I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter books as a rule, but this one was an exception. I normally review each novella independently in a collection, but my remarks apply to all three stories, so I'm just going to review as one. The timing was off in each story -- there was too much lag time before we get to the crux of the relationship and conflict. I found myself skipping through some of the early parts rather than really becoming absorbed in the story. There was so much scene setting without making a connection to the main characters. I kept wondering why we should care. Our character leads weren't particularly likable. Furthermore, in each novella, there was a weird plot twist that didn't make sense or was too trite. Our first main character's beau lost his vision and decides to snub everything including a woman he's liked for years -- but then, out of the blue, decides he has to return to living on his own. This story line was predictable, although there were some precious moments with the little blind girl. Another Amishwoman wanted to break off a relationship BECAUSE her boyfriend was considering going Englisch (not because the guy was controlling and pushy), but then fell in love with an Englisch pilot who crash landed in her family's field. He, all of a sudden, decides to become Amish! In a community that seems to be relatively insular toward even other Amish communities in the area -- white-toppers, black-toppers, yellow-toppers -- how would that decision really go over? The third lead loses her mother and then, predictably, has to break off her engagement plans to take care of her siblings, but the potential groom doesn't say anything about trying to find another way. Plus, the guy who has made her life difficult for years reveals that he acted that way because... he liked her. These stories were not credible, seemed juvenile in both story line and character development, and dragged early but ended with rushed conclusions. Unfortunately, I did not like this offering from the Brunstetters.

The Brunstetter ladies did not disappoint. The glimpse they give into the Amish way of life is done in such a way that it's interesting and informative.
The way they all dealt with the different characters set of personal issues was made you want to see what happens next.

This is an enjoyable book! I liked all three stories, that were connected by the community they were in. The first story is about a couple that becomes engaged, until the man's world is changed after an accident. The second story was about a couple that needed to decide if they should continue their friendship, since she is Amish and he is not. The third story is about a girl that needs to overcome shyness, when she meets a fellow that manages to get past her shyness to form a friendship. Each are well written stories that are good, clean, fun to read!

Three heartwarming stories of finding love in the Amish country. From medical issues to family ties to learning to trust, each story has a unique way of expressing kindness and caring for others. Great reads. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.

The Brides of the Big Valley is three stories written by three generations of the Brunstetter family. I love this book. Each story is beautifully told. If you love all things Amish pick up this book and be transported into the lives of the characters. I highly recommend this book.

Three different novellas by the Brunstetter writers will introduce readers to Big Valley, Pennsylvania which consists of three groups of Amish. I found it interesting read about the differences between the Black toppers, Yellow toppers and White toppers since I has never heard of the groups. Each novella captures life within a group, a courtship and some struggles. This is light reading to introduce readers to Amish living. Recommended.

This is a heartwarming story. Well written couldn't put down when started to read. Love the author way of keeping the flow of her story going..

The Brides of Big Valley by Wanda E, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter is a wonderful compilation of three stories taking place in an Amish community in Pennsylvania.
Deanna’s Determination by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Deanna Speicher is a young widow with a special needs five year-old son. They live with her father and Deanna sells her quilts and other items at the flea market. She is courting with Elmer until he is blinded in an accident and withdraws from life. Will she be able to break down the walls he has put up?
Rose Mary’s Resolve by Jean Brunstetter. Rose Mary works in the family furniture shop. She lives at home and helps with her younger siblings also. She is being pressured by her boyfriend, Tom, to go English with him. Will she give in to the pressure?
Leila’s Longing by Richelle Brunstetter. Leila Fisher works beside her mom in their stamp and card store. She makes many of the cards they sell. Leila is very shy and uncomfortable around others as she was teased by the other children at school for her always drawing and writing in her notebook. Samuel, in particular, hurt her feelings and turned the others against her. What will happen when Samuel’s best friend meets Leila and is interested in her?
This collection of stories is excellent. The stories are set in the same community but do not necessarily build on each other. Each writer brings her own unique style to the stories and characters. I found it difficult to put the book down until I finished it. I give this book 5 of 5 stars; another hit for the Brunstetter’s.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Three generations of Brunstetter women come together again to write about the Amish of the Big Valley in Pennsylvania.

Deanna's Determinition by Wanda Brunstetter

Elmer Yoder loves Deanna Speicher and her young son.. He has loved her for a long time. When Elmer finally gets up the courage to ask Deanna to marry him, a tragic event could change everything.

Rose Mary's Resolve by Jean Brunstetter

Rose Mary finally drops her Amish boyfriend due to the fact he wants to jump the fence and join the Englisch world. An Englisch pilot crash lands his plane in Rose Mary's family field and is befriended by the family. Kevin and Rose Mary grow close but realistic decisions must be made.

Leila's Longing by Richelle Brunstetter

Leila is quiet and shy yet very creative. She makes handmade cards with her mother to help with the income. Leila meets a young Amish man from a different group of Amish that she is. Many factors stand in their way when it comes to courtship and marriage.

These are great stories. The novella is easy to read and would be a perfect start for a teenager to read who is interested in Amish fiction.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Brides of the Big Valley was an enjoyable and quick, light read. The book is broken down into three different stories, each written by a separate author.

1. The first story was my favorite of the three. I really thought that the character development was superb. I had a soft spot for the special needs son - it was very sweet how his character was woven into the tale. The conflict and resolution of the story was extremely relatable and well thought out. I can only describe it as a "feel good" story!

