A Promise for Miriam (The Pebble Creek Amish Book 1)

A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta ChapmanBook 1 of 3 in The Pebble Creek Amish (3 Book Series)A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn’t yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Miller steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek—and maybe find love again.This is Miriam King and Gabriel Miller's story.Miriam King glanced over the schoolroom with satisfaction.Lessons chalked on the board.Pencils sharpened and in the cup.Tablets, erasers, and chalk sat on each desk.Even the woodstove was cooperating this morning. Thank the Lord for Efram Hochstetler, who stopped by early Mondays on his way to work and started the fire. If not for him, the inside of the windows would be covered with ice when she stepped in the room.“Gudemariye,” Miriam said, stepping forward and moving past her desk.The man still didn’t speak, but as she drew closer, he bent and said something to the girl.When Miriam had halved the distance between them, he returned her greeting as his somber brown eyes assessed her.The young girl next to him had dark-brown hair like her father. It had been combed neatly and pulled back into a braid, all tucked inside her kapp. What was striking about her wasn’t her hair or her traditional Plain clothing—it was her eyes. She had the most solemn, beautiful brown eyes Miriam had ever seen on a child.They seemed to take in everythingMiriam noticed she clutched her father’s hand tightly with one hand and held a lunch box with the other.Gabriel Miller and his young daughter Grace move to this settlement of Amish from Indiana to Wisconsin following the death of his wife.Both are old order Amish with similar guidelines and rules for their people.Gabriel is a widower having lost his wife Hope three years ago.His young eight year old daughter Grace is smart, artistic, and mute.losing her mother she has not spoken in 3 years.Grace quickly becomes attached to Miriam King.I highly recommend reading.A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman is a wonderful well written 5 star book.I am looking forward to reading more books by Vannetta Chapman.Indiana Amish Brides.1. A Widow's Hope2. Amish Christmas MemoriesAmish Bishop Mystery1. What the Bishop Saw2. When the Bishop Needs an Alibi3. Who the Bishop KnowsA Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta ChapmanChristmas at Pebble Creek by Vannetta ChapmanPebble Creek Amish1. A Promise for Miriam2. A Home for Lydia3. A Wedding for Julia3.5. Home to Pebble Creek3.75. Christmas at Pebble Creek

I could not put this book down, and read it in two days! As others have said, I am a fan of Vanetta Chapman's fiction, especially the quilt mystery series. She has a beautiful writing style, and she knows how to weave a story well.This was a love story that kept me on the edge of my seat, but it is also a look into the lives of a more fundamental Amish culture that eschews indoor bathrooms and gas stoves for a simpler life style. I found it fascinating to read, knowing the differences between the culture in this group, as compared to the culture depicted in Chapman's Shipshewanna quilt mysteries that are more "liberal" in their use of electricity.In addition to the love story, the third "act" involves a Donald Trump-style businessman who tries to come in and exploit the people in the community for his own monetary gain. The descriptions of what he had in mind for the town made me laugh as they became so ridiculous, and contrary to the beliefs of the Amish people. The "Amish Arcade" and the description of the "Amish Abbey" were my favorites. I couldn't help but giggle at Gabe's reaction to this..."We're not Catholic!"Chapman's use of imagery and her ability to allow the reader to feel what the character was feeling made my heart ache at times, and rejoice at others, which is testament to her ability to immerse a reader in the story.I also loved the varying points of view, and the changing first person viewpoint. Most of the chapters were from Miriam's or Gabe's point of view, but some were from Grace, Gabe's daughter, giving us the child's account of what she was seeing in the story.As an English teacher myself, who happens to be married to a science teacher, I had to laugh out loud at her descriptions of Miriam using her "teacher voice" and "teacher look" with her family, something I have been accused of more than once! Thanks for a wonderful, enjoyable read, and the taste of the second book in the series that also gives us a hint as to what happens to Gabe and Miriam in the next chapter of their lives! I will be ordering the next one, too!

I loved it from the beginning because of the author’s ability with words. I will certainly continue reading her books! I also loved the humor along the way.

I have read all of Vannetta's books so far and this to me is the best one yet. A beautiful love story but it doesn't all go smooth, a lot of twist & turns but they are what keeps you from putting the book down. Just a reminder that we need to be content where we are in life and let God work out His plans for us.Miriam is what some call an old maid schoolteacher at 26 yrs. old & she loves what she is doing till a new child in school captures her heart and makes her want for more.Aden offers Miriam a different life but a better one, all she has to do is marry him. She does care for him but will that be enough to give up the way she was raised?Gabriel has lost the love of his life and is trying to make a new life for his daughter but he wants to do it on his own. Through a turn of events he has to admit he can't do it without some help from friends.What happens to these three and the friends and family around them will keep you reading till you finish the book.I did lose sleep but it was worth it.This is a really great book.I recommend it highly.

This was a lovely read with a multi-layered plot. Chapman portrays her characters in a realistic manner, and, particularly, the women are shown with personalities of their own which is so often lacking in a romance novel. I am looking forward to reading the other books and finding out what happens to Miriam and Gabriel.

A lovely romantic novel. I find books about the Amish community fascinating, and Vanetta Chapman is a great writers. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I have not read this book yet but I have a lot of amish novels to read at the moment and hope to be able to read this one soon.

Wer gerne Bücher hat, der im Amish-Ambiente spielt kommt hier voll auf seine Rechnung. Dies ist der erste Band, die beiden anderen werde ich noch kaufen.