The Brides of the Big Valley

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

I was immediately drawn to The Brides Of Big Valley when I saw it was written by Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter in law and her granddaughter. What a treat! I knew the stories would be heartfelt and enjoyable. I always enjoy Amish fiction and Brunstetter seems to have inside knowledge that isn’t found with other Amish fiction writers. The Big Valley is an area that has three distinct Amish communities. The colors of the buggy top determines how the families live.-yellow, black or white.
In the first story we meet Deanna Speicher and her son who has Down syndrome. Deanna lives with her father after the death of her husband. She contributes by selling her quilting items at the local flea market. Elmer Yoder has a special relationship with Deanna’s son and would like to have a deeper relationship with Deanna . But as tragedy strikes can Elmer overcome his doubts and fears and move forward?
Rosemary’s Resolve is the second story in the book. The plot revolves around Rose Mary and her effort to find love even though she is positive Tom Yoder isn’t the one God has planned for her. I was surprised at this storyline. It seemed unusual for an Amish man to seem so persistent in his pursuit of an Amish girl. No only pursuing but try to convince Rose Mary to leave her faith and enter the Englisch world. Rose Mary is sure that world isn’t for her until she meets Kevin Presley. After a crashing his plane in the field near Rose Mary’s house, Kevin recovers with her family. As Kevin and Rose Mary draw closer together they have a decision to make. Which world do they belong to? One of them must make a change!
Leila’s Longing, the last story, is possibly the best. Even though she is extremely shy Leila must keep her mother’s stamp shop running while her mother is handling a difficult pregnancy. This story really focuses on the difference between the Amish communities. It also touches on bullying which is why Leila is so untrusting. I really didn’t think this story would have a happy ending. I think bittersweet might be a better word for the outcome. Following God’s path and trusting in His plan can be terribly difficult but He knows best. Leila comes through indecision, tragedy and fear to create a beautiful story by believing and following God’s path.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

The Brides of the Big Valley, told by three generations of the Brunstetters, tells three unique yet similar stories. Each story centers around a different and distinct Amish group within the larger Amish community of Pennsylvania. While the issues of each differ, the stories share common values. I found each one to be warm hearted, engaging and unique with likeable complex characters. I enjoyed the entire volume of stories equally and highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a 3 story book written by 3 women, of the same family!! Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter in law, Jean Brunstetter and her granddaughter, Richelle Brunstetter. These 3 stories are bound together by the setting of Amish communities, but that is where the similarity ends. As you read, you will soon see the different styles of each writer and see that they are in different times of their lives....it is an amazing journey! I enjoyed each and every story and will read this trilogy again....

First we have Deanna, a widow and the mother of a son with Down's syndrome. Oh, what will her life hold? She finds her second love, however, an accident threatens to take him away.....can she turn the tide and make her beau realize that life may change but when they stand together, they are strong.

The second, of this set, is about Rose Mary and the question of the moment.....Amish or English.....English or Amish?? Her life is complicated by the attention of 2 men....who will win?

And bringing up the rear is Leila. Leila has a few issues....insecurities, lack of confidence and fear.....great fear that began when her mother dies in childbirth. Can Aaron help her come out of her dark world into the beautiful world that can be hers for the asking?

Enjoy these stories.....take the time to enjoy the differences, the sameness and the joy of 3 different author's styles.....I sure did!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Three novellas by three generations of the Brunstetter ladies. All three different and unique in their own way. .This was a really nice read.
Written by mother, daughter in law and grandchild. They really.made the stories work, and complimented each other perfectly.
Each short story was well written and all three felt complete and not cut short or rushed.

Set in three neighbouring Amish communities, It was interesting to read about the different standards and lifestyles each had.
Each story focuses on love and faith, each deeply touches the heart.

I was excited to read this book because it's about other Amish in my home state of Pennsylvania.

I loved The Brides of the Big Valley by Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetters. I enjoyed getting to know and learn about all three each Amish communities in Big Valley and their differences.
The characters and stories were well developed and each one I drawn into the story.

The Bride's of the Big Valley is actually three novellas, each novella was individually written by one of the Brunstetters. Let me tell ya I couldn't tell who wrote which story if it hadn't been for the title page to each novella. All three write the same, which is good in my opinion, it made the book flow smoothly.

I look forward to reading more novella collections and hopefully individual books by each of the Brunstetters in the future.

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review in my own words. This is my review in my own words.

Love Wanda Brunstetter. Never a disappointment when picking up one of her books. This one is great in that it is 3 tales in one amazing book. Through her characters you can see and feel God moving in their lives.

An Amish life book, my favorite authors..what could go wrong? Nothing! Often books with several short stories are lacking. Sometimes the timing is to short for the content (What do you mean they want to get married! They just met yesterday!!). All of the stories in this book are well written and didn't feel rushed at all. Good book!
In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.
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