B Is for Bonnet

Book 2: Amish ABCs

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Genres: Amish & Mennonite; Christian Anthologies & Collections; Clean & Wholesome Romance

Synopsis

The second in this delightfully moving new series from beloved, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues the story of four English-raised siblings who return to their grandparents' Ohio community planning to become Amish. But one by one, they will soon learn more about living—and love—than they'd ever imagined . . .

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

SIMULTANEOUS HARDCOVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK RELEASE!

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can't wait to reinvent their lives. The four don't have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn't be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it's past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he's instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can't seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she's got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she's even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

Release date: January 21, 2025

Publisher: Kensington Books

Print pages: 288

Sample

“Ah, Jonny. Here you are, and as on time as ever,” Brandon Matts said as he entered the Landen Bicycle Shop.

Jonny glanced at the clock behind him. It was only a quarter to eight in the morning. The store technically wasn’t supposed to be open until nine, but here he was.

As was one of the store’s best customers. Because of that, Jonny bit back a comment about Brandon taking advantage of him and joked instead. “Can’t think of a place I’d rather be—besides sipping coffee on my back porch while in my pajamas.”

Brandon chuckled like Jonny had just spouted the best joke ever. “I knew I could count on you for a laugh.”

“Glad to be of service. What may I help you with?”

“Well, I was hoping you could help me look at some of your new portable charging stations.”

“I can, no problem.” Setting down his mug, which held the very last of the coffee from the pot he’d made that morning, Jonny turned to a cabinet filled with portable chargers.

He’d been fussing with some new ideas for chargers. Because electric bikes used only a small amount of electricity at a time, it was easy and cost-effective to use solar power. He’d been testing different manufacturers in his spare time and felt like he’d come up with a couple that were both inexpensive and reliable—all with his boss Alan’s approval.

He set the two most popular models on the counter. “Here you go.”

Brandon didn’t pick up, either. Instead, he turned his head this way and that, studying each as if it could snap at him with a little bit of encouragement. “Tell me the difference.”

“This one is the basic model. It will likely charge a bicycle in an hour or two.” Then Jonny picked up the bigger choice. “This one has more solar panels, a bigger portable battery source, and the connector is a little more user-friendly.”

After he told Brandon the prices, the man whistled low. “The second is also almost double the price.”

“It’s got more bells and whistles and does more.” He shrugged. “Quality costs money.”

Brandon snorted. “You sure you want to be Amish? I’m starting to think that you could be a good used car salesman.”

Jonny fought off a smile, but just barely. “Hey. Just because I’m trying to make a living doesn’t mean I don’t belong here.”

“I canna say you’re wrong about that.” Staring at both, Brandon at last picked up the larger model. “You say this is easier to use?”

“I think so.” He pointed to the connector, showed how the tubing retracted easily, then demonstrated how everything worked on the less expensive model.

“It seems I would be a fool to go with the cheaper one.”

“Not necessarily. It works just fine.”

“I might have to use it more often and be more frustrated with it, too.”

“It’s up to you.” Jonny picked up his cup of coffee and took a sip, hating that he’d reached the bottom of the cup so fast. Now that he was on his new, low-cholesterol diet, a lot of his vices had gone out the window. He’d begun to really appreciate a good cup of coffee in the morning. It, along with his oatmeal or whole wheat toast and fruit, were his healthy substitutes for bacon and eggs.

“What’s wrong, English? Out of kaffi already?”

“Jah.” Smiling at himself replying in Pennsylvania Dutch, he said, “The two cups of coffee my coffee maker makes always go down too fast.”

“Hmm.”

“I know.” Pointing to the small coffee maker in the corner, he added, “I should go out and buy another coffee maker.”

“I’ve got a better idea. You should head down to the Trailside Café. It’s about two miles down the way,” Brandon said, pointing to a narrow, seldom-used road. “You know it?”

“No. I didn’t think anything was down there except for a couple of houses.” All in need of a bit of repair.

