The Amish Bachelor's Choice. Jocelyn McClay

      

      She had every reason to go...

      Until he gave her one to stay

      After her father’s passing, Ruth Fisher is required to sell her family furniture business. She plans to leave the Amish community to pursue an Englisch education—until she meets the new owner. Malachi Schrock has ambitious plans for her father’s store, but when the transition sparks an unexpected attraction, could following her heart mean staying in Miller’s Creek forever?

      Growing up on a farm, JOCELYN McCLAY enjoyed livestock and pursued a degree in agriculture. She met her husband while weightlifting in a small town—he “spotted” her. After thirty years in business management, they moved to an acreage in southeastern Missouri to be closer to family when their eldest of three daughters made them grandparents. When not writing, she keeps busy hiking, bike riding, gardening, knitting and substitute teaching.

       Also By Jocelyn McClay

      The Amish Bachelor’s Choice

      Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

      The Amish Bachelor’s Choice

      Jocelyn McClay

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      ISBN: 978-1-474-09677-5

      THE AMISH BACHELOR’S CHOICE

      © 2019 Jocelyn McClay

      Published in Great Britain 2019

       by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

      All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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      Version: 2020-03-02

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      “I see you don’t have sense enough to keep blankets in your buggy.”

      Malachi buckled the halter, and then the oat bag, over Kip’s head. “I’ve been doing a number of things over the past few days. Thinking about blankets hasn’t been very high on the list.”

      Ruth huffed. “Wisconsin weather will take a heavy toll on the unprepared.”

      “Unprepared? Like not having dog food when you have a dog?”

      Ruth scooped up the puppy that trailed at her heels and crossed to Malachi, her hand outstretched for the grocery bags. He shook his head and retained possession of them.

      “I’ll help you get to the house. With this wind and your small sizes, the two of you could end up in the next county.”

      Aware that he had a point, she didn’t argue. They headed for the exit. “I...I want to thank you for going out of your way and following me home, even though I didn’t need it.”

      “You’re welcome.” Ruth could hear the smile in his voice.

      Dear Reader,

      What you are holding is the realization of a dream!

      As soon as I was old enough to fold an 8.5 x 11 paper into a quarter of its size and draw a horse on the front, I have wanted to write stories. It took a little while, and my artistic skills haven’t improved any, but God has helped me realize my writing dream. Everything is better when we trust in Him.

      My first interaction with Amish life was when I was at a family reunion in Wisconsin near the location of the fictional Miller’s Creek. We were playing volleyball while listening to the clip-clop of horse hooves traveling the nearby highway when two buggies pulled into my uncle’s property and two young Amish men hopped out to join our game. And that was my introduction to rumspringa. I have been intrigued ever since.

      I hope you enjoyed Malachi and Ruth’s romance. I grew quite fond of them, especially because Ruth was my grandmother’s name. I look forward to exploring the relationships of their siblings and friends in Miller’s Creek. I hope you’ll join me.

      Thank you again for the great honor you’ve given me of reading my first book. May it be only the beginning of a wonderful adventure together.

       Jocelyn McClay

      For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give