Love in Arcola Series by Emma Cartwright

Alyson Miller, née Peterson, is seeking refuge from poverty and despair in the town of Arcola, Illinois. Out of money and out of options, she boards a bus that will take her to her late husband’s parents. Pregnant and alone, Alyson hopes that the couple will take her in, and eventually, take her baby so that she can go on with the rest of her life, but she didn’t count on the love they would show her, love like she’s never experienced in her twenty-two years of living... moreAlyson Miller, née Peterson, is seeking refuge from poverty and despair in the town of Arcola, Illinois. Out of money and out of options, she boards a bus that will take her to her late husband’s parents. Pregnant and alone, Alyson hopes that the couple will take her in, and eventually, take her baby so that she can go on with the rest of her life, but she didn’t count on the love they would show her, love like she’s never experienced in her twenty-two years of living. Jacob Troyer, friend and neighbor of the Miller family, is suspicious of Alyson from the first moment they meet. Having been her late husband’s best friend, he can’t believe she’s Conrad’s widow. Surely his friend would have told him if he’d gotten married and was expecting a baby. Even though Conrad had left the community over a year before, they’d stayed in touch. Nothing in Conrad’s letters even hinted at such a thing. He is certain that this woman is here to take advantage of the Millers’ generosity, but he won’t let it happen. He’s determined to find out the truth and befriends Alyson in an effort to do so. As time goes by, Alyson’s resolve weakens. The people are kinder than she could have ever believed, and she feels herself changing. In the face of such goodness, her hard heart begins to soften, but she doesn’t believe she can stay. She’ll never be able to measure up. Despite her growing attachment to the loving family and warm community, she has to leave. She doesn’t belong. They would never accept the real her, not if they knew her past and her secrets. God’s plans often foil those of people. Both Alyson and Jacob discover that the path they’re on is leading them to unexpected places, and even the hardships that they endure have a purpose. But can they let go of their own will in time to experience the blessings that God has in store for them? less

Little Sarah Ebersole, motherless from birth, drives away one helper after another with her endless cries and crankiness. But Suzie Albright is made of sterner stuff and seeks out methods to console the little one and earns the gratitude of the baby’s desperate father, Jeremiah. Jeremiah is relieved that Suzie has come to help out... moreLittle Sarah Ebersole, motherless from birth, drives away one helper after another with her endless cries and crankiness. But Suzie Albright is made of sterner stuff and seeks out methods to console the little one and earns the gratitude of the baby’s desperate father, Jeremiah. Jeremiah is relieved that Suzie has come to help out. Her calm ways and knowledge about fussy babies creates a reprieve for him from the sleepless nights and weary days he’s endured since the passing of his wife, his first and only love. Without the distraction of his child’s demands, he realizes that he’s never properly mourned his wife and tries to do so now. However, Suzie’s presence in his home prevents him from being as miserable as he thinks he’s supposed to be. Guilt surrounds him, and he berates himself for nearly enjoying life again. Suzie, believing that she would never marry, takes to the role of mother with the greatest of ease. Free from waiting on tables, she enjoys a different pace of life, one she thought would never be hers, but she has to guard her heart. This is only temporary, and she needs to be careful. Jeremiah is not her husband, and she is not his wife. The days became weeks and the two settle into a routine, but then vicious gossip threatens their new way of life. Will they give up the comfort they’ve found in each other to satisfy the wagging tongues, or will they find the strength to defend themselves and prove their innocence? Friendships, grief, heartache, and love are all a part of life in the small town of Arcola, Illinois. Will Suzie and Jeremiah give way to the pressure of the community or will they trust that God has a plan for their aching hearts? less

Anna Wisner feels paralyzed upon the death of her beloved husband. Nothing can alleviate her despair, not friends, nor family, nor even her faith. Without a clear plan, she boards a bus for the city, not necessarily in an effort to escape her grief, but just the people who remind her of what she has lost. In Indianapolis, she finds employment in a boarding house full of university students. Keeping to herself, she finds the menial tasks help numb her aching heart... moreAnna Wisner feels paralyzed upon the death of her beloved husband. Nothing can alleviate her despair, not friends, nor family, nor even her faith. Without a clear plan, she boards a bus for the city, not necessarily in an effort to escape her grief, but just the people who remind her of what she has lost. In Indianapolis, she finds employment in a boarding house full of university students. Keeping to herself, she finds the menial tasks help numb her aching heart. Back in Arcola, Anna's neighbor, taciturn David Speicher, hears the heartbreaking message that Anna leaves for her parents and relays it to them. They welcome him into their home, and through their grief over their daughter, share their vibrant faith with him. David finds himself drawn to the Lantz home and visits them often. Then David accidentally finds out a way to track Anna down and decides to seek her out in the hopes of bringing her home. The night before David arrives, Anna makes a startling discovery and begs God for a sign of His love. She feels utterly abandoned by her Heavenly Father and doubts all that she learned growing up. When David shows up, she takes it as a sign and returns home with him, but finds the heartache she left has been waiting for her. Yet, somehow, her newfound friendship with David helps her bear it. Each of them has a burden to bear, but by trusting in God's plan and keeping an open heart, they may find the healing that each of their hearts needs. less