An Amish widow with newborn twins discovers her deceased husband had disturbing secrets. As she tries to come to grips with the past, she considers a loveless marriage to ensure stability for her young family . . . with her faith in God hanging in the balance. Sarah Troyer never expected to raise her children on her own, but when her husband dies in a tragic accident, she finds refuge in the home of her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to her husband’s past—even though he had told her he was an orphan with no family. From Luke, she learns her husband hid a secret life, one with ramifications that will change her own. Sarah’s family, concerned for her and her children, encourages her to marry again. It should make sense . . . but Sarah’s heart says no. She feels trapped. Should she marry a man she doesn’t love? Or discover if her growing interest in Luke can be trusted? Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you’ll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman’s story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams . . . and secrets. You’ll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle and, most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. “Authentic characters, delectable recipes and faith abound in Clipston’s second Kauffman Amish Bakery story. While betrayals and regaining trust in those closest to you are central themes, the importance of family is also evident.” -- RT Book Reviews, 4-star review Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She's sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, younger son, mother, and seven spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at AmyClipston.com; Facebook: @AmyClipstonBooks; X: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston; BookBub: @AmyClipston A Promise of Hope By Amy Clipston ZONDERVAN Copyright © 2010 Amy Clipston All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-34408-7 CHAPTER 1 Smoke filled Sarah Troyer's lungs and stung her watering eyes. Covering her mouth with her trembling hand, she fell to her knees while flames engulfed the large carpentry area of the furniture store. "Peter!" Her attempt to scream her husband's name came out in a strangled cough, inaudible over the noise of the roaring fire surrounding her. Peter was somewhere in the fire. She had to get to him. But how would she find her way through the flames? Had someone called for help? Where was the fire department? A thunderous boom shook the floor beneath Sarah's feet, causing her body to shake with fear. The roof must've collapsed! "Sarah!" Peter's voice echoed, hoarse and weak within the flames. "I'm coming!" Sobs wracked her body as she crawled toward the back of the shop. She would find him. She had to! Turning her face toward the ceiling, Sarah begged God to spare her husband's life. He had to live. She needed him. He was everything to her. They were going to be parents. Their baby needed a father. Standing, she threw her body into the flames, rushing toward the crumpled silhouette on the floor next to the smashed remains of the roof ... Sarah's eyes flew open, and she gasped. She touched her sweat-drenched nightgown with her trembling hands. Closing her eyes, she breathed a sigh of relief. It was a dream! Stretching her arm through the dark, she reached across the double bed for her husband of three years; however, her hand brushed only cool sheets. Empty. Oh, no. Sarah cupped a hand to her hot face while reality crashed down on her. Peter had died in the fire in her father's furniture store five months ago. He was gone, and she was staying in her parents' house. Taking a deep, ragged breath, she swallowed a sob. She'd had the fire dream again—the fourth time this week. When were the nightmares going to cease? When was life going to get easier? She rested her hands on her swelling belly while tears cooled her burning cheeks. It seemed like only yesterday Sarah was sharing the news of their blessing with Peter and he was smiling, his hazel eyes twinkling, while he pulled her close and kissed her. It had been their dream to have a big family with as many as seven children, like most of the Amish couples in their church district. Sarah and Peter had spent many late nights snuggling in each other's arms while talking about names. However, Sarah had buried those dreams along with her husband, and she still felt as bewild