Hey friends, and welcome to the blog today. In September, The Shopkeeper’s Match will be releasing, and I’m so excited about it. It’s a sequel to Becoming His Amish Sweetheart, which is now available. I love writing Amish stories!

If you’d like to take a peek at The Shopkeeper’s Match, you can find Chapter One below.

If you’d like to purchase The Shopkeeper’s Match, you can find it on Amazon here.

Chapter One

Lydia Yoder sighed while straightening a rack of cape dresses in the general store she ran with her parent’s help. She felt like her nerves might run away with her as she ran a finger along the collar of a dress she recently finished. It was a warm tone of orange, which reminded her of fall. Lydia glanced out the window. Peeks of color tinged the leaves on the trees which indicated the season had definitely arrived. Her cheeks felt rosy like the red leaves she spied as her wide chocolate eyes tried to imagine the day away.

“So, it looks like we’re just about ready then.”

Lydia’s lips pursed when she heard her mother’s voice to her side. As the youngest of eight children, she was the only child still living at home. Her mamm and daed were just about ready to leave the Yoder General Store in her care for a month or two. Elma Yoder’s aging parents were in need of a hand in Lancaster County. Which meant Lydia would be in charge of the store. Alone.

As scared as she was, this finally was her chance to prove that she was a gut shopkeeper, and could manage the store all by herself. Lydia tried to remind herself of this as her nerves jumped from here to there.

Lydia forced her brown eyes to smile as she met her mother’s gaze. “Ja, I thought you’d be ready to go soon. Do you have everything you need?”

Her mother eyed her face. A frown tugged the older woman’s lips. “Lydia, are you alright? I know tendin’ to the store might be hard on you. Especially after what happened when we left you last year to visit Pinecraft.”

Lydia bit back the groan attempting to escape her lips. Last fall, her parents had left her in charge of the general store while they vacationed in Pinecraft, Florida. Lydia was an excellent shopkeeper, but had grown distracted while helping her friend Amelia convert to the Amish faith. She had forgotten to place a large wholesale order, and the store was grossly understocked during one of the busiest times of the year. She was afraid that she might never live it down.

“I’m fine. I’ve got this under control, you know. I’m twenty-five-years old now. I know this store like the back of my hand.” Her voice was soft while she rearranged a rack of suspenders. Wiping sweaty palms across her apron, Lydia thought about the store and the legacy she hoped to continue there.

The Yoder General Store had been in the family for generations. It sat in the heart of southern Appalachia in the shadow of Blackberry Mountain, where several rivers met and tourists flocked to apple orchards during the fall. The small town of Clear Creek, Georgia was both picturesque and quaint. Lydia loved living here, and she loved running this store. More than anything, she wanted to prove that she had what it took to be the full owner. Her parents had hinted that they wanted to retire to Pinecraft soon, but they were uncertain if Lydia could handle running the store by herself.

“Well, I still worry about you being here all alone.”

“I’m not alone. John is here to help.”

Lydia’s brother John lived just next door. He helped out at the store from time to time, but his main source of income was the blacksmith shop he ran beside his home. Not only was a blacksmith shop functional in an Amish community, it was also a tourist attraction in itself. John gave demonstrations once or twice a day, and the tourists loved it. Having her brother so close by was a comfort to Lydia, too.

Elma’s feet shuffled while she looked at the floor. “I think you might need more help than John, Lydia. As you know, he’s awfully busy in his blacksmith shop. After asking around, I found the perfect person to help in the store while we’re away.”

Lydia sucked in her breath, while pushing a tendril of brown hair behind her ear. “Mamm, I’m sorry about last year. Forgetting to place an order with the Tanner family was an honest mistake. I was just so caught up in helping Amelia learn our ways that it completely slipped my mind…”

Her voice trailed off while looking away. Lydia wished she had the confidence to properly voice her opinion, but she didn’t know if she would ever reach this elusive goal. As the youngest child, she always had others waiting and willing to take care of her. Her opinion had always been muffled by everyone else’s. Even at age twenty five. She wished she could convince her mother that she was a strong young woman with a head for business.

“I know it was an honest mistake, dear.” Elma patted Lydia’s shoulder. “ But forgetting to place that order caused us to lose a lot of revenue. Running this general store takes a lot of attention to detail. It’s a huge store. One can’t be distracted while doing it.”

