Return to Holmes County, Ohio, for Amish style cooking class. Lyle and Heidi Troyer have taken in a brother and sister, who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car accident. Hoping to help the children adapt and make friends, Heidi decides to hold a series of cooking classes for kids. But kids are always accompanied by an adult—and that is where the trouble arises. Miranda Cooper … trouble arises.
Miranda Cooper is living the life of a single mom to her two kids while separated from her husband, but Trent is trying to worm his way back into her heart.
Denise McGuire’s life as a wife, mom, and real estate broker is full and spilling over.
Darren Keller, single dad and firefighter, and Ellen Blackburn, single mom and nurse, find a few things in common.
Will hearts be healed over plates of Amish food?
This is the third book in The Amish Cooking Class series.
Book #1: The Amish Cooking Class – The Seekers
Book #2: The Amish Cooking Class – The Blessing
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The Celebration was the perfect ending to Wanda Brunstetter’s Amish Cooking Class series. Heidi Troyer is once again opening her home for a cooking class to people in the community, but this time, she has a kids cooking class, since she now has two foster kids. While things don’t go as Heidi had expected, they all end up learning from each other as well as from Heidi. Not only are the children touched by Heidi, but so are their parents. Heidi allows the love of God to shine through her words and actions and others begin to see their need for God. Heidi and her husband Lyle, also received the greatest blessings they have had their hearts set on for years. It is truly a celebration for everyone!
I have truly enjoyed this unique series and the many characters Wanda Brunstetter brought to life! This book is the third book in the series, and I would recommend reading the first two books before this book in order to fully understand what is happening in this book. This is a series you don’t want to miss!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Barbour Publishing, but was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
THE CELEBRATION by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in the Amish Cooking Class Series.
It’s the story of Lyle and Heidi Troyer an Amish couple that hasn’t been blessed with children of their own. They turn to the foster children system to be able to shower their love and attention onto children who are in great need of both. After the death of their parents in a car accident and with no relatives to be found, Marsha and Randy come to live with the Troyers. Marsha is barely speaking and Randy has moody spells. Lyle suggests that Heidi hold another of her cooking classes but this time for children which would get their two foster children a chance to interact other children and do something fun at the same time.
After advertising, Heidi ends up with a mixture of students for her youth cooking classes. There’s Jeremy Keller whose Dad is a firefighter trying to raise his son alone after the death of his wife and Kevin and Debbie Cooper whose parents Miranda and Trent are separated. As well as Kassidy McQuire whose parents Denise and Greg have spoiled her almost to brat status and Becky Blackburn raised by her Mom, Ellen, who is a nurse. Adding her two kids, she had a full class. What she hadn’t considered is that the parents would sit in on the classes. Later after meeting Velma Kimball, her daughter, Peggy Anne, joined the classes on the second session with her Mom working chores to pay for her classes.
Through Heidi’s cooking class everyone – students, parents, instructor and reader – learned something more than just how to fix a few dishes. There were lessons in manners, acceptance, forgiveness, patience, working together, doing for others, sharing and faith to name just a few.
Although this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book. This was the first book I have read in this series and I enjoyed it immensely. Now I know I want to go back and read the first two for sure.
I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves not only Amish stories but for those that love a good Christian, clean read book that is fun to read but has a message to tell. We can all learn from a book like this one.
I love reading all her books. This series specifically. I loved the story line. This book, I loved ready most out of them all. The story line took a turn I did not see coming. The way she writes makes me feel like I am right there in the story with all the characters. This is a must read!!!
