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The Pebble Creek Amish #0.5
Home to Pebble Creek
This free short story e-romance is a prequel to The Pebble Creek Amish Series by Vannetta Chapman. Fans of the series will enjoy this chance to briefly revisit Pebble Creek, and new readers will be introduced to an Amish community that is more deeply explored in the three full novels, A Promise for Miriam, A Home for Lydia, and A Wedding for Julia.
When Joseph Bontrager left Pebble Creek, all of Esther Schrock's dreams and hopes for the future went with him. Bravely picking up the pieces of her broken heart, she resumed her life teaching at the schoolhouse with Miriam King. Now, nineteen months later, Joseph has returned. Despite her initial excitement, Esther feels anger rise up instead of love. Will she be able to forgive him for leaving? Forgive him for more than a year and a half of silence without a single letter? With Miriam's encouraging words, and despite ominous clouds on the horizon, will Esther be able to replace the bitterness in her heart with affection for Joseph once more?
When Joseph Bontrager left Pebble Creek, all of Esther Schrock's dreams and hopes for the future went with him. Bravely picking up the pieces of her broken heart, she resumed her life teaching at the schoolhouse with Miriam King. Now, nineteen months later, Joseph has returned. Despite her initial excitement, Esther feels anger rise up instead of love. Will she be able to forgive him for leaving? Forgive him for more than a year and a half of silence without a single letter? With Miriam's encouraging words, and despite ominous clouds on the horizon, will Esther be able to replace the bitterness in her heart with affection for Joseph once more?
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
About the author
Vannetta Chapman
134 books1,476 followersVannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.
Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.
Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at http://vannettachapman.com
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Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.
Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChap...
http://vannettachapman.com/blog/
https://www.instagram.com/vannettacha...
http://vannettachapman.com/book-list/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 9, 2016
Published: 01/09/2013
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Recommended for: fans of short amish stories
Edition: Kindle
I found this short story (21 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go. I thought that it was a sweet fun little romantic amish story which is well written with a couple of spelling mistakes but on the whole it was a very good short story to read, the characters that featured in it were quite well established with it been so short, it is a perfect read if you have a few minutes to free to fill.
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Recommended for: fans of short amish stories
Edition: Kindle
I found this short story (21 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go. I thought that it was a sweet fun little romantic amish story which is well written with a couple of spelling mistakes but on the whole it was a very good short story to read, the characters that featured in it were quite well established with it been so short, it is a perfect read if you have a few minutes to free to fill.
September 4, 2013
Home to Pebble Creek is a very enjoyable short story by Vannetta Chapman. This sweet little story is told as a first person account by Esther. It was as if Esther was speaking directly to me and explaining the pain she felt as her love left the Amish community and the anger she experienced as he returned home.
I was able to read this short story in a few minutes. I must admit that I would have loved this short story to be even longer! However, I think it is a great introduction to the Pebble Creek series as is. The full length stories in this series are so wonderful. In each one, the characters touched my heart and they felt like real people to me.
If I had not read the series already, I feel that this little window into the lives of Esther, Miriam and Joseph would spur me on to read the rest of the series.
I was able to read this short story in a few minutes. I must admit that I would have loved this short story to be even longer! However, I think it is a great introduction to the Pebble Creek series as is. The full length stories in this series are so wonderful. In each one, the characters touched my heart and they felt like real people to me.
If I had not read the series already, I feel that this little window into the lives of Esther, Miriam and Joseph would spur me on to read the rest of the series.
April 7, 2019
I’m not sure I’d classify this as a novella as it was far too brief. I think it took me less than twenty minutes to read it. But it was a well written introduction to the Pebble Creek series.
Well, I’m hooked. I’ve already fallen in love with the few characters included in this introduction.
I’ve pretty much gotten away from Amish Fiction, but Ms. Chapman's work stands apart from so many others that I’m looking forward to reading the rest.
Well, I’m hooked. I’ve already fallen in love with the few characters included in this introduction.
I’ve pretty much gotten away from Amish Fiction, but Ms. Chapman's work stands apart from so many others that I’m looking forward to reading the rest.
June 13, 2019
A sweet story about forgiveness and second chances.
January 8, 2026
This story was shorter than expected, but I think it served as a good introduction to the Pebble Creek community and what is to come in Miriam's story.
August 23, 2018
I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
May 22, 2014
Home to Pebble Creek by Vannetta Chapman is a short-story prequel to The Pebble Creek Amish series, about 21 pages in length. I've always enjoyed Vannetta's writing style of simply telling an interesting story with character depth and inspirational thoughts.
