An Amish Honor Read online

  An Amish Honor

  AN AMISH ROMANCE INSPIRED BY A BELOVED BIBLE STORY

  © J.E.B. Spredemann 2018

  Copyright 2018 by J.E.B. Spredemann

  All rights reserved. No part of this work/book may be copied, transmitted, or stored in any form or by any means, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior written consent from the authors/publisher.

  All incidents and characters in this book are completely fictional and derived by the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual incidents and persons living or dead are purely coincidental.

  Disclaimer: The herbal information in this book was derived by the author’s (J.S.) education and experience as a Nutritional Herbologist, but is written for fictional and informational use only. No herbal information in this book is, in any way, meant as a prescription or medical advice. This information has not been approved by the FDA, AMA, or any other government agency. It is your constitutional right to prescribe for yourself, if you choose to do so. The author assumes no responsibility for the treatments in this book, if you should choose to implement them. Therefore, the government requires the recommendation that you see your health care provider if you have any medical concerns/issues.

  Published in Indiana by Blessed Publishing.

  www.jebspredemann.com

  All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

  Cover design by iCreate Designs ©

  ISBN: 978-1-940492-36-0

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  BOOKS BY J.E.B. SPREDEMANN

  AMISH GIRLS SERIES

  Joanna’s Struggle

  Danika’s Journey

  Chloe’s Revelation

  Susanna’s Surprise

  Annie’s Decision

  Abigail’s Triumph

  Brooke’s Quest

  Leah’s Legacy

  A Christmas of Mercy – Amish Girls Holiday

  Learning to Love – Saul’s Story (Sequel to Chloe’s Revelation)

  AMISH SECRETS SERIES

  An Unforgivable Secret - Amish Secrets 1

  A Secret Encounter - Amish Secrets 2

  A Secret of the Heart - Amish Secrets 3

  An Undeniable Secret - Amish Secrets 4

  A Secret Sacrifice - Amish Secrets 5

  A Secret of the Soul - Amish Secrets 6

  AMISH BY ACCIDENT TRILOGY

  Amish by Accident

  Englisch on Purpose (Prequel to Amish by Accident)

  Christmas in Paradise – (Sequel to Amish by Accident)

  OTHER

  Love Impossible

  An Amish Blessing

  An Amish Honor

  NOVELETTES

  Cindy’s Story – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 1

  Rosabelle’s Story – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 2

  COMING 2018 (Lord Willing)

  A Secret Christmas – Amish Secrets 2.5 (tentatively Nov.)

  Unofficial Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words

  Ach–Oh

  Aldi–Girlfriend

  Boppli–Baby

  Bruder–Brother

  Dat, Daed–Dad

  Denki–Thanks

  Der Herr–The Lord

  Die Heilige Schrift–The Holy Script (Sacred Text, Holy Scriptures, German (Luther) Holy Bible)

