Free Excerpt from Mary’s Home!
All Mary Yoder wants is for God to give her a wunderbar Amish husband and to start her own family. When her betrothed breaks her heart and a handsome, compassionate missionary comes to town, Mary is left feeling conflicted. Could she be falling in love with an Englisha man?
Willard is nursing his own wounds, both from a break-up with his fiance and the heartbreaking mission work he is doing in Kenya. He can’t help but be impressed by Mary’s heart and virtue. But a good Amish girl like Mary would never be interested in an Englisha man like him…would she?
He grabbed the keys and hurried out of house. At the car door he paused to brush wood chips off his jeans. Maybe he would appear more like an Amish man if he left the fresh shavings on his pants. Willard snorted at the thought and climbed into the car. Moments later he arrived in front of the small co-op.
No buggies sat in the parking lot, but there were a few cars. What did he expect? A private audience with Mary? This was more than awkward. His first date with Carlene had been the epitome of smoothness. He had walked straight up to her, smiled, and whispered, “Any chance I could take you out somewhere tonight?” Destiny had been on their side. They had fit each other like a hand and a glove. Whereas this was…
Willard grunted and climbed out of the car, and then walked the short distance to the front door. When he entered, a small bell on a chain chimed above him. Mary looked up from behind the counter, and her mouth fell open.
“Sorry,” he said, stepping closer. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Why did you come back?”
“I need bulk food products,” he teased. “Lots of them.”
Her lips moved, but no words came out.
He glanced around. The other customers appeared occupied at the moment, so he leaned forward. “I will be speaking about Kenya tonight at the Grandview Baptist, my grandmother’s church in town. Would you and your sister like to come and listen?”
“You know Betsy?”
“Grandma does. I didn’t think you would want to come alone. I can pick you up at your house if you wish.”
Alarm filled her face. “Oh, you shouldn’t.”
“But you would come? I’m not a great speaker, but Kenya is an interesting subject. How about it?”
She looked as if she wanted to say something, but her lips moved soundlessly.
“I would love to have you come.” He gave her his best smile.
“Think about it.”
“I…I can’t promise.”
“But you will think about it?”
Her face blazed.
“Please do,” he whispered. “I would love to see you there, but don’t run out without speaking with me. Okay?”
She stared at him in silence.
“It’s at seven thirty,” he added. “I won’t speak that long.”
He left the store and didn’t look back. There! He had done what could be done. Mary wouldn’t show up, and this would end whereit had begun. In other words, nowhere.
But what if she does show? he wondered. His heart quickened as he walked back to the car.
***
Will Mary and Willard find love with each other? Continue reading in the third book of Jerry Eicher’s Peace in the Valley series, Mary’s Home!
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very good book i read alots amish books
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