The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

This was an enjoyable and touching book.  Amelia's son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, something I have also found myself serving as a caretaker for.  It can be very difficult depending on the person, but the book addresses it kindly and with understanding.  Amelia is a widow and doesn't plan or expect to find love again.  She and her sisters go on atrip to help with a wedding where she meets Christian.  But a long distance romance doesn't seem to be a possibility.  The story is a tender account of difficult adjustments, love, and patience.

It is a very nicely explained story that will touch your heart.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Beginner's Quilt by Wanda E, Brunstetter

I have read lots of this author's books and I really enjoyed this one. It was a really sweet story of an Amish woman, who did not appear to have the same role expected talents.  Cooking and sewing were not her "thing".  Her mother had tried to teach her, but without success.  As Emma's mom realized she hadn't succeeded to teach her the things all Amish wives are expected to do, Emma was sent to her grandparents to learn those skills, hopefully.  

It was a very nicely paced story with engaging characters and themes of faith and forgiveness and love.  I enjoyed it very much, including Ivan's unfortunate experience in Rumspringa which might sadly turn his life around.  It was very well written and believable.  I enjoy a good Christian book which shows that we should all be responsible for our own actions.  I recommend this book!

The Amish Ballerina by Richelle Brunstetter with Wanda E. Brunstetter

This was a sweet story of an Amish young woman, Arie, whose parents were quite strict as to following Amish rules.  Arie's friend has helped her to learn ballet and Arie absolutely loves it.  She wants to continue but is forced to do so while hiding in the barn to express her love of the dance.  I was attracted to the title being the mom of a daughter who danced since she could walk. There were some exciting parts to the book and it was an easy read.  Arie was worried to share the news of her dancing with her boyfriend.  I enjoyed the book.

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own.
 

The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter Mifflin County Mystery Series Book 3

 

I really enjoyed this author's book. An Amish woman whose family hasn't heard from in 2 years, suddenly appears home with an Englisher whom she introduces as her husband. How will her family react to her sudden appearance?  Rosa is worried as to whether her family will accept or reject her.  She is expecting a baby. Her sister is feeling and acting somewhat unkindly to Rosa and her "husband", Anthony.  It is a good story line and I enjoyed the book very much.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter (A Mifflin County Mystery Book 2 of 3)

 Her best friend suddenly disappears.  Her boyfriend Ephraim is thought to be a suspect by some of the townspeople.  It is a clean novel and a cozy mystery.  The characters are very likeable and I enjoyed reading about Ada and Ephraim as they become closer.  She likes him and doesn't know where their relationship is headed because of this disappearance.  Will his feelings be reciprocated or is his mind and heart still with his missing girlfriend?  It's a good book and I enjoy this author's books and try to read them all.  

I received an arc copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuitsby Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton

This is a cozy mystery about a baking competition and suddenly there are threatening notes and missing contestants.  Fannie is hoping for a blue ribbon this year as she decides to enter, as she previously has with her Aunt's recipe of Buttermilk Biscuits.  Suddenly trouble starts to brew and she and Foster Bates, private investigator, are on the lookout for whatever may be going on.

The story is a fun, easy-going story with small hints of a possible romance.  It was an enjoyable read, 

and a relaxing read.  I liked the story and I look forward to reading more if this becomes a new series. 

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter A Mifflin County Mystery Book 1

I have read many books by this author and this one was in a style that I found very different than the usual style I have seen in books by Brunstetter.  It's a 3 part mystery which features Norman Petersheim, as the oldest son in the family who upon the disappearance of his sister, Rosa, sets his mind to finding out what happened to her.  Was she murdered, kidnapped or a runaway?  It was kind of a depressing book in many ways, sickness, loss and other problems. Norman is not going to give up on finding his sister and will do anything to make it happen.  Even with the possibility of personal loss of relationships. I do want to know myself as to the outcome for Rosa, so I will be reading the next book for sure. 

