The Celebration is such a good book.  Very well written inspirational book with a great plot and cast of characters.  I have really enjoyed the Amish Cooking Class book and I highly recommend them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is the third in the Amish Cooking Class series. Readers will enjoy following the kids and their families in this book on everyday mishaps and will be shown how to continue to keep the faith, even when they may feel like giving up. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in return for an honest review.

I was a little leery when I sat down to read this book over my weekend. I’ve talked to a few readers who struggled with the book. Mainly the sheer number of characters but a few other smaller things as well. If you have ever read one of my reviews you know that if you give me more than one character I tend to get confused. Heck sometimes one is too much unless they are named Janet (shhh, don’t tell anyone my real name m’kay?). As a rule sitting down to read Wanda is relaxing. Her simpler writing style with uplifting messages of love and hope are perfect when things are weighing. A book I can get lost into for an hour or two. I was nervous starting this one after some, not all, of the feedback I’d heard.

I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, there are a load of characters. I am hesitant to say boat load and be cliche but it’s legitimately true. Surprisingly enough I struggled less with tracking and following this literal boat load of characters than I did in previous books. Perhaps because so many were children, perhaps because the issues that arose were on different spectrums. I don’t know why really. No keep in mind keeping track of who is who is totally different than remembering which name went with which situation. Names, yup the still escape me for the most part. There were a couple of things that popped up for me though that I hadn’t heard about from other readers. Perhaps I just became caught up in worry over numbers. There were a few story sequencing issues that I came across. Like Lyle thinking about painting the kids rooms to make them feel more welcome and then almost immediately Heidi telling the kids their rooms were done being painted. Or Velma coming into the cooking class and Ellen not recognizing her from the car crash that she stopped to help at.

With the volume of characters there was an equal volume of issues to work through. While I do love the simpler, sweeter writing style of Wanda I feel like there were a lot of tough issues that were brought up but not enough opportunity to address them fully. Some things feel too neatly resolved (Kassidy and her family come to mind). Some things had neat little bows wrapped around them (if you don’t remember how I feel about those – it’s not positive). While I appreciate a happy ending and book titled ‘Celebration’ should have reason to celebrate I’m not a fan of neat endings leaving nothing to tie up.

All that said, I did enjoy this book. Not as much as the first two but it was still a great weekend read. Wanda has a style that just calms the pace of life. You won’t find a lot of drama, even the drama has smooth edges. You won’t find a lot of tension. You won’t find a race to an ending. You will find positive conclusions of a story filled with faith and love. Love for others (not necessarily romance people) and love for God.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in this Amish series.  Lyle and Heidi Troyer are enjoying being foster parents to Marsha and Randy.  The two children lost their parents in an auto accident and have been living with the Troyer’s for the last four months.  Marsha is starting to talk, but Randy still refuses to obey Heidi at times. Lyle suggests that Heidi hold cooking classes for children.  It will give the kids a chance to socialize with other children.  Heidi quickly learns that teaching children is very different from adults.  Anything can and will happen especially when children are present.  Heidi has a diverse group in her latest cooking class.  Miranda Cooper is estranged from her husband which leaves her managing their two children on her own.  Her husband, Trent wants to return home and hopes Miranda will forgive him for his transgression.  Darren Keller is a widower whose son loves cookies.  The cooking classes will teach the boy cooking and keep him occupied.  Denise McGuire might as well be raising her daughter on her own.  Her husband is busy with work and Kassidy is getting out of control.  Ellen Blackburn is a single mother.  Her daughter, Becky is very shy, and Ellen hopes the class will help the child come out of her shell.  Velma Kimball and her family have moved in down the street.  Velma would like her daughter, Peggy Ann to attend the class.  Due to lack of funds, though, she cannot afford it and hopes to work out a trade with Heidi.  With God’s help, Heidi will make it through the six weeks of classes and hopefully help each of these families.  

Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration can be read alone, but I highly recommend reading the first two books in this lovely, heartwarming series.  I found the book to be well-written and to have a nice pace.  I was immediately drawn into the story and I did not want to stop reading.  I stayed up very late to finish this marvelous book.  Heidi is such a sweet woman with a big heart.  The author created characters that are very real.  They have problems in their lives that readers can relate to.  The scripture provided on the back of the recipe cards plus the behavior they witness in the Troyer home guides each of them.  They begin to question their lives and make changes.  Some of the themes present in Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration are forgiveness, grace, love, friendship, prayer, trusting God, family, helping others and learning from our mistakes.  We all make mistakes (sometimes the same one over and over).  The trick is to learn from them.  Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration is my favorite book in the series.  I enjoyed reading each of them, but this one is special.  The children added another element to the story.  Your heart will go out to the families especially the Kimball’s.  This is one of those books that will tug at your heartstrings as well as provide you with moments of laughter.  The ending was delightful.  Ms. Brunstetter did a fabulous job of wrapping up the various storylines and providing readers with a joyous conclusion.  Fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter and Amish fiction will be delighted with Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration.