Esther thought Joseph was the fulfillment of her dreams, until he left for eighteen months without any contact. With his efforts to make things right between then when he returned, Esther's wounded pride found forgiveness almost too much to ask - and lack of forgiveness resulting from pride is unfortunately something many of us can relate to. Miriam's words of advice certainly touch the heart of the matter: "Forgiveness isn't about feelings."
This story also introduces us to the Pebble Creek community and characters who will be featured in the first novel, A Promise for Miriam. If you enjoy Amish fiction and the simplicity of the Amish culture, you will be pleased with this prequel and I encourage you to then go on to The Pebble Creek Amish series. Compared to similar short stores, I would rate this 5 stars.
Esther thought Joseph was the fulfillment of her dreams, until he left for eighteen months without any contact. With his efforts to make things right between then when he returned, Esther's wounded pride found forgiveness almost too much to ask - and lack of forgiveness resulting from pride is unfortunately something many of us can relate to. Miriam's words of advice certainly touch the heart of the matter: "Forgiveness isn't about feelings."
This story also introduces us to the Pebble Creek community and characters who will be featured in the first novel, A Promise for Miriam. If you enjoy Amish fiction and the simplicity of the Amish culture, you will be pleased with this prequel and I encourage you to then go on to The Pebble Creek Amish series. Compared to similar short stores, I would rate this 5 stars.
June 14, 2014
An introduction to Vannetta Chapman's The Pebble Creek Amish Series, this brief prequel to the three ensuing novels by Chapman sets the pace for the lives of two young Amish women and a look into the future. A lesson in forgiveness is learned, and sets the stage for a rekindled romance for Joseph and Esther. A young widower and his daughter arrive in the community sparking some interest for Esther's friend, Miriam. This is a well-told introduction to Vannetta Chapman's Pebble Creek novels. It's an invitation to join the characters as their lives develop in the committed Amish community. Well done!
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon, and my review reflects my honest opinions. No monetary compensation was received for this review.
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon, and my review reflects my honest opinions. No monetary compensation was received for this review.
June 16, 2018
This is a nice light short story romance. I like that we see a little of the importance of horses to the Amish way of life. A young woman who teaches an Amish school is annoyed when the young man who left abruptly over a year ago, returns and expects her to carry on being his girlfriend as though he'd never left.
I must say, the lady has not done anything to improve her life or independence, teaching being something Amish girls do without college training and give up when they marry.
I downloaded an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
I must say, the lady has not done anything to improve her life or independence, teaching being something Amish girls do without college training and give up when they marry.
I downloaded an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
September 18, 2013
Sigh….this short ebook is sweet, precious, hopeful, and the perfect indication of what the rest of the Pebble Creek Series brings in uniqueness, overcoming heart aches, and forgiveness. If you haven’t already read those three books, then this is the perfect start. If you have, you will be reminded of each book and the promises each one holds with incredible characters and the assurance of trusting in God’s will (Gotte’s wille). Loved it, there’s no place like Home.
September 28, 2013
Was way too short to be considered a short story. Seemed more like a prologue or opening chapter. Since I got it for free, I think it's a tease to get you to buy the rest. It was written well, but too me seemed to be a prologue or opening chapter, not a complete story in itself so I rated it low.
April 28, 2022
Super Short But Still Enjoyable
This is a very short story to set up the Pebble Creek series. Even though it’s short, it’s still a good read and sets up book one nicely. It is definitely a good teaser to get people interested in the Pebble Creek books.
This is a very short story to set up the Pebble Creek series. Even though it’s short, it’s still a good read and sets up book one nicely. It is definitely a good teaser to get people interested in the Pebble Creek books.
December 3, 2020
Cute story and a lot better than the last free Amish story.
September 21, 2017
good book although very short
August 30, 2014
Title: HOME TO PEBBLE CREEK
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Publisher: Harvest House Books
September 2013
ASIN: B00ET7Z40G
Genre: Amish/e-short
This free short story e-romance is a prequel to The Pebble Creek Amish Series by Vannetta Chapman. Fans of the series will enjoy this chance to briefly revisit Pebble Creek, and new readers will be introduced to an Amish community that is more deeply explored in the three full novels, A Promise for Miriam, A Home for Lydia, and A Wedding for Julia.
When Joseph Bontrager left Pebble Creek, all of Esther Schrock’s dreams and hopes for the future went with him. Bravely picking up the pieces of her broken heart, she resumed her life teaching at the schoolhouse with Miriam King.
