Summer Storms: An Amish Summer Novella

By Amy Clipston

Arianna is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They have been friends longer than Arianna can remember, and that friendship turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Arianna’s brother Isaac, who happens to be Jesse’s best friend, gets them both into trouble, Arianna’s father puts an end to her engagement to Jesse. Some summer storms pass quickly, but Arianna is afraid the damage from this one may be too much to repair.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Jun 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9780718088361

Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including Christianbook, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and five spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at AmyClipston.com; Facebook: @AmyClipstonBooks; Twitter: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston; BookBub: @AmyClipston.

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COPYRIGHT

Summer Storms

© 2017 by Amy Clipston

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [e-mail].

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

Epub Edition April 2017 ISBN 9780718088361

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

CIP data available upon request.

Printed in the United States of America

17 18 19 20 21 LSC 5 4 3 2 1

CONTENTS

Copyright

Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

An Excerpt from Lakeside Love

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Other Novels by Amy Clipston

About the Author

Amish Living Ad

With love and appreciation for the members of my Bakery Bunch

GLOSSARY OF PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH WORDS

*THE GERMAN DIALECT SPOKEN BY THE AMISH IS NOT A written language and varies depending on the location and origin of the settlement. These spellings are approximations. Most Amish children learn English after they start school. They also learn High German, which is used in their Sunday services.

ach—oh

aenti—aunt

appeditlich—delicious

bedauerlich—sad

bopli—baby

bruder—brother

bruders—brothers

bu—boy

buwe—boys

daadi—grandpa

daadihaus/dawdy haus—grandparents’ house

daed—father

danki/danke—thank you

dat—dad

dochder—daughter

Englischer—English or non-Amish

fraa—wife

freind—friends

freinden—friends

froh—happy

gern gschehne—you’re welcome

Gmay—church district, community

Gott—God

gut—good

haus—house

Ich liebe dich—I love you

jah—yes

kaffi—coffee

kapp—prayer covering, cap, woman’s head covering

kind—child

kinner—children

lieb—love

liewe—love, a term of endearment

maedel—girl, young woman

mamm—mom

mammi—grandma

mann—husband

mei—my

mudder—mother

narrisch—crazy

nee—no

onkel—uncle

rumspringa—period of running around

schee—pretty

schweschder—sister

suh—son

schweschder—sister

sohn—son

Was iss letz?—What’s wrong?

wunderbaar—wonderful

ya—yes

CHAPTER 1

HAPPINESS BUBBLED UP FROM INSIDE ARIANA SMUCKER as she leaned back on her palms and gazed up toward the sky. The aroma of sunscreen filled her nostrils, and the hot summer sun kissed her cheeks. Then she smoothed the skirt of her red bathing suit over her thighs before smiling over at her best friend, who was sitting beside her. This day is absolutely perfect. Don’t you agree?

Ya. Mariella Ebersol kicked her legs in the water, and the floating dock they were sitting on shifted. She pushed her long, blonde braid behind her shoulder, and her deep-brown eyes sparkled in the bright sunlight. I can’t believe you’ll be married in five months. She moved her slim fingers over the skirt on her black bathing suit.

"Ya, November is coming quickly." Ariana’s heart fluttered and a grin overtook her lips as she looked toward the shoreline. Her fiancé, Jesse Zook, sat on the beach with her brother, close enough that she could see their faces as they talked. They were surrounded by members of their youth group as well as other visitors to Maryland’s Cascade Lake.

Resting her hands on the warm wooden dock, Ariana kept her gaze focused on Jesse. He pushed his hand through his thick sandy-blond hair and nodded. With his cobalt-blue eyes and strong jawline, Jesse was the most handsome man she’d ever known, and she couldn’t wait for their wedding.

She looked over at her brother, Tobias, and her smile faded as she took in his deep frown and dark expression. Tension gripped Ariana’s shoulders and her thoughts spun with anxiety. It was rare that their youth group could take a day off from work at their homes, jobs, and farms to visit a lake. Why would Tobias be troubled on a beautiful day like today?

A group of teenagers swam near the dock, and a girl squealed as a boy splashed her, pulling Ariana from her concern.

