It was nice to see what happened to the characters from the first book. The author does a good job of helping the reader remember what happened in the first book as she tells you what they are up to in this book. If you haven't read the first book don't worry you will get caught up fast. The characters are well written and well developed and by the end of the book they will seem like old friends.

The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is a sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt. I did not read the first book. but had no problem following this story. The story begins with Many and Ken in Kauai, helping his mother with the farm after the death of Ken's father. Ellen is back in Middlebury running their B&B until they return. When Ken has an accident he is going to need surgery and may not ever work again. Mandy and Ken sell the B&B as they need the money and Ellen is now without a job. She eventually heads to Hawaii to help Mandy and Ken's mother on the farm while he recuperates. Life moves on and Ellen becomes interested in a man who works for Ken's mother. He is English and she is Amish so the two try to keep their relationship on a friendship level. There's a twist in the story as far as this situation goes. Lots of surprises and as the end drew closer I was kept turning the pages to see how it all ended.

I will say that this book was a bit too cutesy for me. Yes, there is a tragedy, but there are real issues and it is rather coincidental how things"work out". I did like Ellen. She was a real friend to Mandy and gave up a lot to go to Hawaii and help her and Ken. She also tried very hard not to let her emotions and feelings for Rob move forward, but as we know, love often wins out. There are a few plotlines in this story such as being there for family and friends, forgiving yourself and others, putting your trust in the Lord and being true to your beliefs. If you can suspend belief, there are some issues such as a shark attack, Amish people who do not have a lot of money flying back and forth to Hawaii and the main land and the rather neat wrap-up at the end. I did enjoy this story, but it is not one of my favourites. If you are a fan of Amish Fiction you will love this book.

I usually Lonve Wanda Brunstetter. This one did not meet her usual standards. I did not finish the book.

I loved this sweet story by one of my favorite authors Wanda E Brunstetter. You can see God working in the lives of these characters and you just get sucked into the story.

Book two in the Hawaiian series.So good,left me wanting more. Read this book you will not be dissapointed. Wanda Brunstetter never fails to please.Interesting and different.Loved it! Hopeful for a book 3?

The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda E Brunstetter is the sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt. While I am sure that I missed a few details by not reading the first book in the series, I feel that there were enough details included from the first book that readers would not be left confused. In this book, Ken and Mandy have moved to Hawaii and after Ken is injured, Ellen Lambright goes to help her dear friend in her time of need. While in Hawaii, Ellen meets Rob. What is his story? You'll have to read the book to find out. God uses Ellen, Ken and Mandy to work in Rob's life. I have read several of Wanda Brunstetter's books in the past. This particular book, while enjoyable, was not spectacular. I found that the story line jumped around a bit and in some ways was too predictable.

5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful escape for light summer reading
ByMaggieon July 17, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
I thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted romance. It is a wonderful escape from the hot weather! The characters are believable and plot easy to follow, with a few surprises. Although I have given the book 5 stars, as for its genre it is excellent, it is not as complex and thought-inspiring as some others of Brunstetter's books; her upcoming Hope Jar should not be missed!

Oh,my dear Amish loving friends, you will not want to miss this book! It is the follow up book to The Hawaiian Quilt (find my review featured here), and let me tell you right now. You do not want to miss this! The queen of Amish fiction has once again managed to take amazing and lovable characters, inspiring messages from God, and a few twists and wrapped them up with the beauty that is Hawaii and threw her fans another fabulous novel! Ms. Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law, Jean, really do a wonderful collaboration together. They know just what we like!

This novel brings us Ellen’s story. I loved Ellen in book 1, and I love her even more in this new novel. She’s spunky, caring and definitely works her way into your heart. She returns to Hawaii to help Mandy and she meets Rob, another lovable addition to this book! I loved watching them work along side of each other. The sparks really flew between them! Ultimately, though, God’s messages worked on Ellen’s heart and she had a decision to make.

You definitely need to grab this 5 star novel! Just make sure you read The Hawaiian Quilt first because you’ll want to keep up with Mandy and Ellen’s first adventure to Hawaii. From discovering what really matters, to God’s love, grace and forgiveness, this book is one that should fly to the top of your summer reading list. Grab it now! Hats off, two more thumbs up and highest of praises go to the Brunstetter ladies for another amazing novel!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

Overall, there is so much to love about this book that readers could spend hours raving about it. I am going to save you hours of hearing my words and suggest you spend the time reading this book. It will be one of your favorite summer reads.

