Description

In this second installment of the Stepping Stones series, Mary continues her heartfelt journey as she searches for a place where she truly belongs. Following the story introduced in Who Is Mary?, readers meet Mary again as she runs her own bakery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Though she’s hardworking and keeps herself busy, anxiety still shadows Mary’s days—often becoming overwhelming. Despite having her Aunt Lizzie and a handful of close friends, she struggles with feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Mary continues to question the strict Amish faith she was raised in, and the conflict within her about who God really is remains unresolved. Is He an angry God, harsh in judgment, or is He merciful and forgiving, waiting with open arms?

When Mary attends a hymn singing event, she meets Steve, a young man who intrigues her. Yet, before their budding relationship can fully unfold, Mary’s life suddenly changes. Her father has suffered an accident, forcing her to return to rural New York and care for him. Returning home to confront her father’s stern and inflexible ways pushes Mary toward her emotional breaking point. Will Mary and her father ever be able to form a genuine understanding and respect for each other? And how will Mary discover God’s purpose and direction for her life, when she’s not even certain who God is?

Linda Byler, an active member of the Amish community, writes each of her novels by hand, using just a pen and notebook. Byler’s authentic experience and deep insight offer readers a profound, fascinating glimpse into Amish history and culture.