Amish Redemption
Samuel Lapp all but accepts his estrangement from the Amish communityâuntil Mary Hochstetter moves in next door to care for her elderly aunt. The young woman with the pretty brown eyes sees Samuel differently than his neighbors do. If he can earn her respect while helping with her auntâs chores, perhaps the rest of the community will follow. But Samuel canât let Mary get too close, lest he disappoint her, as well.
Maryâs relocation to Shipshewana, Indiana, means confronting her deepest fears. By helping Samuel rebuild his life and his farm, she finally feels ready to embrace her future. But as their delicate friendship grows deeper, they both must overcome their painful pasts before they can build a home together.
âWhen we met this morning, I was very impolite.â Mary twisted her fingers together.
âForget it.â Samuel cleared his throat.
âI let myself form an opinion of you without learning to know you first.â
She smiled then and his heart wrenched at the soft curve of her lips.
âI wasnât very polite myself.â
âYou were fine. I mean, you didnât do anythingââ Her face flushed a pretty pink. âI mean, you were friendly.â Her face grew even redder. âExcept for...when you winked... I mean, Iâm sure you didnât mean to be forward.â She bit her lip and turned away.
Samuel resisted the urge to step close to her, to cover her embarrassment with a hand on her arm. âI think I know what you mean.â
She tilted her head toward the house in a quick nod. âI think it is wonderful-gut that you want to help with that poor farmerâs work.â
He felt a flush rise in his cheeks at her words of praise. âThank you.â If he could earn Mary Hochstetterâs respect, maybe he could change everyone elseâs opinion, too.
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed this visit to Indianaâs Amish Country with me!
Shipshewana and the surrounding area are home to the third largest Amish community in the country. Todayâs Shipshewana is a busy place, full of tourists and fun activities all through the year.
We love to visit our favorite businesses in the area: Das Essenhaus, Yoderâs Department Store, E&S Sales, and many others. And if weâre there on a Tuesday or Wednesday, we make the time to go to the Shipshewana Flea Market on the grounds of the Sale Barn.
The Sale Barn? Oh yes. Itâs the same place Samuel and Mary went in their story. The livestock auction is still held every week, year-round.
And while weâre there, we enjoy breakfast at the Auction Restaurant. They serve the best fried mush Iâve ever eaten.
I love to hear from my readers! You can contact me through my website, www.JanDrexler.com, or visit me on Facebook!
Jan Drexler
JAN DREXLER enjoys living in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband of more than thirty years and their four adult children. Intrigued by history and stories from an early age, she loves delving into the world of âwhat if?â with her characters. If she isnât at her computer giving life to imaginary people, sheâs probably hiking in the Hills or the Badlands, enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy Salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit.
âPsalms 51:10â12
To Mrs. Harrington, the kind of teacher I would like to be someday.
Soli Deo Gloria
Chapter One
Shipshewana, Indiana
April 1937
âIâm so glad we arenât late,â Aunt Sadie said as Mary turned the buggy into the farm lane.
Mary Hochstetter looked ahead, clutching the reins with damp hands. At least twenty buggies lined up along the barn like a flock of blackbirds on a telegraph wire and the lines of people moving toward the house were long.
So many strangers! But she must face them for Ida Maeâs sake. She straightened her shoulders and glanced into the back seat to give her sister a reassuring smile. There was nothing frightening about attending the Sabbath meeting.
Ida Mae gave her a weak smile in return. âIâll be all right. After all, we already know the ladies we met at the quilting last week. The rest will soon become friends, too.â
A boy stepped forward and grasped the horseâs bridle. âIâll take care of Chester for you, Aunt Sadie.â
âDenki, Stephen.â Sadie climbed out of the buggy. Mary joined her, with Ida Mae right behind. âYouâre growing up so fast. I remember when your mother had to pull you out of mud puddles at Sunday meeting.â
Stephen laughed, his voice slipping down to a deep bass and back up again. âThat was a long time ago.â