Book Review: The Pretender

Book Title: The Pretender

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Publisher Date: 01 August 2025 (320 Pages, Paperback)

Genres: Amish, Amish fiction, Romance, Mystery, Fiction

Series: Mifflin County Mystery #3

A Woman Missing for Two Years Suddenly Returns Home

In book three of the Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim's return creates more hurt and confusion in the Big Valley.

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?

Disclaimer: I received this book from Wanda Clippty Clop Club, through the publisher. This is my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want To Buy: Amazon | BH Publishing Group | Lifeway |
Add To: Goodreads

We are introduced to Anthony, who is working while waiting for a young woman who was running late for her shift. 

This young woman, who goes by the name Eileen Person. She came on, tears in her eyes, and she seemed ashamed at what she did.

They make a plan and then head to her family's hometown. It turns out that this young woman is Risa, who disappeared from home two years ago and has now returned, pretending to be married.

We get a glimpse of Anthony's parents, Larvane and Herb, and a little bit of their home life. 

Will the family welcome them back? Will Anthony fall for the community, and will he fall in love with Rosa? Will the community welcome Rosa back in with her husband?

The act continues, though Susan got suspicious of her sister Rosa, and her husband; she is not happy about Rosa coming home.

Rosa and Anthony are getting along and are starting to fall in love with each other, despite appearing to be happily married.

There are some twists and turns, but god may have a plan for Rosa and Anthony?

 

Chance to Win a Copy of Amish Friends Farm-To-Table Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Title: Amish Friends Farm-To-Table Cookbook

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Cookbook,

Series:

Publisher: Barbour Books

Publisher Date: May 2023 (224 Pages, Paperback)

Bring Home the Fresh Taste of the Local Countryside

If you believe in sourcing food as close to home as possible while supporting small family farms, you’ll love this cookbook with contributions from Amish and Mennonite cooks. This new collection of recipes from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, celebrates sourcing fresh meat and produce from farms in your own local area. Sprinkled with tips for growing, harvesting, and preserving, the cookbook is divided into traditional categories from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, it is a must-have cookbook for anyone who is interested in where their food comes from, participates in a CSA, or enjoys farmers’ markets.

Disclaimer: I received permission to talk about this cookbook from the publisher for an honest spotlight and from a book club I am in to spread the word about the book. My opinions of this book are my own.

 

Here is what the book will look like when you get it. I got many different recipes. There are many to choose from. I have made a recipe that is included in this cookbook. The recipe is called Melt in Your Mouth Roast, and I really enjoyed it. I have used and tried many of Wanda's other Cookbooks. I can say they all come mad this way. This one I would love to try. Here is a link to the result of my Cooking Challenge and Facebook post shared through Instagram.

Some of the scriptures in the book are inspiring and enjoyable to read. I know we have used a few of the other cookbooks I have received. Some of the recipes have been made for different holidays and get-togethers. I believe Mom even created some recipes for other events as well.




The images are credited to the publisher Barbour Books. I really believe the these cookbooks are great to have and are a wonderful gift of any cook. The pricing is not bad either.

Want to Buy: Amazon
Add To: Goodreads

Check out here the many other Books here: Wanda Books and Cookbooks

 

Amish Country's Most Beloved Storyteller

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Want a Chance to win a copy of this Cookbook? Comment below with what you make or do with this cookbook, and I will choose a winner on June 16, 2025. If you are chosen, I will email you for your mailing address and name. Please at least leave your email and answer to the question in the comment section. I will accept Disqus Comments or Blogger Comments.. However, Anonymous and Unknown will be removed from the giveaway, as I do not know who you are in the comment.

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Book Spotlight: Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Farm-To-Table Cookbook

Book Title: Amish Friends Farm-To-Table Cookbook

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Cookbook,

Series:

Publisher: Barbour Books

Publisher Date: May 2023 (224 Pages, Paperback)

Bring Home the Fresh Taste of the Local Countryside

If you believe in sourcing food as close to home as possible while supporting small family farms, you’ll love this cookbook with contributions from Amish and Mennonite cooks. This new collection of recipes from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, celebrates sourcing fresh meat and produce from farms in your own local area. Sprinkled with tips for growing, harvesting, and preserving, the cookbook is divided into traditional categories from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, it is a must-have cookbook for anyone who is interested in where their food comes from, participates in a CSA, or enjoys farmers’ markets.

