Hallie Reads: The Amish Bachelor’s Bride

23 January 2023

The Amish Bachelor’s Bride | Excerpt + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

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?

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: January 24, 2023

EXCERPT

Humble, Wisconsin
Present day

The sky was leaden, the day as cold and overcast as Noem Witzel felt inside. Chilly fingers of a gusty spring wind tugged at his long coat, drawing its folds away from his body. Barely aware of his surroundings, he watched the cemetery workers lower the coffin into its place deep in the ground. The bishop stood at the head of the grave, reading a passage from the Bible.

The wind kicked up, caressing the nape of his neck. Shivering, Noem drew the little girl standing beside him closer to shield her from the elements. Bundled in a coat and mittens and holding a stuffed bear in one arm, his four-year-old niece sniffled. Bewildered by the loss of her mamm, she clutched his hand for dear life. It was too early in the morning for youngies to be out, but it was the only time the bishop was available to conduct the services.

Throat tightening with emotion, he glanced to his right. His daed, Gabriel, stood nearby, dressed in black from head to toe. Bitter agony etched the old man’s features. A few feet away, the Englisch woman he’d hired to bring them to the cemetery cradled a swaddled infant. Unhappy in the stranger’s arms, his nephew released a piteous wail.

Noem blinked against the blur rimming his vision. Three days ago, his schwester had passed away. Left behind were her two small kinder.

Ending his prayer, the bishop closed his Bible. Bending, he scraped up a handful of soil and cast it into the grave. The dirt struck the top of the coffin, scattering atop the plain wooden surface.

“Here lies Callie Evans,” he intoned. “May her soul rest in the hands of the Lord.”

“Amen,” the small group finished, concluding the simple service. Apart from the bishop and gravediggers, no other folks from the community were in attendance.

Following the bishop’s lead, Noem also scooped up a handful of the dirt. He tossed it into the depths, as did Gabriel. Confused by the ritual, Penelope stood motionless. It hadn’t yet registered that her mamm was gone forever.

“It’s okay, Penny,” he said, trying to reassure the little girl over the sound of her bruder’s wails. “We’re going to take care of you and Jesse.”

She looked at him with sad eyes. “I want to go home.”

Heart squeezed by her plaintive plea, he choked back a sob.

This is going to be so hard.

“I wish you could. I know you’re scared, but you’re going to have to live with me and your groossdaadi now.”

Lips quivering, Penelope dropped her head. Her grip on the stuffed bear she held tightened. “Is Mamma coming soon?”

Despair twisted his insides. Feeling as if he’d been attacked by a beast from a dark place, he attempted to keep his emotions in check. “No. She isn’t.”

Miserable and shivering, Penelope buried her face in the faux fur toy. “I want Mamma.” A sob racked her body.

Noem said nothing. Now wasn’t the time. Later, he would sit down and try to explain why she’d never see her mamm again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Kindle Fire 7!

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

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.

TOUR SCHEDULE

JustRead Publicity Tours