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The Widow’s Second Chance
Widow Leah Yoder married for love once. Now that she’s come home to Seven Poplars, she wants a marriage of convenience that will provide a longed-for family without dishonoring the memory of her late husband. A steady, serious older man would be ideal—someone completely unlike handsome, fun-loving Thomas Stutzman. She and the aspiring organic farmer agree to court to prove that this time, the matchmaker has made a mistake! But as their friendship deepens, will Leah settle for what she thought she needed, or put fear aside for a second chance at happiness?
“I’m sure we set them all atwitter.”
She was surprised at how much she was enjoying the day. She’d expected having Thomas walk her home from church would be awkward, but she found him easy to talk to. He had an easy laugh, and it was nice having him beside her.
“My grandfather saw us and nodded his approval.” He made a reluctant sound. “I feel a little bad about deceiving him, letting him think that we’re walking out together.”
“But we are, aren’t we? We did promise Sara a six-week trial.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Thomas said. “It isn’t really a ruse. Not if we do date like we promised. Even if we both know that this isn’t going to work out.”
“Exactly,” she agreed. “You know, honestly, I can’t see why you haven’t found someone. There’s nothing wrong with you that I can see.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
His tone seemed a little stilted. “Don’t take it personally, Thomas. And who knows? Maybe Sara will prove us wrong. Maybe we’ll fall madly in love.”
He chuckled. “Right.”
A first love is always a special life experience, but sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we expect. In A Love for Leah we see what happens when matchmaker Sara Yoder tries to arrange a second chance at love for a young widow who many of our readers may remember fondly, Hannah’s daughter Leah. Seeking to heal from the tragic loss of her young family while on mission in the Amazon rainforest, she believes she can find peace and a new start in the traditional Amish community of Seven Poplars.
Leah wants desperately to have another child, so she asks Sara to arrange a marriage of convenience with an older man. Leah believes she will be content with a quiet partnership built on faith and respect. She never expects to become reacquainted with handsome, vivacious Thomas, or to fall head over heels in love with him. And when she does, her heart is torn. Will marrying Thomas for love rather than convenience be a betrayal to her first husband? Will this be a match that Sara can’t manage?
I hope that you’ll enjoy Leah’s journey in search of happiness. I’m always glad to welcome readers old and new to stories of love and life among the Amish.
Wishing you peace and joy,
Emma Miller
EMMA MILLER lives quietly in her old farmhouse in rural Delaware. Fortunate enough to be born into a family of strong faith, she grew up on a dairy farm, surrounded by loving parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Emma was educated in local schools and once taught in an Amish schoolhouse. When she’s not caring for her large family, reading and writing are her favorite pastimes.
A Love for Leah
Emma Miller
Delight yourself also in the Lord and
He shall give you the desires of your heart.
—Psalms 37:4
Contents
Kent County, Delaware
Spring
“What do you mean you won’t marry me?” Thomas’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the young woman beside him. “Don’t we go together like ham and cabbage? Bacon and eggs? Hasn’t everyone been waiting for us to announce the wedding date?”
Ellie grimaced. “I’m sorry, Thomas. Truly I am.” She sounded contrite.
He