A Family In Need A reclusive Amish logger, Ethan Gingerich is more comfortable around his draft horses than the orphaned niece and nephews he's taken in. Yet he's determined to provide the children with a good, loving home. The little ones, including a defiant eight-year-old, need a proper nanny. But when Ethan hires shy Amishwoman Clara Barkman, he never expects her temporary position to have such a lasting hold on all of them. Now this man of few words must convince Clara she's found her forever home and family. Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People.

The Widower's Christmas Wish With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby—even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work—until Willa's vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa's past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John's Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

An Amish Homecoming Luke Bowman's homecoming is turning Emma Swartzentruber's carefully ordered world upside down. Gone is her rebellious girlhood crush, and in his place is a handsome man who seems committed to serving the community. Luke's even agreed to work for Emma's ill father, whose last wish is to see his daughter wedded to a stable, loving man. But Luke--a man who flirted with the outside world with disastrous consequences--is hardly marriage material for a good Amish woman. Yet this Christmas, when her family is flung into crisis, Emma finds that he may just be the one to capture her heart for good.

After years traveling in Europe with her musician husband, all that widow Mara Hoffman wants is security for her son. A half-share in her father's Maine farmhouse is the only refuge she has left, even if her resentful stepmother treats Mara as little more than a servant. But there is one bright spot: the unexpected kindness of neighbor Gideon Jakeman. A widowed farmer with a teenage daughter, Gideon hardly pictures himself as anyone's Prince Charming. Especially a woman of Mara's refinement. Yet his quiet, rugged strength makes her feel as though she's found her rightful place by his side, if they can find faith enough to forge their own happy ending. About the AuthorYou can read all about me on my website! or check out my blog: http//ruthaxtellmorren.blogspot.com Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.*Eagle's Bay, Maine *October 1884Mara Keller didn't need the hymnal in her hands to sing. She knew the words by heart. "'Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne.'"Dietrich fidgeted beside her. She placed a hand on her son's head, smoothing down his dark silky hair."'Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee.'"She couldn't help but glance at the gentleman who stood on the other side of her son. He had a deep, melodious voice, not what she'd expect in a farmer. He was a large man, and despite his broadcloth suit, he seemed more suited to corduroys and a flannel shirt. Her gaze strayed to the hand holding the hymnal within her view. As she thought, it was large and rough-looking, the back lightly sprinkled with rusty-red hair the same shade as the hair on his head.He had a strong profile. His cheeks were cleanly shaven, which surprised her, since most of the men in this farming community sported bushy side whiskers or beards.She gave an imperceptible shake of her head at her own inattention to the music, and turned back to face the front of the church. Her musician's ear cringed slightly as a wrong note was struck on the organ. The robed men and women sang lustily but their voices were untrained. It made the farmer's voice to her left all the more agreeable to her ears.The final notes echoed in the small wooden church as the last verse of the hymn came to an end. The rustle of people putting away their hymnals and sitting down on the wooden pews filled the room for the next few moments. Mara gently closed her own hymnal and set it soundlessly in the back of the pew in front of her before sitting down. She glanced at Dietrich to make sure he was putting away his book—he'd insisted on holding his own instead of sharing hers. He was forever forging ahead determined to do everything for himself."Good morning, everyone," the minister said, taking his place behind the pulpit. "It makes my heart glad to see all of you here today."As he began the announcements, Mara settled back and smoothed down the merino wool of her old black dress. Once it had been the height of fashion but it had seen many winters. It would have to do, however, for the months remaining of her mourning period—for both her father and her husband.For the one she felt such sorrow, and for the other nothing but a numbing relief.Her stepmother nudged her sharply on her other side. Mara raised an inquiring eyebrow to Carina, whose nostrils flared in displeasure. With a jut of her pointy chin she indicated Dietrich.Mara quickly turned to see what her six-year-old was up to. His hands rested on his lap but his legs swung vigorously, causing a slight noise each time the toes of his boots banged against the pew in front of him.Mara touched him lightly on his arm and he looked up at her, his brown eyes wide in inquiry. How much he resembled his father in moments like these. With a gesture of her hand she indicated his feet, and after a few seconds he stopped moving them. Blowing out a loud sigh, he shifted on the pew."Make sure you greet Eagle's Bay's newest resident, Mrs. Mara Keller."Hearing her name from the pulpit, Mara looked forward with a start.The minister glanced at her with a benign smile. "She has lately come to live with us from the faraway capitals of Europe."The color rose in her cheeks as people turned to stare at her. It was her first Sunday at the church, and she dreaded what her stepmother would say after the service during their ride home. Most unseemly of you to be calling attention to yourself like that would be a good bet, accompanied by a sniff."As some of you may know," the minister continued, "Mrs. Keller is the daughter of the late Mr. Robert