The Celebration by Wanda Brunstetter is the final book in her Amish Cooking Class series. What struck me, from the first pages and chapters of The Celebration, is that this is a book is very relatable in today’s “modern” world. The participants in Heidi Troyer’s cooking class are children this time around, because Heidi hopes that by holding a class for children, the two children she is currently fostering might engage more, and come out of their shells. The English children who make up this class come from every walk of life that we are accustomed to in today’s world including: a brother and sister with parents who are separted; a tween with an attitude; a young, motherless child, being raised by his widowed father; a single parent raising an adopted daughter; and lastly, a family that some might consider ‘from the other side of the tracks’. As a reader, you reap the benefits of Ms. Brunstetter’s heartwarming fiction and unsurpassed imagery. When she writes about Heidi’s anticipation at sharing a picnic with her family, your mouth waters, and regardless of the weather outside, you want to go on a picnic, too! Each dish that the cooking class prepares is brought to life through wonder descriptions that tickle your sense of taste and smell! Each recipe used in the cooking class is featured at the end of the book, as are discussion questions about the book, which is a nice addition for a deeper reader’s experience. As usual, Ms. Brunstetter’s stories leave me feeling complete, satisfied, and whole, but The Celebration takes it to a deeper level. As Heidi her husband Lyle contemplate adopting their foster children, we see healing take place in Heidi’s heart, regarding the very real possibility of never giving birth herself. Healing, in one form or another, takes places throughout this book. If I had to pick one theme that runs, it through The Celebration, it would be perseverance. Each character in this book is facing some sort of issue, or challenge. While at first glance, that might seem depressing, in actuality, it’s real life. We all face challenges, each and every day. Some big, some little. In The Celebration, we watch these characters face their challenges, while Ms. Brunstetter realistically portrays their journey through them; we travel with them through the peaks and valleys as they forge ahead, and don’t give up. In the end, there are very real and very hopeful results for each character. I was sorry when this book ended, because I wanted to see their stories go on, and gather together with them at Heidi and Lyle’s place for one more cooking class. That, to me, is the mark of exceptional writing, and a story well told. I received a copy of this book free from the publisher for my honest review.
This is a fantastic look at the simplicity of life for the Amish.
There is a fairly large cast of characters to keep straight in this book. Heidi Troyer is teaching a cooking class for children this time. I enjoyed seeing the variety of children and their family situations. Each one had some type of problem that they were dealing with. It was wonderful to see how they children themselves interacted with each other and learned from realizing that each one had difficulties.
I liked it when the characters from the previous books in this series popped in for cameo appearances. It was nice to see how their lives had progressed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I enjoy Amish stories and this is one of my favorites! Cooking with children, interacting with the parents and the faith element made this a wonderful book I didn’t want to put down or come to an end. Certainly one of my favorite authors! I was gifted a copy from Barbour Publishing and my review is voluntary..
I felt like I was part of the book. Just love it so much that I hated 4 the book to end but was excited to get in the next book .
“The Celebration” completes another great Brunstetter series!
Wanda Brunstetter has become one those authors that I automatically preorder every book. I’ve enjoyed her writing now for years. The third book in the cooking series, “The Celebration”, is another great delight! You do not have to have read the previous books to fully enjoy this offering.
Heidi, encouraged by Lyle, continues her cooking classes. This time she ventures into teaching children to enjoy the culinary arts. As with the rest of her classes, the students and parents learn from her about faith and love. The author once again reminds us that the ultimate gift is love. I suggest you read this and the others in the series (“The Seekers” and “The Blessing”). Also, there is another series, which came out earlier with cross-over characters, “The Half-Stitched Quilting Club”, which is just as enjoyable!
The Celebration is enjoyable. I like that you get to meet all the families and it rotational. It not with only one family and I like that. I like how Wanda does that with this book and series.
I like Hedi Toyer and how we see how she has struggled. We alway see how she reaches out to other children and their parents along the way as she is trying to help her foster children adjust and get to know other children.
We meet the Velma and her family. We also see the other families and meet them. Will they all heal over this Amish food and cooking class. Then gain they may form friendships they did not know will happen.
The one thing I noticed that I wish was different was that it gave us more of the children point of view more. It was a cooking class for children. I was hoping that would let see the children point of view along with the parents point of view.
The plot is done well. Wanda Brunstetter as done herself well with this book. I know this is the third book in the series. I want to read the other two hopefully soon. I would recommend any of Wanda’s books to read. This is good. This one is unique to me and have yet to see and Amish author do it the way she as.
Wanda out did herself on the Celebration. It was a fast reader. I would recommend to read. Lyle and Heidi opening their house to children was really brave thing to do. The parents stayed. Lots of trials and tribulations with the children and parents. But thru classes it got easier. Everyone was blessed at the end of the class.
