“Are you ready?” Jerald whispered as the bishop took his place.
“Ya.” She gazed at him, forcing herself not to cry. “Never too late, ya?”
He winked at her. “Ya. It’s never too late.”
Discussion Questions
Young Love
Fern didn’t want to tell anyone but her family about her rheumatoid arthritis. Do you think that was a wise decision? Why or why not?
After Fern’s date with Dan, her mother asked her, “How will you know if you give up before you even try?” What other advice would you give to Fern?
Long-Awaited Love
Jemima admitted that she tended to keep grudges. How can keeping grudges cause problems for people?
Do you agree with Jemima’s assertion that she could still be humble without being a doormat? Why or why not?
Second-Chance Love
Ben and Lora Beth are drawn together because of their shared grief over losing their spouses. How has tragedy in your life brought you closer to someone else, and to God?
Both Lora Beth’s and Ben’s children thought they knew what was best for their parents. Do you agree with them and what they did? Why or why not?
Never Too Late
Do you agree with Jerald when he says, “Everyone handles loss differently. You shouldn’t compare yerself with other folks”? Explain your answer.
Do you agree with Nelson’s statement that it’s never too late? Has there been a time in your life when you thought an opportunity had permanently passed, only to appear again much later? How did you respond?
Acknowledgments
Thank you to my editors, Becky Monds and Jean Bloom, for their editing expertise, which is always top notch. And thank you, dear reader, for coming along this journey of generations with me. Happy reading!
Glossary
ab im kopp: crazy in the head
aenti: aunt
appleditlich: delicious
boppli: baby
bruder: brother
bu/buwe: boy/boys
daed: dad
danki: thank you
dawdi haus: a small house built onto or near the main house for grandparents to live in
dochder: daughter
familye: family
geh: go
grandboppli: grandbaby
grosskinner: grandchildren
grossmutter: grandmother
gut: good
Gute morgen: good morning
Gute nacht: good night
haus: house
kaffee: coffee
kapp: white hat worn by Amish women
kinn/kinner: child/children
lieb: love
maedel/maed: young woman/young women
maam: mom
mann: man
mei: my
nee: no
nix: nothing
onkel: uncle
Ordnung: written and unwritten rules in an Amish district
schwester: sister
seltsam: strange
sohn: son
vatter: father
ya: yes
yer/yerself: your/yourself
yung: young
About the Author
With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield.
Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com
Facebook: @WriterKathleenFuller
Twitter: @TheKatJam
Instagram: @kf_booksandhooks
Acclaim for Kathleen Fuller
“Fuller brings us compelling characters who stay in our hearts long after we’ve read the book. It’s always a treat to dive into one of her novels.”
—Beth Wiseman, bestselling author of Hearts in Harmony, on The Innkeeper’s Bride
“A beautiful Amish romance with plenty of twists and turns and a completely satisfying happy ending. Kathleen Fuller is a gifted storyteller.”
—Jennifer Beckstrand, author of Home on Huckleberry Hill, on The Innkeeper’s Bride
“I always enjoy a Kathleen Fuller book, especially her Amish stories. The Innkeeper’s Bride did not disappoint! From the moment Selah and Levi meet each other to the last scene in the book, this was a story that tugged at my emotions. The story deals with several heavy issues such as mental illness and family conflicts, while still maintaining humor and couples falling in love, both old and new. When Selah finds work at the inn Levi is starting up with his family, they clash on everything, but realize they have feelings for each other. My heart hurt for Selah as she held her secrets close and pushed everyone away. But in the end, God’s grace and love, along with some misguided Birch Creek matchmakers stirring up mischief, brings them together. Weddings at a beautiful country inn? What’s not to love? Readers of Amish fiction will enjoy this winter-time story of redemption and hope set against the backdrop of a beautiful inn that brings people together.”
—Lenora Worth, author of Their Amish Reunion
“A warm romance that will tug at the hearts of readers, this is a new favorite.”
—The Parkersburg News & Sentinel on The Teacher’s Bride
“Fuller’s appealing Amish romance deals with some serious issues, including depression, yet it also offers funny and endearing moments.”
—Booklist on The Teacher’s Bride
“Kathleen Fuller’s The Teacher’s Bride is a heartwarming story of unexpected romance woven with fun and engaging characters who come to life on every page. Once you open the book, you won’t put it down until you’ve reached the end.”
—Amy Clipston, bestselling author of A Seat by the Hearth
“Kathleen Fuller’s characters leap off the page with subtle power as she uses both wit and wisdom to entertain! Refreshingly honest and charming, Kathy’s writing reflects a master’s touch when it comes to intricate plotting and a satisfying and inspirational ending full of good cheer!”
—Kelly Long, national bestselling author, on The Teacher’s Bride
“Kathleen Fuller is a master storyteller, and fans will absolutely fall in love with Ruby and Christian in The Teacher’s Bride.”
—Ruth Reid, bestselling author of A Miracle of Hope
“The Teacher’s Bride features characters who know what it’s like to be different, to not fit in. What they don’t know is that’s what makes them so loveable. Kathleen Fuller has written a sweet, oftentimes humorous, romance that reminds readers that the perfect match might be right in front of their noses. She handles the difficult topic of depression with a deft touch. Readers of Amish fiction won’t want to miss this delightful story.”
—Kelly Irvin, bestselling author of the Every Amish Season series
“Kathleen Fuller is a talented and gifted author, and she doesn’t disappoint in The Teacher’s Bride. The story will captivate you from the first page to the last with Ruby, Christian, and other engaging characters. You’ll laugh, gasp, and wonder what will happen next. You won’t want to miss reading this heartwarming Amish story of mishaps, faith, love, forgiveness, and friendship.”
—Molly Jebber, speaker and award-winning author of Grace’s Forgiveness and the Amish Keepsake Pocket Quilt series
“Enthusiasts of Fuller’s sweet Amish romances will savor this new anthology.”
—Library Journal on An Amish Family
“These four sweet stories are full of hope and promise along with misunderstandings and reconciliation. True love does prevail, but not without prayer, introspection, and humility. A must-read for fans of Amish romance.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on An Amish Family
“The incredibly engaging Amish Letters series continues with a third story of perseverance and devotion, making it difficult to put down . . . Fuller skillfully knits together the lives within a changing, faithful community that has suffered its share of
challenges.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars, on Words from the Heart
“Fuller’s inspirational tale portrays complex characters facing real-world problems and finding love where they least expected or wanted it to be.”
—Booklist, starred review, on A Reluctant Bride
“Fuller has an amazing capacity for creating damaged characters and giving insights into their brokenness. One of the better voices in the Amish fiction genre.”
—CBA Retailers + Resources on A Reluctant Bride
“This promising series debut from Fuller is edgier than most Amish novels, dealing with difficult and dark issues and featuring well-drawn characters who are tougher than the usual gentle souls found in this genre. Recommended for Amish fiction fans who might like a different flavor.”
—Library Journal on A Reluctant Bride
“Sadie and Aden’s love is both sweet and hard-won, and Aden’s patience is touching as he wrestles not only with Sadie’s dilemma, but his own abusive past. Birch Creek is weighed down by the Troyer family’s dark secrets, and readers will be interested to see how secondary characters’ lives unfold as the series continues.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on A Reluctant Bride
“Kathleen Fuller’s A Reluctant Bride tells the story of two Amish families whose lives have collided through tragedy. Sadie Schrock’s stoic resolve will touch and inspire Fuller’s fans, as will the story’s concluding triumph of redemption.”
—Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of Anna’s Crossing
“Kathleen Fuller’s A Reluctant Bride is a beautiful story of faith, hope, and second chances. Her characters and descriptions are captivating, bringing the story to life with the turn of every page.”
—Amy Clipston, bestselling author of A Simple Prayer and the Kauffman Amish Bakery series
“The latest offering in the Middlefield Family series is a sweet love story, with perfectly crafted characters. Fuller’s Amish novels are written with the utmost respect for their way of living. Readers are given a glimpse of what it is like to live the simple life.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on Letters to Katie
“Fuller’s second Amish series entry is a sweet romance with a strong sense of place that will attract readers of Wanda Brunstetter and Cindy Woodsmall.”
—Library Journal on Faithful to Laura
“Well-drawn characters and a homespun feel will make this Amish romance a sure bet for fans of Beverly Lewis and Jerry S. Eicher.”
—Library Journal on Treasuring Emma
“Treasuring Emma is a heartwarming story filled with real-life situations and well-developed characters. I rooted for Emma and Adam until the very last page. Fans of Amish fiction and those seeking an endearing romance will enjoy this love story. Highly recommended.”
—Beth Wiseman, bestselling author of Her Brother’s Keeper and the Daughters of the Promise series
“Treasuring Emma is a charming, emotionally layered story of the value of friendship in love and discovering the truth of the heart. A true treasure of a read!”
—Kelly Long, author of the Patch of Heaven series
Other Books by Kathleen Fuller
The Amish Mail-Order Brides Novels
A Double Dose of Love (available January 2021)
The Amish Brides of Birch Creek Novels
The Teacher’s Bride
The Farmer’s Bride
The Innkeeper’s Bride
The Amish Letters Novels
Written in Love
The Promise of a Letter
Words from the Heart
The Amish of Birch Creek Novels
A Reluctant Bride
An Unbroken Heart
A Love Made New
The Middlefield Amish Novels
A Faith of Her Own
The Middlefield Family Novels
Treasuring Emma
Faithful to Laura
Letters to Katie
The Hearts of Middlefield Novels
A Man of His Word
An Honest Love
A Hand to Hold
Story Collections
An Amish Family
Stories
A Miracle for Miriam included in An Amish Christmas
A Place of His Own included in An Amish Gathering
What the Heart Sees included in An Amish Love
A Perfect Match included in An Amish Wedding
Flowers for Rachael included in An Amish Garden
A Gift for Anne Marie included in An Amish Second Christmas
A Heart Full of Love included in An Amish Cradle
A Bid for Love included in An Amish Market
A Quiet Love included in An Amish Harvest
Building Faith included in An Amish Home
Lakeside Love included in An Amish Summer
The Treasured Book included in An Amish Heirloom
What Love Built included in An Amish Homecoming
A Chance to Remember included in An Amish Reunion
Melting Hearts included in An Amish Christmas Bakery
Copyright
ZONDERVAN
Amish Generations
Copyright © 2020 by Kathleen Fuller
This title is also available as a Zondervan audio book.
Requests for information should be addressed to:
Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Fuller, Kathleen, author.
Title: Amish generations : four stories / Kathleen Fuller.
Description: Grand Rapids, Michigan : Zondervan, [2020] | Summary: "Four
sweet and funny Amish love stories, spanning four different generations.
Love comes at all times and for all ages!"-- Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2019054487 (print) | LCCN 2019054488 (ebook) | ISBN
9780310359548 (trade paper) | ISBN 9780310359555 (e-book) | ISBN
9780310359579 (downloadable audio)
Subjects: LCSH: Amish--Fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3606.U553 A6 2020 (print) | LCC PS3606.U553 (ebook)
| DDC 813/.6--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019054487
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019054488
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.
Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
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