Disclaimer: I received permission to talk about this cookbook from the publisher for an honest spotlight and from a book club I am in to spread the word about the book. My opinions of this book are my own.

 

Here is what the book will look like when you get it. I got many different recipes. There are many to choose from. I have made a recipe that is included in this cookbook. The recipe is called Melt in Your Mouth Roast, and I really enjoyed it. I have used and tried many of Wanda's other Cookbooks. I can say they all come mad this way. This one I would love to try. Here is a link to the result of my Cooking Challenge and Facebook post shared through Instagram.

Some of the scriptures in the book are inspiring and enjoyable to read. I know we have used a few of the other cookbooks I have received. Some of the recipes have been made for different holidays and get together. I believe mom as even created some recipes for other events as well.




The images are credited to the publisher Barbour Books. I really believe the these cookbooks are great to have and are a wonderful gift of any cook. The pricing is not bad either.

Want to Buy: Amazon
Add To: Goodreads

Check out here the many other Books here: Wanda Books and Cookbooks

 

Amish Country's Most Beloved Storyteller

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Check out my Recommendation Page

Linked up in: Monthly Book Blogger Linky up

Please read my NRC Policies Page

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Book Review: The Peacemaker

Book Title: The Peacemaker

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Publisher Date: March 1, 2025 (320 Pages, Paperback)

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction

Series: Mifflin County Mystery # 2

An Unresolved Mystery Holds an Amish Community in Limbo

In book two of A Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s disappearance continues to cause suspicion and pain to swirl in the Big Valley.

Ada’s best friend, Rosa, disappeared a year ago and still has not been found. In their grief and confusion, Ada and Rosa’s boyfriend, Ephraim, have grown very close. But some in the community feel Ephraim is responsible for Rosa’s disappearance. Now Rosa’s younger sister is making accusations against Ephraim that can’t be true, and he pulls away from Ada, feeling betrayed. A fire set by an arsonist might finally be the thing to reveal secrets that have long been dividing this community of friends and family. But will it be too late for love between the peacemaker and the suspect?

Disclaimer: I received this book from Wanda Clippty Clop Club, and this is my honest review.

Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub |
Add To: Goodreads

We are welcome back to the Big Valley. Where we left off, we see Rosa's best friend's point of view. In this book, we get to follow Ada and Ephraim some more. Will we find out what happened to Rosa? Is she still alive, or is she gone? Norman and Salina, how are they doing as well? Will we finally see Norman and Salina get married?

We are also still following the Rosa Family; the community is still grieving, and suspicion is still going around. So, we are still suspecting or taking action on Ephraim of Rosa's disappearance. But is there more to the community than dividing it apart?

Will Ada and Ephraim get together, or will it fall apart? Is there love between Ada and Ephraim? There is so much confusion and pain surrounding Rosa's disappearance that it is hard for anyone to know for sure. But what will happen? Will there be love between a peacemaker and a suspect? Will it last, or will it be too late for the two of them?

Well, Ephraim will return to Lancaster County, where his grandma lives. Will Ephraim and his grandma stay there? But does the Lord have plans?

Ephraim is pondering whether to start looking or make some friends in Lancaster in case he ends up staying.

He seems to ponder this when he finds Blue in the barn. Eventually, he finds a missing pup and starts looking for its owner. He meets Anna.

Back with Ada, she seems to be going about her dad as a greenhouse but appears to be fighting her feelings for Ephraim, though she doesn't know if it's a good thing or not, when she knows Rosa broke the relationship up with Ephraim.

Ada hears about Susan through her mother and her friend's mother. She hears Susan lying about not being at a young people's gathering and being out with Ben.

Though Ephraim's father seems to have suffered a major injury that has put him in the hospital and made him and his grandmother hurry to Lewistown, is there a way to pray for them to stay in the Big Valley for good? Or will his grandmother want to return to Lancaster and have her eldest grandchildren go with her?