  Dochder–Daughter

  Dummkopp–Dummy

  Englischer–A non-Amish person

  Ferhoodled–Mixed up, Crazy

  Fraa–Woman, Wife

  Gott–God

  Grossmudder - Grandmother

  Gut–Good

  Ich Liebe Dich – I love you

  Jah–Yes

  Kinner–Children

  Kinskinner–Grandchildren

  Lieb (Liebchen)–Love, My Love

  Maed–Girls

  Mamm–Mom

  Nee–No

  Ordnung–Rules of the Amish Community

  Schatzi–Sweetheart

  Vatter–Father

  CHARACTERS IN AN AMISH BLESSING

  King Family

  Jacob - father

  Reuben – Joseph’s oldest half-brother

  Simeon - Joseph’s half-brother

  Judah - Joseph’s half-brother

  Levi - Joseph’s half-brother

  Zeb - Joseph’s half-brother

  Gad - Joseph’s half-brother

  Ash - Joseph’s half-brother

  Dinah - Joseph’s half-sister

  Joseph - protagonist

  Benjamin – Joseph’s younger (full) brother

  Dear Reader,

  This series is loosely based on stories of actual people who are mentioned in the Bible. These books are not necessarily retellings, although you will find quite a few similarities between the books and their Bible counterparts. I am, in no way, attempting to rewrite the Bible (God has done a fine job with it and He certainly doesn’t need my help!) nor am I depicting the true Biblical characters. The characters in my books are portrayed as Amish and there are some things contained in the actual Biblical accounts that simply cannot be included, due to Amish culture and customs. With that said, I hope that you will enjoy this series as it is, but I also hope that it will encourage you to go back and read the actual Bible stories themselves. There are so many truths contained in God’s Word that we can never even really scratch the surface of its depth. His mercy and grace are beyond measure.

  Blessings,

  J. Spredemann

  PROLOGUE

  Judah King listened through the door of the room where Aentie Rachel—nee, now his father’s fraa—had just given birth. A new boppli would be a welcome blessing for all of them. He peeked through a crack in the door, thanks to the midwife leaving it slightly ajar, to see if he could catch a glimpse of the little one.

  Dat smiled at his beautiful wife, her brow still wet with perspiration from the labor she’d just endured. “We did it! We have a son, Lieb.”

  Judah frowned. He couldn’t remember Dat ever looking at his and his brothers’ mamm that way. It was plain to see that Dat’s present fraa occupied more of his heart than his former wife had.

  The rumor flying around the community was that Dat had always cared for Rachel, planned to marry her even, until Grossdawdi had stepped in and insisted he marry his eldest dochder first. Why Dat, or anyone, would ever agree to a proposition like that, Judah had no idea. But Judah had never believed those rumors—until now. Perhaps there was an ounce of truth to them.

  “A son?” Tears pricked Aentie Rachel’s eyes.

  “Jah. He looks right gut too.” Dat was beaming from ear to ear and Judah wondered if that’s how Dat had been when he was born. “To share a child with the woman I love more than anything is nearly too much for my heart to handle. How about if we call him Joseph?”

  “Joseph sounds like a wonderful gut name.”

  “There’s something special about this bu, I can feel it.” Judah heard the excitement in Dat’s voice.

  “You think Der Herr will call him to His service?”

  Dat shrugged. “Don’t know. I just know he’s extra special. We’ve waited a long time for him, jah?”

  “Too long.”

  Judah frowned. Did Dat and Rachel mean they’d waited too long since they’d been married or had they meant since they’d met? If it was the latter, then it was almost as if his mother and his siblings hadn’t occupied Dat’s heart much at all. Nee, he refused to believe that. Dat loved them all. Equally.

  “We will be thankful for Der Herr’s provision. He knows exactly what we need and precisely when we need it. Joseph was born now, at this moment in time, for a purpose that only Der Herr knows.”

  “You are right, husband.”

  “Would you like to hold him?”
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  “Jah, please.” She stretched her arms out to receive the bundle of joy. She gazed down at the wonderful gut blessing they’d created together with Gott’s help. “He’s precious. So small.”

  “What do you think his brieder and schweschder will say?” His father frowned.

  “They will love him just as well as we do, I suppose. Do you think we should call them in now?”

  “Nee. Let’s enjoy this sweet one to ourselves just a few moments longer.” Dat stroked the boppli’s head. “He is a fine bu. A fine bu.”

  “Jah, he is.”

  Judah moved away from the door before the midwife came back and shooed him away. He’d allow his father and Rachel some time alone to dote on their new little one.

  He and his brothers had already felt somewhat forgotten since their father had married his new wife. Hopefully, little Joseph wouldn’t cause too much disruption to this family.

  He frowned. Was there something extra special about his brand-new baby brother, like his father hinted at? Not that he could tell. He’d have to wait and see.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Seventeen years later…

  Joseph shot up from his bed, beads of perspiration trickling down his temples. His heart still raced as though he were being chased by his vatter’s unruly steer. The shadows from his dream danced in his head, threatening to attack him once again.

