Reviewing: The Beginner's Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

 The Beginner's Quilt is a prequel to Wanda Brunstetters's popular  Half-Stitched Amish Quilters Club series.  Fans of this series will enjoy meeting Emma as a young woman who funbled to find any talents suitable for any young woman preparing for her future.  She'd much rather pursue fishing or hiking to sewing or cooking. To help Emma along, her mother sent her to Arthur, Illinois to spend the summer with her granparents. Hopefully, in addition to building her skills for homemaking, she could also overcome the painful shyness that prevented her from making friends or enjoying the singings the Amish young people in her community enjoyed attending.

While choosing fabric for a new dress to begin sewing lessons with her grandmother, she fell in love with the lovely quilts adorning the walls of the fabric store. Lucky for her, her grandmother's friend Ida Mae Yoder, was working at the store that day and invited Emma to take quilting lessons from her.  Emma's  love for the quilting process was a turning point for this young woman and gave her the lifelong gift of making beautiful quilts.

Ivan Yoder, a friendly young man took no time to notice Emma and learn how much they had in common.  Spending time with Ivan brought Emma out of her shell and allow her to spend time enjoying so many things she avoided doing at home.  It was by chance that Ivan, Ida Mae's son, came to be such a part of that summer visit to her grandparents. Were they who God destined for them to be together as husband and wife? 

Time and nature seem to give us tests in life, and this young couple was not exception.  A lost memory of a misadventure threatens to drive a wedge between Ivan and Emma. What we take for granted will happen doesn't always occur even under the best circumstances.  Love, forgiveness and faith provide the answers to most situations in life.

This is a sweet love story and written especially for fans of Wanda Brustetter and the wholesome Amish fiction so many of us enjoy. 

 ...from the publisher...

Two years since Rosa Petersheim mysteriously disappeared from her Amish home, there has been no word from her. Her family and friends have suffered in the silence, though they have tried to move on with life.

Then one day Rosa just as suddenly reappears at her parent’s home. . .with a husband in tow.

Rosa is ashamed of the choices she made that caused her to leave home. And now that she is back, her father is not welcoming and her siblings and friends want explanations that she can’t give.

Will Rosa’s family accept her and Anthony? Can the Big Valley ever be home again?

...my thoughts...

The Pretender is the third and final book in the Miflin County Mystery series. I have not read the first two books in this series so I can say without reservation that this book can be read as a standalone novel.  

I enjoyed this story by Wanda E Brunstetter for several reasons. The characters are believable and not without the foibles of life that can make or break your day.  Rosa, the young Amish woman who is the main focus of this story convinces Anthony to drive her to the family home she left two years before.  There begins the ruse of this story as the two of them begin more than a journey from New York City to an Amish farmhouse to Anthony's greatest surprise.  It is the first of mny times that he wonders if she is the same woman he believed her to be.

What follows is a serious, yet comical story of life change, forgiveness and new beginnings.  I recommend this book for the reader looking for inspirational entertainment.  You'll find it all inside, including a strong dose of sibling rivalry, a strict Amish bishop and a young man who is open to supporting his friend as she mends the hole in the heart of her family once she had left their community.  There is much more to this story than meets the eye.

The Return to the Big Valley by Wanda E Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter

 ...from the publisher...

The Brunstetters Return to a Unique Amish Setting for Three New Stories of Love
 
Journey back to an area of Pennsylvania that is home to three distinct Amish communities and meet three young women who face heartfelt disappointments in romance.
 
Wilma’s Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wilma Hostetler has been courted by Israel Zook for the last year, and he’s recently proposed marriage. But when his sister dies, leaving him to care for five young nephews who openly dislike Wilma, she has second thoughts of starting with a ready-made family and decides to call off the wedding. Can anything be done to restore the relationship, or will Israel seek another wife?
 
Martha’s Miracle by Jean Brunstetter
Martha Yoder is different from other Amish women in her love of hunting and the outdoors. Meeting Glen Swarey, who is working with the local fire department, seems to be a good match. But can Martha accept Glen’s thoughts of leaving the Amish faith, or will she walk away from a chance at love?
 
Alma’s Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter
Alma Wengerd is a young widow who leaves her home in Kentucky to stay with friends in Pennsylvania. Soon she is speeding into a renewed romance with Elias Kurtz and raising the brows of the older church members. When Alma is waylaid by some unexpected news, could putting her happiness with Elias on hold be her only option?

...my thoughts...

Return to the Big Valley is a delightful collection of three novellas written in collaboration by Wanda E Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter.  Three generations of Brunstetter women have once again taken u to the Big Valley and the lives of three Amish women.  

