His Amish Sweetheart

His Amish Sweetheart
Jo Ann Brown

An Amish ReunionNathaniel Zook returns to his Amish community of Paradise Springs after inheriting his grandparents’ alpaca farm—but knows nothing of the furry creatures. Only one person can teach him what he needs to save his family’s homestead. But his childhood best friend, Esther Stoltzfus, still the pretty tomboy he remembers, is unusually reluctant. Nathaniel suggests the schoolteacher bring along some students so they can all learn together. Suddenly, the sweet alpacas and a dear young orphaned boy are bringing Nathaniel and Esther closer than ever. Yet he’ll have to risk sharing all that’s in his heart to form the family he always dreamed of.Amish Hearts: Love comes to Lancaster County.

An Amish Reunion

Nathaniel Zook returns to his Amish community of Paradise Springs after inheriting his grandparents’ alpaca farm—but knows nothing of the furry creatures. Only one person can teach him what he needs to know to save his family’s homestead. But his childhood best friend, Esther Stoltzfus, still the pretty tomboy he remembers, is unusually reluctant. Nathaniel suggests the schoolteacher bring along some students so they can all learn together. Suddenly, the sweet alpacas and a dear young orphaned boy are bringing Nathaniel and Esther closer than ever. Yet he’ll have to risk sharing all that’s in his heart to form the family he always dreamed of.

“Danki for your help today, Esther.”

“I’m glad you’re my friend. You’ve been my friend since we were kinder, and I hope you’ll be my friend for the rest of our lives.” She put her hand out and clasped his. Giving it a squeeze, she started to release it and turn away.

Nathaniel’s fingers closed over hers, keeping her where she stood. She couldn’t look away from his eyes. She longed to discover what he was thinking.

Suddenly she stiffened. What was she thinking? Hadn’t she decided she needed to make sure he knew friendship was all they should share? She drew her arm away, and, after a moment’s hesitation, he lifted his fingers from her arm.

“Ja,” he said. “I’m glad, too, we’re always going to be friends. It’s for the best.”

“For us and for Jacob.”

“Of course for Jacob, too.” A cool smile settled on his lips. “That’s what I meant.”

“I know.” She took another step away. She couldn’t remember ever being less than honest with Nathaniel before. But it was for his own gut.

She had to believe that, but she hadn’t guessed facing the truth would be so painful.

JO ANN BROWN has always loved stories with happy-ever-after endings. A former military officer, she is thrilled to have the chance to write stories about people falling in love. She is also a photographer, and she travels with her husband of more than thirty years to places where she can snap pictures. They live in Nevada with three children and a spoiled cat. Drop her a note at joannbrownbooks.com (http://www.joannbrownbooks.com).

His Amish

Sweetheart

Jo Ann Brown

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

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

—Esther 4:14

For John Jakaitis

Thank you for helping us find our way home.

Contents

Cover (#u968610cb-0534-535a-9990-2f469b903881)

Back Cover Text (#u85c10e0e-fd5a-50b8-a13b-5d75f1cf2d25)

Introduction (#ud7052fcd-6c3c-5122-b87c-598138d87b9f)

About the Author (#u60e00b52-ffd2-5d9a-9ffa-940f9fc52bd9)

Title Page (#u9af133cf-1c87-574b-9124-227b64696769)

Bible Verse (#ubfea8619-1129-5c40-9671-771bfe77dfed)

Dedication (#ucc57f49c-930e-5f6d-a80a-fd11b5e273c9)

Chapter One (#u6073ed1a-c88e-544a-9811-48fc71c4b176)

Chapter Two (#uf550baf6-7502-5a16-8625-da0f10259d30)

Chapter Three (#u3e31f271-ef92-5645-97fb-6b767fae0e30)

Chapter Four (#u7d3f2c1d-c581-5250-9ac4-bd2ce9589568)

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)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One (#ulink_55603b93-492b-510e-8fff-5094e7c71467)