Showing posts with label Pamela Desmond Wright. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pamela Desmond Wright. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright

 An Amish Widow's Hope

Book Summary

Regrets from the past
could lead to a chance for redemption…

After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.

My Thoughts

An Amish Widow’s Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright presents a thoughtfully crafted and encouraging narrative. The character development of Isla and Evan is well executed, with each facing distinct personal challenges. The portrayal of Isla drawing upon her faith to address the trauma of a break-in and theft is particularly notable. The depiction realistically reflects the difficulty individuals may experience in regaining a sense of security following such incidents.  I loved Aunt Hazel, Stewart the raccoon, and Hambone the pig (love the name).  The story explores themes such as hope, faith, redemption, love, family, mercy, and the concept of second chances. Additionally, the element of mystery was particularly engaging.  An Amish Widow’s Hope is a heartfelt tale with a bad break-in, cute kids, an animated aunt, a Hambone in the bedroom, grief and guilt, finding faith, and a second chance at romance. 

An Amish Widow’s Hope is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Pamela Desmond Wright has Her Reluctant Amish Heart coming out July 28. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Wednesday, January 28 I will be featuring Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan.  I am off to an appointment with my mother (hopefully--she has been trying to get out of it since yesterday) and then to stock up on provisions for the cold settles in tonight.  My new electric blanket arrived just in time.  It should not get down to freezing in Florida (my parents moved us to the Sunshine State to avoid this type of weather--I will need to remind myself of this in July)!  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright

 Her Amish Refuge
Book Summary

Could her safe haven in a storm

Be a path back to her faith?

Caught in a blizzard pregnant and alone, former Amish woman Florene Schroder stumbles upon an unexpected sanctuary on an Amish farm. She never expects her rescuer to be Gil Kestler, a gentle giant from the community she left behind years ago. Forced together as they brave the storm, their wounded hearts slowly begin to warm toward one another. But as the snow starts to melt, can they conquer their fears to embrace love…or will the secrets they harbor keep them apart?

My Thoughts

I enjoyed Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright.  I was quickly drawn into the story, and I kept reading until I finished reading it.  I liked that the story had romance, family drama, and suspense.   Gil was a unique main character.  He is a tall fellow (around seven feet tall) which would make him stand out in an Amish community.  I felt for Gil and how an incident from childhood shaped his life.  I wanted to strangle Gil’s brother, Eli, and his wife.  Talk about a selfish pair of individuals.  They did not seem to appreciate the wonderful life that they had on the farm.  My heart went out to Florene. I liked that she could look past Gil’s size to see the wonderful man inside.  

Faith was beautifully woven into the story.  I marked several passages that spoke to me.  I was especially drawn to the area where Florene speaks to Pastor Michael. I was amazed at the strength of Gil’s faith.  I wish mine was as strong as his. While Her Amish Refuge is part of the Schroder sister’s series, it can be read as a standalone.  It was great to catch up with all the Schroder sisters.  Her Amish Refuge is a tender tale with a raging blizzard, a gentle giant, an injured lady, a narcissistic couple, a bawling baby, a compassionate mother, and a hopeful future.

Her Amish Refuge is available from Amazon as well as other major booksellers (you can find it at Walmart too).  The other Schroder Sister books are Bonding Over the Amish Baby, Her Surprise Amish Match, and The Cowboy's Amish Haven. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other books here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Wednesday, April 30, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Lizzie's Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne.  It is the eighth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  I hope that you will join me.  I am off to work on my bedroom closet.  I am not sure how it happened, but it is a mess (I can barely step inside my closet to look at my clothes).  I need to remove everything which will allow me to organize, straighten, and get rid of anything that I do not need.  I am in for a tedious afternoon, but the results will be worth it.  I hope that your afternoon will be more entertaining than mine!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright

 Her Surprise Amish Match
Book Summary

They have nothing in common…

Until an unexpected matchmaker proves them wrong

Amish business owner Amity Schroder can’t stand her neighbor Ethan Zehr. Sharing a building for their individual shops has never been easy, since the stern widower bristles at every one of Amity’s too-progressive business ideas. So when Amity starts to fall for her new anonymous pen pal, she knows there’s no way it could be Ethan. Their constant arguments are nothing like the heartfelt letters she’s been receiving. But as she gets closer to discovering her secret admirer’s identity, will she let the truth stand in the way of her happiness?