Black-stone, a gifted painter who made Eagle Bay his residence in the latter years of his life. Mrs. Keller is gifted in her own right as a musician."She has suffered the recent bereavement of her husband, an acclaimed pianist. We are so happy to have you with us, ma'am, though we regret your loss, which made your return to our hamlet possible."She smiled wanly, shrinking from the curiosity she saw in people's eyes. If they only knew the reality of her existence in Europe. But she'd become so adept at keeping up a front that it had become second nature."Well, now that I've given you the particulars on our latest resident, you can save yourselves the trouble of reading about it in the Weekly Chronicle!''As the congregation laughed, the parson turned to other announcements."Mama, was that you he was talking about?" Dietrich whispered loudly.She bent close to his ear. "Yes. Now, hush, dear, so others can hear the minister."He nodded and turned back to face the front. Mara sat back and caught the eyes of a girl craning her neck around the tall farmer on Dietrich's left. The girl's greenish-gray eyes stared at her, her pale pink lips slightly parted. She wore two long braids, a shade redder than the gentleman's. Clearly, the two must be related, perhaps father and daughter.When Mara smiled tentatively at the girl, who appeared in her early teenage years, she snapped her mouth shut and disappeared once more behind the gentleman. Mara glanced toward his face to find him looking at her.He, too, had light-colored eyes, though his were more gray-blue. Washed-out, she would call them. Yet he was looking at her kindly enough. He held her gaze a second longer before bowing his head slightly.He had the ruddy complexion of someone who spent time out of doors. The color in his cheeks seemed to deepen just as he turned away. Mara wondered if he were shy. Possibly a farmer trying to be friendly but who wouldn't know what to say to her after the minister had built her up so much. Reverend Grayson meant well, she was sure, but from the little she remembered of this isolated part of the coast of Maine, she could well imagine that she would soon be friendless if everyone was intimidated by her reputation. How little they would realize how much in need she was of a friend and of a place to call home.As the minister gave the Scripture reading of the morning, she opened her Bible on her lap and turned to it.Minutes later, the fidgeting on her left increased. Mara tried to ignore it, but as it grew worse, she resorted to tapping Dietrich's arm from time to time. That only served to still his movements for a few seconds before they began again. She repressed a sigh. Dietrich had always been active. She remembered his hard kicks when she'd carried him in her womb. As a boy of six, he had trouble sitting through an entire church service.She focused on the preacher's words. He was talking about facing the trials of life. Her own life seemed to have been nothing but trials since she'd become an adult. She let her mind wander to those carefree days of her youth, when she'd been beloved by her father, and she'd kept house for him until…he'd married Carina.As she pulled herself from these reflections of the past, Mara realized she hadn't felt any movement from Dietrich in several minutes. She turned her gaze sideward and stopped in amazement at the sight of her son's attention glued to the gentleman's hands.They were folding a piece of paper into an intricate shape. She stared spellbound at the sight of such blunt fingers handling a delicate piece of paper so lightly and deftly. In moments, the clear figure of a bird emerged from the workings of his quick creases and pleats.She blinked up and once again caught the man's gaze. This time he gave a brief smile before focusing on the paper in his hand. With a final adjustment, he handed the bird to Dietrich.She studied the man's profile a few seconds longer, noting the straight nose and wide forehead beneath hair that was slicked back, evidence of his morning ablutions, yet which didn't succeed in taming its curl. Her glance strayed downward past the deeper reddish hair of his sideburns and along the firm jawline to the defined curve of his chin.Once more, she caught a telltale shade along his cheekbones and she realized she was staring. Was he conscious of it? Quickly, she looked back down at her Bible.Dietrich turned his paper bird around and around in his hands. Mara settled back against the pew and listened to the preacher's message.When she next sensed restless movement at her side, she barely glanced over before she glimpsed the farmer's hand handing the boy a small sheet of paper from between the pages of his Bible. Dietrich immediately began to fold it. When he had succeeded in folding it thoroughly but making nothing that appeared like a bird, he looked up at the man, who took it and smoothed it out on his own Bible. Then he began with the first fold. He undid it and handed it back to Dietrich. As soon as Dietrich had copied it, the gentleman took it and proceeded with the next fold. Fold by fold, he guided Dietrich in producing his own paper creature.When they were thoroughly engrossed in this endeavor, Mara let out a soft sigh and turned back to the sermon. Bless this man, whoever he was, for keeping Dietrich occupied. It was the first time she had been able to give her full attention to a sermon in a long time.As soon as the minister dismissed the congregation, everyone stood and began to greet one another as they shuffled their way out of the cramped space between the pews. Gideon stood and eased the stiffness from his legs."May I have this, sir?"He glanced down at the young boy looking up so earnestly at him. The first thing he noticed was the boy's accent. British? Not quite, he judged, although he'd heard an Englishman's accent only once."Of course you may, son." He resisted the urge to ruffle the boy's dark hair. The next instant, an elegant gloved hand was extended toward him. He raised startled eyes to the lady who had sat beside the boy during t...

