THE PROMISE OF A HOME, THE HEARTBREAK OF AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE As a budding journalist with a major newspaper, Remy McCallister is eager to prove herself. While investigating an unsolved crime, Remy winds up in the tightly woven Amish community of Lancaster County, the last place she would ever expect to find herself. The story leads her to Adam King and his ten younger siblings, who are trying to sustain their warm, loving home in the wake of the murder of their parents. Although Remy tries to remain professional, she is captivated by the Kings. With her own mother gone and her father disengaged from their relationship, Remy longs for a home and a family just like that of these good, simple people. Suddenly patriarch of his large family, Adam struggles to do the right thing for his siblings, his community, and his God. He neither wants nor needs the complications that spirited Remy brings. But as much as he tries to push her away, even as he counts all the ways this lovely outsider cannot possibly remain in his world—or in his heart—the wondrous light she shines upon his troubled soul cannot be denied. Adam can only pray for the strength and the faith to get this Englisher girl out of their lives for good. Snowbound with the Kings, Remy experiences the wonder and the chores of a simple winter among the Plain People, as well as the friendship of their warm community. When her peaceful interlude ends, does she dare to reveal a killer in their midst, knowing that she may lose the love of this special family and this remarkable man?

From barn raising to haymaking and buggies kicking up snow, photographer and lifetime resident Don Shenk captures the uniqueness of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in more than 100 extraordinary photographs and four seasons. Lancaster County is home to the world's largest population of Amish, a Pennsylvania German religious sect that holds modernity at bay. Evocative photographs of work and play, spring's preparations and fall's harvests, reveal the character of a people who lead simple lives in tune with the changing seasons. In the midst of this idyllic countryside are Lancaster City, an artistic hub of nearly 60,000; Lititz, voted the coolest small town in the country; and many other charming towns. This realistic portrait of an iconic county will delight both long-term residents and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who pass through each year.

Our local experts tell the whole story of this remarkable area.

A CHANCE TO FOLLOW HER HEART, A CHOICE THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME Although Sadie King is blessed with the voice of an angel, she never thought that following the song in her heart would take her far beyond the strict boundaries of her Amish faith and away from the only home she’s ever known. But during her rumspringa, one road leads to another, and suddenly she’s secretly performing with a band. Now she faces an impossible choice between the music in her heart and the traditions branded upon her soul. Mike Trueherz is a dedicated young paramedic who finds a kindred spirit in Sadie. Torn between family duty and his desire to pursue a life beyond his father’s rural medical practice, he is inspired by Sadie’s honesty and courage. While spring unfurls rich colors and bounty through the countryside of Lancaster County, Sadie and Mike must reconcile their families’ expectations with their own callings. Ultimately, their faith in each other and the God that has brought them together will give them the strength and the peace to take a chance—and to make the biggest decision of their lives. A coming-of-age story reflecting the deepest messages of love, A Simple Spring is music for the heart.

"The open fire has its place as a method of heating single rooms or small houses or as an adjunct to other heating systems. Even when not actually needed, it adds much to the enjoyment of home life, if the fireplace is properly built. Comparatively few understand the principles involved in the construction of chimneys and fireplaces, and even experienced builders make mistakes which not only affect the efficiency of the heating unit but frequently create a menace to life and property. This bulletin is designed to give the householder and prospective builder, and especially the farmer or other rural resident who builds or superintends the building of his own home, a working knowledge of the principles to be observed in planning and building chimneys and fireplaces, which if the are observed will go a long way to promote the comfort of the home and insure the safety of the property."--Page ii.

This book is a visual delight of the author¿s wonderful photographs and personal stories that give the reader a privileged peek into the world of the Amish in Lancaster Co., Pa. Living in the quaint town of Churchtown with Amish neighbors, he is afforded countless opportunities to capture the spirit of God¿s country, its people and animals with his camera. By looking at the vivid pictures and reading the stories, you can easily envision yourself in the scenes of the four seasons. (122pp. full-color illus. Masthof Press, 2016.) Volume 1 is also available. Proceeds from the sales of this book are donated to an Autism Awareness Charity.