My Thoughts

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright is a charming story.  I found this sweet story to be easy to read.  I enjoyed getting to know Amity Schroeder as well as Ethan Zehr and his family.  Amity is smart, kind, has an easy-going nature, forgiving, and outspoken. Amity has a good head for business and has found a way to incorporate English technology into her business.  Ethan is a widower with two children and his father is living with them as well.  The family is looking for a fresh start.  Ethan is straightlaced and is not open to embracing English technology.  It leads to some amusing and sticky situations.  There are good life lessons in the story. Faith was nicely woven into the story.  The book has family, hope, love, forgiveness, and faith.  Her Surprise Amish Match is a heartwarming tale with delectable coffee, a Wi-Fi quandary, building boundaries, a matchmaking dilemma, a rebellious son, and a lasting love.  

Her Surprise Amish Match is available from Amazon*.  Pamela Desmond Wright has Her Amish Refuge coming out April 29, 2025. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other books here. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, August 27 with An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly.  It is the debut of A Mercy McCarthy Mysteries.  I have a new activity to do.  I have a bookcase to put together for my mother.  She had a small bookshelf in her bathroom to hold a random assortment of items, but now she wants a taller one (I am amazed at what she fits into that small room).  I measured the space and actually found a bookcase that will fit.  I just hope the directions are clear.  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have a restful weekend.  We all need time to recharge our batteries (and read books).  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The Amish Bachelor's Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright

 The Amish Bachelor's Bride

The Amish Bachelor's Bride JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Amish Bachelor's Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Amish Bachelor's Bride Title: The Amish Bachelor's Bride 
Author: Pamela Desmond Wright 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: January 24, 2023 
Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance, Amish Fiction

Marrying in name only…

Could lead to more than they expected 

Single mother Lavinia Simmons’s world is turned upside down when she discovers her late husband gambled away their home. A quick marriage of convenience to bachelor Noem Witzel in return for caring for his niece and nephew is the solution both Lavinia and Noem need. Neither of them is looking for romance. But what if these perfect strangers have other ideas?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub


About the Author

Pamela Desmond Wright

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparents' cabin. The cabin was later donated to The Muleshoe Heritage Center in Muleshoe Texas where it can be viewed by the public.

Connect with Pamela by visiting pameladesmondwright.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


My Thoughts

The Amish Bachelor’s Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright is a sweet story.  I was immediately drawn into the book.  I was curious to see how Noem and Lavinia’s story would play out.  Noem is going to raise his young niece and infant nephew after the death of his younger sister.  Lavinia is a widow with a young daughter to raise.  Lavinia discovered her husband had a surprising secret which has forced her to sell her home.  Bishop James Grabor suggests that Lavinia and Noem marry for convenience.  Noem and Lavinia need to find a way to work together for the sake of the children.  Matters are further complicated by Noem’s grumpy father, Gabriel.  Gabriel has not been the same since his wife died.  

I thought The Amish Bachelor’s Bride was well-written with engaging characters.  I enjoyed Lavinia’s large, friendly family.  Noem has been interested in Lavinia when they were teens on their rumspringa.  Unfortunately, by the time Noem worked up the courage to ask Lavinia out, she was stepping out with her future husband, Josiah.  The Amish Bachelor’s Bride is a story about forgiveness, family, love, and faith.  I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the story.  I enjoyed the humor scattered throughout.  It was nice to catch up with Abram Mueller, Lavinia’s brother, and his wife, Maddie from Finding Her Amish Home.  I hope we get more stories about the Mueller clan.  The Amish Bachelor’s Bride is a touching tale with a benevolent bishop, a peevish father, an unforeseen secret, a shunned sister, and a lively family.

Excerpt

Lifting the blinds of the kitchen window, Lavinia Simmons gazed over the fenced-in yard. A glance told her the day was going to be dim. A brisk wind flicked at the trees. The threat of a storm hung in the air.

She searched for a bit of cheer. April showers bring May flowers.

Looking outside, she couldn’t help but think of her ehmann. The first stirrings of spring used to be Josiah’s favorite time of the year. He’d worked hard to landscape the acreage surrounding the home he’d built with his own hands. The whitewashed house nestled amid lovingly planted gardens, where a variety of plants grew in lush abundance. After a long, frosty winter, the eager buds were beginning to raise their sleepy heads. Soon, they would burst into an array of colorful blossoms.