2. The second story's plot is heartwarming and faith-restoring. Rose Mary and Kevin's relationship is just plain sweet from start to finish. I would have liked more background information and development, though. The author seemed to jump quickly between ideas sometimes.

3. In the third story, Leila seems to struggle with anxiety and a lack of self-worth, which makes here an extremely relatable character. I truly enjoyed her. More detail would have been welcome throughout the story. It feels a bit choppy at times. However, the author is good at strategically not explaining something fully in order to leave the reader in suspense. She does this several times, but I do think it is tasteful and does not take away from the story.

I loved the aspects of faith that were woven carefully into each story. Overall, I would highly recommend this book as a quick summer read!

It was quite interesting reading these stories that revolve around the three different groups of the Amish and the way those differences affect their interactions with each other. But even more than that, these are lovely stories about young Amish women who, despite the difficulties they face, consistently cling to their faith, family, and friends for help and support. Each story was well-written and held my interest. My favorite story in this collection was “Deanna’s Determination”. Deanna’s story of being a widow and taking care of her young son who had Down’s Syndrome was heart-touching.

The stories are sweet, clean, and highlight trusting in God for help in time of need. I read this book while I was traveling and loved having the shorter stories to read. The length of each story is perfect and I never felt that the endings were rushed. This is a truly enjoyable collection of Amish bride stories.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Three unique perspectives into Amish life.
The first story is about a widow and her son with Down Syndrome and how she finds love again with a man she least expects. I loved the perseverance in this story! No matter what obstacles many come your way we can't give up but need to figure out ways to over come those obstacles.
Second we have a women at a crossroad in her life, she has to trust fully that God will lead her in the right direction even when it seems everyone around her is against what she believes God is telling her to do. I think this one was a great story on listening to God and not giving in to what the world wants you to do.
Last we have a story about a young women who is very shy who learns to overcome her fears to find love, loss, and a family of her own. This one was probably my favorite. It really is true that you have to stop thinking about what people might think of you and just be yourself or you will never grow into the person you are supposed to be.
I loved this book and would highly recommend adding it to your TBR pile.
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Brides of the Big Valley is an outstanding collection of three stories written by Wanda Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Rochelle Brunstetter. These amazing stories are set in the Big Valley in Pennsylvania and involve three different Amish communities. These communities are known by the colors of their buggies Yellow Toppers, White Toppers, and Black buggies. There is a lot of great information that is relayed throughout the three stories that helps the readers understand each community. All three of these intermingle with each other however there are different characters for each story.

Wanda's unique writing style is highlighted in her novella entitled Deanna's Determination. Once again Wanda has shown us why she writes. Her story has love, determination, and faith. When a devastating accident occurs her amazing characters are set on an extremely life changing course. I enjoyed this story immensely.

Jean Brunstetter has written a wonderful story that deals with the younger Amish community members and their struggles with commitment to their faith. Just has you think things are going to turn out a certain way Jean has us traveling a different path. The author has done an outstanding job creating her characters for this novella entitled Rose Mary's Resolve.

Richelle Brunstetter has done a superb job with her novella, Leila's Longings. She has created the perfect characters to tell her story of a young Amish girl who feels Aline except for her family. She takes her readers on a journey about forgiveness and renewed life through a life changing occurrence.

I was given the opportunity to read these fantastic novellas in advance by Netgalley, Barbour Publishing, and Wanda, Jean, and Rochelle Brunstetter. I, however, was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review and all views are strictly my own. I have rated this collection with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful book that I can highly recommend to others.

Loved this book. First there are three beautiful Amish stories of Brides in the Big Valley, also it gave me a lesson on the different types of Amish by explaining the difference by the color of there buggies. Never realized that before. Each story is written by one of the Brunstetter's. Kept my interest and could not put the book down. Finished it in one day. I also enjoyed the recipes that is always a treat.

Wanda Brunstetter has done it again...only this time with the assistance of family members. In this Amish romance, Elmer has a second chance with the girl he once loved before his best friend fell in love and married her. With the death of his best friend, Elmewr woos Deana with friendship and wins her and her special-needs son only to have the unthinkable happen. A great story of overcoming obstacles with love and God's help I would highly recommend this book.

Wanda Brunstetter has become a staple on my library shelf, and I was not surprised to find this newest book to be a delight. I did not anticipate that Wanda would be joined by her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. What a treat! As always, the stories are wholesome and while the storyline may involve modern problems and complications for the Amish characters, the language is clean and the plot is suitable for any reader. In this book, I especially enjoyed the third story, the offering from Richelle Brunstetter, as it seemed to clearly echo the legacy of her grandmother, both in writing style and in the faith undergirding the story. Four solid stars from me.

This is a book of 3 short stories by Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, Jean, and her granddaughter, Richelle.

I found this extremely interesting as it centered around an area called The Big Valley, located in Pennsylvania. There are 3 different groups of Amish living in this area, each distinguished by the color of the top of their buggy. Each story centers around a women from one of the groups and how their lives interact with those from the other groups. Can the groups actually have relationships outside of their own community? Love and faith play a big part in these books.

I extremely enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for those who enjoy reading books about the Amish.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a very well written book that holds your attention. I really enjoyed reading this book and learned something new about the Amish. If you enjoy reading heartwarming stories about love and faith, grab this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.