“That’s true, except now there’s a coffee shop in the old barn on the Kramer property.”

“So, you’re saying there’s a new coffee shop in an old barn?”

“Jah. Sure. I was there before I came over here.” Brandon smiled. “If you’re feeling blessed, she might even have a batch of apricot squares left.”

“I don’t think I like apricot.” And he was pretty sure apricot squares weren’t part of his new low-fat diet.

“If you don’t, it’s because you haven’t given her squares a shot.” Looking a little dreamy—quite a feat for an Amish man in his midthirties—he continued. “Those things are a little taste of heaven, right here in Holmes County. They’re almost as good as Treva’s kaffi.”

“You sound like a billboard.”

“I’m a fan, that’s what I am.” Looking back down at the counter, Brandon sighed. “All right, Jonny. You wore me down and won me over. I’ll take the more expensive charger.” Pulling out his wallet from a pocket, he glared. “I suppose you’re gonna charge me tax, too.”

When Jonny had first started working at the shop, he’d been taken aback by some of the Amish men’s dry sense of humor. Now he understood that give-and-take was part of the transaction. “Try as I might, the government makes me pay taxes just like everyone else.”

“Figures.” Slapping a hundred-dollar bill on the counter, he smiled. “Pleasure doing business with ya.”

“I enjoy it, as well,” Jonny replied, as he handed him change out of the cash box. “You need a bag or do you have one?”

“I’ve got a canvas carryall right here.” After sliding the cardboard box holding the charger into his bag, he held out his hand. “Wishing you a good day, Jonny.”

“To you, as well.”

“Go visit Treva and get yourself a cup of coffee. It will improve your mood, English.” He winked. “She’s got chocolate and orange scones, too, if you don’t have a mind to live on the apricot side of life.”

Jonny couldn’t stop his lips from twitching. Brandon certainly did have a way of turning a phrase. “Yes, sir.”

Brandon tipped his hat and went out the door. A couple of minutes later, he and his bike had moved out of sight.

Jonny checked the clock again. It wasn’t even eight yet. Alan, his boss and the owner of the Landen Bicycle Shop, had told him to come and go as he saw fit because their customers didn’t usually come in during normal business hours.

It was yet another reason he was glad he’d approached Alan for a job. Even though his dad was going to pay for his medical insurance untilo he was twenty-six, Jonny had always been a planner. And that meant that he couldn’t ignore the fact that his body was going to need checkups every six months for the next couple of years. Being diagnosed with prediabetes and the beginning stages of hypertension did that to a person.

After weighing the cons of leaving against the advantages of another cup of coffee—a freshly brewed cup that was actually good—the coffee won. He was tired and already having doubts about living with his grandparents.

Ironically, he didn’t find living Plain as difficult an adjustment as living with his grandparents. They were good people but set in their ways. Jonny had essentially lived on his own for quite a while. When he was in high school, he’d switched back and forth between his parents’ houses all the time. They’d made sure he had what he needed but hadn’t come close to watching his every move. He was the youngest of four children, and his parents had busy lives. He was used to being independent and being by himself a lot.

Things were completely different at the farm. Not only did his mommi and dawdi enjoy eating breakfast and supper with him, they also wanted to visit about his day. Sometimes for a whole hour. Sometimes two.

He loved them but needed some space.

And yes, some caffeine, because he was still having a difficult time adjusting to his grandparents’ normal schedule.

Decision made, he put Alan’s “BE BACK SOON” sign on the door, locked it, and hopped on his bike.

Pedaling down the road that Brandon had mentioned, Jonny took a moment to appreciate the many changes that had recently taken place in his life. Eighteen months ago, he’d sat with his two sisters and older brother, commiserating on their collective discontent.

Being the youngest, he’d kept his mouth closed for most of the conversation. He’d been a college sophomore and bored with classes, though he’d known a lot of people who felt the same way.

