A hand-carved hope chest holds a woman's treasures and dreams in this Amish romance series debut "written with tenderness and simplicity" (Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times–bestselling author).
Rebecca Sommer never thought her plan to wed would bring a heart-wrenching choice. She thought she and her betrothed, William, would spend the rest of their lives in Illinois' heartland, raising a family in their close-knit Amish hometown. But when he must travel far out of state to save his ailing father's business, Rebecca braves her relatives' disapproval—and her own fears—to go work by his side. And though she finds herself ever more in love with the dedicated, resourceful man he proves to be, William's growing interest in English ways may be the one challenge even her steadfast faith can't meet . . .
William knows he couldn't ask for a more loyal wife-to-be. And the bravery that helps Rebecca tackle every obstacle makes her even more admirable. He simply won't ask her to sacrifice her deepest beliefs, no matter how right they are for each other. But the patience and care that crafted Rebecca's hope chest is somehow showing them there's more than one-way prayers can be answered—and hearts brought together forever . . .
"Baker lays the familiar groundwork of a close-knit Amish community, but the heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes . . . The prayers and faith are respectfully illustrated, and Baker emphasizes the conviction required to hold to Amish traditions while surrounded by 21st century conveniences, providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters' inner lives."—Publishers Weekly, starred review