Cute easy to read pleasant story. Love the change from adult cooking class to kids. Changes the series up a bit and was unexpected. I do long for more depth in the story. I feel like the story is a little disjointed jumping between so many different people. Would have liked more focus on the Troyers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to read and thought-provoking
ByMaggieon February 6, 2018
Format: Paperback
I enjoyed the Amish Cooking Class - The Celebration (vol 3). Other reviewers have given more of a plot synopsis, so I will merely summarize my opinions. The main messages in this easy-to-read but thought-provoking book are universal -- communication and humility go a long way! I have read with pleasure the previous two books in the series; it would probably be best to start at the beginning of the series.

We go back to Walnut Creek, Ohio to the home of Lyle and Heidi Troyer in this third and final series by Wanda Brunstetter. I enjoyed each of the Amish Cooking classes penned by this fantastic author of Amish fiction! I especially loved getting to know the continuing story of a couple who I’ve fallen in love with. All the struggles they’ve had over the years trying to conceive children, to Heidi finding new life in hosting cooking classes in her home, to them taking in two children to care for. It seems it’s given them a new lease on life and a new purpose to each of them!

This installment brings the idea to Heidi to hold cooking classes geared for children. It seems the Lord has opened up a new door in her heart through it! It not only touches her life but those of the children and parents who tag along. I once again enjoyed getting to know new characters and how they brought their own personalities and quirks to the table…literally! Forgiveness and healing are topics you will find the author covering in this one and moving on from past mistakes. I loved seeing the character growth in each one and the yummy recipes she shared in the book and repeated in the back to copy and try at my own house. A deep and abiding faith is what you will find in Heidi and I loved how it played out in every aspect of her life. The love between her and Lyle is palpitate and relatable. Also the love they have for the Lord and want His guidance in their everyday lives. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this series! I hated to see it end, but am grateful I was able to read it and learn my own lessons in life. And new recipes to try to boot!

* I received a complimentary copy from Barbour publishing and Netgalley, but no favorable review was required. This is my own personal opinion of the book. *

Lyle and Heidi are back in the third book of this series, and this book will not disappoint. They are no disappoints only fun. As they embarrass raising there foster children they decide that maybe a kids cooking class will help open the hearts and some of the shyness the kids are experiencing. The class starts off being a handle full but just like in the other books Heidi has a heart to serve and help those who God brings to her. This book really doesn't disappoint at all in sucking you in and keeping you interested from page 1 to the end. I really enjoyed how this book really centered on healing and forgiveness and finding hope when all seems loss, I mean we all need that reminder once and a while right. This book shows that no matter what walk of Faith you're in you are going to face something. I am guessing this is the last book in the series and I am sad to see it end it was so fun to catch up with others from the first 2 books and to see what was happening in there lives. This book is a good clean read and I would say suitable for almost all ages. So worth it you won't regret it

Once again we join Heidi Troyer's cooking class in Ohio. This time she is teaching kids how to make simple dishes such as fruit salad, egg salad and mini corn dogs. Heidi has just an interesting group with her kids and she has had with her adult students in the past. One student has lost his mom to cancer, one is a spoiled brat, and one is learning how to fit in the area after moving from Kentucky. That is just a few of the students. All the way Heidi and Lyle are navigating the channels to adopt their two foster children, Randy and Marsha. Pull up a chair and join Heidi and her class as yummy recipes teach more than just filling up bellies.

Anytime I need a warm hug from a book, I turn to Wanda Brunstetter. You will feel the love and warmth the minute you open the book. Wanda's Amish Cooking Class series has been a true joy to read. I honestly cannot pick a favorite of the three as whatever one I am reading at the time is my favorite.

I have come to love Heidi and Lyle. I want to move and be their neighbors. I would be over at Heidi's house as much as she allowed to soak up her recipes and friendship. Of all the Amish novels I have read she is the most comforting and friendly character. I hope to see more of her in future books of Wanda's.

