So many memories washed over him as he approached his hometown of Sugarcreek. Right there was the tree where his truck had broken down. A few minutes later he passed the shop where his truck had been towed for repairs.
Larry Johnson, dressed in stained gray coveralls and with a red kerchief sticking out of his back pocket was pondering the engine beneath the hood of an ancient Ford truck when Joe drove past. Larry glanced up, saw him, and waved. They were friends now, but he remembered the look of suspicion Larry had given him when he asked for a deposit on the truck parts and Joe discovered that his wallet had been stolen.
Of course, the look of suspicion that Larry had given him was nothing compared to the flinty-eyed stare with which Rachel, the beautiful Sugarcreek cop, had lacerated him when she discovered that he was penniless and staying with her three elderly Old Order Amish aunts in their farmhouse bed and breakfast.
Nope, he had definitely not impressed her. A rough-looking stranger. Dressed like he’d crawled out of a dumpster. No ID. No money. He’d been as determined not to let anyone know his identity as she was to discover it. It had been quite a clash of wills, until Rachel learned his true identity…and became his greatest ally.
Those weeks of hiding from the media, unable to access his bank account or to cash in on his fame, struggling to keep his son safe--had taught him a great deal about the priorities of life.
Many people spent their lives wishing for fame and fortune. Too many of them believed that the only thing standing between them and a perfect life was to have plenty of money and admiration. He had experienced both and knew first-hand that it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. His own experience was that fame and fortune did little except put a target on your back….and on the back of those you loved.
Yes, it took patience and grace to live in Ohio Amish country. Especially when sharing the road with slow-moving buggies, but that patience and grace was always returned. He loved Tuscarawas County and the eccentric and loving people who lived here.
If he had his way, he would never leave again. The only problem now, after what he had learned in Los Angeles, was finding a way to stay.
Author’s Note
Although I have attempted to describe the Sugarcreek area and its culture as accurately as possible, this is a complete work of fiction. No individual in this story is based on any person, living or dead, and I did not intentionally represent any real Sugarcreek police officer or their work.
A huge thank-you to: Joyanne and Clay Ham, owners of Oak Haven Bed and Breakfast in Sugarcreek—for creating a lovely home away from home. Bev Keller, editor of The Budget—for permission to include the story about the compassion of her Amish neighbors. Les Troyer, linguist, Bible translator, world traveler, and columnist for The Budget—for insights into growing up in an Amish household. Former Sugarcreek police officer Jennifer Lowery—for answering questions about law enforcement in Sugarcreek. Freeman and Rhoda Mullet, owners of The Gospel Shop bookstore in Sugarcreek—for a warm welcome and their enthusiasm for this project. Lowell and Diana Youngen of the Alpine Hills Museum—for the use of their rare copy of the history of Sugarcreek. Connie Troyer—for her excellent editing skills. The staff of Summerside Press—for their ongoing encouragement and support. Sandra Bishop, agent and friend—for her professionalism and hard work. Emilie Richards, gifted author and friend—without whom I would still be shoving unfinished manuscripts beneath my bed. Kay Stockham, Jane Hillal, and Jillian Kent, sisters of the pen—from whom I have learned so much about the craft of writing. My family, who patiently endured listening to way too much information about Sugarcreek. And most of all, a heartfelt thanks to the Amish families of Sugarcreek, who asked not to be named but who honored me with the gift of their friendship.
-Serena
Also by Serena B. Miller
The Doreen Sizemore Adventures
Murder On The Texas Eagle (Book 1)
Murder At The Buckstaff Bathhouse (Book 2)
Murder At Slippery Slop Youth Camp (Book 3)
Murder On The Mississippi Queen (Book 4)
Murder On The Mystery Mansion (Book 5)
The Accidental Adventures of Doreen Sizemore (5 Book Collection)
Love’s Journey Series
Love’s Journey in Sugarcreek: The Sugar Haus Inn (Book 1)
Love’s Journey in Sugarcreek: Rachel’s Rescue (Book 2)
Love’s Journey in Sugarcreek: Love Rekindled (Book 3)
Michigan Northwoods Historical Romance
The Measure of Katie Calloway (Book 1)
Under a Blackberry Moon (Book 2)
A Promise to Love (Book 3)
Uncommon Grace Series
An Uncommon Grace (Book 1)
Hidden Mercies (Book 2)
Fearless Hope (Book 3)
Uncategorized
A Way of Escape
More Than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting
City Background
There is no place on earth quite like Sugarcreek, Ohio.
It was settled in the early 1800s by German and Swiss immigrants and is proud of being known as the Little Switzerland of Ohio. During the Swiss Festival, one can listen to booming harmonies of giant alphorns or see inhabitants in authentic Swiss costumes dance enthusiastic polkas in a downtown that resembles an Alpine village.
The area is also home to a thriving Amish community. Buggies trot alongside cars on every road. The Budget, a Sugarcreek newspaper established in 1890, publishes a national edition that includes dozens of detailed letters written by Amish and Mennonite correspondents, or “scribes,” from all over the world.
A feeling of simplicity and abundance permeates the surrounding countryside blanketed with acres of soybeans and cornfields. Neatly kept dairy farms dot the rolling landscape, providing milk for local, world-class, family-run cheese factories. Thriving home businesses advertise with homemade signs. The largest family-owned brick-making factory in the United States is also situated there. Beachy’s Country Chalet serves sumptuous food with generous portions—but not on Sunday! The Lord’s Day is reserved for worship and family, two things dear to the hearts of the inhabitants of Sugarcreek, Ohio.
-Serena
About the Author
Serena B. Miller decided to get serious about writing fiction while she was working as a court reporter in Detroit and found herself developing an overwhelming desire to compose a happy ending for every transcript she typed. She and her minister-carpenter husband live in a southern Ohio farming community, in an 1830s log cabin that has been in her family for five generations. Serena was delighted when an Amish community formed not far from her home, and she has enjoyed getting to know these hard-working people. When she isn’t canning tomatoes, splitting firewood, shooing deer out of the blueberry bushes, or feeding grown sons who drop by daily to see if she’s cooked anything good, she helps out at her church and sings at the drop of a hat. She also falls in love with all her characters and writes as many happy endings for them as she can.
For More Information, Please visit
@Serenabmiller
AuthorSerenaMiller
serenabmiller.com
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