This book contains three different stories by three different authors. I loved reading the stories. each one was well written and held my attention. I found myself reading faster to see what was going to happen next. I love it when stories do that.

Return to the Big Valley

by Wanda Brunstetter

Consisting of three novellas written by three generations of Brunstetters, Return to the Big Valley is refreshingly gentle fiction set in Amish country. In this case “gentle” does not mean boring or humdrum.

Wilma’s Wish by Wanda Brunstetter is the story of Wilma Hostetler, a twenty-five year old former school teacher currently making quilted items to sell in her friend’s store. She is very much in love with her fiancée Isaac who works construction. Their lives are upended when Isaac’s widowed sister dies leaving five rambunctious children who don’t know how to respond to suddenly being orphaned. Will a single young man be able to take on these children without losing his beloved Wilma? This is a very sweet story; it addresses important themes of commitment, trust, and grieving.

Martha’s Miracle by Jean Brunstetter focuses on a different young couple in Pennsylvania. Martha Yoder’s family moved from Lancaster to Belleville, a smaller Amish community. They own a modest B&B that appeals to tourists. Glen Swarey’s family is also Amish. Neither Martha nor Glen has joined the church yet. Although they are courting, their lives seem to be taking them in different directions. It would take a miracle to remove the obstacles on the pathway to a happy marriage. Martha’s Miracle points out the advantages and disadvantages of both the English and Amish worlds. Its themes include trusting God and seeking His plan for your life, the importance of family, and staying true to your own character and beliefs.

Alma’s Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter is a story of personal tragedy. Married for almost a year, Alma’s world is shattered when her husband Michael passes away. Devastated, she clears out their house and moves back home. Unable to either settle in or grieve properly, Alma goes from Kentucky to her former hometown in Pennsylvania to get away and to help her friend in her card shop. She quickly reconnects with her childhood friend, Elias. When Alma moved with her parents, neither Elias nor Alma had confessed their romantic feelings to each other. Now they have a second chance, but there are many obstacles including the short amount of time since Michael’s passing, the concerns of their parents, and the necessity of their Amish bishop’s approval. But there is one more challenge that arises that may be the one that separates them forever.

I am not usually fond of novellas because there is just not enough time in that format for character development. All three of these authors did an outstanding job of creating characters with depth and developing interesting plots. I rarely judge novellas to be worthy of five stars, especially when all three are written by different authors, but these ladies have earned the accolades.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Christian, General Fiction, Romance

Notes: Three recipes are included which tie into the respective stories.

Publication: June 1, 2021—Barbour Publishing

Memorable Lines:

Wilma didn’t appreciate the reminder that she’d let her pride get in the way of telling Israel the truth. But her fear of rejection held her back more than pride, and she saw no way of getting past that.

“I’m sure in the English world you wouldn’t have to worry much about being a lady whose hobby is hunting…. there aren’t any set rules about women caring for their homes and family as there are in the Amish community.” Lori chimed in. “I would have to say in the Mennonite groups it isn’t as big of a deal either. If a lady hunts, that’s okay. Each of us has different hobbies.”

His eyes were like ocean waves cascading the shoreline as tears threatened to spill over.

I love Wanda's books very much but when you have family included it's even more special!
I liked this book for several reasons.
There's a little something in these types of stories for everyone to enjoy. Each story can read be read one a day or you can just devour it like I did! I just couldn't help myself!
Amish stories like these are my very favorite genre and this book was no exception. The Brunstetter's write such amazing and feel good stories with messages that we can use in our daily lives.
I can't say that I have a favorite story because I really did love them all!
5 stars for excellency
My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions are mine. I was NOT required to write a positive review.

The Return to Big Valley is the follow up to the Big Valley stories that Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter published before. You will get to see your friends from the first book, but make some new ones along the way. It is three delightful stories about love and hope. Each one reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, even if we don't always understand it. I love how the authors also include scripture and show us how it can relate to our everyday lives. This was a good book. I always enjoy reading the Brustetter books! Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read it. All opinions are my own.
#all_the_pages

Review: This book is a book of three short stories, which I did not realize. So I will try to give something about each.