Spring was a renewal, a resurrection. Not only of the spirit but also of hope. Just as the Heavenly Father promised.

But this year Josiah wouldn’t celebrate the coming of the new season. His eyes were forever closed, and his soul rested in the hands of the Lord. The accident that had almost taken his young nephew’s life had taken Josiah’s instead. Though the youngie was warned to stay away from the frozen pond, Eli had wandered onto the ice. Weak and not yet frozen solid, the fragile surface had given way, plunging the kinder into freezing water. Chopping wood nearby, Josiah heard Eli’s cries and rushed to help. He’d gotten the boi out safely, but not before taking on a chill. Rushed to the hospital, he’d died a few hours later of respiratory system failure brought on by hypothermia. His death was sudden and unexpected.

j

Vision blurring, she pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. Josiah had passed last November, just before the holidays. Healthy and in the prime of life, he should have had a bright future.

But Gott had other plans.

“Lavinia?” Her bruder’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Did you hear a word I’ve said?”

Swiping at her eyes, Lavinia turned away from the window. “Forgive me. My mind wandered. Give me a minute and I’ll have some tea ready.”

Peering over the rim of his glasses, Abram Mueller offered a smile. “Take your time. I’m still going over the paperwork that will close the mortgage and get everything out of Josiah’s name.”

“I’m sorry you’re having to help me.” Flipping on the tap, Lavinia filled a kettle with water before setting it on the stove. After adding loose tea leaves to a metal ball, she dropped it inside to steep. Stomach going tight, her hands shook. “I’m still shocked to find out he mortgaged our home without my knowledge.”

Setting out her best china, she filled two delicate cups with the tarry brew. The scent of bergamot tickled her nostrils as steam rose. A hot cup of Earl Grey would be just the thing to set her right. Having added a pitcher of fresh cream and a bowl of sugar to a tray, she carried everything to the table.

Expression serious, Abram scribbled a few figures. “The property should have been in both of your names. Then he couldn’t have gambled away the roof over your head.”

Lavinia sat, smoothing her hands across her lap. “I wish it was all a bad dream.” After his death, she’d discovered Josiah had kept a lot of secrets. Her perfect ehmann was a deeply flawed man.

Abram shook his head. “There would have come a point when he had to tell you he couldn’t make the payments anymore.”

She blinked. Barely five months had gone by since Josiah died. In that brief time, her life had fallen completely apart.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Kindle Fire 7!

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

The Amish Bachelor's Bride JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 23, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 30, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

The Amish Bachelor's Bride is available from Amazon*.  You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other novels here.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway.  You can click here to enter.  Good Luck!  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on Together for the Twins by Laurel Blount.  I am off to do some organizing.  I am trying to get the closets and cabinets organized (tired of hunting for things).  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Friday, July 15, 2022

Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

 Finding Her Amish Home

Finding Her Amish Home JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


Finding Her Amish Home
Title: Finding Her Amish Home 
Series: Humble Blessings #1 
Author: Pamela Desmond Wright 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: June 28, 2022 
Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance, Christian 

What she wants more than anything 

Could also be the most dangerous… 

After her twin sister’s death, Maddie Baum flees to Wisconsin Amish country with her nephew in tow in the hopes of protecting him from his criminal father. Befriending Amish shopkeeper Abram Mueller gives her a glimpse of the happiness she’s been yearning for all along. Can she find a fresh start with Abram—or will old sins tear them apart? 

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

pamela desmond wright  

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of  the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparent’s cabin. She also loves needlepoint and has dozens of projects to work on! Someday, she hopes to move into van life, living on the road as a traveling writer.

CONNECT WITH PAMELA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

My Thoughts

Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright is a heartwarming story.  I thought Finding Her Amish Home was beautifully written with realistic, developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Maddie Baum and Abram Mueller.  We also get to meet Abram’s extended family plus Wanetta Graff, Maddie’s landlady. Abram is a kindhearted man with a beautiful soul.  He is warm, understanding, patient, and generous.  It was wonderful how he related to Josh, Maddie’s nephew/son and helped him.  We learn about Abram’s past which actually helped to make him into the man he is today.  The community of Humble, Wisconsin is a charming setting.  There is a warm, welcoming Amish community.  I liked how Englischers, and Amish come together on Saturday evenings in the park.    This is a unique Amish book.  It is not your traditional story.  I enjoyed how the faith element was woven into the story.  It is well-done without being preachy.  

