Second Hand Goods — Fay Risner

Early spring is once again turning the snow melted hills of southern Iowa into green, lush pastures filled with livestock and their capering newborns. Amish farmers are in the fields, tilling and planting corn. In the Amish community, usually it isn't mentioned outside of the family and close friends when new babies are expected. This particular spring all that changes in Nurse Hal's community. At least for the Lapp family. Hal's expecting a baby very soon and not feeling well with so much work to do for her family. That's why she's pleasantly surprised and grateful when she receives a letter from her parents. They're moving lock, stock, barrel and Aunt Tootie to Wickenburg to be near Hal and her family. Hal's looking forward to the much appreciated help from her mother and even Aunt Tootie. Emma Keim is anxiously waiting the arrival of her baby only to have Nurse Hal tell her she's having twins. If that wasn't enough of a shock, the news Dr. Burns gives Adam and Emma about the babies is heartbreaking. That starts the largest prayer circle ever heard of in the Amish community and back home in Titonka, Iowa. There's still more for Emma to endure and put fright in the heart of every young Amish woman. Emma realizes she's being stalked by an English man in a red sports car. While she manages to avoid the man, Adam's store clerk isn't so lucky. Priscilla Tefertiller soon find Bobby Keim is no longer willing to marry her, and she's the Amish community's main topic with people labeling her Second Hand Goods.