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    The Last Bride (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #5)
    The Last Bride (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #5)
    The Last Bride (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #5)
    Ebook312 pages5 hours

    The Last Bride (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #5)

    By Beverly Lewis

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    About this ebook

    Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.

    "Much of the credit [for the growth of Amish fiction] goes to Beverly Lewis, a Colorado author who gave birth to the genre in 1997 with The Shunning..."
    --Associated Press




    Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.

    Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateApr 1, 2014
    ISBN9781441263643
    The Last Bride (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #5)
    Author

    Beverly Lewis

    Beverly Lewis (beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 19 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family.

    Read more from Beverly Lewis

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    Reviews for The Last Bride (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #5)

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    • 4/5
      I received an advance reading copy of The Last Bride for free as a part of Early Reviewers, and I enjoyed it immensely. The plot was amazing, the story was well-paced and it kept me steadily turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I have read many other books by Beverly Lewis, and she is excellent at writing Amish fiction...however, I am giving the Last Bride only four stars because of some moderate cheesiness and fairly flat characters. If you don't mind cheesiness, then it's a great book! If you are sensitive to that sort of thing...then read with caution. As far as the characters, some were great, and some were not. Tessie, as a main character, is likable, but little more, although her situation is extremely intriguing. Tessie's sister Mandy, however, is the sort of character who sticks with you after you finish reading, and the storyline with her husband Sylvan was very rewarding to read. Altogether it was a great story, a satisfying read, and a lovely addition to any Beverly Lewis collection.
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis. It is book # 5 in the Hickory Hollow Series, but also a stand alone book. It had me hooked from page one until the end, as all of her books on the Amish do. Tessie Miller & Marcus King elope when her father is against them getting married. Her Father has someone else in mind for her to marry. They come back and live as singles thinking they can change his mind. Then when a tragedy happens, she is left to face her parents and the Amish Church who all think she needs to confess her sins before the entire Church. Tessie's sister - Mandy (and husband Sylvan) longs for a baby, as so many of her family and friends have.Beverly Lewis does an awesome job in writing about the Amish/Mennonites. I have learned a lot about their traditions and believes through her books. The Amish put the will of God in everything they do. Because of the independence I have always had some of their traditions are hard for me to relate too, but I can understand why they believe that way. I received an advanced copy of this in exchange for my review rather it be good or bad.
    • 5/5
      I thought the story line was well written. It explored the issue of waiting and trusting that the Lord can change hearts verses running ahead with you're own plans. Tessie wants to follow her heart, but she also desires to please the Lord and her parents. The conflict that can come when we charge ahead of what the Lord has for us can bring much heartache as seen in the lives of Tessie and Marcus. I think that this book was another great addition to the series. If you love the Amish fiction genre, then make sure to pick up this set by Beverly Lewis.
    • 5/5
      Beverly Lewis has been prolific in writing books about various aspects of the life of Amish (and by extension, Mennonite) communities. I have read many of her books. This is another grab-you-by-the-heart-and-make-you-not-want-to-set-it-down kind of book.There is more than the usual amount of "submit to your parents/husband" in this book than in many. I cannot say this level of submission of a woman to her husband or father is good or bad or neutral, and I know that it is a normal part of the Amish lifestyle. There's just more of it written into this story than in others. As I read I kept realizing that unless I'd been raised in a community where this is taught and expected, I would not fit well into that type of submission. I was raised otherwise, had different circumstances in my life (like having to raise three children alone) and had to develop other skills, some of which are based on fierce independence. I admit: there is a part of me that got angered at the main character, Tessie, out of deference to first her husband and later her father, did not say things to save her reputation (I would have spoken out loud and often!)Over all, this is a great story, and I do recommend anyone who is interested in the Amish read it to learn more aspects of the Amish life.
    • 3/5
      Tessie Miller is the last of her Old Amish family to marry. She and Marcus King are in love and wish to marry but Tessie's father will not allow it. He has his eyes set on another man for his daughter to marry. Tessie and Marcus decide to elope and when they return to Hickory Hollow, instead of announcing their marriage, they continue as if they are single. They hope that Tessie's father will eventually accept Marcus as a suitable suitor for his youngest daughter. Before hey can tell anyone of their marriage, Tessie discovers why her father forbid her to marry Marcus. Then, an accident at a barn raising stuns Tessie as she is left wondering what to do next.
    • 5/5
