The BRides of the Big Valley is a collection of three short stories. Each story is well written. I always enjoy Wanda Brunstetter's books and this story was no exception. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

This was a lovely set of three stories all set in the three different communities of the Amish area of Big Valley. Each author is new to me and I soon realised they were from the same family. I found the stories to be entertaining but at some times they were a bit slow going. I always enjoy an Amish story and love to learn more about this world. If you love to read Amish books this is a great set of three.

“Deanna’s Determination”
This is a heartwarming story of broken dreams and overcoming the bumps in the road along the way. Will Deanna get a second chance of Lov?

“Rose Mary’s Resolve”
Rose is a young Amish girl who will learn many lessons along the way to find herself in her faith.
Will the English world shine brighter for Rose?

“Leila’s Longing”
Leila is a very shy girl with not many friends who finds herself needing to run the family shop for her mother. Can she face the customers, help her family and maybe find her real place in this world? What will happen when a boy from a different Amish community shows interested in her?

Each story had a strong message to share with the reader in this book that I received as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my honest review of this book that I read.

While this book includes three stories, each one can be a stand alone.
It was interesting to learn some about the three different Amish communities, yellow, white top buggies and the black buggies.
My personal favorite (by far) was the first story written by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Deanna's Determination. This story's main character is Deanna, a widow with a young son who has Down Syndrome. Her deceased husband's best friend eventually expresses his love for her and plans for their future are being made. Then, disaster strikes and he is left blind, and no longer wanting a future with Deanna. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
The second story, Rose Mary's Resolve's main character is Rose Mary who is dating an Amish man who wishes to go English. Rose Mary does not share his desire. She has told him she wishes to break things off with him, but he doesn't take 'no' for an answer. It was most irritating to me how she continued to go out with him. Does the girl not have a brain? Then, she turns around and starts spending a lot of time and developing feeling for an English man whom she met when he had to make an emergency airplane landing in their field. What will Rose Mary do? Stay with the faith she's been raised in, or leave it to go English? For me, this story did not flow well.
The third story in this book, Leila's Longing, is set in the yellow-topper community. This community is more lenient than the others. Leila enjoys making cards to sell in the family's shop next to their home. The story begins with her running the shop alone as her mother is dealing with a pregnancy that has her depleted of energy.
I did admire the responsibility of Leila in running the shop, taking care of her young brother, Henry, as well as the household.
Leila has hurts from her childhood that she hangs on to and allows to control her as an adult. Most of this made her difficult for me to like. It did not flow well, or even seem believable.
Leila met an Amish man from the black top community that she began to spend time with after he pursued her. Can she leave her family who needs her and join the black tops?
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Barbour Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The review is my own opinion.

Review 3 Stories in one book by 3 very talented authors. Each story tells a story a story of 3 different districts that drive different colored Buggy types. I fell in love with each character and was amazed at how different each district was so different from the other. You will fall in love with the authors who wrote these books. A Must read for all Amish fiction readers.

This is a wonderful collection of stories that examine the different lifestyles of the Amish. Each have different rules and even different colors of buggies. Some are very strict as others are a bit more relaxed. I loved finding out more about the differences and how they each had one common thread. They were dedicated to their faith and always helped their neighbors out. I enjoyed how the author brings characters from the different stories together at some point. It was a surprise to have them a part of each story and for me brought the entire book together. Be sure to look for cameos of different characters as you read these charming stories.

Deanna’s Determination
I enjoyed this story and how one of the characters, Abner had Downs Syndrome. The author doesn’t shy away from talking about the handicap and how much of a blessing the child is. Deanna is trying to make ends meet when her husband dies. Going to the market and selling her goods is hard when you have an active child to watch as well. The author explains about Down Syndrome and helps readers understand the challenges families face. Abner was a delight to get to know and I especially loved that he seemed to always be happy.

Deanna has been through several tragedies but has a great friend in Elmer. He has been there to help her when needed but his feelings go deeper than just friendship. There is joy when Deanna says yes to marrying Elmer. He has wanted this for so long and he is excited to have Abner as his son. The bond between them is very special, but something happens to change everything. Will Elmer and Anna overcome this setback? Can Elmer swallow his pride and allow the woman he loves to help him? I loved the story and found it interesting to read about how in a minute your life can change forever.

Rose Mary's Resolve
This story is about Rose Mary and finding her way to what God has called her for. She has a young man who adores her, but she has said several times she is not interested. He will not take no for an answer and seems to push her to continue going out with him. I did like how excited she was to work in the family furniture store. It is a big step for her and shows her becoming more responsible and maturing.

Tom can be pretty persuasive and he is trying hard to push Rose Mary into the English world. It can be tempting to some who wonder what it would be like to drive a car, wear clothes other than Amish and go anywhere you wanted. Will Rose Mary be tempted to dip her toes in another culture? When a plane lands in an Amish field, I could just image the shocked look on the neighbors faces. Luckily the pilot is not seriously injured and Rose Mary's family takes him in to help him. As Kevin stays with the family while his plane is being repaired, Rose Mary seems to be getting attached to him. They share lunches together and he enjoys helping around the farm. I think Rose Mary's parents are hoping his plane gets fixed soon so he can leave. They are becoming concerned about the closeness Rose Mary and Kevin are sharing.