You look worried. Mariella leaned over toward Ariana. Was iss letz?

Ariana turned toward her. "I was just watching Tobias talking with Jesse. Tobias looks so bedauerlich. I was hoping today would cheer him up."

Cheer him up? Mariella tilted her head. What do you mean?

Ariana blew out a sigh as she recalled the past week. It seemed as if her brother and father had argued nonstop. She’d hoped a day away from their farm would brighten Tobias’s mood, but the scowl on his face as he spoke to Jesse indicated he’d brought his trouble with him to the lake.

"Tobias has been arguing with mei dat again."

Oh. Mariella seemed to hesitate, as if awaiting more details, but Ariana couldn’t bring herself to share everything she witnessed daily between her brother and father. They still aren’t getting along?

No. Ariana fingered her thick braid as she continued to watch Tobias interact with Jesse. I’m worried it might be getting worse.

"Ach, no. Mariella crossed her arms over her middle. Do you think you can do anything to help?"

Ariana swallowed a snort. No. They’re both so stubborn. They never seem to listen to each other. I think that’s part of their problem.

Mariella gave a little laugh. That sounds possible.

Jesse and Tobias suddenly stood up from the shoreline and started up the hill that led to the picnic area. They were walking slowly, still talking.

Is it lunchtime? Ariana asked.

It might be. Why?

Ariana pointed toward the shore. I think Jesse and Tobias are going to lunch without us. She frowned. Why hadn’t Jesse remembered to invite her and Mariella to join them?

Mariella clicked her tongue. That’s awfully thoughtless.

"Ya, it is. Ariana turned toward Mariella and raised her eyebrows. Are you hungry?"

Mariella shrugged. Sure.

We’d better go before they eat without us. Ariana stood up on the floating dock, held out her hand, and lifted Mariella to her feet.

She dove into the cool lake water and swam toward the shoreline with Mariella beside her. Ariana relished the feel of the cool water sluicing over her body. When she reached the shallow area, she waded to the beach, where she found her beach towel and pink bandana waiting for her.

She pushed the bandana over her hair and draped the dry towel over her shoulders before trotting up the hill after Jesse and Tobias.

Jesse! she called. Wait for me!

He stopped and turned, his eyebrows raised. Tobias looked at her, but went on.

Did you forget I was in the water? She pointed back toward the lake.

Whoops. He shook his head as a smile turned up his lips.

She rested her hand on her hip. I thought I asked you to let me know when you and Tobias were going to have lunch.

I’m sorry. He ran his hand over his clean-shaven chin. I forgot.

You forgot? She took a deep breath as irritation nipped at her.

"Ya, I did. I was caught up in my conversation with Tobias, and I completely forgot you wanted me to call you for lunch. His lips formed a thin line as he walked back down the hill toward her. I’m sorry."

It’s all right. She shrugged, even though his oversight did send a pang of disappointment through her.

At just under six feet, Jesse stood over her by several inches. She silently admired how the summer sun had already begun to tan his handsome face and naturally highlight his hair to a golden blond. Like the rest of the young men in their youth group, he was clad in swim trunks.

She hugged the towel to her body as her gaze moved to his broad shoulders, and her eyes widened. Your shoulders are turning pink. You should put on more lotion before you burn.

I’ll be fine. He gestured toward their group of friends as they walked past them toward the picnic area. We should go before the tables fill up.

He held out his hand and she laced her fingers with his, enjoying the feel

Reviews for Summer Storms

[cecilywolfe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

These stories are sweet and romantic, but also deal with some important issues the characters face as they deal with relationships and adulthood. Growing up is hard for anyone, but these stories focus on misunderstandings, trust, self-esteem, and responsibility, and how the characters manage to work through their issues to result in the happy endings we have all come to know and love from these fine authors.

These stories are the perfect length for a break from reality that doesn't leave you hanging. They are encouraging and faith-filled, guaranteed to uplift and hearten.

