An Amish Christmas Match

Book 1: Sweetbrier Creek

by Winnie Griggs

Genres: Clean & Wholesome Romance; Family Life

Synopsis

Can one Amish woman give a struggling widower with five rowdy boys a helping hand—and chance at love—this Christmas season?
 
Phoebe Kropf knows everyone thinks she’s a bit odd—and more than a little accident-prone. She doesn’t understand why they fuss over her at home rather than see her as a bright, independent Amish woman. So when a friend asks Phoebe to help care for a house full of young men in nearby Sweetbrier Creek, she leaps at the chance to prove she’s more than her shortcomings . . .

Widower Seth Beiler is in over his head with his five orphaned brieder to care for and all the Christmas orders his woodworking shop needs to fulfill. When he asked for help with some cooking and cleaning, he wasn’t expecting a housekeeper as unconventional—or lovely—as Phoebe. Yet her warm care and holiday traditions win their hearts one by one. And soon the farmhouse finally starts to feel like home again. When the Christmas season and Phoebe’s time there is nearly at an end, will Seth convince her that the greatest gift would be her staying . . . as part of their familye?

Release date: September 24, 2024

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Print pages: 368

Sample

Bergamot, Ohio

Current Day, November

Phoebe Kropf rubbed the sleep from her eyes and yawned, feeling the crisp air from this last day of November seeping through the windows of her small bedroom. It was still dark outside, but she could tell by glancing at the clock that she’d overslept. Mamm and Rhoda would already be up and busy in the kitchen. With a determined sigh, she swung her legs out of bed and stretched.

She crossed the room to fetch her clothes, ignoring the chill from the cool floorboards on her bare feet. As she dressed, Phoebe whispered a little prayer.

Gotte, I know I for sure and for certain messed up on Thanksgiving Day, making a mess when I dropped Mamm’s sweet potato and marshmallow casserole all over the floor. But I haven’t spilled or broken anything in the days since then—and for that I am truly grateful. Please help me to remember to move with deliberation, to not anticipate or improvise, to always follow Mamm’s and Rhoda’s lead. And to not get jealous or rattled when I see Mamm share the handwritten recipes, some from her own mamm, with Rhoda. I want to be helpful the way a woman of twenty-one should be and to please my eldre.

As she adjusted the strings on her kapp, Phoebe smiled at her latest origami creation sitting on her dresser. The prancing horse with one leg slightly raised and the knee bent was the picture of grace and strength. If only she could be like that.

Shaking off those thoughts and ready to face whatever the day would bring, Phoebe made her way downstairs, smiling at the familiar creak of the third and eighth treads. When she nearly lost her footing on the bottom stair, though, she reminded herself of her earlier vow to move with deliberation rather than haste.

She entered the kitchen to find Mamm and Rhoda already bustling about, preparing breakfast. Inhaling the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, she allowed the warmth from the oven and stovetop to chase the chill from her bones.

“Gut matin,” she greeted as she grabbed a worn apron from the hook near the door. “I’m sorry I overslept.”

Mamm’s face softened in an indulgent smile. “It’s all right, liebchen, Rhoda and I are taking care of getting breakfast ready.”

It had been two weeks since the wedding and Phoebe was becoming accustomed to seeing Rhoda as a member of the household. What was harder to get used to was how much Mamm had come to rely on Paul’s new wife and how well the two of them worked together.

It was wrong to be jealous, and she was working hard to overcome those feelings. It should have been easy since she and Rhoda had been scholars together for eight years. But somehow it wasn’t.

Determinedly pushing away those thoughts, she offered a bright smile. “I’m here now so I can help. I see the eggs aren’t out. I’ll fetch them and get to whisking.”

As she finished tying the apron around her waist Phoebe noted the look that passed between her mamm and Rhoda. Was it because she was late or because they didn’t trust her with the eggs?

“I was just about to ask Rhoda to take care of that,” Mamm said. “Why don’t you set the table instead?”