 

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Book Review: The Protector

Book Title: The Protector

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Publisher Date: August 1, 2024 (320 Pages, Paperback)

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction

Series: Mifflin County Mystery # 1

A Mysterious Disappearance Shakes an Amish Family’s Faith In book one of A Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim has disappeared from the Big Valley without a trace. Norman always considered himself his sister’s protector and can’t believe she would have left home of her own accord—so he must have failed her. He throws all he has into helping the authorities search for Rosa, while trying to support his parents and siblings who are struggling both mentally and physically. Salina Swarey loves Norman and hopes they are headed towards marriage, but his obsession with Rosa’s whereabouts is driving them apart. Can Norman find a place of peace and contentment if he never learns where Rosa is?

Disclaimer: I received this book from Wanda Clippty Clop Club, which is my honest review.

Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub |
Add To: Goodreads

We find out that his sister has mysteriously disappeared. Everyone does not know where she is or what happened to her. Each member of the family is dealing with her disappearance in different ways. Rosa is missing, and no one has heard from her.

As months go on, how will each member react and deal with their loss? Will Rosa's mother ever stop pinning for her daughter? Will Norman accept that he may not be able to find his sister? Will he be able to move on with life?  Each sibling is dealing with their sibling Rosa a bit differently. But can they come to peace with Rosa's disappearance and not contact them? No one knows what happened, and Rosa's boyfriend seems to be suspected, at least by Norman, as her boyfriend was the last to see her.

Norman seems obsessed with his sister's disappearance. Will he be able to keep his relationship strong with his girlfriend, or will his sister's disappearance cause them to drift apart? Can Norman find peace if he never finds out where his sister has gone?

Norman seems to be learning about something, though something happens to his girlfriend's horse. Will Norman and Salina make it? Salina hopes that she and Norman will get married soon. Will Norman find peace and contentment? He needs to learn that he may be unable to solve or fix every problem. He may need to see that and learn that lesson. 

Wanda does an excellent job writing a mystery. She explores all the emotions that go through a person or family when someone goes missing without anyone knowing. Did Rosa leave on her own, or did she not? Does her boyfriend know where Rosa is or what happened to her that night?

 

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Book Review: The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits

Book Title: The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter, Martha Bolton
Genres: Mystery, Amish, Romance, Christian, Cozy Mystery,
Publisher: Barbour Books
Publisher Date: 1/1/25 (256 Pages, Paperback)
Series: 

Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?
 
Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.
 
New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio’s Amish country

Disclaimer: I received a copy free though Wanda's Book Club for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want To Buy: Amazon | BH Publishing Group | Lifeway |
Add To: Goodreads

I started this book and am so far in—it's just getting started. I have already met three of the characters, and I can not wait to see what happens to all of them. 

It looks like one of the Bailer sisters is after Mr.Bates. But Mr. Bates seems to like and enjoy Miss Fannie. He seems not to be interested in a certain Belier sister. Miss Fannie is quite excited about the baking contest and enters it every year. Will she win it this year? She seems excited once more, given that she wants to advertise it in her area and around the other towns to help bring folks to enter and enjoy the contest.

We get introduced to a few more characters, one of which is Melissa. Iva seems worried and isn't sure if she can tell Fannie her worries, though she comes in to get sewing supplies. What's up with Iva and her family? What was Melissa doing, and was she checking on contestants to enter the baking contest?

We get more interesting, and there are twists and turns. Will Mr. Bates and Frannie solve the missing connections or even the red envelope mystery? There seems to be a bit of romance, or is it friendship between Foster and Fannie? What is really going on that Foster and Fannie can not seem to find all the missing contestants? Where did that all go? Was there foul play, or did they just forget to when the loss?

Will Jeb get his attention from his dad, or will he be ignored? All contestants learn a few lessons along the way. However, they are all different for each one. The authors do an excellent writing job, making this so much fun to read, and you want to turn the pages as you read.

 

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Book Spotlight: The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits

Book Title: The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter, Martha Bolton
Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Series:
Publisher: Barbour Books
Publisher Date: January 1, 2025 (256 Pages, Paperback)

Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?
 
Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.
 
New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio’s Amish country

Declaimer: I received this book from the publisher and from my book group. My opinions of this book are my own.

 

I have wrote two author spotlights for this book. One by Martha Bolton and one by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Here you can read those Author spotlight and get some information on the play that will be taking place in PA and Indiana. Check out Martha Bolton Author Spotlight and Wanda E. Brunstetter Author Spotlight.

