Amish Love Letters

by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, Rosalind Lauer

Genres: Christian Romance

Synopsis

A heartfelt note, a loving message, a letter filled with secret hopes—this trio of sweet Amish romances will show that on Valentine’s Day, the right words can spark a lifetime of joy.

Love Letter Courtship * Shelley Shepard Gray

After six months of courtship, Jennie Miller has refused Matt Lapp’s proposal. Though he visits regularly, they never seem to talk deeply, and Jennie longs for real connection and romance. Chastened, Matt offers a solution. For two months, they’ll share letters filled with their hopes and dreams. Soon, Jennie is falling for Matt in earnest . . . but will he ever propose again?

S.W.A.K * Charlotte Hubbard

Quiet, gentle Fannie Kurtz knows that fun-loving Eddie Brubaker is the man she wants to marry someday. When he starts receiving letters in pink envelopes, she realizes she has some competition. Maybe it’s time she wrote a love note or two of her own? But a mix-up could jeopardize this romance before it starts, unless she keeps faith in Gott’s plan . . .
 
The Wrong Valentine * Rosalind Lauer

Young widow Martha Lambright is grateful to be working at her mother-in-law’s restaurant, even if seeing the kitchen gals giggle over Valentine cards gives her a pang. But when Mose Troyer, the former bad boy who drives Martha to and from work each day, finds a Valentine he mistakenly believes is for him, it begins a tender exchange that could lead to a wonderful future . . .

Release date: December 26, 2023

Publisher: Kensington Books

Print pages: 352

Sample

January

“He’s here, Jenni!” Mamm called out. “Where are you? We’re all in the hearth room.”

The announcement pulled Jenni from her musings with the force of a wrecking ball. Sitting on her bed, she struggled to feel even half as enthusiastic as her mother sounded about Matt’s visit. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Her mamm’s incredulous tone drifted closer through the closed door. “Jenni, Matthew seems especially eager to see you tonight. Don’t keep him waiting.”

Jenni rolled her eyes. Heaven forbid she ever keep Matt Lapp waiting! Immediately embarrassed by her unkind thoughts, she got to her feet. “I’ll be there in a minute, Mamm.”

Her mother’s footsteps paused right outside her door. “Hurry now. Kevin says Matt has some news to share.”

News? Was tonight finally the special evening she’d been waiting for? The night her entire family had been waiting for? A burst of optimism filled her heart. Maybe Matt would say all the things she’d dreamed he would. Maybe, at long last, they could plan a future together.

“I’m hurrying. I’ll be right out.”

After opening her door, she realized she’d left her journal open on her bed. She closed it with a snap and returned it to its usual resting place—a pretty wooden box on the side of her bed.

She’d kept a journal for six years. Her parents had given her one when she’d turned fifteen. Mamm had said that all young women needed a place to store their secrets. And, since it was likely she’d be courted soon, she was surely going to have many.

Thinking back to those first months, Jenni sure did have a lot of secret thoughts. But most of them had been about how disappointed she’d been not to have a special beau.

Now that she’d just turned twenty-one, Jenni wished she could’ve given her younger self a talking-to. She should’ve spent more time concentrating on being grateful for her blessings instead of worrying why she wasn’t the most popular girl at the Sunday singings. Everything happened in God’s time. She knew that now.

Especially since she now had the perfect beau: Matt Lapp. Handsome, agreeable Matt. Her brother’s best friend. He was blond and had dark green eyes. He worked at the lumberyard and made a fine living. Considering he’d never had too much in terms of guidance or parental support, they were all very proud of him. There had been a brief moment when everyone in her family had feared that he would jump the fence and none of them would ever see him again. Thankfully that had never happened.

Six months ago, seemingly out of the blue, he’d turned his attentions to her. It had been exhilarating and wonderful. She’d been so happy. Her whole family was happy.

But now . . . well, now she was kind of getting tired of his rather humdrum visits.

“Jenni, what are you doing?”

Startled to see her twin brother standing at her open bedroom door, she got to her feet. “Sorry. I was just putting something away.”

Kevin looked as if he believed that about as much as he thought a hurricane was going to hit them in the middle of Ohio. But, like the caring brother he was, he didn’t argue. “Oh. All right. Well, come on, then. We’ve all been waiting for you.”

