Pockets of Promise

By Laurie Stroup Smith

Description:

Mariah Mast's best friend, Josiah Weaver, has concentrated his efforts on providing for their future together, but on her eighteenth birthday, Mariah finds herself edging away from Josiah and her faith. An encounter with police, a misunderstanding of intentions, and hurt feelings compound her confusion. Her grandmother sends her to stay with an aunt in Pinecraft and gives her a pocket quilt with handwritten messages tucked inside.

Thrilled to have her help at the bed and breakfast, Aunt Birdie introduces Mariah to a group of new friends, including Luke Yoder, a young Amish man who works for his father's construction company. Spending time with him opens up a new world for Mariah. Her grandmother's words of wisdom offer guidance as she makes a decision that will have lasting consequences for those she loves. Will she find fulfillment in Florida? Or does her heart belong in Holmes County?

Why the author wrote this book:

Inspiration for this book originated from an image of a quilt I saw on Facebook. In the hopes of helping our daughters who were grieving the loss of two grandparents, I started writing the story about a seventh-grade girl who needed to rely on her faith to get through a tough time. When I pitched the idea to my agent, she instead strongly suggested I consider telling the story from the point of view of a young Amish woman during her Rumspringa. I’m so glad I followed her advice! I hope Mariah's story inspires you to trust in God's promises.