Even though this is book three in a series, you won't feel this one lacking or that you're behind if you haven't read the previous two. Although, I do recommend reading them.
Heidi and Lyle, an Amish couple, become foster parents after learning they will not have biological children of their own. In this book, they are fostering young Marsha and Randy who lost their parents in an auto accident and so far, no relatives have came forward. Heidi and Lyle are both growing to love these two children dearly.
Having taught cooking classes before, Heidi came up with an idea to do another cooking class, but to do this one for children and to include Marsha and Randy. Heidi gets quite the variety of students, each with his/her own challenges. The oldest of the children, Kassidy, is arrogant, prideful, hateful, rude and not happy to be in the cooking class. Her mother thought it would be good for her.
There's a little boy whose mom passed away two years ago. Also, in the class is a young brother and sister whose parents are currently separated. These are just a few of the children in Heidi's class. Lots of dynamics.
In the beginning, I thought Heidi had the worst idea ever to have cooking classes for children, due to some events that happened in the classes. I'm afraid I would not have handled the situations as well as Heidi. She is a loving woman of patience, for sure.
Heidi and Lyle have new neighbors, Velma and Hank. Hank is gone most of the time with his job, leaving Velma to deal with the household and their children alone. Velma has had a lot of heartache. Their older son left home and they have no idea where he is. Their older daughter ran away with her good for nothing boyfriend, leaving a note for Velma. Heidi offers to let Velma's younger daughter, Peggy, join her cooking classes. Velma offers to do work for Heidi in exchange for the classes. Velma and Hank have more trouble and distress to add to that of their older children and money being very tight. In their despair, Heidi and Hank are able to show them the love of friends and God.
Wonderful story and with Heidi's recipes at the end.
I was given a free ecopy of this book to read by the publisher, Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Celebration by Wanda E Brunstetter                  
(The third book in the Amish Cooking Class series)
A non fiction book by Wanda E Brunstetter
Return to Holmes County, Ohio, for Amish style cooking class.
Lyle and Heidi Troyer have taken in a brother and sister, who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car accident. Lyle suggests that Heidi teach another cooking class, for kids. Hoping to help the children adapt and make friends, Heidi decides to hold a series of cooking classes for kids. But kids are always accompanied by an adult  and that is where the trouble arises.
this time she is teaching children. To her surprise, the children’s parents stay during the classes and their lives intertwine with one another.
Miranda Cooper is living the life of a single mom to her  young children Kevin and Debbie. while separated from her husband, but Trent is trying to worm his way back into her heart.
Denise McGuire's life as a wife, mom, and real estate broker is full and spilling over.Denise daughter name is Kassidy.
Darren Keller, single dad and firefighter and his son Jeremy. 
Ellen Blackburn, single mom and nurse and  her daughter name is Becky. 
Heidi and her husband, Lyle, and are now foster parents to two  children Marsha and Randy.
Heidi and Lyle’s neighbor Velma Kimball and her young daughter Peggy Ann. 
Will hearts be healed over plates of Amish food? read this book to find out.
I highly recommend reading.
The Celebration by Wanda E Brunstetter is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I am looking forward to reading more books by  Wanda E. Brunstetter
more books by  Wanda E. Brunstetter 
The Farmers' Market Mishap book1
(Lopsided Christmas Cake, book 2)(with Jean Brunstetter)
 
Amish Cooking Class
1. The Seekers 
2. The Blessing book 2
3. The Celebration  book 3 

The Amish Cooking Class Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Inspirations 

The Beloved Christmas Quilt
by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter & Richelle Brunstetter

The Hawaiian Discovery 

The Hope Jar 
(Prayer Jars)

Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
1. The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club 
2. The Tattered Quilt 
3. The Healing Quilt

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.

I am a huge Wanda Brunstsetter fan. She was one of the first Christian Amish Authors I discovered. I absolutly love the Cooking Class series. Here we see Heidi Troyer teaching a class, this time to children. I love that the parents stay and watch and you can see great relationships being constructed. Heidi and her husband Lyle are now fostering two children. I loved seeing what they were up to. I love the characters, the writing. the story. I hope this series continues on for awhile. 

I was provided a copy of this book through NetGalley , all opinions are my own

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.