Yearning to find a meaningful life in the outside world, nurse Miriam Kauffman strayed far from her Amish community. She also needed distance from Nick Bradley, the cop who had caused her so much pain. Back in Hope Springs to care for her ailing mother, Miriam needs Nick, now sheriff, to find the mother of Hannah, the baby abandoned on her porch. Nick is as wary of Miriam's intentions as she is of facing their past. Can two wounded hearts overcome their history to do what's best for little Hannah?

With Christmas around the corner, it's time for Amish families to include holiday greetings in their circle letters, each writer adding to a growing collection as it travels on to the next. In this delightful trio of stories, three cousins scattered across the country share their blessings—and reveal news of romantic surprises . . . To win a friendly annual competition, matchmaker Marybeth Martin must bring one more couple together by Christmas. Her only prospect is a man more interested in a nanny than a wife—until his little girl shows him the light. . . . Struggling farmer's daughter Katie Mae Kauffman discovers that she and a local widower and father of four can harvest more crops—and profits—together than separately. But she'll have to put pride aside to make room for unexpected love. . . . Corralling an unruly brood of seven is not babysitter Carolyn Yutzy's first choice for celebrating the season—but the sparks between her and...

Will marriage save her family?Christmas with the North Country AmishBethany Martin has until Christmas to prove to the Amish community that she can raise her siblings—including her mischievous brother—without a husband. Then handsome newcomer Michael Shetler arrives, winning over Bethany's siblings. He might be the answer to their prayers, but Michael has a troubled past. Can Bethany love a man with secrets...even if it's the only thing keeping her family together?

A twist of fateA promise to her sister sends rising ballet star Cheryl Steele temporarily back to the hometown she fled years ago in disgrace. Then an unexpected snowstorm and an injured foot land her in the home of Sam Hardin.Sam's two little girls wrap themselves around her heart...while they scheme to make Cheryl not a guest or temporary nanny, but their new mom. But staying with the Hardin family makes Cheryl uneasy. She fears confessing past secrets to Sam and fears her plans for the future are unraveling. Because the longer Cheryl stays with Sam, the more it all feels so right...

The fatal crash was no accident. The killer's only mistake was leaving behind a survivor...a four-month-old boy. For his sake--and for his murdered mother's--Sheriff Mandy Scott will see justice served. And she already has her prime suspect: the boy's father, Garrett Bowen. Yet despite the evidence against him, something about the reclusive rancher makes Mandy question his guilt. Nothing is as it seems as crime starts spiraling out of control in Timber Wells. If Mandy lets herself trust Garrett, will he shield her from danger, or send her racing into another lethal trap?

An Amish Homecoming Joshua Bowman is ready to go home. After spending time in prison for a crime he didn't commit, he's putting everything behind him and reconciling with his fractured family. When a devastating tornado throws him unexpectedly into the path of Mary Kaufman and her daughter, Hannah, he feels the first spark of life after months. But Mary's adoptive dad is the Englisch sheriff--and he'd never trust her care to a man with Joshua's past. Plus the lovely single mom has a secret of her own, one that she's spent years running from. Together they survived the storm, but are they strong enough to shed the shadows of their past? Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People.

