Their Pretend Amish Courtship. Patricia Davids
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Make-Believe Beau
Fannie Erb isn’t looking for a husband—especially if she has to leave her beloved horses to go find one. What she needs is a way to assure her parents she’s not hopeless when it comes to love. Family friend Noah Bowman might just be her solution. A fake relationship will free them both from unwanted matchmaking plans. How could Fannie predict that pretending to date the handsome, teasing boy next door would awaken genuine emotions? By summer’s end they’ll be free to part, but Fannie’s growing feelings are transforming her neighbor into the only man who might ever rein in her adventurous heart.“Tender and gentle, with two delightful characters who truly belong together. A lovely read.”
—RaeAnne Thayne
“Tender and gentle, with two delightful characters who truly belong together. A lovely read.”
—RaeAnne Thayne
* * *
“Are you saying you’ll help me?”
“Are you going to keep throwing things at me?” he asked.
“That was an accident.”
“Accidents seem to happen around you often.”
“I thought you were going to apologize.”
“Fannie, please accept my apology for calling you crazy.”
“All right. I forgive you.”
“Danki. Now it’s your turn.”
“For what?”
“For calling me a dummkopf.”
“Lots of Amish folks have nicknames. That’s mine for you.”
He threw his hands in the air. “What am I even doing here?”
She caught hold of his arm. “I’m sorry. Will you help me?”
“I think a pretend courtship—could be in my best interest as well as yours.”
She squealed, “Noah, I could hug you right now.”
He held out both hands. “Drop the pitchfork first.”
Fannie and Noah have become my most favorite characters to date. And after thirty books, that’s a lot of characters. This young couple are not the most mature people, but they both have good hearts. Their dedication to their friends is what drew me to them the most.
Fannie’s temper is something I can identify with, for I raised a hothead, too, although she wasn’t a redhead. My poor daughter had many mouth-before-brain moments. Fortunately, she grew out of that temper and is now as easygoing as I am. Almost.
Fannie and Noah were at the opposite ends of their faith journey. Noah believed wholeheartedly that God would show him the path to take. In his unwavering belief, he forgot that the Lord gave us free will. We have a say in our fates. We make the choices that change our lives.
Fannie was at the other extreme. She believed, but her faith was shallow. She thought she could make life happen as she wanted because she wanted it. She forgot that nothing is possible without God’s help. Nothing. Knowing God and not asking for His help is like owning a cell phone and not using it to call 911 when you’re in a car wreck. Prayer is a tool. Use it.
I hope you enjoyed their story and I want to let you know my next book, Amish Christmas Twins, will be out in time for... You guessed it... Christmas.
Blessings to you and yours,
After thirty-five years as a nurse, PATRICIA DAVIDS hung up her stethoscope to become a full-time writer. She enjoys spending her free time visiting her grandchildren, doing some long-overdue yard work and traveling to research her story locations. She resides in Wichita, Kansas. Pat always enjoys hearing from her readers. You can visit her online at patriciadavids.com.
Their Pretend Amish Courtship
Patricia Davids
And God hath set some in the church,
first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles,
then gifts of healings, helps, governments,
diversities of tongues.
—1 Corinthians 12:28
This book is lovingly dedicated to my father,
Clarence Stroda. He taught me a lot
about making my way in the world
and keeping God in my life. Thanks, Dad.
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