An Amish story, set in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, centered around a young woman who begins filling her hope chest when she falls for her sister's boyfriend.
Is it wrong to hope for the impossible? Rachel Beachy wants something she can't have---her sister's boyfriend. Silas Swartley has been in love with Anna since they were children, and Rachel has desired Silas nearly as long.
Like Job from the Bible, Rachel feels that her swiftly moving days are spent without hope. But when Anna unexpedtedly leaves the Amish faith, Rachel's hope is rekindled. She initiates a campaign to win Silas's heart---and begins to fill her hope chest.
Can Silas set the pain of Anna's rejection aside and see Rachel as anything more than a child? Will Rachel be disappointed in Silas and God, or will she learn the true meaning of hope?
Excerpt
Rachel held her breath as he moved his fingers in gentle, soothing circles across her back. Was Silas about to kiss her? She wrapped her arms around his neck and nestled her head against his shoulder.
Then, as quickly as he'd embraced her, Silas pulled away. "Now that we've got that cleared up, how's about I get my binoculars and bird indentification book, and the two of us can spend the next hour or so lookin' for some unusual feathered creatures?"