Lydia smoothed a wrinkle from her apricot cape dress while biting her inner lip. She wanted to hide under the counter. After all of these years, she’d made one mistake. That was enough for her parents to no longer believe she was capable of tending to shop alone. Why, she’d even learned how to walk on this very floor. She knew she had what it took to fully run this place. But would her parents ever give her the chance?

“Okay, Mamm. Okay.” Lydia ignored the niggles of annoyance rushing down her spine. “I understand. Now who did you ask to help me?”

“Do you remember Matthew Lapp? He’s Kate Tanner’s nephew. He ran a general store in Copperhill, Tennessee for quite some time. I thought he’d be the perfect man to help you.”

Lydia’s eyes grew wide. Kate Tanner’s nephew? He was sure to have heard of her blunder last year. Embarrassment crept through her.

“Mamm…don’t you think someone else might be better for the job?”

“No, dear. Copperhill isn’t too far from Clear Creek, so Matthew didn’t have to travel far. He’ll be staying at John’s while we’re gone. I think it will be the perfect arrangement.

Perfect arrangement? More like a perfect disaster. Lydia didn’t know if she could bear the humiliation. She rubbed her head as a niggling pain ran across her forehead.

“How long do you think you’ll be gone?”

“Hopefully no more than a month or two. Your granddaed took a nasty fall, and your grandmother needs help. We aim to give it to them.” Elma gave her daughter a reassuring smile. “But with Matthew here, you should be just fine. Even with the fall Open House coming up.”

The North Georgia heat had finally broken, and Clear Creek was definitely experiencing the beginning of autumn. The Fall Open House was the biggest shopping day of the year for the Yoder General Store. Tourists usually flocked to the shop after visiting the nearby apple orchards. They loved the warm and homey establishment, framed by rolling hills and a babbling creek.

Elma’s smile didn’t cheer Lydia’s mood even one bit. She felt like her chance to prove once and for all that she could run this store was slowly slipping away.

“I…I guess it’ll work out okay if you insist.”

“Oh Lydia, don’t look so downtrodden. Having Matthew here is for the best. Honestly, you’ll have more time to work on your sewing book with him here. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

Lydia was a master seamstress, and women came from miles around to buy her cape dresses. Over the past couple of months, she’d been putting together a simple sewing instruction book for women to purchase when they visited the store. She felt like it was something else she could contribute to the shop, while being an asset to the community.

 Lydia flashed both hot and cold. “I don’t know, Mamm. I was doing a fine job of writing the book and running the general store without Matthew here.”

Elma pursed her lips. “Our busy season hasn’t started yet, Lydia. Your father and I’ve decided this is for the best. Matthew should be arriving shortly. Leroy left right after breakfast to pick him up at the train station.”

Clear Creek’s passenger train ran from Tennessee into Georgia. Not only did tourists enjoy taking rides, it served as a great way for the Amish community to travel. Lydia had enjoyed taking train rides with her friend Amelia before she got married to her old beau, Abram.

Curiosity nudged her. She wondered what Matthew was like, and she wanted to take a peek at him as soon as he arrived. “It looks like everything is straightened here. I think I’ll make sure the porch is nice and clean before the store opens.”

Elma raised an eyebrow. “Very well, dear.”

Lydia slid out of the door, and grabbed the broom propped up against the log building. While sweeping the porch, her eyes strained towards the road. Sure enough, within a few minutes her father pulled into the drive with a passenger seated next to him. Suddenly timid, Lydia concentrated on the wooden boards lining the wide, rocking chair porch. She’d never been gut at talking to men. She’d rather crawl into a hole than converse with men her age. Her shyness always got the best of her, and she never knew quite what to say.

Once the buggy stopped, Lydia couldn’t help but look again. Her eyes fluttered open as she took him in. A man of average build hopped out of the passenger seat. His arms were tanned, and he looked strong. Brown hair poked out from underneath his straw hat, and his dark eyes bore through hers as he waited for Leroy to exit the buggy.

The screen door creaked open and then slammed shut as Elma scurried outside. “Leroy! Matthew! I’m so glad you two are here! We have a lot of explainin’ to do before we head towards Lancaster. Let’s get to it before the time grows even later.”

A sigh blew through Lydia’s lips as her mother spoke. While Lydia didn’t particularly want to speak to Matthew, did her mamm not even trust Lydia to explain the running of the general store alone? Apparently not. She tried her best to push down the frustration building inside of her.