For those interested in reading the series, they are as follows in order:

1. The Amish Cooking Class: The Seekers
2. The Amish Cooking Class: The Blessing
3. The Amish Cooking Class: The Celebration

Thank you to NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press for a copy to read in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

Oh, how I enjoyed being back in Heidi Troyer’s warm, inviting kitchen as she begins another cooking class, this one different than past classes. The warmth of friendship and love found in the Troyer home and the Walnut Creek area is a gift. Gentle, uplifting conversations, real-world challenges and disappointments, and wisdom gained through heartache allow Heidi and her beloved husband, Lyle, make this a read that I have looked forward to. This is third in the Amish Cooking Class series, and it can be read as a standalone. The first page invited me into the novel, and I was happy to stay there throughout.

Heidi and Lyle have had foster children Randy and Marsha for several months since their parents died in an accident, and would like to adopt them. Randy is 6, and protective of his 3-year-old sister Marsha, who rarely speaks unless spoken to. When they discuss how best to help the children, Lyle suggests that it is time for a new cooking class, this time for children, so Randy and Marsha might benefit from interacting with other children.

This group of students certainly gives Heidi something to think about! The children’s behaviors are … different … as are some of the parents. Enter Jeremy, whose mom died two years ago; one of the girls claims he kicks her under the table. Kevin and Debbie’s mom sent their dad packing a few weeks ago and nothing is the same. They are interested in the farm animals and chickens. Kassidy is one of the oldest, and the wealth of her family gives her a real ‘tude. She talks back to or tries to pick fights with everyone. Becky learns a huge secret that will change her life. She has a helicopter mom, who did everything for her in the first class. This is the most challenging group to date! It is a relief to Heidi when she sees a couple of her former students who are now friends.

When Heidi meets their new neighbors, she wants to help them. Young Peggy is very clingy, which is hard for her mom, Velma. Velma’s husband Hank is a truck driver, away for days at a time. Their oldest son left home at 18 and never looked back; their 17-year-old daughter just left with her boyfriend. Velma’s heart is broken, but she is willing to do any kind of chore in exchange for Peggy to take cooking lessons.

Some of the class interactions aren’t pretty, but peace-loving Heidi is lovingly firm with those who misbehave. The author has a gift for including a variety of personalities and walking in their moccasins while portraying them! She puts an eclectic mix into Heidi’s kitchen and brings something new to each one.

One thing I enjoyed was seeing Heidi visiting students from her prior classes, showing how friendship transcends the business. There are interesting twists that occur within each family. There are so many balls in the air, so to speak, that it is amazing to see how the author catches each one perfectly without missing a child. Heidi plumbs a well of compassion and kindness that is a direct result of her relationship with the Lord. I also enjoyed seeing the effect her gentle surprises on the recipe cards had on the students and/or parents. There are surprises throughout; no reader wants to miss the Celebration at the end. I highly recommend The Celebration, as well as the earlier two novels. This is a must-read series!

From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and here is my honest review.

I have read all of this series so far. I love visiting with Heidi and her students. Heidi and her husband are not able to have children. They have foster custody of Marsha and Randy, an orphaned brother and sister. Heidi wants to help them adjust to their new life so she decides to host a cooking class for just children. As with her other classes, each student came with their own life problems. However, included in this story, was the problems that their parents are facing as well. While I enjoyed the other books, I have to say that this one was my favorite. I love how the characters of the children were developed and their problems and thoughts not minimized for those of their parents. The addition of the recipes in back are always a nice part. I received a copy through Netgalley. The review is strictly done for my own enjoyment.

We return with author Wanda E. Brunstetter and again visit Holmes County Ohio and our friends Lyle and Heidi Troyer, and we are again taking cooking classes, only this time they are geared to children.
Wonderful life lessons again take place along with the cooking, and we get to meet a whole new set of folks, but a few of our past friends stop in for visits. We learn not to judge people, and hope we can carry what we learn over into our everyday life.
We have some very spoiled children, some grieving parents and children, some marriages on the verge of collapse, and other problems that are met head on. Will everything work out in the end, and will the Troyers be able to finally have the family they have been craving.
A wonderful conclusion to this trilogy, and you don’t want to miss the interactions, and hope that they will add God to their lives and let Him work with them.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour and was not required to give a positive review.