He Would Never Marry AgainAdrian Lapp had taken that vow after losing his wife and son. But the newest resident of the Amish community of Hope Springs captivates him from their first meeting. Widow Faith Martin is strong, courageous and determined to make her farmstead profitable. Her fight to raise her six-year-old orphaned nephew in the Amish community brings her closer to the members of Hope Springs…and Adrian. Now if only Adrian can open his heart to the possibility of love again….About the AuthorPatricia Davids was born and raised in central Kansas. Her career as a nurse spanned 40 years, most of that in the NICU, a place of miracles. Now, she's a full time writer. She enjoys traveling, but she loves spending time with her daughter, her grandchildren and one overgrown yellow Lab named Sadie, who thinks fetch is a game to be played day and night. When not on the road or throwing a ball, Pat is happily dreaming up new stories. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.If the Amish farmer standing outside her screen door would smile, he'd be a nice-looking fellow—but he certainly wasn't smiling at the moment. His fierce scowl was a sharp reminder of all her life had been before—tense, fearful, pain-filled.Faith Martin thrust aside her somber memories. She would not allow the past to follow her here. She had nothing to fear in this new community.Still, the man at her door made an imposing figure blocking out much of the late afternoon sunlight streaming in behind him. His flat-topped straw hat sat squarely above his furrowed brow. That frown put a deep crease between his intelligent hazel eyes.Above his reddish-brown beard, his full lips barely moved when he spoke. "Goot day, Frau. I am Adrian Lapp. I own the farm to the south."His beard told her he was married. Amish men were cleanshaven until after they took a wife. He had his pale blue shirtsleeves rolled up exposing brawny, darkly tanned forearms folded tightly across his gray vest. A familiar, nauseous odor emanated from his clothes.Faith's heart sank. It was clear he'd had a run-in with one of her herd. What had he been doing with her animals?She managed a polite nod. Common courtesy dictated she welcome him to her home. "I'm pleased to meet you, neighbor. I am Faith Martin. Do come in."He made no move to enter. "Is your husband about?"It seemed the farmer next door wasn't exactly the friendly sort. That was too bad. She had prayed it would be different here. "My husband passed away two years ago. It's just me. How may I help you?"Her widowed status seemed to surprise him. "You're living here alone?""Ja." She brushed at the dust and cobwebs on her apron and tried to look like a woman who managed well by herself instead of one who'd bitten off far more than she could chew.His scowl deepened. "Your creatures are loose in my fields. They are eating my beans."Faith cringed inwardly. This was not the first impression she wanted to make in her new community. "I'm so sorry. I don't know how they could have gotten out.""I tried to catch one of them by its halter, but it spat on me and ran off with the others into the cornfield."She saw the green, speckled stain across the front shoulder of his shirt and vest. Alpaca spit, a combination of grass and digestive juices, was unpleasant but not harmful. What a shame this had to be her new neighbor's first introduction to her alpacas. They were normally docile, friendly animals.Faith never tired of seeing their bright, inquisitive faces waiting for her each morning. Their sweet, gentle natures had helped her heal in both body and spirit over the past two years."The one wearing a halter is Myrtle. She's the expectant mother in the herd. You must have frightened her. They are leery of strangers.""So I noticed," he answered drily."Spitting is their least endearing habit, but it will brush off when it dries." Faith's encouraging tone didn't lighten his scowl. Perhaps now wasn't the time to mention the smell would linger for a few days."What did you call them?""Alpacas. They're like llamas but they have very soft fleece, softer than any sheep. Originally, they come from South America. How many did you say were in your field?""I counted ten.""Oh, no!" Fear blotted out any concern for her neighbor's shirt. If all of her animals were loose in unfamiliar country, it would be difficult, even impossible, to round them up before dark.Her defenseless alpacas couldn't spend the night out in the open. Stray dogs or coyotes could easily bring down one of her half-grown crias, or they might wander onto the highway and be hit by a passing car. She couldn't afford the loss of even one animal. She had everything invested in this venture and much more than money riding on her success.Please, Lord, let me recover them all safe and sound.As much as she hated to be seen using her crutch, Faith grabbed it from behind the door. It was wrong to be vain about her handicap, but she couldn't help it. It was a personal battle she had yet to win.The pickup truck that had crashed into their buggy two years ago had killed her husband and left her with a badly mangled leg. Doctors told her it would be a miracle if she ever walked again, but God had shown her mercy. After a long, difficult recovery she was able to get around with only her leg brace most of the time. But chasing down a herd of frisky alpacas required exertion and speed. Things she couldn't manage without added support.She pushed open the screen door, forcing Adrian Lapp to take a step back. She didn't miss the way his eyes widened at the sight of