Amish Letters

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn't proud to claim. He's worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can't help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person. Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon's letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn't have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics-although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn't been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt's doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he'll forgive her for holding back the truth. In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something-or Someone-bigger than either of them could pen.

Roman is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He feels confined by the strict rules and longs to do something more with his life. But when his brother is gravely injured, Roman receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to move to Birch Creek to help the young family. Leanna Chupp has always made her own way in her small community of Birch Creek. Though some may call her unconventional-strange, even-Leanna is passionate about her faith. Her unique outlook on life has meant she's never had many suitors pursuing courtship, but she is happy being single and believes she always will be. But when Roman and Leanna find themselves working together again, everything changes. Neither of them fit squarely within the strictures of the Amish faith, but could their differences be the one thing that helps them form a deeper connection to their faith . . . and each other?

Her fingertips brushed against something else in the box of doilies. She lifted a bundle of letters; neatly tied with a thin red ribbon . . . Ivy Yoder hasn't heard from John King in over a year. She knows it's time to let go of the idea that they will one day marry, but she's humiliated to be one of the oldest single women in her Amish community of Birch Creek. When quirky Cevilla Schlabach asks her to help clean out an attic, Ivy is grateful for the distraction. Noah Schlabach isn't from Birch Creek, or even Ohio. His job as an auctioneer takes him around the country and away from a typical Amish life, but he still remains devoted to his family. So when his aging aunt asks him to help clean out her attic, he agrees. Plus, who knows what curious items he might find up there? As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a different kind of treasure: a packet of letters written during the Korean War. Soon they are swept up in the story of two young people falling in love-even as they remain determined not to fall in love themselves. Words from the Heart is a moving story of lost love letters, fragile fears, and the beauty of taking another step forward.