      I have devoured every Amish fiction book that author Beverly Lewis has written. Each published book gets better and better.Once again Beverly Lewis made her characters real ones. I walked with them, I visited with them in their homes, I suffered with them when trials came upon them.I was hooked on this story from the very beginning. My emotions most certainly came to life. I smiled during tender moments, I went through grief, I even wept in several places. God plays a very important part in the lives of Amish people. This is one of the reasons I love reading stories written by this author. She brings out their faith with prayer and scripture throughout the pages of each book. The Amish most always seeks the Will of God in every decision that is made.When we disobey, when we keep secrets, and when we try to work things out on our own, it is never a good thing. There are many lessons to be learned in the story of The Last Bride.I loved this book. It is deserving of 5 stars plus. I highly recommend this book to everyone that reads this review. You will not be disappointed!The Last Bride, is the fifth and final stand-alone novel in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. I for one, will miss Hickory Hollow and all the wonderful gut stories!I won this ARC from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
    • 4/5
      I've read several books by Beverly Lewis, but this is the first I have read of the Hickory Hollow series. It is actually book #5, but can be read as a stand-alone since each book seems to be about s different character in Hickory Hollow. I didn't feel like I had missed anything by not read the other books, so if this is a concern you have, then put it aside because I enjoyed this book.Tessie Ann is the lead character in this story. She lives in the Amish town of Hickory Hollow under her parent's roof since she is the last of their children who is still single. Tessie Ann does have a boyfriend, Marcus, but she is forbidden to see him by her father, without any explanation. Marcus tries his hardest to win over Tessie Ann's father, but he does not waiver in his decision. Tessie Ann and Marcus decide to secretly wed, outside of their Amish Church, and keep their marriage a secret until Marcus can hopefully win-over Tessie Ann's father. Marcus and his bride meet up when Tessie Ann can slip away and start setting up house. A major accident occurs and Tessie Ann finds herself alone with a huge secret. Will she be able to face her father and their order's punishment by telling the truth? Will she be shunned? Will she ever find the will to love and live again?As I mentioned earlier, I enjoyed reading The Last Bride. It was refreshing to see that even the Amish people face serious issues too. I guess I've always idealized their lives because they live so simply that things appear to be good for them. Learning that women bite their tongues frequently and have the same desires that I do was a bit of an eye-opener. The other characters mentioned in the book fascinated me as well. Since I have not read any of the other books in the series, I don't know if their stories have been told, but I'd love to know more about "the wise-woman"(Ella Mae Zook) and about cousin Emmalyn's past. Forgiveness,trusting God, and honesty are all concurrent themes throughout the story. If you enjoy reading stories of the Amish with a bit of drama thrown in, this is the book for you!I received this book free from the publisher as a member of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Group in response for my honest review and opinion.
    • 4/5
      I have just finished reading this book for the second time. The first reading didn't produce a review. I have mixed emotions about the Amish religion although I have read many novels about the Amish. This book tells about a couple who eloped because the bride's fatheer forbid them to marry. This was against the Amish religion - not to be married before the church. They didn't live together, waiting for the proper time to divulge their secret. The groom was killed in an accident a short time after the marriage and later Tessie discovered she was pregnant.Her father didn't believe she had been married and she didn't know where Marcus had put their marriage license. She was subject to "shaming" or maybe even "shunning" by the church. However, the license was found and she was spared the punishment. In the meantime an old friend declared his love for her and they married before the baby was born. Mrs. Lewis did an excellent job on this book (as always); it was the rules that bothered me but in the end God's grace came through.There were other themes running through the book and more peole were introduced.
    • 4/5
      Good book. Tessie and Marcus have been in love for a long time, but no matter what they do, they can't get Tessie's father to approve their courtship. After months of trying, the two secretly marry at the county courthouse, then return home to live as singles. Marcus continues to try to gain Ammon's approval. Meanwhile, they seize every opportunity they can to be together. After several more weeks, Marcus is ready to just announce their marriage and face the consequences, when he is killed in an accident. Tessie is devastated. Worse yet, she finds out she's pregnant, and without the marriage certificate she can't reveal her marriage.I ached for Tessie throughout most of the book. First, to be denied marriage to the one she loved, to the point where they felt they must marry in secret. Then the following weeks of living apart, when all she wanted was to be a proper wife to Marcus. I completely understood her frustration. Then to have him die so tragically before they can reveal their marriage left her in a kind of limbo. She's a widow, even though no one knows it, and because of that they don't understand the depth of her grief. As she tries to go on with her life, she discovers that she's pregnant. She doesn't know what to do, so she hides her pregnancy as long as she can. Without proof of her marriage she is in danger of losing her status within the church. I was really worried for her and how things would go with the church elders. There was an interesting twist at the end that made a huge difference.Added to the mix is the young man that Tessie's father wanted for her. He is still interested in Tessie and makes sure that she knows it. Because of her circumstances, she isn't too sure he knows what he'd be getting into. I really liked Levi. He was kind and patient with her uncertainty. I also liked his belief in her when she told him the whole story. He also had a very different personality than Marcus, one that I think was better suited to her anyway.Also intertwined throughout the book was the story of Tessie's sister Mandy and her husband Sylvan. Mandy had followed her father's dictates and married his choice for her, even though she