’s afraid the thief might be harming the environment in more ways than one. We’ll need to arrive tomorrow since our window is so short.”

“Yes!” I pumped my fist into the air in excitement. “Spring break is about to get much more interesting!”

Mom held up her hand like a stop sign, and my happiness began to fizzle. “Not so fast, Claire. I need you three girls to stay put and help Ivy with the nursery while we’re gone. I can ask Grandma to stay with you overnight. Doesn’t that sound like fun? It would be like a week-long sleepover.”

“Not as fun as solving a mystery in Tennessee.” I felt deflated. I knew I could really help with the investigation if Mom would give me a chance.

Mom’s face crinkled in concentration. “I really was looking forward to spending the week with all of you girls, too. But I don’t know of any other way this could work out.”

“I don’t need the girls to help me, Eliza. Theo is with me this week, and we can all work hard today to tie up any loose ends before you go.”

I straightened my shoulders and looked at my mom with pleading eyes.

“See? Ivy’s got it under control.”

“What do you say, Mom? I want to go, too.”

“Me, too!”

After all of us triplets had spoken, Mom looked at me pointedly. “We’d be camping, Claire. Tent camping. I know that’s not your favorite thing to do. How do you feel about that?”

Gulp. I didn’t think we’d be tent camping…but solving a mystery was worth it.

I giggled nervously. “Tent camping…sounds like fun. I’m your girl.”

Mom laughed loudly and then gave my shoulder a squeeze. “Well, I appreciate your good attitude, at least. That settles it. We’ll all go. I’ll talk to Dad as soon as we finish shoveling this compost.”

Thrilled, I give her a bear hug back. I can’t believe she’s letting us go!

“And I’ll let Theo know that he might be helping a little more than he thought this week. But I’m sure he’ll like the extra money.” Ivy walked away with Mom, leaving us girls to do the dirty work.

“Oh, a mystery. I can’t wait to see if we find who’s stealing the orchids.” Hannah blew a brown curl out of her eyes as she raked the compost into place. “But aren’t you disappointed, Claire? I knew you were excited to spend the week around Theo.”

I sighed as my sister elbowed me in the ribs. Theo was cute and all, but I’d rather spend the week solving a mystery with my family.

“No, I want to discover who’s taking the orchids. How about you, Faith?”

“I’m game. I just hope they’ll take good care of Nellie while we’re away.”

I almost rolled my eyes, but held myself back. Was her goat all she thought about? “I’m sure Nellie will be fine.”

We were almost finished with our chore when I felt someone standing behind my shoulder. Surprised, I turned around. Suddenly, I was face to face with Theo.

 “Theo! What are you doing here?” My voice squeaked as the words came out. How embarrassing.

“I’m working with my mom this week, remember? I just wanted to ask you about the orchid mystery. It’s been the talk of the greenhouse this morning.”

“Really? Well, I hope I’ll be able to help my parents figure out who’s been stealing the Pink Lady Slippers. They’re very rare, you know.”

“Yeah, I know. I really hope you figure it out, too.” His brown eyes sparkled just a little.

Feeling very important, I took a step towards the greenhouse. Then oof, my work boot hit the shovel. Stumbling, I fell face first into the compost. Splat. I felt like a sputtering fool as I tried to remove the aged manure from my mouth.

I glanced at Faith, who was hiding a giggle fit with her hand. It served me right for teasing her about Nellie, I guess.

“Claire…are you alright?”

Theo offered me his hand after I rubbed mud out of my eyes. He pulled me to my feet while I felt like dying from embarrassment.

“I’ll be alright. I…I just need to clean up.”

Nodding, Theo threw his hand up in a wave as he began to walk towards the greenhouse. “Yeah, I’d say so. I hope you feel better real soon, Claire.”

Flustered, I started to walk towards our two-story home at the edge of the field while ignoring my sisters’ laughter. Today might not have gone as I’d planned, but that was okay. Tomorrow was full of promise, and I couldn’t wait to see what clues I would find when we reached Tennessee.

Thanks for reading this sample, friends!

Click here to purchase The Mystery of the Missing Orchids.

Her Island Secret Sample

NicoleLeave a comment

If you’d like to purchase Her Island Secret, please click here.

Chapter One

Ach, I can hardly believe I’ve come home to the Seas Islands.

Clara Bennett sharply took in her breath as she stepped foot off of the bus and into the warm, Carolina sunshine. The muggy air hit her full in the face, and she could feel her chocolate brown hair start to instantly curl underneath her kapp from the humidity.

“Are you okay, miss?”

Clara’s eyes looked away from the ground she was studying intently as a frown tugged on her lips. She feigned a smile at the bus driver as she’d silently mulled over the events which had drawn her to South Carolina from upstate New York.

“Ja, I guess I’ll make it. Thanks for asking.”

Clara gave the answer she’d been so used to giving for the past eight years before walking away from the driver and into the small Beaufort bus station. While she might not be fine, she was making it. Her mantra had been to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when she felt like she just couldn’t. This attitude had served her well, and she’d become an integral part of the art community near an Amish settlement in Niagara Falls for years now. Clara poured out her feelings in her paintings, and she guessed this was one benefit her heartbreak had given to her.

“Clara. We’re over here.”

Clara felt her back stiffen as her mother’s sensible shoes squeaked on the tile floor in her direction. She’d left her Amish beachside community eight years ago, and hadn’t seen her parents since. Her shoulders slumped as she realized the gravity of the current situation which had brought her back. Her body felt strangely numb as her mother approached.

“You could pick up the pace, you know. We’ve got a lot of arrangements to make, and we need to get back to April and Jed’s as soon as possible.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Mamm.”

Trudy Bennett simply frowned in response, and Clara felt a chill race up her back despite the hot, summer day. Her mamm always knew how to make her feel like a child, and she quickly found this was still true even though she was now twenty-eight years old.

Clara’s daed trudged up behind her mother, and gave her a hesitant smile.

“How’ve you been, Clara Bear?”

Clara felt like recoiling when hearing him use the pet name he’d given her as a youngster. 

“I guess I’ll make it.”

Trudy rolled her eyes while nudging Clara to move towards the exit.

“Look, I know this is difficult for all of us. But we haven’t been given a choice in the matter, and we must figure out how to navigate this situation. We have to get along to do this. Do you understand?”

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Do you have any idea how it feels for me to return to South Carolina, when taking into account how I left? Especially since April’s gone now. I honestly don’t know why she asked me to take Harper.”

Clara’s sister and brother-in-law died suddenly in a buggy accident two days ago, and her own life had dived into a tailspin ever since. Not only had she lost the sister whom she hadn’t spoken to in years, she’d also been given custody of her 8-year-old adopted daughter. She’d made emergency arrangements with her landlord before coming to South Carolina to be with the family. But Clara still felt like an unwanted outsider, and she desperately wanted to hop on the next bus to go back to where she came from.

“We’ll see if other arrangements can be made for Harper. Don’t worry.” Trudy pushed her kapp strings behind her shoulders before shoving a pair of sunglasses on her face. “We are all adults now, and we’ll somehow figure this out.”

I was an adult when I was forced to leave, too. The thought zipped through Clara’s head, and she decided to keep it there. She didn’t want to be disrespectful to her mamm.

She rubbed her swollen eyes while nearly jogging to keep up with her parents. They obviously were on a mission to return to their driver as quickly as possible, and Clara was glad that she’d worn her running sneakers.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Her voice was so soft she didn’t know if her parents could hear her over the rumble of buses nearby.

Sam Bennett looked over his shoulder while continuing to trudge ahead. “We met with the bishop this morning, and most of the funeral details are ironed out. The community has really pitched in to help, and Harper hasn’t wanted for anything. Other than her parents, that is.”

Her daed’s matter-of-fact words cut to her heart, and she felt the breath leave her lungs. 

“More than anything, I want to make sure Harper’s alright.”

“Truly, Clara?”

Clara darted forward to make sure her parents could hear her. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life.

Silence stretched between them as they approached a gray minivan, and Sam motioned for Clara to follow closely. He slid open the door, and Clara slung her black suitcase inside before scooting onto a seat near the back. After buckling her seatbelt, she turned an air vent towards her face and turned it on full blast. Clara couldn’t tell if she was hot or cold, but the icy air felt nice on her skin, wet with lowcountry humidity.

Clara looked out the window as the van buzzed by palm trees in the quaint town of Beaufort. Before long, they’d be crossing the Beaufort River to start their trek across the Sea Islands. While Clara had been raised on Lady’s Island, April and Will had moved to Harbor Bay after they’d adopted Harper. When the adorable yellow bungalow with beach access came on the market in a heavily Amish and Mennonite area, they’d snatched it up as quick as a wink. They thought it would be the perfect spot to raise their daughter.

“Where’s Harper, anyway? I thought she’d be with you when you came to pick me up.”

Trudy looked jittery when she turned to face Clara. “We thought it would be best if she stayed home when we came to get you. She’s not doing too well, which is to be expected.”

Clara’s nerves felt rankled. “Did you leave her at home alone?”

“Of course not, Clara. Don’t be absurd. April and Jed were good friends with their neighbor, Tyler White. He offered to keep an eye on her for us.”

“Are you sure he’s trustworthy?”

Trudy’s eyes rolled. “I wouldn’t talk about being trustworthy if I were you, Clara. But yes, Tyler is completely honorable. He’s spent a lot of time with the family, and Harper is very comfortable with him.”

Clara decided to zip her lips for the rest of the car ride. It was clear that not much had changed since she’d left the Sea Islands and headed north so long ago. 

She tried to remember what her therapist had taught her, and took deep breaths as her daed drove over the last causeway before Harbor Bay came into view. It felt like all the work she’d done to regain her mental health had come crashing down with just a few jabs from her mamm.

She watched a brown pelican swoop down into the marsh to catch a fish as the driver flipped on the blinker to turn into the Harbor Bay Amish community. After the van turned to the left, Clara trained her eyes on the colorful bungalows that rushed by her window. Her breath caught as she remembered all the good memories she’d suppressed about this sacred place. Growing up in the low country had been full of enjoyment and fun. That is, until it didn’t.

After making their turn, they drove slowly by a row of beachfront homes. Clara silently counted the bungalows, knowing they’d arrive at April’s place in just a moment. She’d only been there one time, but she’d never forget it.

Almost there.

The driver put on the brakes before pulling into the Harris’s drive. Guilt twisted Clara’s insides. She squeezed her eyes shut in remorse as the van was put in park and the door opened.

Clara felt frozen while looking out the window. Next to the parked vehicle sat a cobalt blue golf cart full of beach toys, towels, and an umbrella. She noticed a little girl with her curly brown hair twisted into a bun sitting on the passenger seat, her hollow eyes looking like she was mad at the world. Curiosity nudged her as she looked in amazement. Could this be Harper?

“I’m glad to see you made it safe and sound.”

“Ja, we had an uneventful trip to the bus station. Clara made it in one piece.”

Pulling her gaze away from the child, she spotted a tall man walking towards her father. He wore a t-shirt and blue swim trunks with white stripes down the sides. She noticed his toned arm was tanned from the island sun when he reached forward to shake Sam’s hand. Sandy blonde hair peeked out from underneath a straw hat, and Clara felt her heart tap a little faster when the man offered her father a compassionate smile. 

This is who’d been watching Harper?

The corner of his eyes squeezed a little more when he caught sight of her. Clara tried her best to sink into her seat and trained her gaze at the floor. She unbuckled her seatbelt, aware of Tyler’s stare. She wished he would back away and let her breathe. Chiding herself, she forced herself to push back the lump in her throat and return his smile. She forced the sides of her mouth to tug upward. It’s not fair to expect him to understand the depths of pain I’m feeling. I’ll play nice, and get through today…somehow.

Like he could read her mind, Tyler stepped away as Clara opened the sliding door. Sam caught her eye in the rearview mirror.

“Leave your bag in the van, Clara, I’ll get it for you in just a minute.”

Shrugging off the peace offering, Clara stepped outside. As soon as her feet hit the pavement, she tried to straighten her crumpled and worn cape dress. She hadn’t thought to look nice for the occasion, but now that she was here, she’d wished she’d fought through her foggy head and had worn something special. While the reason for Clara’s visit was painful, visiting Harper was indeed a momentous occasion. She’d likely remember it forever.

She watched a palm tree sway in the warm island breeze as she stepped around the van. Her feet felt wobbly, and she pressed against the vehicle for support before she walked towards Harper. Tyler noticed her shaky legs, and rushed towards her, offering his arm for support.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Clara. April talked about you all of the time, and I feel like I know you already.”

Clara eyed him suspiciously. She highly doubted her sister had spoken highly of her, but it was a nice thought, at least. While she wanted to push away from him, instead, she wrapped her arm around his and clung to it for support. His arm was warmed by the sun, and Clara could feel his muscles flex as he pulled her a little closer.

“Whoa, now. Are you alright? I can help you to the house if you’d like.”

Embarrassed, Clara squeezed her eyes shut as her cheeks pinked. 

“Nee…I’m fine. I’m just feeling a little wobbly after a day of travel. I’ll get my feet under me in just a second.”

“Take your time. Would you like to sit down?”

Clara laughed softly, despite the distressing situation. She must be a sight to see.

“Nee. If you don’t mind, could you help me to the golf cart? I’d like to see Harper.”

“Of course.” Tyler’s blue eyes softened as he helped her off of the concrete driveway and onto the crushed seashell path. Her breath caught as she locked eyes with the very sad little girl who’d scooched to the edge of her seat.

***

Tyler’s heart tapped in sympathy as he gently led Clara towards the waiting golf cart. A jolt shot through his arm as she tugged him to a stop and stuck her hand deep into her pocket. Pulling out a pair of sunglasses, she plopped them on her nose before nudging him forward. He wasn’t sure if they were to protect her vision from the bright Carolina sun, or hide the swollen redness that surrounded her wide mahogany eyes. Deciding it didn’t matter, he continued to walk towards Harper as she paid no mind to him.

Clara squeezed his arm before letting it go and steadying herself against the golf cart. Harper’s dog gave a deep woof, sounding much larger than it actually was.

“It’s alright, Brownie.” Tyler’s voice calmed the chocolate dachshund as it popped its head out from between a bag of beach towels and a stack of sand toys. Brownie whimpered softly as it nudged Clara gently with her snout before giving her hand a big lick. Clara’s lips pulled into a gentle smile as she kept her eyes trained towards Harper.

Brownie liked April’s sister. This was a good sign. If only Harper would feel the same way. Tyler’s heart squeezed as he thought about how difficult this must feel for the little girl. How would she react to being cared for by an aunt she’d never met? Tyler had been confused by Will and April’s last wishes, and April’s parents had been even more so. He’d caught Trudy speaking to her husband in frightened whispers about the situation when he’d delivered a casserole to the home yesterday. 

“Hey, Harper. My name’s Clara. It’s so nice to meet you. You sure do have a nice dog. I like Brownie very much.”

Clara’s hand shook as she reached out to rub Brownie behind the ears. Harper’s mouth twitched like she couldn’t decide whether to smile or not. Tyler let out a breath. This was a good sign, too.

Harper tucked a wayward curl behind her ear and gave Clara a toothless grin. “Brownie knows if people are nice or not, and she really likes you. That must mean you’re okay.”

“Is that so?” Clara chuckled as the dog wagged her tail as if agreeing with Harper. “I’m glad Brownie likes me, then.”

Tyler signed as a deep frown once again lined Harper’s jaw. Her smile faded as quickly as it had brightened her face, likely because of the terrible situation she’d found herself in.

Tyler had taken to Harper as soon as he’d moved into the aqua bungalow next to her yellow one. He’d moved there right after his wife, Joy and young daughter, Eva had been killed in a swimming accident, trying his best to find meaning to life again. Harper reminded him so much of his Eva, and spending time with the Harris’s had helped his heart start to heal, along with volunteering at the new Beaufort County Conservation Trust. Both Harper’s happy chatter and working to protect the marshland in this part of South Carolina’s lowcountry helped him regain the purpose he’d lost when his little family had died. The hole Joy and Eva had left was still empty though. He spent many nights walking the beach, trying to chase his sadness away.

With a sigh, Clara plopped onto the seat with Harper. The child’s eyes brimmed with curiosity as she scooted to give her more room.

