First Line Friday: Starting From Scratch

Welcome to First Line Friday,

hosted by Hoarding Books.

Starting From Scratch by Kate Lloyd has been on my radar since the author began promoting it on Instagram, so I couldn’t resist ordering a copy when she captioned a picture of it with the news that the paperback was available for $3.50 on Amazon (US).

With a cover blurb from one of my favorite Amish fiction authors, Laura V. Hilton, and praise from @themaryreader on Instagram, this promises to be an enjoyable read.

Here is the description:

An Old Flame Brings a Spark of New Hope

En Alt Maedel—an old maid.

At age twenty-nine, that’s what Eva Lapp considers herself. And who could argue with her? Finding a good Amish husband at her age will be next to impossible. Plus, Eva’s unwarranted bad reputation in Lancaster County precedes her. Maybe living the Englisch life would be better.

Squeezed out of her childhood home by her brother’s boisterous family, Eva finds lodging and a new job managing a small café at a local plant nursery. But the challenge of her new position isn’t enough to distract from her current predicament.

To Eva’s surprise, her first love, Jake Miller, suddenly returns to Lancaster County. Flooded with emotions and filled with questions about Jake’s past, can Eva trust what she’s feeling?

Jake and Eva face many obstacles in their quest for a fresh start in the community, but perhaps with God’s help, they can find the redemption they both desperately need.

And here is the first line (plus a bit more, I think you’ll see why):

 

Maam peered out my bedroom window as buggy wheels crunched to a halt in the barnyard.  

“Ach, Evie.” She spoke over her shoulder.  “Reuben and Marta are here.  Two days early.”  

I wasn’t packed yet, but I plastered on a smile and said “Wunderbaar,” as if my whole world weren’t being turned upside down.

Curious to read more?  The first chapter is available on Amazon or at katelloyd.com.  Though, at this price, you might be tempted to just order a copy.  I know I was –  my copies (I ordered an extra to share – both my mom and grandma enjoy Amish fiction) are supposed to arrive on Saturday and it will be hard not to start it right away.

Happy Friday!

Want to join in on the First Line Friday fun?  Open your current read or the book nearest to you and share the first line in the comments.  You can also head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is sharing.