Finding Her Amish Home has compassion, generosity, understanding, love, faith, patience, friendship, and family.  All the elements work together to deliver an emotional, tender story. My favorite phrase from Finding Her Amish Home is, “The Lord warns that we will have tribulations.  Not if, but when. And faith means knowing He will hold us close as we walk through the gloom and lead us back to the light.”  I look forward to more stories set in Humble, Wisconsin.  Finding Her Amish Home is a warmhearted tale with a belligerent boy, a caring community, sociable skating, kinship in the park, welcome work, a terrifying trouble, and a generous God.  

Excerpt


Looking forward to a relaxing evening visiting with other parents, Maddie slipped behind the wheel. A twist of the ignition bought the engine stuttering to life. Painted a patchy blue and rusty in spots, the Chevy probably should have been retired at least a decade ago. Still, the engine ran, the brakes worked and the tires weren't too bad. The old vehicle tended to overheat in high temperatures, but if the radiator was full of water, it kept chugging down the road.

She was grateful to have it. Not only did it keep her mobile, but it had also given her the ability to pack up and leave Pennsylvania behind. After learning Josh’s father was due to be released from prison, she’d decided it would be safer to disappear before he showed up on their doorstep.


Reaching up to adjust the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of her pale, pinched features. The last five years had taken their toll on her, mentally, physically and emotionally. And now, the man who’d caused all the angst in her life wanted custody of his son.


Fingers circling the steering wheel, Maddie felt the specter of panic rise in her chest. A tight, squeezing sensation wrapped itself around her lungs. A chilly grip seized her spine, digging sharp claws deep into the marrow of her bones. So warm a moment ago, she was suddenly freezing cold. The blood in her veins felt as frozen an arctic glacier.

She’d learned that even if a person had a kind face, goodness wasn’t always abundant in their hearts. Some people, cruel in spirit and black in their souls, set out to deliberately hurt others.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Main Prize - (1) winner will receive a Kindle eReader 1st runner-up
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card 2nd runner-up
(1) winner will receive a signed print copy of Finding her Amish Home and a King James version of the Bible

Finding Her Amish Home JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. For the full tour schedule click here. Giveaway began at midnight July 12, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 19, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway Here

Finding Her Amish Home is available from Amazon*.  The author has The Amish Bachelor's Bride publishing on January 23, 2023 and it can be pre-ordered here.  If you follow Pamela Desmond Wright on Amazon, you will receive a notification when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway (click here to enter).  Good Luck!  On Monday, I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Books Tours for The Sign of the Calico Quartz by Jan Drexler.  It is the debut of The Sweetbriar Inn Mysteries.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday, December 11, 2021

The Cowboy's Amish Haven by Pamela Desmond Wright: Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

 

The Cowboy's Amish Haven

The Cowboy's Amish Haven JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Cowboy's Amish Haven by Pamela Desmond Wright, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Cowboy's Amish Haven

Title: The Cowboy's Amish Haven
Author: Pamela Desmond Wright
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: August 24, 2021
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance 

Her home and her heart are on the line… 

On the same day Gail Schroder’s faced with losing her Amish family ranch, her old crush Levi Wyse shows up on her doorstep. He doesn’t know that when he left ten years ago he'd taken Gail’s heart with him. Now Levi’s her only hope of keeping a roof over her head. But can this cowboy teach Gail the ropes in time to save her home? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

pamela desmond wright 

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparent’s cabin. She also loves needlepoint and has dozens of projects to work on! Someday, she hopes to move into van life, living on the road as a traveling writer.