“Do you want to come with us to the beach, Clara? There’s plenty of space.” Tyler eyed the woman carefully. “Who knows…it might make you feel better.” While he didn’t understand what had caused the rift in April and Clara’s relationship, he knew there had been one. April often spoke about missing her sister once Harper had been tucked safely in bed, and the neighbors spent time relaxing on the back porch. He wondered what had separated the sisters while listening to the waves crash on the shore on those moonlit nights, and now, it was too little, too late. Clara likely had regrets, which compounded on top of her grief.

Clara bobbed her head while biting on her lip. “Yeah, I think I’d like that. I haven’t seen this beach in a very long time.”

“Are you sure that’s the best idea? We could get you settled in your room, instead. I know you must be tired after so much traveling.” Trudy’s dress swished as she moved towards the golf cart, while giving Clara an imploring stare. Tyler shifted uncomfortably as Clara scooped up Brownie and the dog wiggled in her arms.

“Ja, I’m sure.” Clara’s tone was clipped, and he could feel heat radiating off of her. Tyler looked at the ground, not wanting to involve himself in the family drama. 

Trudy sighed. “Suit yourself, but I don’t think it’s a gut idea.”

“I know you don’t, Mamm. But I’m an adult, and can make my own decisions.” He noticed Clara’s chin quiver as she jutted it forward. “Let’s go, Tyler.”

He raised his eyebrows at her command. Shrugging his shoulders, he slid into the seat. They sat snugly together, and Tyler was acutely aware of her nearness. He frowned while chasing that thought away. He turned the key, while feeling Clara grow stiff at his side. He shot an apologetic smile towards Trudy as he pulled away. The older woman was fuming, and he could almost see the smoke coming out of her ears.

“I wonder why Nana’s so mad. She probably misses Mamm like I do.” Harper spoke softly as the golf cart jostled across a break in the sand dunes and towards the ocean.

Tyler’s heart caught. He knew Harper was experiencing a gamut of emotions that she couldn’t put into words. She was also an intuitive little thing, and had caught onto Trudy’s sour mood easily. “Your nana will be okay, Harper. She’s probably just sad like the rest of us.”

“I wish that’s all there was to it.”

Tyler glanced at Clara as her soft words flew across the ocean breeze. He wished he could do something to take both Harper and Clara’s pain away, but he’d probably fail if he tried. After four years, he was still reeling over the death of his own family. Clara’s comment highlighted that as he’d suspected, the Bennett family had their secrets. Deciding that Harper would benefit from a change of subject, Tyler pointed to a flock of seagulls as the cart bumped over the last mounds of sand before the ground leveled out. Brownie barked at the playful birds, but her ferocious attempt to scare them away was lost in the breeze.

“Stop here, Tyler. This looks like a great place to build a sand castle.”

Tyler chuckled as he slowed the cart to a stop. The tide was down, and an expansive beach stretched in front of them. If this is where Harper wanted for them to spend their afternoon, then he would gladly comply.

Clara stayed seated after Harper jumped from the cart and pulled her favorite bucket and shovel from her stack. Brownie pranced at her heels as she walked a few feet away and plopped in the sand.

Tyler rummaged through a beach bag and pulled out a bottle of sunscreen.

“Sunscreen first, Harper.”

The girl sighed as she spread her arms and legs, allowing him to spray her down.

“Would you like any, Clara?”

“No, I’m fine.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“Ja.”

It looked like Clara hadn’t been in the sun for awhile, and he hoped she wouldn’t regret her decision later. He sprayed himself down before returning it to the brightly colored bag.

“So…I heard that you’ve been named Harper’s guardian.” Tyler kept his voice low, hoping the child wouldn’t hear what he had to say. She’d endured so much over the last couple of days, and he wanted her to enjoy her time at the beach without being reminded of her situation.

“You heard right. I probably won’t be here for long, though. At least, if my mamm has anything to do with it.”

Tyler leaned a little closer to Clara, while keeping one eye trained on Harper. “What do you mean?”

“It’s complicated, and I’d rather not discuss it right now if that’s alright.”

“Sure.” 

Tyler didn’t want to press for information, but curiosity buzzed through his insides. Why wouldn’t Trudy want Clara to care for April’s daughter? Silence stretched between them as Clara stared at the roaring waves. Sighing, she raised her sunglasses and looked at him. Her eyes looked at him pleadingly, and cut straight to his heart.

“I do want to be with Harper, though. Please remember that if you hear any rumors otherwise.”

Quick as a wink, she pushed her sunglasses back on top of her nose as she held back a sniffle. Empathy pressed through him. He could almost feel the hurt that was running through her, and he wished he knew more of her story.

“Of course. I don’t know the ins and outs of your situation, but I believe you. And I’m here for you if you ever need me when you’re caring for Harper. I live right next door. Harper and I have been best buds since I moved in four years ago.”

A grin tugged on her lips. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely. When we found out that her parents passed away, Harper asked for me almost immediately. I was very good friends with Jed, and I spent a lot of time at their home since we were neighbors. I’m taking a week off of work to help with her while Sam and Trudy make arrangements.” Tyler was glad his carpentry work was flexible, and that his backyard shop allowed him to fit his job around the rest of his life.

“You did that for her? That…that was very nice of you.”

“Of course. I’d do just about anything for Harper.”

“I would, too.” Clara’s words came out in a whisper, and Tyler struggled to hear them over the whipping wind.

“Tyler, look! Brownie and I found a seashell!”

Tyler smiled as Harper bounded towards them, with Brownie close on her heels. He held out his hand, and Harper placed it gently into his palm.

“Good find, Harper. This is a Lettered Olive. It’s the state shell of South Carolina.”

Clara looked at him quizzically. “How did you know that?”

“The local ecology interests me. When I’m not working, I help out at the Beaufort County Conservation Trust.”

“Oh. That sounds like fun.” Clara took a closer look at the shell in his hand. “I grew up on the Sea Islands, but I never learned the names of the sea shells I found.” She looked at him sheepishly while pushing back strands of her hair that had escaped from her kapp and was whipping in the strong breeze. “This shell is beautiful.”

“Then you should have it.” Harper snatched the shell out of Tyler’s hand, and placed it in Clara’s palm. “It’s a gift to welcome you back to the island.”

“Th…thank you, Harper. What a meaningful gift.” Clara’s voice wobbled a little. Harper gave Clara a semi-smile before bounding back to her lavender bucket and shovel.

“What do you say we join Harper, and help her build a castle? It’s probably a gut idea for you to get to know her better since the Harris’s named you her guardian.”

“Didn’t you hear what I said earlier? I probably won’t be here for long.”

Clara crossed her arms as a huff left her mouth. Tyler wished she would tell him what was going on.

Instead, he gently tilted her chin with his thumb, silently asking her to look at him.

She complied, but he could tell she wasn’t happy about it. Even with her sunglasses on.

“I trust Will and April’s judgment, and I think you should be Harper’s guardian. For some reason, they thought you’d be the best fit. Would you like for me to have a word with Sam and Trudy?”

“Nee…that won’t be necessary.” Clara eyed Harper as she pushed herself off of the golf cart. “But I think you’re right. Let’s get to building that sand castle.”Tyler gave Clara a buffer as they walked towards Harper. He admired how she’d decided to try to connect with Harper, along with the way she gracefully walked across the sand. Clara was very beautiful, with her chestnut hair that peeked from her kapp and wide brown eyes. He put a guard around his heart right then and there. After experiencing the pain of losing his wife, he wasn’t sure if he’d be interested in pursuing a relationship ever again.

Thanks for reading this sample chapter, friends!

If you’d like to purchase Her Island Secret, please click here.

Her Island Surprise Sample

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Click here to purchase Her Island Surprise (An Amish Novel).

Chapter One

Josie Lantz smiled as she turned her face towards the Georgia sunshine. The twenty-two-year-old quickly meandered through the local Farmers Market with her eight-month-old daughter, Cora, in tow. With large blue eyes and soft squishy cheeks, the infant attracted smiles from everyone who walked through the open air market. 

“I’m so happy to be your mama, little one,” Josie whispered to her daughter as they looked over the produce at the market. “Hmm, what else should we bring home to Aunt Meredith?” 

The selection of fruits available at the small Tybee Island Farmers Market was unmatched in local grocery stores. Josie had already purchased a few bags brimming full of fresh food.

Suddenly, a patch of colorful fabrics caught her eye. While this market usually only hosted vendors selling produce, today a quilt seller was in attendance! Josie’s chest tightened as she remembered her past life. Josie knew that quilts always had a story to tell, and she didn’t know if she was brave enough to approach the vendor. But Cora did need a new bedspread, and a quilt seemed fitting since Josie’s own mamm had made so many of them through the years. Throwing caution to the wind, she dodged a few shoppers and protectively put her arm around Cora’s baby sling as she made a beeline towards the beautiful quilts.

Josie caught her breath while looking at the vibrant patterns and colors. In her mind, she was immediately transported back in time to her childhood bedroom. 

“Is there anything I can help you with?” The disheveled women who stood behind the table looked at her with a wide smile accenting her tanned face.

Josie hesitated slightly, while trying to snap back to reality. “Yes…I’d love to find a quilt that matches my daughter’s room. It’s light pink, seafoam blue, and gray.”

  “I think I have one you might be interested in,” The woman’s eyes sparkled. “Hudson, could you please unload the last box from our car?” 

Josie quickly shifted her eyes to the ground as a man who looked to be in his middle twenties appeared from behind a quilt swaying in the wind. 

“Sure thing, Mom.” He quickly turned towards the parking lot. 

Josie felt her throat grow dry as Cora’s eyes began to droop. The infant had missed her morning nap, and sleep was calling her name. She wished she could close her eyes as well, since she felt terribly uncomfortable in the presence of this young man. Josie told the butterfly fluttering in her stomach to return where it came from.

  “Are you vacationing on Tybee?” the older woman asked.

“No, I’m not.”

“Well then, are you a local?”

Josie glanced at her sleeping daughter before speaking, unsure of how to answer. She’d only lived in this peaceful town for one year, and the circumstances surrounding her arrival were troubling. An intense pain shot through her chest. Josie felt completely exposed, and wished she could disappear into the growing crowd. “My aunt owns a small group of cottages on the island. For the time being, my daughter and I are staying with her.” Her voice was small and soft.

The quilt seller smiled broadly. “That’s wonderful. It is so nice to meet you. Please, let me formally introduce myself.  I’m Lauren Reed, and my son Hudson has been kind enough to help me today. My husband usually assists me while I set up at these events, but he was called to help a family in need this morning. He’s the director of the Seaside Community Center, which is on the south side of Tybee Island.”

Josie’s eyes scanned the quilts as she processed this bit of information. She returned Lauren’s smile before replying. “It’s…um, nice to meet you, too. My aunt picked some baby supplies up for me there once.”  Josie felt uncomfortable as she shifted from side to side. She motioned towards her daughter. “This is Cora.”

Lauren took in the slumbering child. She was snuggled against her mother in the baby sling, with her short blonde hair beginning to form tiny ringlets around her neck. Her cheeks were slightly red from the warmth of the late summer day.

“Your daughter is darling,” she said. “I love being around babies. She’s a sweetie, for sure.”

Josie nodded in agreement, reassured by Lauren’s words. One short year ago, she wasn’t so sure if she could be a good mother. So much had changed since then.

Before the women could continue their conversation, Lauren’s son reappeared holding a large box. She quickly cleared a spot on the table, and he set the container down.

Josie looked curiously at Hudson. She felt her stomach burn. Josie blew out an annoyed breath, knowing she shouldn’t feel this way. She was a mother now, and Cora must be her main focus. She’d made the mistake of becoming intimate with her old Amish beau, and now another man would never be interested in her. At least, that’s what her daed had told her.

He grinned widely at his mother before turning to Josie. “I believe she’s hiding rocks in this box instead of quilts.” Hudson winked. “You know, I almost threw my back out.”

Lauren elbowed her son. “You can handle that box and more. Be thankful you have a break from mowing grass in the hot sun today.”

Josie readjusted the bags of produce in her hand as the two continued to tease each other. The blush of her cheeks matched the sun’s bright glow. Not exactly knowing why, Josie decided to ease into the conversation. “It’s an especially warm day. I’ll be thankful when the heat of summer breaks.”

“I totally agree.” Hudson hesitated slightly. Taking a step back, he continued to speak with a cautious look in his eyes. “I own a landscaping business, and the cool fall air will be a welcome change. That being said, I’m very grateful for what I do.” He chuckled under his breath. “I’m not afraid of hard work, no matter what my mom might say.”

“I was only teasing, Hudson. You know that.” Lauren elbowed her son before hugging his side.

Josie honestly didn’t know what to think about this man. With dark hair and a tall build, Hudson was very handsome. While he was kind, he also looked uncomfortable. She figured he had much better things to do than speak to her. Leaving as quickly as possible would probably be a good idea.

Lauren smiled at the pair. “Son, let me properly introduce you to our young customers. This is Josie, and her daughter Cora. They live with their aunt on Tybee.” Lauren looked inquisitively at her. “What vacation property does your aunt own, dear?”

“Island Natural Cottages. She owns a group of ten cottages, and a small campground. They are located near a marsh on the north side of the pier.”

“I know exactly where that is. Actually, I have a contract on file with your aunt for when she has a landscaping need. It’s very nice to meet you, Josie.” Hudson shuffled his feet and hesitated slightly before flashing a warm smile that put her at ease. 

“It’s very nice to meet you too. Honestly, I haven’t met many people on the island yet. I’ve lived here for almost one year now, but between keeping up with Cora and helping my Aunt Meredith with her rental business, I’m usually pretty busy.”

“So, you only live with your aunt and daughter?”

“Yes, I do.”

Josie cast her eyes downwards, waiting to feel judgment from Lauren and Hudson. What they must think of her…a young woman with a baby, without a husband in sight. Her nerves felt jangly. But when she glanced up and looked at them, she only saw acceptance and warm, welcoming smiles.

“Well, I for one am very thankful we ran into you this morning! You and your daughter are a delight.” Lauren’s words burst with enthusiasm.

Josie slowly let go of the breath she’d been holding.

“Thank you so much…it’s been really nice to meet you, too.”

Hudson began to unload quilts from the bulging brown box while placing them onto his mother’s table.  Lauren motioned for him to hand her a toddler-sized light pink quilt as it was brought into the sunlight. Pinks, soft blue-green, and gray hues danced across the fabric in patches of paisley, plaid, toile, and small flowers. 

“It’s beautiful.” Josie’s love for the blanket was instantaneous. The sewing was impeccable, and the piece was just as high quality as the quilts her mamm used to sew by hand by candlelight. Plans of her escape flew from her mind as she reached for her wallet. “How much is this quilt?”

Mrs. Reed looked gently at her before speaking. “I’d love for this blanket to be a gift for your sweet Cora. I don’t know your story, but giving this to your baby would be a blessing to me.  Please accept the quilt free of charge.”

Josie honestly didn’t know what to say. “No, I must pay for this. I can only imagine how much time it took to create this gorgeous blanket.”

Lauren and Hudson both shook their heads. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “It isn’t every day that I have the pleasure to meet someone who lives locally. Usually, when I introduce myself to a new face they are vacationing.”

Josie knew this to be true. Since she worked at a vacation rental facility, she normally only came across people from out of town.

“Alright, I accept.” She hesitated slightly, her nerves almost getting the best of her. “I really can’t thank you enough. This quilt will look so gut…I mean, good, in Cora’s room.” Josie winced as the Pennsylvania Dutch word slipped off of her tongue. The Reeds didn’t seem to notice.

“I’ll tell you what…if it makes you feel any better, please pay me a visit anytime. Our family owns a small shop in the center of Tybee called Sea Tides. I’d love to speak to you again sometime. Do you know where our shop is located?”

Josie knew exactly the place…but did she really want to see Lauren and Hudson again? “Honestly, I haven’t had much of a chance to shop on the island other than stopping by the grocery store since my daughter was born. But I know just the shop you’re talking about. From the street it looks so charming. Do you sell your quilts there?”

Lauren nodded. “I sell my quilts and a variety of other things. It’s mainly a store where folks can consign their crafts, but I do carry a small section of touristy items.”

