The Shepherd's Bride

The Shepherd's Bride
Patricia Davids

Finding RefugeShunned by the Amish community, shepherd Carl King has given up on his dream for a family. Yet when captivating Lizzie Barkman shows up at the sheep farm where he works, Carl sees the wife he once dreamed of. Lizzie is looking for a new start, for herself and her sisters, and discovers Carl to be a kind and gentle man who cares deeply about the Amish way of life. But he is under the bann. Is it possible that this forbidden man holds the key to her family's safety–and the one to her heart?Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People

Finding Refuge

Shunned by the Amish community, shepherd Carl King has given up on his dream for a family. Yet when captivating Lizzie Barkman shows up at the sheep farm where he works, Carl sees the wife he once dreamed of. Lizzie is looking for a new start, for herself and her sisters, and discovers Carl to be a kind and gentle man who cares deeply about the Amish way of life. But he is under the bann. Is it possible that this forbidden man holds the key to her family’s safety—and the one to her heart?

Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People

“Is it time for me to bring in more sheep?” Lizzie asked.

“It’s time for a rest and some lunch.”

She grimaced as she rubbed her hands together. “I had no idea their wool could be so greasy.”

“It’s lanolin. It gives you soft skin.” Carl held out his hand. She ran her fingers across his palm. He inhaled sharply as his heart beat faster.

She must’ve sensed something, because her gaze locked with his. He wanted more than the brief touch of her fingers. He wanted to hold her hand. To reach out and pull her close. He wanted to learn everything there was to know about this amazing woman.

She quickly turned away. “I’d better get something ready for lunch. I hope cold sandwiches will be okay.”

“That will be fine.”

“Goot.”

He watched her hurry away and wished he had a reason to call her back.

PATRICIA DAVIDS

After thirty-five years as a nurse, Pat has hung up her stethoscope to become a full-time writer. She enjoys spending her new free time visiting her grandchildren, doing some long-overdue yard work and traveling to research her story locations. She resides in Wichita, Kansas. Pat always enjoys hearing from her readers. You can visit her on the web at www.patriciadavids.com (http://www.patriciadavids.com).

The Shepherd’s Bride

Patricia Davids

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:

he shall gather the lambs with his arm,

and carry them in his bosom, and shall

gently lead those that are with young.

—Isaiah 40:11

This book is dedicated with endearing love

to my lambs, Kathy, Josh and Shantel.

Contents

Chapter One (#u821d79e5-fe67-5d1f-a7b0-2e4ec6b844a4)

Chapter Two (#u6a9b14dd-bd44-5962-81d6-0d1ae4683fdc)

Chapter Three (#u5c415f76-bff4-5fb7-a758-9b1e60dc44ba)

Chapter Four (#u28311ae1-7680-584b-a8c5-3abcc7c76248)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Questions for Discussion (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

“You can’t be serious.” Lizzie Barkman gaped at her older sister, Clara, in shock.

Seated on the edge of the bed in the room the four Barkman sisters shared, Clara kept her eyes downcast. “It’s not such a bad thing.”

Lizzie fell to her knees beside Clara and took hold of her icy hands. “It’s not a bad thing. It’s a horrible thing. You can’t marry Rufus Kuhns. He’s put two wives in the ground already. Besides, he’s thirty years older than you are.”

“Onkel wishes this.”