His sisters and Martin had described a whole lot of other problems, though. And it wasn’t just dissatisfaction with jobs or current relationships. It was a yearning for a completely different way of life.

They’d yearned to live like their grandparents did. He’d been so swept up in their dreams—and the idea of doing something collectively—that he’d gone with his siblings to talk to their mommi and dawdi. Eventually, it was decided that only Martin and Kelsey would live “Amish” at first, because they’d learned that there was a whole lot more to becoming Amish than a simple desire to live off the grid.

Martin and Kelsey had learned a lot that year. Martin had mixed feelings, while Kelsey felt like she’d fit in from the very start. She’d even married an Amish preacher!

Now it was his turn to live Amish.

He’d quit college and moved in with Josiah and Sylvia with little worries. And then, just as he was working in a field, he saw a group of Amish men and women about his age riding electric bikes on the hills around the farm.

One conversation led to the next, and eventually, he’d gotten hired at the Landen Bicycle Shop. Alan was New Order Amish, had an affinity and a heart for mission work overseas, and was eager for Jonny to take over the business.

It truly felt as if the Lord had paved the way for him.

He was still waiting for his heart to catch up, though. He didn’t want to simply find living Amish easy. He wanted to yearn to be Amish. He wanted to feel as if he was going to honor the Lord by living Plain.

He hadn’t had the nerve to share his thoughts with anyone, however. It felt too selfish and maybe too self-centered to share his goals with his grandparents.

He’d also begun to realize that his thoughts weren’t exactly in line with Martin’s and Beth’s. Martin and Beth were feeling torn not only about becoming Amish but also about their jobs and their relationships with their parents. He might be wrong, but he didn’t want to do anything to make them feel like their struggles weren’t important or valued.

Richard, Kelsey’s preacher husband, had once told him that each man and woman had to take his or her own path in life. He’d reminded Jonny that the Lord was with him and that was whom he should look for to be by his side.

Jonny believed Richard, but he also wasn’t sure his faith was that strong. He needed his grandparents’ and siblings’ support in addition to God’s.

Sometimes he wondered if God got frustrated with him, because He’d obviously been the one to give Jonny such a wonderful family in the first place.

A pair of passing walkers pulled his attention back to his need for coffee . . . and there was the Trailside Café. Down a little path next to an Amish house with a large front porch and gorgeous garden. The store truly was in a converted barn, but that was where the easy description of it ended.

It was like nothing he’d ever imagined finding on an Amish farm. The owners had put in a glass-and-metal garage door in the front that replaced the barn’s door. It let in lots of light and allowed customers to be greeted by steel beams, metal and wooden tables and chairs, and gorgeous primitive-looking quilts hung from some of the rafters.

Honestly, it looked like a place one would find in Aspen, Colorado, or Lake Tahoe. Somewhere expensive and trendy. Not on a farm off a bike trail in Walden, Ohio.

To his surprise, there were two cars and a number of bicycles parked nearby. Perhaps it wasn’t as far off the beaten path as he’d thought.

He slowly rode his bike to an area off to the side and parked it on one of the many black iron bike racks. Their design was yet another unexpected and strangely cool feature.

When he entered the red barn, he was greeted by the scent of coffee, the sound of laughter and conversation, and a bakery window with three different kinds of baked goods.

Also behind the counter was an incredible-looking espresso machine—one that looked like it would be found in a fancy coffee shop in a high-end area of a major city.

There was also a line of people, a golden retriever on a leash, a dark grey cat curled up on the top of a couch, and a whole lot of framed prints of inked drawings of people and animals. The prints were a nice contrast to the quilts hanging from the ceiling and the stained-concrete rust-colored floor.

Every bit of it looked fantastic and inviting. Brandon had absolutely not been exaggerating about the place.

Hopefully, the coffee wouldn’t be a disappointment.

“Bennett! Here you go,” a woman called out as she entered the area from a back room. “A whole pan of apricot bars, just for you.”

