“The Englisch aren’t the only ones who can carry a new bride over the threshold.”
Chester eased his hand to the doorknob and turned. Then he pushed the door open with his foot and set Priscilla down in the entryway.
She blinked her eyes a few times to make sure what she was seeing was real. “Chester . . .” She cupped her hands to her mouth as her eyes scanned the living room. On the floor, on the built-in shelves, and on the fireplace mantel were vases full of flowers. She swiped at a tear as she fell into Chester’s arms. “Danki! Danki! They’re beautiful!”
“All for you, my sweet Priscilla.” He hugged her tight and kissed her lips.
Priscilla took a closer look. There was a rocking chair from Chester’s house in the living room. She eased away from him and moved toward the kitchen. There was a pitcher on the counter, two canisters, and some kitchen towels laid out. Around the corner, she could see their bedroom. She hurried that way. Chester’s bed and all his furniture was in the room.
“Why did you move some of your things in when the house isn’t finished?” She met his eyes, but he just smiled. Priscilla took a closer look. The fireplace mantel was sanded and finished, and it hadn’t been before. The floor wasn’t covered in sawdust anymore, but instead shone with a fresh layer of wax. All the little things that hadn’t been completed were done.
“The roof and the electrical issues are fixed too.”
Priscilla ran from room to room. Not one thing was left unfinished. “How did you do this?”
“Several nights last week, about two dozen members of the community met me here, and we finished everything.” He winked. “Kind of like a mini barn-raising.” Then he walked to Priscilla and pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek. “Tomorrow we will get your things. It’s completely ready to live in.”
Priscilla swiped at a tear. “I love you, Chester.”
It was all a part of God’s perfect plan.
READING
GROUP GUIDE
*GUIDE CONTAINS SPOILERS, SO DON’T READ BEFORE COMPLETING THE NOVELLAS.
For reading groups with five or more members, the authors will participate in the discussion of this collection. If you’re interested, go to www.Amishhearts.com.
A PERFECT SECRET
1. Why do we often pretend to be someone different, in some aspect, even with those we love?
2. How does Luke’s mother’s death undergird his decisions in life?
3. Why does Rose enjoy being the “Rob in the Hood” for a change? What does this say about her personality?
4. What is it about your life that God is perfecting at this time?
5. What is potentially dangerous about secrets in a relationship?
6. How does Rose’s relationship with her aunt Tabby bring balance to her life? Who helps you in this way?
7. Why do weddings create such stress and expectation in life?
A PERFECT MATCH
1. Zeke has confidence, but also humility. He’s not conceited, and he doesn’t doubt God’s sovereignty in his life. How do you think Zeke acquired this complete faith and trust?
2. Do you think Zeke’s parents’ strained relationship has any bearing on him remaining a bachelor longer than most Amish men? Why or why not?
3. What did Naomi do to avoid dealing with David’s betrayal? Do you think she will still struggle with trust, even after she and Zeke are married? If so, how can God help her heal and learn to trust again?
4. Margaret was tongue-tied around Zeke initially, but then became comfortable around him. She was then able to accept Ben Hooley’s interest in her. What made Margaret change?
A PERFECT PLAN
1. Priscilla wants to have a perfect wedding day, but she loses sight of what’s really important. How might things have been different if she hadn’t let worry creep into her heart?
2. Chester likes that Priscilla is organized and structured, but is there ever a point when he wonders if her need for perfection will do harm to their relationship?
3. Rachel writes letters to both Priscilla and Chester, letters that hit on exactly what they are both feeling prior to the wedding. Do you think God is speaking to Priscilla and Chester through Rachel? Has this ever happened to you or to someone you know?
4. In what ways does an Amish wedding differ from a traditional Englisch wedding? Is there anything about an Amish wedding that you think should be incorporated into an Englisch wedding? Or vice versa?
AMISH RECIPES
AMISH BLUEBERRY COBBLER
1 stick butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. blueberry juice
4 Tbsp. vinegar
11/2 c. blueberries
1. Cream butter and sugar together.
2. Add eggs and beat until fluffy.
3. Sift flour and measure. Sift dry ingredients and add juice and vinegar. Beat thoroughly after each addition.
4. Add berries and stir just enough to blend into dough.
5. Bake for about 40 minutes in 350°F oven.
APPLE CAKE WITH CARAMEL SAUCE
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 c. finely chopped apples, such as Granny Smith
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1. In a large bowl, cream the butter. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy.
2. Add the egg and beat until well blended.
3. Mix in the soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
4. Add the flour and stir just until blended. Stir in the apples and nuts.
5. Pour into an oiled 9" round cake pan and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched lightly with your finger.
