A Daughter's Dream
Page 20
Heat filled her gaze before a fierce blush stained her cheeks. “Jacob, stop!” she said in a whispered shriek. “Your parents are going to be shocked.”
“I’m thirty years old, Bec. I don’t think they’re going to be that shocked.”
“They’ll think something has come over you.”
But he noticed that she wasn’t moving away. Instead, her hands were resting on his shoulders and her eyes were sparkling.
Just to keep them that way, he teased her. “If they ask what’s come over me, I’ll tell them it’s the pain-killers.”
“What about me? I haven’t taken any drugs. They’ll think I’m a floozy,” she protested. Still, she didn’t back away.
“I’ll tell them you are feeling sorry for me.” He grinned. “Just stay here a few minutes longer, wouldja, Becky? It’s nice to feel you in my arms. Now, tell me you love me again.”
“Do you need to hear it? You said you heard me the first time.” She smiled coyly.
“Jah, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.”
“All right, then.” Her eyes met his. “Jacob Yoder, I love you.”
“I love you, too, Rebecca. Forever.”
“Forever,” Rebecca agreed. “And always,” she whispered as she cuddled closer.
The feel of her body nestled close made Jacob realize that what they’d shared was exactly right. Perfect, in fact.
Work was good. Family was even more important. But having a person to share both with? To plan a future with? Having the chance to hold a pretty woman in his arms and know that she was everything he’d ever hoped for?
Well, that was truly a dream come true.
P.S. Insights, Interviews & More . . . *
About the author
* * *
Meet Shelley Shepard Gray
About the book
* * *
Letter from the Author
Questions for Discussion
Granola Bars
Read on
* * *
A Few Charming Facts from Shelley Shepard Gray
A Sneak Peek from the Next Book in the Charmed Amish Life Series, A Sister’s Wish
About the author
Meet Shelley Shepard Gray
PEOPLE OFTEN ASK how I started writing. Some believe I’ve been a writer all my life; others ask if I’ve always felt I had a story I needed to tell. I’m afraid my reasons couldn’t be more different. See, I started writing one day because I didn’t have anything to read.
I’ve always loved to read. I was the girl in the back of the classroom with her nose in a book, the mom who kept a couple of novels in her car to read during soccer practice, the person who made weekly visits to the bookstore and the library.
Back when I taught elementary school, I used to read during my lunch breaks. One day, when I realized I’d forgotten to bring something to read, I turned on my computer and took a leap of faith. Feeling a little like I was doing something wrong, I typed those first words: Chapter One.
I didn’t start writing with the intention of publishing a book. Actually, I just wrote for myself.
For the most part, I still write for myself, which is why, I think, I’m able to write so much. I write books that I’d like to read. Books that I would have liked to have had in my old teacher tote bag. I’m always relieved and surprised and so happy when other people want to read my books, too!
Another question I’m often asked is why I choose to write inspirational fiction. Maybe at first glance, it does seem surprising. I’m not the type of person who usually talks about my faith in the line at the grocery store or when I’m out to lunch with friends. For me, my faith has always felt like more of a private thing. I feel that I’m still on my faith journey—still learning and studying God’s word.
And that, I think, is why writing inspirational fiction is such a good fit for me. I enjoy writing about characters who happen to be in the middle of their faith journeys, too. They’re not perfect, and they don’t always make the right decisions. Sometimes they make mistakes, and sometimes they do something they’re proud of. They’re characters who are a lot like me.
Only God knows what else He has in store for me. He’s given me the will and the ability to write stories to glorify Him. He’s put many people in my life who are supportive and caring. I feel blessed and thankful . . . and excited to see what will happen next!
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About the book
Letter from the Author
Dear Reader,
A funny thing happened in the middle of the editing process for this novel—I was able to go to the photo shoot for the book’s cover!
This was an exciting event for me. I had cut out photos for all the characters in the series from magazines and taped them in a notebook. When I began writing the first book in the series, A Son’s Vow, each character slowly began to come to life. Before I knew it, I had all kinds of scribbled notes about each character. Some were descriptive, like Darla’s petite frame, while other notes were more about each character’s personality, such as Rebecca’s fondness for turtles.
Then one day out of the blue, I was invited to help choose models for the cover of A Daughter’s Dream. When I clicked through various photos from the modeling agency, I found Jacob and Rebecca easily. Soon after that, I learned that I could actually visit the cover shoot!
A couple of weeks later, my girlfriend Maggie and I were in Michigan. We met Laura, the photographer and designer; Andrea, the makeup artist; and Abby and Steve, the models who would be my characters on the cover. Each person couldn’t have been nicer. When I saw Abby, tears filled my eyes. There, sitting right in front of me, was Rebecca Kinsinger! It was really the strangest thing.
I should share that I promised everyone that I wouldn’t get in the way. I was fully prepared to stand in a corner and just watch. But to my amazement, Laura asked me for my opinion about the models’ clothes. Then she asked me to tell the models about their characters. Abby and Steve smiled when I told them about Rebecca and Jacob. They looked eager to try their hand at being Amish cover models!
