3 Short Stories of Love in a Unique Amish Community 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 … 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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The Brides of Big Valley is a collection of three wonderful novellas written by Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter. Each novella is a unique story but plays a part inthe others. The characters are well developed and help to tell the story. There is also the information about the three different communities of Amish. Their similarities and differences. I enjoyed learning about the 3 different colored buggies as well. The authors have done a remarkable job creating their individual stories and providing their readers with an enjoyable experience.
I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book thanks to Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter along with Barbour Publishing. I was not requested or expected to post a favorable review in exchange. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful book that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter for once again providing their readers with an amazing reading experience. I look forward to more from all three authors in the future.
Three stories by the Brunstetters Wanda, her daughter in law and granddaughter set in three different Amish communities in the Big Valley. The stories deal with love, friendship, loss, special needs. Easy reading and inspiring.
The Brides of the Big Valley is amazing for so many reasons! First of all, it’s 3 shorter novels combined in one book. This is great because you can read them separately, like they’re 3 small novels, or all at once, if you like reading long books! It’s a good fit for any kind of reader. I loved how the characters somewhat built upon each other; it kept the stories lightly connected – even though all 3 have their own characters and plots. Wanda wrote one of the stories, her daughter-in-law wrote one, and her granddaughter wrote one! It’s great to have a variety of authors, combined into one cohesive book project. I was particularly impressed with the 3rd story, ‘Leila’s Longing.’ The main character has social anxiety, which is an issue that not many Christian fiction authors address. It was a refreshingly fresh perspective, and I loved it. The book is a page turner – I had to keep reading to find out what happens! Each story is unique, and I learned a lot about the the Amish of The Big Valley that I didn’t know before…and I read a lot of Amish fiction! This book stands out to me as one of the Brunstetter trio’s very finest. This book was provided to me by Barbour Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive (or any) review. Opinions and ideas expressed in this review are my own.
In Mifflin County , Pennsylvania is an area know as The Big Valley. In The Big Valley are three unique Amish communities. Those in the Byler Community have buggies with “yellow toppers” and they are The Nebraska Amish and are most progressive, The more conservative group have white tops, or “white toppers.” The last group are known as The Peachey or Renno Amish. The are known as the “black toppers” and they are stricter.
The three stories in The Brides of The Big Valley are stories of romance from this Amish community. They are written by Wanda Brunsetter, Jean Brunstetter, her daughter-in- law and Richelle Brunsetter, Wanda’s talented grand daughter.
Deanna’s Determination is the first story and is written by Wanda Brunstetter.
Deanna Speicher is a young widow with a six year son, Abner, who has Down Syndrome. Deanna lives in the “yellow topper” Amish community. Elmer Yoder was a close friend of Deanna’s late husband, Simon, and he has always “been in love” with Deanna . Abner just adores Elmer and the two decide to court, and just when they decide to marry, a tragic accident changes Elmer’s life forever, Since he feels that is life is over, as he once knew it, Elmer’s calls off the marriage, and Deanna has difficulty comprehending the struggle Elmer is having facing his new disability. Can Elmer learn to cope with his new disability, so that he and Deanna can be wed. There is a recipe at the end of Elmer and Deanna’s story for Deanna’s Baked Cabbage.
Rose Mary’s Resolve is written by Jean Brunsetter. Young Rose Mary Renno belongs to The Peachy or Renno Amish. The “black toppers”. Rose Mary has started to work in her father’s furniture store. Rose Mary’s boyfriend Tom is seriously considering leaving the Amish faith; but Rose Mary has no plans to.
A young English pilot , Kevin Presley , lands his plane in the Renno’s field, and is forced to stay at their home, as he recover’s from his injuries. Rose Mary and Kevin become close and they both will have some important decisions to make concerning their futures. At the end of Rose Mary’s story is a recipe for Rose Mary’s German Potato Salad
Leila’s Longing is written by Richelle Brunstetter. Richelle is Wanda’s granddaughter and she is a very talented new writer. This is the second story Richelle has written with her grandmother and mother Jean. She made her writing debut in The Christmas Quilt .
This story is about Leila Fisher, a young girl who is very shy. Leila spends her time working in her mother’s card shop and is very talented making cards. In addition to this Leila has the responsibility of taking care of her family. At her mother’s coaxing, Leila attends a singing in the “black topper’s” community and meets Aden Troyer and his sister. A romance develops between Aden and Leila, but can she leave her Amish community that she grew up in and live in another that has different ways. Can Leila overcome her own insecurities . At the end of Leila’s story there is a recipe for Sue’s Chicken Casserole .
