This is the book that fans of Wanda Brunstetter have been waiting for. What happened to Rosa Petersheim? If you have read the other two books in this series you will know that she disappeared without a trace. Her family has waited for two long years with no word from Rosa. The answers are here in this book. With that I will say no more except you won’t want to miss reading The Pretender.
This is a book that is hard to put down once you’ve started reading it. I was drawn into the story all the way through the book to the epilogue. It was entertaining, Inspirational, and a page turner. The story focuses uon how harmful lies can be and how one lie will lead to another lie. The characters are well drawn and fit the story well.
I highly recommend The Pretender to readers of Christian Fiction and Amish Fiction. I would recommend reading book one and book two before reading this book. The mystery is carried from the previous books to this one. This book is scheduled for release on 8/1/25.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are solely my own.
#ThePretender #NetGalley

I don’t read very many Amish books because they trigger me. My background is very similar to the Amish lifestyle and beliefs.
This book seems to be about more progressive Amish. The emphasis on knowing Jesus isn’t much a part of the Old Testament, follow the rules, sects.
I found it very telling that when the main character rightfully pushes back against the rules, there can be no real explanation. It’s just “that is how it is done”.
There is a redemptive storyline and the main characters were well defined.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I was excited to see how this story would play out and it did not disappoint. The mystery of what happened to Rosa when she disappeared is revealed. Not what I expected, but it still made the story delightful. Easy to follow storyline. This can be read as a stand alone, but I am glad I read the other two books in the series-The Protector and The Peacemaker so I was familiar with the characters. Wanda Brunstetter is an exceptional writer and I always look forward to her books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

The Pretender by Wanda E Brunstetter is the 3rd book in her Mifflin County Mystery series. I did read the first 2 books and couldn’t wait to read about what happened to Rosa Perersheim. In the first series she disappeared and no one knew if she was dead or alive. Rosa returns 2yrs later, pregnant and with her pretend husband Anthony Reeves who she works with. This book is full of Faith, Family, Friends, Hope and Redemption. Snuggles up and enjoy! Thank you to #NetGalley and #Barbour Publishing for this Arc. This is my honest review! Releases Aug 1 2025

Good sequel that further develops the plot and characters as Rosa comes home to her Amish parents with a husband in tow. The couple aren’t really married, but Anthony is pretending in order to protect Rosa who became pregnant due to a relationship with a married man. The personalities of the characters is integral the story . Rosa and Anthony’s families are both stereotypes, but that works well as it shapes the plot which is predictable yet entertaining.

5 Stars – A Compelling and Redemptive Amish Mystery

The Pretender, book three in Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Big Valley Disappearance series, invites readers deep into the heart of Amish country, where secrets stir beneath serene landscapes. Rosa Petersheim’s sudden return—visibly pregnant and accompanied by a stranger claiming to be her husband—upends everything her family and community thought they knew.

Brunstetter handles the emotional layers with grace and authenticity. Rosa’s struggle with guilt and acceptance, paired with Anthony Reeves’ mysterious presence, makes for a story filled with tension, redemption, and unexpected warmth. The dynamics within Rosa’s family are portrayed with empathy and depth, reflecting the complexities of faith, forgiveness, and belonging.

Brunstetter’s rich understanding of Amish culture brings depth to the narrative, while the mystery thread keeps you turning pages. The Pretender is a moving blend of drama, faith, and heartfelt healing—a satisfying and meaningful continuation of the series.

I have to say when I first met Anthony I fell in love with him myself. He's a cutie for sure and certain. He's also kind and I loved in getting to know him.
I loved the inspirational verses that were interwoven in this story of love and forgiveness. Forgiveness is a must but it's a must in order to move on
As always I love Brunstetter's books. I too have been waiting for this one. This one did not disappoint.
The lies, deciet and secrets were what made this story interesting.
Brunstetter has done a fantastic job in making these characters realistic and she shows us that the Amish definitely aren't perfect.
"For you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free." John 8:32.
Amen and Amen! Secrets are a terrible burden. One lie to cover up another one.
I didn't want this story to end. I sure hope that Susan gets her own story with Noah. It wouldn't be so end it with Rosa.
I really enjoyed this story. It was wonderful.
As you read this wonderful story I hope you recognize the Bible theme here.
It took me awhile but I figured it out.
I still loved every minute of it.
5 stars for a job well done. I highly recommend it
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I have loved all of Wanda’s books and this was no exception. It’s the third in the Mifflin County series. I have not read the first two and this was fine as a standalone. There are great characters and a great storyline which kept me turning the pages. I was given a complimentary copy of this book and the opinions expressed are my own.

Loved reading the inspirational and engaging story. When Rosa comes back to town pregnant, Anthony, a co-worker, pretends to be her husband. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting romance story.

A sweet Amish romance. A pregnant young lady, who finds a fellow worker agreeing to prevent to be her husband so she could go back to her family. I did like this one, although the younger sister was irritating with her jealousy and anger. Still though, liked this one and the HEA of course. Would highly recommend this one.

In The Pretender, the third installment of Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Big Valley Disappearance (Mifflin County Mystery) series, readers are drawn back into the quiet rhythms and hidden secrets of Pennsylvania’s Amish country. The story centers on Rosa Petersheim, a young woman who vanished two years earlier. Her unexpected return, visibly pregnant and accompanied by a man named Anthony Reeves posing as her husband, shocks her community.

Brunstetter masterfully navigates complex emotional terrain as Rosa wrestles with the shame of her choices and the burden of keeping secrets. Her family’s mixed reactions—love, suspicion, confusion—are portrayed with sensitivity and realism. Anthony, too, brings layers of intrigue, and his outsider status adds tension and depth to the story.

The author’s deep understanding of Amish culture enriches the narrative, capturing the nuances of community expectations, forgiveness, and redemption. The novel touches on themes of identity, healing, and the long road back to acceptance, all while maintaining a thread of mystery and emotional suspense.

The Pretender is a heartfelt, thought-provoking continuation of the series that blends drama, romance, and redemption into a satisfying read.

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. – John 8:32
After all this time, we finally learn what happened to Rosa. I have been waiting a year for this book!
Rosa’s family and friends get closure after more than 2 years of wondering and searching, and each deals with the truth in his or her own way. While reading books 1 and 2, I had no idea how this could ever end in a satisfying way, but Wanda Brunstetter has given us a complex story of despair and hope, loss and restoration, repentance and forgiveness. Ultimately, God gives beauty for ashes, working all things for the good for those who trust in Him.
The conclusion of this mystery was everything I could have hoped for and more. If you have not already, dive into this series, binge read it, and then, like me, breathe a contented sigh of relief. Whatever you do, don’t miss it!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Anthony Reeves was bussing and filling in for Eileen at his fathers' Italian Restaurant in New York City. Eileen was the best waitress the restaurant had ever had, she knew everyone by name and she was fast with the orders. Eileen had been coming in to work late and today she came in with a tearstained face and said that her life was over!

Eileen told Anthony that she was pregnant by a man she babysat for and that he would not leave his wife for herand he called her a liar.
Eileen said that she could not survive by waitressing so she had to go back to her hometown and beg her parents to take her back in their home.

Anthony offered to help Eileen by pretending to be her husband and then having a big fight and getting a divorce - but the baby would have a legitimate father.

It seemed like a good plan, but when they arrived at Eileens' parents home, he found out they were Amish !

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Another amazing book in this series by a wonderful author. The whole story came together so well in this book. I would certainly give this series more than five stars if I could. I just love reading about the Amish life and reading a series like this feels like coming back to family. I read so many books between the time that a new one comes out in a series but I am able to pick right up on the storyline.