The Hope of Spring: Part 3

By Wanda E Brunstetter

Book 3 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial novel.  In The Hope of Spring, part three of New York Times Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunsetter’s The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga, Meredith Stoltzfus is trying to piece her life back together, while in a hospital miles away, a young man is fighting for his life and remains in a coma. . . . Weeks away from the baby being born, Meredith has never been so scared. She aches for Luke and knows her baby will need his father. She’s nearly out of money; can she somehow manage to provide for herself and her baby—alone? 

The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga
Book 1 - Goodbye to Yesterday
Book 2 - The Silence of Winter
Book 3 - The Hope of Spring
Book 4 - The Pieces of Summer
Book 5 - A Revelation in Autumn
Book 6 - A Vow for Always

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing
• Release date: Apr 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781624160363

Wanda E Brunstetter

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com. 

Book preview

6:2

CHAPTER 1

Ronks, Pennsylvania

There’s no need for you to fuss over me, Meredith said as her mother tucked a blanket under her chin. I’m not having any more contractions, and I don’t see why I can’t go home to my own house."

Mom patted Meredith’s arm affectionately. "You came close to losing the boppli yesterday, and the doctor said you need to rest for the next several weeks until your pregnancy is no longer at risk. I’m guessing you won’t do that if you go back to your house and start looking around at things you want to do. So, since you need someone to take care of you right now, and you shouldn’t be doing anything strenuous, it’s best if you stay here with us for the time being."

Meredith knew Mom was right, but that didn’t make it any easier to deal with. She wanted to carry the baby to full term and have a homebirth in her own home in a natural way, with the midwife present.

I’m sorry about not being able to fix supper for you and the family last night, Meredith apologized. I was looking forward to cooking you a meal.

Mom shook her head. Don’t worry about that. There’ll be plenty of other times you can make us supper. Right now, you need only be concerned about yourself and the boppli.

I know. Meredith settled back on the sofa and tried to relax. Did you get a chance to meet Jonah when you were at the hospital? she asked.

We did, but just for a few minutes, when we first got there. We’re grateful he stopped by your place when he did and got the help you needed so quickly. Jonah seems like a caring young man. I’m sure he’ll fit in well with our community.

He was kind when I worked with him at the restaurant in Pinecraft, as well.

Mom’s eyebrows lifted. Is he the same young man who wrote letters to you for a few years after you returned from Florida?

"Jah. Meredith sighed. I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t stopped by when he did. With the way I was hurting, and then having to trudge through the snow, I might not have made it to the phone shack in time to call for help."

Mom clicked her tongue. Which is exactly why you shouldn’t be alone.

Tears seeped out from under Meredith’s lashes and splashed onto her cheeks. I appreciate you letting me stay here, Mom, but you really don’t need one more person to take care of right now.

It’s not a problem, Mom said, smiling at Meredith. Around here everyone has a job to do, and right now, my job is looking after you.

But I have responsibilities at home, and now I have a hospital bill to pay, so I really need to get busy and make some head coverings to sell. Then there’s that spare room next to mine. I want to get it painted and fixed up before the boppli comes.

"Since the baby isn’t due until July, there’s plenty of time for that. Your daed can do the painting as soon as he finds the time, and Stanley will take care of your horses, get the mail, and check for phone messages after school every day. Mom gave Meredith’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. Your daed is over at your place right now, checking on things. I believe he was planning to fix the piece of siding that broke off your house."

I should have told Dad to get the sloppy joes, potato salad, and macaroni salad out of my refrigerator and bring everything back here so we could have them for supper. That way, you won’t have to cook anything tonight.

"That’s okay. We can get your bruder to go after the food if your daed doesn’t think of it. Now I want you to relax and quit worrying about things."

In hindsight, Meredith knew she should have taken better care and not done anything too strenuous yesterday. It had been foolish to carry the ladder from the barn up to the second-floor bedroom. Now her body needed time to rest and heal. She really had no choice but to stay here right now, so she may as well try to relax and enjoy the pampering.

I’ve lost Luke, Meredith thought as her eyes drifted shut, and I won’t take the chance of losing our baby.

Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania

Jonah had just finished working at the buggy shop for the day, so he decided to go over to Meredith’s house. She was supposed to get out of the hospital this afternoon, and he wanted to see how she was doing.

Jonah borrowed his dad’s horse and buggy, but he couldn’t seem to get the horse, Knickers, to move along very fast. No matter where he went with the horse and buggy, Jonah usually enjoyed taking in the scenery, but not today. He barely noticed the snow in the fields, and the blue jays squawking overhead seemed more of an annoyance to him.

Finally, he was there, and after securing Knickers to the hitching rail near the barn, he headed for the house. Jonah had just stepped onto the porch, when another horse and buggy pulled into the yard. After the driver got out and secured the horse, Jonah realized it was Meredith’s dad, whom he’d met at the hospital. Jonah waved and waited for Philip to join him on the porch.

If you’re lookin’ for Meredith, she’s not here, Philip said.

Is she still in the hospital? Jonah asked.

Nope. She was released this afternoon, and she’ll be staying at our place for a while.

