In Amish Dreams : A Collection of Amish Romance

By Monica Marks

WHEN THE AMISH ROAD TAKES A DETOUR  
Marta is a young Amish woman who is dealing with a family that is slowly unraveling...her brother has left the community and rejected the Amish lifestyle...her mother and father are fighting and her world is starting to come apart at the seams. To add more conflict, she has two men that are seeking her hand in marriage. One wants to stay in the Amish community, the other wants to take her to California for a new life...Which road will she choose?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trellis Publishing
• Release date: Jun 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201847524

Book preview

IN AMISH DREAMS

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MONICA MARKS

table of contents

IN AMISH DREAMS

SOME SAY LOVE

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IN AMISH DREAMS 

SOME SAY LOVE  

And where do you think you’re going? The voice was like whiplash and Marta froze in her tracks, heat warming her face at being, the guilt of being caught overwhelming her.

I was just –

I know exactly what you ‘were just’ and the answer is absolutely not! Marta turned slowly, thinking of what to say next. She averted her eyes from her mother’s stern glare and hung her head.

"Mammi, he’s my brother! she pleaded. I can’t – "

You can and you will! Do you realize how much he has disgraced this family with his choices? Of course, you do and yet you still insist on sneaking around to visit him. You’re no better than he is! You know this behavior is forbidden, Marta.

"Mammi – "

That is enough, Marta. You must stay home and work on supper for the youngest. Your father and I have...something to attend to this evening. Bridget Chandler seemed to mimic her daughter’s ashamed expression as she, too, glanced nervously at the floor. Marta nodded slowly, recognizing this was not the time to defy her mother. Since Frederick’s devastating decision to leave the community, the strain on her parents had been obvious. While Marlin and Bridget had always had somewhat of a difficult time seeing eye to eye, Frederick’s choice had impacted them both greatly, bringing their infamous bickering to an entire new level. Marlin was one to preach forgiveness while Bridget was apt to alienation and rejection. It was not a secret in their close-knit area that her parents were seeking the guidance of the bishop for their martial issues. Marta had done her best to maintain contact with her brother but it had become increasingly difficult since one of their neighbors had seen her leaving Frederick’s apartment the previous month. The neighbor had quickly reported the infraction to her parents who had since kept a very careful eye upon her.

The children are hungry, Marta, Bridget told her, sensing her daughter’s reluctance. They need you more than your so-called brother. Focus on the ones who are here and worthy of your attention.

Marta gritted her teeth to keep from retorting and removed her coat while her mother proceeded to adorn her own.

And don’t think once I leave this house you are going either, Bridget continued as she opened the door. I have the Millers watching out in case you get some ideas in your head.

Mammi! I am twenty-one years old! I do not need the neighbors to mind me!

That is enough! Watch your tongue. I wouldn’t have to resort to such measures if you would do as you’re told! Your father and I have enough woe without worrying about what silliness you’re getting into, Marta. You have responsibilities here. Your brothers and sisters need you. Think of them before you go galivanting around town. Or are you leaving too?

No! Marta felt a hot blush color her face. No of course not! My place is here with you!

Bridget snorted contemptuously, giving Marta a scornful glance as if she spoke venomous lies.

Your former brother used to claim the same, she retorted before walking outside. Look where he is now!

She did not bother to say good-bye as she hurried off down the street to meet with Marlin and the bishop of the district. Marta stood watching her mother disappear down the lonely road and a mixture of feelings overwhelmed her. The days of pitying her parents were becoming less frequent and an uncharacteristic anger seemed to wash over her often. Some days, she felt as though her parents were taking Frederick’s departure much too harshly and needed to focus on the positive in their lives. They had a thriving farm, four doting children and perfect health. It was Frederick’s choice to live among the English and they had always been reared to understand that God had given them free will for a reason. Perhaps, one day when Frederick was older, he would return and become baptized as her parents so desperately desired but if he did not, it was still his life to live and his decision to make. The oldest Chandlers seemed to relish fighting above all else and Marta, the oldest daughter, was then forced to hold the