Abigail's New Hope - By Mary Ellis Page 0,123
picky,” she said. “I received some news from home. A letter from mamm arrived yesterday while you were at the Yoders’.”
Abby settled into a chair with her cold cereal. “Is everyone well? You look upset.”
Catherine hadn’t wished to reveal her feelings. “Everyone is fine—no worries there, but I had wanted to stay here while Isaiah attends school in Kentucky.” She slumped into a chair.
“And you know we want you to stay. Does mamm need your help?”
“No, Meghan does.”
“Really? She is a nanny for some nice Englischers down the road. What could our little sister possibly need help with?”
“She has quit her nanny job. Apparently, the schoolteacher is in a family way and will not be returning to the classroom after Christmas.”
Abby’s brows lifted. “Oh, no.”
“Oh, yes. Meghan begged daed to appoint her as the replacement teacher, at least for the remainder of the school year.”
“That might not be a good idea.”
“She’s been working as the teacher’s assistant for a month to learn the job. Unfortunately, there are far more rambunctious boys in school than quiet, docile little girls, and it doesn’t look like Meghan will be able to handle them once she’s there alone.”
“And that’s where you come in?” Abby’s question was filled with compassion.
“Jah. Because I’m twenty-three and Meghan is only nineteen, daed wants me to be the head teacher. Meghan will be my assistant for the term in hopes of assuming the position next fall.”
Abby reached for Catherine’s hand. “This will be a trial by fire. Do you remember what Meghan was like as a student?”
“I’m trying to forget the time she locked her teacher in the outhouse.”
Abby bit her lower lip. “Hopefully, none of the current students have heard that story.”
“I had hoped to remain here, planning the addition and changes to the cabin during the year Isaiah is gone.” Catherine rose to her feet. “But because our sister needs me, home I will go. After all, with what I’ve learned about patience and forbearance, how much trouble can a room full of scholars be?” She walked to the stove for the pot of coffee, giving Abby a chance to stop laughing…and to start praying.
Being a mother, she knew exactly how much trouble a room full of kinner could be.
Discussion Questions
1. Well aware of her doctor’s advice, why would Ruth Fisher endanger her own life to give birth? Infertility is heartbreaking for all couples, but how is it uniquely tragic for an Amish woman?
2. What are some reasons why Nathan is initially reluctant to handle his newborn son?
3. Abby is stoic even while facing bail set at half a million dollars. What does she turn to during her incarceration?
4. Why is Daniel resentful of Catherine and reluctant to answer her questions regarding his cousin Isaiah?
5. Why is the Grabers’ Amish district in such a quandary about raising Abby’s bail?
6. Dr. Weller’s visit is pivotal for Abby. What information does he convey that helps her to deal with separation from her family?
7. Aunt Iris at times seems impatient with her nephew. Why does she demand so much from a young man trying to come to terms with loss?
8. What gifts has God given Isaiah that more than make up for his lack of hearing and speech?
9. Frightening news from her public defender sends Abby deep into the Old Testament. What stories and biblical heroes help her to keep her faith?
10. Daniel gets a firsthand look at Catherine and Isaiah during the swimming outing. Why is he softening his attitude toward his sister-in-law?
11. Why does Nathan finally reach out to the English social worker?
12. When the judge has a change of heart, Abby has an opportunity to go home. Why does she choose to return to her jail cell instead?
13. Although the Amish rarely display temper, what causes Nathan to lash out at the other grief therapy participants?
14. What sours Abby’s poignant visit with Daniel and her beloved children during their jail visitation?
15. What happened in Isaiah’s past that makes outings among other people, both Amish and English, difficult for him?
16. Why does Abigail change her mind about revealing the person who had supplied the anti-hemorrhage drug?
17. When Isaiah takes Catherine to his “secret garden,” why does he relent and agree to go to the volleyball party?
18. Abby makes an unlikely friend while incarcerated. How does this friendship benefit both women?
19. Why had Nathan stayed away from church services for so long?
20. What is Isaiah missing in his life that makes Catherine bound and determined to teach him to speak, and especially to read?
About the Author
Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish Community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. She and her husband now live in Medina County, close to the largest population of Amish families, and enjoy the simple way of life.
Abigail’s New Hope is the first book in The Wayne County Series. Discover Mary’s other books, especially the bestselling Miller Family Series, at
or
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Epilogue
Discussion Questions
About the Author
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Epilogue
Discussion Questions
About the Author