The Wonder of Your Love (A Land of Canaan Novel) (36 page)

She shook her head. “I would never ask you to do that, Eli, but I don’t understand.”

“Do you know how much an acre of land costs here compared to Middlefield?” He stroked his chin. “Much cheaper here.” He paused again. “And have you ever noticed how there isn’t a camera in your face everywhere you go here? Not nearly as many tourists. And there is plenty of room.”

Katie Ann’s eyes widened.

“You’ll be meeting most of your extended family this fall when they move to Canaan, a decision they made on their own. They want the freedom to spread out and grow here in Canaan—with us.”

Katie Ann threw her arms around him. “Eli! I love you so much. This is wonderful news! I can’t wait to meet everyone— Jake, Hannah, Ida Mae, Karen, Frieda, Maureen, and all their families and—”

Eli eased her away for a moment. He pushed back a strand of loose hair that had fallen across her face, then cupped her cheek. “They aren’t
all
coming.”

Katie Ann didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

“Maureen . . .” Eli lowered his eyes for a moment. “Maureen won’t be coming. Her husband has taken over his father’s blacksmith business, and he said they will be staying in Middlefield.”

She knew that Eli held a special place in his heart for his youngest daughter. “
Ach
, Eli, I—I don’t know what to say.”

“Say that you love me.” He pulled her close.

“I do. And we will visit Maureen often.” She pulled out of his embrace slowly. “Are you sure this is what you want, Eli?”

Then Eli did the unthinkable. He picked her up around the waist and swung her around until all the wildflowers molded into a blurred rainbow of sheer beauty. “I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”

Katie Ann saw Martha stomping across the meadow, lifting her white heels high as she walked. She wiggled free of Eli’s hold but could hardly contain herself as tears of joy poured down her cheeks.

“What in the world is going on out here?” Martha put her hands on her hips. “First I saw you crying, and now . . .” She grinned. “Are those happy tears?”

“Eli and I are getting married!” Katie Ann bounced on her toes.

Martha threw back her head and laughed. “Just had to go and steal my glory today, didn’tcha, honey?” Then she pulled Katie Ann into a tight hug. “I don’t know how I’m going to live without you here, though.”

Katie Ann had to pry herself from Martha’s embrace. “You don’t have to. Eli is staying here, and . . .” She smiled at Eli. “His family—all but his youngest daughter—are moving here.”

Martha looked at Eli, her eyes wide. Then she laughed. “That’s the best wedding present I could have asked for. This makes me very happy!” She kissed Katie Ann on the cheek and hugged Eli. “Now I have to go find my new husband before he starts missing me.” She turned to leave but then turned back around. “Just think of all the fun we’re going to have here in Canaan with such a big family.”

Katie Ann closed her eyes and thanked God for the wonder of His love. Then she kissed Eli on the mouth—right in front of Martha.

Martha shook her head, mumbling as she turned to head back toward the house. “Good grief.
My
wedding day, and I can’t even hold on to the spotlight.” She twisted her head around and winked at Katie Ann. “But you go, girl!”

Acknowledgments

T
HERE IS ALWAYS A MILD LEVEL OF ANXIETY WHEN
I write my acknowledgments, for fear of forgetting someone. With each book, more and more people are involved in the process, and getting the book on the shelves is a huge combined effort.

I’ll start by thanking God, who continues to bless me with stories to tell. Without Him, there would be no books. Thank you, Lord, for guiding my hand in my effort to deliver stories that both entertain and bring folks closer to you.

To my husband Patrick—you are the constant in my life that keeps me on an even keel despite the chaos sometimes. Thank you for making me laugh, for loving me, and for reading every single book I write, like you promised . . . ha ha. J I love you with all my heart.

Sherry Gregg, it is an honor to dedicate the book to someone whom I admire in so many ways. I’ve always said that sometimes God drops people in our paths for a reason. He sure knew what He was doing when he introduced us. Okay, I better mention your husband, too, since I’ve known him since I was a kid . . . ha ha. Tim, you’re the best! Thank you both for your hospitality and your friendship. Despite the many places Patrick and I have traveled, we often recall our trip to Colorado as one of our very best vacations. Love you both!