I received an ARC from the Publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Letters of Wisdom By Wanda E. Brunstetter (The Friendship Letters Book 3)

Book 3 of this series carried a powerful message. It really touched my heart to see the silent suffering of those who were victims of abuse and how if continues to affect them years after the fact.  Doretta is Irma's friend who shares her thoughts and feelings with Irma through her letters.  Irma opens up to Doretta after her stepfather's passing, a man who abused her during her younger years.  After marrying and moving away, Irma attends the funeral of her stepfather and this brings out her feelings towards him and her mother, whom she felt did not stop the abuse.  As her feelings start coming to the surface, she finds it harder and harder to show loving discipline to her children, but rather responds in a harsh way.  Sharing her feelings with her friend Doretta, Irma reads the suggestions that are shared with her.  

It's a touching story that seems very realistic and you can feel the emotions that are shared in the story.  I really was glad that I read the book.  A moving story of love and forgiveness.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sisters by the Sea by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter & Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

I loved how the four short stories blended so well together and were so enjoyable to read.  As you progress through the book there is a real connection and it is just like one great story.  I love Amish fiction and this book added to the list of good, clean Amish romances.  It was fun to see how the sisters found their way through life after each having a situation that had to be worked through.  The stories all shared growth in the characters. I loved the Florida setting and the contrast and differences in each of the sisters.  It was a fun read and I will continue reading books written by these authors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Letters of Comfort by Wanda E. Brunstetter The Friendship Letters Series Book 2

I have now read both books of this series and I loved how they continued with friends and their relationships.  This book tells a tragic story for Doretta Schwartz who is counting the days to her wedding, a wedding that does not happen.  As depression changes the always happy Doretta, she sinks further and further into her mental challenges.  

The book tells about real life issues that happen to many people for different reasons, and it shares her trials and need for dear friends and family to help her find her happiness again. I found this to be a very thought provoking story and I enjoyed it very much.  I look forward to the next book of the series.  I love the letter-writing theme as this was a big part of my earlier years, as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Letters of Trust (Friendship Letters) Book 1 by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This is a touching story with real-life problems that in this case also affect the Amish in a similar way as those who are not Amish.  Alcoholism is a problem to many and this was probably a difficult problem to write about.  The author did it in a good way and through letters to her friend, Eleanor is able to find emotional help and calming help from her friend.  As the problem increases she finds more help is needed but her husband is firmly against it.  This is a touching story and I felt that the support and compassion that she received were very important to her healing as well as her husband's struggles. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook

I have loved Wanda's Recipe books and this one had some very nice and simple recipes.  I have gone down one person in my household and this gives nice casseroles that could be used a couple of nights for my now small household.  The Cheeseburger Bacon Pasta sounded like a winner to me!  As did the Pizza Casserole!  Can't wait to try them.  I need to a way to use the leftovers that I always seem to have in the fridge and somehow often end up just throwing away. And this book seems to fit the bill perfectly. The dessert items looked so nummy!  I can't wait to start baking and cooking these wonderful looking foods.  The artwork was great and everything looks wonderful. 

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E. Brunstetter Book 3

Book 3 of this series was interesting.  I enjoyed the precedence of this book, that of looking for your biological family, which I have done professionally quite a few times.  It can be a very time consuming process at times.  As Andrea starts to search for her family, her relationship with Brandon becomes a bit shakey.  

The Troyers again are in this book and give their wisdom to others who need some personal mentoring and that is what they love to do as they pray to give the best answers they can.  And that included non-Amish people as well. Andrea and Brandon find themselves being mentored by this sweet couple.

I enjoy the author's books.  The book has a happy ending, despite the trials and issues that the characters experience along the way. There is some growing and learning to accept topics in this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Mmmm!  This book has some wonderful recipes for each season of the year, using the harvest that is available.  There are 290 recipes with very tempting pictures to give you a wonderful idea of what these recipes look and taste like.  They are nicely organized by seasons with photos of Amish homes and some cute Amish sayings from some of Wanda's Amish friends.  Each recipe tells the name of the recipe contributor and where she lives.  Makes it nice and personal.  