As soon as I saw that the third book in the Amish Cooking Class would be for kids, my first thought was, "Heidi is one brave lady"! I couldn't wait to see how she would manage teaching children of different ages how to cook.
The first class got off to a rocky start with kids not wanting to be there, shy kids and a bratty kid. Oh, that smart mouthed, spoiled, bratty kid was too much and I confess to laughing at her mishaps.
The parents were dealing with some pretty difficult situations in their lives. There is a widower with his son, a single mother with her adopted daughter, a couple that have separated with two kids, a couple with one daughter and a later addition of a young girl from a less fortunate family.
I don't normally have a favorite character in this series other than Heidi and Lyle, but in this book, Velma won my heart. New to the area, she and her family have very little and she wants to give her daughter the opportunity to make new friends. I loved that Heidi gave her that opportunity and I respected Velma's drive and determination to work hard as payment towards the class.
I can always count on Wanda to write books from the heart, but this one went beyond my expectations. I never expected to care about all of the characters as much as I did and I will miss them.
I recommend the whole series even though this can be read as a stand alone. Remember to check out Heidi's recipes at the end of the book.
I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.

I have been reading Wanda Brunstetter books since she has begun writing and have loved ALL of them. What can I expect when I read one of her books? The best quality,fun and entertaining books and with faith elements that are not pushed on us but gently blended into the book. I always feel great when I read one of her books! This is the third book in the Amish Cooking Class series and Heidi and Lyle Troyer are the main focus of the books. In the two previous books Heidi has offered cooking classes to adult students out of her home. This book has her offering cooking classes to children to acclimate the orphaned children she and her husband have taken into their home,a brother and sister whose parents were killed in an auto accident. I loved following along with the side stories given on each of the children and their parents lives taking the classes. Mistakes,mistakes,mistakes, we all make them sometimes over and over again but with God's grace and forgiveness we move on and learn from them and become better and more productive people! Beautiful forgiveness and healing here. Child friendly recipes included you'll love making with your children and grandchildren too.
Pub Date 01 Feb 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another great book in the Amish Cooking Class series. This is a very enjoyable book with very relatable characters and circumstances. I love the way total strangers come together for a purpose and always learn far more than they could have imagined. The Amish are so practical and rely heavily on their faith. Heidi is a wonderful character that dishes out more than just cooking lessons. The recipes are an added bonus! Highly recommended!

This was a fantastic book. I highly recommend it. I loved how we visited with previous students, and how we caught up with everyone. This seems like it will be the end of the series but I don't feel like it left anything hanging. I highly recommend Barbour Publishing, Inc. this book. Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this book for an honest review

I have really enjoyed this series and was anxious to get my hands on the third installment. When I read the blurb I was a bit concerned about how much I would like the story. The newest cooking class participants are kids and I wasn’t sure how this aspect would stay within the recipe Wanda has created for the series. No worries though because the story is just as well written and entertaining as the rest. And maybe, just maybe, this is my favorite of the series.

I love how Wanda takes everyday happenings and goings-on and puts them into her books. It makes the stories seem so real and authentic. Wanda has a way of drawing me into the story and keeping the pace just right to hold my interest. With so many characters in this book, there is a lot going on and that kept the story fresh and interesting.

As to the characters in the book, there are a lot. At first, I had a bit of trouble keeping track of which kids belonged to which parents. That is for all except Kassidy and her mom. Kassidy was such a brat that I had absolutely no trouble remembering her mom was Denise because I felt so sorry for her. While Kassidy was a character on the low end of the like spectrum I really enjoyed Velma. Nothing goes right for this poor woman and in a way she was the easiest to relate to. I liked the natural way a friendship formed between Velma and Heidi.

This was a really enjoyable read. If it were a dish I would classify it as a comfort food. It’s just a nice read about everyday people and their lives as they are all brought together by a cooking class. It is a nice conclusion to the series (I hope it’s not the end of the series but it sounds like it from the epilogue). This book can be read as a standalone though so even if you haven’t read the other two grab a drink, find a cozy spot, and enjoy this book!