Wilma's Wish is a test of strength for Wilma, who wasn't keen on the idea of a ready made family when her fiancee Israel becomes guardian for his five nephews. Taking on responsibility of this sort would give anyone pause, but these five boys give her a run for the money and Wilma can't seem to do anything to help the boys adjust to their new home let alone accept her as their future aunt and mother figure.  The situation seems hopeless, but long favored Amish author Wanda E Brusntetter wrapped this story up with a charming conclusion that will warm the reader's heart.

Martha's Miracle, by Jean Brunstetter is a unique story in that Martha is not your typical Amish woman, well versed in home keeping, quilting or preserving the garden bounty.  It would seem that she is in danger of becoming a spinster but for the chance to be courted by a charming fireman intent on leaving their faith. I enjoyed this story first off because Martha is not your typical Amish woman. It is an intriguing story.

Alma's Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter introduces to yet another young Amish woman who has what seems like an impossible dilemma.  Widowed, she returns to her childhood community, hoping a change of scenery can help her recover from the loss of her husband.  Ironically, she happens to reconnect with an old friend she hadn't seen since her family moved to Kentucky when she was a young teen.  He has never forgotten Alma, nor connected to or married anyone.  This story has a twist that has bishops from both communities conferring until a solution is met that satisfies all.

I enjoy reading this type of fiction not only for the entertainment, but for the glimpse into the Amish way of life.  Not saddled with the cares of the "modern" way of life, they still live, love and enjoy life in their own community.  Wanda E, Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law Jean and now granddaughter Richelle have long standing ties to the Amish community.  While these stories are fiction, they are entertaining and often have a bit of a life lesson inside. 

 

The Robin's Greeting by Wanda E Brunstetter is Fitting Solution to the Amish Greenhouse Mysteries!

...from the publisher... 

A Season of Hope Is Coming 

For the past two years Belinda King, along with her two grown daughters and teenage son, has been

struggling to keep the family greenhouse running. Despite disconcerting events that have threatened to put them out of business, they have survived two growing seasons. And now Belinda can focus on the two suitors vying for her attention. Herschel Fisher, a new acquaintance, makes her feel relaxed, and Monroe Esh, an admirer from her past, reminds her of her youth.

But just when Belinda thinks she can choose between her suitors, life throws more trials her way. Her son, Henry, becomes bitter about the idea of her dating anyone, and attacks on the greenhouse start again.

When can Belinda hope to experience the peace and love her weary heart longs for?

...my thoughts... 

I eagerly awaited for this book to be published and it did not disappoint me. For so many reasons, Wanda E Brunstetter hit the target on this series.  The sorrow from the beginning of the series to the joy that returned to the King family as they struggled to keep the greenhouse a vital business for their livelihood was a testament of faith and hope.  Each member of the family grew as they were stretched to their limits and their resilience was inspiring.

Challenge after challenge kept Belinda going when she could have easily closed the business and moved in with one of her married children. I admired her courage and willingness to keep moving ahead in spite of everything.  I also enjoyed her bit of romance.  I have read a lot of Amish fiction through the years and there are not many that include romance for widows with grown children.  It seems they just get moved to the Dawdi house.  Her suitors, Herschel Fisher and Monroe Esh offered a bit of pizazz to the story. It was down to good writing that one could see each man for who he was and I was pleased to see who won her heart.

I was very surprised at the ending of the story when we finally learned who was behind the attacks on the greenhouse.  I can usually come close to solving a mystery but this one surprised me.  I enjoyed this book and recommend this series to those who like Amish fiction with a bit of mystery involved.   The Robin's Greeting neatly ties everything together.  Many thanks to #NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an advance copy for an honest review.  All opinions, however, are mine.

The Blended Quilt...Heartwarming New Book by Wanda Brunstetter

 

...from the publisher...

 Sadie Kuhns has a lot happening in her life. She is creating a unique quilt by blending a traditional Amish pattern with a Hawaiian pattern as a tribute to her time spent in the islands, and she is working on a self-published book. But her relationship with Wyman Kauffman has stagnated after six months of courtship. He can’t seem to commit to a profession that would secure a future, and he is jealous of the time Sadie gives to her own pursuits. Is there really any reason to drag this courtship out? Only time will tell in this new novel from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

...my thoughts...

I enjoyed reading the Blended Quilt by Wanda and Jean Brunstetter. The Amish people are set apart from the world we live in with their plain lifestyle.  However set apart their world is from us, human nature prevails.  Behind those prayer caps and black suspenders are people who live and love just as we do.

Sadie wants to marry Wyman and although he loves her, his inability to settle into one job is cause for concern.  I  thought he was a selfish young man who seemed to have everything handed to him by his parents, including a good job that he felt was beneath him.  Sadie, for her part, decides to move on and busies herself with her quilting.  A talented quilter, she is encouraged to write her book on quilting.  What starts out as a project to share her love of the art of quilting with others turns into a living room filled with boxes of books it is up to her to sell.  Sell she does on a whirlwind book tour that opens both Sadie and Wyman's eyes to what is really important.