“Just for me and my whole office,” a woman corrected. “Even I couldn’t eat a whole pan of these beauties.”

“At least not in one sitting, ain’t so?”

“You got me there. Thanks, Treva. You’ve just made me look like a hero.”

“Surely not.” Treva’s green eyes sparkled underneath perfectly formed dark eyebrows and wisps of raven-colored hair that was gathered at her nape and covered by a white kapp.

“It’s true,” the woman said. “Thanks again for making them special.”

“Thank you for ordering them.” She popped a hand on her hip, looking just like a saucy barmaid in a pub out of an Irish movie or novel. After taking the woman’s money, she moved to stand in front of the coffee machine. “Now, who’s next?” She scanned the area. Seemed to take in each person individually.

And then settled on him.

Their eyes met. Jonny felt his insides twist and settle. Just as if his entire being had simply been waiting to meet her.

Man, where had that thought come from?

“Hi,” he said. Because he couldn’t think of anything better.

She blinked, giving him a better look at her long eyelashes. “Hi. You’re new.”

“Yes,” he replied. “I am.”

Her full lips parted. For a second, Jonny could’ve sworn he’d spied a look of longing in her eyes.

“I’m next, Treva,” a woman in her fifties or sixties called out. “Sorry, you didn’t see me. I was looking at the pastry case.”

“I’m glad you were looking, Joan. What would you like today?” She smiled. “If you’re wanting to try something new, my coconut butterscotch bars are delightful.”

“I bet. But . . . I better stick to my usual. A large cup of coffee, black, and an orange and chocolate scone.”

“Gotcha.”

Standing five people back, Jonny heard conversations begin again. He opened the door for the woman holding the dish of apricot bars and even leaned down to pet the golden retriever when it nudged his leg.

He felt like he was in a different place. Like Brigadoon or in the middle of the Harry Potter World at Universal. Somewhere that he’d stumbled upon but immediately felt as if he’d been there before. Or, at the very least, that he wanted to be there for a little while longer.

Somewhere that was familiar but unexpectedly different. But someplace that made him feel good. And wanted.

The only problem was that he feared it was the beauty of the woman behind the counter that made him feel that way. Sure, she was striking, but it was her personality that had made him entranced.

Treva seemed to be an artless combination of sweetness and spice. That appealed to him. He wanted to watch her make coffee, listen to her talk to everyone in line, and linger nearby for hours.

Just to hear what was going to come out of her mouth next.

As Treva continued to wait on each customer like they were doing her a favor by asking her to make them lattes, he was barely able to look away. He was captivated.

He hoped she didn’t already have a boyfriend or husband, but how could she not? She was Amish, and the Amish guys he knew weren’t idiots. They’d do everything they could to capture her smile.

He knew he was going to try, just in case everyone in the entire Walden area was blind.

It was as if the Lord had taken all the best parts of a man, mixed them together, and came up with him. As Treva stood behind the counter and patiently waited for the couple to pick out their choices, she couldn’t help but eye the gorgeous man standing behind them.

He wasn’t Amish. At least, she didn’t think so. He was dressed kind of Plain, but it wasn’t a real match. Instead, he looked like he was balancing two worlds, which was a ridiculous thing for her to even be thinking about. Was it even possible to be both Plain and fancy?

She hadn’t thought so. Reuben certainly hadn’t.

Annoyed that her ex-boyfriend had crossed her mind even for a second, Treva smiled at the couple on the other side of the counter.

“Are you still deciding?”

“I’m afraid so, hon,” the lady said. “Everything looks so good.” As if she was suddenly aware that there were people behind her and her husband, she turned to the perfect man standing behind them. “I’m so sorry. I won’t be but a second more.”

“Take your time. I’m good.”

Oh! Now that he was standing closer, she noticed that he had a deep, scratchy voice! Unable to help herself, she glanced at him again.

She should be ashamed of herself, but how could she help it? He was standing right in front of her.

“I’ll take the scone . . .