Cover Image: The Blended Quilt

The Blended Quilt

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

“I have learned that whatsoever state I am in, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11”

Wanda Brunstetter is one of my favorite Amish fiction writers, I always look forward to reading her books. For me, The Blended Quilt was a delightful read and blended two beautiful & differing Amish communities into one quilt. The end result of Sadie's work was exquisite just from the authors description!

What I really loved was how the above scripture set the tone for this story. Both Sadie & Wyman struggled to find contentment in the ordinary & every day stuff—ie: jobs, money, material things. They were both looking for outside things to satisfy them, when in reality, God was calling them to find joy in what He had already given them. I think when we try to find our satisfaction in every day things, we often miss what's right in front of us....the importance of family, friends, community, love & real joy that's deeper than anything we can gain. They learned this lesson as the story played out. I really enjoyed watching their character growth in how they changed & matured.

I liked getting to know the other characters in this story as well; each one struggled with their own problems and came to grips with what really matters in the end. They often reminded each other of the importance of praying for God's direction in their decisions and supporting each other in hard times. That's one thing I especially love in the Amish families, how they pull together when a need arises & help each other through it. Wyman and Sadie certainly stepped up to be there for their families when the time came, I rejoiced in watching it!

If you like Amish fiction, I recommend this timeless story of family, community, seeking God's direction, and the importance of true contentment. You can count on Brunstetter to write a faith-filled story and bring this genre to life!

*I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to leave a review. All opinions are mine. *

Was this review helpful?

I never hesitate to read a book by one of the Brunstetters. They are always excellent stories based on faith and family. The Blended Quilt continues in this tradition.

As a young woman of Amish faith, Sadie has planned for her future since she was very young. A trip to Hawaii with friends has left her with so many good memories that she incorporates Hawaiian patterns into her traditional Amish quilt patterns. Sadie must make some decisions on her future, trusting in her faith to guide her. A beautiful story of a life we only see from the outside. Another 5 star read by the Brunstetters.

Was this review helpful?

The Blended Quilt is book four in the Amish Hawaiian Series by Wanda E. and Jean Brunstetter. Sadie and Wyman have been in a relationship for some time but he is not able to commit to her. Sadie ends the courtship to allow him to find an occupation that will allow him to support a family. During this separation she designs a beautiful quilt and is encouraged to write a quilting book. Just as Wyman settles into a job, Sadie receives an inheritance that allows her to pursue a dream. This take up so much of her time, now she is the one not focusing on their relationship.
This is a wonderful story in which the authors blend their writing talents to write a story of how important it is to have patience and faith in a relationship and strong family devotion. I enjoyed being able to read about Sadie and her friends again. This story is well written and gives good introduction to the characters, making it a good stand alone story. But the whole series is just as good, and I recommend reading them all in order to get the whole story.
I received an ebook copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

So many of us feel that while we're doing the right thing by getting absorbed in our work, beliefs, and other busyness, but when we are neglectful of our other responsibilities, or ignoring loved ones, we must make changes. I've been guilty of some of this and until I repented and changed, I didn't feel peace. In this book, Sadie Kuhns did exactly this sort of thing.
Starting out, she wanted marriage and a family and felt like her boyfriend was never going to ask her to marry him. She decided to make a unique quilt to occupy her time by creating her own design incorporating Amish and Hawaiian designs. After encouragement from others, she wrote a book about her one of a kind, a beautiful creation!
She knew she couldn't afford to self-publish. Her aunt passed and left her a huge inheritance so Sadie was able to quit her job and concentrate on her book.
Her boyfriend, Wyman, grew jealous and neglected from her lack of time spent with him and he pulled away from her, especially when she started traveling to different states to promote her book.This is a very interesting story that included surprises.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Blended Quilt.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Was this review helpful?

The Blended Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is a lovely story. It is a continues the story of the four girls who took a cruise to the Hawaiian Island four and a half years ago in The Hawaiian Quilt. The Hawaiian Discovery is the sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt and it tells Ellen’s story. While The Blended Quilt could be read as a standalone, I believe it is best to read the books in order. It will allow you to have a better understanding of the characters and their situations. I thought this was a unique Amish book with our main character having an unusual occupation. Sadie Kuhns is the only one of the four friends who is still unmarried. She would love to marry beau, Wyman Kaufman, but he cannot seem to settle into a permanent job. Wyman gets bored with a job, quits, and then moves onto another one. Sadie worries that Wyman could not provide a steady life for a wife and family. Sadie is a gifted quilter who sometimes creates her own patterns. She decides to commemorate her trip to Hawaii with a quilted wall hanging that blends Amish and Hawaiian patterns. The quilt sounded lovely when finished and unique. This quilt leads to the suggestion that Sadie write a book. I thought Sadie and Wyman were developed characters. I liked Sadie who is a sweet, compassionate woman. I was not fond of Wyman was immature and selfish. I kept hoping that a new love interest would appear for Sadie. I liked that we got updates on Mandy, Barbara, and Ellen. We get to spend time with Mandy and Ken in Kauai as they suffer life’s ups and downs. The point-of-view alternates between Sadie, Wyman, and several other characters. I like getting a female and male perspective on situations. We get to see the characters face a series of challenges. Life is not smooth sailing even in fiction. I did wonder, though, why the author chose not to have the bishop or elders help the characters in their time of need. It would have added another touch of realism to the story. There were times when the Kuhnses and Kaufman families could have used some expert guidance and advice. I did feel the ending was a little rushed. I felt the changes were too sudden. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up this sweet story. I enjoyed reading The Blended Quilt. It provided me with a lovely break from reality which I desperately needed. The Blended Quilt is a heartwarming Amish tale with quaint quilts, ennui employment, an astonishing abundance, faithful friends, a bored beau, and an unforeseen opportunity.