Here is the ticket information for the play in Lancaster Pa or Indiana in case you want to go and plan for it. Lancaster Pa is playing "The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits" during April 3, though August 2, 2025, Indiana is playing "The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits" during July though October 2025.

Want to Buy: Amazon
Add To: Goodreads

Check out here many other Books: Wanda Books and Cookbooks

 

Amish Country's Most Beloved Storyteller

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

 

 

 

Check out my Recommendation Page
Linked up in: Monthly Book Blogger Linky up

Please read my NRC Policies Page

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Book Spotlight: Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook: More Than 200 Recipes That Taste Like Home and Love

Book Title: Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Cookbook,
Series:
Publisher: Barbour Books
Publisher Date: Nov, 2024 (224 Pages, Paperback)

New, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a must-have cookbook that delivers food for comfort and joy.

Why do we turn to food when our emotions are on a rollercoaster? Why do things like mac and cheese or chocolate chip cookies bring us comfort? Well, this book won’t answer those psychological questions, but it will deliver foods that help you through a bad day or add to a celebration. Brand new from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a new must-have cookbook from Amish and Mennonite cooks. Featuring over 270 recipes divided into traditional categories—from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks—this lovely book is encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color.

Declaimer: I received permission to talk about this cookbook from the publisher for an honest spotlight and from book club I am in to spread the word of the book. My opinions of this book are my own.

 

 

Here is what the book will look like when you get it. I got many different recipes. There are many to choose from. I have not done this cookbook as of yet or used it. I have used and tried many of the the other Cookbooks by Wanda. I can say they all come mad this way. This one I would love to try.

Some of the scriptures in the book are inspiring and enjoyable to read. I know we have used a few of the other cookbooks I have received. Some of the recipes have been made for different holidays and get together. I believe mom as even created some recipes for other events as well.


The images are credited to the publisher Barbour Books. I really believe the these cookbooks are great to have and are a wonderful gift of any cook. The pricing is not bad either.

Want to Buy: Amazon
Add To: Goodreads

Check out here many other Books: Wanda Books and Cookbooks

 

Amish Country's Most Beloved Storyteller

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

 

Check out my Recommendation Page
Linked up in: Monthly Book Blogger Linky up

Please read my NRC Policies Page

Follow NRC: | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Goodreads | Smashbomb | Smashwords | Storygraph | Riffle | Linkedin | Sign up for NRC Newsletter | Reedy Discovery |

Book Spotlight: Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends One-Pan Wonders Cookbook

Book Title: Amish Friends One-Pan Wonders Cookbook
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Cookbook,
Series:
Publisher: Barbour Books
Publisher Date: May, 2023 (224 Pages, Paperback)

New, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a new cookbook that features ways to simplify meal prep and cleanup.

When you are busy and don’t want the hassle of a multi-step, multi-dish meal, keep it simple and put it all in one pan. A brand-new compilation of recipes from Amish cooks will help you manage mealtime with ease. Over 200 recipes include breakfasts, soups, casseroles, sheet pan meals, skillet meals, salad as main dish, and even some desserts. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will find this cookbook to be a valuable addition to their collections. 

Declaimer: I received permission to talk about this cookbook from the publisher for an honest spotlight and from book club I am in to spread the word of the book. My opinions of this book are my own.

 

Here is what the book will look like when you get it. I got many different recipes. There are many to choose from. I have not done this cookbook as of yet or used it. I have used and tried many of the the other Cookbooks by Wanda. I can say they all come mad this way. This one I would love to try.

Some of the scriptures in the book are inspiring and enjoyable to read. I know we have used a few of the other cookbooks I have received. Some of the recipes have been made for different holidays and get together. I believe mom as even created some recipes for other events as well.

The images are credited to the publisher Barbour Books. I really believe the these cookbooks are great to have and are a wonderful gift of any cook. The pricing is not bad either.

Want to Buy: Amazon
Add To: Goodreads

Check out here many other Books: Wanda Books and Cookbooks

 

Amish Country's Most Beloved Storyteller

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Check out my Recommendation Page
Linked up in: Monthly Book Blogger Linky up

Please read my NRC Policies Page

Follow NRC: | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Goodreads | Smashbomb | Smashwords | Storygraph | Riffle | Linkedin | Sign up for NRC Newsletter | Reedy Discovery |