If you like books that are encouraging and uplifting, I recommend The Blended Quilt.  It represents much more than a quilt patterned after both plain and Englisch styles.  It represents finding that what we really want may be closer than we realize.

 

New Series for Wanda Brunstetter Begins With The Crow's Call

...from the publisher...
When Vernon King, his son, and son-in-law are involved in a terrible accident, three women are left to cope with their deaths, as they become the sole providers of the family they have left. The women’s only income must come from the family greenhouse, but someone seems to be trying to force them out of business.

Amy King has just lost her father and brother, and her mother needs her to help run the family’s greenhouse. It doesn’t seem fair to ask her to leave a job she loves, when there is still a sister and brother to help. But Sylvia is also grieving for her husband while left to raise three children, and Henry, just out of school, is saddled with all the jobs his father and older brother used to do. As Amy assumes her new role, she also asks Jared Riehl to put their courtship on hold. When things become even more stressful at the greenhouse, will Amy crumble under the pressure?


...my thoughts...

Wanda Brunstetter's new Amish Greenhouse Mystery series  is off to a rousing start with The Crow's Call.  As the story unfolded, an ominous wind was in the air so when Amy King heard the sound of a crow calling she knew it wasn't a good day to celebrate her mother's birthday.  She shouldn't be superstitious but every time she heard a crow call, something always seemed to go wrong. Then, later that evening, tragedy times three changed her family's life forever.  The chilling dynamics of grief are as varied as the person who is suffering.  Picking up the pieces for her family wasn't going to be easy but Amy seemed to let the responsibility rest on her shoulders.  As she pitched in to help her mother run the family greenhouse, she assumed much more than the duties required to help the business continue.

Mysterious things began to happen that seemed to be coincidences until they began to happen more often.  Who could possibly wish to undermine their family business?  Her brother Henry resented helping out in the greenhouse.  He also didn't want to do chores on the farm and didn't understand why he couldn't go enjoy a bit of fun with his friends.  Was he pulling pranks on the family? Or was it Sylvia, who, as a young wife and mother couldn't raise her head above the daunting task of raising her small children alone, let alone live without her beloved husband. 

The cast of characters in this story are as complex as the mystery surrounding the greenhouse.  Amy and her mother seemingly manage to get through each day by running their business and learning the ropes that Vernon so effectively handled before his death.  Now, though, with so many upsetting random acts of vandalism, they are wondering just who is doing this and why.

Could it be teenagers on their rumpspringa?  The new English neighbor who has made it plain she doesn't care to live near the Amish?  The homeless lady who shows up at odd times or someone else?   Only one situation was resolved in this book, so maybe the culprit will be discovered when I read the next book of the series.  I do like a good mystery, and The Crow's Call kept me guessing.  I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Thanks to Barbour Books and #NetGalley who provided me a copy of this book for an honest review.  My opinions are mine.

The Healing Jar By Wanda E Brunstetter A Heartwarming Story of Love and Healing

...from the publisher...
Lenore Lapp is an Amish schoolteacher in her late twenties still living at home with her parents and grandparents. She thought love had passed her by until she meets Jesse Smucker, a widower with a baby daughter. She quickly falls in love with them both and accepts Jesse’s proposal of marriage, but Jesse breaks off their engagement when he realizes he can’t marry only for convenience.
Resigned to living single, Lenore throws herself into caring for her elders. While working in her grandmother’s garden, she digs up an old jar. Will Lenore find healing for her broken heart and solve long-buried family secrets by reading the note contained inside?

 ...my thoughts...
The long awaited conclusion to Wanda E. Brunstetter's series, The Prayer Jars, is here! The Healing Jar is Lenore's story.  One day in the barn, she found the long hidden prayer jar, and found solace in the words tucked inside. The mystery of this jar and another, found on a shelf in the dark basement, piqued the interests first of Michelle, then Sara. Now Lenore sits in wonder at these words that seem to coincide with her own thoughts and feelings. At the discovery of a third jar, the mystery begins to unfold as the discovery of who started these jars hidden for so long.

Carefully written, complex lives of a seemingly simple world are upturned and will never be the same.  It is just like me to start a new book late at night, and I found myself unable to put it down.  I enjoy Wanda E. Brunstetter's books for the way she makes her characters come to life.  The Healing Jar is a fitting title for a book that touches the heart of this extended family.  I laughed, cried and found wisdom in this book.  I have a feeling that many a prayer jar will be started as more people read this wonderful series.  I am sad to see this series end, but look forward to more books written by this beloved author.