A Match Made at Christmas — Patricia Davids

Christmas comes to a small Amish community -- and brings new beginnings with it.

Karl Graber is too busy struggling with his hardware store and two young daughters to indulge local matchmaker Rose Yoder's schemes. After his wife's death, the thought of loving and perhaps losing another woman holds no appeal. So while he's relieved to learn he's not on Rose's list of potential husbands for new schoolteacher Sophie Eicher, he's also surprised. Despite himself, Karl can't help wondering what Rose thinks he lacks -- and why outspoken, attractive Sophie has so little interest in marriage.

After surviving breast cancer, Sophie is hoping to make a fresh start in Harts Haven. Perhaps the handsome widower next door would make a good match for her sister, but Sophie won't burden any man with her uncertain future. But when Karl offers to help her to create a “living nativity” Christmas program for the schoolchildren, she gratefully agrees.

It'll take a bold plan and help from Karl's children to make this chaotic Christmas play a success. And as friendships deepen, hearts open and hopes are rekindled, two unlikely people may discover the healing gift of love.