Was this review helpful?

The Blended Quilt is another wonderful tale by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter. I love the stories written by this duo and this one does not disappoint. I thought this was a beautifully written read. I enjoyed getting to know on Sadie from the start. It was great watching her grow throughout the book.
I am giving The Blended Quilt a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy Amish Fiction.

I received The Blended Quilt from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

The Blended Quilt (and actually, the entire trilogy) is a little different from most Amish books in that Hawaii played a huge part. I loved it. I loved getting the Amish perspective on something that is out of reach for many. I also loved that Sadie was able to pursue a dream that was outside marriage and family. Envy played a huge role in this book and the Scripture included in the story are a good reminder to all of us. The only person I was not really crazy about was Wyman. He jumped from job to job, ready to quit at any given moment. He never really thought about his lack of encouragement towards Sadie’s dream, only that she wasn’t paying attention to him. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. This story can be read as a standalone, but I would encourage you to read the first two in the trilogy if you haven’t already. I am a huge fan of the Brunstetters and I highly recommend The Blended Quilt. Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

In Middlebury, Indiana, Sadie Kuhns daydreams about the trip she and four girlfriends made to Hawaii a couple years ago. She decides to make a unique blended quilt to represent her Amish heritage and her trip to these beautiful islands. She also daydreams about her relationship with Wyman Kaufman. They’ve been courting for quite some time now, but Wyman can’t seem to stick with one job for very long. If he doesn’t like the work, he quits and moves on to something else. How could he ever support a wife and family? His job at his father’s feed store seems perfect to Sadie, but she soon learns, (however, not from Wyman himself) that he has quit that one too. She becomes very upset with Wyman and tells him he will have to stick with a job and prove himself to be more responsible before she will continue to see him.

During their hiatus, Sadie is encouraged by a friend to write a book about her beautiful blended quilt she has designed and completed. Sadie becomes totally engaged in the writing, printing and promoting of the book and does not encourage Wyman at all. He’s now found a job, although very low paying, and is determined to stick with it to win Sadie back. When an unexpected surprise drops in Sadie’s lap and a tragedy strikes Wyman’s family, both of their demeanors change. Can they ever get back together and become a couple?

Jean and Wanda Brunstetter are a mother / daughter author team who bring us a charming, inspirational story about the difficulty of relationships and being content with your life in THE BLENDED QUILT. Sadie and Wyman are very realistic characters who are strong in their convictions, although flawed in some ways. They are surrounded by a plethora for supporting characters who are not always as supporting as they would like. The story line moves along methodically, with several side trips to other characters’ challenges and experiences. These side trips emphasize some of the main issues Sadie and Wyman are facing with the way we handle grief and the importance of helping others. THE BLENDED QUILT is a touching Amish story you’ll want to pick up and read.

Was this review helpful?

Creating a unique quilt, writing a book and learning about life in a complicated courtship causes concern at times for Sadie. Patience and trust are needed. Good story. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing. No review was required.

Was this review helpful?

This book was received as an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. - Shiloh Run Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I could not relate more to a novel than I did The Blended Quilt. Every page put a smile to my face because in some way shape or form I am going through the same important tough life decisions as Sadie and Wyatt. Being a librarian and a future up and coming freelance writer and my marriage to my husband is the most important thing to me, I need to do whatever it takes to keep that strong as ever. Unlike the struggles of Sadie and Wyatt, my husband and I know that this will all be worth it in the end and we will stick together no matter the circumstances. It is always nice to read a book that is driven by a similar situation that you went through in which all the more reason to count your blessings.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Another Amish romance by Jean Brunstetter and Wanda E. Brunstetter!! In the past, I’ve reviewed Twice as Nice Amish Romance and A Heartwarming Romance Collection. I especially enjoy The Blended Quilt because it ties in my home state of Hawaii into it! Oh, I never realized there were similarities in Amish and Hawaiian quilting!

