The Amish Christmas Matchmaker. Vannetta Chapman

what they are sure will make them happy, that they almost miss the blessings God has laid out for them.

      I hope you enjoyed reading this book. I welcome comments and letters at [email protected].

      May we continue to always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).

      Blessings,

       Vannetta

      Delight thyself also in the Lord:

      and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

      —Psalm 37:4

      Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

      There is none other commandment greater.

      —Mark 12:31

      This book is dedicated to Bob, my very own cowboy.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       About the Author

       Booklist

       Title Page

       Copyright

      Note to Readers

       Introduction

       Dear Reader

       Bible Verse

       Dedication

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Epilogue

       Extract

       About the Publisher

       Chapter One

      Annie Kauffmann thought she’d just experienced a perfect day—business had gone well, the fall weather was exquisite and each member of her family was happy and healthy. She leaned her bicycle against the tree in the front yard and ran up the porch steps. Her mother was sitting in a rocker, knitting a baby blanket for her next grandchild. She had twelve and counting. If her mother was sitting, she was knitting—blankets, sweaters, caps and mittens.

      “Gut day?” she asked.

      “Ya.” Annie sank into a rocker, smoothing her apron over her dress and sinking back with a sigh. “I confirmed two more weddings.”

      “Your catering business is growing.”

      “It is. The gut thing about these is one is for December...”

      “Not many winter weddings, so you must be speaking of Widow Schwartz.”

      “The same. The other is for later this month.”

      “You had an opening this month?”

      “Ya, since you know... Jesse’s was cancelled.”

      “Real shame that Emma changed her mind. I believe she’ll regret that.”

      “Maybe not though, Mamm. Maybe not.”

      Annie was suddenly aware of voices in the house—her father and another man. She peeked out over the porch railing, wondering whose buggy she had missed, but there wasn’t one there.

      “Who is Dat talking to?”

      “I believe his name is Levi.”

      “Levi King?”

      “Nein. Levi Lapp.”

      “I don’t know a Levi Lapp.”

      “He’s new here.”

      “New?”

      “Arrived yesterday.”

      “Did he walk?”

      “I imagine he rode a bus to town, but he walked here today to see your dat.”

      “Who does he know in Goshen?”

      “He’s staying with Simon King.”

      “Is he related to Old Simon?”

      “I’m not sure.”

      Now Annie’s curiosity was thoroughly piqued. “I think I need a glass of lemonade. Can I get you anything?”

      Mamm smiled, not fooled for a minute. “Of course, dear. I would love that.”

      Annie stepped into the coolness of the house. Though it was September, the temperatures had remained warm, and the cool living room was a relief after her bike ride from town. Her father and Levi Lapp were in the kitchen, which would work perfectly. She straightened her apron, made sure her kapp wasn’t askew and walked into the kitchen as if she had no idea