Loved it over good book I felt their could be Moe though with the characters that was in the story. But Loved hearing about Mandy again and Sadie.

The Hawaiian Discovery Is the sequel do the Hawaiian Quilt but it can stand alone and I am glad because it is an original story line. The author takes you on a vivid journey through the Hawaiian Islands. This story has its ebbs and flows and it does that from word one to word last. The author's journey takes you to the culture of the islands - everything about them - you will so enjoy it - I know I did. The author knows how the main characters relate very well and how they progress in the love department and she did that extremely well.

Wanda and Jean never cease to amaze me with there stories. This book I could see the landscape of Hawaii. I loved the characters and how things are not always as they seem.

Get ready to be transported back to Hawaii in Wanda and Jean Brunstetter's The Hawaiian Discovery.

When Ellen's friend Mandy moved from Indiana to Hawaii, Ellen was upset that her best friend was going to be so far away. In this story, Mandy is going through a challenging time, and Ellen gets permission from the Amish church to go to Hawaii to help Mandy.

As the story progresses, Ellen finds out that the Bed and Breakfast she works at, which happens to be owned by Mandy is going to be sold. As you can imagine, this adds another layer of tension to the story.

As I've come to expect with the Brunstetter's writing, this book is a quick read. I enjoyed the details the authors included that made me feel transported right into the story. I also enjoyed the Hawaiian setting for this book.

The second book in the Hawaiian series by one of my favorite author's of Amish fiction, Wanda Brunstetter. Her books are automatic buy when she releases a new one, luckily she has a few new ones releasing soon. This is a bit different since I've never seen an Amish book set partially in Hawaii. This was a great kind of different and very enjoyable read. Take a stroll through the beautiful Hawaiian islands, enjoy some local delicacies and smell the island flowers. The characters are very warm and caring for one another. Well developed plot and believable story line.
Pub Date 01 Jun 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ellen and Mandy's friendship has endured so much from being stranded in Hawaii together, Mandy's marriage and move back to Hawaii with her husband. An unfortunate accident in Hawaii had Ellen flying over to be with her friend and help where help is needed. While in Hawaii she befriends Rob who has a terrible secret in his past. Will Ellen be making a life altering decision soon?

What a sweet treat to visit Hawaii with Ellen and Mandy again. Even with the terrible accident that has occurred as you read you feel yourself relaxing and letting all your troubles and cares melt away. The description the Hawaiian beauty around them makes me wish I could visit and befriend Ellen and Mandy.

This is a sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt but can be read as a standalone. Whether you are an frequent reader of Amish fiction/romance or a first timer you won't be disappointed in the latest from Wanda and Jean Brunstetter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Review We find Ellen working for Mandy and her husband at the B&B when they get a call that Ken's dad has died. Ellen is left to run the B&B until another disaster strikes on the island of Kauai. After a few weeks, the B&B is sold and Ellen takes an emergency flight to help Mandy on the island of Kauai.

Emotions run high in Kauai. There is a lot going on with Mandy and Ken and when Ellen and the new worker spend more time together, new feelings are awakened. Each person makes new discoveries about themselves as life and their personalities evolve.

Happy reading!

The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is the sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt. Ellen Lambright is back home in Middlebury, Indiana working at Mandy and Ken Williams bed and breakfast. One day Mandy and Ken receive a call that his father his ill and they quickly fly to Hawaii. When Ken’s father passes away, they are needed to stay on in Hawaii to assist his mother with the farm and they must sell their bed and breakfast. While looking for a new job, Ellen works at her father’s shoe store with Ezra Bontrager. Ezra wishes to go out with Ellen, but he is fearful of rejection. A few months later, Ken is in a horrible accident, and Ellen quickly flies to Hawaii to be with Mandy. Ellen assists the Williams employee, Rob Smith with their organic chicken farm. As Ellen spends more time with Rob, she can feel herself falling in love with him. However, Ellen has been baptized into the Amish church and would not hurt her family by leaving. Is there a possibility of a future between Rob and Ellen? Rejoin Ellen and Mandy in The Hawaiian Discovery.

