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. 

 

Tuesday Night Review: The Brides of the Big Valley

...from the publisher...

In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love
within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

...my thoughts...

Once again, three generations of Brunstetter women have brought three unique stories together in one book. I liked how each story was set in the same valley, allowing some of the characters from a previous story to spill into the next one.  I know that fictional characters are, well, fiction, but sometimes I wonder what might have happened to that person or how they may have adjusted to a trying situation.  Difficult situations are not always written about in Amish fiction yet the Brunstetter's are able to infuse these topics into their work.  These are the very things that make their stories believable for the challenges brought to bear. At the heart of each woman's story is their faith and how it renews and strengthens each of their paths as they become brides.

I recommend this book for all fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter and for those who are new to reading works written by her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter and  granddaughter Richelle Brunstetter. Together their collaborations are wonderful, while each has her own unique gifts.