title: The Heart's Return
author: Senft, Adina
description: His first choice ... her second chance.Eight years ago, Anna Esch's parents discouraged Neil Wengerd's courtship. The family had just had a major blow, and Anna's leaving would have led to grief and suffering. But obeying her mother's wishes, Anna said not a word, only refused Neil in terms that wounded him past bearing. Hurt and angry, he left Whinburg Township ... and took Anna's heart with him.Now Neil is back for a wedding and staying with his sister and brother-in-law, who have rented the farm from Anna's father. The whole district is buzzing. Not about Anna and Neil—everyone's forgotten they ever courted. But about Neil and Malinda Kanagy, who is everything Anna isn't.Can Anna stand by and watch his family make the perfect match for the man she's never been able to forget? Or will she realize in time that Christmas is the season for God's gifts and second chances?This novella was first published in 2020 in the USA Today bestselling collection, Amish Christmas Miracles.