It is a wonderful story of making choices and following God's direction. I loved the way Rose Mary stuck to her belief's while deciding if Kevin was the right person for her. The story is a nice look at the Amish life and how devoted they are to family.

Leila's Longing

Leila is a sweet young woman who helps run the family shop. She is very uncomfortable around people at times. She is not sure of herself and often wonders why she has not caught the eye of any young men in the community. It doesn't help that an old friend of hers comes into the shop and reminds her how lonely she really is.

With her mother's encouragement, she suggests Leila should spend more time around people her own age. Maybe she could attend some of the singing get together's for young people. I could relate to Leila so easily. I was pretty unhappy as a child and very shy. I didn't want to hang out with anyone and I was picked on a lot.

I liked how Leila started to become comfortable after she met Aden at the singing. He didn't like the way she was treated at the singing and is intrigued by her. Maybe he can help her overcome her shyness and start to open up to him. This story is emotional and brought tears to my eyes. I loved how Leila started to come out of her shell and express her feelings to Aden. There are many changes that happen to her and her family that will help Leila become more confidant and be able to forgive those who had hurt her in the past.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The review is my own opinion.

I loved each story in this book. The book contains three different romances centered around Big Valley, Pa. Each story is written by a different author. Each community can be identified by the color of their buggy tops. I enjoyed learning the customs of the different communities. I can't pick a favorite because I loved them all and thought they were great. Go grab your copy today you will be glad you did.

This book is what I have come to expect from Wanda Brunstetter- simply fantastic! From the colorful imagery used throughout to the simple ways we can connect with the characters, the author draws us into remarkable stories. This is a collection of stories to cherish.

A great collection of 3 stories! I enjoyed reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Three beautiful, Amish short stories about love. The author’s are Wanda Brunsetter, her daughter-in-law, and her granddaughter. All three stories are about 3 different Amish communities in the Big Valley area. I always learn a little more about the Amish community when I read these stories.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was disappointed in this collection, to my big surprise. I know how famous are the writings of the author and had so looked forward to these stories. Yet, compared to a couple of other authors of Amish fiction who have become my favorite go-tos for that sub-genre, I was quite saddened. The writing was so stiff and unnatural between the characters— completely unbelievable. Also, repeatedly unneeded extra phrases would be inserted to try to explain things that were unnecessary— the name of someone, then explained that this was a husband or wife, when the situation had plainly indicated that to be so. All of that was so distracting that the minimal plot couldn’t take off and create a decent novella. I had such high hopes for these stories, but, nevertheless, did not even desire to finish this collection. Perhaps a single longer book by Wanda would be much better to try next time.

Barbour captivates with this trio of novellas set in a Pennsylvania Amish community — each focuses on love and faith, each deeply touches the heart. 5/5

Pub Date 01 Jun 2019.

Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.

#TheBridesOfTheBigValley #NetGalley

The Brides of the Big Valley contains three charming Amish stories. I thought the stories were well-written with steady pacing. I like that there is a common thread throughout the three books. All three feature the same community and the Renno family. We also get updates on Elmer and Deanna in Rose Mary’s Resolve and Leila’s Longing. Wanda has an engaging writing style. I immediately became absorbed in Deanna’s Determination. Jean and Richelle are accomplished writers who provided enriching novellas. I thought the various characters in The Brides of the Big Valley were realistic and it was interesting to learn about the three diverse Amish communities. They are all Amish and in the same valley, but they have various differences (not just the color of their buggy tops). My favorite was Deanna’s Determination. It is a story that touched my heart and I found myself rooting for Deanna and Elmer. I really liked the cardmaking in Leila’s Determination and the fact they had a shop selling the handmade cards plus cardmaking supplies. The phrase I wanted to share with you comes from Leila’s Longing and is “His presence provides us with contentment” (that makes me feel loved and peaceful). All three authors provided inspiring and enticing tales. There is a recipe included from each story. The Brides of the Big Valley are heartwarming stories about love, family, and faith.

This collection is written by Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter and grand-daughter, Richelle Brunstetter. Each story was informative and enjoyable. I had no idea that there were three different Amish communities that are distinguished by the color of their buggy's top- white, black or yellow.



As I read these stories I think of Jeremiah 29:11. GOD was in control. He had a plan for Deanna, Rose Mary and Leila. He has a plan for each one of us.


I can never get enough of Wanda Brunstetter's books. I know that I will enjoy every minute. The added bonus is that Jean and Richelle are very talented themselves. I enjoyed that the characters in the first story showed up in the other stories as well: a wonderful way to connect all three.

Pick up this book and escape to Amish Country!

The Brides of the Big Valley, a book with three stories that can each stand alone. The beginning of the book tells of the different colored tops the Amish community uses. I found this very interesting, we only have black tops in my town.

Deanna's Determination was my favorite story in book. I just fell in love with her son, Abner. Deanna falls for Elmer and you think life will be all smile and happiness for them. A turn of events, leaves everyone doubting life, love and faith.

