Amish fiction fans will enjoy The Brides of Big Valley, not only because it's well written, but it gives you a different kind of Amish story. One that is unexpecting and inspiring all at the same time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love amish romances. They are so sweet and this one did not disappoint. The story and characters stole my heart. I highly recommend to those who love amish romance.

Three incredible Amish romances!

Each of the three authors wrote a separate story. They are set in the same town though the main characters are in different Amish communities. I was fascinated by seeing the differences among the communities. As I went through the stories I loved the fact that in the latter two there was at least a mention of a character from the previous ones.

All of the authors developed wonderful characters. I loved all of the main ones. The stories are each unique and captured my interest very quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how each person dealt with the difficulties that they faced. Each main character had wonderful people supporting and encouraging them along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Classic novella stories by the Brunstetters. Delightful. Easy to read. Satisfying. Endearing. Five stars.

To be honest, I was bored in the first story and never made it past there. It just had no drama or impulse to it. Obviously this set of novellas is just not for me. Since I didn't finish it, I will not be adding a review to Goodreads. Thanks for the opportunity!

An Amish life book, my favorite authors..what could go wrong? Nothing! Often books with several short stories are lacking. Sometimes the timing is to short for the content (What do you mean they want to get married! They just met yesterday!!). All of the stories in this book are well written and didn't feel rushed at all. Good book!
In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.
#TheBridesOfTheBigValley #NetGalley

Life can be similar and different
"The Brides of the Big Valley. 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community" was published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. (Shiloh Run Press) and was written by New York Times best-selling and award-winning author and one of the founders of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter Jean Brunstetter, and her grand-daughter Richelle Brunstetter. The Amish in the Big Valley in Pennsylvania define and distinguish themselves by the color of their buggies - white, black, or yellow. And though these differences carry on into their lifestyle, there are also similarities among them. Deanna, Rose Mary, and Leila are the three women who readers encounters in this book. They situation of their life is different, but they all long for love. Will they find it?
Wanda E. Brunstetter is an author well known to me and I highly appreciate and recommend her stories. This was the first time I read contributions by her daughter Jean and her grand-daughter Richelle and I also like them very much and look forward to read also more of their writings. The characters in the book are good and wholesome, they are believable and the book is encouraging and challenging.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheBridesoftheBigValley #NetGalley

I've enjoyed every book I've read by Wanda Brunstetter and now her daughter in law and grand daughter are writing with her as well. These are such charming Amish stories.
The Amish romance stories are set in in an area called The Big Valley in Pennsylvania.
I found it interesting that three different communities lived here and they are distinguished by the colors of their buggy tops.
These wholesome romances were enjoyable and I'll be looking forward to more by these authors.

Published June 1st 2019 by Shiloh Run Press.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

What a treat to enjoy The Brides of the Big Valley with the Brunstetter Family! They have similar writing style which makes is a wonderful cosy read. Thank you NetGalley for this selection.

My Review: This collection of three stories set in Pennsylvania was a quick but great read. I enjoyed that each story focused on the different “toppers” in the Amish community.

My favorite story was Deanna’s Determination. You have a widowed mom with a son with Downs Syndrome who is trying to create a life for both of them. There are so many misconceptions regarding special needs children and in this story, we get to see their loving and curious side. No different than other children their age. Beautiful!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Shiloh Run Press, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

he'd never forgotten what people said about her or the way others had treated her. By continually worrying about things she couldn't change, she had harbored guilt and anger within her soul. The reason she couldn't move forward was because she never forgave the people who had wronged her, an it caused her to not forgive herself either.

Three romance stories that over lap in an Amish community written by sisters. The romance stories are based on 3 distinct groups of horse-and buggy Amish living in the Big Valley, PA that started in the 1840's. Each group is distinguished by the different color tops on their buggies. The romance stories reflect the differences of belief and how those belief reflect how each group lives and what is important.