“Is everything all right?”

Kevin shrugged. “I think so. All Matt said was that he had something to talk to you about.”

Her heart suddenly felt as if it was about to beat out of her chest. Maybe he really was going to propose. “Hmm,” she said.

Kevin threw an arm around her shoulders. “Hmm?” he teased. “That’s all you have to say?”

Looking up at him, Jenni felt her insides warm. Kevin Miller was the best brother. He was kind and caring and patient with her. He’d always made her feel good about herself, even when she was at times so awkward she wasn’t sure there was very much that was good.

When they were twelve she’d wondered how his brown hair and hazel eyes could look so attractive on him while on her it just looked so . . . average. Why couldn’t the Lord have given her the perfect features and Kevin the serviceable, sturdy version?

Because that, unfortunately, was what she was. She wasn’t especially slim, and her face wasn’t perfect. Instead, she was passably pretty and mildly interesting. She was the type of girl who preferred to blend into the crowd. In short, she was kind of, sort of forgettable.

“There’s nothing to say,” she said as they approached the roomy back porch. “You and I know Matt could have news of any sort.”

“He could also be getting ready to ask a certain someone something pretty important.”

“Do you know something I don’t know?”

“Nee,” he said just as they walked into the room.

Matt immediately got to his feet. “Hiya, Jenni.”

“Hello, Matt.” Aware of her parents and Kevin both looking on, she smiled at him. “I hope you are doing well.”

“I am. It’s gut to see you,” he said as he sat down on the love seat. Next to her brother. On either side of them were her parents. Each was relaxing in a chair.

The only other place to sit was in the last empty space: a rather uncomfortable rocking chair that her great-aunt had given her parents on their wedding day. She perched on the edge of it and tried not to feel irritated that everyone had left it for her.

As soon as she sat down, her father winked at her. As if he knew something she didn’t.

Her nerves kicked in again as she, her brother, and her parents all turned to Matt.

“What is your news, Matt?” Mamm asked.

Matt looked directly at Jenni, took a deep breath, and smiled.

Jenni smiled back, but inside, her heart was hammering. The truth was, she’d always thought Matt was everything she’d ever wanted, but now she wasn’t quite so sure. She wanted something more than what he was giving her. She wanted a man who felt she was worth courting. Not one who simply wanted to be part of a family he especially liked.

She’d sure never thought her future husband would ask her to marry him in front of her brother and parents.

“Matt, just tell us!” Kevin called out.

“Sorry. I am excited, but it ain’t earth-shattering news.”

Jenni felt her heart deflate. It wasn’t a proposal. But that was a good thing, right? When she realized Kevin and her parents were waiting for her to respond, she cleared her throat. “What is it?”

“I got a kitten.”

This was his news? “A kitten?”

He smiled at her. “It’s adorable. It’s pure black except for a spot on its tail that looks like a heart.”

Her father frowned. “It sounds odd-looking.”

“Is it a boy or a girl?” she asked.

“A girl kitten. She’s tiny and cute. You’re going to love her, Jenni.”

Since she liked cute, tiny kittens as much as the next person, Jenni reckoned he was right. Plus, she was tickled by the thought of big, strapping Matt holding a tiny, delicate kitten. “I’m sure I will. You should have brought her over.”

“I didn’t want to impose.” He cast a look at her mother.

Mamm shook her head in mock aggravation. “Matt, you know you’re practically family. You don’t have to ask about bringing over a kitten for Jenni to see. Of course you may.”

“I’ll bring her next time, then.”

“Do you have a name for her yet?” Daed asked.

He blushed. “Not yet.”

Mamm chuckled. “Matt, you’ve got to name her something.”

“I will. I . . . I guess I was hoping for a perfect name.”

“It’s just a cat, Matt,” Kevin teased.

“I know.” He slumped slightly.

“What about Valentine?” Jenni asked. “Or Heart?”

Matt smiled at her. “Which name do you like best?”

“Valentine.”

“Then that’s what I’ll name her,” he said. “My kitten’s name is Valentine.”

Jenni felt something shift inside her. Maybe it was hope. At last, they’d made a connection. Maybe they did have a future together after all.

Looking impatient, her father crossed his legs. “Was that the big news you had to share?”