Wilma’s Wish: This was very good and kept me glued to it. This was written by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I have read Wilma’s books before and they are very good. As you can tell, this story is about Wilma Hostetler. She is a seamstress and makes things for her friend, Deanna, to sell. At the same time, Wilma is engaged to Israel Zook. As the story goes on, Israel’s sister passes away leaving behind 5 young children without a parent and no one else to take care of them. Wilma has problems caring for the boys while Israel works, and ends up calling off the marriage. Will the two ever get back together or will they find other suitors? Also, will the boys ever warm up to her? That is where you will need to read this book to get these answers and more.

Martha’s Miracle: This was another excellent story and has kept me riveted. This was written by Jean Brunstetter. Again, as you can tell by the title, this is about Martha Yoder. Her mother keeps trying to makes her into a lady by going to all of the Amish goings on, but she would much rather be fishing or hunting. Sarah, her mother, wants her to go to these things to find a good Amish husband. But meanwhile, her friend, Lori Miller, invites her to a gathering at the fire house, and meets Glen Swarey, who’s father is one of the ministers in the Amish community. They end up courting, but Glen is living the English life. This does not go well with Martha’s mother. He does not seem interested in the church at all. Will Martha end up together or parting ways? Will Glen come back to the church and God? These and more questions will be answered as you read this story.

Alma’s Acceptance: This one was a little harder to get in to. Alma Wengerd is recently widowed and has returned to the Big Valley to spend some time with a friend. At the very beginning, I did not like Alma. She seemed to come across as pushy and one who had OCD. She even brought her own cleaning supplies to her friend’s home! She rearranged the cupboard in the kitchen, which is the woman’s domain. She didn’t seem to realize that this was not her home. If this had been my home, I would have told her it was time to go back home. Meanwhile, I had to push myself to continue reading. I did warm up when she reconnected with long-ago friend Elias. Sparks seemed to be flying, but at the same time, she had been a widow for only a month. What we ask here are, will the bishop’s allow a courtship between these two, considering she is recently widowed? There is a time frame of usually one year. If they are allowed, what will happen then? You will need to read this to find the answer to these questions and more.

There is more going on in the Big Valley
"Return to the Big Valley. 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community" was published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. 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. It is the sequel to "The Brides of the Big Valley" by the same authors and plays again in three distinct Amish communities who define and distinguish themselves by the color of their buggies - white, black, or yellow. Although readers will meet some characters of the previous book, this time it is Wilma and Israel, Martha and Glen, and Alma and Eli who are at the center of the stories. They situation of their life is different, they all face various challenges, but in reality they also long for love. Will they find it?
The characters in the book are good and wholesome, they are believable and the book is encouraging and challenging. Although, by its title, the book is the sequel to first book it can be read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend it for those readers who like Amish novels, especially those that contain some romance.
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.
#ReturnToTheBigValley #NetGalley

The Return to the Big Valley is a collection of three Amish stories. These stories include:
Wilma’s Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Martha’s Miracle by Jean Brunstetter
Alma’s Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter
I enjoyed every one of these short stories. All of them are heartwarming with clean romance. I was entertained with all three. Readers will be able to connect with one or more of the characters. Though, I liked them all, my favorite of the three would have to be Wanda E Brunstetter’s Wilma’s Wish.

The Return to the Big Valley is getting four stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading sweet Amish fiction. It is definitely worth a read. I liked it.

Return to the Big Valley by the Brunstetter ladies

Wilma's Wish by Wanda Brunstetter
Wilma and Israel were planning to marry when Israel's sister dies leaving her five sons for Israel to raise. Wilma had been a school teacher surely she would be able to handle the boys or will she call off the wedding?

Martha's Miracle by Jean Brunstetter
Martha is the outdoor type. She likes to sketch, hunt and fish. Her boyfriend Glen is interested in the Fire Company and thinking of going English. Martha is very concerned and is not sure if their differences will pull them apart or end in marriage.