Now, nineteen months later, Joseph has returned. Despite her initial excitement, Esther feels anger rise up instead of love. Will she be able to forgive him for leaving? Forgive him for more than a year and a half of silence without a single letter? With Miriam’s encouraging words, and despite ominous clouds on the horizon, will Esther be able to replace the bitterness in her heart with affection for Joseph once more?
A brief prequel to A Promise to Miriam, HOME TO PEBBLE CREEK is a sweet rekindled romance between Joseph and Esther. I enjoyed reading it, and getting to know a little about this couple. I also liked the way it was tied into the first book in the series.
The book is told more than shown, but it was still an enjoyable read. Fans of Ms. Chapman's Amish series will want to read this e-short. And it's free. 20 pages. $0.00.
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Publisher: Harvest House Books
September 2013
ASIN: B00ET7Z40G
Genre: Amish/e-short
This free short story e-romance is a prequel to The Pebble Creek Amish Series by Vannetta Chapman. Fans of the series will enjoy this chance to briefly revisit Pebble Creek, and new readers will be introduced to an Amish community that is more deeply explored in the three full novels, A Promise for Miriam, A Home for Lydia, and A Wedding for Julia.
When Joseph Bontrager left Pebble Creek, all of Esther Schrock’s dreams and hopes for the future went with him. Bravely picking up the pieces of her broken heart, she resumed her life teaching at the schoolhouse with Miriam King.
Now, nineteen months later, Joseph has returned. Despite her initial excitement, Esther feels anger rise up instead of love. Will she be able to forgive him for leaving? Forgive him for more than a year and a half of silence without a single letter? With Miriam’s encouraging words, and despite ominous clouds on the horizon, will Esther be able to replace the bitterness in her heart with affection for Joseph once more?
A brief prequel to A Promise to Miriam, HOME TO PEBBLE CREEK is a sweet rekindled romance between Joseph and Esther. I enjoyed reading it, and getting to know a little about this couple. I also liked the way it was tied into the first book in the series.
The book is told more than shown, but it was still an enjoyable read. Fans of Ms. Chapman's Amish series will want to read this e-short. And it's free. 20 pages. $0.00.
September 6, 2014
Should Esther give Joseph another chance...
Home to Pebble Creek is the perfect prequel to A Promise For Miriam! Although I have no idea why I have never read the Pebble Creek Amish Series, I feel blessed that I was able to read Home to Pebble Creek first…
It’s such a great introduction to the series!
I love the peek at the characters in this short story, preparing us for the three novels in the series. And the funny part it, I can’t talk about how the first novel begins, because I haven’t read it (no worry about spoilers, huh?).
But I can tell you that I’m excited about reading this series. Already I feel like I know them… I’m rooting for Esther and Joseph!
Now Miriam… well, I’m thinking Vannetta has plans for Miriam – which is why I’m ready to finish this review and begin reading A Promise For Miriam!
If you get the chance (what am I saying… just do it), download a free digital copy of Home to Pebble Creek. It’s not often that you get the chance to pick up a free copy of such a wonderful story… and there more good news…
Christmas at Pebble Creek comes after the third book in the series and is another free digital short story… if you’re reading the series, be sure to download your free digital copy of Christmas at Pebble Creek too!
September 20, 2013
This delightful short story takes readers back in time before A Promise For Miriam and tells the story of Miriam's fellow teacher, Esther.
Esther has some choices to make, the boy she loved is back and looking to settle down in Pebble Creek. Esther is still mad at him for leaving, will she truly forgive him or will she hang on to her anger? And when a storm comes up scaring her horse will she make it home safely? Will anyone find her before anything worse than a broken buggy wheel happens?
This truly is a short story, I sat down and read it while I was downloading pictures from my camera. I really enjoyed reading Esther and Joseph's story. While reading A Promise For Miriam I had wondered about Esther and her beau, this little E-book answered those questions and wonderings.
Fans of Vannetta Chapman's Pebble Creek Amish series shouldn't miss this story. So, curl up in your favorite reading spot and head Home To Pebble Creek.
Esther has some choices to make, the boy she loved is back and looking to settle down in Pebble Creek. Esther is still mad at him for leaving, will she truly forgive him or will she hang on to her anger? And when a storm comes up scaring her horse will she make it home safely? Will anyone find her before anything worse than a broken buggy wheel happens?
This truly is a short story, I sat down and read it while I was downloading pictures from my camera. I really enjoyed reading Esther and Joseph's story. While reading A Promise For Miriam I had wondered about Esther and her beau, this little E-book answered those questions and wonderings.