Rose Mary's Resolve and Leila's Longing each bring choices of forgiveness and acceptance withing their Amish communities, and trials of their own.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book. The second two stories didn't grab my attention as much as the first one. Something about sweet Abner just pulled at my heartstrings. I believe there is a story for everyone to enjoy in this collection.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a review.

Trilogy of Amish novellas

This trilogy of Amish novellas is connected by setting, as well as the authors being connected by family. Although you may be expecting all sweetness and light, you will find a surprising depth in each of these stories. I don't normally like novellas, but found these all very good reads, especially the first one in the book. Highly recommended.

Posted on Amazon.com, pending their review process

The Brides of the Big Valley is a collection of three romances all set in the Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, known as the Big Valley, and is written by three generations of Brunstetters, Wanda, her daughter-in-law, Jean, and Wanda's granddaughter, Richelle. It was very interesting to read about the three different Amish groups in the Big Valley and how they interacted with individuals from each of the other congregations. Each of the main characters is challenged in her faith as she seeks to do God's will in her life in regards to love and marriage. The stories are well-written with strong, lovable characters, good dialogue, twists to the plot and a little humor amidst the romantic tension. Readers will quickly be caught up in the lives of each of the characters and their stories, hoping for things to turn out satisfactorily. Having now read two of these collections by these three women I am looking forward to reading even more from this set of authors.

I usually LOVE Wanda E Brunstetter books, this one I simply liked. Granted there were three separate authors, one for each novella, all dragged in places. The plots were fine, I really liked them. However the flow of each story was stilted in places, heavy in others.
The overall experience was a good one. I loved the characters and I really enjoyed "meeting" them. It was interesting to learn about different types of Amish. The three living in the area covered in this book are the yellow top, white top and black top referencing their buggy covers. Their lifestyle, dress and furnishings are the main distinguishing characteristics, the authors did an admirable job bringing these little details forward throughout the story as the different Amish interacted with each other.
The stories were enjoyable.

Journey to The Big Valley in Pennsylvania through the pages of Brides of the Big Valley, a novella collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Richelle Brunstetter. Featuring a unique look at the three distinct groups of Amish living in this area, this collection offers readers the chance to connect with three young women searching for faith and love.

I have read a good number of Amish Fiction, so I'm always intrigued when someone writes a book about an Amish community I'm not familiar with. The Amish in this community identifies themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. It was interesting to learn about their different beliefs through the pages of this book.

I think it is wonderful that three generations of Brunstetter's are coming together to write this book. There were certainly interesting aspects to each of the stories and I enjoyed how each story was unique and gave us a glimpse inside the lives of the three different groups in this community. However, while I wanted to learn more about the communities, I struggled to get wrapped up in this book. It seemed like it took the stories a while to develop, a little too long, and then the endings came a little too fast.

Although this book held a lot of promise and offered me the chance to learn about a new Amish community, it fell short in delivering the captivating story I was hoping for. I'm still a fan of Wanda E Brunstetter's writing and I'm looking forward to her next full-length novel.

I found these three stories to be heartwarming and fun being written by family members. Wanda Brunstetter authored Deanna’s Determination. Deanna, a member of the white top buggy community, lost her husband through an accident and is trying to raise her young son by herself. Her husband’s best friend is determined to help her all he can until an accident befalls him.
Wanda’s daughter in law, Jean Brunstetter, wrote Rose Mary’s Resolve. Rose Mary belongs to the black top buggy community and is courted by Tom who is contemplating leaving the Amish. She has no plans to do the same. When a plane stalls and lands in one of her family’s fields, she is attracted to the young English pilot who has a bad bump to the head.
Wanda’s granddaughter, Richelle Brunstetter, penned Leila’s Longing. Leila is a member of the yellow top buggy community, who are a little less conservative. She has been troubled most of her young life because of things that happened at school. She has a hard time making friends and having confidence in herself. But she also longs to fall in love and one day marry and raise a family of her own.
This was the first time I’d heard anything about the different Amish Communities based on the color of the buggy top. Some more conservative than others and the white tops do not have indoor plumbing. They are closely guarded groups that do not encourage young people to intermarry and leave their own communities. But when couples fall in love....what are they to do? All these characters in each story had problems and issues to work out. I was drawn to each one and their circumstances and waited on their happy endings. Romance and family bonds were forefront in each story as well as their searches for God’s guidance in each of their unique situations.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

a) Deanna's determination
In this short story, Deanna, of 'white toppers' conservative amish group, is a strong young widow woman.
when accident occured to the people you love, le life will become upside down.
only with faith, help, love, you can have the strength to go ahead, change the heart and mind, to re-invent your life, and put away the angst and fear.
b) Rose Mary's resolve
Tom, Rose Mary boyfriend, likes English world, with car to drive, shops full of clothes, time to visit cieies and go around.
He pushes Rose Mary to try English world too, but she is content with the life as amish with God to speak to, with family and friends, simple things to enjoy.
c) Leila's longing
Leila is a shy person, with fear and trouble to speak to the people. slow she'll learn and improve to trust people, thanks to Aden and his patient and love.
These 3 stories make the readers feel good and think about some topics: simple life, God, trust, forgiven, death and grieving.