Publisher Description:
Mysterious Events Plague a Greenhouse in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country
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.
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My Review:
Wanda Brunstetter is a wonderful storyteller. It’s no surprise that she’s written almost 90 books and has sold over ten million copies. She has a way of gently drawing me into the lives of the characters she’s created, and by the time I finish the book, I feel as if I have been part of that community. This book continues the stories of some of the characters in the “Prayer Jars” series, so this one felt as if I were returning to this Amish community for another visit.
However, this book has a different tone than the “Prayer Jar” series. This is not a light-hearted book. From the beginning of the first chapter, there’s a sense of foreboding as the family gathers together for a celebration.
The King family is living through the aftermath of heartbreaking tragedy, and the family members are struggling to find a “new normal” again. Each is struggling in their own way, and not all are handling it well. The family’s relationships are stretched as they relate to each other, but there’s always the foundation of love for each other that holds them together. Each one faces their own crisis of faith. There’s quite a contrast in the ways that Amy and Sylvia handle their grief. Their mother, Belinda, is the anchor that pulls everyone together. I admired her commitment and love to her family, even as she struggled with her own grief.
Another way this book differs from Wanda Brunstetter’s other books is that this one ends rather abruptly with several questions unanswered.
I’m not really a fan of that type of ending, and felt unsettled when I finished the book. But this is a mystery series, and I am now definitely waiting to reading the next book to hopefully get some of those questions answered. I’m trusting that once I finish this series, I’ll understand how each book flowed into the next one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About Wanda E. Brunstetter
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.
Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.
All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com
Thank You for Your review and not spilling some of the beans as others tend to do when they review a book. Love Wanda Brunstetter myself so had to read.
Great review!