The Celebration is the perfect conclusion for the Amish Cooking Class series. Heidi Troyer and her husband Lyle finally have two foster children to love and care for and Heidi is once again given a chance to share her cooking skills with “Englishers” but this time the students in her cooking class are children. Heidi soon wonders if this was a wise decision because these young people are different in both ages and attitudes and the parenting skills of their parents are very different also. I admired Heidi’s patience, her deep faith and her ability to offer sound advice and counseling to both these children and their parents. This story proves once again that no family is exempt from troubles or heartache and a person’s social and financial status does not determine happiness. As Heidi observes her students she prays for them and their families and her quiet, non-judgemental manner and the Bible scriptures shared on her recipe cards make Heidi Troyer a very powerful witness. I think that this is one reason that Brunstetter’s Amish fiction is so appealing to readers. She has the ability to create characters that you would like to know personally, she stresses the forgiving and loving nature of the Amish community and she shows just how appealing the Amish lifestyle can be when compared to our hectic, sometimes frantic lives.
There have been many characters who have been a part of the three Amish Cooking classes and it is only fitting that this final book lets us learn how their lives have changed and how they are now doing. The Celebration is a poignant and inspirational story and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Celebration (Amish Cooking Class series)
Wanda Brunstetter
Heidi and Lyle Troyer’s lives have changed dramatically since the last book. They are now foster parents to a brother and sister who were orphaned due to a tragic car accident. Life is challenging yet rewarding as the Troyer’s adjust to their new role.
Heidi plans a new cooking class but this time for children. The children are very diverse in their family life as they are with their manners. From the dirt poor little girl who is grateful for everything to the snooty, spoiled know it all who is “bored” all the time. This motley crew will make you laugh, bring tears to your eyes, and allow you into their world to walk in their shoes. The parents of these children are also strong characters who see their own kids in situations that may make them proud, tearful, or furious.
This book was my favorite in the series (even though I loved the other two). The addition of these youngsters brought a whole new level of emotions to reading it. At least one time or more, my heart went out to each child (even “Miss Snooty”). I know many people look forward to reading this. You will not be disappointed.
I was really looking forward to this book—in fact, this was one of my anticipated reads for 2018. So, it’s with a heavy heart that I sit down to write what I didn’t like about this book.
I’ll just be honest, there were so many characters that I had trouble keeping up with everyone. The point of view alternated between the following:
1. Heidi and Lyle and their two foster children.
2. Miranda and her two children.
3. Trent (Miranda’s husband—they are separated so they have different POV)
3.Ellen and her daughter Becky
4. Velma and her family (three children and a husband.)
5. Daren and his son Jeremy.
6. Denise and her family (her husband and daughter, Kassidy.)
In addition to the rotating cast of characters, we also revisited with Eli and Loretta as well as Kendra and her daughter from book #1, The Seekers.
The previous books also rotated POVs so that we would get to know each person in Heidi’s class. But, this time it just felt overwhelming. I kept confusing the children and mixing up the parents.
I really wanted to love this book and I do like that I was allowed to see how things conclude for Heidi. I loved the ending of this book. I just struggled with the number of characters. I was overwhelmed and didn’t bond as much with the students as I had in the first two books.
While this last book in the series was not my favorite, I would still read The Amish Cooking Class again in the future.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by The Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
The Celebration, the third in Wanda Brunstetter’s Amish Cooking Class series, is sweetly endearing, yet somewhat heartbreaking at the same time. Having previously learned they will not be able to have children of their own, Lyle and Heidi Tr have chosen to open their home, and hearts, to fostering young siblings, Randy and Marsha. The children’s parents were tragically killed in a car accident and as one might surmise both are grieving in their own ways. Randy, the elder child, could be a bit of an uncooperative handful, and sweet Marsha has spoken little since the accident. Looking for a way to reach the children, Heidi despairs until her husband suggests she hold a cooking class for children.
After thinking it over, Heidi decides to give it a try, becoming rather surprised when the class rather quickly fills up. Who would have thought young children could have such a myriad of life changing issues such as this small group?