Rhoda cast her a look that was a strange mix of apology and sympathy as she wiped her hands on her apron and moved toward the refrigerator.

She supposed that answered her question—Mamm clearly didn’t trust her to handle the eggs and Rhoda didn’t entirely disagree. Sure, she’d tripped in the chicken yard a week ago and dropped an entire pail of eggs. But it wasn’t her fault a hen had gotten underfoot. And Mamm knew it was only when she was in a hurry, or nervous or excited, that she was so clumsy.

Deciding she would remain positive, Phoebe nodded and moved to the sideboard to collect the dishes and silverware.

Counting out five plates, she placed them on the table without incident, then did the same with the flatware and glasses. That done, Phoebe pulled out the butter, blackberry jam and apple butter and put them on the center of the table.

There. She’d accomplished her assigned task without mishap. What else could she do?

Phoebe looked around the kitchen and noted the fresh-baked loaf of bread sitting on the counter. Since Mamm and Rhoda seemed to have their hands full she’d just take care of slicing it herself. Humming, Phoebe grabbed a large knife and began cutting the bread into nice thick slices, just like her daed and bruder liked.

“Phoebe!” Her mamm’s sharp cry startled Phoebe and her hand slipped, tracing a thin red line on the side of her hand.

Mamm rushed over and took Phoebe’s bleeding hand in her own. “Ach du lieva. What were you thinking? I’ve told you to let me or Rhoda handle the sharp knives.”

She wanted to shout that she wasn’t a child and that she wouldn’t have cut herself if she hadn’t been startled. But that wouldn’t prove to anyone that she was an adult—only actions could do that. “I’m sorry. It was just a bread knife.”

Mamm tsked. “There’s no ‘just’ when you talk about sharp implements.” Then her expression softened. “You know I only want to keep you safe, don’t you?”

“Jah.” But why did it always feel like she was being punished? True, she was somewhat accident-prone, and she’d had trouble with her studies all through her schooling and still could barely read. But why couldn’t Mamm see she wasn’t a kinner anymore? In fact, she was old enough to have a mann and home of her own. Rhoda was proof of that.

Perhaps it was having Rhoda take her place in their home. Perhaps it was just restlessness. But lately she’d begun to chafe more and more under the way she was always treated as if she needed help with all but the most basic of tasks.

Mamm finished examining the cut and patted Phoebe’s hand. “It looks like a shallow cut, and it’s already stopped bleeding. Run a little water on it and let me and Rhoda finish getting breakfast ready.”

Phoebe nodded, noting that Rhoda had already quietly stepped in and finished slicing the bread.

Just then, the kitchen door swung open and her daed entered, fresh from the barn, closely followed by her bruder Paul, Rhoda’s husband. As the pair shed their coats and boots, setting them by the door, Daed inhaled appreciatively. “Ach, these smells alone are enough to warm a man’s insides.” Then he spotted Phoebe and his expression drew down in concern. “Dochder, have you hurt yourself?”

He didn’t say again, but the word hung on the air, as if it were understood.

“It’s nothing.” Phoebe forced a cheerful tone. “Just a shallow cut.”

Daed crossed the room and placed a gentle hand on Phoebe’s shoulder. “We know you’re trying, Phoebe. Just remember, everyone has their strengths. Yours may lie elsewhere.”

Phoebe nodded, appreciating his words of encouragement. But why couldn’t she be more like Mamm and Rhoda?

Like every other girl of her acquaintance?

She saw the warm smile exchanged between Rhoda and Paul across the room and felt an ache deep inside. Would she ever find that for herself?

As Daed and Paul washed their hands, Phoebe couldn’t shake the feelings of inadequacy and frustration that gnawed at her. Would she ever be able to prove to her family that they didn’t have to treat her like a kinner?

Her family loved her, of that she had no doubt. Her four brieder had always been protective and were indulgent, even when they teased her. Part of that was because she was the only girl. But it was also because she was the boppli of the family. It had been thought that after Paul, her mother couldn’t have any additional children, so Phoebe’s appearance five years later was a welcome surprise.