Cautiously, Josie agreed to stop by. “Since it’s late August, our cottages are not rented to capacity at the moment. I’d love to visit sometime.”

Lauren beamed. “Good! I can’t wait to see you and your daughter again.”

The number of shoppers at the Farmers Market had slowly multiplied to a very large crowd, and several more prospective customers arrived at Lauren’s booth. Cora had grown heavy, and Josie decided that now was the right time to head to the car Meredith had let her borrow. Her hands felt shaky at the thought. She’d only received her license a month ago, since Meredith insisted it would be good for her to have it. As a young Amish girl, Josie never thought she would learn how to drive a vehicle. It still felt so foreign to her.

“I probably need to go. Thanks so much again, and I’ll see you soon.”

Lauren turned towards her son. “Could you please carry the quilt to Josie’s vehicle? As you can see, her hands are full.”

While it was true that her hands were occupied with three bags of produce along with a sleeping infant, Josie didn’t want Hudson escorting her to her car. In fact, she’d rather be anywhere other than with this mysterious stranger. “No, I can make two trips…it really isn’t a bother at all.”

Hudson shook his head. “It doesn’t make any sense to carry your child back and forth twice. I’d be more than happy to bring the quilt to your car.” Before she could protest, he gently took the bags of produce out of her hands. “I’ve got this, too.”

Their eyes locked, and warmth curled inside of her stomach.

Josie let a small sigh escape her lips. “Alright, if you insist.”

“I insist.”

***

The trio turned towards the parking lot, and within a moment the crunch of gravel was heard beneath their feet. The heat from the overhead sun felt almost unbearable after they walked past the shade of a cluster of Live Oak trees. Hudson glanced at Josie before looking down at his full arms. Something about her was very intriguing, but he couldn’t put his finger on what. The slender young woman had a bewildered look on her face, which made her almost appear lost. He cleared his throat, suddenly aware of the tension growing between them.

“Which vehicle is yours?”

She nodded towards her right. “I’m in the tan SUV.” Josie fished through her purse for her keys, quickly unlocking the doors with her key fob once she found them. “Just place everything in the back if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

As she buckled Cora into her car seat, he took a quick glance at the young woman while standing next to her car. He shuffled his feet back and forth, wanting to move on but somehow frozen in place.

Hudson felt tongue-tied as he continued to linger next to Josie’s vehicle. Why did he keep standing here? He’d sworn off relationships when his fiancé passed away in a boating accident three years ago. He had been young and so in love. After Abigail died in the devastating incident, Hudson decided to stay focused on his fledgling landscaping business. His life no longer had any room for romance. However, this young woman looked so lost and alone. She could surely use a friend. Josie and her daughter reminded Hudson of his own mother and himself so very long ago. They had been on their own before his mother met and married Charles Reed, who had accepted Hudson as his own. He decided to throw caution to the wind, and see if he could make her feel more at ease.

He flashed Josie a bright smile. “So…did you grow up close to the island?”

“No, but I was raised in Georgia. My parents own a home in Clear Creek, which is a small community in the north Georgia mountains.”

“I’ve visited Clear Creek before. My mom likes to go there to get decorating ideas.” Hudson scratched his head, “Say, isn’t there a large Amish settlement there?”

A visible tremor ran down Josie’s back. Hudson’s lips turned down in concern.

“Yeah, a lot of Amish folks live there.”

“Have you made any friends on Tybee yet?”

She bit her lip. “No, not yet. I pretty much spend all of my time with Cora and my aunt.”

Hudson looked to the sky, while mustering a bit of courage. “Well, I’ll tell you what. I’d love to get to know you and Cora better. I also know quite a few folks who are around our age. Well, I think I do anyway. How old are you?”

“I’m twenty two.” Josie’s voice was soft.

He grinned. “That’s what I thought. I’m twenty five.”

“Actually, I’d really like to meet more people, as long as they accept Cora and like calm activities. She’s usually my sidekick. Where I go, she goes.” Josie let a small giggle escape from her lips before turning a shade of red.

“Of course. I’d only introduce you to people who aren’t into the party scene. Believe me, I definitely am not. Would you mind if I stop by your aunt’s rental business soon? Since I have a landscaping contract with her, I really need to see if she has any work that needs to be done before summer’s end, anyhow.”

“Well…I guess that would be alright.”

Hudson’s eyes brightened as his heart hammered in his chest.  He took a moment to pause in thought before continuing. What was he getting himself into? “Great! I look forward to seeing you two again soon.”

Hudson began walking back to his mother’s booth before she could reply. He watched Josie out of the corner of his eye as she turned on the ignition and opened the windows on this hot and muggy day. Hudson took a final sidelong glance at the tan vehicle before walking towards his mother, who was steadily helping customers. He sighed as Josie’s SUV pulled out of the gravel lot and onto a small side road. He must remember to view Josie just as a friend. He didn’t think he’d be capable of loving a woman like his Abby ever again.

Thank you so much for reading this sample, friends!

Click here to purchase Her Island Surprise (An Amish Novel).

Her Island Summer Sample

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If you’d like to Order Her Island Summer, click on this link.

About the novel:

Marine biologist Sarah Andrews is forced to rely on her old boyfriend when the Tybee Island Marine Rehabilitation Center is badly damaged during a storm. When Colby Mansfield arrives to pick up the pieces, he can’t easily forget how Sarah broke his heart to pursue her career a decade ago. When yet another misunderstanding threatens to tear their budding relationship apart, will Sarah build a wall around her heart? Or will she open her eyes to the integrity of the man standing right in front of her?

This contemporary romance is a clean read, and does not contain foul language, sex, or graphic scenes of any kind.

Chapter 1

Sarah Andrews’ brow furrowed as she closely examined a sea turtle nest on one of Tybee Island’s sandy beaches. The eggs should have hatched by now, she thought. She furiously scribbled notes on her tablet as the sun hid behind an ominous-looking cloud on the horizon. Frowning, she looked upwards at the darkening sky. For a moment she thought the glaring structure on her left had hidden the sun, but nope, it looked like a storm was brewing.

Sarah resigned herself to the fact that the occupants of the nest wouldn’t be hatching any time soon as she reached for her floral tote holding notebook upon notebook of scientific data. The twenty eight year old’s work at the local marine rehabilitation center was very rewarding, and she was so thankful for the opportunity to land her dream job. From the time she was a young child, she’d wished for nothing more than to help the sea life surrounding this quaint coastal community. After completing her biology degree, she landed an internship at the local center which specialized in sea turtle rehabilitation. Sarah cried happy tears on the day when Lauren Boatman, the center director, offered her a paying position.

She loved living on Tybee Island, and working here was a dream come true. When Sarah wasn’t at work, she was able to shop at adorable multi-colored boutiques, eat at delectable seafood restaurants, and visit a variety of historical sites. Her favorite hobby was visiting beaches off the beaten path, just like this one. The warm sand and sun-kissed breezes filled her cup like nothing else.

Sarah dusted the sand off her legs as she looked at the sky once more. Her stomach pinched. Deciding she better hurry, she slipped on her flip flops and began jogging in the direction of her jeep. A strong wind gust suddenly knocked her to the ground, and a passel of notebooks scattered out of her bag. Sarah quickly began gathering her material as she looked at the angry ocean waves off of Georgia’s coastline. The brooding sky began to swirl as her insides clenched all the way down to her toes. A gasp escaped her lips. A tornado had dropped out of the clouds and formed a water spout right before her eyes!

She looked to the left and right quickly, trying to decide where to take cover. The only building around was the large, half-built condo to her left. She glared at the structure, hating everything that it stood for. How this high rise was approved on her tiny island, she never knew. It detracted from the hometown feel of Tybee, as well as took away the habitat that Loggerhead Sea Turtles used for nesting. Sarah quickly realized this condo was her only place of refuge. She jammed the final notebook into her bag and made a run for it. Sarah was almost there when she once again lost her footing. Her breath caught in her throat as a strong hand closed around her arm and pulled her into the dark building.

“It’ll be alright. I’ve got you!”

The deep voice of a man sounded muffled as the waterspout made landfall onto the wide beach. The structure groaned beneath the pressure of the storm, and Sarah was forced to the ground by the mysterious stranger. His breath felt hot on her skin, and she trembled underneath him. She didn’t know what was worse, the storm surrounding them or being protected by a strange man. Sarah quivered with fear as she covered her head with her hands. Her brown hair whipped in the strong wind, and she felt like in any minute they would take lift off. She shrieked as a piece of debris struck the pair before a wall buckled next to them.

Sarah listened closely as the roaring winds began to subside. She gasped for air as dust filled the tiny space which had been made smaller still due to the imploding wall. Sarah pulled her t-shirt over her mouth to prevent sheet rock dust particles from entering as she squinted in the dim light. Her head ached, and when she touched her temple she realized it was wet with blood.

“Are you okay?” The masculine voice echoed loudly into her ear. This time she realized it sounded vaguely familiar. His breath tickled her cheek. She squirmed as the man’s body lifted away from hers, and she scooted a few feet away into a pile of broken glass.

“Colby, is that you?”

A cough rang into the confines of the broken building. “Yep, it’s me.”

Sarah held her aching head as her eyes slightly narrowed. She commanded herself not to cry as she bit her bottom lip. Colby Mansfield was her rescuer? Of all the rotten luck. He was the last person she wanted to see. 

Colby had been her childhood friend while growing up on the barrier island, and they even dated for a few months before leaving for college. But things were different now. He betrayed her trust when he stood against her during a town council meeting almost one year ago. Sarah couldn’t fathom how the once thoughtful boy who grew up on Tybee would want to hurt both the beaches and animals that depended on the wild spaces on the island’s pristine coast. Colby didn’t have Tybee’s interests at heart when he begged the town council to approve his monstrosity of a condo. She was completely dumbfounded when the council members actually went along with it.

“You.” Sarah’s voice was quiet, but firm. “I can’t believe out of all people, you were the one to pull me to safety, Colby.”

“Gee, what a nice way to say ‘thank you,’ Sarah.”

She squinted to make out his features in the dim light. Through the air thick with dust particles she made out his sandy hair and piercing blue eyes. His bronzed arm reached out to her before he thought better of it, and snatched it back quickly as if touching an open flame.

She sighed. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m actually glad you were here today. I’m not sure if I would’ve made it otherwise.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve ‘made it’ quite yet. I’m afraid this building might completely buckle at any moment.” He slowly stood to his feet. “By the way, you never answered my first question. Are you okay?”

Sarah gently motioned towards her injured head. “I…I was hit with something and my head is bleeding.”

Colby frowned. “Let me see.”

He pulled his smartphone from his pocket and turned on the flashlight feature. He aimed it directly at Sarah, causing her to close her eyes. She winced as he gently prodded her forehead.

“We need to stop the bleeding quickly. Also, did you realize that you’re sitting directly in a pile of glass?”

She looked down and realized he was right. Sarah slowly lifted herself away from the shards before realizing too little too late that some had penetrated through her khaki shorts. She gingerly began pulling them out as she heard a loud ripping sound.

Sarah’s eyes shot towards Colby. He was tearing her tote bag apart! “What are you doing? That’s my favorite bag!”

He smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry Sarah, but I need to make a bandage for your head injury. This is the best thing I could find.”

Of course Colby would tear apart her beloved tote bag. He obviously didn’t have a problem destroying anything on this island. Her breathing ragged, she decided to voice her complaint before she lost her nerve.

“While I appreciate your creativity, ruining my favorite bag is’t the answer. It was my grandmother’s and cannot be replaced.” Her eyes flashed in the darkness. “You don’t mind destroying things, do you? You have had no problem ruining our natural coastline to make a few dollars.”

He reached out to her, and tied a strip of fabric around her forehead. His hands felt strong and steady, just as she remembered.

“Sarah, I’m sorry for tearing your bag…it’s the best option we have. I had no idea it was a family heirloom.” Colby paused briefly. “And I don’t appreciate being accused of ‘ruining our natural coastline.’ Building a single condominium complex doesn’t fall into that category. You definitely haven’t lost the dramatic flair you were known for when we were younger.”

She shook her head fiercely, telling her nerves to calm down. Now wasn’t the time to be angry. But there was one thing for certain…Colby certainly knew how to make her blood boil!

“You always know the right thing to say in a difficult situation, don’t you?” Her words were clipped as she rubbed her aching back. “Your inconsiderate attitude reminds me of the council meeting we attended when this condo was approved.”

Colby gently placed a finger over Sarah’s mouth. “Shh…do you hear that?”

She shook her head, and then strained her ears to listen for the elusive sound. The building creaked around them, and the twisted steel towards her right began to sway gently.

“We need to find a way out of here as quickly as possible. This structure hasn’t been properly secured to withstand winds of this magnitude. I’m thankful I was able to pull you into this closet before the storm reached us.”

Sarah didn’t realize that they were in a closet, but upon careful examination she realized he was right. Apparently, the lower reception area of the condo had been basically completed.

Colby rose to his feet, and she realized that he was walking with a slight limp. In her fear and anger, Sarah hadn’t thought to ask how he was doing. She felt a strange awareness surrounding them.

“Hey…I’m sorry for being harsh earlier. In all the excitement, I forgot to ask how you’re feeling. Have you been injured?”

He grimaced. “I’ve been better. My leg hurts, but I don’t have time to worry about that now. We need to find a way to escape this death trap as soon as possible.”

Colby reached the closet door and pushed with all of his might. It didn’t budge. He turned towards a beam of light that drifted in from a broken portion of wall. She chewed on her lip as he evaluated the situation. Sarah had a sinking suspicion they were stuck for good until someone else came to their rescue.

“What happens if we cannot find a way to escape?” Her voice rose a few octaves. “What then?”

He shot a wry smile in her direction. “Calm down, Sarah. I’m sure everything will work out. In the meantime, I’ll continue to look for an escape route.”

She jumped to her feet, wanting to help. We have to get out of here. Suddenly, the space began to spin and Sarah held onto a piece of twisted metal to steady herself. Colby was by her side in an instant. She grasped his arm as he lowered her gently to the floor. She cringed because his touch comforted her.

“Whoa now, you need to sit back down. I’m not sure how much blood you lost from the gash on your forehead, and I can’t have you passing out on me.”

“Why do you care?” Her voice came out in a whisper as she squeezed her eyes shut.

He bent down to her level and tilted her chin towards his. “Believe me, I care a lot.”

Tears clouded her vision as she listened to Colby lie to her face. Sarah could hardly believe this was the same man she grew up with, and even dated. Her mind slipped back to happier times. He used to be so caring when they fished among the reeds for hours during high tide. She even talked him into making spartina grass baskets with her once when they were twelve-years-old. The four months they dated before college were some of the best of her life. Their whirlwind romance had made Sarah feel happy and whole.

They went their separate ways during college, since Sarah was offered a scholarship opportunity at the nearby University of Georgia Marine Extension Office that she couldn’t refuse. The program was very rigorous, and she felt like she couldn’t put her best effort into schooling and a relationship. She’d almost lost her scholarship because she was completely distracted by him. And without that scholarship, she wouldn’t have been able to pursue her dream. It was one of the hardest decisions she ever made.

In the end, it was for the best. Sarah winced at the recollection.

When Colby returned to the island after completing his degree, she realized the outside world had hardened him to the joys of simple island living. She’d made the right choice by breaking it off with him. Wildlife conservation was her life, and it obviously wasn’t important to him. He was a partner at the most successful construction business on the island now, and he fought to allow the construction of this condominium without hesitation.

She opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind when the sickening sound of twisted metal was heard overhead. Colby rushed to her side and pushed her into a corner as the walls began to shake again. Sarah screamed as small pieces of sheetrock pelted her body and blackness surrounded them.

If you’d like to read more, it is available for purchase on Amazon here.

An Appalachian Engagement Sample

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Chapter One

Grace Taylor’s nerves felt as bumpy as the gravel parking lot as she pulled into the drive leading to the Yoder Blacksmith Shop. The marketing executive clenched her teeth as her phone began to ring for the seventh time in the past hour. The name Lucas Mitchell flashed across the screen. Grace glared at her phone as she swiped to dismiss the call as quickly as possible. She’d left the office only fifteen minutes ago, and Lucas was calling her already? It didn’t matter that he was her boss. After their run in this morning, she decided to avoid him as much as humanly possible from this point forward.

