The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter – Likeable Characters, Interesting Growth and Development, My Favorite Book of the Series

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. 

 

The Peacemaker by Wanda E Brunstetter- Mystery, Relationships, Romance, Amish Fiction

The Peacemaker by Wanda E Brunstetter is the second book in the Mifflin County Mystery series.  The first book in the series, The Protector, introduced readers to many of the characters featured in this second book.

 

Ada Detweiler was best friends with Rosa Petersheim who disappeared over a year ago.  No one has seen or heard from Rosa since the night she went missing.  Rosa’s disappearance continues to weigh heavy on the Petersheim family and friends.  Out of necessity people have tried to go on with their lives, but still have hope that Rosa may return or they will finally get answers.

 

Ephraim Peight was Rosa’s boyfriend and he was the last person to see Rosa alive.  Though there is no evidence, some people still suspect Ephraim of foul play.  When Ephraim is asked to go stay with his grandmother and help her, he is reluctant to leave.  Trying to make the best of the situation, he hopes that he will have a fresh start in a town where nobody knows him. 

 

When Lewis Peight has a heart attack, Ephraim returns to town to help with this father’s business.  During that time Ada and Ephraim start seeing each other as friends.  Ada’s had feeling for Ephraim for quite a while, but would it be right for her to have a relationship with her missing friend’s boyfriend?

 

The Petersheim’s story continues and we see the impact Rosa’s disappearance has had on their family. 

 

Faith is a part of this story.  I like how faith was woven into the characters everyday lives.  Most of the characters in the book were likeable.  Not only are the main characters are featured, but also members of the families.  Young, old and in between.  Reading this book, you get a sense of what the community is like.  I appreciate being able to read a clean novel. 

 

I hope that in the next book of the Mifflin County Mystery series readers will find out what happened to Rosa.

 

I enjoyed reading The Peacemaker.  The book is set at a slower pace and is more about developing the characters as opposed to an action novel.  This works as a standalone novel, but you might benefit if you read the first novel, The Protector.  If you like Amish fiction, mysteries, or romance novels I recommend The Peacemaker by Wanda E Brunstetter. 

 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Peacemaker by Wanda E Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  The Peacemaker will be released on March 1, 2025.

 

The Protector by Wanda E Brunstetter – A Mystery and Different Kind of Storyline for Amish Fiction

 
The Protector is Wanda Brunstetter’s newest novel, the first book in the Mifflin County Mystery Series.  I enjoy Amish fiction and this author is one of my favorites.

The Protector is quite different than Wanda Brunstetter’s other books.  The subject matter is different than most Amish novels.  It is about a family member that has gone missing and its impact on each person of the family.  The characters, how they handle the stress of the unknown, and how it impacts the family dynamic seemed rather gloomy. 

Following a date from night before Rosa Petersheim has gone missing.  It is like she vanished and no one has seen her or knows what happened to her.  Has she run away?  Is it foul play?  The police were contacted and investigated the Rosa’s disappearance, but the investigation has stalled.  Now three months later, the family has gone on and tried to live their lives.  But they are functioning under shadow of their grief and the unknown.  In its wake are some very unhealthy family dynamics. 

After Rosa went missing her brother Norman has taken on the burden of trying to find Rosa or what happened to her.  All his efforts have gone nowhere.  Norman had dated Salina for a while now and it seemed like marriage might be on the horizon.  But with all his efforts to find Rosa, it has impacted Norman’s relationship with Salina.

Of course, Elsie’s mother’s heart is grieving for her daughter and it has impacted her health.  Their father, Mahlon has grown angry and bitter.  Their daughter Susan’s reaction has exposed some of her character flaws.  Only Tena seems to have the most caring response to all this stress. 

Will they ever find out what happened to Rosa?  Will she come back home one day?  If so, will she be welcomed home or shut out? 

Overall, I found the storyline kind of depressing.  It seemed like each of the characters were caught up in their own thoughts and feelings without healthy and caring input from others.  They did not share their burdens with each other or even friends.  It was not until near of end of the storyline that there was some breakthrough in this family’s responses to this trial. 

I thought the subject was unique for Amish fiction.  In most Amish fiction there is a strong sense of community and caring that seemed to be absent here.  Not sure if that was intentional.  When an Amish family has someone that goes missing are they presumed to have run away?  Is the family shamed or blamed for those circumstances? 

I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter’s writing, but struggled a bit with The Protector’s storyline and the characters’ negativity.  Since some of the mystery was left hanging, there was no real or satisfying conclusion.  I look forward to reading more books by Wanda Brunstetter.  I am not sure if this storyline will carry over to the future novels in this series.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne – Likeable Characters, Faith, Friendship and Hope

I was excited to read Anne Blackburne’s newest book Mary’s Calico Hope, the fifth book in The Heart of the Amish series. 