cared for another. At the beginning of the book she is unhappy in her marriage. Her husband is rather distant, they still haven't been able to conceive, and she needs something to distract her. A friend wants her to join in opening a shop selling Amish goods. This really appeals to Mandy, who sees it as a way to expand her world, but she's afraid that Sylvan won't approve. Over the course of the book, the slowly learn to communicate with each other, with Sylvan taking a surprisingly proactive approach. By the end, both have found unexpected happiness in their match.There was an unexpected theme also, that of the problem of birth defects in the Amish community. Because there is so much intermarriage, the instances of serious genetic problems has been growing worse. Partway through the book, Tessie discovers that the reason her father was against her marriage to Marcus was that they are more closely related than is wise, opening them up to greater possibility of that happening to them. With her pregnancy, this adds even more stress, as Tessie worries about the future health of her baby.I really liked the ending and seeing how things worked out for the various people in the book. I also enjoyed the occasional appearance/mention of characters from previous books. Ellie Mae, the wisewoman, is always interesting to spend time with. I also loved the mention of Katie Lapp, who was the first of Beverly Lewis's characters I read about, and who got me hooked on her as an author.
    • 4/5
      Wonderful book, Beverly Lewis does a wonderful job describing Amish life. The details are lovely, the characters are charming. Would recommend to those who enjoy a good romance or Christian fiction.
    • 5/5
      I found the story was new to the Amish needing to choose new family in their mating. A new line for a much told decision love looking. A sad emotion that was happening because the couple didn't pay attention to her father.I really enjoyed the lessons learned Disobeying and keep secrets was very well done . I really enjoyed the story!!
    • 5/5
      Book number five of the Hickory Hollow series is another good Amish story about yet another family in the area. Tessie Ann appears to be living in sin but her only sin is disobeying her parents. She just can't seem to tell anyone, even sister Mandy, the actual truth about her relationship with Marcus King. Enjoyed this one just as much as the others in the series.
    • 3/5
      Ok, well, I'm going to write here all the stuff I couldn't say in the book review. Number One: this book was a huge disappointment. I've been reading Beverly Lewis books for years---I've read every adult one she's published so far. This one was predictable and, more than that, completely unbelievable. If these two acted the way they did about their marriage in "real life" there is NOO way they'd actually be mature enough to be doing all the other things they do in this book. Totally ridiculous...moving on... While The Last Bride wasn't up there with my favorites of hers, I must say that there was more than one surprise in this one---which is surprising in itself since, like I said, I found most of the story pretty predictable.First off, I must say that what I thought the cover meant by "the unthinkable happens" is not actually what happened. Well, it was---but there was more to it which definitely surprised me. Questions:Why isn't Tessie more worried about this journal that could potentially reveal all her secrets? She dismisses it going missing like it's no big deal.It makes no sense for her to keep her marriage a secret after the "Big Twist". She says, "revealing their elopement might cause more problems for everyone." Umm...how? Tell us HOW, because right now, that's just a big ol' blanket so you can keep writing. It's not like she's 14 and can't stand up to her father's "forbidding her to speak of it," Amish or not.Why are there no remarks on Marcus' family's reaction to the first "confession"?Once she finally does really confess, suddenly everyone is kind and loving. I'd be questioning my relationships if I were her.This was the first Lewis book I read after being in Missouri's Amish country earlier this fall. I saw my first Amish man, horse and buggy, and Amish-made goods for sale in September in Mansfield. It gave me some real faces to imagine on these made up characters and that was a neat experience. Without giving too many spoilers away, I'll just say that while the book definitely did have a happy and redeemed ending, this didn't move me to tears like most of hers normally do. There were several holes left open and the plot line wasn't tight enough to keep me from asking question after question about the scenarios that didn't make complete sense. Still, Lewis is and will probably always be up there in my top five favorite authors, so I'll proudly place this book on the shelf with the rest of the collection and enjoy it for years to come.
    • 4/5
      Originally posted at NovelReveries.comIn this final installment of the Home to Hickory Hollow series, we meet Tessie Ann and her family and the trouble that ensues when she goes against her father’s wishes and loses patience with God. It was shocking to read of her loss and even more shocking to find out her gain. The plot line is what provided suspense and incorporated a great many emotions. The main drawback and trouble I found was how fast paced everything was, which made the situation a little less credible. It’s hard to believe that she could go through that great degree of grief to a high level of happiness with another marriage in less than a year. I don’t care what Amish traditions are assumed, Tessie Ann did not need to rush into another marriage that soon. A few times I found Tessie Ann’s character frustrating as she continued to hold her tongue on the secret marriage and waited the last minute to tell of her other secret. This only made her punishment worse, to the point of where people wouldn’t believe her. She also immediately gave up looking for proof of her marriage, when she could have approached Marcus’ family to at least inquire about his journal, as they knew she was his beau. In all, although there were some frustrating parts and the plot was over-paced, I still found the novel enjoyable as it added to the story’s suspense. I’ve had a wonderful time meeting these different people of Hickory Hollow and am very pleased with this conclusion. The Secret Keeper was my favorite of the series, as I feel I learned more about the Amish culture. If you’re a fan of Amish, Christian or Beverly Lewis’ other works, you’ll find yourself in good standing with this book and series.