her infirmity.Let him stare. It wasn't something she could keep secret. She knew her crippled leg made her ugly and awkward, a person to be pitied, but she wouldn't let it be her weakness. Right now, the safety of her animals was the important thing, not her new neighbor's opinion of her. "Where did you see them last?""Disappearing into the cornfield beyond the orchard at the back of your property.""I will need to get their halters and lead ropes from the barn." She left him standing on the porch as she made her way down the steps.Adrian quickly caught up with her. "I'm sorry, I didn't know… I will take care of the animals for you. There is no need for you to go traipsing after them."His offer was grudgingly given, but she sensed he meant well."I'm perfectly capable of catching them." She didn't want pity, and she wasn't about to leave her valuable livestock in the hands of a man who didn't even know what kind of animal they were.Hobbling ahead of him across the weedy yard, she spoke over her shoulder. "Once I catch them, can you help me lead them home?""Of course."Faith headed toward the small, dilapidated barn nestled between overgrown cedars some fifty yards from the house. In the harsh August sunlight it was easy to see the peeling paint, missing shingles and broken windowpanes on the building. The Amish were known for their neat and well-tended farmsteads. She had a lot of work ahead of her to get this place in shape.She didn't know why her husband had never mentioned owning this property in Ohio or why he had chosen to leave it sitting vacant all these years, but finding out a month ago that she owned it couldn't have come at a better time.She pulled open the barn door. Copper, her mare, whinnied a greeting. Faith spoke a few soft words to her as she gathered together the halters and lead ropes that were hanging on pegs inside the doorway.Adrian took them from her without a word and slipped them over his shoulder. She was grateful for his help but wished he wasn't so dour about it. Why couldn't her alpacas have chosen to eat the beans of a cheerful neighbor? Maybe she didn't have any.She led the way around the side of the barn to the pens at the rear. The gate panel that should have been wired closed had been pushed over, offering the curious alpacas an easy way out. Why hadn't she paid more attention when her hired help set up the portable pen and unloaded the animals? Now look what her carelessness had wrought.Adrian removed the thin wire that had proven to be an ineffective deterrent. "Do you have a heavier gauge wire than this or some strong rope?""I'm sure there's something in the barn that will work.""Then I should find it." He turned back toward the barn door.Faith called after him. "Shouldn't we find my animals first and then worry about how to keep them in? It's getting late."He didn't even glance in her direction. "It won't do any good to bring them back if they can just get out again."She pressed her lips closed on a retort. She had learned the hard way not to argue with a man. Her husband had made sure she understood her opinions were not valued.Leaving her new neighbor to rummage in the barn, Faith headed toward the rows of trees that stretched for a quarter of a mile to the back edge of her property, knowing he could easily overtake her. It was slow going through the thick grass, but at least she knew her alpacas would be well-fed through the summer and fall once she had her fences in place.It didn't take long for Adrian to catch up with her. As she expected, his long legs made short work of the distance she had struggled to cover. A twinge of resentment rippled through her before she firmly reminded herself it didn't matter if someone could walk faster than she could. All that mattered was that she walk upon the path the Lord had chosen for her without complaint.Adrian wasn't sure what to make of the woman charging ahead of him through the tangled grass of the old orchard. Her handicap clearly didn't slow her down much. He'd been curious about his new neighbors as soon as he'd spotted the moving van and large horse trailer inching up the rutted lane yesterday.The farmstead had been deserted since he'd been a lad. It hurt his soul to see the good farm ground lying fallow and the peach orchard's fruit going to waste year after year. He could do so much with it if only he had the chance.Even though he'd seen he had new neighbors, he hadn't gone to introduce himself. He didn't like meeting people or answering questions about his life. He liked being alone. He preferred to stay on his farm and work until he was bone-tired and weary enough to fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow at night.Too tired even for dreams…or for nightmares.He wouldn't be here today if Faith Martin had kept her animals penned up properly. This was costing him an afternoon of work that couldn't wait.He glanced sideways at her. She was a tiny slip of a woman. She didn't look as if she could wrest ...

Nursing His Heart When Amish carpenter Samuel Bowman is injured in an accident, he fears he'll never see again. He's always provided for his family--and now that it's harvest season, the Bowmans are needed in the fields, not at his bedside. So when a young Amish widow becomes his nurse, Samuel expects Rebecca Miller to make his life easier. But his caregiver is bossy, outspoken and challenges him to move on with his life. Though Samuel's sight is in question, he can plainly see the woman he's come to care for won't let herself love again. Now it's Samuel's turn to heal her heart.