Amy Clipston - A Gift of Grace: A Novel (Kauffman Amish Bakery Series)

ZONDERVAN

A Gift of Grace

Copyright 2009 by Amy Clipston

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ePub Edition February 2009 ISBN: 978-0-310-56188-0

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Clipston, Amy.

A gift of grace / Amy Clipston.

p. cm.(Kauffman Amish bakery series ; bk. 1)

ISBN 978-0-310-28983-8 (pbk.)

1. AmishFiction. 2. Custody of childrenFiction. 3. Domestic fiction. I. Title.

PS3603.L58G54 2009

813.6dc22

2008046710

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

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For my mother, Lola Goebelbecker, my best friend, with all of my love. You are the glue that keeps our family together. Youve been our rock through all of the health crises weve faced with Joes recurring kidney failure. I never could have coped with the trips to the hospital without having you there for our boys. Knowing that our children have the stability of your care is a comfort, especially during those rough times. You are a blessing to our family, and we dont thank you enough. Thank you, Mom, for everything you do for us every day.

For my wonderful husband, Joe. How quickly ten years have flown by since we said I do. Weve traveled many rough roads together, but the tribulations have made our marriage solid. Who wouldve imagined wed be facing a second kidney transplant for you? However, youve handled your health problems with grace and courage. My faith has been challenged time and time again as Ive watched you struggle and suffer, but each time you overcome your trials, my faith grows and strengthens along with you. Youre my hero and the greatest inspiration in my life. As Ive told you many timesyoure stuck with me. I love you. Always

To our beloved sons, Zachary and Matthew. Thank you for always bringing joy and laughter to our home and our hearts. Zac, youre a thoughtful and giving young man. Youve been so brave and mature through all of the upheaval weve had due to Daddys illness. Youve come through like a superhero and never lost your faith. Matt, youre our comic relief. We never know what youll say or do. Your humor is a light at the end of a tough day. Boys, Im so proud of you and so blessed to be your mom.

I m thankful to many family members and friends who helped me along the way with this novel.

Several friends deserve special recognition. Thank you to Teresa Gigante for acting as a spiritual guide and helping me find my voice.

Andrea Christy-Glover, Lauran Rodriguez, and Margaret Halpin, your proofreading, editing, and suggestions strengthened the story. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to offer edits and ideas.

Pam McCarthy, thank you for your unending support and friendship. Youre a blessing in my life.

Words cannot describe how much I appreciate Sue McKlveens and Ruth Meilys help with research. Ruth, thank you for opening your beautiful Lancaster home and your heart to my mother and me. And thank you for the wonderful Pennsylvania Dutch cookbook.

Many, many thanks to my special Amish friend who welcomed us into her home and answered numerous questions about her community.

I also want to recognize Beth Wiseman for her generous research assistance and her friendship.

I cannot thank my wonderful agent, Mary Sue Seymour, enough for believing in my writing and giving me the chance to propose this book series to Zondervan.

My editor, Sue Brower, is a blessing in my life. I appreciate your guidance and patience with me as I continue to polish my work and grow as a writer. Im honored and proud to be a part of your team. I look forward to future projects with you. Thank you also to my developmental editor, Becky Philpott, for your friendship, patience, and suggestions. Youre the best! Im also grateful to the rest of the fabulous Zondervan team.

Thank you also to my in-laws, Joe and Sharon Clipston, for the love and support theyve given during my road to publication. Pop, you know Im looking forward to using that pen at my first book signing!

My aunt and godmother, Trudy Janitz, has been by cheerleader as Ive worked toward publishing this book. Thank you for your love and for sharing those fabulous Amish recipes. Thank you also to my aunt Debbie Floyd for her encouragement. Love you both!

My husband, Joe, deserves a medal for patience. Thank you for enduring late nights while I clicked away on my keyboard as you were trying desperately to sleep. Love you.

To my parents, Bob and Lola Goebelbecker, and my brother, Eric, thank you for encouraging my writing. Love you all.

And thank you to our Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the words and inspiration for this book.

W hile this novel is set against the real backdrop of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Amish community Ive created is fictional. Ive incorporated many rules and traditions common to the Faith; however, because there are differences among Amish communities, actions and dialogue in this novel may be different from the Amish culture you know.

R ebecca Kauffmans pulse fluttered as the large SUV she was riding in rumbled down the narrow road past the rolling farmland and green pastures dotted by heifers. The cows chewed their cud and nodded their greeting as if welcoming her back. The serenity of the lush, open fields intersected only by clusters of white farmhouses filled her soul with a peace she hadnt felt since shed left last month.

Pushing the cool metal button on the door, she cracked the passenger window open and breathed in the sweet, warm, moist air, free of exhaust from overcrowded city roads.

The SUV negotiated a sharp bend, and Rebeccas heart skipped a beat when the three-story farmhouse came into view. A smile crept across her lips.

Home.

The whitewashed, three-story, clapboard house stood humbly near the entrance to her familys forty acres. The newly painted white picket fence was a stark contrast to the houses green tin roof, speckled with brown rust that told of its age. The green window shades were halfway up, and the windows were cracked open to allow the springtime air to cool the house naturally.

A sweeping porch welcomed visitors entering the front, and a white barn, almost the size of the house, sat behind it. The large moving truck filled with the girls belongings seemed out of place next to the plain farmhouse and barn.