    • 5/5
      The Last BrideBeverly LewisBook Summary: Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match. Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?Review: I loved this book. I was reserved in thinking this was just another Beverly Lewis story, but I could not have been more ignorant of what she had up her sleeve!!! I loved this book! It was Beverly Lewis’ best to date. I was so sad when events turned so horrible wrong and there stood Tessie having to cope with the outcome of her marriage. I cried and than things grew and changed. I mourned right along with Tessie and was as surprised as she was how life changed and turned around again. Than there was the secondary story of Mandy and her husband. This book had more inside its 336 pages than I could have ever thought possible. I want another book in this series! Going back to Hickory Hollow, PA was so very worth it. New or old time reader of Beverly Lewis will not be disappointed in this poignant story.I would like to thank Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
    • 3/5
      Like all Amish daughters, Tessie Miller has tried her whole life to obey her father but she doesn't understand why he would rather have Levi Smucker court her instead of Marcus King - after all she is in love with Marcus not Levi. Her sister Mandy married the man their father wanted her to marry but Tessie is more inclined to follow her own heart. Little does she realize that the choices she makes will change her life forever. I usually like Beverly Lewis's books and I've enjoyed the Home to Hickory Hollow series, especially the last book “The Secret Keeper”, but I was disappointed in “The Last Bride”. I tried, but I just didn't like Tessie and at times I wanted to shake her. When one of the characters said towards the end of the book about Tessie “Why didn't she say so?”, I was ready to scream “Yes, why didn't she???” Her whole storyline seemed a bit contrived and dragged on. Levi disappeared fir large chunks of the book and he never really developed as a character for me. The Mandy/Sylvan storyline worked much better for me – her heartache was very real and it was interesting to read and watch her relationship with Sylvan grow. Again that storyline was a bit contrived at times but much better than Tessie’s. “The Last Bride” is the fifth and final book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series - it's too bad the series didn't end on a better note.
    • 5/5
      Being the baby of five in an Amish family of all girls and the last to marry, Tessie Miller was in a hurry to start a new life. She had just the beau in mind. She was head over heels in love with Marcus King. For some reason Tessie’s father is adamantly against her marrying him, but won’t ever tell her why. She obstinately refuses to allow him to pick her spouse, as her sister’s match was not a happy one.Marcus and Tessie decide to elope and hide their marriage. They want to wait till the right time and when they reveal it to her parents, hopefully they will accept their union. The couple meets secretly every chance they can get. Before they can share the news with her parents, Marcus dies tragically in an accident. Not long after Tessie find’s out she is expecting. She hides her pregnancy as long as possible. When she confesses her condition and tells of her marriage no one believes her. Her marriage certificate has disappeared and she has no way of proving she is telling the truth. Tessie is shocked when she accidently finds out that her father was not just being stubborn and controlling. There was a very serious and legitimate reason he did not want them marrying, and rightfully so. During that time a kind and gentle Amish man named Levi Smucker becomes interested in her and begins asking her out. When he finds out she is pregnant will he still want to court her? Will any Amish man ever want her?This book carries a strong message about taking things into our own hands and acting under the cloak of deceit. It also reveals that the painful consequences we face will not only affect us but all those who love and care about us. There is no escaping it. We will have to pay the price and sometimes at greater cost than we ever imagined. While it is a story of mistakes and regrets, it also beautifully shows forgiveness, true love, and courage to take responsibility for one’s mistakes. I enjoyed this book very much!I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      The Last Bride Tessie does something that goes against her father and mother. Though they try and live as single until her father can give their love a chance. They go about it for it seem to work. Then a tragic happens to her husband. Though thing go even more strangely/ Everyone thinks she did something that is a sin. She does not feel the need to repent and she also knows she could get shunned.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed reading this book just as I did the others in this series. I do realize that there are genetic problems with not a big gene pool in the Amish. This story is based on this problem, and we see parents trying to bend their children to do what they want, for good reason, but not telling them why.When I read the blip on the back about what the book is about, and got to the part where I knew something was going to happen, I wanted to change it before it did. Yes, it is heart breaking, and you would not want to be in Tessie’s shoes, she has a hard road ahead of her. There are also a few side stories about Tessie’s sisters and some of their personal struggle. Love how close this family is, and how they seemed to really care about one another. You are going to be celebrating with them, and mourning at the same time, especially with some of the reveals, and we find out why some things happen.While as a reader, and enjoying this fictional story, I did feel that some of it was unreal. Some of her parent’s choice made no sense, and yet tell them later? Also the other character at the end was almost to good to be true. All in all though I enjoyed visiting in the Hickory Hill area, traveling the same roads we have in past books, and mentioning of past characters, and remembering their stories.I received this book through the Bethany House Bloggers Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