Next thing I knew, we were all wandering through fields. Laura took lots and lots of pictures. I did my best to stay out of the way while Andrea continually fixed the folds and tucks on Abby’s dress. Immediately, Abby and Steve proved why they were such successful models. They played their parts, smiled and looked reflective, and somehow managed to look comfortable even though the temperature was in the forties and neither was wearing a coat.
As I watched all of this taking place, I felt as if I were actually seeing my characters come to life! By the time I headed back to Cincinnati, I had vowed to myself to go back through the book and make it better. I wanted my story to do justice to the photographer’s and models’ wonderful work.
Honestly, I don’t know if I did that or not. All I do know is that visiting the cover shoot was certainly a dream come true for me! I will be forever grateful to Laura Klynstra for allowing me to join her and to my editor, Chelsey Emmelhainz, who so kindly made it all happen.
I hope you liked the book. I hope you were as delighted with the cover as I was!
Thank you for picking up A Daughter’s Dream. Thank you for telling your friends and family about it, and for asking your local librarian to carry the book, too.
But most of all, I want to thank you for your support over the years. It’s because of you that so many people at HarperCollins work so hard to make these books the best that they can be.
With blessings,
Shelley
P.S. If you have time, please tell me what you thought about the book and the cover! You can find me at my website, on Facebook, or on Twitter. You can also write me at the following address: Shelley Shepard Gray, 10663 Loveland Madeira Rd. #167, Loveland, OH 45140.
Questions for Discussion
1.What does the following scrip
ture verse from Ezra mean to you? Be of good courage and do it (Ezra 10:4).
2.Has there ever been an instance in your life when the following Amish proverb would have seemed particularly meaningful? If we fill our houses with regrets of yesterday and worries of tomorrow, we have no today for which to be thankful.
3.During the novel, Jacob relies on his parents’ advice to help parent Lilly. Who do you go to for advice? Your parents? Spouse? Friends? Why?
4.What do you think of Rachel’s dilemma? What about her husband’s reaction to her wanting to continue to teach school?
5.One of the themes in the novel centers on dreams that don’t come true. Do you think this is a theme that many people can relate to? Why or why not?
6.Lilly’s story line continues in the next book, A Sister’s Wish. What do you think will happen to her next?
7.Jacob returns home after living apart from his family for the last decade. What do you think about his decision to give up his job and life in Pinecraft in order to help his parents and niece? What obstacles do you think he will face?
8.Each member of the Kinsinger family has been dealing with their father’s death and the fire at the lumber mill in different ways. What has helped you survive a difficult loss?
9.Jacob and Rebecca have fairly similar personalities. What similar character traits do you share with important people in your life?
10.What do you think is going to happen when Levi eventually returns?
Granola Bars
1½ pounds miniature marshmallows
½ cup butter
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup honey
½ cup peanut butter
1 cup graham crackers (crushed fine)
9½ cups Rice Krispies
5 cups quick oatmeal
1½ cups M&M’s
1 cup chocolate chips
Melt together butter and marshmallows in a small saucepan over low heat. Combine rest of the ingredients in a large bowl, then stir in melted marshmallow mixture until combined. Press into baking pans and leave out at room temperature. When cool, cut into squares and serve.
Taken from Country Blessings Cookbook by Clara Coblentz. Used by permission of the Shrock’s Homestead, 9943 Copperhead Rd. N.W., Sugarcreek, OH 44681.
Read on
A Few Charming Facts from Shelley Shepard Gray
1.Charm is located in the heart of Holmes County, Ohio, home to the largest Amish and Mennonite population in the world.
2.The actual population of Charm is only 110 people.
3.One of the public schools in Charm is actually called “Charm School.”
4.Charm was founded in 1886. It was once called Stevenson, in honor of a local Amish man, Stephan Yoder and his son.
5.Charm also has a nickname that some locals still use. The name is “Putschtown,” which is derived from the word putschka, meaning “small clump.”
6.The annual “Charm Days” festival is held in the fall every year. The highlight of the festival is the “Wooly Worm Derby.”
7.The largest business in Charm is Keim Lumber Company. Located on State Route 557, it has a large retail showroom and website and is open to the public.
A Sneak Peek from the Next Book in the Charmed Amish Life Series, A Sister’s Wish
Coming September 2016 from Avon Inspire
Thursday, October 1
“Princess, nee!” Amelia shouted as she scrambled down the front steps. “Stop!”
But Princess didn’t listen. Actually, that probably wasn’t true. Princess no doubt listened just fine. She simply didn’t care to pay much attention to what Amelia wanted her to do.
Instead, the six-month-old pygmy goat continued to nonchalantly chew Oscar’s leash.
From what Amelia could tell, the goat had been munching on it for some time. A good section of it was missing.
Thank heavens her sister Rebecca’s bulldog puppy was unaware that he was free. Instead of running off as most dogs were wont to do, he was plopped on his side, enjoying the unexpected warmth of the October sun.
