The Pretender, by Wanda E. Brunstetter,
is the third book in the Mifflin County Mysteries series. This book is my favorite in the series. The Protector was the first book
where readers learned about the mysterious disappearance of Rosa Petersheim and
the fallout for her family and friends.
No one knew why she left, of her own accord or foul play, and despite
trying no one was able to find Rosa or about what happened to her. The Peacemaker was the second
book in the series was focused on Rosa’s friends and family as they try to go
on with their lives despite not knowing what happened to her.
In The Pretender, the last book in this
series, readers finally get to meet Rosa, learn what has happened to her
over the past two years, any why her family had not heard from her. She is living in New York City and has worked
as a nanny and as a waitress. When Rosa
is facing a crisis in her life and she makes the hard decision that it is time to
return home to her family. Anthony
Reeves, chef and son of the restaurant owners, takes pity on Rosa and decides
to accompany Rosa home. Will their concocted
plan influence Rosa’s parents into taking her back? Or will it backfire and cause more
problems? Just how many pretenders are there?
The Pretender is my favorite book in the series. I enjoyed getting to know Rosa and was
surprised that I liked her character, despite how her unwise choices negatively
impacted those around her. Anthony was
one of my favorite characters. Despite
getting himself thrown into circumstances he never anticipated, he was caring
and concerned for Rosa and her family. Even
when he reaped painful consequences because of his choices he did not let that keep
him down or hold him back.
I enjoyed seeing the characters from the earlier books return. It heartening to see how the characters had
grown and changed over the years, from Rosa’s
parents, to her siblings, and friends. Susan,
Rosa’s sister, has remained stuck in her negative thoughts and attitudes. How much self-inflicted misery does it take
to motivate someone to change? Is there
hope that Susan can change and grow?
I liked seeing Rosa take personal responsibility for her choices
and the consequences. It was good to see
the mellowing and growth in the characters.
Anthony was a refreshing addition to the storyline. I appreciated that the Gospel message was shared
and how Scripture was used to impact characters for good. I would have gone with a different or more nuanced
interpretation on some of the Scripture verses mentioned.
If you like reading mysteries or Amish fiction, you may want
to read Wanda E. Brunstetter’s newest book The Pretender,
the last book in the Mifflin County Mysteries. This was an enjoyable read and my favorite
book in this series. This book will be
released August 1, 2025.
I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley
for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Pretender
by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I was
under no obligation to give a favorable review.