  He forced his eyelids open, and the sun’s rays cleared away the panic that had attempted to overtake him. He looked around his room. His blessed bedroom had never looked so welcoming. He waited a few moments for his heartbeat to return to its normal rhythm.

  “Joseph, get out of bed!” His older brother Ash’s chiding voice called from the door. “Are you going to sleep all day while the rest of us are chorin’?”

  He heard the derision in Ash’s tone, something he should be used to by now. “What time is it?”

  “Get up and check for yourself, lazy.”

  Joseph bit back the uncharitable retort that begged to escape his lips. “I’m coming.”

  He quickly threw on his trousers and work shirt then pulled his suspenders over his chest. He headed downstairs and stopped on the bottom step. His eyes widened as he saw each member of his family already seated at the breakfast table. They wouldn’t be happy.

  “It’s about time,” Simeon groused.

  Gad shook his head and grunted, not hiding his disdain.

  “That’s enough!” His father’s stern voice held a warning. The boys’ untoward behavior would not be tolerated.

  His father bowed his head for the silent prayer and the others at the table followed suit. He cleared his throat and picked up his silverware, signaling to the others that his silent prayer had finished and they could now dig in.

  “I’ve got big plans for all of us today.”

  A collective moan emerged from his brothers.

  His father held up his hand to silence them once again. “You will go over to Minister Schwartz’s field and harvest tobacco.”

  Each of his brothers conveyed their disapproval. “All day?”

  His father nodded. “If that’s how long it takes. With the seven of you working—”

  “Seven?” His second oldest brother Simeon frowned, then his head snapped back and met Joseph’s eyes with a glare. “What about him?”

  “I have other plans for Joseph,” his father nodded toward him with a half-smile.

  “Figures,” Levi grumbled.

  Dan and Zeb shared a look. “Why does he always get out of the hard work?” Dan said.

  His father frowned. “He doesn’t get out of anything. He works just as hard as you do.”

  Dan shook his head. “Whatever.”

  “You will not take that tone with me, Sohn,” his father answered roughly. “You will show respect if you wish to continue to live in this home.”

  “Sorry, Dat.” Dan’s head hung.

  His father turned to him. “Joseph, I have something in the barn for you.”

  He glanced at his brothers then turned back to Dat. “What? What is it?”

  “I bought a new mare. A paint. She’s yours to take out to the fields. I want you to train her. She will be the driver for your new courting buggy.”

  Joseph stopped chewing and his mouth dropped open along with each of the brothers’. “A horse? And a courting buggy? For me? Thanks, Dat!”

  He jumped from his chair and gave his father a hug—something his older siblings never did. “I’m going to see her right now.”

  “Not now, Sohn. Finish your breakfast then help your sister with the dishes. They’ll be plenty of time to see your new horse and buggy later.”

  “Yes, Dat.”

  His brothers all sat dumbstruck until Judah managed to speak. “Dat, we all had to work for our buggies and paid for them out of our own money. It’s not fair that Joseph—”

  “It is nobody’s business but mine what I choose to give or not. Joseph has worked hard. He has earned it.”

  Gad snickered, and each one of them shook their heads.

  Joseph would never hear the end of this. He was sure of it.

  “Now I will hear no more complaints. Do you understand?” Their father eyed each of Joseph’s older brothers sternly.

  They grumbled, but nobody said another word.

  “Boys, hurry along now. Minister Schwartz is expecting you.”

  “Can’t we even finish our breakfast?” Zeb protested.

  “Take it with you.” His father dismissed them with his hand, encouraging them to get moving.

  Not one of them rose from their chairs.

  Ash scowled at him. “It’s not our fault breakfast was late this morning.”

  “You should have awoken Joseph sooner.” Their father insisted, sipping on his coffee.

  His brothers huffed. “We were out doing the chores!” Dan frowned.