After picking up the pup—who at thirty pounds was now really too big to carry—and depositing him inside the screen door of the house, Amelia braced herself. It was time to convince Princess that she really, really needed to listen.
Her pet had a silky white coat, long eyelashes, and beady black eyes. Princess was pretty, smart, and could climb almost anything. She was also as ornery as one might expect of a young doe.
Everyone had warned Amelia about this. Her siblings had begged her to return Princess to the farm where she’d bought her, saying that none of them had time to properly train the animal.
But Amelia had steadfastly ignored both the warnings and the entreaties. She’d wanted this goat. Actually, she had wanted something to call her own, and a goat would do.
It seemed she was as stubborn as her pet.
“You silly girl,” Amelia said. “Rope ain’t gut for you. You must learn to leave it alone.”
Princess bleated in reply.
Unable to help herself, she laughed. “Jah, that is what I thought you might say.” After carefully pulling the last bit of rope out of Princess’s mouth, Amelia wrapped an arm around the pesky animal’s neck and guided her to the barn. “Lucky for you I just put some fresh alfalfa in your stall. You can get your fill of that while I do my chores.”
Just as she was about to step inside her cozy stall, however, Princess balked. With a grunt and a bleat, she pulled away.
“Princess, I ain’t got time for this. It’s already two in the afternoon. I need to work on supper.” And the garden. And sweep the floors. All the chores that were up to her to complete since she was the lone member of her household working at home.
Really wishing that she’d put a harness or collar on her little goat, Amelia grabbed Princess around the middle and pulled her forward.
But the doe froze, looked panicked, and bleated loudly.
Frustrated beyond measure, Amelia pulled harder. “Come now. I know you are stubborn, but you must start listening to me!”
Princess curled her lips, revealing lots of sharp, shiny white teeth.
Amelia glared right back. “What has gotten into you?” Stepping into the stall, she yanked on Princess again.
“Bleat!”
Princess protested frantically, and then kicked out her back legs, just like a donkey.
One tiny, surprisingly sharp hoof made contact with Amelia’s shin.
More surprised than anything, Amelia threw her hands up in the air as she fell to the floor of the stall. And when she flung out her hand to catch herself, she discovered why Princess had not wanted to be anywhere near her home.
Because Amelia’s left hand landed on a snake.
It didn’t take kindly to the interruption. It slithered, hissed, and bit her hand.
Amelia cried out.
Princess scrambled farther away.
Fighting pain in both her palm and leg, Amelia gathered her wits, hobbled out of the stall, and at last leaned back against the wooden enclosure. Then she promptly did exactly what she’d hoped she’d never do . . .
She burst into tears. Terrible, loud, unapologetic tears. She was alone, she was in pain, and suddenly, she’d had enough. More than enough.
Amelia Kinsinger cried for her mother, who’d died when Amelia was only seven. She cried for her father who’d perished in a fire in her family’s lumber mill. She cried for her brother Levi who had left to find out more about himself, though none of them had any idea about what he’d hoped to discover.
In short, she cried for everything she’d ever lost and everything she still had.
But most of all, she cried because there was currently no one around to care.
Simon Hochstetler knew Lukas didn’t want him call
ing on his little sister. For most of his life he’d honored his best friend’s wishes. But about four months ago, Simon had decided he was tired of waiting.
He was twenty-eight years old, a manager at Kinsinger Lumber and had more than thirty men reporting to him. More important, he’d been in love with Amelia Kinsinger for years. He’d kept his distance out of respect for both her age and the fact that she was his best friend’s little sister. But when he had begun to suspect that Amelia returned his feelings, Simon knew something had to change.
And because he’d rarely been the type of man to wait when he wanted something badly enough, Simon had found a way to see Amelia.
He visited her when no one else was around.
He wasn’t proud of this. If Amelia’s parents had been alive, he would have done whatever it took to persuade them to accept him as a prospective suitor.
But they had both gone up to Heaven and there was no way he was going to beg and plead his case to his childhood friend or Amelia’s sister, Rebecca. Amelia was twenty-two and fully able to tell him if she didn’t want him around. So far, she’d been delighted by his visits.
So he’d continued to see her on the sly. He’d told himself it was because she needed the company. But the truth was that Simon simply needed her. Amelia was sweet, kind, and honest. She was beautiful, too. She was actually everything he’d ever wanted. More than he’d ever dared to yearn for.
Being in her company made him forget the mistakes he’d made. Her smiles gave him hope, and her acceptance made him feel clean and worthy. There was no way he was ever going to give that up without a fight.
So even though he didn’t mind doing whatever it took to see her, Simon knew that wasn’t fair to Amelia. It was time to bring their relationship out into the open.
He was practicing different ways to try to convince Lukas of this when he arrived at the Kinsingers’ front walkway. Then just as he was about to walk up the front steps, he realized that something wasn’t quite right. It was too quiet, unnaturally still.