She just wished she could have lived up to their expectations for her.

When everyone was finally seated and they bowed their heads for a moment of silent prayer, she again asked for the patience to be deliberate in her actions and accepting of the role her family—and Gotte—expected her to play.

The talk around the table centered mostly on Honey, one of the cows who might or might not be slowing down her milk production, and the possible causes.

After the meal, Phoebe pushed away from the table. “I believe it’s my turn to wash the dishes.”

Mamm tapped her chin. “But your hand. Perhaps you should let me—”

“My hand is fine, and you and Rhoda took care of preparing breakfast. I can take care of the dishes.” She saw the startled looks on the faces around the table and winced. She’d not only spoken firmly but she’d also interrupted her mamm.

Before she could offer an apology, though, Mamm nodded. “Very well, you wash the dishes. I’ll dry and Rhoda can clear the table.”

Happy with the small victory, Phoebe went to the counter to fill the sink.

She enjoyed working side by side with Mamm, making small talk about the day’s chores, the neighbors’ new boppli and what they would cook for lunch. She didn’t even mind that Mamm was ready to grab each dish almost before she could rinse it.

Just as they finished, Paul reentered the kitchen headed for the basement. Then he paused for a moment. “Phoebe, I almost forgot, Edna called a little while ago. She says she needs to speak to you and will call back at nine o’clock.”

Daed and Paul operated a harness repair business from the farm so they had a phone in the work shed for business purposes.

Phoebe stiffened. Was something wrong? Though Edna always seemed spry and full of life, she was older than Mamm and Daed. And she was like a grossmammi to her. “Did she say what it was about?”

“Nee.” He shrugged. “But she didn’t seem upset so I don’t think it’s bad news.”

Phoebe relaxed.

Still, what could have prompted Edna to call her?

Phoebe was in the workshop, standing by the phone, a full ten minutes before nine o’clock just in case Edna called early. She paced back and forth in front of the worktable where the phone rested. The familiar earthy smell of leather and the musky scent of mink oil tickled her nose. Daed and Paul were on the other side of the workshop, giving her enough distance for a bit of privacy. But she could feel the occasional sideways glances they were giving her. No doubt they were as curious about her phone call as she was.

Four years ago she’d moved in with Edna and her husband, Ivan, for a few months to help out as Ivan lay on his sickbed, preparing for the end of his time on earth. She and Edna had grown very close that summer, sharing hopes, dreams and fears through those long, hushed days of vigil.

Edna had never made Phoebe feel inadequate or clumsy, not then and not at any time since. Truth to tell, she’d had Phoebe take care of many housekeeping and cooking tasks on her own. She’d made it clear that she didn’t believe Phoebe’s difficulties with reading and writing meant she was simple-minded, especially since, by Edna’s reckoning at least, she seemed competent in other aspects of her life. And strangely enough, Phoebe never felt particularly slow-witted when she was in Edna’s company.

Edna had left Bergamot three weeks ago for an extended visit to family she had in Sweetbrier Creek, a community about ninety miles away, and Phoebe missed her dearly.

When the phone finally rang Phoebe jumped and then pounced, almost knocking the phone from the table. The heat climbed in her cheeks as she caught the raised-brow look Daed sent her way.

“Hello?” Her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears.

“Phoebe, it’s so gut to hear your voice.”

“And yours too.” And it was. Edna’s voice was familiar, warm and comforting, just like a soft-from-use quilt on a chilly winter’s day. “How are you enjoying the visit with your shveshtra?”

“It’s been gut seeing everyone and catching up with what’s happened in their lives. But I’m actually staying in the dawdi haus of one of my niece’s sons. There are six Beiler brieder, ages twelve to twenty-nine, living alone without parents or any womenfolk to help them, so I’ve been keeping house for them for the past few weeks.”

Phoebe smiled. She imagined with Edna’s no-nonsense approach she’d gotten that household of untamed menfolk in order in no time at all.

“That’s actually why I’ve called you.”