All three of these stories are very well written. They deal with overcoming a disability , love, faith, trusting God, and the characters from all three of these unique Amish communities interacting with each other.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of The Brides of The Big Valley by Wanda Brunstetter and Barbour Publishing I would highly recommend this book and once you start reading these stories you won’t want to stop, I know I did not want to
The Brides of the Big Valley was a new take on Amish Fiction in the ways and customs of the Amish. Whoever heard of wearing one suspender? It was very interesting to learn of these different sects. These were unique stories. Each with their own set of ideas, problems, and strengths. I enjoyed all three stories, but if I had to choose a favorite I would have to go with Richelle’s story, Leila’s Longing. For a novella it really had depth and the story flowed smoothly. If you’re looking for unique Amish fiction this book is for you!
This is a very good book to read. Nice clean romance. This a set of three stories about the Amish and a look into their lives. Very well written the author was able to make you feel and see what they were experienceing in the story. Very down to earth storylines with heartache and joy. Really enjoyed the pace of this book .
A wonderful book and I give it a five star rating. It’s a page turner and it keeps your interest. You won’t be disappointed!!
The Brides of the Big Valley book is very good, written by 3 Brunstetters, mom, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter! The Big Valley is unique due to the Amish groups in this Pennsylvania area are identified by the color of their buggy’s top. They are white, black or yellow. Interesting also, depending on the color is how conservative the group will be. I found that extremely interesting in each of these three books.
Deanna’s Determination by Wanda Brunstetter surrounds Deanna who’s a young widow with a little boy, who has Down’s syndromeand they live with Deanna’s father. Elmer was her husband’s best friend who has always cared for Deanna, but he respects her being a widow and wants to give her time to adjust to her life now. The courtship is so interesting and I enjoyed the realistic story. Wanda has a history of understanding and appreciating the Amish.
Rose Mary’s Resolve by Jean Brunstetter has Rose Mary being courted by Tom, who is considering going English, meaning leaving the Amish faith. She likes him but dislikes his controlling ways. She meets a handsome “English” pilot who lands on their property and shocks the whole area! He is injured and she is drawn to him. The whole family is upset over how Rose Mary doesn’t like her attraction to the English. I liked this story.
Leila’s Longing by Richelle Brunstetter reveals Leila is from the yellow top buggy group. She works many hours in a handmade card shop by her home and she has taken on many duties due to her mother being pregnant and she’s unable to help. It is difficult for Leila to be in a social atmosphere and she avoids going to the groups to meet others her age, blaming on her work. She does finally meet someone she’s interested in, from a conservative black top community. Will she ever find true love?
The Brides of the Big Valley by three generations of Brunstetter’s will take readers to Big Valley in Pennsylvania with three different sects of Amish. There were minimal mention of differences between the three except color of their buggies and plumbing.
Wanda Brunstetter’s tale Deanna’s Determination brought heartache as Deanna was struggling with grief along with her special need child. Elmer, her husband’s friend, wanted to assist Deanna during her adjustment of grieving and moving back in with her dad; however, there were ups and downs in their relationship. Will they be able to move forward and overcome the trials they each had experienced?
Rose Mary’s Resolve by Jean Brunstetter centered on Rose Mary, her Amish beau Tom Yoder and a pilot. I found this story a little unrealistic with Rose Mary’s family housing the pilot while his plane was being repaired.
Leila’s Longing by Richelle Brunstetter was my favorite in this trilogy collection. Leila’s family came first for her along with creating beautiful cards for her mother’s shop. When Leila finally develops a friendship with Sue and Aden Troyer she felt more confident in ways about herself. With a death in her family, will Leila continue her relationship or fall back into her old way of thinking?
This collection of novellas was easy for me to lay aside and pick up another book that was more engaging. I’m sure there are fans of Wanda Brunstetter that would find this collection captivating, but this wasn’t the case for me this time. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review, but have expressed my own opinion.
A collection of three romances from a unique Pennsylvania Amish community where you’ll see yellow, white, and black buggies. Each short story written by three different authors showcases a young Amish woman struggling with her faith and desiring to experience love with that special someone. I enjoyed reading about the differences in the three Amish communities and look forward to visiting in person. You’ll find stories of hope and inspiration that will leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling.
I received a copy from the publisher. The opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this book by Mrs Wanda Brunstetter along with her daughter in law Jean and granddaughter Richelle.