HOT CARAMEL SAUCE
1/2 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and milk.
3. Serve warm sauce over apple cake. Serves 8.
OUTRAGEOUS CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
From Country Lane Cooking
4 c. white sugar
4 c. margarine, softened
4 c. peanut butter
8 eggs
4 c. quick oats
2 tsp. salt
2 2/3 c. brown sugar
4 tsp. vanilla
8 c. flour
8 tsp. soda
1 pkg. (24 oz.) chocolate chips
1. Cream together sugar, margarine, and peanut butter.
2. Add eggs.
3. Add the dry ingredients.
4. Bake at 350°F until just brown around the edges. Makes a large batch.
UNDERGROUND HAM
4 c. diced ham
4 Tbsp. butter
1/2 cup onion
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. milk
1–2 c. Velveeta cheese
4 qt. mashed potatoes
1 pt. sour cream
Browned and crumbled bacon
1. Combine ham, butter, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat until onions are soft. Put in bottom of roaster pan.
2. In saucepan, heat soup, milk, and cheese—until cheese melts. Pour over top of ham mixture.
3. Add sour cream to mashed potatoes and put on top. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
KELLY LONG:
I’d like to acknowledge Beth Wiseman and Kathy Fuller, who were
a treat to work with on this novella. These ladies are smart and supportive, as always! Thank you to Natalie Hanemann for her keen insight and to L.B. Norton for her deft editing. A big thanks to my critique partner, Brenda Lott, for her scene insight and to my mother-in-law, Donna Long, for her marketing support. As always, thank you to my Amish readers and especially to my family. I love you, Scott.
KATHLEEN FULLER:
Thanks to my wonderful editors, Natalie Hanemann and L.B. Norton. Again, you’ve worked your magic on another story! To Beth and Kelly, for being such great partners in this writing journey. To Tamela Hancock Murray, for her friendship and support. Thanks to Jill Eileen Smith for reading the story and giving me wonderful advice. You’re a treasured friend. And thank you to everyone who reads our stories, visits with us on Facebook, Amish Living, and Amish Hearts, takes the time write us letters and e-mails, and all the other wonderful things you do. You’re the best!
BETH WISEMAN:
Thank You, dear Lord, for putting these stories in my head and for blessing me beyond my wildest dreams. To my friends and family, I couldn’t do this without you, especially my husband, Patrick. Special thanks to my mother-in-law, Pat Mackey, for testing the Underground Ham recipe for inclusion in this book, and for the many meals you cook for us on a regular basis. Much thanks goes to my editors, Natalie Hanemann and L.B. Norton, for their fantastic insight. To my publishing family at Thomas Nelson, I’m blessed to have you on my team. To my agent, Mary Sue Seymour, glad to have you onboard, my friend. Kelly Long and Kathy Fuller, as always . . . it’s been a pleasure working with you. You’re both awesome! To Barbie Beiler, thank you SO much. Sending blessings your way. Reneé Bissmeyer, my best friend and kindred spirit, thank you for painting with me on Sunday afternoons, a new hobby that soothes my soul. And last but not least, to my sons, Eric and Cory. I love you both very much. Cory, congratulations on your marriage. May God bless you and Kaitlyn always.
ENJOY THESE AMISH NOVELLAS
FOR EVERY SEASON
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From Best-selling Author KELLY LONG
The PATCH OF HEAVEN series
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From Best-selling Author KELLY LONG
At last—the story of when the
Amish first came to America.
Available April 2012
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From Best-selling Author KATHLEEN FULLER
The Hearts of Middlefield series
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From Best-selling Author KATHLEEN FULLER
EMMA ALWAYS PUTS THE NEEDS OF
OTHERS AHEAD OF HER OWN. WHEN WILL
IT BE HER TURN TO BE TREASURED?
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From Best-selling Author BETH WISEMAN
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From Best-selling Author BETH WISEMAN
What would cause
the Amish to move to Colorado,
leaving family and friends behind?
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From Best-selling Author BETH WISEMAN
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LOVE ALL THINGS
AMISH?
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
KELLY LONG IS THE AUTHOR OF THE PATCH of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for 25 years and enjoys her family.
Author photo by Noelle Hall
KATHLEEN FULLER IS THE AUTHOR OF THE best-selling Hearts of Middlefield series. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and farm pets.
BETH WISEMAN IS HAILED AS A TOP VOICE in Amish fiction. She is the author of numerous bestsellers, including the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. She and her family live in Texas.
Author photo by PHOTOS BY LYDIA, Weimar, Texas
An Amish Wedding Page 27