  “Enough. Geh! Head on out now.”

  Their chairs screeched across the floor loudly as each one of them moved toward the door.

  “Have fun playing with your pony today, Joseph.” Simeon taunted, purposely bumping his shoulder. Hard.

  “Ow!” Joseph rubbed his shoulder.

  “Boppli.” His brother chuckled as he walked out the door.

  Joseph exhaled and shook his head, but he was glad to finally have some peace and quiet.

  “Why are they always so mean to you, Joey?”

  He reached over to his younger brother, Benji, and tousled his hair. “Ach, I just ignore them. Don’t worry about it.”

  “But I like you. I think you’re nice.” The nine-year-old said.

  “Denki.”

  “Can I go with you today?”

  “It’s ‘may I’ and no you may not. You have school.”

  “I don’t like school much. I’d rather be out workin’ with the animals or in the field with you.”

  “It’ll go by fast and you’ll be done before you know it. You only have five more years. You just do your best so you can finish on time.”

  Young Benjamin sighed. “I’ll try.”

  “I’ll tell you what. If Dat says it’s okay, I’ll give you a ride to school in my new buggy. You can be the first one to ride in it.” He glanced at his father, who dipped his head slightly and winked.

  “Really, Joey?”

  He smiled and nodded.

  “Denki. You’re the best brother ever.”

  “I think you are.” Joseph winked at his brother. “We’d better hurry up if you’re to be at school on time.”

  “Hey, wait a minute. I can’t ride in your courtin’ buggy. I’m not a maedel.”

  Joseph smiled. “It’s not just for courting, bruder.”

  “You’re for sure and certain?”

  “Jah.”

  “Okay, then. If you’re sure.” His steady blue eyes watched his brother.

  “I am.”

  “Okay, but just don’t make me ride with no maedel!”

  “Why not? Don’t you like girls?”

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nbsp; “Nee.”

  Joseph chuckled. “I promise not to pick up any maed along the way.” Not that he would.

  ~

  Joseph stood inside the haymow, stacking each bale of hay as his father had instructed.

  “How did Benjamin enjoy his buggy ride?” His father asked from the barn floor, his eyes twinkling.

  Joseph smiled, remembering how Benji had been so excited when he had allowed him to take the reins for a few minutes. He’d bounced up and down on the plush seat a gut minute before they’d even left the yard. “He loved it.”

  “That bu looks up to you.” A hint of admiration accompanied his father’s words.

  “I know. I just hope that I can be a gut example to him.” The most difficult part was dealing with his older brothers. Many times he’d wanted to speak out, to utter an ill retort that matched their harsh words, but he’d managed to keep a bridle on his tongue. So far.

  He needed to pray for his brothers more.

  The fact that they loathed him so much bothered him more than he cared to admit. It hurt that they’d never accepted him. He’d always felt like an outsider when it came to his older brothers. He’d always dealt with feelings of inadequacy and inferiority around them. He’d always been the brother that no one invited to go along. They neglected to even acknowledge his presence most times. Unless it was in a negative context, of course.

  He remembered something his father had once told him. God loves you just the way you are. Because someone else can’t see your worth doesn’t mean that God values you any less. And it is God’s thoughts that matter, not anyone else’s. You just do your best to live as God wants you to and let Him deal with others.

  He’d tried to live according to his father’s advice, but it seemed to be more challenging by the day.

  “You are a gut example to him, Joseph. I’m proud of the young man you have become. You are very responsible, which is partially why I bought this new rig for you. You have character that your brothers lack.”

  “Denki, vatter. Your words of encouragement mean a lot.”

  “They are not just words, Sohn. They are truth.”

  Joseph hefted the final bale of hay into the loft, thankful to be done with this chore. He rubbed his aching muscles. It would be much more efficient if they had one of those conveyer belts like some of the other Amish used. But it had been disallowed in their district. Such conveniences were too worldly.