In this book we are joining 3 journeys of Love and Faith in God conquering all. In facing challenges and situations that set us in a place of heartache but are comforted with God’s strength and love that they overcome their fear.
In the first story, Deanna’s Determination. We join Deanna from the plain white top buggy community, as she has just lost her husband and now she wonders what to do to bring financial support for her and her son. As, she is wondering a plan for support, her late husband’s friend wants to court her. When everything seems going well, an accident with a horse brings darkens to Elmer and he hides his feelings for her. Pushing her away. But when her son has a scary situation Elmer realizes that he can be the support Deanna and her son need despite his blindness. And they both realize that putting their fears aside and letting God guide them they can be the support and strength they each need to make their love and family come true.
In the second story, Rose Mary’s Resolve we see how a young girl being from the black top buggy community which are conservative finds herself trying to end a courtship from a boy Tom Yoder who wants to leave their Amish community. Then we meet Kevin an english pilot who seeks a close and loving relationship with his parents. And when he finds himself in an accident and stays with Rose Mary’s family he sees and realizes that he enjoys the Amish life. Both families are concerned of the friendship they make but when Rose Mary and Kevin realize that they are happy and comfortable in each others company Kevin puts aside his english way of life to become Amish.
On the third story Leila’s Longing, we join Leila from the yellow top buggy community. A young girl who is pulled in by her fear of what people might think of her and her family’s care. As a little girl she was hurt by someone that she cared and a girl she though was her friend. She is left feeling worthless and she kept to herself which made it worse. Her mother is in a family state that leaves Leila taking care of the family’s business as well as taking care of her mother and family. Then she meets Aden a somewhat shy to himself young man and as they start knowing each other they bring the best out of each other. They both find that they can not be scared of saying things to others and Leila finds a way to overcome the hurt brought from others opinions of her. And together they realize that they are both strong and that with God’s strength they can overcome anything and find happiness in forgiving and that everything that she thought she would never have she ended receiving.
These are wonderful stories that each in their own way touched me. I highly recommend them as an addition to your library. If new to the Amish books and Mrs Wanda’s Brunstetter books this is a great book to have. They each have a message that you can capture for yourself.
I received this book for my honest opinion. And I enjoyed it very much. Thank you Mrs Wanda, Jean and Richelle for these wonderful stories each with a message.
Three generations of Brunstetter women pen the three Amish romance tales found in “The Brides of the Big Valley”, which is fitting because the stories themselves have intertwining characters. Furthermore, three Amish communities from the Big Valley region in Pennsylvania are represented: the very conservative and plain white-toppers, the conservative black-toppers, and the more progressive yellow-toppers. This was the first that I had heard about these groups and found it very interesting that despite their differences, they lived in the same general area and intermingled, at least to some extent. Being contemporary, these stories reflect issues that affect not only the Amish, but the English world as well, which makes them easy to relate to and provides insight into the Amish way of life.
In “Deanna’s Determination”, the Amish characters are white-toppers, strictly adhering to a plain and simple lifestyle without indoor plumbing. As a widow with a young son, Abner, Deanna struggles to make ends meet. A friend shows interest in her, but when a tragedy occurs, Deanna’s world is upended all over again. So many can relate to circumstances such as these. What I appreciated most about this story was its inclusion of two central characters with significant disabilities, one of whom I will not mention in order to avoid spoilers. Abner has Down Syndrome, and I enjoyed his cheerful and loving yet sometimes challenging personality. Deanna, in my opinion, was not very determined, at least not during the majority of the narrative, but it was interesting to see how the Amish cope with disabilities.
As the title hints, “Rose Mary’s Resolve” deals with the pull and temptation that the English world can have on Amish teenagers. A black-topper, Rose Mary has grown up in a conservative Amish community. However, she finds it difficult to take a stand, whether that is with dating another Amish boy who is considering becoming English or with a young English man who suddenly appears in her life. Notable in this story is the point of view of an English outsider and the serious decisions faced by Amish young people. This tale reminds me somewhat of Rachel Good’s novel “The Amish Midwife’s Secret”.
“Leila’s Longing” had the biggest impact on me. I could empathize with Leila in not fitting in with others of her age group and with being socially awkward. As a yellow-topper, she belongs to an Amish community that is a bit more progressive. Having experienced bullying as a child, she does not trust people and has not forgiven those who hurt her in the past. When she does begin to connect with a few other young people, they are from the black-top community, which causes some tension that threatens their relationship. Beyond the germane issues of victimization and regrets, this story also deals with heartbreak and family ties.