Mary Yoder’s life has not been easy.  Daily she deals with the injuries, pain, and mobility issues that she sustained at the age of four in a buggy accident.  Despite the daily challenges she faces, Mary has hope and faith and trusts God.  She works hard to supports herself.  She lives in her own place, yet she also has the support of her family whose home connects to her small dawdi haus. 

When the new doctor, Reuben King, meets Mary he investigates a surgical procedure that may help relieve her pain and help improve her mobility.  Mary has been down the surgery road one to many times with mixed results.  As they continue to interact and get to know one another, Reuben is attracted to Mary.  He appreciates not only her outward beauty but also her inward spirit.  Will their relationship be anything but friendship, since Mary is Amish and Reuben is a Mennonite?

I enjoyed reading this book and found the characters very likable.  Mary and her family and friends were caring, loving and supportive of one another. Reuben was a dedicated doctor, cared about his patients and developed friendships in the Amish community.  I appreciated that faith was foundational to Mary and the other characters.  They lived out their faith daily.  The author brought back some of the characters from earlier novels in this series. 

In every town there will always be that person who likes to stir up trouble.  Will Bishop Troyer see through Amelia’s critical eye and gossiping tongue?  Will he address the sin that is in her heart?  Or let her go unchecked? 

One thing I struggled with was the characters belief that God was speaking to their hearts, outside of Scripture, and telling them what to.  (A belief that is very prevalent today.)  As opposed to God speaking to believers through inerrant Scripture alone.  Absolutely I believe God directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9). 

Some aspects of the Amish faith, I struggle to understand.  Like the Amish not being able to become doctors without leaving the faith.  I had never heard of the Beachy Amish and found that interesting.

If you enjoy Amish stories that incorporate faith into the storyline, I recommend reading Anne Blackburne’s newest book Mary’s Calico Hope.  Anne’s characters are well developed and seem to go deeper than other books.  I appreciate how the characters showed love and support to one another and had a reverent attitude towards God.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne.  This book will be published on June 1, 2024.  I was provided a complimentary copy of the book, but was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

 

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne – Enjoyable Story with Likeable Characters

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is the first book I have read by author Anne Blackburne.  I found this book very enjoyable.  It was a nice change of pace and filled with some likeable characters.

 

Ruth Helmuth has been a widow for a year and is childless.  She lives on a property that has been a part of her family for many years.  She is hard working, industrious, and provides for herself by raising goats, using their fiber and milk to earn income.  That is why Ruth was taken aback by the proposal from Bishop Troyer that she sell her family’s farm to someone who he deems more deserving.  Ruth knows of widower Jonas Hershberger and his young daughter Abigail.  But it is not until he has a business proposition to use the upstairs of Ruth’s large barn for his basket weaving business that they get to know one another.  Will their business relationship develop into something more?

 

The main characters in this book, Ruth, Jonas, and Abigail, as well as their friends are pleasant, kind, and caring.  They are very supportive of one another.  The only exception is Bishop Troyer and his rude granddaughter Evelyn. It seemed like the bishop was not very discerning and has turned a blind eye to his ill-behaved granddaughter.

 

I enjoyed reading Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise and felt like I was stepping into a different world.  A slower pace of life and with nice characters, the kind of people I would like to know.  Faith is a part of the storyline. 

 

If you enjoy Amish fiction with a little romance, I recommend reading Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne.  This is the second book in the Heart of the Amish series.  This book is an enjoyable read with likeable characters.  I look forward to reading more books by this author. 

 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis – Loved This Book, Enjoyable Characters, and Interesting Relationships

 

I enjoy Amish fiction but had never read any novels by Beverly Lewis.  After reading the description of the The Heirloom, I wanted to read her newest book.  I am so glad I did!

 

The Heirloom tells the story of Clara Bender and her great aunt Ella Mae Zook.  Clara’s world has changed since her mother’s death a year ago.  In the months after her mother’s passing, Clara had grown closer to her father.  But since he remarried a couple of months ago, things had changed and home didn’t feel the same.  At nineteen years old, Clara knew that one day she would leave home.  The prospects for a good match in her community were not promising because eligible men about her age were not available. 

 

While clearing out her mother’s desk, Clara found letters her mom had exchanged with aunt Ella Mae.  It seemed they had a very close relationship and a deep connection.  That got Clara to thinking, perhaps she could go visit her great aunt in Pennsylvania for a couple of weeks.  Get to know her and connect over their shared love for Clara’s mom.  Her dad is reluctant to let Clara go but relents with the understand that she will be back in a couple of weeks.  His concern is that the Amish community in Hickory Creek is much stricter than the one in First Light, Indiana.  That was one of the reasons they had moved.

 

I absolutely loved reading The Heirloom.  I enjoyed the main characters Clara and Ella Mae and the people surrounding them.  I found the storyline compelling and moving.  Clara’s grief was relatable and Ella Mae was such a kind and caring person to all who were around her.  Both characters were thoughtful, hardworking, and other centered. 