Phoebe’s smile faded. “I don’t understand.”

“I had a little accident last nacht.” At Phoebe’s exclamation she hurried to explain. “It’s nothing serious, but I won’t be able to use my right hand for five or six weeks and these boys truly need someone to help them out.”

What did that have to do with her? But before she could ask, Edna answered her unspoken question. “I think you would be the perfect person to take on the job.”

Phoebe straightened. Surely she hadn’t heard that right. “Me? But there must be some family member, or at least someone who lives closer, who would be better.”

“There are no cousins or close relatives available right now without placing a burden on them, and nee, I actually don’t think there would be anyone who would be a better fit.”

That seemed a strange thing to say. “Still, I imagine there are any number of girls who could serve as housekeeper, especially under your supervision.”

“True. But these brieder need more than a housekeeper. They need someone who knows how to care for them in other ways. Seth, the oldest, has his hands full keeping the farm running, working on his side business, and trying to be a daed to the others. The next two brieder live at home but have jobs outside the farm. The middle boy is on rumspringa and is apprenticing with a local furniture maker. The two youngest are still in school.”

“Sounds like a busy household. But I still don’t understand—”

“Seth is doing the best job he can, but these brieder, especially the younger ones, need someone to mother them, they need someone who’ll understand how much to discipline, how much to teach and how much to let them be boys. And you are perfect for that.”

Phoebe wasn’t sure she agreed with her friend on that point—she couldn’t even convince her own mamm that she was capable. But rather than argue the point she moved on. “Even so, Sweetbrier Creek is a long way from Bergamot and Christmas will be here soon. I don’t see how I could go.”

“Ach, think of it as an adventure. I know what your life is like. How would you like to spend some time in a place where no one knows anything about you and has no set expectations?”

That gave Phoebe pause. What would that be like?

“Besides,” Edna added, “it would give us a chance to spend some time together. The dawdi haus has an extra bedroom.”

Phoebe was beginning to warm up to the idea. “I’d like some time to think about it if that’s okay. And I’d need to discuss it with Mamm and Daed.”

“Of course. Is one day enough? I can call you tomorrow at the same time.”

“We’re celebrating my bruder Michael’s birthday at his home tomorrow. Monday would be better.”

“Then Monday it will be. But Phoebe, remember this. Of course you have a duty to respect and honor your eldre, but you are a young woman of twenty-one with a gut head on your shoulders, and you can make decisions for yourself.” And before Phoebe could argue the point with her, Edna hung up.

Phoebe slowly lowered the handset of the phone, her mind whirling with thoughts of Edna’s unexpected request. Should she do it?

“Is Edna well?”

Daed’s question interrupted her thoughts. “Jah.” Then she caught herself. “I mean, nee. She hurt her arm yesterday. But she said it’s not serious.”

“And for that she had to make a phone call to you?”

“Actually, she asked me to help her with something. But I’d like to talk to both you and Mamm about it together.”

Daed’s brow drew down in question, but he merely nodded. “Then we will speak of it at the lunch table today.” And with that he went back to work.

Phoebe appreciated that he didn’t press her. She donned her coat and left the work shed, but didn’t return to the house immediately. Instead she headed down the drive to fetch the mail, one of her regular tasks. As she walked, she felt a little spark of excitement. The thought of being part of a new household where no one knew her or her history stirred a sense of adventure within her. Should she do it? Could she do it?

She’d reached the mailbox by then and gathered up what appeared to be two sales flyers, a magazine of some sort, and four white envelopes. Without bothering to study the pieces closer she turned and headed back toward the house.

What would her eldre think about her accepting a job so far away?

Phoebe scooped up a small portion of mashed potatoes and then passed the bowl to Paul, seated on her left. The knot in her stomach had pulled too tight for her to be able to eat much.