CONNECT WITH PAMELA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize: (1) winner will receive a Kindle eReader 1st runner up: (1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card 2nd runner up: (1) winner will receive a signed print copy of The Cowboy's Amish Haven and King James Version of the Bible

The Cowboy's Amish Haven JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 7, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 14, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


My Thoughts

The Cowboy’s Amish Haven by Pamela Desmond Wright is a charming and unique Amish novel.  I thought the story was well-written with likeable characters.  I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of Texas.  The author brought the vistas alive with her word imagery.  The story moved along at a gentle pace that suited the book.  I liked that this was different from other Amish stories.  I thought the storylines were realistic.  Grief, stolen money, debt, and the struggle of running a ranch are explored.  I liked that Levi Wyse was a rodeo rider who traveled around the country from one rodeo to the next.  Levi pulls his trailer along that is the home to him and his adorable five years son, Seth.  I just loved Seth.  He added lightness and humor to the story as well as that “ahhh” factor.  We get to see the realities of ranching (branding the calves, the struggle with the weather) and of being a rodeo rider.  I thought the author captured it very well.  The faith element was nicely done.  It hit just the right mark for me.  There is tension in the story that will have you eager to see how things turn out for Gail, Levi, Seth, and the Schroder sisters.  I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up this book.  I hope we get a book for each of Gail’s sisters.  I would like to see how their stories play out.  This was the first book that I have read by Pamela Desmond Wright and I look forward to reading more of her stories. The Cowboy’s Amish Haven is a unique Amish tale with bucking broncos, filched funds, wild weather, a precious puppy, rough realities, a sweet son, and a rare romance.

Excerpt

Pulling back her shoulders and leveling her chin, Gail walked down the steps. Gravel crunched under her heels as she marched toward a white fence with a wrought iron gate that kept people from entering the property. Ezra Weaver dutifully followed.

Pasting a polite smile on her face, Gail peered through the bars. "Guder mariye," she said, out of habit using the language she'd been raised to speak.

The driver slid out of his truck. Tall and blond, he was dressed in jeans, boots and a plaid checkered work shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows. He looked like any cowboy roaming the open plains.

"Guder mariye," he returned, tipping the wide brim of his straw hat.

Her brows rose. His pronunciation was decent enough. "Can I help you?" she asked, switching to English.

The visitor shifted to get a better view through the gate. His gaze widened, as did his grin. "Gail? You sure grew up."

The fine hairs on the back of her neck rose. "Do I know you?"

The man took off his hat, giving her a better view of his face. A blond layer of stubble roughened his skin. "Well, I hope so."

Gail searched for recognition. His eyes were his most arresting feature. Irises the shade of an icy arctic lake sparkled. Wry amusement slanted his mouth.

Noticing her lag, he took a step closer. "It’s Levi," he prodded. "Levi Wyse."

Blood drained from her face. No. It couldn’t be. This man didn't look like the boy she remembered. A thin scar marred his right cheek, and the slightly crooked set of his nose indicated a break or two throughout his life. His skin was deeply tanned, and small lines etched the outer corners of his eyes. A few character lines touched his mouth and chin. His voice, too, was deep, but mellow.

An image she'd put away long ago flashed across her mind’s screen. When she'd last laid eyes on Levi, he'd had a huskier build and still wore his hair in the bowl cut favored by most Amish men. Now he had the lean and hard frame of a working man, and his hair was cut in the sleek combed-back style favored by most Texas cowboys. He'd replaced the clothes he'd once worn as one of the Plain folks with Western-style wear. Shedding his past, he'd gone English.

She blinked, quizzical. "Levi?" Saying his name felt odd. "Is that really you?"

He bobbed his head. "Gail? You look as pretty as I remember."

"It has been ten years," she said, brushing off his compliment. "People change."

He dropped his gaze. "I know I left without saying anything. I should have stayed in touch."

Launching a frown, Gail folded her arms. "That’s a poor way to say you’re sorry."

He toyed with the hat in his hand. "I guess I owe you all an apology."

She offered a tight nod. "You do."

When Levi ran away, she was on the cusp of fourteen. His departure had crushed her. He didn't know it, but he'd taken her heart with him.

Now he was back.

What did he want? 

The Cowboy's Amish Haven is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Pamela Desmond Wright on Amazon to receive email updates when she releases a new book.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back on Monday with Pride, Prejudice, and Peril by Kate Oliver.  It is the first book in A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery series.  How is everyone doing with the holiday decorating?  I have started on the inside.  I am glad that I do not have to put lights on the tree.  Of course, I still need to shape it before I can start putting on the ornament.  I keep hoping elves will come at night and complete some of the work for me.  I hope you day is a joyful one and your weekend is restful.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.