The Blended Quilt by Jean Brunstetter & Wanda E. Brunstetter. Barbour Publishing, Inc. Release date: 11/01/2020. ISBN: 9781643526010
I’ve read a few books by these ladies and I’ve enjoyed them all quite a bit. I really enjoy reading about the Amish. The Philadelphia Dutch is becoming familiar to read, if only I knew how to speak it! The Amish way of life is an enticing one that leaves out so much of our hustle and bustle of daily life rushing here or there and spending so much time with the benefits of electricity and the internet. Every time I read an Amish story I’m reminded of how privileged I am and I shouldn’t take advantage of it.

This sweet romance story brought me personal realizations of selfishness. The main characters seem to both be selfish in their own situations. It’s always the other that’s selfish. Isn’t selfishness difficult to realize in ourselves? The way these characters treat others and how they carry themselves helped me to pay closer attention to my own words and actions.

One issue I had with this story was that the main characters seemed to rush from feeling the other is selfish to suddenly ready for marriage. There wasn’t much of a transition that either felt their God and family should come before themselves. It seemed rushed to go from wanting what makes them happy to getting married. Otherwise, this is a lovely story.

A digital copy of The Blended Quilt by Jean Brunstetter & Wanda E. Brunstetter was provided complimentary by Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I give this book four our of five stars because of the self-reflection I found myself doing and the fact that the two main characters didn’t seem to be ready for marriage just yet.

Was this review helpful?

Another great story written by Wanda Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter. This book is more about Sadie Kuhns. Sadie thought she knew what life had in store for her until something unexpected happened.

Sadie questions the choices she made. Who doesn't do that? Some decisions we make quickly. Some are difficult to make and it takes a lot of time. What we usually don't do is PRAY to GOD before we make any decision. Throughout the book prayer was the first thing that Sadie and other characters did when they were troubled, needed to make a decision and even when they were thankful.

I always enjoy books about the Amish. It is appealing to people who are not Amish. We live such hectic lives.



I wasn't too sure where Sadie was headed. But she had a level head on her shoulders, the support of her family and God guiding her along the way.

I received this book from the author/publisher for free to review.

Was this review helpful?

For me it was hard to stay interested in the story. It was too much envy and i guess greed om this.book for me. It did not give med the calmness that amish books usually do. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

Sweet stories that you will enjoy! An easy read and a sweet story of love and all things Amish. It’s a great book that you will love - especially if you love Amish fiction!

Was this review helpful?

Sadie and Wyman's relationship is a bumpy one. He can't commit to a job and Sadie is frustrated. She starts a personal project of a quilt combining the reminders of her past trip to Hawaii and her Amish heritage. There are some rough patches in their relationship as Sadie inherits a large amount of money, writes a book that takes her away from home as she promotes it and yet throughout, the relationship hangs by a thread.
It is a clean read and interesting, as the relationship continues to struggle. The story shows how patience and faith are sometimes important in life and that life does not always run smoothly but even the best relationships have issues to deal with and overcome.

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

Was this review helpful?

I grew up near a large Amish community in Ohio and love to read stories that include them. This story was the second I read about the same main character, and was a lovely sequel.

Was this review helpful?

"The Blended Quilt" is the continuing story of Sadie, one of four Amish friends who enjoyed a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. I loved this story, although it took me a little to get into the story at first. I liked how the story went into the feelings of envy and jealousy of her family, as well as, Sadie's own feelings after her inheritance was awarded. I liked how Sadie set her own path and followed her dreams mixing what she loves with her experiences in Hawaii. I also enjoyed how the rocky romance didn't fully come full circle until the very end.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and netgalley in return for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I had a very difficult time staying in
interested in this book. The combination quilt of Hawaiian and Amish designs was interesting especially since traveling from the mainland can’t be that common among Amish.
I know there are a vast number of Amish groups but I wasn’t prepared for older adults still living at home and openly dating when normally that is left to the couples secrecy. Added to that, why date when one isn’t holding a job or ready to commit to marriage?
There are a lot of good twists in the story. By the end, I was honestly ready for the couple to go their separate ways for good. I know life is full of lessons, but I’m skeptical in a real life situation that the marriage would have lasted.

Was this review helpful?

The Blended Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is an easy and enjoyable story. In typical Brunstetter style, we meet Sadie Kuhns and Wyman Kaufman, two Amish youth that can't seem to make a relationship work. However, unlike other Amish fiction, The Blended Quilt has more Englisch interference than normal. From cruises to Hawaii, publishing an Amish book, and inheriting a large sum of money, the story gives the reader a look at how Plain people handle worldly temptations. The downside of the book is the stilted dialogue. The conversations don't flow easily and seem contrived. This was distracting from an otherwise good book.

Was this review helpful?

Publisher sent me an ARC for an honest review. I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter's books! I like the Publisher's motto or mission - to bring inspiration to the world with life-changing message of the Bible.

Relax while you travel to Middlebury Indiana.
Travel to beautiful Hawaii with them.

Enjoyed this series.
I like how Hawaii and the Amish were intermingled.

Scripture verses inspire throughout book.
Learn the Amish ways and think about their everyday life.

Was this review helpful?