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

An Amish Summer is a collection of four novellas by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin and Shelley Shepard Gray. A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray takes readers to Pinecraft, Florida where Graham Holland and Sherry Kramer have agreed to meet. The two have been corresponding for six months after meeting at a wedding in Shipshewana. Sherry is joined by her sister, Sharon and their friends, Vera and Carla. Upon arrival Graham realizes he has made a mistake. Graham has been writing to the wrong sister. He met both sisters at the wedding very briefly, but one made a bigger impression (he just got their names mixed up). How does Graham tell Sherry about his error? He decides to keep it a secret for the time being (not a good idea). During the vacation, Graham spends time with both sisters, and he ends up more confused. When Graham finally figures out his feelings, Sherry discovers his secret (about the mix-up). How will this story end?Summer Storms by Amy Clipston is set in Maryland at Cascade Lake. Arianna Smucker is looking forward to her wedding to Jesse Zook in November. But then Jesse tries to help Tobias, his best friend and Arianna’s brother. Jesse and Tobias have a buggy accident that lands Jesse in trouble with Marvin Smucker, Arianna’s father. He calls of Jesse and Arianna’s engagement. Can Jesse repair the damage and get back in Marvin and Arianna’s good graces? Will there be a wedding for this couple in November?Kathleen Fuller contributed Lakeside Love. Esther Coblentz lives on Coblentz Farm with her parents, brother and sister. Esther has liked Judah King for years, but Judah only has eyes for her pretty sister, Sarah. Rhett Davidson, an Englischer and college student, is staying with the family for a month. Esther makes friends with Rhett as she introduces him to Amish life. Judah starts to notice Esther in a different light and it confuses him. Is there a chance for Esther and Judah?One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin takes readers back to Bee County, Texas. Martha Byler is attracted to Jacob King, but he has yet to put his rumspringa behind him. One night Jacob is taking Martha home when they are stopped by a very drunk Dwayne. Dwayne wishes to go alligator hunting in the dark and out of season. Jacob cannot leave Dwayne to his own devices and assists him much to Martha’s dismay. Martha helped raise her younger siblings for the last ten years, and she wants a responsible person for her partner. Over the summer, Martha spends more time with Jacob and starts noticing a change within him. There just might be a future for Jacob and Martha.An Amish Summer contains four well-written and engaging stories. I liked the characters and the different settings. All the stories have the familiar theme of love and enjoying the summer months. Each story has a different moral or life lesson which include forgiveness, faith, power of prayer, trust, commitment, confidence in yourself, and responsibility. I thought each novella was just the right length. I found the stories to be uplifting, and I was left with a good feeling when I finished this book. I give An Amish Summer 5 out of 5 stars. My favorite story was A Reunion in Pinecraft. It had a lighter feeling to it and it was nice to revisit the Orange Blossom Inn in Pinecraft (The Pinecraft Brides series). One Sweet Kiss had a slower pace than the other novellas, but it was nice to catch up with characters from The Amish of Bee County series. The stories can be purchased separately or in one volume. An Amish Summer contains charming, tender stories that will appeal to your romantic side.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard GrayThis short story brings to mind a mistake, which it was, and what to do about it. The letters from the individual you fell in love with does not match the person you thought they were from. What a great concept, and all through the read you wonder who will end up with whom or will anyone?Loved being back in Pinecraft Florida and our favorite Inn, and how I’ve missed being here. I loved that we are brought back and updated on life here.Summer Storms by Amy ClipstonI could see both parties of this couple making mistakes that are about to come back to haunt them. Arianna has loved Jesse almost her whole life, and now they are not even allowed to be together.Quick judgment on the part of all, and a relationship is thrown away, fictional yes, but the author has shown us that this can really happen.Will this couple be able to over come all that has happened to them, or will they each have to travel down a different road?Lakeside Love by Kathleen FullerEsther seems to think of herself as the ugly duckling in the family, her sister Sarah seems to be the star and makes men’s heads turn, and she is the reserved quiet sister, always taking the back seat.I loved how the author has presented a blooming flower in the name of Esther, she wears her heart on her shoulder, but the one she wears it for doesn’t seem to be able to see beyond Sarah.Will the two you feel should be together overcome all and end up as one, or will the new comer in the form of an Englisher end up with one of these sisters. I loved this story.One Sweet Kiss by Kelly IrvinWe are back with our friends