A managerial position had opened up at Clear Creek Creative Marketing a month ago, and Grace had applied for the job. Unfortunately, she didn’t get it. The owners of the firm awarded the position to Lucas Mitchell from Atlanta, a man who was at least ten years her senior. He’d immediately taken a liking to Grace, and officially made his intentions clear this morning. She’d rushed out of the office as quickly as possible after she’d turned him down when he’d asked her out. His brooding eyes had turned dark, and she didn’t like the chill that shivered up her spine when she’d said no.

Grace maneuvered around both cars and buggies before pulling into a parking spot close to the blacksmith shop. She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and rested her head on the steering wheel, trying to regain her composure. She couldn’t show up flustered to her meeting with John Yoder. That wouldn’t do at all. One of the reasons she didn’t get the promotion was because she lacked experience. The only way to get the experience she needed to climb the corporate ladder was to fill her portfolio with successful marketing campaigns and happy customers. She planned to do just that, starting with John Yoder.

Grace pulled a compact from her purse and looked in the rear view mirror while applying her makeup. After her unwelcome encounter with Lucas, she looked like she’d seen a ghost. After adding a touch of color to her cheeks, Grace put the makeup away and ran a brush through her long, blonde hair. Satisfied, she grabbed her tablet with all of John’s information before sliding out of her SUV and gently closing the door behind her.

Her breath came out in puffs as she took quick steps towards the Yoder Blacksmith Shop. The shop shared a parking lot with the Yoder General Store, and both businesses were very popular in the area. Grace watched as a cool mist curled around Blackberry Mountain, which the blacksmith shop was nestled into. Despite the sour feeling in her stomach, Grace was glad she lived in the charming southern Appalachian mountain town tucked into North Georgia. Clear Creek was the best town in the whole entire world, in her opinion.

Grace noticed a small crowd gathered to the side of the blacksmith shop. It looked like John was giving a demonstration underneath the open pavilion where he’d set up an area for his tools and supplies. A brick furnace and chimney were centered in the space, and John was currently removing a piece of metal from the furnace with a pair of tongs.

A frown tugged at her lips as she looked down at her watch. She was early. Grace had been in such a rush to escape Lucas, she’d arrived way before she needed to. While she knew her new boss had a crush on her for the past week, this was the first time he’d made his intentions known. She didn’t like the way he looked her up and down and tried to sit too close to her during business meetings. He’d asked her to stay late to work on a project with him three times this week, and each time Grace had found an excuse to scurry home. 

But she couldn’t keep making excuses forever. Grace knew that she needed to come up with a plan if she was going to continue to work for Clear Creek Creative Marketing. Grace chewed on her lip while watching John work. She didn’t know what to do, but something had to change.

Deciding to ignore her problem for now, Grace watched as John expertly shaped the heated metal into what looked like a candlestick. She was captivated by the way his strong arms could be so precise in his work.

“And this is how I make candlesticks, which are perfect for holiday celebrations, I might add. If you’re interested in purchasing one, Emma can help you just inside.”

“Did you make everything for sale in this shop?” A woman wearing a toboggan and bright red lipstick asked the question while waving her hand in John’s direction.

“Ja, I surely did. I enjoy making quality products for you to enjoy.”

A murmur flowed through the crowd, and Grace noticed him straighten to his full height in appreciation. She couldn’t help but smile while watching him interact with his customers.

Grace was good friends with John’s sister Lydia, but hadn’t had the pleasure of spending too much time with him. John seemed friendly enough, but both his size and stare had always intimidated her. John was a tall man, who often went out of his way to avoid her. She looked him over while he carefully laid the candlestick on a fireproof table. His dark brown hair peeked out from underneath his wool hat and she noticed that his brown eyes had specks of gold, much like his sisters. 

Grace hugged the tablet close to her body as a brisk wind blew through the crowd. Ignoring the chill that shivered through her body, Grace wished she’d worn a warmer jacket. Though it was only November, it seemed like winter was coming early to the small mountain community.

“I’ll be here for a while to answer any questions you may have. Denki for coming to my demonstration today. There is another one scheduled in two hours. I’ll be making horseshoes at that time.”

The small group clapped, and Grace couldn’t help but join them. She nudged her tablet underneath her elbow while showing her appreciation.

His eyes caught hers while his patrons stood to their feet to either speak to him or browse the wide selection of products in his shop. At first John looked confused, and then understanding registered across his face. Grace motioned for him to take his time, while she took a seat on one of the wooden benches set up for his audience. She crossed her legs while turning on her tablet to look over the notes she’d taken about John’s needs earlier in the day. Thoughts of Lucas scuttled out of her head as she settled into the homey, mountain environment. Christmas was just around the corner, and she began calculating the gifts she could purchase from John’s shop.

After a few minutes, she heard footsteps coming towards her. Looking up, she realized it was John taking long strides in her direction. Grace stiffened while giving herself an internal pep talk. She hoped John would like what she and her firm had to offer in the marketing department.

At the same time, she wondered why he wanted to do business with them in the first place. Grace knew that the Amish usually relied on word of mouth to build their businesses, not fancy marketing firms.

“Hello John, it’s nice to see you today.” Grace tried to appear professional as she stood to her feet and raised her hand to shake his.

Her determination wavered when she saw the caution in his eyes. She watched his lip twitch as he reluctantly reached out his hand to take hers. Grace sucked in her breath as his large hand enveloped her own. She felt overwhelmed by both his tall stature and brooding eyes, and she couldn’t help but notice the warmth that rushed up her arm at his touch.

“It’s nice to see you too, Grace. I didn’t expect the marketing firm to send you over.”

Niggles of doubt in her ability to be a proficient marketer ate at her stomach. She tried to look confident while staring him in the eye.

“You knew that I worked for Clear Creek Creative Marketing, didn’t you? I thought Lydia would’ve told you, at least.”

Grace had become good friends with John’s sister Lydia when she helped her own sister Amelia convert to the Amish faith a couple of years ago. While Grace spent most of her time working with clients, she liked to spend any free time she had with both Amelia and Lydia.

John scrubbed his hand across the back of his neck. “Ja, she might have mentioned it. I just wasn’t expecting to see you here. I figured someone else would’ve come to help me.”

He didn’t expect a woman marketer to come. Grace knew the Amish believed in traditional gender roles, and she should’ve expected he wouldn’t take kindly for her to be in charge of his account.

“You expected a man to come, didn’t you? I can have someone else assigned to your account if you’d like.” Grace mumbled the words while staring at the floor.

“No, it’s not that.”

“Really?” Hope pressed through her, and she regained a speck of confidence.

“Nee…it’s just that I didn’t expect my marketer to be so…pretty.”

Grace raised her eyebrows while pecking at her tablet, ready to take notes about what John expected her to help with. Slightly annoyed that it looked like she might have to ward off the advances of two men in a single day, Grace shot him what she hoped was a daring stare.

“Is that so?”

“Ja, well…I guess I’ll get used to it. You must know what you’re doing if you were assigned to my account…right?”

She pursed her lips. “Right. I’m fully qualified to help you, John. No matter what your needs are.

His shoulders slumped in relief. “That sounds gut, because I’m going to need all of the help I can get during this holiday season.”

“What do you mean?” Grace motioned to the customers who were currently milling around his demonstration area, admiring his equipment. She watched as Emma checked out a customer through the store window, with two more waiting their turn.

“It looks like you’re doing well here. There were a lot of people at your demonstration, and they’ve turned into paying customers.” She shrugged her shoulders while pushing her long hair over her shoulder. “What gives?”

John gently took Grace by the elbow and led her to the corner of the pavilion. The air felt sharp with tension because the steel used to make John’s products had expanded and contracted repeatedly. She tried to ignore the flutters she felt in her stomach as they pushed away from the crowd. Being alone almost felt too intimate, and for a moment, Grace wondered why she agreed to take on this account.

“I need your help, Grace. While it may seem like business is doing well, it’s way down from previous years. You see, a new business moved into town a couple of months ago. It’s a commercialized store offering iron and steel items. Most of it is cheap junk. None of it is handmade. But the tourists don’t know that, and they haven’t been visiting my store as often.” 

She watched as he fisted his fingers by his side before continuing. “I don’t know what to do. I thought if I hired an Englisch marketing firm, you might have a unique perspective that I haven’t thought of yet.”

Grace cocked her head in thought. “Are you talking about Mountain Metalworks? I noticed a lot of cars in their parking lot when I passed by to meet you today.”

“Ja, that’s the one.” John’s face looked grim as he took Grace by the hand. “Do you think you can help me?”

***

John regretted taking Grace’s hand as soon as she quickly snatched it away. He didn’t know what had just come over him. His new competitor had him all out of sorts.

It didn’t help that Grace was a spitting image of his old aldi who’d left him several years ago. He did his best to avoid Grace whenever she hung out with Lydia, but now, it looked like he had no choice but to learn how to spend time with her.

Karen Glick had left him high and dry when he’d been just about ready to propose. She said he was working too hard, and she didn’t like the long hours he spent in the blacksmith shop. Didn’t she realize he was just trying to prepare for their future?

Grace gave him the side eye while tapping on her tablet. “Yeah, I think I can help you. I’ll do my best, anyway.” She looked curious as her eyes scanned his shop. “I was wondering why you hired a marketing firm in the first place, but it makes better sense now.”

John followed Grace’s gaze as looked at his workplace. He’d worked hard with his daed to build it as soon as he’d been old enough to do so. It was hard to believe that he was now pushing thirty, and he’d been working in this shop for over a decade.

They’d built the shop out of logs hauled in from a tree farm up in Blue Ridge. The men in their church district all came to help, and within only one week, the structure was up and ready for its finishing touches. The community had rallied around him as he started his business, and he’d felt so proud on the early summer day when he first opened for business.

Only one shadow remained in his memory about his Grand Opening…that was when he met Karen. She’d come with her daed to look for a new plow for their fields. Her blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes had captivated him, and he knew then and there that he wanted her to be his. Their relationship had worked well…until it didn’t. John swallowed the lump that grew in his throat while glancing at Grace.

“You have a beautiful shop here. I can see why it’s been popular in our community for so many years now.”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it beautiful. But it is functional.” John frowned as a shiver ran down his spine as a cool breeze passed between them. “I don’t know if I’d call it popular, either. That’s why I called your marketing team.”

Grace hugged her body as her chin took on a quiver. “It is popular, John. And I’m going to do my best to make it even more so.”

John finally registered how uncomfortable Grace looked, and reached for her arm. She was cold, and here he was keeping her out in the chilly weather. Her arm felt small as he led her inside. He tried to ignore the way the scent of her strawberry shampoo tickled his nose.

“I’m sorry for not bringing you inside sooner. Here, let me get the door for you.” John opened the door and propped it open with his toe as Grace stepped inside.

“It’s…it’s alright. I won’t freeze to death.”

“It’s already gut and cold, and it’s only late November. I imagine we have a harsh winter ahead of us.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Grace stopped in her tracks as her eyes swept across the room. “Wow John, you have an amazing store. I can’t believe I’ve never stepped foot in here.”

The room was warm and welcoming, with a soaring ceiling and intricate beam work. Large logs lined the walls, and the floors were made of stone from a local quarry. John couldn’t help but feel a hint of pride as he looked at the metal work products for sale that lined the room. He’d made each item by hand, and he was happy to offer these products to his community.

That is, if they decided to continue shopping with him.

An ache zig-zagged across his temple as he watched a handful of customers shop his products. The holiday season was fast approaching, and his revenue was definitely down.

Another cool blast of air entered the room as the door swung open. John frowned as his sister Lydia walked in, carrying a large box on her hip. Her swollen belly peeked out from beneath her burgundy cape dress. What was she doing carrying such a heavy load while expecting?

In an instant, John was at her side and plucked the box for her arms.

“What do you think you’re doing little schweschder? You can hurt the bobbeli by carrying such things, ain’t so? And where’s Matthew?”

Lydia wrinkled her nose at her brother. “That box is as light as a feather, as I’m sure you can now tell. It only contains some holly branches for decorating. Matthew is with our customers at the general store, as he should be. A pregnant woman can still be helpful.”

Grace smiled as she watched the siblings argue. “It’s nice that you two have each other. I’m glad I have Amelia to talk to from time to time, but it’s just not the same since she became Amish. I can’t pick up the phone and call her anytime I want. We lost my brother Jake about five years ago now. Sometimes I feel very alone.”

John felt his heart tug as her voice grew softer. He never knew what it felt like to be alone since he grew up with seven siblings. Most of them still lived in Clear Creek, and Lydia lived right next door with her husband, Matthew Lapp. Their parents, Leroy and Elma Yoder, retired to Pinecraft, Florida last year. While it still felt strange without them being around all of the time, they visited Clear Creek several times a year. John didn’t mind having a Florida retreat to visit, either. Especially when the weather turned cold in North Georgia.

“Ach Grace, you’re not alone.” Lydia grasped her hands as concern laced her eyes. “You can visit me whenever your heart desires.”

“That’s right. And Grace will be helping me market the blacksmith shop this holiday season, too. You two should have plenty of time to visit if Grace comes by to meet with me often.”

Lydia raised an eyebrow. “You’ve hired Grace’s marketing firm to help you, John? I know you’ve struggled since Mountain Metalworks opened for business, but has it come to this?”

Grace shifted uncomfortably as the siblings stood toe to toe.

“Ja, I did. I didn’t know what else to do, Lydia. I know our way is normally word of mouth and community involvement, but desperate times call for desperate measures.” John looked at Grace sheepishly. “I hope you take no offense, Grace.”

She held up her hand in understanding. “No offense taken. While we are a marketing company and I plan to use social media to help your business grow, I also love to find unique ways to promote my accounts. Now then, can you tell me what you hope to accomplish with your marketing blitz?”

John licked his lips, and for the first time he doubted his decision to hire Clear Creek Creative Marketing. Perhaps he was getting in over his head.

“Well, I’d simply like to draw more customers into my shop, and perhaps let them know about the gut quality products I make and sell.”

Grace typed a few notes into her tablet. “I can definitely help you with that. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a few pictures of your store and demonstration area before I leave. I also plan to visit your competitor soon, to see what they’re bringing to the table.”

John shrugged his shoulders after sharing a glance with Lydia. “Ja, I guess that sounds alright. Just try not to get any people in your photographs, please.”

“I’ll be very careful not to. If it’s okay with you, I’ll do that now. I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

John noticed the bright flecks in her blue eyes as she walked away. Trying not to frown, his eyes followed her as she snapped a few photos of a display of cooking utensils he’d made over the last month or two. It was going to be difficult to work with a woman who resembled his old aldi so closely.

“She looks like Karen, ja?” John leaned close to his sister to speak as Grace walked towards the next display.

Lydia raised her eyebrows. “She favors her a little, maybe. But John, be careful to not compare Grace to Karen. It’s not fair to her, and they are two completely different people. Besides, why are you still thinking about Karen, anyway? It’s been years since you’ve been together.”

His thoughts grew muddled as he continued to watch Grace. “I guess because I thought we were going to spend the rest of our lives together and then it didn’t work out.”

Lydia gave his arm a squeeze. “Life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to, bruder. And it normally works out for the best. Remember that while working with Grace, ja? You don’t want to burden your relationship with a memory from the past.” Her lips pressed into a straight line. “And while I understand why you hired Grace’s firm, remember, just be yourself. It doesn’t matter what your competitor does. The right customers are sure to find you.”

John frowned. He didn’t know if he could do what Lydia suggested. Surely, she didn’t understand how desperate his situation was. He didn’t think that he could bring in customers without Englisch marketing help, which was why Grace was here in the first place. He stewed silently while thinking it over.

“Well then, do you mind if I spruce up your shop with this holly? I should be out of your hair in a jiffy.”

Lydia snapped him back to reality. “Sure, have at it. Do you need any help?”

“Nee, I plan to hang it around the checkout counter for now. When it comes time to use a ladder to decorate, I’ll be sure to ask for help. I wouldn’t want to take a tumble while being pregnant.”

John nodded his head as his eyes continued to track Grace. “Okay, that sounds gut to me.”

She elbowed his side while watching his eyes. “You’re staring a hole right through Grace, ja?”