Jonah nodded. Guess that makes sense. It’s probably not a good idea for her to be here alone, trying to do things by herself.

It sure isn’t—especially now that she’s expecting a boppli. Losing Luke has been hard on Meredith. She loved him a lot. But having a baby will help keep his memory alive. Philip leaned against the porch railing. It’ll be hard for her to raise the baby alone, so we’re gonna help out as much as we can, despite her objections.

Will Meredith sell her house and move in with you permanently? Jonah questioned.

Philip shrugged. "I’m not sure about that. My daughter

Reviews for The Hope of Spring

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 STARSThe Hope of Spring continues to keep your attention. This is the third part of six part story. It is a Amish story that follows Meredith and her Luke. It clean story. It still leaves you wanting more.Eddie is still in a coma not responding to anything. His nurse really worries over him and prays for him. They don't have any idea who he is. They think he is homeless. Meredith is back to her own home, but no one wants her to stay home by herself so her sister staying with her. When Laurie works a older widow comes to stay with her. Meredith almost lost her baby and has to take it easier.Now I will read the next part of the story. I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.Published April 1st 2013 by Barbour Books 128 pages ISBN: 1620291444

[passionforbooks_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love The Continuing Saga!Once again the author kept the pages turning in this book. I was on pins and needles hoping Meredith would not lose her baby. I love how family and friends come together to help Meredith out. I am a bit worried about Jonah Miller I might add. Is he just a friend or is he hoping for more than just friendship?Will Meredith be able to cope on her own? Will she be able to hang on to her house and land since money is so tight? I can't wait until Part 4, The Pieces of Summer, is published. Such an exciting Saga!

[judyg54 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a series of stories that should be read as one unit. All the books are fairly quick reads and each story ends with you wanting to pick up the next book and begin reading. In this book Meredith is trying to adjust to the loss of her husband, keep from losing her baby in her early days of pregnancy, and trying to juggle all the day to day tasks that need doing. She will find family and friends always willing to help, especially one friend, Jonah Miller.Meanwhile, her husband (thought dead) is trying to recover from a serious beating he took in a town far away. With the help of a caring nurse, can Luke finally awake from his coma and remember who he is?

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a nice little series but be forewarned it is more like reading sections of one book as a whole. You can't just read one of the set because you will be left unsatisfied as a reader.

[monicalynn-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Again starting right off shortly after where the previous book left off. Meredith is on very strict orders to take it easy during the rest of her pregnancy. However Meredith is very independent and as having a hard time coping with people waiting on her hand and foot. Jonah keeps coming around helping out even though his father is concerned for what other people think of him going to a Widow's house to soon to help out. He keeps going and his is having trouble with the Gaul he bought from Meredith acting up.Since Luke had been in the hospital Susan and Anne have had a small part in this series as Susan is Luke's nurse not knowing who Luke is of course and Susan and Anne end up going to Lancaster County and unknowingly meet a portion of Luke's family on Meredith's Birthday to boot.The story continues and leaves you hanging a little at the end of this one. Can't wait to read the next one.

[nancyluebke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this Amish story about loss and grief. I voluntarily chose to review this, and I've given it a 4.5* rating. I've now read three in this series and the thing that holds me back on these is the cliff- hanger in each one. They are pretty short, just around 120 pages each and still a cliff-hanger in book number five. They have a lot of feels, and a little action, I may never know what happens at the end of this. They do make great evening reads but with the cliffhanger there, I must say it's a bit of turn off for me. I may never be able to afford to find out how this ends. A shame, since I did enjoy reading these.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

'I've lost Luke, Meredith thought as her eyes drifted shut, and I won't take the chance of losing our baby.'In the third installment of the Discovery Saga, Meredith realizes that she must take care of herself, to avoid putting her unborn baby at risk. She no longer has her late husband Luke, but she does have a good support system in her parents, her friend Jonah, and many other people in this close-knit Amish community. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, an unnamed patient is being cared for by a caring nurse, but his prognosis seems dismal, to say the least. Will he remember who he is, if he ever comes out of his coma?This novella is perfect when you're looking for a quick, uncomplicated read. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy the many references to this hardworking, faithful group of people, and author Wanda E. Brunstetter leaves us eager to learn what happens next! I recommend The Hope of Spring and the Discovery Saga to all who enjoy Christian fiction.I received a copy of this book. A favorable review was never required.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is part 3 of a 6 part serial novel. I was able to get all 6 books at once off a library book sale table. I don't think they are worth the full price ($6.99 for each short book). As readers, we know both sides of the story so we're in the odd place of knowing more than the characters do. I am tired of Meredith's "woe is me" attitude by book 3. I can understand her wanting to get back to her own home. I can also understand her mother's worry about her being alone. I am glad Meredith comes to appreciate Alma. As with book 2, Luke spends this book in his coma. Jonah seems a little too unconcerned about what others think of his visiting Meredith's house--even when his dad seems to broach the subject. I also wonder whether the author is setting up a future story with Jonah and Laurie as the main characters--or how far she will let the Jonah/Meredith angle go before revealing to Meredith what we, as readers, already know.