    Book preview

    The Last Bride (Home to Hickory Hollow Book #5) - Beverly Lewis

    Cover

    Prologue

    I did everything right. Everything.

    I faithfully attended baptismal classes and listened carefully to Preacher Yoder’s instruction last summer. I bowed my knee to God this past Sunday morning and received holy baptism at the Hickory Hollow church. Then and there, I vowed to follow the rules of the Ordnung all the days of my life.

    All of that, and yet I suddenly found myself in this terrible pickle and hurrying to meet up with Marcus King tonight . . . with such miseraawel news. I recalled my father’s response to discovering my long-standing courtship with Marcus. He just ain’t the man for ya! he’d said decisively, his expression ever so stern. You need to trust me on this, Tessie Ann.

    My feet fairly flew across Dat’s grazing land, since I didn’t dare be seen, ’specially this late on a weeknight. It would reflect poorly on my honorable beau. Even so, I knew from his letter he was impatient to see me, to tell me something, too—unwilling to wait till the weekend, like most Amish courting couples.

    Oh, such urgency. What was on his mind?

    In the midst of my sadness, I couldn’t help noticing the orange-red harvest moon, its delicate light a balm for my troubled soul. Dearest Marcus, if I didn’t love you so, this wouldn’t be so awful hard!

    Determined, I ran silently, darting in and out of the birch grove at the far end of the meadow, where I sometimes went to pray. Yet never a prayer like this one: Lord God in heaven, are You there? Do You see my breaking heart?

    When I arrived at the spot just off the road, near the one-room schoolhouse, Marcus opened his strong arms and I ran straight into them. He held me near, then lifted me into his courting carriage, getting me settled beneath his lap robe. His long blond bangs ruffled beneath his straw hat as he darted around to the driver’s side and leaped into the seat. Tessie Ann, wait’ll ya hear what I have to tell ya.

    "Jah?"

    I’ve found us a place to live once we’re married—gonna sign the lease this coming Monday.

    I sighed. He sounded so pleased; I couldn’t bear to put a damper on his plans.

    And . . . I’ve had lots more hours workin’ in the vineyard out yonder, so I’ll have plenty to support a bride. He smiled wistfully. Won’t be long now till wedding season, love.

    I held my breath. He sounded so confident, and before I could say more, Marcus clicked his tongue to signal Prince, his beautiful black road horse, to move forward. That quick, Marcus slipped his arm around me, drawing me closer. I’ve been prayin’ about this step for us, and with late November little more than two months away, I have plenty to do to get ready.

    I listened, heart pounding in my ears.

    I want to make a nice home for ya, Tessie. Can’t be too careful ’bout such important things, ya know.

    I couldn’t have agreed more. But now was the time to open my mouth. "Ach, but we can’t wed, Marcus."

    Wha-at? His handsome face was marred by a sudden frown.

    "I guess I should say, I can’t."

    Stricken, he looked at me, straight through to my soul. What’re ya sayin’, honey? I thought—

    "I do want to marry you. I bowed my head. Ain’t that."

    There was a dreadful pause, awkward and long, like he somehow guessed at my father’s harsh words before I could even speak them. Dat disapproved of Marcus for me. Not only him, but Mamma did, too. And none of it made a whit of sense, since I’d never known my parents to hold a grudge or show narrow-mindedness toward anyone. Why they didn’t welcome my hopes for Marcus was beyond me.

    My father forbids us to wed, I said, my throat tight and hoarse.

    When Marcus spoke at last, it was so soft I wasn’t sure I’d heard him right. Your father’s still got his heart set on another fella for ya, is it?

    Honestly, I didn’t care one bit for my father’s choice. Unlike my sister Mandy, I was determined to make my own decision about a husband.

    I really hope you’re not sayin’ we can’t make up our own minds, with God’s help.

    I’m just tellin’ you my parents are sorely against it, even though I’ve prayed up a storm.

    He pondered that for a time. Then, Maybe I should go an’ speak directly to your father.

    Won’t help none, believe me.

    He slowed the horse. We know this is the right thing for us. After all, we’ve looked ahead to this day for nigh unto three years.

    Jah, ’tis. My heart sank, hearing the twinge of pain in his voice, a pain that matched my own. Ach, how I’d pleaded with God to let us marry!