Fans of Vannetta Chapman's Pebble Creek Amish series shouldn't miss this story. So, curl up in your favorite reading spot and head Home To Pebble Creek.
January 21, 2014
Home to Pebble Creek
by Vannetta Chapman
I enjoyed this free ebook by Vannetta Chapman. It is a short ebook romance prequel to The Pebble Creek Amish Series by Vannetta Chapman.
Joseph Bontrager leaves Pebble Creek without a word to Ester Schrock. Her world is turned upside down. She has always loved Joseph and cannot understand why he would leave Pebble Creek . Ester teaches at the Schoolhouse with Mirian King. Nineteen months goes by and Ester does not get one word from Joseph . Well Joseph returns after nineteen months and looks Ester up. She is so mad at him and tells him so . Ester has an accident one evening after school with her horse and buggy in a bad storm. What will happen to Ester, there is not any other houses around for her to go to for help. She is soaked through and through from the pounding rain. Will anyone come to find her ? There is also a man and his little girl that comes to Pebble Creek . Who and what will become of them.
by Vannetta Chapman
I enjoyed this free ebook by Vannetta Chapman. It is a short ebook romance prequel to The Pebble Creek Amish Series by Vannetta Chapman.
Joseph Bontrager leaves Pebble Creek without a word to Ester Schrock. Her world is turned upside down. She has always loved Joseph and cannot understand why he would leave Pebble Creek . Ester teaches at the Schoolhouse with Mirian King. Nineteen months goes by and Ester does not get one word from Joseph . Well Joseph returns after nineteen months and looks Ester up. She is so mad at him and tells him so . Ester has an accident one evening after school with her horse and buggy in a bad storm. What will happen to Ester, there is not any other houses around for her to go to for help. She is soaked through and through from the pounding rain. Will anyone come to find her ? There is also a man and his little girl that comes to Pebble Creek . Who and what will become of them.
September 30, 2013
This is a prequel to a series I have yet to read. When I saw this novella, I was looking for a quick read and decided in this one.
I actually did enjoy this little novella. Of course, the story line went really fast, but it is really cute still. Again, this is the prequel to other books. I am considering at least looking into reading the first one after this (A Promise For Miriam).
This is a Christian series, about an Amish family & friends. When I do read Christian books, I do tend to like the Amish type of books or the historical ones from time to time. But I try to find the more contemporary stories as well.
But, if you like Amish Christian stories, give this one a try. If you like it, go on to the next in the series. From my understanding, they can be read as a series, or even stand alones.
I actually did enjoy this little novella. Of course, the story line went really fast, but it is really cute still. Again, this is the prequel to other books. I am considering at least looking into reading the first one after this (A Promise For Miriam).
This is a Christian series, about an Amish family & friends. When I do read Christian books, I do tend to like the Amish type of books or the historical ones from time to time. But I try to find the more contemporary stories as well.
But, if you like Amish Christian stories, give this one a try. If you like it, go on to the next in the series. From my understanding, they can be read as a series, or even stand alones.
December 15, 2013
This was an extremely short story that should be read before A Promise for Miriam. It is the backstory of how Esther and Joseph got engaged, which is a given fact in Promise for Miriam. I liked having the backstory, I just wish I had read it before reading A Promise for Miriam!
December 29, 2017
I had read Christmas at Pebble Creek and definitely enjoyed it, so I was pleased to find this short story as well. In this 2nd chance love story we meet Esther and Joseph. Joseph had left a devastated Esther when he left the area. Now he’s back and the first person he searches out is Esther. Having finally got over the initial devastation, she’s still hurt and angry and lets him know immediately. Will Esther be able to overcome her feelings and move on?
This story happens very quickly, but the characters and plot are written very well and makes me want to know more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking to read more stories set in the Amish town of Pebble Creek.
This story happens very quickly, but the characters and plot are written very well and makes me want to know more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking to read more stories set in the Amish town of Pebble Creek.
September 22, 2018
Miriam encouraged with her words, in spite of threatening situations. Esther was unpleasant to Joseph and she found it hard to be kind to him like in their past. He’d departed from Pebble Creek, and her visions and expectations for the forthcoming disappeared as well. Courageously moving on, she recommenced her teaching at the school, then Joseph came back. Esther grows cold instead of happy. In spite of her early enthusiasm, she feels resentment in place of love. Can she pardon Joseph for parting? An Amish fiction that reveals the lifestyle of the Amish people. A clean, delightful, lovely, old-time romance.