I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

The Celebration by much-loved author Wanda Brunstetter, continues her series, Amish Cooking Class. There is no disappointment here with this third story of Heidi Troyer and her cooking class! In this one, readers find Heidi a foster mom to two young children and deciding to gear her cooking class to children. Most weeks the parents end up staying for the class and the author keeps the reader's interest as these individuals and their children interact with and begin to share their lives with Heidi and each other. Heidi knows she needs to always be prepared for the unexpected. Some situations are a little predictable and yet there are some twists and turns to the plot that keep interest high. Although a sweet story, the author expertly touches on some heartbreaking subjects as she writes of single parenting, foster care, adoption and broken marriages. There is a little romance, a little tension with some of the relationships, and a little humor with some mishaps with dog and bird droppings. The Celebration is a charming story of people from different cultures and circumstances making new friendships, mending relationships, and finding faith. Included at the end of the book are the recipes made by the class each week.

Amazing does not convey the love I have for this final book in the series. I find my self sad that the series has ended. Humor and faith branch throughout the whole series. Heidi's character has the patience others would love to have and the faith too. The characters throughout the books all deal with their own problems and eventually work things out for themselves. Many disappointments and turmoil are weaved through each book but the last one seems to have more. It also shows us that loss can bring happiness and sometimes we need to be thankful for the things we have instead of demanding more.
Thank you Wanda for another great series. Look forward to reading more of your books.

Cooking classes for children is the latest endeavor for Heidi Troyer. Each child and their family have struggles and by attending these classes, their lives are forever changed. Good story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Heidi and Lyle Troyer's lives have changed dramatically since the last book. They are now foster parents to a brother and sister who were orphaned due to a tragic car accident. Life is challenging yet rewarding as the Troyer's adjust to their new role.

Heidi plans a new cooking class but this time for children. The children are very diverse in their family life as they are with their manners. From the dirt poor little girl who is grateful for everything to the snooty, spoiled know it all who is "bored" all the time. This motley crew will make you laugh, bring tears to your eyes, and allow you into their world to walk in their shoes. The parents of these children are also strong characters who see their own kids in situations that may make them proud, tearful, or furious.

This book was my favorite in the series (even though I loved the other two). The addition of these youngsters brought a whole new level of emotions to reading it. At least one time or more, my heart went out to each child (even "Miss Snooty"). I know many people look forward to reading this. You will not be disappointed. It is due to be released in February, so pre-order your copy now!

Third book in the cooking class series. Another enjoyable book. It picks up on Heidi and Lyle Troyer''s lives. They have taken in two foster children and Lyle suggests his wife has a cooking class for children. As she has a variety of students from a spoiled child to a adopted child. One who lost his mother and two children who's parents are separated. A neighbor who is down on her luck. The children all have a story and it is a book you can not put down. You want to find out about each of them and what the cooking class will bring into there lives. Good read and thank you Net galley for letting me review for a honest opinion.

Loved this series my favorite from her. This A very heartwarming story tear Jerking moments but so very good as always Heidi was my favorite character. The cooking series was a excellent idea Wanda came up with..Wanda is a very talented author. On of my favorites was so grateful to have been approved of this book from NetGalley as I've been looking forward to it. I loved all the characters and the story line the cover was so pretty as well. Liked it was called the celebration.....hope you get your copy Feb 6th 2018. could not put it down. a must read. highly recommend you read the series from the start. Hope to see more in the future was happy with the ending good work Wanda!!!!

This is the third book in the Amish Cooking Class series. It picks up about six months after the last book ended. Heidi and her husband Lyle are still fostering the children they were preparing for at the end of the last book. It is in the light of this that Lyle suggests that Heidi teach another cooking class, for kids.
Once again the class brings a range of characters and personalities. A widower with his son, a single mother with an adopted daughter, a separated couple with their two children, a professional couple (mostly the mother) with their very spoiled daughter and down-on-their-luck new neighbors with their daughter (their other children make appearances). A pretty full kitchen that didn’t always get along.
I loved getting to see the children’s journey through this book since they were the students but seeing the parents’ journey was important also. A journey it was, which is what I love about Wanda E Brunstetter’s writing, being able to see the change and the catalyst for the change. Heidi and her kids had their own journey throughout the book which was it’s own wonderful.
This book is part of a series but I think it can easily be read on it’s own, though I recommend reading all the books. A few characters from the previous books did make appearances in this book but you weren’t left confused or overwhelmed with trying to figure out who they were. The author gave very brief introductions without recreating or creating a whole other storyline. Everyone was smoothly included.