Thanks to everyone who submitted a synopsis about what could have happened with the anonymous letter on the bridge (see past posts to catch up).  I loved reading them.  And while we may never know what happened to the writer or recipient of the letter, it's always fun to speculate.  Prior to this contest, I incorporated a covered bridge into my current work in progress, Plain Paradise.  But you'll have to wait to read it! 

So many great entries to choose from - so I narrowed it down to three and let you guys pick.  And the winner is Annie!  She'll receive a signed, first edition, copy of An Amish Christmas - which ships from the publisher today!  Here is Annie's prize-winning entry and a little bit about her:

The young girl who works at the country diner longs to see the man who was so kind to her. He stopped in for dinner one evening and stayed until closing. They talked the whole night. He was hardworking young man. He quit school soon after his father died to help take care of his mother and younger siblings. He enjoyed spending time with the young girl. When he was with her his other troubles were far behind him. She did not know of his life but wanted to know more. How could he tell her that he was committed is such a way to take care of his family. They talked often of this bridge and how she loved to walk to it and listen to the water. Sitting on the bridge she would dream of her life. Knowing that someday she would find the man of her dreams. Each time this man left the diner he would buy a mint and share it with her.

One day while serving him she accidentally dumped the tray of food on him. She offered to wash the shirt for him. He accepted and she took the shirt home. When she got ready to wash it she picked up the shirt and several green wrappers dropped out. She picked them up and realized that these were the wrappers from the mints he had bought. As she stood there holding the shirt she realized that she loved him very much. The next day when she arrived at work he did not come in. Many days went by and he still did not return. One day while at the bridge she decided to write a note and leave it on the bridge hoping that he would remember them speaking of the bridge and stop to hopefully find her note.

Her heart was breaking. What had happened? Had she done something wrong? Was he hurt or worse?

Meet Annie! Annie lives in Findlay, Ohio with her husband (Gary), their three very special children (Kailea - 8, Ethan - 7, and Amelia - 6) and two cats.  She works at the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addition and Mental Health Services as the Training & Public Information Coordinator.  When not a her children's school, work, soccer practice, scout meetings or dance practice, she enjoys cooking, baking, decorating cakes, and crocheting.  But, most of all, spending time with her family.  She and her family love to visit Amish Country in Ohio and travel there frequently throughout the year.  She and her mother love to read Amish books and often will see who can read them faster.

Please join me in wishing Annie congratulations for a great synopsis!  And...again...thanks to all those who entered.