I can't wait to try these recipes.  They look amazing.  I even saw a couple of ingredients that I wasn't familiar with so looked them up on the internet.  So I learned about some new things, as well.

I think this is a great addition to Wanda's cookbooks.  And I am delighted and excited to try out some new and very tasty looking foods.

I received a complimentary copy of this cookbook from Barbour Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

The Sugarcreek Surprise (Creektown Discoveries v. 2) By Wanda E. Brunstetter

This is book 2 of the Creektown Discoveries series.  I had previously read the first in the series.  They are both nice and clean Amish stories.  This was an enjoyable story with two people that need to heal from their past trials and disappointments.  I really liked Paul's character. I liked how he didn't give up on Lisa and his patience was very endearing to me. I loved seeing the Troyers return in this book and mentor the struggling couple.  They were very patient, caring and trusting in God's hand in the paths of the people they help. I loved Maggie, the stray dog, who also had her trials as well and helped to show Lisa how to be able to love again.

There were a few slower sections in the book, but I still enjoyed it very much.  If you enjoy Amish romance, you will enjoy reading this book.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook

 I was so happy to receive this wonderful cookbook!  I love it.  I have seen recipes that I will soon be trying out.  I love Amish food and desserts are just wonderful so I am looking forward to some wonderful baked goods.  The book contains cookies, bars ,cakes, desserts, pies, pastries, quick breads, and yeast breads.  The recipes have delicious looking pictures to help you decide what you want to make.

She has added some nice scriptures on many of the pages and some history on the Anabaptists.

The book has some beautiful photos as well.  I love this cookbook and I am betting my husband will love the results!

The Walnut Creek Wish (Creektown Discoveries Book 1) By Wanda E. Brunstetter

This was an enjoyable start to a new series by Wanda Brunstetter.  A young couple, unable to have children finds their marriage pulling apart at the seams.  A move from the city to an Amish town brings about change in their lives that doesn't come easily but as they grow together they find things that are missing in their lives.  The story revolves in a non-Amish couple who become acquainted with an Amish couple who see the needs in others, when they themselves do not. 

Not feeling a need or desire to listen to God and rely on His help, the couple continues to struggle through life's ups and downs.  It's a sweet story of growing and becoming.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing,  All thoughts are my own.

Amish Friends Healthy Options Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 This is a very nice cookbook.  I went through the book twice after I received it making notes as to the ones that I really wanted to try!  I found so many recipes that looked really delicious and not too complicated.  

There is a section with home remedies that sound interesting and easy to do. Even directions to make cottage cheese, brick cheese and homemade yogurt.  There are dairy-free, egg-free, Gluten-free, low carb and sugar free recipes and each recipe is marked as to which it is making it easy for the cook to determine the appropriate recipe for their needs.  I am really delighted to have this amazing book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Return to the Big Valley by Wanda E Brunstetter

 

This book contain three stories each of which is unique and a sweet read taking place in Amish communities in the Pennsylvania hills.  Each story is by a different author and all are enjoyable and make for a very entertaining book.  I have enjoyed all of the Brunstetter stories, either from well-known author Wanda and her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.  Their writing style is somewhat similar and so the stories blend well together as a book.

I enjoyed the book very much and although there is a previous book, which I have already read, it can be read as a stand-alone book. These Amish stories are about three different young women, each unique in their own way who have felt sorrows in previous relationships.

I received a copy of this book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

The Robin's Greeting by Wanda E. Brunstetter Book 3 Amish Greenhouse Mystery

 I have now read all three of this series by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  So I have become very familiar with the characters.  I am really enjoying them.  I even am getting an attachment to annoying neighbor Virginia, who likes to "spy" on her Amish neighbors.

The family suffered severe losses in the beginning of this series and this is the story of their greenhouse that they work so hard at only to have unexpected setbacks which again cause loss and sadness.  But this adds an interesting mystery to the series that keeps you wanting to read and find out who is behind all of this.  There is romance, family conflict and all things which make for a great read.  It is very enjoyable.  Glad I didn't miss the last book in this series!

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.