With Heidi’s two, there was the Cooper children, Debbie and Kevin, whose parents have recently separated; Jeremy Keller, son of widowed Darren; Kassidy McGuire, who has the attention of neither parent; Becky Blackburn, the daughter of single Mom, Ellen, and young Peggy Ann, Velma’s daughter.
On the very first day of class, Heidi is surprised to realize that none of the parents had any intention of leaving their children with her for the class; instead, all the parents remained with the children, causing Heidi to scramble for more seating while frantically praying about how she would conduct a cooking class with the moms, and dads looking on.
From the dog escaping the yard to spoiled Kassidy McGuire, Heidi has her hands full. Parents Becky and Darren making eyes at each other, try to begin a relationship, but Jeremy and Becky, the children, want no parts of it. Velma, who does not have the funds to pay for the cooking class, works on th farm doing small chores here and there; but is it for her daughter Peggy Ann has been enrolled in the class or is it that Velma desperately needs a friend?
I laughed. I cried. I rejoiced. As each family made through the things that ailed them. A truly heartwarming read by Wanda E. Brunstetter.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, and was under no obligation to write a review.
Cute easy to read pleasant story. Love the change from adult cooking class to kids. Changes the series up a bit and was unexpected. I do long for more depth in the story. I feel like the story is a little disjointed jumping between so many different people. Would have liked more focus on the Troyers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review.
In this third book of the series The Amish Cooking Class, Heidi Troyer opens her Amish kitchen and home to a group of children as students. She is hoping they will help her two young foster children adjust to their new life and they will make some new friends. All the children, their parents and the Troyers all learn some valuable life lessons through these classes. It is truly a celebration of life for all the people involved.
I was given a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and the author, bit was in no way required to leave a positive review.
In Wanda Brustetter’s Amish Cooking Class #3 The Celebration, we find Heidi and Lyle Troyer becoming foster parent to Randy and Marsha Olsen, who have lost their parents in a tragic accident. To help the two children adjust to their new life, Heidi decides to hold a cooking class for children only. Six children, including Randy and Marsha, sign up for the class. The children are of various ages and backgrounds and each of them have some type of issue in their young lives. Who knows what chaos will occur when the children get together in the class. The class is a learning experience for all including Heidi. The Celebration is a story of hope, grief and loss, helping those in need, foster care and adoption. A little romance might be budding between two of the single parents. I highly recommend reading Amish Cooking Class The Celebration. It is a well written book with interesting characters. If you have not read the first two books in this series Amish Cooking Class The Seekers and Amsih Cooking Class The Blessing I suggest that you do so. Before I forget at the end of The Celebration are the recipes that the children cooked in Heidi’s class. You might want to try them by yourself or with your children or grandchildren Review written by Patti Bond
Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in this Amish series. Lyle and Heidi Troyer are enjoying being foster parents to Marsha and Randy. The two children lost their parents in an auto accident and have been living with the Troyer’s for the last four months. Marsha is starting to talk, but Randy still refuses to obey Heidi at times. Lyle suggests that Heidi hold cooking classes for children. It will give the kids a chance to socialize with other children. Heidi quickly learns that teaching children is very different from adults. Anything can and will happen especially when children are present. Heidi has a diverse group in her latest cooking class. Miranda Cooper is estranged from her husband which leaves her managing their two children on her own. Her husband, Trent wants to return home and hopes Miranda will forgive him for his transgression. Darren Keller is a widower whose son loves cookies. The cooking classes will teach the boy cooking and keep him occupied. Denise McGuire might as well be raising her daughter on her own. Her husband is busy with work and Kassidy is getting out of control. Ellen Blackburn is a single mother. Her daughter, Becky is very shy, and Ellen hopes the class will help the child come out of her shell. Velma Kimball and her family have moved in down the street. Velma would like her daughter, Peggy Ann to attend the class. Due to lack of funds, though, she cannot afford it and hopes to work out a trade with Heidi. With God’s help, Heidi will make it through the six weeks of classes and hopefully help each of these families.
Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration can be read alone, but I highly recommend reading the first two books in this lovely, heartwarming series. I found the book to be well-written and to have a nice pace. I was immediately drawn into the story and I did not want to stop reading. I stayed up very late to finish this marvelous book. Heidi is such a sweet woman with a big heart. The author created characters that are very real. They have problems in their lives that readers can relate to. The scripture provided on the back of the recipe cards plus the behavior they witness in the Troyer home guides each of them. They begin to question their lives and make changes. Some of the themes present in Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration are forgiveness, grace, love, friendship, prayer, trusting God, family, helping others and learning from our mistakes. We all make mistakes (sometimes the same one over and over). The trick is to learn from them. Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration is my favorite book in the series. I enjoyed reading each of them, but this one is special. The children added another element to the story. Your heart will go out to the families especially the Kimball’s. This is one of those books that will tug at your heartstrings as well as provide you with moments of laughter. The ending was delightful. Ms. Brunstetter did a fabulous job of wrapping up the various storylines and providing readers with a joyous conclusion. Fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter and Amish fiction will be delighted with Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration.
I’ve enjoyed this Amish Cooking Class Series, but I think this was my favorite due to the class being children. The children are each dealing with difficulties of life at home and have internalized their feelings and through Heidi’s scripture verses they grow and change along with their parents. I loved the development of the story and the growth of the characters, as well as finding out how previous characters are doing. Heidi and Lyle are a precious couple and seeing their interactions with the foster children is heartwarming as well as their outreach to their neighbors. This is an enjoyable light read and the recipes that are included at the end give you the opportunity to make the food mentioned in the classes.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Oh, how I enjoyed being back in Heidi Troyer’s warm, inviting kitchen as she begins another cooking class, this one different than past classes. The warmth of friendship and love found in the Troyer home and the Walnut Creek area is a gift. Gentle, uplifting conversations, real-world challenges and disappointments, and wisdom gained through heartache allow Heidi and her beloved husband, Lyle, make this a read that I have looked forward to. This is third in the Amish Cooking Class series, and it can be read as a standalone. The first page invited me into the novel, and I was happy to stay there throughout.
Heidi and Lyle have had foster children Randy and Marsha for several months since their parents died in an accident, and would like to adopt them. Randy is 6, and protective of his 3-year-old sister Marsha, who rarely speaks unless spoken to. When they discuss how best to help the children, Lyle suggests that it is time for a new cooking class, this time for children, so Randy and Marsha might benefit from interacting with other children.
This group of students certainly gives Heidi something to think about! The children’s behaviors are … different … as are some of the parents. Enter Jeremy, whose mom died two years ago; one of the girls claims he kicks her under the table. Kevin and Debbie’s mom sent their dad packing a few weeks ago and nothing is the same. They are interested in the farm animals and chickens. Kassidy is one of the oldest, and the wealth of her family gives her a real ‘tude. She talks back to or tries to pick fights with everyone. Becky learns a huge secret that will change her life. She has a helicopter mom, who did everything for her in the first class. This is the most challenging group to date! It is a relief to Heidi when she sees a couple of her former students who are now friends.
When Heidi meets their new neighbors, she wants to help them. Young Peggy is very clingy, which is hard for her mom, Velma. Velma’s husband Hank is a truck driver, away for days at a time. Their oldest son left home at 18 and never looked back; their 17-year-old daughter just left with her boyfriend. Velma’s heart is broken, but she is willing to do any kind of chore in exchange for Peggy to take cooking lessons.
Some of the class interactions aren’t pretty, but peace-loving Heidi is lovingly firm with those who misbehave. The author has a gift for including a variety of personalities and walking in their moccasins while portraying them! She puts an eclectic mix into Heidi’s kitchen and brings something new to each one.
One thing I enjoyed was seeing Heidi visiting students from her prior classes, showing how friendship transcends the business. There are interesting twists that occur within each family. There are so many balls in the air, so to speak, that it is amazing to see how the author catches each one perfectly without missing a child. Heidi plumbs a well of compassion and kindness that is a direct result of her relationship with the Lord. I also enjoyed seeing the effect her gentle surprises on the recipe cards had on the students and/or parents. There are surprises throughout; no reader wants to miss the Celebration at the end. I highly recommend The Celebration, as well as the earlier two novels. This is a must-read series!
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and here is my honest review.