To my very best friend and kindred spirit, Renee’ Bissmeyer. You are a walking journal of my life, the one who knows the me I sometimes don’t even know. All these books later, your encouragement and love still keeps me going even when I doubt myself. You continue to be the wind beneath my wings. PEACE and love always.

Janet Murphy, you rock! We make a great team. Thank you for walking one step ahead of me and keeping me on track. You’re an awesome assistant, publicity coordinator, listener, encourager, and friend. Cheers to an ongoing journey!

To my editor, Natalie Hanemann, and my Thomas Nelson family—I am incredibly blessed to be traveling this road with you all on my team. Thank you for everything, both professionally and personally. You guys and gals are the best!

Mary Sue Seymour, my friend, my agent—thank you for guiding my career and for the friendship we share.

Barbie Beiler, I sure do miss you, and I hope to visit soon! Your input—based on your own Amish background—continues to strengthen my books, keeping them authentic. Sending you big hugs, my friend.

To my line editor, LB Norton—Wow! You jumped in at the 11th hour on this book, and what a fantastic job you did. Thank you for all your hard work and willingness to push a step further to make the book a better read. Hope to meet you in person soon. Blessings to you.

To friends and family not mentioned here, please know that they only give me so much space to write acknowledgments, or otherwise, I could go on forever and ever about how much each and every one of you means to me and how much I appreciate your encouragement, support, and love.

And last, but certainly not least—to my readers. A huge thank you for reading for my books. If one of my stories brought you a step closer to God, or perhaps got you off of the fence where He is concerned, possibly gave you hope or a better understanding of His grace—please let me know by sending me an email at [email protected].

Reading Group Guide

1. In the beginning of the story, Katie Ann doesn’t think Eli is her type. Why? What are some of Eli’s characteristics that Katie Ann ultimately finds charming and is attracted to?

2. Katie Ann struggles to forgive Ivan for his infidelities. How does her inability to forgive set roadblocks along her own life path? Who are we really hurting when we can’t forgive?

3. Eli has his life planned out, and he feels as though he’s earned some time off. When do his big plans to travel start to fall apart and lose the allure? Why do you think that happened?

4. Katie Ann admits to herself that her relationship with God is not what it used to be. What happens when Katie Ann finally accepts that God is in charge and submits to His will without second-guessing His plan for her?

5. As in real life, there are several ‘gray’ areas mentioned in the book, things or a way of life that aren’t traditionally part of Amish living. One of those is the use of cell phones. What are two more instances where rules are bent?

6. Eli notices early on that Katie Ann and Martha’s friendship is special, if not unlikely. But despite their many differences, Katie Ann and Martha are more alike than they may seem. How so?

7. What do you think will happen to Lucy? Do you think that she and Katie Ann will cross paths again someday? Will Jonas and Benjamin ever meet each other? If so, how do you think that will go?

8. Martha is a large presence in the book, and her heart is as big as her outspoken personality, which explains why she took Danielle in. As Martha begins to take on a parental role, how do you see her changing with regard to Danielle?

9. Early on, Katie Ann and Eli agree to just be friends. Have you or anyone you’ve known fallen in love with their best friend? How did it turn out?

10. Katie Ann and Eli share one similar quality. They are both unselfish. What are several instances when this shines through for each of them, and when does this endearing quality sometimes block God’s efforts for their future together?

11. Danielle tells several lies—to her mother on the phone in the hospital, to the nurse and others about not knowing who hit her, and to Martha when she tells Martha that her parents are dead. Is it ever justifiable to tell a lie? How might things have turned out differently if Danielle had always told the truth? Would things have turned out better or worse for her?

12. Often God has a plan for us that we can’t see or understand, putting us on the right course for the life He wants us to live. What are some examples of this in your own life? Have you ever unknowingly blocked His efforts? Or do you believe that it was always God’s will for things to have happened exactly the way that they did?

Amish Recipes

Peanut Blossoms

1 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. butter or oleo

2 eggs