When an Amish girl visits Hawaii, she discovers her calling. . . Mandy Frey has always longed to see Hawaii, so before joining the Amish church and considering marriage with her boyfriend Gideon, she convinces three friends to join her on a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands. But when Mandy and one of her friends miss the cruise ship after a port of call on Kauai, how will they adjust and get back … will they adjust and get back home? Captured by the enchanting scenery and culture in Hawaii, their vacation turns into an extended stay. Special friendships are soon made, but home, family, and Gideon await Mandy back in Indiana.
Will time away from the Amish community change Mandy’s view of the world, her faith, and true love? Does a Hawaiian quilt have the power to bring two hearts together?
Find out in this brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.
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I’ve mentioned a hundred or so times how I’m an emotional reviewer. I do my best rambling about a book when it’s fresh in my mind. The more time I put between the rambling and the book the less panache I have to put into a review. All that to say I’m struggling here people. I finished this book a couple of days about but there’s a whole real life and day job thing that too precedence over writing. And here I sit not sure I can pull all those immediate thoughts to the front of my brain and out my fingers.
Wanda consistently gives me vibrant, simple characters. She gives me amazing stories that soothe my heart. I mean this in the most glowing way possible. Simple characters with little to no drama just living their life and figuring out the next best thing for them. Wanda lets me slow down and just enjoy life. I love that about her books. With ‘The Hawaiian Quilt’ Wanda stepped out a bit, all in good ways. First, this story reads like her older books, greater depth of content. We tag along as Mandy and Ellen find themselves in a situation that you don’t plan for. We watch as they find a way to make it work for them and their new friends. I mean I spent the last half of the book talking myself out of flipping to the end to see what Mandy chose. For me those decisions were pretty important. It was a need to know situation. Secondly, can we just say Hawaii. I mean you don’t really think about the Amish in Hawaii. I didn’t even know your could take a cruise from the mainland to Hawaii.
To be honest, the only thing that I didn’t love in this book was Ellen. Unexpectedly set in a tropical paradise with amazing new friends and she can’t embrace any part of it. I feel like Ellen threw away an amazing opportunity to explore her world in a way she may never have again. No one asked her to forget her faith or even her devotion but I feel like she used her legalistic view of her faith as an excuse to not enjoy the paradise she unexpectedly found herself in. Her I was disappointed in. Wanda, along with her daughter-in-law Jean, have created engaging characters while weaving a story that is different than their norm. And I loved it! I’m waiting impatiently for the next book to release in just a couple of weeks. This book though? Came out nearly two years ago. That’s a long time to wait impatiently for a sequel.
This is another great book from Wanda Brunstetter. Mandy and her friends take a cruise ship to the Hawaiian islands…and get left behind! Great story, descriptive scenes…and a surprise ending. Very enjoyable!
The Hawaiian Quilt is a wonderful story full of love, hope, joy, and understanding. Thank you Wanda. Such a wonderful read. Thank you for making Hawaiian and Amish customs understandable
How far would you go to help a friend? How about Hawaii? This story of friendship, faith and romance was a blessing to read. How circumstances can change your life overnight! Loved this book…
I was gifted a copy, a review was not required. My review is voluntary.
I loved this book from start to finish! I have read a LOT of Amish fiction, and this story line and setting was so unique, it really drew me in immediately. The characters are well-developed and their stories are relatable. I was really cheering for this book’s main character, and the end was a complete surprise. The description of the setting was amazing. I have never been interested in traveling to Hawaii, but after reading this book, I definitely want to go and see it for myself! The sweet story line is engaging and leaves the reader rooting for the best outcome possible for everyone involved. This is an awesome start to what I hope is a complete series!