Deanna's Determination - Deanna is now a widow with a young boy Abner who is challenged by Down Syndrome. An old friend of the family; Elmer who was her late husbands best friend has always loved Deanna and has taken to her son as well. Their story builds to when Elmer has the courage to ask Deanna for her hand. When a tragedy takes place, their romance is put on hold as Elmer struggles to be the man that he desires to be for Deanna. They both must overcome insecurities and move forward.

Rose Mary's Resolve- This romance overlaps with Elmer from Deanna's Determination as Elmer works for Rose Mary's father. Rose Mary is a people pleaser. Always wanting to do the right thing. She has been seeing Tom of her community however, Tom is wanting to leave the Amish community and wants Rose Mary to follow him in the English world. Rose Mary struggles with her feelings for Tom as she cares for him but does not love him. Keeping that balance while protecting her own heart is a struggle. The romance is not between Tom and Rose Mary and Tom leaving the Amish for the English world but when the English world comes to Rose Mary's world landing a plane with a young handsome Kevin, Rose Mary is torn. Kevin is intrigued with the Amish as they take him in after he crashes his plane in their field. He stays with him as he recovers his plane and visits them as he drawn to their faith. I love the romances that involve the English and the Amish and the sacrifices made and how faith grows in those sacrifices.

Leila's Longing-Leila grew up being shy and self conscious and thus pretty much isolated herself from youth gatherings. She couldn't take the ridicule of others and it only made her sink deeper into despair. Leila loved working with her mother in their craft shop and helped her family with the needs of her younger brother. With the urging of her mother, she goes to a youth gathering where she meets a sister and brother. They become fast friends however, when a young man from Leila's days of school, makes rude comments, she again retreats. It is with a good friend and co-worker that she begins to open up and when a family tragedy strikes, she has to learn to trust others.

Each Amish story is about simple faith which seems simple enough but with all the distractions, it becomes difficult. These stories remind you what faith really is and the simple comfort it brings.

A Special Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

The Brides of the Big Valley: Three Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community

by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean B. Brunstetter and Richelle B. Brunstetter

Three different Brunstetter authors have combined to create three equally good short Amish romances all set in Big Valley located in Mifflin County. The Amish situation that is unique in this area is that in the 1840’s the congregation broke into three groups based on beliefs, customs, and later the colors on the tops of their horse drawn buggies.

Deanna’s Determination by Wanda E. Brunstetter tells the story of Deanna Speicher, a young Amish widow with a sweet little boy who has Down syndrome. She lives with her father and contributes to their support by creating quilted goods to sell at the local flea market. Her deceased husband’s best friend, Elmer, is the romantic interest in this story until tragedy strikes again. Will Deanna and Elmer’s love survive the new crisis?

In Rose Mary’s Resolve, by Jean B. Brunstetter, we are introduced to a family that was mentioned in the first story, the Rennos, who own a furniture company. With older sister Linda getting married, Rose Mary is learning the ins and outs of the show room so she can help in the family business. Romance is in the air as Tom Yoder courts Rose Mary, but problems arise as Tom thinks of going Englisch and pressures Rose Mary on all of their decisions. Meanwhile Kevin literally drops out of the sky as he crash lands in the Renno field and develops an interest in Rose Mary and the Amish way. Will Rose Mary stay true to God and her family customs?

Leila’s Longing by Richelle Brunstetter is the story of Leila Fisher, a shy young lady who was bullied at school when she was younger and now carries the emotional scars of those experiences. She is a gifted artist, creating sketches and making greeting cards and selling them. Will her new friends Aden and his sister Sue and her new employee Mollie be able to help her emerge from her reclusiveness? Will anyone ever want to court her?

The Brides of the Big Valley is comprised of three novellas, gentle stories combined to make an interesting tale for a calm afternoon’s reading. The characters are likable and the plots are not overly predictable. God and faith are an important part of these tales.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Christian Fiction, Romance

Publication: June 1, 2019— Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press)

Memorable Lines:

I bet Rose Mary would say anything is possible with the Lord’s help. But can He truly help me through my relationship with Dad, by repairing the bridge across the chasm that exists between us?

She’d been too trusting of others when she was young, which caused her to be suspicious of disloyalty. No matter how nice she was to others, she didn’t receive kindness in return. That was why it was easier for her to not even try.