I thought The Hawaiian Discovery was well-written and had a steady pace. I do recommend reading The Hawaiian Quilt before you begin The Hawaiian Discovery. The characters are nicely developed with the realistic foibles. We get beautiful descriptions of Middlebury and Hawaii. The plants and sights in Hawaii sounded amazing along with the pleasing weather. I cannot imagine working or running a chicken farm. The smells described had me wrinkling my nose in distaste, and I could imagine the noise caused by so many birds (my neighbors have some chickens and they are a noisy flock). It was nice to revisit Mandy, Ellen and the other ladies. The Christian elements are masterfully woven into the story. Forgiveness from others and of oneself being the biggest theme in The Hawaiian Discovery. Guilt from an event can weigh a person down and change the course of their life. Forgiveness is a healing balm. In The Hawaiian Discovery, we see the importance of family, friendship, loyalty, faith, prayer and patience. The Hawaiian Discovery is a special story that will linger with you and the ending will leave you with a smile on your face.

An Amish woman in Hawaii? What an idea! I was drawn to this new installment from writing team Wanda Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

Ellen Lambright is the woman you want in your corner when tragedy strikes your family! She went to great lengths to do what she could to make life smoother for Mandy and her family. Rob worked alongside Ellen to keep Ken & Mandy's business going and developed a good friendship. Although drawn to Rob, there was a bit of mystery about him that made her a little uneasy. Adding to that was the fact that he was not Amish and because of that, she knew that she couldn't allow more than a working relationship with him. Ellen's commitment to her faith was admirable if not difficult. Then there is Rob, who is attracted to Ellen. Would she consider him if she knew about his past?



The Hawaiian Discovery is Book 2 in the Hawaiian Series. Somehow I missed The Hawaiian Quilt but The Hawaiian Discovery can easily stand alone. I recommend this book to fans of Wanda and Jean Brunstetter's books. The setting in Hawaii is just in time for summer reading lists.

I'm just going to say it, I've had one of those weeks were everything was chaos and chaos was everything. I finished this book days ago and haven't had opportunity to release my thoughts onto the screen. (There is just something not as endearing as the page but well, technology.) Those emotions and initial thoughts aren't right at the ready, and to some degree the super amazing words I had are lost forever. I'll find something similar but that somethingness is gone now. Now, in true Fizzy style I'm going to totally change directions massively. If you don't want any spoilers stop reading now and just jump to the next paragraph. That's your only warning, next paragraph if you don't want spoilers. Can we just say Amish Fiction meets Shark Attack!?! Two ideas I never in a million years would come together. Ever. That and thank you for sending them back to Hawaii, they belonged there after all. Minus the shark attack though, they didn't need that. The story did, they didn't.

What I love about Wanda's books is actually what took me a bit out of this book. I still have great characters with great personal depth. I still have a well woven story that drew me into the setting. However, this story with all it's bumps and bruises had a bit of depth missing for me. I wanted more from Ellen and Rob (especially Rob) and from Ken's brother. Dan seemed like a shallow after-thought (though I guess in same ways that statement is accurate) and I feel like his behavior was too easily excused. Rob (also known as Ruben) dropped a massive bombshell on everyone, but especially on Ellen. I feel like there was this massive emotional opportunity and the ball was dropped in the field and no one was watching. It took something away for me and it made what little I had gained in Ellen slink down a bit.

Yes, let's talk about Ellen. She's still pretty annoying but in a better way. She's grown and seems less legalistic and somewhat less fatalistic (but only a smidge). She is still, in some ways, self-centered but she's definitely come a long way as a person. She put herself, her life (though to be fair her job was gone), and even her faith on the line to fly (yes FLY) to Hawaii in her friend's time of need. She wasn't the stick in the mud she had been last time she was there. She even branched out with an Englisher. Yup. Let that sink in people! I'm still not all in with her, I still think she's got some growing to do, but she's getting there. This book kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. Perhaps a third book is needed just to get Ellen into a more well-rounded person? Just a thought :D

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.

Wanda E Brunstetter just keeps giving me great books to read. This is the second book she has done in Hawaii and I love her descriptions of Hawaii and how she works in why an Amish girl would be there. I love Ellen’s character and was glad for her decisions she made. I look forward to many more books by Wanda. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.