    I’ll win your father over in due time. He paused, his right hand gripping the reins. But I don’t think we need to wait to wed.

    I don’t understand.

    He drew in a slow breath. We’ll elope if need be.

    Run away?

    Marcus nodded firmly. The only way I can see. That way, your father will have no other choice but to accept our marriage.

    The only way. His words slammed into my heart. I yearned to be united with Marcus as his bride, and I’d been taught not to squabble with the men in my life. Even so, wouldn’t I feel cheated out of a wonderful-gut Amish wedding—a real one?

    Tears sprang to my eyes. Oh, I loved him so . . . but to give up saying our sacred vows before almighty God and the People?

    You know you mean everything to me, Tessie Ann Miller. Don’t ya? Marcus’s blue eyes played havoc with my emotions. We can’t let anything stop us.

    We’d waited such a long time, or so it seemed. We’d first fallen for each other at sixteen, at the start of our Rumschpringe—the running-around years in Hickory Hollow. And we were both church members, too, baptized in anticipation of our wedding day.

    Next week we could get our marriage license at the Chester County courthouse. That way we’ll keep it secret, since it won’t appear in the Lancaster paper, ya know.

    But we ought to honor my parents, ain’t so? According to Scripture.

    His eyes probed mine, searching . . . his gaze caressing me. Sweetheart, the Good Lord put us together. I believe that. We’re the ones makin’ our way in life now, don’t ya see?

    I breathed in a mere half breath. It was all I could manage. "Are ya mighty sure ’tis the right thing, love? Under Gott?"

    He pulled me even closer to him there in the open buggy. My face pressed hard against his shirt, and while we hadn’t let ourselves share a kiss just yet, it took all my determination not to let him. Wouldn’t ever wanna spoil things, Marcus often said, so I turned my head, denying our affection till it was safe. And right.

    Marcus, I whispered, ever so torn. Such a thorny spot to be in, but we were in it together, and somehow that made it more bearable.

    I think I should at least try to get your father’s blessing. Marcus flashed his winning smile. I’ll go tomorrow morning.

    I bobbed my head, but my toes curled inside my shoes. Truth was, Dat would never change his mind—I knew him. And come morning, Marcus would regrettably experience the selfsame sorrow I carried now. Still, he could try. I surely wouldn’t stop him.

    In the end it all boiled down to my decision, and that alone. Would I respect my father’s unwavering will or yield to my beau’s steadfast love?

    Chapter 1

    Tessie Miller would be the first to admit that living at home these days was not nearly as much fun as it used to be. Not since her older sisters—Miriam, Molly, Marta, and Mandy—all married and started families of their own. Their staunch and opinionated father, Ammon Miller, often commented that the evenings had grown quieter and more manageable with the nest nearly empty. All the furtive whispering had nearly vanished, as well as Tessie’s sisters’ hushed urgings to follow in their matrimonial footsteps right quick, before all the best fellas get hitched!

    Her father, on the other hand, wasn’t too talkative on the subject of Tessie’s marriage, even though for the longest time he’d had his eye on the Smuckers’ only son, just down Hickory Lane. As a serious church member and an assistant chief for a volunteer fire department, Levi possessed every desirable attribute, and his family was highly regarded in the Lancaster County Plain community.

    Presently, Tessie sighed as she scattered feed for the chickens Saturday morning, startling when two of the more feisty ones—Obadiah and Strawberry—flew up too close to her head. She’d insisted on naming them, though her father disapproved of assigning names to animals that were destined for the dinner table. Three other rambunctious chickens began pecking at one another, vying for the desired feed. But Tessie’s mind was scarcely on the chickens. Truth be told, Tessie knew she’d break her mother’s heart if she eloped with Marcus or any man. Even so, she let her beau’s words filter through her mind. While she was willing to embrace his thinking, she wished they could wait to earn her father’s favor.

    She finished feeding the chickens and went to the barn to check on water for a handful of goats. Tessie still terribly missed the farm where she’d grown up, just two farms away. Oh, the beloved tall, redbrick farmhouse where she and her sisters had learned to follow God’s commandments while cooking and helping their mother to clean, sew, and make all kinds of jam. They’d learned to recite the Lord’s Prayer in German on the sweeping back porch after eating homemade ice cream on sultry summer evenings. And how could she ever forget the wonderful old two-story barn where leisurely Sunday afternoons were spent swinging on the long rope in the haymow?

    But all of that had changed when her sister Mandy married Sylvan Yoder, who promptly took over Dat’s steer-raising business. The newlyweds had moved into the coveted old house, kept pristine and in the family for four generations.

    Oddly enough, Dat had not waited for Tessie to marry—saving the farm for the youngest son or son-in-law was more typical of Amish families. Why Dat had overlooked her, Tessie still did not know. She had her assumptions, though, and one was that Mandy had been greatly rewarded for yielding to Dat’s wishes, marrying the man he’d practically handpicked for her. Sylvan’s like a real son, Mamma qualified once when Tessie timidly inquired as they snapped sugar peas. Tessie had tried not to feel slighted that her father had pushed ahead and not waited till her future husband had the opportunity to accept or reject such a wonderful-good offer. But it miffed her more than she cared to admit.

    Wiping her hands on her black apron, Tessie made her way back outside to the picturesque potting shed not far from the one and only Dawdi Haus, where her widowed grandfather lived. The little shed needed a bit of redding up before the cold weather snuck up on them here before long. As she often did, she glanced wistfully across the expansive back lawn near the well pump to survey the house’s southern elevation, where verdant vines still scaled the wall. It was much smaller, this house they’d lived in for two years. And merely a house, in her humble opinion. A home was the treasured place where you made family memories retained for always.

    The former family home had many more charms. One in particular was the large oak tree that shaded the back porch, with its immense low branches strong enough for a person to climb up to perch and ponder there, something Tessie had been known to do more frequently than Mamma thought necessary.

    The trees here weren’t nearly as ancient, nor as sturdy, so Tessie occasionally snuck over to Sylvan and Mandy’s to sit in her favorite tree. Well, theirs.

    She looked now at the pebbled walkway near the potting shed that led over to the woodshed and Mamma’s tiered flower gardens, actually kept up by Tessie more than Mamma this past summer. The same path meandered back out to the small horse stable, where they sheltered two chestnut-colored driving horses, Agnes and Bonnie. More like beloved pets, the mares were gentle in spirit and nimble as the wind. Tessie was tempted, at times, to take Agnes out riding, but she couldn’t abide her father’s certain rebuke, so she avoided riding bareback altogether.

    When she’d finished sweeping out the potting shed, Tessie ran back to the house, up the back steps, and through the small mud room just inside the large porch. Dat preferred to wash up there before entering Mamma’s tidy kitchen, with its black-and-white squares of linoleum. They’d left the floor as is after moving in, since Dat was a frugal man and redoing the flooring made no sense.

    Other aspects of the kitchen looked more modern—the off-white appliances, all gas powered, though one wouldn’t know it by their outward appearance. And there was an exceptionally sturdy built-in bookcase on the far wall, near the foot of the table. Mamma had filled it with her large collection of Grace Livingston Hill and Janette Oke books. Mamma had never been warned against reading fiction, and she’d placed the books up front and center. Of course Dat had no idea they were made-up stories, and Mamma, wise as she was, hadn’t clarified that one way or the other.

    I guess what Dat doesn’t know won’t hurt Mamma, thought Tessie as she hurried to the large basin to wash her hands.

    Would ya run this over to Dawdi Dave’s for me? Her mother held a casserole dish, her light brown hair bun mussed a little.

    Sure, I’ll do it now, Mamma. Carefully, Tessie took the hot dish in its quilted carrier. "’Tis always a gut excuse to go over there an’ visit, jah?"

    And your Dawdi will be happy to see ya, dear.

    I love makin’ him smile, Tessie said.

    "He misses Mammi Rosanna something awful." Mamma stood there in the doorway to the kitchen, wiping her brow with the back of her hand.

    Tessie nodded. They were so in love.

    Tears sprang to her mother’s eyes, and she brushed them away. Mammi’s death had come so suddenly three months ago. Thank almighty God for the blessed hope of seein’ our loved ones again one sweet day.

    Tessie agreed and headed outside and around the stone walkway to the cozy little Dawdi Haus attached to her parents’ larger home.

    "Kumme on in, her grandfather called inside the house. Door’s open."

    Tessie smiled; of course it was. They never locked their doors. "Wie bischt, Dawdi?"

    "Besser, seein’ ya here. He raked his callused hand through his graying hair, emphasizing the cowlick on the right side. Where’s your perty Mamma today? He looked around, his gaze settling on the casserole dish in Tessie’s hands. Ain’t she with ya?"

    She sent me over with this.

    Well, ain’t that nice. He muttered something she couldn’t hear, then smacked his lips. "Gut thing, too, ’cause the last batch is nearly all."

    He continued talking while Tessie placed the hot dish on the back burner, then turned the gas to simmer. It’ll be ready whenever you’re hungry, Dawdi.

    "Denki so much. He sighed loudly, his lower lip trembling. Sure do enjoy your mother’s cookin’. Awful hard round here sometimes."

    Tessie felt sorry for the dear man. I miss Mammi Rosanna, too, she whispered.

    Sometimes I feel like I’m lookin’ for my right arm—callin’ to her in the next room ’fore I realize again she’s not there.

    Can hardly imagine it, she said, going over and sitting near him in a chair next to his rocker.

    Nothin’ but Gott’s mercy and love lasts forever.

    She nodded.

    Say now, best be talking ’bout other things, jah? he suggested. Saw your beau, that tall fella, Marcus King, wander out to the barn not but a few minutes ago. There was a glint of mischief in his gray eyes. Made me wonder what’s on his mind.

    Tessie remained silent.

    Dawdi drew in a long, deep breath. Ya know, your father’s downright opposed—

    Ach, Dawdi, if ya don’t mind, I’d really rather not discuss it. All right?

    He frowned. So you must know something.

    Despite the sudden stir of emotions inside, she willed herself to be still.

    Not to step on any toes, Tessie Ann, but there’s more to your father’s resistance than you might know. Much more. And that’s all I best be sayin’. By his words and his stern look, she knew enough to believe him.

    Why hasn’t my father told me?

    It was on the way back to the house that Tessie saw Marcus marching down the driveway toward Hickory Lane, shaking his head. He’d obviously just talked with her father, exactly as planned. When Marcus was determined to do something, he went right ahead and did it.

    Remembering her grandfather’s remarks, she scurried around the side of the house, where dazzling golden mums still flourished in the ground and the stately purple martin birdhouse stood high at attention. Marcus, she called softly. Marcus!

    She didn’t dare arouse anyone else’s notice. She made herself wait till she was nearly on his heels, running as hard as she could barefoot, before she called louder. Marcus . . . did ya talk to Dat?

    He slowed, letting her catch up. You were right. He’s already made up his mind and won’t say why. Marcus folded his arms, eyes serious. "If he weren’t your Daed, I might have the nerve to say he’s unreasonable."

    Puh! She said it louder than necessary.

    He reached for her hand and raised it to his lips, his eyes searching hers. Have you thought any more ’bout what we talked about?

    Eloping?

    He nodded solemnly, as if he were as hesitant to do so as she was—a church member in good standing, after all.

    Shouldn’t we pray ’bout it? Her chin quivered.

    "I’ve been talkin’ to the Good Lord a-plenty about our marriage. Wouldn’t be schmaert not to."

    She stepped closer, intent on his strikingly handsome face. She stood on tiptoes and brushed her lips against his clean-shaven cheek. Aw . . . Marcus, don’t be glum ’bout my father. You mustn’t be.

    Ain’t easy walking this fence ’tween pleasing a difficult man and doing what you believe is God’s will. He removed his straw hat and pushed his hand back through his hair, from his thick bangs clear to his sun-tanned neck. He stared at the road for a moment, silent.

    I wish Dat were on our side. Tessie struggled with a lump in her throat. "Truth be told, my father is stubborn. He did this with my sister Mandy, too, for no gut reason, and now he wants to do the same with me."

    It occurred to her just then that her beau’s part-time work in a nearby vineyard might pose a problem to her parents. Could that be? But many Amish church districts made their own wine for communion services. It wasn’t as though Marcus was the occasional moonshiner who kept his brew secret until found out and reprimanded.

    Come here to me, Tessie Ann. He pulled her into his arms and held her in a fierce embrace.

    She felt the pounding of his heart against her face. Marcus, I . . . She stopped right there, unable to say it. He must decide first what to do for their love and speak it into the air. She honestly could not make such an important decision for them.

    Then, just as quickly, he released her, put on his straw hat, and gave a glance toward her father’s house. Tugging on his black suspenders till they snapped, Marcus stood straighter just then. And without a word, he leaned down and cupped her face in his hands, kissing her lips softly. Then again, ever so tenderly. I’m goin’ to marry ya, Tessie . . . you just wait and see.

    Her heart nearly stopped at the kiss. Oh, such joy! Dearest Marcus . . .

    Let’s talk again tomorrow, he added. Meet me behind the house I’m goin’ to rent—in faith that we’ll move in sooner rather than later.

    You’ll sign the lease, then? She was surprised but very pleased.

    Sure, I’ll move in an’ get things set up for us right quick. He paused. You’ll join me there, once your father sees the light. With that, he turned to head up the road.

    Tessie watched him go, the fingers of her right hand resting lightly on her lips.

    In the near distance, she heard her father calling. She cringed, but his call was meant for Mamma. And Tessie was ever so relieved he hadn’t seen her rush out here after Marcus—or witnessed their first kiss!

    Chapter 2

    Mandy Yoder was hanging out a small last-minute washing when she noticed Marcus King swiftly making his way up Hickory Lane. By his determined stride, she assumed he was angry. Then, lo and behold, her youngest sister, Tessie Ann, suddenly appeared, her apron flying as she ran, calling after him.

    Goodness, thought Mandy, a wooden clothespin

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