When life gets at its worst or drags us down, reading God’s Word provides guidance on good living.”

A unique take on relationships and romance in the Amish community. Each story is a unique look at developing a relationship in a climate that is fundamentally different than the current outside world. Wonderfully touching and a please to read, these stories will leave you smiling for the rest of the day.

“The Brides of the Big Valley” includes three romances featuring Amish characters from three different groups of Amish people. Each story revolves around a specific woman who is dealing with life situations and how each woman dealt with her particular situation. I enjoyed learning more about these three Amish groups and how they differ from one another. Enough detail was included to allow the reader to understand how the characters lived.

The stories are authored by three different members of the Brunstetter family, and each story has its own particular flavor. The stories include some of the same characters, so there is continuity amongst them. The characters seemed realistic and the plots moved along well for the most part. However, the quality of the stories seemed inconsistent. The third story, Leila’s Longing, used some strange and complex sentence variations and word choices, which I think detracted from the story line and confused the reader. These appeared inconsistent with the conversations of the characters throughout the story. I almost felt as if the story was being written by two different people, or that a thesaurus was used to find variety for the sentences. Simplifying these sentences would add consistency to the story.

Readers who enjoy Amish romance stories would probably find these enjoyable and enlightening.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Love Wanda Brunstetter. Never a disappointment when picking up one of her books. This one is great in that it is 3 tales in one amazing book. Through her characters you can see and feel God moving in their lives.

When I first started out going back to reading Inspirational Romance, Wanda Brunstetter's books were always a go to for me, because I knew they were well written and easy to connect with. Over time, though, I've veered away from her books, and this book really brought that into sharp focus for me. It just wasn't that enjoyable over all!

I liked seeing a special needs child in the first story, but the story was ultimately forgettable. I had a hard time connecting to Deanna, despite her being a special needs mother, and found that Elmer wasn't that likeable of a hero. Rose Mary's story is by far my favorite of the three! It was engaging, and somewhat angsty. I loved the hero that was written for her as well, as he seemed to be a perfect compliment to her. Leila's story was another good story, but felt a bit awkward at points. I liked how relevant that story was to my own life!

All things considered, this was a decent book to read once, but ultimately was forgettable.

Another winning trio of novellas by Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter. I love the fact that it's three generations of writers each writing their own story. These stories focus on three different Amish communities in Pennsylvania. All three stories are focused on trusting God. I loved all three stories, but my favorite was actually Richelle's. Leila had been hurt many times in the past and began to doubt herself and was overly concerned with what others thought of her, so that she closed herself off from other people. If you love Amish fiction or even if you are curious about the genre, I highly recommend it. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy. All opinions are my own.

I was excited to read this book because it's about other Amish in my home state of Pennsylvania.

I loved The Brides of the Big Valley by Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetters. I enjoyed getting to know and learn about all three each Amish communities in Big Valley and their differences.
The characters and stories were well developed and each one I drawn into the story.

The Bride's of the Big Valley is actually three novellas, each novella was individually written by one of the Brunstetters. Let me tell ya I couldn't tell who wrote which story if it hadn't been for the title page to each novella. All three write the same, which is good in my opinion, it made the book flow smoothly.

I look forward to reading more novella collections and hopefully individual books by each of the Brunstetters in the future.

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review in my own words. This is my review in my own words.

Three novellas by three generations of the Brunstetter ladies. All three different and unique in their own way. .This was a really nice read.
Written by mother, daughter in law and grandchild. They really.made the stories work, and complimented each other perfectly.
Each short story was well written and all three felt complete and not cut short or rushed.

Set in three neighbouring Amish communities, It was interesting to read about the different standards and lifestyles each had.
Each story focuses on love and faith, each deeply touches the heart.

A unique take on relationships and romance in the Amish community. Written by three generations of the Brunstetter family insured the books remained true to Amish culture. Each story is a unique look at developing a relationship in a climate that is fundamentally different than the current outside world. Wonderfully touching and a please to read, these stories will leave you smiling for the rest of the day.