in Bee Country, and the author has made these families feel so real, they could be living next door.Jacob and Martha are meant to be together, but insecurities it seems are keeping them apart. I loved the heart of Jacob, he is a man who seems to live his faith, but Martha sees it differently.Will these two be able to find happiness, or will others succeed in tearing them apart?I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[lcjohnson1988_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: An Amish SummerAuthor: Shelley Shephard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelley IrvinPages: 400Year: 2017Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating 4 out of 5 stars.An Amish Summer is a collection of four novellas written by some of my favorite authors. Each story is its own individual story. The titles of the novellas are A Reunion in Pinecraft, Summer Storms, Lakeside Love, and One Sweet Kiss.The reunion is where four Amish young people go to Pinecraft on vacation after originally meeting at a wedding six months prior in Pinecraft. The neat twist in the story is that Sherry and Graham’s idea of a reunion might come with a huge surprise for the whole group! The second tale is about Arianna’s courting with Jesse, but her brother Tobias’ action may just cost her the future for which she has been preparing. In the third story, two sisters, Esther and Sarah, are in turmoil with each other over a young man who has been working for their father. In the last novella, Jacob and Martha have been best friends for ages, but because of Jacob’s recent choices their future happiness may now be no longer!I enjoyed each novella by the authors. There are a couple of the stories I could understand the characters better having read the novels. The last novella written by Kelly Irvin was unfamiliar to me so it took me a little bit to get into what was occurring in the book. I love collections of novellas as they allow me time to read a story and then put the book down when having to attend to life. Then, I can easily pick up the book right where I left off and enjoy the next story. The four novellas are a great read while on vacation or at the beach! May you have fun reading them as much as I and share them with someone who loves to read!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[lanehillhouse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sunday, June 18, 2017An Amish Summer: Four Novellas by Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin, © 2017These four stories are so fun! You will want to get a copy to read and you may discover new authors; definitely a new thread of adventure!In the first story, what would you suggest to a young man who met two sisters at a gathering, but while addressing the name on the envelope and in the salutation ... he was envisioning the one he thought was receiving his letters, and instead was "pouring out his heart" to the other sister? Oh, my. Setting up a time and place to meet in person will be a surprise to reckon with!Shelley Shepard Gray's ~ A Reunion in PinecraftAmy Clipston follows with her story, Summer Storms. How can the actions of one have such far reaching tentacles that close off and smother the plans held dear by others? You may discover that there might be a reason seen that hampers and smolders an undercurrent. Integrity opens the way to understanding, as Jesse Zook seeks to help his friend Tobias's family on their farm during his absence. Our actions do affect those around us ~ for good to reach hearts!Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller reveals one sister feeling she has lived in the shadow of her younger sister. Could her suspicion and hurt hide a personality wanting to come alive? To have a shadow there must be a light! The sisters find surprising outlooks when they finally speak their hearts to each other. I liked how their family was inclusive of others.Welcome back to Bee County, Texas. Reading Kelly Irvin's previous series, you will want to catch up on the happenings in this small community. Who will be most surprised by One Sweet Kiss?You are known by the company you keep. How far can you go to be believed? As Jacob King endeavors to help his friend, will his assistance continue to be misunderstood?There is a glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch words in the front and Discussion Questions after each novella. Fun to read alone or sharing with your book club. I liked all of these stories and would be difficult to pick just one as a favorite! The theme is near with discovery of each other in a new way. Communication is key to the development of the stories. Words left to the imagination fester when not revealed and exposed to truth. These authors have strongly portrayed love in its greatest form ~ another before yourself will harvest rich J*O*Ys. For the seeker and the sought, love blossoms when a friend takes the risk to be truthful rather than sparing feelings that are only a cover up emotion. Blessings in disguise bring happiness to all when following in the Lord's path. Titles of other novels and novellas by the authors are listed so you can continue on reading their stories you are sure to enjoy.***Thank you authors and to BookLook Bloggers for supplying a copy to me. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***