Loree Lough Boeken

Amid the New Order Amish community of Oakland, Maryland, an unexpected gift of comfort and tender caring can help spark a surprising dream of love . . . Between raising three grieving children and running a booming business, recent widower Aaron Bontrager desperately needs help--even if it means a marriage of convenience only. He couldn't be more surprised by his new wife, ebullient Bethel Mast. With an unconventional, joyful sense of purpose, she's starting to turn his house back into a home and bring stability and peace to his children's lives. And somehow, her gentle understanding is reigniting impossible hope in Aaron's guarded, lonely heart . . . Bethel never had a fair chance for a home and family of her own. She doesn't want to replace Aaron's first wife, but she'll face any challenge to aid him and his children. And she soon finds Aaron's formidable exterior hides a sensitivity and caring that she's quietly drawn to. Can Bethel show him that their practical arrangement is blossoming into so much more--and can be the start of a wonderful future together for all of them?

"In the New Order Amish community of Pleasant Valley, a helping hand is never far away, and a baby's smile can be reason enough to start over--and risk love again ... Since losing his family in a tragic accident, building contractor Max Lambright can't seem to find purpose in anything but hard work ... until he meets feisty newcomer, Willa Richards. As she struggles to make a new life for herself and her baby girl, she challenges him in just about every possible way. Dare he hope that, alongside this spirited woman, he might rekindle his lost faith, and find the path to love and the family he craves? Poor choices and a difficult past have inspired Willa to make better decisions for her precious Frannie, even if it means leaving the familiar behind and starting over ... among strangers. As she adapts to the Amish ways, she learns about Max's generous and steadfast nature. The loneliness he tries so hard to mask can't be hidden ... not from a woman with something to prove: Together, they can build their friendship into something that will forever stand as the cornerstone of a happy family . . ."--Provided by publisher

Among the New-new Order Amish of Oakland, Maryland, children bring precious hope, joy—and sometimes an unexpected second chance at love . . . For Amish widower Phillip Baker, providing for his family in the wake of his wife's death means back-breaking work and renewed dedication to his faith. Still, his strength can’t help him relate to his little son’s struggles. It seems a godsend when new doctor Emily White is able to treat Gabe’s shyness and fear even as she helps heal him. But no matter how strongly Phillip is drawn to the caring Englisher from the city, their differences may be too great to overcome . . . Reeling from her own tragic loss, Emily keeps loneliness at bay through her clinic work. Somehow, though, Gabe and his gentle, sad-eyed father are making her want to risk opening her heart again. But can she find acceptance in their Plain world—and a way to turn their separate lives into a family forever? . . .

While living in Boston in 1635 and 1636, thirteen-year-old Phillip and his family survive a hurricane and a devastating fire while holding to their faith in God.

Beth's passion for Christmas and her feelings for Ben, her co-worker in the Amish furniture business, are complicated by their differing views on the holiday. Their friendship is tested as they navigate their emotions and beliefs. A heartfelt letter and a special gift from Beth could be the key to bridging the gap between them and transforming their relationship. Will this gesture finally bring them together?

The story explores the deep yet challenging love between David and Anna, hindered by their hidden pasts. As Anna turns to her Blessings Jar for courage through Christmas prayers, she faces a poignant dilemma: whether her love for David is strong enough to confront the secrets that bind them. The narrative delves into themes of vulnerability, sacrifice, and the quest for emotional freedom, highlighting the struggle between love and the fear of loss.

A man grapples with his identity after a series of painful losses, including his wife to a church deacon and his roles as a Marine, minister, and family member. With only a few belongings and his grandfather's motorcycle, he leaves Baltimore behind in search of a new beginning. The narrative explores themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for self-discovery in the aftermath of personal upheaval.