A SECRET CHRISTMAS by J.E.B. Spredemann
One woman's search for answers.One little girl's fight for her life...Will they both find a miracle this Christmas season?Joseph and Anna Bender find fulfillment in raising their family and helping out at the local homeless shelter. When their oldest daughter falls ill, can they learn to trust God--even if He denies their petitions to save their little girl? Candace Dixon's life in California is about to be turned upside down as she discovers the truth of her past. When her job as a wedding planner brings her to Pennsylvania Amish country, she gets much more than what she bargained for. Can a young Amish girl help her find what she's been missing? Find faith, hope, and love in this heartwarming Christmas tale. (less)
This is Joseph and Anna Bender and family'story.
Candace Dixon'story.
Pennsylvania, Early December
Joseph Bender’s head shot up at the piercing scream that ricocheted through the air. Was that Mary? He immediately dropped the lead line to his mare and bolted toward the house.
“Joe? What’s wrong?” Harvey meandered out of the barn, his expression light as usual but a hint of concern manifested in his eyes.
was Mary who just screamed.” He threw the screen door open and rushed inside. Moisture gathered in his palms and an uneasiness settled in the pit of his stomach as the door slammed shut behind him. “Anna?” He entered the kitchen. His wife was nowhere in sight. He ran to young Mary’s bedroom but found it empty. “Anna? Where are you?” “I’m in here. In the bathroom.” The distress in her voice caused his heart to lurch. He poked his head through the bathroom
door and his gaze met his wife’s. “What’s going on, Schatzi? Why was Mary screaming?” “I don’t know if she had a nightmare or if it was because of her fever. She’s been a little out of sorts since we returned from her doctor visit, but nothing like now. She feels pretty hot.” Joe came close and touched the back of his hand to his daughter’s forehead. His heart felt like melted wax when he noticed Mary’s lethargic countenance, a stark contrast from her normal happy extroverted self.
“You’re right, she’s burning up.” Did Anna recognize the worry his tone conveyed? He kneeled next to the bathtub, reached into the cool water surrounding Mary, dipped a washcloth into it, and then placed it on Mary’s forehead. “Does that feel better, liebling?” Mary attempted to smile and speak but all that passed her lips was a groan. “Did you check her temperature?” He frowned. Anna shook her head. “Not since earlier this morning. It was a hundred and one then. The thermometer is in Mary’s room on her dresser.” He briefly squeezed Anna’s hand, communicating to his wife that everything would be alright. He just wished his heart felt the same confidence his action exuded. “I’ll get it.” Joe turned toward the bedroom and silently pleaded with God on Mary’s behalf. Please don’t take her yet, Lord. Five years isn’t long enough. We can’t lose her. You know how much Anna and I love her.
Tears were rare for him, but once in a while he couldn’t help their formation. This was one of those times. He shoved the tear away with the pad of his thumb. He couldn’t let Anna or the children see his distress—they needed his strength, his leadership. He took a cleansing breath and stepped back into the bathroom. He handed the thermometer to Anna. “Where are the kinner?” “They’re napping.” She held the thermometer under Mary’s tongue.
“I’m surprised Mary’s scream didn’t awaken them.” “You know they can sleep through anything.” She pulled the thermometer out of Mary’s mouth and frowned. “What? What is it?” “A hundred and four. I didn’t expect it to still be so high. She’s been in the cool water for almost ten minutes now.” She brought a cup of water to Mary’s mouth. “Drink, lieb.” Their daughter did as told, but Joseph could see she was
Joe shook his head. “I don’t know, Harv. But I’m certain that was Mary who just screamed.” He threw the screen door open and rushed inside. Moisture gathered in his palms and an uneasiness settled in the pit of his stomach as the door slammed shut behind him.
“Anna?” He entered the kitchen. His wife was nowhere in sight. He ran to young Mary’s bedroom but found it empty. “Anna? Where are you?”
“I’m in here. In the bathroom.” The distress in her voice caused his heart to lurch.
He poked his head through the bathroom door and his gaze met his wife’s. “What’s going on, Schatzi? Why was Mary screaming?”
I highly recommend reading.
A SECRET CHRISTMAS by J.E.B. Spredemann is a wonderful 5 star book.
more books by J.E.B. Spredemann
Unlikely Santa: An Amish Christmas Story
by J.E.B. Spredemann and Jennifer Spredemann
An Amish Blessing: An Amish Romance Inspired by a Beloved Bible Story
Book 4 of 5: An Amish Romance Inspired by a Beloved Bible Story | by J.E.B. Spredemann and Jennifer Spredemann | Jun 1, 2018
An Amish Reward by J.E.B. Spredemann and Jennifer Spredemann
A Secret Encounter (Amish Secrets - Book 2)
Book 2 of 7: Amish Secrets | by J.E.B. Spredemann
A Secret of the Heart (Amish Secrets - Book 3)
Book 3 of 7: Amish Secrets | by J.E.B. Spredemann
Amish Christmas Miracles: 14 stories to touch your heart and warm your soul this Christmas
by Jennifer Beckstrand , Kathleen Fuller
and more books.
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