Unbidden, a memory from her childhood returned to her. At the end of her first-grade year she’d been frustrated and upset seeing her classmates begin to read and yet the words on the page made no sense to her. When this continued into second grade Mamm had insisted that she was such a clever girl, all she needed to do was focus. She’d worked with her every evening, but the more Mamm worked with her and the more she’d desperately tried to please Mamm, the more the words and letters twisted and danced on the page, mocking her efforts to make sense of them. She could still recall with absolute clarity the moment her mamm’s demeanor had changed from determination to defeat, from teacher to acceptance that her dochder would likely never be able to read. When Mamm had told her they didn’t need to work on her reading any longer, that instead she would focus on teaching her how to be a gut homemaker, Phoebe had understood just what that meant. She’d cried herself to sleep that nacht.

Daed spoke again, pulling her thoughts back to the present. “So dochder, what did Edna ask of you that you need to discuss with me and your mamm?”

Phoebe took a deep breath. “A few weeks ago Edna took on the job of housekeeper for some relatives, a group of young men, the six Beiler brieder who apparently need a lot of help.”

“Ach, I knew Edna couldn’t just sit back and visit for very long.” Mamm had an indulgent smile on her face.

Phoebe smiled back, then continued. “Edna hurt her arm yesterday and won’t be able to keep house for them very well for the next several weeks.”

“Ach, poor dear. I hope she’s not in much pain.”

“She says she feels fine, she just can’t do much with only her left hand. Which is where I come in.” Again, Phoebe breathed deeply. “She’d like me to go to Sweetbrier Creek and help out until she’s able to resume her work.”

Mamm paused with her fork halfway to her lips, her brow raised almost to her hairline. “What? That’s ridiculous. You told her you couldn’t go, didn’t you?”

Why was it ridiculous? “I told her I’d need to think about it and also talk to you both before I decide.”

Mamm’s unbending posture softened ever so slightly. Was that an element of concern beneath her stern refusal? Would Mamm ever see her as a capable adult rather than a child to be cosseted?

“A wise response.” Daed’s words brought her attention back to him. “What is it you want to do?” His tone and expression were measured, giving little of his thoughts away.

“Turn her down, of course,” was Mamm’s quick, predictable response. There was no doubt about the concern in her expression now.

“Actually, I think I’d like to go. Edna needs the help or she wouldn’t have asked.” She shot a quick look Mamm’s way. “And she’ll be there so it’s not as if I’d be entirely on my own.”

“And where would you live while you’re there?” Daed had set his utensils down and was stroking his beard, something he did when he was thinking through a problem of some sort.

“Edna lives in the Beilers’ dawdi haus and she says there’s room for me to move in there with her. It would only be for five or six weeks.”

“But that means you’d be gone over Christmas.” Mamm’s lips remained set in a stubborn line but again Phoebe thought she detected a note of pleading underlying her tone. “I think it best you tell Edna to find someone else.”

Was that really the reason? Or did Mamm think she couldn’t handle such a responsibility? “I can always make it a condition that I come back home for a couple of days at Christmas.”

“But—”

“I think that’s a reasonable compromise.”

At the interruption, Mamm’s gaze turned to meet Daed’s and Phoebe watched as something unspoken passed between them. Then Mamm sat back and focused on her plate, her expression unreadable. Paul and Rhoda wisely kept silent but they also exchanged glances.

Daed turned back to her. “Tell me about these six brieder.”

Did that mean he wasn’t going to try to talk her out of it? “The two youngest are still in school. The oldest has been trying to care for all of them himself.” She lifted her chin. “I don’t know much more but I trust Edna when she says I can do what is needed to help them.”

Phoebe focused on her daed, but from the corner of her eye she saw Mamm’s hand tighten on her fork.

To her relief, Daed nodded. “Edna has a sensible head on her shoulders.”

Afraid to get her hopes up just yet, Phoebe turned to her mamm and braced herself.

But to her surprise Mamm nodded. “If this is really something you want to do, then of course you should give it a try.” Then she met Phoebe’s gaze. “But remember, if you feel the need to return home before the time is up, then I’m sure Edna will understand.”

Daed cleared his throat, reclaiming Phoebe’s attentio. . .