He gave his little sister a teasing glare. “Mind your own business, Lydia.”

Her laughter tinkled through the store as she walked towards the checkout counter. “I’ll try, bruder. I’ll try.”

After taking pictures of his demonstration area outside for a few minutes, Grace walked back to him, breathless. Her cheeks looked rosy and full while she held up a candlestick in admiration.

“I’ve really enjoyed checking out your shop, John. How do you do such precision work? This candlestick, for instance. It’s beautiful. I plan to buy it and put it on the mantle in my apartment.”

His chest felt tight as he watched her examine his handiwork. She spun the candlestick with her fingers, examining it from all angles.

“There’s no need for you to buy it, Grace. I’d like to give it to you. It’s the least I can do for you. You’re going to help me a gut bit this holiday season.”

Her eyes grew wide. “Oh no, John. I couldn’t accept this. You’re paying my firm for my work and I…”

Her voice trailed off as he left her side and walked towards Emma.

“Emma, could you hand me a bag and a couple of pieces of wrapping paper?”

Emma’s dark brown eyes questioned him as she reached underneath the counter and did his bidding. “Sure thing, John. Are you sure this isn’t something I can take care of?”

“Nee.” After his simple reply, he walked back to Grace’s side and packaged the candlestick for her right then and there.

Grace’s hand rose to her chest in appreciation as her eyes crinkled into a warm smile. “John…thank you. I’ll come up with a marketing plan after I take a look at Mountain Metalworks, and share it with you soon. Does that sound alright?”

“Ja, that suits me just fine.” Uncertainty twisted his insides as he watched her walk out the door and back to the parking lot. He hoped his plan to hire Grace’s firm worked, and he would live to tell the tale. He didn’t know if that could happen if she kept looking at him like that.

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The Shopkeeper’s Match Sample

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Chapter One

Lydia Yoder sighed while straightening a rack of cape dresses in the general store she ran with her parent’s help. She felt like her nerves might run away with her as she ran a finger along the collar of a dress she recently finished. It was a warm tone of orange, which reminded her of fall. Lydia glanced out the window. Peeks of color tinged the leaves on the trees which indicated the season had definitely arrived. Her cheeks felt rosy like the red leaves she spied as her wide chocolate eyes tried to imagine the day away.

“So, it looks like we’re just about ready then.”

Lydia’s lips pursed when she heard her mother’s voice to her side. As the youngest of eight children, she was the only child still living at home. Her mamm and daed were just about ready to leave the Yoder General Store in her care for a month or two. Elma Yoder’s aging parents were in need of a hand in Lancaster County. Which meant Lydia would be in charge of the store. Alone.

As scared as she was, this finally was her chance to prove that she was a gut shopkeeper, and could manage the store all by herself. Lydia tried to remind herself of this as her nerves jumped from here to there.

Lydia forced her brown eyes to smile as she met her mother’s gaze. “Ja, I thought you’d be ready to go soon. Do you have everything you need?”

Her mother eyed her face. A frown tugged the older woman’s lips. “Lydia, are you alright? I know tendin’ to the store might be hard on you. Especially after what happened when we left you last year to visit Pinecraft.”

Lydia bit back the groan attempting to escape her lips. Last fall, her parents had left her in charge of the general store while they vacationed in Pinecraft, Florida. Lydia was an excellent shopkeeper, but had grown distracted while helping her friend Amelia convert to the Amish faith. She had forgotten to place a large wholesale order, and the store was grossly understocked during one of the busiest times of the year. She was afraid that she might never live it down.

“I’m fine. I’ve got this under control, you know. I’m twenty-five-years old now. I know this store like the back of my hand.” Her voice was soft while she rearranged a rack of suspenders. Wiping sweaty palms across her apron, Lydia thought about the store and the legacy she hoped to continue there.

The Yoder General Store had been in the family for generations. It sat in the heart of southern Appalachia in the shadow of Blackberry Mountain, where several rivers met and tourists flocked to apple orchards during the fall. The small town of Clear Creek, Georgia was both picturesque and quaint. Lydia loved living here, and she loved running this store. More than anything, she wanted to prove that she had what it took to be the full owner. Her parents had hinted that they wanted to retire to Pinecraft soon, but they were uncertain if Lydia could handle running the store by herself.

“Well, I still worry about you being here all alone.”

“I’m not alone. John is here to help.”

Lydia’s brother John lived just next door. He helped out at the store from time to time, but his main source of income was the blacksmith shop he ran beside his home. Not only was a blacksmith shop functional in an Amish community, it was also a tourist attraction in itself. John gave demonstrations once or twice a day, and the tourists loved it. Having her brother so close by was a comfort to Lydia, too.

Elma’s feet shuffled while she looked at the floor. “I think you might need more help than John, Lydia. As you know, he’s awfully busy in his blacksmith shop. After asking around, I found the perfect person to help in the store while we’re away.”

Lydia sucked in her breath, while pushing a tendril of brown hair behind her ear. “Mamm, I’m sorry about last year. Forgetting to place an order with the Tanner family was an honest mistake. I was just so caught up in helping Amelia learn our ways that it completely slipped my mind…”

Her voice trailed off while looking away. Lydia wished she had the confidence to properly voice her opinion, but she didn’t know if she would ever reach this elusive goal. As the youngest child, she always had others waiting and willing to take care of her. Her opinion had always been muffled by everyone else’s. Even at age twenty five. She wished she could convince her mother that she was a strong young woman with a head for business.

“I know it was an honest mistake, dear.” Elma patted Lydia’s shoulder. “ But forgetting to place that order caused us to lose a lot of revenue. Running this general store takes a lot of attention to detail. It’s a huge store. One can’t be distracted while doing it.”

Lydia smoothed a wrinkle from her apricot cape dress while biting her inner lip. She wanted to hide under the counter. After all of these years, she’d made one mistake. That was enough for her parents to no longer believe she was capable of tending to shop alone. Why, she’d even learned how to walk on this very floor. She knew she had what it took to fully run this place. But would her parents ever give her the chance?

“Okay, Mamm. Okay.” Lydia ignored the niggles of annoyance rushing down her spine. “I understand. Now who did you ask to help me?”

“Do you remember Matthew Lapp? He’s Kate Tanner’s nephew. He ran a general store in Copperhill, Tennessee for quite some time. I thought he’d be the perfect man to help you.”

Lydia’s eyes grew wide. Kate Tanner’s nephew? He was sure to have heard of her blunder last year. Embarrassment crept through her.

“Mamm…don’t you think someone else might be better for the job?”

“No, dear. Copperhill isn’t too far from Clear Creek, so Matthew didn’t have to travel far. He’ll be staying at John’s while we’re gone. I think it will be the perfect arrangement.

Perfect arrangement? More like a perfect disaster. Lydia didn’t know if she could bear the humiliation. She rubbed her head as a niggling pain ran across her forehead.

“How long do you think you’ll be gone?”

“Hopefully no more than a month or two. Your granddaed took a nasty fall, and your grandmother needs help. We aim to give it to them.” Elma gave her daughter a reassuring smile. “But with Matthew here, you should be just fine. Even with the fall Open House coming up.”

The North Georgia heat had finally broken, and Clear Creek was definitely experiencing the beginning of autumn. The Fall Open House was the biggest shopping day of the year for the Yoder General Store. Tourists usually flocked to the shop after visiting the nearby apple orchards. They loved the warm and homey establishment, framed by rolling hills and a babbling creek.

Elma’s smile didn’t cheer Lydia’s mood even one bit. She felt like her chance to prove once and for all that she could run this store was slowly slipping away.

“I…I guess it’ll work out okay if you insist.”

“Oh Lydia, don’t look so downtrodden. Having Matthew here is for the best. Honestly, you’ll have more time to work on your sewing book with him here. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

Lydia was a master seamstress, and women came from miles around to buy her cape dresses. Over the past couple of months, she’d been putting together a simple sewing instruction book for women to purchase when they visited the store. She felt like it was something else she could contribute to the shop, while being an asset to the community.

 Lydia flashed both hot and cold. “I don’t know, Mamm. I was doing a fine job of writing the book and running the general store without Matthew here.”

Elma pursed her lips. “Our busy season hasn’t started yet, Lydia. Your father and I’ve decided this is for the best. Matthew should be arriving shortly. Leroy left right after breakfast to pick him up at the train station.”

Clear Creek’s passenger train ran from Tennessee into Georgia. Not only did tourists enjoy taking rides, it served as a great way for the Amish community to travel. Lydia had enjoyed taking train rides with her friend Amelia before she got married to her old beau, Abram.

Curiosity nudged her. She wondered what Matthew was like, and she wanted to take a peek at him as soon as he arrived. “It looks like everything is straightened here. I think I’ll make sure the porch is nice and clean before the store opens.”

Elma raised an eyebrow. “Very well, dear.”

Lydia slid out of the door, and grabbed the broom propped up against the log building. While sweeping the porch, her eyes strained towards the road. Sure enough, within a few minutes her father pulled into the drive with a passenger seated next to him. Suddenly timid, Lydia concentrated on the wooden boards lining the wide, rocking chair porch. She’d never been gut at talking to men. She’d rather crawl into a hole than converse with men her age. Her shyness always got the best of her, and she never knew quite what to say.

Once the buggy stopped, Lydia couldn’t help but look again. Her eyes fluttered open as she took him in. A man of average build hopped out of the passenger seat. His arms were tanned, and he looked strong. Brown hair poked out from underneath his straw hat, and his dark eyes bore through hers as he waited for Leroy to exit the buggy.

The screen door creaked open and then slammed shut as Elma scurried outside. “Leroy! Matthew! I’m so glad you two are here! We have a lot of explainin’ to do before we head towards Lancaster. Let’s get to it before the time grows even later.”

A sigh blew through Lydia’s lips as her mother spoke. While Lydia didn’t particularly want to speak to Matthew, did her mamm not even trust Lydia to explain the running of the general store alone? Apparently not. She tried her best to push down the frustration building inside of her.

Lydia forced a tight-lipped smile as her mother put her arm around her waist. While she’d always loved the fall season at the Yoder General Store, it didn’t look too promising this year.

***

Matthew Lapp stretched as he stepped down from Leroy’s buggy. He felt weary from his morning of travel, and nerves ate at his stomach since didn’t know what to expect while working here. Trying to ignore his doubts, Matthew looked at the Yoder General Store in curiosity. The log building was stained a dark brown color, which matched the home behind it. Black eyed susans and coneflowers surrounded the porch, which made it feel cozy and welcoming. The porch itself was filled with wind chimes and whirly-gigs, which blew in the wind.

He felt his chest tighten. This looked just like the store he managed in Tennessee, but even more charming. It was large, and he understood why Lydia Yoder needed help while her parents were away.

But one question loomed in his mind. Why had he been asked to do this after the heap of trouble he got into in Tennessee?

Matthew had run the Copperhill General Store for close to a decade when he’d been asked to step down by the owner. The ledger didn’t balance for two months in a row, and he was accused of stealing from the business. Matthew would never do such a thing, and he’d been shocked that it was even suggested. After leaving management, he decided to take up carpentry, which was a worthwhile skill for an Amish man to have.

But now, his Aenti Kate had asked him to help run the Yoder General Store. She was friends with the Yoders, and he’d listened patiently as she explained their predicament. He felt like he owed it to her, since she helped him back on his feet after he was stripped of his shopkeeper position. But how could she trust him to do this after what had happened in Copperhill? 

While he didn’t think so, Kate thought he was the one for the job. Matthew admitted that he had felt compassion towards Lydia when Kate described how she’d struggled to run the store by herself last fall. He figured he could help her out for a month or two if she really needed it. After all, Matthew was a bachelor. He didn’t have any real responsibilities. He sold his carpentry products online, and could make them anywhere if he found the time.

Matthew heard the gravel underneath his boots crunch as he neared the store. Two women stood on the porch, one older and one younger. The young woman had her arms crossed, and her eyes didn’t look very friendly. She was slender, and her hair was a warm tone of brown accented with flecks of gold. He smiled warily as he approached. Could this be Lydia?

“Well, now. This is my family. Please meet my wife, Elma, and my daughter, Lydia. We are very glad you’re here, Matthew.”

Matthew forced a smile while Leroy spoke.

“I’m happy to help.”

He watched as Lydia’s eyes rolled. Matthew decided to ignore her rudeness, and turned to face Elma instead.

“Come in, come in.” Elma motioned for him to follow her. “We have so much to show you before we leave.”

Matthew followed Elma inside, curiously looking the store over. It was large…larger than he’d expected. The log walls were warm and homey, and there were several different rooms full of items for sale. To the right was a food counter, and his stomach gurgled once he smelled apple cinnamon floating through the room. He was surprised by what he was seeing.

What amazed him the most were the rows and rows of dresses lining an entire room to his left. They were arranged by color, and it looked like a fabric rainbow circled the room. Quilts were hung on the wall overhead, and handmade headcoverings lined the shelves.

“Wow…that’s a lot of dresses. I bet many women contribute to your supply.”

“No. Just me. I make all of the dresses.”

Matthew turned towards Lydia. She looked flustered while staring at the floor. Until now, she’d been as quiet as a mouse. A pulse of surprise shot through him.

“You made all of these?”

“Yes.” She shrugged while looking towards the dresses. “I like to sew, I guess you could say.”

“I think that’s an understatement.”

“Welcome to our store, Matthew. Let me give you the grand tour. Our shop used to be much smaller, but we built a new wing last summer, especially for Lydia. We didn’t have enough space to contain all the dresses she was makin’ before.”

Elma Yoder began on one side of the store, and didn’t stop talking for thirty minutes straight. Matthew’s mind spun as he tried his best to take in all of the information. There was so much to remember, and it had been nearly a year since he’d managed the Copperhill General Store.

“And now, we’ve come to the cash register.”

Matthew’s jaw tightened and he fisted his fingers. He’d always been a good money manager until the strange ledger imbalances that plagued him at the end of his employment. He felt triggered as Elma slipped behind the counter.

“I’ve got it, Mamm.”

He eyed Lydia, who had quietly been following the group around the store.

“I’ve got it. I can explain the cash register to Matthew. You and Daed need to get ready to go. The driver will be arriving soon, ja?”

“Yes, the driver will be arriving soon.” Elma’s shoulders slumped. “Are you sure you’ve got this under control?”

“Absolutely sure.” Matthew watched as Lydia’s brown eyes looked laser focused. Perhaps she wasn’t as timid as he’d originally thought.

“Alright, then.” Elma patted her daughter’s shoulder. “I guess we’re off. Do you have any questions, Matthew? You will be staying with my son, John. He’s a bachelor, and has plenty of room. He lives right next door.”

“No…I don’t think I have any questions. If I do, I’m sure Lydia can answer them.”

He watched as the young woman’s shoulders relaxed in relief. But quickly, she straightened to her full medium-height. He guessed she was around 5’5”.

“That’s right. I can answer them. I know how to run this store.”

Uncertainty laced Elma’s eyes. “Alright, Lydia. Please let me know if you have any problems whatsoever. A phone shanty is right beside your granddaed’s home and you have the number.

“I’ll be sure to call if I need you.”

“Okay. I’ll be checking in periodically, too.” Elma pecked Lydia’s cheek before motioning towards Leroy. “Come, let’s get our suitcases and wait for the driver. He should be here within fifteen minutes.

Lydia’s father nodded as he eyed his daughter. “I’ll miss you, Lydia. I hope you have a gut time managing the store with Matthew.”

Leroy strode over to Lydia and enveloped her in a bear hug before leaving the store with his wife. Matthew felt uncomfortable once the two of them were left alone.

After a beat of silence, Lydia rested her hands on the counter. He could tell they were shaking.

“So…I guess you need to know how to work the cash register. Come behind the counter with me, if you don’t mind.”

Matthew followed Lydia as he slid behind the counter. The cash register sat on a slab of granite dotted in warm brown hues. It matched the rustic wooden cabinet perfectly.

“This is our cash register. It’s really easy to operate. Let me show you.”

“No…there’s no need. This is exactly like the cash register I used at the Copperhill General Store.” Annoyed, he looked at the thing with disgust. He’d always been so good at balancing the books when he managed the shop, and he didn’t know how he’d gone wrong.