December 19, 2013
This is a wonderful story to read along with The Pebble Creek Amish Series. I had read the books in Vannetta's series and this book filled in some of the puzzle pieces for me. It was wonderful to read how Joseph and Esther got together as well as Miriam and Gabe and little Grace. I fell in love with "Pebble Creek" and the cabins when I read the books in the series, so this was a very special story to me. Thank you so much for offering this free short story, Vannetta! It was a pleasure to read.
December 8, 2016
There is someone for everyone!
Home to Pebble Creek was written by Vannetta Chapman as a lead in to her next book. I enjoyed this short story and I read the book that was released. I received this short story free but with no obligation to review it. I have rated this story with five stars for a great lead in. All opinions are strictly my own and I would highly recommend this book to all those who love the Amish genre. Congratulations to Vannetta Chapman and I look forward to more wonderful stories in the future.
Home to Pebble Creek was written by Vannetta Chapman as a lead in to her next book. I enjoyed this short story and I read the book that was released. I received this short story free but with no obligation to review it. I have rated this story with five stars for a great lead in. All opinions are strictly my own and I would highly recommend this book to all those who love the Amish genre. Congratulations to Vannetta Chapman and I look forward to more wonderful stories in the future.
December 31, 2021
This is a short story novella available for free on amazon. It is a prequel to a series of books featuring the same characters.
I'm unfamiliar with amish set stories but I enjoyed the setting. In my mind I pictured something similar to Little House on a Prairie.
The story focuses on a young woman. The boy she loved and lost comes back to town after an absence and she doesn't know what to do next.
I enjoyed the book and would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
If you are looking for a short sweet story to read then consider checking this one out. It's a good one.
I'm unfamiliar with amish set stories but I enjoyed the setting. In my mind I pictured something similar to Little House on a Prairie.
The story focuses on a young woman. The boy she loved and lost comes back to town after an absence and she doesn't know what to do next.
I enjoyed the book and would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
If you are looking for a short sweet story to read then consider checking this one out. It's a good one.
May 22, 2014
This little novella was a nice intro to the series. I was able to get this free on Amazon. It led the way into the wonderful Pebble Creek series. At the end you get a little inkling of what might be forthcoming. The novella is a reminder that pride over forgiveness isn't the Lord's way. I enjoyed it very much and since it's free you might want to get yourself a copy. I am sure you will enjoy it, too!
December 12, 2015
Esther is in love with Joseph and she devastated when he leaves Pebble Creek. Esther teaches teaches children with Mariam in Pebble Creek and tries to go on with life..
After sometime, Joseph returns to Pebble Creek. He and Esther encounter each other a few times, but Esther refuses to talk with Him at first, but later the two find themselves together, talking.
Great read. I look forward to reading other books/stories in this series.
After sometime, Joseph returns to Pebble Creek. He and Esther encounter each other a few times, but Esther refuses to talk with Him at first, but later the two find themselves together, talking.
Great read. I look forward to reading other books/stories in this series.
April 4, 2020
A love that was meant to be.
This was a short romantic story. Joseph and Ester grew up together but parted when Joseph left for a year and a half. He came back and she was cool toward him until he told her why he left. Shortly after he asked her to marry him. Marian who taught with Easther did not have a companion .One mornimg when a widowed father brought his daughter to school it seemed. That things were about to change for Marian.
This was a short romantic story. Joseph and Ester grew up together but parted when Joseph left for a year and a half. He came back and she was cool toward him until he told her why he left. Shortly after he asked her to marry him. Marian who taught with Easther did not have a companion .One mornimg when a widowed father brought his daughter to school it seemed. That things were about to change for Marian.
September 2, 2013
How sweet it is! This was such a darling read. Just enough to grab my interest and get the next book in this series lined up to read.
Gentle and good are the words that come to mind as I read this novella. I've just met the characters Esther, Jacob and Miriam and already in love with them. I want to know everything about them. and my heart is already singing... "Miriam's in love.........."
Gentle and good are the words that come to mind as I read this novella. I've just met the characters Esther, Jacob and Miriam and already in love with them. I want to know everything about them. and my heart is already singing... "Miriam's in love.........."
September 2, 2013
What a delightful read to introduce the readers to The Pebble Creek Amish Series. An intro to the life of Miriam King and her road to find love.
I loved how Miriam opened Esther's eyes to forgiveness; real forgiveness.
I urge those who read this review to pick up A Promise for Miriam, book one, in this great series.
Vannetta Chapman is one author you don't want to miss!
I loved how Miriam opened Esther's eyes to forgiveness; real forgiveness.
I urge those who read this review to pick up A Promise for Miriam, book one, in this great series.
Vannetta Chapman is one author you don't want to miss!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews