Hello friends, and welcome!

I hope you have an AMAZING day ahead of you! Today is very special to me because it’s my husband and I’s 21st wedding anniversary. It’s been a wonderful two decades!

Today I thought I’d share the first chapter of my newest Amish Romance with you. It’s called Her Simple Amish Wish, and is now available on Amazon. It’s the eighth book in my Amish of Appalachia Series.

About the novel:

Jane Lantz’s biggest wish is to find purpose in the Amish community of Clear Creek after losing job after job, and making a fool of herself more times than she can count as a stubborn teenager. Now in her early twenties, Jane is hoping to find her way without the help of her two overbearing older sisters.

Ryan Potter made a big mistake by spreading a rumor about Jane’s sister last year, and he doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to live it down. But once Jane begins to work at the plant nursery next door, he’ll do just about anything to make things right. That is, if Jane can win the approval of his grandfather.

Will Jane’s wish come true, and will she and Ryan find love in the process?

Chapter One

An island breeze drifted through the open window as Jane Lantz held her sister Josie’s cell phone to her ear. A flock of seagulls called in the distance, and the murmur of ocean waves could be heard crashing along the seashore. Jane grimaced. She should feel happy…excited, even. Ja, taking a little vacation to Josie’s beach bungalow had been gut for her. That is, until Elsie gave her a call.

“Jane, you really need to nail down a job. Lately, you’ve been moving from one thing to the next so fast that my head’s begun to spin. Why do you think that is?” Elsie’s voice sounded worried as her concerns tumbled out of her mouth.

“Um, I don’t know.” Jane’s tone was flat as she shrugged her shoulders as if her sister could see. Couldn’t Elsie understand that Jane had tried just about every odd job in Clear Creek, and nothing seemed to suit her? It was just as well though, since she was learning that neither her sisters nor parents expected much out of her.

Vell, maybe that wasn’t completely true. Elsie had taken the time to make a phone call while visiting the Yoder General Store to spend time with her sister-in-law, after all. She was probably a little concerned about Jane’s well being.

Or was Elsie just trying to boss Jane around?

Her two older sisters had always told her what to do, which had caused Jane to toughen up and speak her mind through her childhood and beyond. Her back bristled. Jane had never intended to grow loud and annoying, but she’d become just that as the youngest child in the Lantz household. And now in her early twenties, Jane was trying to both right her wrongs, and find out who she was by stepping out from underneath her sisters’ shadows. 

“You don’t know? Do you really mean that?”

“Ja, I do. I don’t know why I can’t seem to find my place in our community. That’s why I’m visiting Josie this month. I’ve told you that already, sister. I needed a place to clear my mind. Tybee Island is the perfect location for that.”

Jane and Elsie’s sister Josie had jumped the fence, leaving their Amish community of Clear Creek in the southern Appalachian mountains once discovering that she was expecting a bobbeli out of wedlock several years ago. Their Aenti Meredith lived on Tybee Island, and had welcomed Josie with open arms. While there, Josie had decided to find her place amongst the Englisch. Thankfully, with time the Lantz family’s relationship had been fully restored.

And Josie had found peace, too. She fell in love with an islander named Hudson Reed, and he became the perfect daed to her little daughter, Cora. Jane still wished she hadn’t made such a fool of herself when she’d first met him, though. Her cheeks pinked at the thought. How was she to know that Hudson was already in love with Josie when she’d nearly thrown herself at him? Jane had been a foolish and loud teenager, for certain sure.

“There’s a place for you here, Jane. I just know there is.” Elsie’s voice sounded strained. “I think you should kumm back home to find out what that is. You’ve been at Josie’s long enough, don’t you think?” 

Jane looked down at her light pink flip flops that matched her cape dress perfectly. She could get used to island life very quickly, but she knew Elsie had a point. She couldn’t run from her life forever. But she wasn’t perfectly content sitting at home with her mamm, and her job options in their cozy mountain town were looking pretty slim. With all of her heart, Jane wished she could find her place. She felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.

To her community, she’d always been loud and bubbly Jane, who was known to put her foot in her mouth. And who couldn’t hold down a job, nor find a gut man to court her.

This was another problem entirely. Jane had always envisioned herself married by the time she’d reached her twenties, but that certainly hadn’t happened. Most Amish men passed her by, since she wasn’t as self-controlled as most of her friends. With age, Jane had begun to learn how to subdue her spark, but she still hadn’t found the one for her.

Perhaps she never would.

“Is there such a thing as spending too much time on Tybee Island, Elsie? I mean, really.”

Elsie’s laugh bubbled through the phone line. “You’ve got me, there. I love to visit the island just as much as you do. But we’re all worried about you. Mamm, Daed, Gabe, and even Jeff and Andy miss you. We’d like to see you again soon.”

Jane heaved out a sigh. She missed all of them, too. In the fall, Elsie had married a widower named Gabe Yoder, and had become an instant mamm to his nine-year-old twin boys named Jeff and Andy. Jane missed many people in the community if she was honest with herself, but her lack of steady employment still stung.

Jane still couldn’t believe she’d been fired from the pet store in town, though Elias Potter was gut friends with the owner of Pet Emporium. She just knew that she’d left a bad taste in Elias’s mouth after she stopped working at his farm co-op to take a job at the Miller’s apple orchard a little over a year ago. Why else would Jared have let her go from her job at the pet store after being late only one measly little time? She knew Elias must’ve put him up to it. And she’d had a gut excuse, to boot. Her mamm was feeling under the weather, and Jane wanted to make sure she was going to be okay before leaving for the day.

After she was fired from her latest job, it just felt like too much. Her whole world was crumbling around her, so when Josie said that she was welkom to have a little reprieve from the late winter at her haus, Jane jumped at the opportunity. But now spring had arrived, and she probably should begin making her way back to Clear Creek. 

Though what was left for her there?

“Jane, I’m serious. I’ve even caught wind of a new job for you to try. Molly let me know that she’s looking for someone to help her out at the plant nursery. Do you think that would interest you at all?” Elsie’s voice was strained as it raised an octave.

Jane’s brow wrinkled as she tucked a strand of honey blond hair back into her kapp. “I don’t know. I’ve never considered working at a plant nursery before. How do you know I’ll be any gut at it? I may be a huge disappointment to Molly, and I don’t want that to happen.”

“You like working with Mamm in the garden, ain’t so? This would be similar, only you’ll be working with flowers instead of vegetables.”

“Flowers, you say?” Elsie’s heart jumped a little at the thought. “That sounds real nice, but I have no idea how to grow flowers, Elsie.”

“I’m sure Molly will teach you. She’s very smart, you know.”

Fear gurgled inside of Jane’s stomach. “I know that, Elsie. But what if I don’t measure up?”

“Ach, that’s not going to happen. You’ll be just fine…” Elsie’s voice trailed off, and Jane couldn’t help but notice the hint of worry in her tone. Ja, her family didn’t always think the best of her, either. There was no doubt about it.

“Vell, I just might take her up on her offer. Though I don’t know if I’ll be a gut fit for the job.”

“Wunderbar! I’ll let Molly know right away.” Elsie’s voice rushed through the line before she grew quiet. “…but there is one thing I think I should make you aware of. Elias Potter lives right next door to the nursery, and his grandson, Ryan, has left his position as a medic to help him out for a while. Ryan isn’t such a gut man in my opinion, and I hope you don’t run into him while you’re working at the nursery.”

Jane’s stomach squeezed. “Ryan? I shouldn’t be worried about him, Elsie. I’m much more concerned about running into his granddaed. Don’t you remember what a bear he was when I worked for him at the co-op? And I’m pretty sure Elias had me fired from the pet store.”

“And don’t you remember how Ryan’s gossip almost ruined my reputation?” Elsie countered. “After I broke up with Harry and he was spreading lies about me, Ryan took those lies and ran with them. He almost spoiled my relationship with Gabe.”

Jane winced as she paced around Josie’s kitchen, which was decorated in calm, beachy colors. “I think we both have a reason to be worried, then. Maybe I shouldn’t take the job after all.”

“No, no. You should take it.” Elsie’s words came out in a rush. “I’ll let Molly know your intentions right away. You can return by next week, right?”

“Ja…I guess that’ll be okay.”

“Gut. I can’t wait to see you again, Jane.”

Jane frowned as the line went dead. She’d been hung up on. But she guessed she couldn’t blame Elsie, since she was afraid she’d change her mind. Shrugging her shoulders, Jane gingerly placed Josie’s cell phone down on top of her granite countertop.

It looked like she’d be headed home to Clear Creek very soon.

“So…are you finished speaking to Elsie?” Josie poked her head into the bright kitchen, her blue eyes curious.

“Ja, I finished just now. Denki for letting me use your phone.”

“It’s no problem at all.” Josie breezed into the kitchen wearing an off-white sundress that accented her bronze skin. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a braid, and tiny gold hoop earrings matched the bracelet on her wrist. “I’m glad you got the chance to talk to our sister. Are you gonna head back to Clear Creek anytime soon?”

Jane drew her hand to her cheek, flustered. “Ach, I haven’t overstayed my welkom, have I? I’m sorry, Josie.”

“No, it’s not that at all. I was just hoping you’d accept Molly’s job offer. I think it would be good for you.”

“Wait a minute…how’d you know about the job offer? Has Elsie spoken to you about this already?”

Josie clapped her hand over her mouth, looking embarrassed. “You caught me. I’m sorry, Jane. Elsie thought it might be a good idea to speak to me about it before she brought it up to you. To get my opinion, you know.”

“Ja…your opinion about me.” A sour feeling settled in Jane’s stomach as she thought about her sisters discussing her life behind her back. As always, Jane felt a little bit smaller than she should have.

“We meant nothing by it. I promise.” Josie crossed the room and gave Jane’s hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re our younger sister, and we just want what’s best for you. I think it’s a wonderful idea for you to work at Molly’s nursery. Think of how much fun it will be.”

Jane rolled her eyes, annoyed at Josie’s attempt to change the subject so quickly. And ja, the idea of working with flowers did sound a little fun. If only it wasn’t right next door to Elias Potter’s house.

“I just hope I don’t run into Molly’s neighbor.”

“Who, Ryan? Oh, that’s right. He stopped working as a medic to help take care of his grandfather, didn’t he? Well, I don’t blame you, there. Not after the way his gossip affected Elsie. I’d want to stay far away from him.”

Jane’s lips tipped into a smile, amused by the fact that Josie was more up to date on Clear Creek’s gossip than she was. “Nee, not Ryan. I’m worried about Elias Potter. He’s never forgiven me for quitting my job at his co-op.”

“I’m sure it will be just fine,” Josie remarked. “Hudson, Cora, and I will definitely miss you here, but I think returning to Clear Creek is definitely what’s best for you.”

“I guess I’ll find that out soon enough, ain’t so?” Jane sighed while wiping her sweaty palms across her crisp, white apron. Elsie and Josie might think they knew what was best for her, but Jane definitely wasn’t too sure. 

***

Ryan Potter’s back was as stiff as a board as he sat inside of Amos Beachy’s slightly musty barn. He pressed down the sigh that rumbled deep inside of him. He didn’t want to be around anyone after the conversations he’d had with his granddaed recently, for certain sure. Yet, there he sat, surrounded by the entire Amish community of Clear Creek before their biweekly church service began.

It wasn’t like Ryan wasn’t grateful for all his grandparents had done for him throughout the years. No, it wasn’t that at all. But why did Ryan have to give up his career in order to fulfill his granddaed’s wishes? 

It’s your duty. The thought bounced around in his head like a ping-pong ball. Ja, caring for his grandfather was definitely his duty, especially since his grandmother had passed away the year before. They’d raised him after his parents jumped the fence, after all. But while his grandfather was definitely slowing down, he still could care for himself. Why had he asked Ryan to stop working at Gilmer Mountainside Hospital when he could’ve simply stopped by to check on him each day on his way home from work?

He wants you to take over the farming co-op. He’s made that very clear. The thought breezed through Ryan’s head as his eyes roamed across the gathering. More people trickled into the barn as he eyed his grandfather, who was sitting at the front of the men’s side of the congregation. His sturdy cane was resting by his side as he conversed quietly with Bishop Fisher. 

Ryan had always thought Elias Potter was a strong man. A gut man. And ja, it was his duty to listen to his wishes.

But what about what Ryan wanted?

“Hey, do you mind scooting over a little so my boys and I can join you?”

Ryan shook his head away from his thoughts as he gazed up at Gabe Yoder, who was standing by his side. He’d first met Gabe when he began working together at the hospital a little over a year ago. His twin boys stood by his side, and they had a case of the wiggles.

Gabe was a gut man, and Ryan missed seeing him each day since he’d quit his job. But there was one problem with his family. 

Ryan was pretty sure Gabe’s wife, Elsie, hated him.

Ryan hadn’t meant to harm Elsie’s reputation by sharing with Gabe the lies Harry Baker had spread about her. He hadn’t known they were lies at the time, and that Harry was a scoundrel. Gabe and Elsie hadn’t even started courting yet, and Ryan didn’t know that Gabe had liked the woman as more than a friend.

But the damage had been done. When Ryan had apologized to Elsie, she’d remained tight-lipped as she nodded stoically. He could tell that she didn’t believe him. Either that, or she wasn’t willing to forgive him.

He hoped the latter wasn’t the case.

Ryan motioned for Gabe, Jeff, and Andy to sit next to him as he scooted down the bench. “Ja, sure. There’s plenty of room for everyone.”

“Denki.” Gabe deftly moved into the aisle of back-less wooden benches, and his boys followed him. As soon as Gabe had taken a seat, he elbowed Ryan in the ribs.

“We’ve missed you at the hospital. How’s life going with your granddaed?”

“I don’t know, to be honest with you. I’ve barely gotten settled. He’s been ornery ever since my grandmother passed away last year, which is to be expected.”

“Ja, I had a time of it after Matilda passed. I thank Gott everyday for sending Elsie my way. She’s been my saving grace, for certain sure.”

Ryan’s eyes roamed towards Elsie, who was trying to find a seat on the women’s side of the gathering with her sister, Jane. His breath caught as he looked at the youngest Lantz sister. She was wearing a light blue dress that accented her eyes. Jane’s honey blonde hair was twisted neatly underneath her prayer covering, and her face lit up in a smile as Elsie spoke into her ear.

She was absolutely perfect.

Ryan could feel his neck grow hot. He’d admired Jane from afar ever since he’d moved to Clear Creek as a teenager. When his parents had decided to become Mennonites instead of continuing as members of the Amish church, Ryan had pleaded to remain with the Amish. His parents had agreed, but only if Ryan would make the move from Ohio to live with his grandparents in North Georgia. Ever since then, he’d been captivated by Jane. She was one to speak her mind, and sometimes even stuck her foot in her mouth, like he did. And yet, he’d never gotten up the nerve to speak to her much.

“Is that Jane with your frau? She’s been gone from services for a month or so, ain’t?”

“Ja, Jane has been vacationing with her sister Josie on Tybee Island. She was pretty upset when she lost her job at Pet Emporium, and wanted a change of scenery.”

“That’s too bad. What brought her back?”

“Vell, she’s been offered a new job at David and Molly Fisher’s plant nursery. She’ll be starting there soon.”

Ryan’s chest tightened. The Fisher’s nursery, Sprout & Bloom, was right next to his granddaed’s farm.

“Is that so? I hope she likes her new job.”

Gabe heaved out a sigh. “I do, too. Elsie’s been mighty worried about Jane lately. She’s having a hard time holding down a job. Both Elsie and Josie hope that working with Molly might solve Jane’s problems. She hasn’t had gut luck working with farm supplies or animals, but flowers might be her calling in life.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow. “Her calling in life? Really?”

Gabe covered his mouth with his hand, muffling his laugh. “Vell, it might not be that serious. But we’d all like to see Jane settle down and become more stable. Her larger than life personality can be a bit much sometimes, ain’t so?”

Ryan’s lips puckered. He thought Jane was just perfect as she was. Though he did want her to be happy and stable.

A hush grew over the crowd as Bishop Fisher stepped away from Elias and towards the front of the congregation. The men stopped their conversation and turned their heads reverently towards the Bishop. But Ryan’s mind didn’t stop turning.

Nope, it was a million miles away as the congregation rose to sing songs out of the Ausbund. He tried his best to pay attention to the service which was preached in high German, but he didn’t catch much of that, either.

Except the verses expounded about contentment. Ja, it probably would do Ryan gut if he listened better.

He needed to be content, and do what his granddaed had asked of him with a smile on his face. He should be content with Elsie’s treatment of him, and accept that she’d come around eventually if it were Gott’s will.

But instead, Ryan continued to stew. He was probably paying less attention to Bishop Fisher’s sermon than the Yoder twins.

After three hours of preaching by three different speakers, the congregation finally rose to their feet to sing before being dismissed for another two weeks. Ryan snuck a peek towards Elsie and Jane. Jane was paying him no mind, but Elsie was frowning in his direction.

She probably didn’t like the fact that Gabe was even standing next to him today.

Bishop Fisher returned to the front of the gathering as Ryan tried to work out a crick in his neck. “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Amen.”

And just like that, the service was over.

“Daed, can we go see Mother now?” Jeff asked Gabe with a toothless grin.

“Of course. We’ll all go.” Gabe nudged Ryan in the ribs. “Even Ryan, here. He’ll be living right next door to Jane’s workplace soon, and maybe he’d like to say hullo.”

Ryan felt his cheeks burn as the twins scampered away. Sure, he’d like to say hello to Jane. But how would Elsie feel about that?

“I can hardly believe how well Jeff and Andy have taken to Elsie being my frau. Though she’ll never take the place of Matilda in their hearts, they insist on calling her Mother. Isn’t that nice?”

“Ja, sure.” Ryan’s mind was far away as the men began to shuffle through the crowd.

“Elsie wasn’t sure how the adjustment period would be after we married, but I couldn’t have asked for a smoother transition.”

Ryan was happy for his friend. He truly was. But at the moment, all he was worried about was smoothing things over with Elsie. He’d apologized to her a couple of times for spreading Harry’s lies in the past, though his words were usually rushed or stilted. He could tell she didn’t really accept his apology.

And why should she after all Ryan had said and done?

“Here we are. I’m so happy to be next to my beautiful bride again.”

Elsie playfully rolled her eyes as the men approached the Lantz sisters. “It was only for a few hours Gabe, and I was practically sitting across the aisle from you.”

“Ach, even a few hours is too much.” Gabe wiggled his eyebrows while Ryan bit back a groan. These two were newlyweds, alright.

“It’s nice to see you, Ryan.” Elsie’s voice turned both formal and clipped as she addressed Ryan. He could tell that she wished he hadn’t tagged along with Gabe. Ryan felt like crawling underneath a rock. He’d like to apologize again, but now definitely wasn’t the time.

“It’s nice to see you, too.” Ryan hoped his sincerity was evident as he offered both Elsie and Jane a broad smile. Jane’s mouth tipped into a grin as she placed a hand on her hip, but Elsie only frowned. If Elsie wasn’t going to enjoy speaking to him, Ryan decided that he might as well give his attention to Jane instead.

“You’ve got a gut suntan, ain’t so? Did you enjoy your time on Tybee Island?”

Jane turned towards Ryan, giving him her full attention. “Ja, I did. How’d you know that I’ve been on Tybee Island?”

“Vell, I noticed that you’ve been away, and Gabe let me know that you’ve been visiting your sister, Josie.”

Ryan noticed Elsie nudge Gabe with her elbow.

“Hey, what’d I do?” Gabe asked while rubbing his side.

“Nothing…nothing.” Elsie’s cheeks pinked as she took hold of Jane’s arm. “We need to get to the kitchen, Jane. I’m sure Sadie and Nora would like the extra help while we serve lunch.”

“Right.” Jane looked like a sad puppy as she started to walk away with her sister. “Maybe I can speak to you more later, Ryan.”

Though his heart jumped at the thought, Ryan restrained himself. He wouldn’t be speaking to Jane again if Elsie had anything to do with it.

“Everyone, watch out!”

Ryan’s eyes grew wide as a loud screech echoed through the crowd. After the screech, came squeals. Lots of squeals. 

Jane brought her hands to her cheeks, alarm scurrying across her face. “Ach, it looks like Amos’s pigs got loose and they’re heading right towards us!”

Without thinking, Ryan grabbed Jane by the waist and hoisted her on top of the nearest bench. He felt her body tremble as he scooted next to her before the animals rumbled past.

If you enjoyed this chapter, purchase Her Simple Amish Wish here. It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited.