The Amish Doll: Amish Knitting Novel (Bonus Knitting Pattern Included) by Karen Anna Vogel

shoulders. “I think I know what this is about.”
    “You do?”
    “ Jah , Joshua. The way you acted toward Bruce told me everything. You were jealous, because you love me and want to court again.” She pulled his neck down to kiss him. “Let’s take a buggy ride, like we used to.”
    He didn’t know what to say. Maybe he was jealous, but it didn’t mean he loved her. “Okay, for a short ride. We need to talk.”
    ~*~
    The boys sipped hot chocolate and sat around the kitchen table stringing popcorn. Marilyn kept popping more corn on the stove and replenishing the large stainless steel bowl that sat in the middle of the table. Jim sang along to a Bing Crosby White Christmas LP.
    Raven thought of her grandmother. They’d strung cranberries for the birds to eat this time of year. Christmas was celebrated but not really a religious holiday. It was a time to think about the animals that needed food to make it through the winter. Respecting nature was a Native American custom she relished. Her grandfather planted pine trees on their land, just so the birds could nestle behind the needles. He also grew his own bird food. She never tired of taking the huge sunflowers that dried in the attic and pull out all the seeds in the center. She helped him cut the millet plants and hang them to dry, then collect the seeds and mix them with the sunflowers. How proudly her grandfather went out to the tin trays scattered throughout the reservation, making sure he kept up with the birds’ needs...and he always took her along.
    But her Aunt Brook made fun of her parents and their love for the birds. She didn’t care who was hungry…even her niece who spent many hungry hours in the attic. Raven was reading the book of Matthew like Susanna told her to. She was learning how God cares about one little sparrow in need. He did see her all alone in that attic and her case worker took her out and put her in a place she was cared for.
    Wonderful memories of her first foster home came back, when Granny Nora taught her how to knit. Her wrinkled hand had cradled hers as she taught her how to hold the yarn and needles. Learning how to cast on was easy, Granny praised her for a week for being so talented. Learning the difference between a knit and purl took time, but she was soon following patterns. Her first project was a scarf, and then  more complicated things, all outfits for her doll. Yes, good things came out of foster care. God had his eye on the sparrow, and he was looking over her, just like they sang in church.
    She heard the doorbell ring and looked up at the clock. It must be Lawrence to pick her up for their date.  Jim got the door and soon Lawrence appeared in the kitchen. “Looks like we’re having fun here. Want to string some up for the tree at the church?”
    Bud looked up. “I will. I’ll string as much popcorn as you’ve got.”
    Jim chuckled. “You eat more than you string.” He patted his stomach. “Remember?”
    Bud threw a piece of popcorn at Jim. “I know. Some of us are on diets.” He grinned as he continued to work on his string.
    Raven got up and went to stand by Lawrence. “You boys have your homework done?”
    They nodded in unison.
    “Cliffy and Ethan, did you get all the multiplication problems done?”
    They nodded, and then they all stared at her. Soon they all burst out laughing. “What’s so funny?”
    “Nothing,” Chuckey said.
    “No, tell me.”
    She turned to see Lawrence had her white coat in his hands.  He’d gotten it off the hook in the entryway. “Can I help you on with your coat?”
    The boys roared. Bud yelled, “ Ew , Pastor got a date.”
    Raven could feel heat rise in her face as she let Lawrence help her with her coat. Bud was a little funny bone and she’d get him back. “Actually, you see the color of my coat, right Bud?”
    He nodded.
    “Well, it’s white for a reason. You can get married in a white coat in the winter, on the Indian Reservation. It’s a custom.” She