Alma's Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter
Alma's husband has died leaving her a widow, She is having bad dreams nearly every night trying to act like life is normal. A friend in her old community calls Alma to come a stay awhile. While looking for a card for his Mam, Elias goes to a small card shop when he sees Alma a friend from his childhood.

Three stories where trust in God will make a difference. Another good read from the Brunstetters.

This ebook was provided by the publisher and NetGalley. This review is my own.

These were 3 very good novellas that drew me in and wouldn’t let go. Very captivating!
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

hree novels in one about 3 different women with completely different circumstances. Love and faith are like that. It challenges our faith and gives a reader a behind the scenes on what faith looks like in different circumstances. Sometimes you see yourself and other times a longing of faith in community. I always enjoy a good Amish romance from the Brunstetter family.

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

These are three different Amish love stories by three different authors, each with their own distinctive style. All concern finding the perfect spouse and courting. What I enjoy about these types of books is that each story is a comfortable length for sitting and reading all at once. I recommend this book to those who enjoy this genre and those who want a quick, satisfying read.



I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

The Return to the Big Valley by the Brunstetter family is a book featuring three short stories. They are your typical Amish romance stories.
To be honest, this is my least favorite book by Wanda Brunstetter and I have read all of her books. This one all the stories seemed as if they were hastily written. They were slow moving. If I had to pick a favorite though, the one written by Richelle would be it.
I was given an ARC by Barbour Publishing, Inc; via NetGalley for an honest review.

Return to Big Valley. Three Amish stories in one book by the Brunstetter ladies. The book features the following stories Wilma’s Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Martha’s Miracle by Jean Brunstetter and Alma’s Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter. I really enjoyed the inspirational collection of these novellas and it was as delightful as The Brides of Big Valley.
The Amish fiction is my favorite genre and if you love reading Amish fiction as much as I do then I do recommend reading Return to Big Valley. Wanda is a great author and it seems Jean and Richelle are right behind her. The three ladies do write a very good book together.

This was a delightful three part novel by Wanda Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Richelle Brunstetter. Mother, Daughter in law and granddaughter. Some I’ve spoken to have a favorite of the three but I enjoyed each one equally.
Would you marry someone that suddenly has five young boys to care for after a sister dies? How about an Amish woman unlike most that enjoys fishing and hunting? She wants to remain Amish but her beau is leaning toward going English. There is also a young widow that goes back to the Big Valley where she grew up. She quickly begins a renewed relationship with an Amish man that she was once close to but their dating is frowned upon by many.
These are all heart tugging with struggles and friendships that are challenged by everyday life. I love how forgiveness is often brought into the picture. It takes a strong, loving character to work on a friendship rather than lose it. I’m not sure I could do the same.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Return to the Big Valley is a compilation of three novellas by Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter. These are each nice short stories that can read in an evening. Each of the stories are based on different couples with different situations they are dealing with. I enjoyed reading these stories and the different writing style of each of the authors.

In Wilma’s Wish we see the struggles Israel had with taking his five nephews when his sister died. It is fun to see how the boys change through out the story and how Wilma struggles with trying to help Israel.

In Martha’s Miracle we see a young lady who loves the outdoors, hunting and fishing. She struggles with finding a man who loves her just the way she is. When she meets Glen she is faced with having a man who likes her for herself, but is leaning toward the English life.

Alma’s Acceptance is a story of second chances. Alma’s husband past away just weeks prior and she has gone to visit friends. While there she get reacquainted with a friend and their relationship moves faster than others approve.

These are nice stories to read just to get away from things. The theme of faith and prayer is evident in each story. Each of the stories has a different romance situation where the couple have to make choices.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest review.