Lydia forced a tight-lipped smile as her mother put her arm around her waist. While she’d always loved the fall season at the Yoder General Store, it didn’t look too promising this year.

***

Matthew Lapp stretched as he stepped down from Leroy’s buggy. He felt weary from his morning of travel, and nerves ate at his stomach since didn’t know what to expect while working here. Trying to ignore his doubts, Matthew looked at the Yoder General Store in curiosity. The log building was stained a dark brown color, which matched the home behind it. Black eyed susans and coneflowers surrounded the porch, which made it feel cozy and welcoming. The porch itself was filled with wind chimes and whirly-gigs, which blew in the wind.

He felt his chest tighten. This looked just like the store he managed in Tennessee, but even more charming. It was large, and he understood why Lydia Yoder needed help while her parents were away.

But one question loomed in his mind. Why had he been asked to do this after the heap of trouble he got into in Tennessee?

Matthew had run the Copperhill General Store for close to a decade when he’d been asked to step down by the owner. The ledger didn’t balance for two months in a row, and he was accused of stealing from the business. Matthew would never do such a thing, and he’d been shocked that it was even suggested. After leaving management, he decided to take up carpentry, which was a worthwhile skill for an Amish man to have.

But now, his Aenti Kate had asked him to help run the Yoder General Store. She was friends with the Yoders, and he’d listened patiently as she explained their predicament. He felt like he owed it to her, since she helped him back on his feet after he was stripped of his shopkeeper position. But how could she trust him to do this after what had happened in Copperhill? 

While he didn’t think so, Kate thought he was the one for the job. Matthew admitted that he had felt compassion towards Lydia when Kate described how she’d struggled to run the store by herself last fall. He figured he could help her out for a month or two if she really needed it. After all, Matthew was a bachelor. He didn’t have any real responsibilities. He sold his carpentry products online, and could make them anywhere if he found the time.

Matthew heard the gravel underneath his boots crunch as he neared the store. Two women stood on the porch, one older and one younger. The young woman had her arms crossed, and her eyes didn’t look very friendly. She was slender, and her hair was a warm tone of brown accented with flecks of gold. He smiled warily as he approached. Could this be Lydia?

“Well, now. This is my family. Please meet my wife, Elma, and my daughter, Lydia. We are very glad you’re here, Matthew.”

Matthew forced a smile while Leroy spoke.

“I’m happy to help.”

He watched as Lydia’s eyes rolled. Matthew decided to ignore her rudeness, and turned to face Elma instead.

“Come in, come in.” Elma motioned for him to follow her. “We have so much to show you before we leave.”

Matthew followed Elma inside, curiously looking the store over. It was large…larger than he’d expected. The log walls were warm and homey, and there were several different rooms full of items for sale. To the right was a food counter, and his stomach gurgled once he smelled apple cinnamon floating through the room. He was surprised by what he was seeing.

What amazed him the most were the rows and rows of dresses lining an entire room to his left. They were arranged by color, and it looked like a fabric rainbow circled the room. Quilts were hung on the wall overhead, and handmade headcoverings lined the shelves.

“Wow…that’s a lot of dresses. I bet many women contribute to your supply.”

“No. Just me. I make all of the dresses.”

Matthew turned towards Lydia. She looked flustered while staring at the floor. Until now, she’d been as quiet as a mouse. A pulse of surprise shot through him.

“You made all of these?”

“Yes.” She shrugged while looking towards the dresses. “I like to sew, I guess you could say.”

“I think that’s an understatement.”

“Welcome to our store, Matthew. Let me give you the grand tour. Our shop used to be much smaller, but we built a new wing last summer, especially for Lydia. We didn’t have enough space to contain all the dresses she was makin’ before.”

Elma Yoder began on one side of the store, and didn’t stop talking for thirty minutes straight. Matthew’s mind spun as he tried his best to take in all of the information. There was so much to remember, and it had been nearly a year since he’d managed the Copperhill General Store.

“And now, we’ve come to the cash register.”

Matthew’s jaw tightened and he fisted his fingers. He’d always been a good money manager until the strange ledger imbalances that plagued him at the end of his employment. He felt triggered as Elma slipped behind the counter.

“I’ve got it, Mamm.”

He eyed Lydia, who had quietly been following the group around the store.

“I’ve got it. I can explain the cash register to Matthew. You and Daed need to get ready to go. The driver will be arriving soon, ja?”

“Yes, the driver will be arriving soon.” Elma’s shoulders slumped. “Are you sure you’ve got this under control?”

“Absolutely sure.” Matthew watched as Lydia’s brown eyes looked laser focused. Perhaps she wasn’t as timid as he’d originally thought.

“Alright, then.” Elma patted her daughter’s shoulder. “I guess we’re off. Do you have any questions, Matthew? You will be staying with my son, John. He’s a bachelor, and has plenty of room. He lives right next door.”

“No…I don’t think I have any questions. If I do, I’m sure Lydia can answer them.”

He watched as the young woman’s shoulders relaxed in relief. But quickly, she straightened to her full medium-height. He guessed she was around 5’5”.

“That’s right. I can answer them. I know how to run this store.”

Uncertainty laced Elma’s eyes. “Alright, Lydia. Please let me know if you have any problems whatsoever. A phone shanty is right beside your granddaed’s home and you have the number.

“I’ll be sure to call if I need you.”

“Okay. I’ll be checking in periodically, too.” Elma pecked Lydia’s cheek before motioning towards Leroy. “Come, let’s get our suitcases and wait for the driver. He should be here within fifteen minutes.

Lydia’s father nodded as he eyed his daughter. “I’ll miss you, Lydia. I hope you have a gut time managing the store with Matthew.”

Leroy strode over to Lydia and enveloped her in a bear hug before leaving the store with his wife. Matthew felt uncomfortable once the two of them were left alone.

After a beat of silence, Lydia rested her hands on the counter. He could tell they were shaking.

“So…I guess you need to know how to work the cash register. Come behind the counter with me, if you don’t mind.”

Matthew followed Lydia as he slid behind the counter. The cash register sat on a slab of granite dotted in warm brown hues. It matched the rustic wooden cabinet perfectly.

“This is our cash register. It’s really easy to operate. Let me show you.”

“No…there’s no need. This is exactly like the cash register I used at the Copperhill General Store.” Annoyed, he looked at the thing with disgust. He’d always been so good at balancing the books when he managed the shop, and he didn’t know how he’d gone wrong.

Lydia raised an eyebrow. “Okay, then. I guess there’s no need in showing you.” She sighed. “To be honest, there’s no need in showing you any of this. I was raised in this store, and I can definitely handle it on my own.”

He felt her body heat rise as she turned towards him. He took a step back, and then slowly walked away from the cash register. 

“Are you sure about that? This is an awfully big shop for someone to manage by themselves.” He remembered the mishap his Aenti Kate had told him about when Lydia had been left here alone. She’d forgotten to place a large wholesale order of handcrafted items from her just as fall had rolled around last year. The Yoder General Store was woefully undersupplied, and the tourists had been disappointed in the lack of wooden signs, tables, and chairs to purchase.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Her eyes looked uncertain as she spoke. Matthew couldn’t help but think she looked cute, and somewhat appealing as she stood motionless. This store was a lot for one person to handle, and yet she wanted to take on the challenge. She definitely had gumption, even if she’d made a mistake in the past.

“Well, I’ll try to stay out of your way as much as possible, then. I’m definitely here to help, but consider me your employee. You know a lot more than I ever will about this store.”

Her shoulders relaxed as she leaned her side against the counter. “Really? Are you sure about that? I know you used to manage a store of your own. It probably will be hard for you to give up the reins.” She scratched her head. “Speaking of the Copperhill General Store, why aren’t you still there?”

He sighed. “I’d rather not talk about it. If that’s okay with you.”

Shrugging her shoulders, she managed a half smile. “Sure. Fine. Whatever suits you best.” Lydia looked at her watch. “There’s still a few hours until opening time. My friend Amelia Miller just had a boppeli, and I promised to stop by her home to pick up some of the soap she sells at the store this morning. She had a supply built up before she went into labor, thankfully.”

“And I’ll ride along, if you don’t mind. I might have a few more questions for you before the store opens, and I’d like to pick your brain.”

He watched as she bristled. “I’m not sure if that’s necessary Matthew, but as you wish. We’ll leave in a few minutes”

Sighing, he trudged out of the store and back towards the buggy. Hopefully, he could fetch his clothing and bring it to his room in John’s home before Lydia planned to leave. He had a sneaking suspicion that his time at the Yoder General Store would be uncomfortable, in more ways than one.

Thank you so much for reading the first chapter of The Shopkeeper’s Match. If you’d like to read the rest of Lydia and Matthew’s story, it can be purchased on Amazon through this link.