“Jah.”

“Now that that’s taken care of, do you still want to go ice fishing tomorrow with Kevin and me?”

“Of course.”

And then they were off and running. Discussing locations and supplies and thermoses. Eventually, her mother brought out snacks, and a full hour passed.

It was all very nice, but Matt hadn’t proposed. He hadn’t even come close.

Matt had stayed at the Millers’ house as long as he dared. Even though Hank and Beth Miller always acted as if he was part of the family, he definitely wasn’t. From the time he’d met Kevin and Jenni on the first day of school, they’d been close friends. That had been more than enough, because their friendship had meant everything to him.

Now, of course, he was courting Jenni. Well, he was trying his best to do that. She was so far above him, Matt never knew what to say to her.

How could he tell her that he’d always had a crush on her but never had the nerve to admit it? Or that he’d liked the way she’d helped the younger children in the Amish school but had never mentioned that he noticed. Or that he admired the way she interacted with her parents. She let them shine and respected their words but also made sure to let her opinions be known. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel needed and important.

At least, she’d always made him feel that way.

What did he have to offer Jenni that she couldn’t already get from her family? He couldn’t think of a single thing. He came from a dysfunctional home, and that was putting it lightly. Not only was his father abusive and his mother needy and distant, but their parents also depended on Matt and his sister, Rachel, to support them. Most women looked for men who could offer them a stable, happy future. He had neither the means nor the experience to give her either.

Jenni could do so much better than him.

If he was being honest, Matt knew he wasn’t giving himself enough credit. He was smart, and he was a hard worker. He also thought the world of Jenni. He didn’t care that she was quiet or that a lot of their friends overlooked her or thought she wasn’t all that pretty. He’d always thought she was.

Honestly, he was kind of glad all the other men in their circle of friends had never thought too much about her. If they had, they’d see what he did—that Jenni was head and shoulders above every other woman in Apple Creek. She was sweet. So sweet. Kind to everyone. Accepting of other people, even when they didn’t have much. Like him and his sister.

They’d also see that her brown hair was glossy and smooth. He’d known her so long, he’d seen it down when he’d spent the night at their house. The last time he’d seen it, the ends of her hair had reached her shoulder blades. It was gorgeous. He’d always liked the way she was built, too. She was the feminine version of her brother—which was obvious, given that they were twins—but he loved the fact that she wasn’t bone-thin and delicate-looking. He loved the thought of holding her in his arms and not being afraid of hurting her.

Not that he ever would.

Now that they were courting, he knew he should take her walking or on a buggy ride, or do something romantic with her outside their house. Sure, it was January, but they’d experienced some mild days recently. Mild enough to be able to bundle up and go for walks together.

But asking her for a walk in the early evening in the middle of winter seemed rather awful. She’d be shivering by the time they made it to the end of her driveway. In addition, he didn’t have a courting buggy, so that was out of the question—unless he wanted to drive Jenni’s family’s buggy and horse.

Finally, whenever he did come calling, both Kevin and their parents acted as if it would be best to sit together. For the entire time. And when they were all together, Kevin and their parents led most of the conversations. Sometimes Jenni barely got more than a few words in. And usually they weren’t actually directed at him.

To make matters worse, none of their conversations were in private.

Matt didn’t know a lot about courting, but even he knew that was no way to sweep a woman off her feet. He didn’t know how to change things, though. He was so afraid of losing Beth and Hank’s respect that he never tried to see Jenni alone.

But it was becoming frustrating.

Now he was walking along with his hands stuffed in his pockets, preparing himself for what he might find at home. He and his older sister, Rachel, had learned that if they wanted anything good to happen, it wasn’t going to come from their parents.

When he saw Rachel sitting wrapped in a blanket on the front porch steps, his heart stopped. The temperature was in the thirties, and it was dark. There was only one reason she’d be outside waiting for him. It must have been a really bad night.

“Hey,” he said as he strode forward. “Rach, you okay?” He scanned her face. “Are you hurt?”

Her mouth tightened before she shook her head.

He didn’t believe her. He sat down by her side. “Sure about that?”

She released a ragged sigh. “Jah. I mean, it’s nothing.”

Rachel was as good as he was at pretending the things that happened inside their house weren’t all that bad. He hated that, and he knew her boyfriend, Caleb, felt the same way. More than once he’d seen Caleb pull Rachel off to the side when they were walking or into the barn just to make sure that the bruises she hid weren’t serious.

What was ironic was that once, back when they were all in school and Rachel and Caleb were just fourteen, their teacher had caught him inspecting her. She’d made an example of them, practically giving the class an hour-long lecture about acting modestly. What Ms. Elizabeth had never taken the time to understand was that Caleb was checking Rachel for cuts and bruises, not sneaking kisses.

Hating the direction of his thoughts, he kicked out his legs and faced forward. Even though they’d long stopped pretending that either of them were fine, Matt had decided that dwelling on things they couldn’t change wouldn’t make anything better.

“I thought you were seeing Caleb tonight.”

“I did.” Her voice cracked.

Afraid she was more upset than he’d realized, he turned to face her. “What happened?”

She bit her lip.

“Rachel, tell me the truth. Did Caleb hurt you?”

“Of course not.”

“Then, what happened?”

Please God, he prayed, don’t let them have broken up. Caleb was a good man and Rachel adored him. But he’d sometimes gotten the feeling that maybe Caleb’s family didn’t feel the same way about her. There was also the fact that Caleb wasn’t perfect. He was like every other twenty-year-old man. Sometimes he said or did things without thinking.

She chuckled. “Matt, what am I going to do with you? Even though you’re two years younger than me, you love to act as my protector.”

If he wasn’t so worried about what she was holding back from him, he would have made a joke. Instead, he spoke from his heart. “You know I’ll protect you any way that I can, Rachel.”

All the humor in her eyes faded. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Just say whatever you need to say. We’ll figure out how to deal with it then.”

“Caleb proposed to me this evening. He asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”

Matt stared at her for a long moment. That was what had gotten her so upset and worried?

Leaning close, Rachel nudged him with her shoulder. “Say something. You’re making me worried.”

At last he was brought out of his trance. He gently pulled her into his arms. “Congratulations. I’m mighty happy for you.”

She pulled back so she could see his eyes. “Do you mean it?”

“Of course I do. Rachel, Caleb is a good man. I know he cares about you.”

“He loves me. He told me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you in love with him?”

“You know I am.”

“Then, that’s all that matters, jah?”

She nodded. “Jah.”

“This is happy news. Why were you afraid to tell me?” Before she could answer, he asked, “Does it have to do with his family?”

“Nee.” Looking a little stunned, she added, “Matt, Caleb asked me in their hearth room. There were candles all around and a fire was burning bright. We were alone and he got down on one knee.”

“He stepped up, hmm?”

“Stop. It was so romantic.” She shivered, no doubt remembering how perfect the moment had been.

“Has he told his family yet?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you. They were all in the other room, waiting for me to say yes. When Caleb called out to tell them the news, his mother brought out a cake!”

“She made an engagement cake already?” That seemed a bit presumptuous.

But Rachel was all smiles. “She did. And, John, Caleb’s daed, said that they’d already spoken to him about remodeling the dawdi haus, so it will feel fresh and perfect when we move in. I’m so happy.”

“It’s everything you’ve ever wanted. I’m really happy for you.”

It wasn’t an exaggeration, either. When they were younger, they’d spent many nights talking about how they would one day leave the house where they’d known such unhappiness. Rachel used to say she wanted someone who would treat her better than their father. And now she had found that man.

“Danke. But I don’t want you to worry. I told Caleb that we’d need to wait until you were settled and happy, too.”

“No, you don’t. There’s no reason for you to wait.”

“There’s every reason, and you and I both know it. I’m not going to leave you here.”

“I’m a grown man, Rach. I’ll be fine.”

“You would be, but I’m not going to abandon you. There’s no way you’d leave me here.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t.”

“See?”

“You’re a woman. You’re my sister. I would never leave you here.”

“Well, I feel the same way as you do. I’m not going to leave you here to deal with them on your own.”

“You know I’m courting Jenni.”

“Have you gotten serious?”

He wasn’t sure. “Pretty serious. I’m going to propose soon.”

Finally, finally his sister’s eyes lit up. “You mean it, don’t you?”

He nodded. “I know Jenni is the one for me.”

“Because you’re in love, right?”