The Return to the Big Valley, is a trilogy by the best selling authors, in Amish genre, Wanda Brundstetter, her daughter, Jean Brunstetter and granddaughter, Richelle Brunstetter. All in one family, they each have very different writing styles and the more you read of their writings, the more you will appreciate each style. I have read many of their books/stories and really like the way each of them can turn a story into an endearing tale of human nature, human failings and humanity restored.

Wilma's Wish will make you ponder on the fate of Wilma and her fiancee, Isreal. Isreal suddenly becomes the guardian of his 5 nephew and the trials begin for both him and Wilma. Pushed to the point of cancelling the wedding, Wilma doesn't seem to be coping well with taking care of these boys, as Isreal works. Who knows if this relationship can be saved and in all honesty, does Wilma want to save it?

Martha's Miracle, is the second story, in this triple novella. Martha is her father's "son".....in loving what any Amish boy would love.....hunting, fishing, outside work, etc. Doesn't lend itself well to finding a husband for what mans wants a woman who can out fish or out hunt him?? But, along comes a man, Glen, who is teetering on leaving the faith and he has caught Martha's attention. But he has a car and is training to be a fireman....will the differences outweigh the likes....tough decisions to be made.

Alma's Acceptance, the third novella, is written by the youngest Brunstetter....Richelle. Here is the story of Alma Wengerd who is a young widow. She has a friend in Belleville, PA, Leila Troyer, who asks Alma to come and stay with her and maybe start to heal from her loss. Alma seems to have a bit of OCD. She even packed all her cleaning supplies to take to Leila's and when she arrives, she starts not only to clean but to rearrange the house!! Alma seems to have a strange way of dealing with grief.....much to Leila's dismay!! Out of Alma's memories of years ago, comes a friend she once knew and cared about. Elias is still living in the same community and is pleasantly surprised to see Alma. Elias accepts Alma's quarks and foibles.. BUT, Alma has not been widowed long enough to start courting again and now the elders of the church are going to get involved.

Sit back, grab a good refreshment, light a candle and enjoy the happenings in Big Valley....I did!!*I received a complimentary copy of The Return to the Big Valley through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I love novellas included in books together. These three stories are written by Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter. Each author, although related, have unique and different styles of writing. I love how each included their own voice to the stories. Each of the heroines in the book were as different as the authors. Martha had a love for the outdoors which many Amish women do not have, Wilma has to make a huge choice. Will she make the right one? Alma made me smile as she strove for perfection but fell short. I look forward to more. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Overall, the book was okay. I’ve read better by all three authors but they could have been worse, too. All three stories seemed a little rushed to me. I know they are novellas but they seemed lacking on details. I would have liked to see more detail in all three stories.

Honestly, there were parts that made me feel good and cozy. There were some detail that I did like. I liked how all three stories worked out well in the end for the main characters. I liked how each woman had her own struggle to go through and ended up working it out in her favor. I mean that’s the point of a fiction book, right?! Each story showed how people aren’t perfect, even people of the Amish faith. We all have struggles and we all have moments when we aren’t perfect in how we act, right?! These stories showed us how to redeem ourselves and how to work things out.

“This book was provided to me by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.”

I liked this book. This is a collection of sweet, clean stories with faith themes of trusting God during difficult times. It’s the type of story collection that’s great for those times when you want something lighter and shorter to read.

I do think that as compared to Wanda Brunstetter’s full-length books, the characters aren’t quite as developed in this trio of stories. I didn’t get quite as involved in the storylines in this collection for that reason. The details sometimes seemed rushed to get to the ending of the story. However, that’s sometimes the nature of this type of story collection and putting aside those two things, I still enjoyed reading the book.

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

Three wonderful stories by 3 wonderful ladies.
Wilma's Wish Delightful story with some very rambunctious boys and a choice that Wilma has to make. Teaches us that things are not always as they seem to be.
Martha's Miracle Another wonderful story of a young lady who likes doing things that males do and always being told that she will not find a husband. Teaches us that there is always someone out there for us.
Alma's Acceptance After losing her husband Alma's goes to visit a friend from her prior district. She learns that sometimes we over estimate what others will think.