 

What I appreciated the most about this book is the aspect of their Christian faith.  It was part of their everyday life and impacted how they lived. I have read other Amish fiction and have often thought it seemed like faith based on works, instead of faith that bears the fruit of repentance and good works.  That part of the Amish faith was explored in this book.  Not in a heavy-handed manner, but in thoughtful way.  I appreciated that the Gospel of Christ was clearly shared.  It was enjoyable to see young people building relationships that were pure.

 

The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis was so enjoyable.  The characters and relationships were well developed.  This novel had a richness you don’t often find in books.  Not everything was sunshine and flowers, there were some difficult subjects addressed.  I was very moved by Clara and Ella Mae’s story, and found myself grieved and wondering how the story would turn out.  I trusted the author no matter if it had a good ending or a sad ending, she handled the story and characters well.

 

I highly recommend The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.  It was enjoyable, rich, and thought provoking.  So glad that I found this author whose work is new to me and look forward to reading more of her books.

 

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read complimentary copy of The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.    

 

The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman – Enjoyable Characters, Friendship, Laughter, Romance

 

I find Amish fiction quite enjoyable and was excited to read Beth Wiseman’s newest book The Amish Matchmakers. 

Retired dentist, Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus decided to move to Indiana to be near his only grandchild, Mindy.  He has rented a small cottage at the Peony Inn.  It is a bed and breakfast run by two Amish sisters, Esther, and Lizzie.  They have a reputation for matchmaking.  Now it seems they may have another match in mind, unbeknownst to one other.  Things may get a little complicated. 

I enjoyed reading this book, mostly because of the likable characters.  Esther and Lizzie, especially Lizzie, are very different than most characters in Amish fiction.   Lizzie has taken a liking to reading romance and true crime novels.  She does not hesitate to speak her mind and has become superstitious.  Esther is more sensible and down to earth, and tries to rein Lizzie in.  Benjamin is a bit of a mystery and he has some secrets he is not ready to share.  Ben’s granddaughter Mindy visits him regularly.  Following a car mishap, she meets Gabriel who helps around the inn. 

The characters are enjoyable and funny.  Ben’s not the only mysterious one.  It seems that each character has their own secrets they don’t want revealed.  Esther and Lizzie are caring towards one another and welcome others into their lives.  I liked Mindy and Gabriel’s relationship.  They were caring, responsible, and level headed with a little romance. 

I like Amish fiction because their world seems a little simpler and less complicated.  I enjoyed reading The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  While I don’t fully understand the issues surrounding an Amish person being involved with an Englisch person, I appreciated how that aspect of relationships were approached.  I also appreciated that this novel was clean. 

I recommend The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  It is a good and enjoyable story with likeable characters.  This book will be published October 17, 2023

I would like to thank Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E Brunstetter – A Lovely Book with Likable Characters

Wanda E Brunstetter has become one of my favorite writers and I was excited to read her newest book The Sugarcreek Surprise, the second book in the Creektown Discovery series. 

 

The Sugarcreek Surprise tells the story of Lisa Miller the only survivor of a tragic car accident.  She lost her parents and paternal grandparents at seven years old and has very few memories before the accident.  Lisa went to live in Ohio with her maternal grandparents.  She works as a school teacher with the young children at their Amish community’s schoolhouse.  Lisa lives a very insulated life, has very few friends, and has no desire to get married or have children.  Truth be told, Lisa is trying to protect her heart from the pain of losing someone else she loves.  Her life is about to be changed by a persistent dog Maggie and a newcomer Paul Herschberger from Pennsylvania. 

 

This book is about relationships.  Lisa’s relationship with her grandparents, her dog Maggie and her developing friendship with Paul.  Orley and Lois Troyer, from the Walnut Creek Wish, are back and befriend Paul and in turn his friend Lisa.  Orley and Lois are my favorite characters.  They are continually looking for people whom God would have them befriend.  They are mentors, prayer warriors and give wise biblical counsel.  

I liked Paul and appreciated his kind, caring, gentle, and hardworking character.  At times I struggled with Lisa and her negativity or not being open to others.  But I appreciated seeing how her grandparents and Paul responded to her.  They prayed for Lisa, gave her time and trusted the Lord to be at work in her life.

 

I appreciate the Christian faith being included as part of the characters’ lives, in the form of Scripture verses, sermons, and prayers.  The Sugarcreek Surprise is not action-packed, instead, it goes deeper into people’s lives, relationships, and what motivates them.  I love that this book is clean and shows good and healthy relationships.  The characters deal with honesty, forgiveness, growth, and how to trust God and obey Him. 

 

I loved reading The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E Brunstetter and highly recommend it.  It was a lovely book, filled with likable characters, the kind of people you would want to know.  Wanda E Brunstetter is the kind of writer that makes me want to read all her books.

 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.