“Jah.”

She studied his expression. Whether Rachel was completely satisfied with his answer or not, he wasn’t sure. But it must have been close enough because she shifted. “It’s getting late.”

“Do you think they’re asleep yet?”

“They should be. It’s been dark out for a while. Hey, did you get anything to eat at the Millers’?”

“I had supper with them. What about you? Did you get anything to eat besides cake?”

“Cake would’ve been good enough, but Caleb saved me a plate. He always makes me eat the minute I get there. I can’t wait until Caleb doesn’t have to worry about feeding me anymore. I’ll be able to cook for him.”

“I think he’s always going to worry.”

“You know what I mean.”

He stood up. “Jah. I know what you mean.” He reached down for her hand and pulled her up. “Ready? I need to check on the kitten. I left her in our room.”

“I checked on her earlier. She was curled up in a ball.” Taking a breath, she lifted her chin. “Let’s get this over with.”

He opened the door and went in first. Good manners usually meant that the woman preceded the man. Here, the opposite was true. The moment he’d gotten bigger than Rachel, he’d begun walking in first.

Bracing himself, he saw the house was dark and silent. “We’re good,” he whispered.

“Thank God.”

Some people might have thought she was merely uttering a phrase. Matt knew different. He knew those words were spoken from Rachel’s heart.

Four days later, Matt came calling again. For once, her family didn’t seem more excited about Matt’s visit than she was. Kevin had elected to visit some of his work friends and told her to tell Matt that he’d see him another day. While it wasn’t unusual for Kevin to visit with friends from work, he didn’t do it all the time. Especially not when he knew Matt was coming over. Plus, Matt was bringing over Valentine. Jenni had known Kevin would want to see the kitten—if for no other reason than to tease Matt about his new pet.

So the evening did seem like it was off to a strange start. More than a little strange.

Things got stranger when Mamm told her that she and Daed were going to sit in the living room that evening but Jenni should take Matt into the hearth room on her own.

When Matt arrived, for once Jenni was right at the door to let him in.

And she saw the kitten! “Matt, look at Valentine! She’s so sweet.”

He’d wrapped the little creature in a towel for the walk. After placing the towel on the floor, he handed her to Jenni. “She is at that.”

She carefully enfolded Valentine in her arms. The little black cat was only about the size of her father’s hand. And so light! She was tiny, perfect, and had bright eyes and the softest paws. Jenni loved her already.

“I’m so glad you brought her by.”

Matt was smiling at her. “Me too. I like making you happy.”

“A baby kitten does make me happy . . . but you do, too, Matt.”

Something flickered in his eyes. “I hope so. Do you mind holding her for a little bit longer? I need to take off my coat and boots.” He frowned at his feet. “The snow is melting on the floor.”

“The floor is fine. Just put the boots in the boot tray like always.” Cuddling the tiny cat to her chest, she watched Matt shrug out of his coat. He really had become such a handsome man. His work at the lumberyard had bulked up his muscles, and he had an air about him that was so much more mature than most men his age.

When he turned back to her, she held Valentine a little more closely. “I think I’m going to have a difficult time giving her back.”

“I had a feeling you might feel that way.” As if he’d suddenly realized they were still standing alone, Matt looked around. “Where is everyone?”

“My parents are in the living room, and Kevin is out tonight.”

“Ah. So it’s just the two of us.”

“Jah. I set up everything in the hearth room.” She smiled at him, but the slight tightening of his features told the same story that she was feeling. It felt a little awkward to be alone. How could that be?

“You lead the way, Jenni.”

Still holding the kitten, she turned and started walking, but once again it felt odd. “Help yourself to coffee and a snack,” she said when they arrived. She’d taken care to put out a thermos of hot decaf coffee, cups, cream, and small sandwiches and cookies.

“It looks wunderbar.”

She shrugged. She was a pretty good cook and usually made the treats for Matt’s visits while her mother made most of supper.

“Did you make all of this yourself?”

“Jah, Matt. Why?”

“You usually are the one making everything, aren’t you?”

She nodded again. Staring at him curiously, she said, “What’s going on? I don’t think it looks much different from the other times you’ve visited.”

After pouring himself a cup of coffee and a plate of food, he sat down. “I started to realize that I never gave too much. . .