Lydia raised an eyebrow. “Okay, then. I guess there’s no need in showing you.” She sighed. “To be honest, there’s no need in showing you any of this. I was raised in this store, and I can definitely handle it on my own.”

He felt her body heat rise as she turned towards him. He took a step back, and then slowly walked away from the cash register. 

“Are you sure about that? This is an awfully big shop for someone to manage by themselves.” He remembered the mishap his Aenti Kate had told him about when Lydia had been left here alone. She’d forgotten to place a large wholesale order of handcrafted items from her just as fall had rolled around last year. The Yoder General Store was woefully undersupplied, and the tourists had been disappointed in the lack of wooden signs, tables, and chairs to purchase.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Her eyes looked uncertain as she spoke. Matthew couldn’t help but think she looked cute, and somewhat appealing as she stood motionless. This store was a lot for one person to handle, and yet she wanted to take on the challenge. She definitely had gumption, even if she’d made a mistake in the past.

“Well, I’ll try to stay out of your way as much as possible, then. I’m definitely here to help, but consider me your employee. You know a lot more than I ever will about this store.”

Her shoulders relaxed as she leaned her side against the counter. “Really? Are you sure about that? I know you used to manage a store of your own. It probably will be hard for you to give up the reins.” She scratched her head. “Speaking of the Copperhill General Store, why aren’t you still there?”

He sighed. “I’d rather not talk about it. If that’s okay with you.”

Shrugging her shoulders, she managed a half smile. “Sure. Fine. Whatever suits you best.” Lydia looked at her watch. “There’s still a few hours until opening time. My friend Amelia Miller just had a boppeli, and I promised to stop by her home to pick up some of the soap she sells at the store this morning. She had a supply built up before she went into labor, thankfully.”

“And I’ll ride along, if you don’t mind. I might have a few more questions for you before the store opens, and I’d like to pick your brain.”

He watched as she bristled. “I’m not sure if that’s necessary Matthew, but as you wish. We’ll leave in a few minutes”

Sighing, he trudged out of the store and back towards the buggy. Hopefully, he could fetch his clothing and bring it to his room in John’s home before Lydia planned to leave. He had a sneaking suspicion that his time at the Yoder General Store would be uncomfortable, in more ways than one.

Thank you so much for reading the first chapter of The Shopkeeper’s Match. If you’d like to read the rest of Lydia and Matthew’s story, it can be purchased on Amazon through this link.

Becoming His Amish Sweetheart Sample Chapter

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To purchase Becoming His Amish Sweetheart, click here.

Chapter 1

“Your order’s coming right up.” 

Amelia Taylor forced a tight smile on her lips while clicking on the mouse and pulling up Josh Brown’s invoice. Her bright blue eyes quickly scanned the instructions on the computer screen before motioning for her assistant Henry to come closer.

“Hey Henry, could you load Mr. Brown’s order for him please?” She pointed at a number to indicate where he was headed.

“Sure thing.” The teenager grabbed the keys for the forklift, ready to load the pallet of pumpkins into Josh’s truck.

“Thanks, Amelia. You’re the best.” Josh tipped his hat before stepping away from the counter.

Amelia sighed while brushing a stray piece of blonde hair behind her ear. She sure didn’t feel the best at the moment. Since her twin brother Jake died in a farming accident two years ago, working at her family’s pumpkin farm felt plain hard. She hadn’t acted like herself since that terrible day, and yet she dragged herself to the pumpkin patch each weekend to help her parents fill orders at their bustling farm nestled in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Both pumpkin farms and apple orchards dotted the landscape in Gilmer County, Georgia. Tourists came from miles around to purchase fresh produce in the fall. Visitors enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere, and so had Amelia. But now, her family’s small farm in the town of Clear Creek had lost its sparkle. While there, all she could think about was Jake and how he should still be enjoying life right along with her. The twenty-year-old spent most of her time at the local community college, although she didn’t have any idea what to major in or do with her life.

Amelia bit her lip as her thoughts snapped back to reality. She needed to take care of business and stop daydreaming. Looking up, she held her breath as a figure walked towards her.

The Amish man looked to be about her age, or maybe a little older. His blue eyes caught her own as they crinkled into a smile, and she couldn’t help to return it. Suddenly self conscious, she tugged at her sweater and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans.

Amelia had always admired the Amish who lived in Clear Creek, but since her brother’s accident, she’d avoided everything that had to do with farming like the plague. She missed the simple, idyllic life she used to live. If only she could go back in time.

“I came to pick up my order. The name’s Abram Miller.”

“Got it. Give me just a minute while I look up your invoice.”

Amelia’s fingers shook as she typed his name onto the screen. She sensed him watching her, and she shyly took a second look.

He wore gray pants and a crisp, white shirt. Sandy blonde hair peaked out from underneath his straw hat. His arms were strong, tan, and currently folded over his chest.

Suddenly tongue-tied, Amelia turned her face away. Her cheeks burned as she realized that his stare made her stomach flip-flop.

“Okay, it doesn’t look like your order is very large. My assistant is with another customer right now. Do you mind loading it yourself?” She smiled apologetically. “I can help you if you’d like.

Abram put up a hand in protest. “Ja, I can load my order. But you don’t have to help me. It looks like you have a lot of work to do.” 

“If you’re sure. Give me just a second to print out your invoice.”

Abram waited patiently as the printer spat out his piece of paper. With wobbly hands, Amelia handed it to Abram while motioning for him to follow her.

Why does this man have this effect on me?

Amelia pushed aside her peculiar feelings while dodging pallets of pumpkins on her way to the back of the barn. She sensed Abram close to her side as they stopped next to three cartons filled with a variety of pumpkins and gourds.

“Ja, this looks like my order alright. We own an orchard not far from here, and our customers like to purchase pumpkins, too. I think this mix will be a hot seller.”

“Um, that sounds good.” Amelia swatted at a fly that buzzed around her head. “If you need help with anything else, just let me know.”

Abram touched her wrist and gave it a gentle squeeze as she turned to go. “Hey…I didn’t catch your name.”

“Amelia. Amelia Taylor.”

He grinned widely. “Hullo, Amelia. Do your parent’s own this farm?”

She nodded while swallowing a giggle. His use of Pennsylvania Dutch was endearing. She’d grown up hearing it often in her small mountain community.

“Yep. My last name’s Taylor, after all.”

His name sounded familiar to her, too. Miller…Miller. She bit her lip. A light bulb went off in her head as she remembered where she’d heard the name before. Amelia shopped with both her mother and friend Valerie often, and a booth in her small Appalachian town’s shopping district contained intricate needlework bearing the name of Ruth Miller.

Their eyes locked, and she licked her lips. Amelia knew she should get back to the counter, but something intrigued her about Abram. Surprised that she wanted to learn more, she decided to continue their conversation.

“Are you by any chance related to Ruth Miller?”

“I am. She’s my mamm.”

She nodded. “I’ve seen your mother’s work for sale at the Clear Creek Marketplace. She is very talented.”

“I have to agree with you there.” Abram shuffled his feet on the packed dirt that lined the inside of the barn. “So, do you enjoy working on this farm?”

Amelia coughed as her stomach squeezed. “Um…not exactly. This business is owned by my family, and I’m needed here on the weekends. But I’d rather be somewhere else.” She sighed as she looked down at her hands, remembering Jake. Since the sorority house she normally lived in at her college was being renovated, Amelia had temporarily moved back into her parent’s home. Being here felt hard. “I…I don’t think life in this town is for me, and I’m just biding my time until I find a way to leave.”

Pain snaked through her as she stepped away. She really should get back to her counter.

His eyes questioned hers as he cocked his head. “You should be thankful that your family has been blessed with this farm. It’s filled with abundance.” He motioned towards the piles of pumpkins nearly bursting out of the barn. “What else could you want?”

Annoyed, she tapped her foot. Who was Abram to say what she should and shouldn’t want? He had no idea what she’d been through. “If you don’t mind, please keep in mind that you aren’t my boss. In fact, we’ve just met. You have absolutely no right to weigh in on my priorities.” She pushed her wavy blonde hair over her shoulder, avoiding eye contact. Her nerves felt jangly, and she didn’t know why.

He sighed. “I’m sorry if I offended you. Just believe me when I say life away from Clear Creek isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.”

“How would you know? You’re Amish.”

Abram lowered his gaze to the ground before mumbling quietly. “You’re right…how would I know?”

Amelia sighed, reminding herself to be kind to her parents’ customers. Abram had no idea of the loss she’d experienced on this farm, and she wasn’t about to tell him. Not yet, anyhow.

She stole another glance. Abram shuffled his feet, looking slightly uncomfortable. A warmth spread over her as she let her defenses down for just a moment, remembering the simplicity and joy of her small town upbringing. Surprised, Amelia wondered why she felt this way.

“Look, thank you so much for shopping with us today. My family really appreciates your business.”

Abram’s shoulders relaxed. “And my family appreciates the Taylor Family Farm. Your pumpkins are top notch, and are icing to the cake when customers visit our orchard. By far, this is our favorite place to go when we need to refill our supply.” His eyes twinkled. “If all goes well, I should be back every few days.”

Since her sorority house was being renovated, she should be here, too. A jolt of regret pulsed through her. If she’d just taken care of her responsibilities two years ago, Jake would still be at this farm with her. Everything would be like it should. But instead, she was left without her twin and reminded of his accident whenever she stepped foot on the farm. He shouldn’t have been pinned by their tractor while trying to cover for her negligence.

“Hey…are you alright?” Abram took a step closer, and his earthy scent tickled her nose. She felt her throat tighten while wondering what to say next.

“Fine…I’m fine.”

He frowned. “You don’t look fine. Do you need to step outside of the barn for a minute? It’s awfully hot in here.”

Amelia nodded, and he gently took her by the elbow. Leading her out the door, they dodged pumpkins as they crossed a field and walked towards the shade of a mighty oak tree. Customers milled around with smiles on their faces, and she could hear children shriek with delight while they waited in line for her father’s hayride.

She sighed, defeated for the time being. Abram’s eyes bore into her as she leaned against the familiar tree. After taking a gulp of air, she felt slightly better.

“Would you like to talk about it?”

His words were calm, and to the point. For the first time in forever, Amelia thought yes, perhaps she would. There was something about Abram that made her feel at home. Her cheeks pinked. What was wrong with her? This man was both a customer and a stranger, and she shouldn’t be feeling this way. 

She held up her hand, a sign for Abram to stop in his tracks. “No…I’d rather not.”

His questioning eyes probed further.

“But thank you for leading me outside…for thinking of me. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately, and I definitely can use this fresh air.”

“Of course.” He brushed against her while leaning closer. “You had me worried, there. You looked awfully peaked when we were standing in the barn.”

Touched by his thoughtfulness, Amelia’s lips curved into a smile. Since losing her twin, she didn’t feel like anyone understood her like he had. She’d felt lonely, lost, and alone. 

They locked eyes, until a child bumped into them. Brought back to reality, Amelia’s gaze returned to the busy pumpkin patch. She noticed a group of people staring in their direction. Suddenly self conscious, Amelia hugged her middle.

“I think I’m fine now. Feel free to grab your order. I can check to see if Henry is available to help you now, if you’d like.”
“No, I got it.” He started to back away slowly. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. If you ever need a listening ear, I’ll be around.” He winked before turning away.

And just like that, he was gone.

Amelia sighed. What had come over her?

It’s like her senses were thrown out the window.

Growing up in Clear Creek, Amelia knew talking to an Amish man was like playing with fire. The Amish kept to themselves when it came to relationships between males and females.

Shyly, she watched as Abram carried a large box of pumpkins from the barn with ease and walked towards the group of horses and buggies tied to a hitching post. He was tall, and strong. Abram walked with quiet confidence, and she was surprised by her attraction to him.

She needed to squash it, and fast. After the farming accident, Amelia knew she couldn’t live in Clear Creek long term. The memories were just too painful.

As if on cue, Amelia’s sheepdog, Sadie, nuzzled her hand.

“Sadie, have you come to offer a hand?” The dog wagged her tail and licked Amelia on the arm. She laughed as she ran her hands through Sadie’s coarse fur. “You always know how to make me feel better.” Amelia sighed as she walked slowly back towards the barn. A vision of Abram’s concerned gaze burned into her conscience, and she squinted her eyes, hoping it would leave her mind quickly. 

***

Abram leaned back against the worn seat in his buggy, a smile filling the outline of his squared jaw. He guided his horse, Bessy, to make a right-hand turn towards his parent’s home in the heart of Amish country on the banks of Clear Creek. He glanced at the pumpkins behind him as the buggy continued slowly and steadily towards his childhood home. What a morning it had turned out to be. 

The fruit reminded him of Amelia Taylor…for some reason, he was quite taken by the Englisher. Her wavy blonde hair framed her pixie-like face before trailing down her back. Her blue eyes had bore into his with a sadness he wished he could take away. Abram found her short stature to be endearing as she led him to his order in the big, airy barn.

As much as he hated to admit it, he’d felt some attraction there. He wanted to comfort Amelia when her lips turned down and her posture stooped. In fact he wanted to do more than that. Abram wished he could have scooped her up in a hug right then and there. 

What was wrong with him? Why was he always attracted to things outside of his reach?

Abram had nearly broken his mamm and daed’s heart when he left town during his Rumschpringe. He’d come very close to leaving his Amish faith to seek a name for himself within the Englishe world as a musician during his running around years. After his rejection on the music scene, he realized the magnitude of what he’d left behind, Abram returned home to his roots, fully willing to accept his culture for the rest of his life.

This had been a few years ago, and Abram felt like he still hadn’t fully regained the trust of his family.

He wished they believed him when he said that he wasn’t going anywhere. Life outside of Clear Creek wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. It was calloused, and hard. Abram was fully content with his life in this small, Georgian community. Until he met Amelia Taylor, that is.

Bessie turned onto a tree-lined lane with its mountain backdrop while his thoughts returned to reality. Apple trees dotted the landscape over rising hills, and a handful of cars in the drive indicated customers were wandering the orchard to pick their delicious produce. It was good to be home. The white farmhouse was framed by his mother’s rambling rose bushes, and he spied his nieces, Ada and Abby, playing amongst the apple trees to the west side of the residence. He guided Bessie towards the barn as his mother stepped onto the front porch.

“Abram! I’m glad you are home! Were you able to pick up our order without any problems?”

“Ja, there were no problems at all.”

Ruth Miller hurried down the porch steps, her wide frame quickly closing in the distance between the two. “Tis gut to hear. Denki ever so much for stoppin’ by the Taylor farm for us today.”

“You’re welcome, I didn’t mind at all. I enjoyed giving Bessie a chance to run off some steam. I’ve been so busy in the apple orchards that I fear I’ve been neglectful to the mare.”

“Nee, she looks perfectly healthy to me.” Ruth patted her son’s arm. “Denki ever so much again. I didn’t want to load my two granddaughters into the buggy while they were havin’ so much fun playing outdoors.”

Abram looked at the two young girls romping amongst the trees. They belonged to his sister, Miriam, and his brother-in-law, Marcus. They were expecting another bobbeli, and his mother had agreed to watch her grandchildren while Miriam visited her midwife.

“Mamm, is everything going well with Miriam’s pregnancy? Is her visit today standard protocol?”

She smiled widely. “Ja, everything is going quite well, to my knowledge. You will have another niece or nephew in three months’ time.”

He sighed with relief. His parents Jed and Ruth Miller had only two living children. Most Amish families had many more. Miriam’s pregnancy was shaky at the start, and Abram was grateful to know all was going well now. His family was looking forward to this bobbeli’s arrival with great anticipation and joy.

“Wunderbaar, I’m glad to hear it. Miriam should be back soon, correct?”

Ruth nodded in agreement. “Once she arrives, we plan on eatin’ dinner before she and the children return to their home. Marcus will be working their land until sundown, so he won’t be joining us.”

Abram’s stomach rumbled. His mother was well known in Clear Creek for the delectable meals she prepared.  He began humming a tune as he unloaded the crate of pumpkins from his buggy. For a moment, not just hunger ate at him. Guilt gnawed his stomach, too. The pumpkins reminded him of a pretty blonde he had no business thinking about.

His mother frowned in disapproval. “Now son, singin’ Englishe music under your breath will get you in trouble quickly if the church elders catch wind of it. Please remember you are takin’ baptism classes and plan to fully commit to our church in just a few months.” He noticed Ruth’s shoulders sag as if a weight had been placed upon the dear woman’s back. “I cannot risk losing my son to the world once more.”

Abram looked down, as the impact of her words hit him square in the chest. He’d caused his mother great pain when he had left Clear Creek in search of a different life. “Mamm, you have nothing to worry about. I am here for gut.”

She nodded as she stoically watched her son unload their buggy. 

“Denki for the reassurance. I truly appreciate it.” Ruth wiped stray hair off of her face that had escaped from her kapp. “Look at all of the bounty flowing out of the buggy! Hopefully, we will need to return to the Taylor farm every few days. The fall apple pickin’ season is in full swing, and many tourists have been dropping in.”

Abram plopped the crate onto the fertile soil near his rig and began to pull the pumpkins out two by two. He hoped his mother was right. Much to his chagrin, Abram realized he would like nothing more than to see Amelia on a regular basis. 

Why he gravitated towards this woman, he would never know. His family would be heartbroken if they were privy to the thoughts swirling through his brain at the moment. He thought of her gentle features paired with her industrious spirit. He’d watched her for a moment before heading to the counter to pick up his order. She was both confident and proficient. Most Amish girls were a bit too reserved for his liking. He knew she fit his bill perfectly.

But, there was only one problem.

“Son, why do you have a faraway look in your eyes?” Ruth squinted as she looked directly at Abram’s face. “Did somethin’ exciting happen while you were at the pumpkin patch earlier?” She clasped her hands in excitement. “Better yet, did you meet a girl? There are many beautiful Amish girls that visit the Taylor Family Farm, ja?”

He hung his head as his cheeks turned a shade of red. He’d met a girl alright, but she wasn’t who his mother had in mind. “You know gut and well most Amish fellows like to keep their love lives under wraps. But if I ever ask a girl to be my frau, you will be the first to know.”

His mother beamed. “Abram, it does a mother’s heart gut to know her son is plannin’ on joining our church. When you do marry, that will be the icing on my cake.”

He sharply let out his breath while he lifted the last of the pumpkins from the crate. While Abram knew his parents had high hopes for him to marry soon, not a single Amish girl had caught his eye. Sure, he’d noticed many girls making moon eyes at him at his church meetings, but he was positive none of these girls were intended for him. They were all too much like Lydia Yoder, whom he had courted briefly before leaving for Nashville. Unfortunately, he realized that much like his taste in music, he preferred Englishe girls over their Amish counterparts.

“I hope to never disappoint you again. I have full intentions to live as an Amish man for the rest of my days.”

“Denki son, this is wunderbaar to hear.” Ruth patted her son on his back before turning towards the large, white farmhouse.

Abram removed his straw hat to run his fingers through his hair, while looking at his young nieces chasing a toad across the yard. He yearned to have a family of his own one day, and he couldn’t wait to be a daed to a house full of children who frolicked over the rolling hills of Clear Creek’s Amish farmland. It wouldn’t do for Abram to chase after a fancy woman. He never intended on hurting his parents during his Rumschpringe, and he vowed then and there to never do it again. 

Nonetheless, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get Amelia off of his mind. Behind her confidence he’d sensed a sadness, and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. He was drawn to her, and wanted to protect her. A sigh blew through his lips.

Abram decided to pay another visit to the pumpkin patch as soon as possible. Surely no harm would come from an innocent conversation with the young woman.

The Amish Schoolmarm Sample

NicoleLeave a comment

Chapter 1

Deer Springs, Montana

August, 1920

An involuntary cough flew through Levi Hilty’s lungs as dust from the forgotten bed sheet drifted through the small Amish school haus. Giving it a final shake before folding it in two, his gaze resting momentarily on the solid, wooden desk which the cotton fabric had been protecting during the too-hot summer. His guarded heart flinched. Levi could almost envision his old aldi Rhoda sitting behind the piece of furniture, her face tanned a golden bronze from the unforgiving Montana sun. He felt his expression sour as he ran his fingers across the brim of his hat before crossing to the chalkboard which graced the full-length of the adjacent wall.

His worn hands reached down into a galvanized bucket brimming with suds, and he removed a cloth in order to begin washing the board clean. After it had been thoroughly scrubbed, he turned to the window to check the time based on the sun’s position in the clear sky. Levi winced once realizing the sun not only streamed through the thick panes of glass dotting the cabin, but through glaring cracks in the structure as well. A deep sigh blew through his lips. He would need to apply fresh chinking to the joints shortly, but it would have to wait for another day. As the schoolmaster, he was expected to introduce the new schoolmarm to her classroom this very afternoon. 

A frown filled Levi’s jaw when a soft rap sounded at the door. While meeting the new schoolmarm was the last thing he wanted to do, it would be best to get the task behind him. He plopped the rag into the bucket hastily, sending a spray of lukewarm water across the plank flooring. Sighing, he wiped his hands across his gray pants before quickly striding to the door and swinging it open a bit too forcefully. 

To his surprise, a waif of a girl stood meekly on the porch, gazing at him shyly with hollow eyes the color of spun caramel. Her black mourning dress had seen better days, and the kapp perched on top of her head was darkened with soot. He spied the worn carpet bag resting by her side in concern, wondering who this young girl might belong to. She was surely new to the small Amish community of Deer Springs.

Levi cleared his throat while sinking down to the girl’s level. She was small and lanky, and his heart went out to the young stranger who reminded him so much of himself at that age. His brown eyes caught on hers. “What can I help you with?”

The girl’s eyes widened in a mixture of fear and concern. “I…I’m looking for Hattie Fisher. She’s the new schoolmarm. The stagecoach driver told me I could find her here.”

Levi tried his best to keep his composure as he rose to his feet. The new schoolmarm didn’t say anything about bringing an extra mouth to feed. While the runt of a child surely wouldn’t eat a large supply of food, any amount was scarce in these parts. “Ja, I’m planning on meeting Hattie any minute now. Feel free to take a seat until she arrives.”

The girl didn’t hesitate, and after looking over the school room, she slid into a desk on the first row of the cabin. Unsure of what to do next, Levi decided to get back to work cleaning the area. While many questions swirled through his mind concerning the young girls’ identity, the disgruntled schoolmaster figured it would be best to ask Hattie Fisher for the facts herself.

As Levi wiped the desks clean of the dust which had accumulated over the dry summer, the young girl’s eyes began to droop. In five seconds flat, her head and arms were draped across the desk, and a loud snore erupted from her mouth. Raising an eyebrow, he continued tidying the room while wondering where the schoolmarm could be. She wasn’t putting her best foot forward, and he couldn’t help but think that the young girl who was currently drooling across the hand-hewn wooden desk top had put a big wrench in his plans for the day.

Levi’s stomach began to growl as he quietly stepped outside near dinnertime. A sense of alarm began to fill his chest with worry for the new schoolmarm’s safety. What could be keeping her? His ears perked as a soft bleat sounded from his nearby pasture. As a sheep farmer, he knew that his time at the school haus must draw to an end. His flock would need to be tended to shortly, and he wasn’t one to leave them waiting. 

He took his job seriously, never taking for granted how the passage of the Enlarged Homestead Act of 1909 had allowed him to purchase quite a large spread for near to nothing. But what was he to do with the girl? He removed his straw hat to scratch his head full of dark hair as a patch of red fabric caught his eye around the side of the school haus.

“Have you…have you seen a young Amish girl? She’s ten years of age, and her hair is brown, much like my own. She’s been traveling for days, and is liable to be quite the sight.” A young woman of medium height dashed to the front of the school building before clutching her abdomen and leaning downward to catch her breath. Perplexed, Levi studied the woman’s garment carefully. The crimson frock was bunched and pleated. Much too fancy in his opinion. The beige lace trim which accented the high neckline and sleeves mirrored the fashion of the modern world perfectly. 

His gaze traveled to the woman’s face, her piercing caramel eyes locking onto his as she raised her chin while catching her breath. Small tendrils of chestnut hair which had escaped from her loose bun curled around her face, drawing attention to the lift of her chin and rosy cheeks. Levi’s chest clenched when he looked her over, feeling both uncertain and compassionate.

“Answer my question, please! Have you seen my schweschder?”

With that, Levi quickly made the connection between the woman standing before him and the girl snoozing inside of the school room. The surname and caramel eyes were a dead giveaway. But why was the young Amish girl related to the very worldly woman standing next to him? Was this the new schoolmarm he had hired? Instead of asking any of the questions at the front of his mind, Levi stepped aside and motioned for the woman to enter the school haus. “Ja, I have. A girl matching your description is waiting for you just inside.”

“Ach, danke ever so much!” A faint citrus scent drifted to Levi’s nose as she rushed past him quickly, her skirt brushing against his pant leg in her haste.

Curiously, Levi turned away from the choking heat and rested his gaze back inside of the schoolroom. With trepidation, the young woman approached the girl and gently touched her shoulder, shaking it slightly. She awoke with a start, her back suddenly ridged while staring wide-eyed at the woman.

“Hattie? Is that you?”

“Ja dear girl, it surely is.”

With that, Leah squealed with delight and rushed into Hattie’s outstretched arms. The two began to cry as the woman rocked her slightly while stroking the hair which had escaped from the girl’s kapp. She brushed a stray piece behind her ear before pulling away and holding her at arm’s length.

“You gave me quite a fright. We were supposed to meet at the Train Station in Bozeman hours ago. What caused you to ride on the stage coach to Deer Springs without me?”

Leah shrugged slightly, her light brown eyes clouding over. “I…I don’t know. After so many days of traveling after Mamm’s death, I was confused, I guess. I’m sorry.”

Hattie scooped the girl back into a hug, sighing deeply while her eyes squeezed shut in relief. “That’s understandable, Leah. The important thing is that we are together now. I don’t believe that I’ve ever been as scared as I was this afternoon.” She shuddered violently. “My mind began to run away with imaginations of what might have happened to you. After searching for hours the stage coach returned to the depot after its run to Missoula, and the kind driver let me know that he had just dropped off a young Amish girl in Deer Springs.”

“Jonathan Philpot?” Leah’s eyes brightened at the thought. “He sure was nice. Much nicer than the people running the train.”

Hattie smiled. “Ja, Jonathan Philpot. I jumped on the coach and came here myself as quickly as he could carry me. I hope you weren’t too frightened.”

Levi leaned against the door frame, trying his best to understand the scenario unfolding before him. He had obviously made a grave mistake hiring this woman sight unseen. He had hoped a woman who fit the definition of an aging spinster would be gracing his presence this afternoon, and instead, a fancy young woman arrived in her place. 

While the sisterly reunion was touching and he felt sorry for the young orphan, Levi couldn’t allow a woman who had most assuredly left the Amish faith teach the local kinder. The school year was due to start in mere days, and he wasn’t sure what step to take next. The families of Deer Springs were counting on him…and Hattie…to teach their children after Rhoda abruptly left before the school year officially ended three months ago. 

The other girls in the community were either too young, or simply not interested in the position given the disproportionate amount of men to women. As soon as a girl reached courting age, she had her pick of at least a dozen suitors and was usually betrothed within one year’s time. He had made a promise to the community that a qualified teacher was on her way, which was enough cause for several families skeptical of the harsh Montana climate to stay put. But now? He had no desire to hire a worldly teacher who was destined to leave when the going got tough.

Levi shook his head in embarrassment, ridged as his fence next door. The few families which held the small Amish settlement together were likely to be on the first train heading East as soon as they caught sight of her. Hattie’s letter stating that she was of Amish descent and had taught for six years had been quite convincing. She had fooled him but gut.

Hattie and Leah jumped when Levi took a few tentative steps into the schoolroom. Hattie stood to her full height and quickly wiped her eyes dry with an embroidered handkerchief. After tucking it into a fold of her skirt, she pulled Leah to her side. She smiled brightly at Levi, giving him her full attention. He sucked in his breath as her face shined with a sense of gratitude. Turning Hattie and Leah Fisher away wasn’t going to be easy.

“I take it that you are Levi Hilty, and that this is the Deer Springs School Haus?” She looked around the room, drinking in her surroundings. “I’ve been looking forward to starting my job here as the schoolmarm. My Leah and I are ever so grateful to Gott for the opportunity.”

Levi frowned, confused at her use of the Deitsch along with a tone that he wasn’t used to hearing. She sounded…highly educated. Her words were soft and delicate, in a very appealing kind of way. He licked his parched lips and took a step backwards.

“And I’m guessing you’re Hattie Fisher?”

“Ja. I surely am.” Levi sucked in his breath, while noticing the pure kindness which radiated from Hattie’s smile. “Well then, I’m afraid that we have a problem. I can’t hire you to be the teacher in this school haus.”

Thank you for reading this sample of The Amish Schoolmarm. If you’d like to read more, it is available for purchase on Amazon.

An Appalachian Engagement Sample

NicoleLeave a comment

I’m getting so excited, friends. An Appalachian Engagement releases at the beginning of November!

This is the third novel in my Amish of Appalachia series. I’d love to share the first chapter with you here today.

If you’d like to pre-order the book, you can do that here. Happy reading!

Chapter One

Grace Taylor’s nerves felt as bumpy as the gravel parking lot as she pulled into the drive leading to the Yoder Blacksmith Shop. The marketing executive clenched her teeth as her phone began to ring for the seventh time in the past hour. The name Lucas Mitchell flashed across the screen. Grace glared at her phone as she swiped to dismiss the call as quickly as possible. She’d left the office only fifteen minutes ago, and Lucas was calling her already? It didn’t matter that he was her boss. After their run in this morning, she decided to avoid him as much as humanly possible from this point forward.

A managerial position had opened up at Clear Creek Creative Marketing a month ago, and Grace had applied for the job. Unfortunately, she didn’t get it. The owners of the firm awarded the position to Lucas Mitchell from Atlanta, a man who was at least ten years her senior. He’d immediately taken a liking to Grace, and officially made his intentions clear this morning. She’d rushed out of the office as quickly as possible after she’d turned him down when he’d asked her out. His brooding eyes had turned dark, and she didn’t like the chill that shivered up her spine when she’d said no.

Grace maneuvered around both cars and buggies before pulling into a parking spot close to the blacksmith shop. She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and rested her head on the steering wheel, trying to regain her composure. She couldn’t show up flustered to her meeting with John Yoder. That wouldn’t do at all. One of the reasons she didn’t get the promotion was because she lacked experience. The only way to get the experience she needed to climb the corporate ladder was to fill her portfolio with successful marketing campaigns and happy customers. She planned to do just that, starting with John Yoder.

Grace pulled a compact from her purse and looked in the rear view mirror while applying her makeup. After her unwelcome encounter with Lucas, she looked like she’d seen a ghost. After adding a touch of color to her cheeks, Grace put the makeup away and ran a brush through her long, blonde hair. Satisfied, she grabbed her tablet with all of John’s information before sliding out of her SUV and gently closing the door behind her.

Her breath came out in puffs as she took quick steps towards the Yoder Blacksmith Shop. The shop shared a parking lot with the Yoder General Store, and both businesses were very popular in the area. Grace watched as a cool mist curled around Blackberry Mountain, which the blacksmith shop was nestled into. Despite the sour feeling in her stomach, Grace was glad she lived in the charming southern Appalachian mountain town tucked into North Georgia. Clear Creek was the best town in the whole entire world, in her opinion.

Grace noticed a small crowd gathered to the side of the blacksmith shop. It looked like John was giving a demonstration underneath the open pavilion where he’d set up an area for his tools and supplies. A brick furnace and chimney were centered in the space, and John was currently removing a piece of metal from the furnace with a pair of tongs.

A frown tugged at her lips as she looked down at her watch. She was early. Grace had been in such a rush to escape Lucas, she’d arrived way before she needed to. While she knew her new boss had a crush on her for the past week, this was the first time he’d made his intentions known. She didn’t like the way he looked her up and down and tried to sit too close to her during business meetings. He’d asked her to stay late to work on a project with him three times this week, and each time Grace had found an excuse to scurry home. 

But she couldn’t keep making excuses forever. Grace knew that she needed to come up with a plan if she was going to continue to work for Clear Creek Creative Marketing. Grace chewed on her lip while watching John work. She didn’t know what to do, but something had to change.

Deciding to ignore her problem for now, Grace watched as John expertly shaped the heated metal into what looked like a candlestick. She was captivated by the way his strong arms could be so precise in his work.

“And this is how I make candlesticks, which are perfect for holiday celebrations, I might add. If you’re interested in purchasing one, Emma can help you just inside.”

“Did you make everything for sale in this shop?” A woman wearing a toboggan and bright red lipstick asked the question while waving her hand in John’s direction.

“Ja, I surely did. I enjoy making quality products for you to enjoy.”

A murmur flowed through the crowd, and Grace noticed him straighten to his full height in appreciation. She couldn’t help but smile while watching him interact with his customers.

Grace was good friends with John’s sister Lydia, but hadn’t had the pleasure of spending too much time with him. John seemed friendly enough, but both his size and stare had always intimidated her. John was a tall man, who often went out of his way to avoid her. She looked him over while he carefully laid the candlestick on a fireproof table. His dark brown hair peeked out from underneath his wool hat and she noticed that his brown eyes had specks of gold, much like his sisters. 

Grace hugged the tablet close to her body as a brisk wind blew through the crowd. Ignoring the chill that shivered through her body, Grace wished she’d worn a warmer jacket. Though it was only November, it seemed like winter was coming early to the small mountain community.

“I’ll be here for a while to answer any questions you may have. Denki for coming to my demonstration today. There is another one scheduled in two hours. I’ll be making horseshoes at that time.”

The small group clapped, and Grace couldn’t help but join them. She nudged her tablet underneath her elbow while showing her appreciation.

His eyes caught hers while his patrons stood to their feet to either speak to him or browse the wide selection of products in his shop. At first John looked confused, and then understanding registered across his face. Grace motioned for him to take his time, while she took a seat on one of the wooden benches set up for his audience. She crossed her legs while turning on her tablet to look over the notes she’d taken about John’s needs earlier in the day. Thoughts of Lucas scuttled out of her head as she settled into the homey, mountain environment. Christmas was just around the corner, and she began calculating the gifts she could purchase from John’s shop.

After a few minutes, she heard footsteps coming towards her. Looking up, she realized it was John taking long strides in her direction. Grace stiffened while giving herself an internal pep talk. She hoped John would like what she and her firm had to offer in the marketing department.

At the same time, she wondered why he wanted to do business with them in the first place. Grace knew that the Amish usually relied on word of mouth to build their businesses, not fancy marketing firms.

“Hello John, it’s nice to see you today.” Grace tried to appear professional as she stood to her feet and raised her hand to shake his.

Her determination wavered when she saw the caution in his eyes. She watched his lip twitch as he reluctantly reached out his hand to take hers. Grace sucked in her breath as his large hand enveloped her own. She felt overwhelmed by both his tall stature and brooding eyes, and she couldn’t help but notice the warmth that rushed up her arm at his touch.

“It’s nice to see you too, Grace. I didn’t expect the marketing firm to send you over.”

Niggles of doubt in her ability to be a proficient marketer ate at her stomach. She tried to look confident while staring him in the eye.

“You knew that I worked for Clear Creek Creative Marketing, didn’t you? I thought Lydia would’ve told you, at least.”

Grace had become good friends with John’s sister Lydia when she helped her own sister Amelia convert to the Amish faith a couple of years ago. While Grace spent most of her time working with clients, she liked to spend any free time she had with both Amelia and Lydia.

John scrubbed his hand across the back of his neck. “Ja, she might have mentioned it. I just wasn’t expecting to see you here. I figured someone else would’ve come to help me.”

He didn’t expect a woman marketer to come. Grace knew the Amish believed in traditional gender roles, and she should’ve expected he wouldn’t take kindly for her to be in charge of his account.

“You expected a man to come, didn’t you? I can have someone else assigned to your account if you’d like.” Grace mumbled the words while staring at the floor.

“No, it’s not that.”

“Really?” Hope pressed through her, and she regained a speck of confidence.

“Nee…it’s just that I didn’t expect my marketer to be so…pretty.”

Grace raised her eyebrows while pecking at her tablet, ready to take notes about what John expected her to help with. Slightly annoyed that it looked like she might have to ward off the advances of two men in a single day, Grace shot him what she hoped was a daring stare.

“Is that so?”

“Ja, well…I guess I’ll get used to it. You must know what you’re doing if you were assigned to my account…right?”

She pursed her lips. “Right. I’m fully qualified to help you, John. No matter what your needs are.

His shoulders slumped in relief. “That sounds gut, because I’m going to need all of the help I can get during this holiday season.”

“What do you mean?” Grace motioned to the customers who were currently milling around his demonstration area, admiring his equipment. She watched as Emma checked out a customer through the store window, with two more waiting their turn.

“It looks like you’re doing well here. There were a lot of people at your demonstration, and they’ve turned into paying customers.” She shrugged her shoulders while pushing her long hair over her shoulder. “What gives?”

John gently took Grace by the elbow and led her to the corner of the pavilion. The air felt sharp with tension because the steel used to make John’s products had expanded and contracted repeatedly. She tried to ignore the flutters she felt in her stomach as they pushed away from the crowd. Being alone almost felt too intimate, and for a moment, Grace wondered why she agreed to take on this account.

“I need your help, Grace. While it may seem like business is doing well, it’s way down from previous years. You see, a new business moved into town a couple of months ago. It’s a commercialized store offering iron and steel items. Most of it is cheap junk. None of it is handmade. But the tourists don’t know that, and they haven’t been visiting my store as often.” 

She watched as he fisted his fingers by his side before continuing. “I don’t know what to do. I thought if I hired an Englisch marketing firm, you might have a unique perspective that I haven’t thought of yet.”

Grace cocked her head in thought. “Are you talking about Mountain Metalworks? I noticed a lot of cars in their parking lot when I passed by to meet you today.”

“Ja, that’s the one.” John’s face looked grim as he took Grace by the hand. “Do you think you can help me?”

***

John regretted taking Grace’s hand as soon as she quickly snatched it away. He didn’t know what had just come over him. His new competitor had him all out of sorts.

It didn’t help that Grace was a spitting image of his old aldi who’d left him several years ago. He did his best to avoid Grace whenever she hung out with Lydia, but now, it looked like he had no choice but to learn how to spend time with her.

Karen Glick had left him high and dry when he’d been just about ready to propose. She said he was working too hard, and she didn’t like the long hours he spent in the blacksmith shop. Didn’t she realize he was just trying to prepare for their future?

Grace gave him the side eye while tapping on her tablet. “Yeah, I think I can help you. I’ll do my best, anyway.” She looked curious as her eyes scanned his shop. “I was wondering why you hired a marketing firm in the first place, but it makes better sense now.”

John followed Grace’s gaze as looked at his workplace. He’d worked hard with his daed to build it as soon as he’d been old enough to do so. It was hard to believe that he was now pushing thirty, and he’d been working in this shop for over a decade.

They’d built the shop out of logs hauled in from a tree farm up in Blue Ridge. The men in their church district all came to help, and within only one week, the structure was up and ready for its finishing touches. The community had rallied around him as he started his business, and he’d felt so proud on the early summer day when he first opened for business.

Only one shadow remained in his memory about his Grand Opening…that was when he met Karen. She’d come with her daed to look for a new plow for their fields. Her blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes had captivated him, and he knew then and there that he wanted her to be his. Their relationship had worked well…until it didn’t. John swallowed the lump that grew in his throat while glancing at Grace.

“You have a beautiful shop here. I can see why it’s been popular in our community for so many years now.”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it beautiful. But it is functional.” John frowned as a shiver ran down his spine as a cool breeze passed between them. “I don’t know if I’d call it popular, either. That’s why I called your marketing team.”

Grace hugged her body as her chin took on a quiver. “It is popular, John. And I’m going to do my best to make it even more so.”

John finally registered how uncomfortable Grace looked, and reached for her arm. She was cold, and here he was keeping her out in the chilly weather. Her arm felt small as he led her inside. He tried to ignore the way the scent of her strawberry shampoo tickled his nose.

“I’m sorry for not bringing you inside sooner. Here, let me get the door for you.” John opened the door and propped it open with his toe as Grace stepped inside.

“It’s…it’s alright. I won’t freeze to death.”

“It’s already gut and cold, and it’s only late November. I imagine we have a harsh winter ahead of us.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Grace stopped in her tracks as her eyes swept across the room. “Wow John, you have an amazing store. I can’t believe I’ve never stepped foot in here.”

The room was warm and welcoming, with a soaring ceiling and intricate beam work. Large logs lined the walls, and the floors were made of stone from a local quarry. John couldn’t help but feel a hint of pride as he looked at the metal work products for sale that lined the room. He’d made each item by hand, and he was happy to offer these products to his community.

That is, if they decided to continue shopping with him.

An ache zig-zagged across his temple as he watched a handful of customers shop his products. The holiday season was fast approaching, and his revenue was definitely down.

Another cool blast of air entered the room as the door swung open. John frowned as his sister Lydia walked in, carrying a large box on her hip. Her swollen belly peeked out from beneath her burgundy cape dress. What was she doing carrying such a heavy load while expecting?

In an instant, John was at her side and plucked the box for her arms.

“What do you think you’re doing little schweschder? You can hurt the bobbeli by carrying such things, ain’t so? And where’s Matthew?”

Lydia wrinkled her nose at her brother. “That box is as light as a feather, as I’m sure you can now tell. It only contains some holly branches for decorating. Matthew is with our customers at the general store, as he should be. A pregnant woman can still be helpful.”

Grace smiled as she watched the siblings argue. “It’s nice that you two have each other. I’m glad I have Amelia to talk to from time to time, but it’s just not the same since she became Amish. I can’t pick up the phone and call her anytime I want. We lost my brother Jake about five years ago now. Sometimes I feel very alone.”

John felt his heart tug as her voice grew softer. He never knew what it felt like to be alone since he grew up with seven siblings. Most of them still lived in Clear Creek, and Lydia lived right next door with her husband, Matthew Lapp. Their parents, Leroy and Elma Yoder, retired to Pinecraft, Florida last year. While it still felt strange without them being around all of the time, they visited Clear Creek several times a year. John didn’t mind having a Florida retreat to visit, either. Especially when the weather turned cold in North Georgia.

“Ach Grace, you’re not alone.” Lydia grasped her hands as concern laced her eyes. “You can visit me whenever your heart desires.”

“That’s right. And Grace will be helping me market the blacksmith shop this holiday season, too. You two should have plenty of time to visit if Grace comes by to meet with me often.”

Lydia raised an eyebrow. “You’ve hired Grace’s marketing firm to help you, John? I know you’ve struggled since Mountain Metalworks opened for business, but has it come to this?”

Grace shifted uncomfortably as the siblings stood toe to toe.

“Ja, I did. I didn’t know what else to do, Lydia. I know our way is normally word of mouth and community involvement, but desperate times call for desperate measures.” John looked at Grace sheepishly. “I hope you take no offense, Grace.”

She held up her hand in understanding. “No offense taken. While we are a marketing company and I plan to use social media to help your business grow, I also love to find unique ways to promote my accounts. Now then, can you tell me what you hope to accomplish with your marketing blitz?”

John licked his lips, and for the first time he doubted his decision to hire Clear Creek Creative Marketing. Perhaps he was getting in over his head.

“Well, I’d simply like to draw more customers into my shop, and perhaps let them know about the gut quality products I make and sell.”

Grace typed a few notes into her tablet. “I can definitely help you with that. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a few pictures of your store and demonstration area before I leave. I also plan to visit your competitor soon, to see what they’re bringing to the table.”

John shrugged his shoulders after sharing a glance with Lydia. “Ja, I guess that sounds alright. Just try not to get any people in your photographs, please.”

“I’ll be very careful not to. If it’s okay with you, I’ll do that now. I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

John noticed the bright flecks in her blue eyes as she walked away. Trying not to frown, his eyes followed her as she snapped a few photos of a display of cooking utensils he’d made over the last month or two. It was going to be difficult to work with a woman who resembled his old aldi so closely.

“She looks like Karen, ja?” John leaned close to his sister to speak as Grace walked towards the next display.

Lydia raised her eyebrows. “She favors her a little, maybe. But John, be careful to not compare Grace to Karen. It’s not fair to her, and they are two completely different people. Besides, why are you still thinking about Karen, anyway? It’s been years since you’ve been together.”

His thoughts grew muddled as he continued to watch Grace. “I guess because I thought we were going to spend the rest of our lives together and then it didn’t work out.”

Lydia gave his arm a squeeze. “Life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to, bruder. And it normally works out for the best. Remember that while working with Grace, ja? You don’t want to burden your relationship with a memory from the past.” Her lips pressed into a straight line. “And while I understand why you hired Grace’s firm, remember, just be yourself. It doesn’t matter what your competitor does. The right customers are sure to find you.”

John frowned. He didn’t know if he could do what Lydia suggested. Surely, she didn’t understand how desperate his situation was. He didn’t think that he could bring in customers without Englisch marketing help, which was why Grace was here in the first place. He stewed silently while thinking it over.

“Well then, do you mind if I spruce up your shop with this holly? I should be out of your hair in a jiffy.”

Lydia snapped him back to reality. “Sure, have at it. Do you need any help?”

“Nee, I plan to hang it around the checkout counter for now. When it comes time to use a ladder to decorate, I’ll be sure to ask for help. I wouldn’t want to take a tumble while being pregnant.”

John nodded his head as his eyes continued to track Grace. “Okay, that sounds gut to me.”

She elbowed his side while watching his eyes. “You’re staring a hole right through Grace, ja?”

He gave his little sister a teasing glare. “Mind your own business, Lydia.”

Her laughter tinkled through the store as she walked towards the checkout counter. “I’ll try, bruder. I’ll try.”

After taking pictures of his demonstration area outside for a few minutes, Grace walked back to him, breathless. Her cheeks looked rosy and full while she held up a candlestick in admiration.

“I’ve really enjoyed checking out your shop, John. How do you do such precision work? This candlestick, for instance. It’s beautiful. I plan to buy it and put it on the mantle in my apartment.”

His chest felt tight as he watched her examine his handiwork. She spun the candlestick with her fingers, examining it from all angles.

“There’s no need for you to buy it, Grace. I’d like to give it to you. It’s the least I can do for you. You’re going to help me a gut bit this holiday season.”

Her eyes grew wide. “Oh no, John. I couldn’t accept this. You’re paying my firm for my work and I…”

Her voice trailed off as he left her side and walked towards Emma.

“Emma, could you hand me a bag and a couple of pieces of wrapping paper?”

Emma’s dark brown eyes questioned him as she reached underneath the counter and did his bidding. “Sure thing, John. Are you sure this isn’t something I can take care of?”

“Nee.” After his simple reply, he walked back to Grace’s side and packaged the candlestick for her right then and there.

Grace’s hand rose to her chest in appreciation as her eyes crinkled into a warm smile. “John…thank you. I’ll come up with a marketing plan after I take a look at Mountain Metalworks, and share it with you soon. Does that sound alright?”

“Ja, that suits me just fine.” Uncertainty twisted his insides as he watched her walk out the door and back to the parking lot. He hoped his plan to hire Grace’s firm worked, and he would live to tell the tale. He didn’t know if that could happen if she kept looking at him like that.

Click here to pre-order An Appalachian Engagement.

Becoming His Amish Sweetheart Cover Reveal and Sample Link

NicoleLeave a comment

I’m very excited to share the cover for my new book, Becoming His Amish Sweetheart, with you today!

It is set to release on August 6, 2024.

Becoming His Amish Sweetheart is a clean romantic read, that takes place in the fictional town of Clear Creek in the North Georgia mountains. It’s the first book in a new series titled Amish of Appalachia. I loved writing Amelia and Abram’s story!

After Amelia Taylor’s twin brother died in a farming accident, she couldn’t wait to leave small town life behind. That is, until she met Abram Miller at her family’s pumpkin farm in the Appalachian Mountains. Abram came back to his Amish upbringing three years ago after pursuing a music career, and still hasn’t been able to convince his family he’s here to stay. He’ll teach Amelia how to enjoy life again, while she’ll threaten his commitment to the Amish church. Could an Amish man and and Englishe woman ever share real love?

If you’d like to read the first chapter, please click here.