Following each story is a recipe pulled from the narrative itself, and the alliterative titles further contribute to the charm. One aspect that I would have liked to see is more use of the Pennsylvania Dutch language. Many times, the characters call their parents “Mom” and “Dad”, with an occasional reference to them as “Mamm” and “Daed”. Consistency would add to the atmosphere and further immerse the reader in the stories. Overall, however, these tales are sweet and will appeal to modern readers, especially those who may be curious about different Amish communities and their lifestyles.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Goodreads and was under no obligation to post a review.
There are three unique stories inside this single book titled, Deanna’s Determination, Rose Mary’s Resolve and Leila’s Longing each by one of the authors noted above. I found each story tugged on the heart as the tales drew me into what was occurring with the various characters and their situations. Another aspect of the stories is that they reflected human beings as they are with good and bad qualities. The stories in no way make the Amish appear more than human beings.
The tales take place in Big Valley, Pennsylvania, which I learned is also known as Kishacoquillas Valley. There are three different types of communities know as the Black-Toppers, White Toppers and Yellow-Toppers. Each is explained in the beginning of the book before reading the stories that are placed within these communities. All this was new information to me and there is more history explained that I believe history lovers will be fascinated by.
The stories have a couple of characters that show up in the other tales in the stories that also drew me into the various plots. One story reflects how people can treat others with disabilities with respect or not. Another story shows how a young woman must relearn how to interact with others as well as not being bound by unforgiveness. The final story shows the tension of choices that young people go through in Amish communities, though I think Amish as well as all people have that tension of choices they each must face some time in life.
I could wax on about the various characters I liked, the way plots progressed and so forth; however, I don’t want to diminish other readers enjoyment of reading for themselves. The stories tug at the heart that is for certain and it is good to be able to sit and enjoy a story that reflects the faith, hope and love that can grow within the human heart.
In this newest release from Barbour Publishing, Jean Brunstetter and her daughter, Richelle Brunstetter join Wanda Brunstetter in three novellas set in Kishacoquillas Valley, otherwise known as the Big Valley, in Mifflin County Pennsylvania. It is within this valley that three distinct Amish districts live and worship; each group known simply by the color of their buggy tops, white, yellow and black. While there other distinctions between each group, it is the color of the buggy tops that provides quick identification, especially to an outsider.
In Deanna’s Determination by Wanda Brunstetter, a young widowed mother of the white top community, a man from the past sparks the love long buried. Deanna struggles to determine what is best not only for her but also for her adorable 6 year old son, Amber. Will Deanna be able to overcome the tragedy of the past to allow Elmer to win her heart?
Rose Mary’s Resolve by Jean Brunstetter is set within the conservative black top community. A young Amish woman who has yet to join the church, Rose Mary is dating a young man who is determined to leave the church. Rose Mary’s family and friends are concerned she will be drawn away by Tom Yoder. Coming to a difficult decision, Rose Mary and her family are startled by the crash landing of a small plane in one of their fields. Her family nurses the young man, while Rose Mary slowly loses her heart, to the English man, an outsider! Even more conflicted than before, Rose Mary must make a decision, stay with her Amish faith or follow her heart,becoming an outsider herself. A sweet love story with a surprise ending.
From Richelle Brunstetter, Leila’s Longing of the yellow top community, a Amish daughter cares for her father and siblings while her mother experiences a difficult pregnancy. Creative, Leila is also running the family shop and finds herself often pulled in a variety of directions, leaving no time for friendships or courting. When a handsome young Amish man from the black top community befriends Leila and the family, she must decide if she can leave her father and siblings to care for themselves. Equally difficult to decide is whether she can jump from the yellow top community to the black top community to begin her own family; a move very rarely made. Are the differences between the two group really that wide? Who will care for her parents and siblings if she moves over an hour away?
I thoroughly enjoyed all three novellas, each with romance, faith, and conflict resolved by patience and prayer. I found encouragement within the pages to prayerfully wait, for the things that concern me to be resolved, in God’s timing.
Highly recommend. I look forward to more great reads from all three talented story-tellers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
This is a nice collaboration of Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter in law, and granddaughter. They have similar writing styles, so it flowed from one story to the next. I enjoyed learning about the three districts of Amish that live in the Big Valley, PA. Each group is different in various ways but I loved how some characters overlapped into the other novellas. These stories touched on Downs Syndrome, blindness, death, and other real life situations. It is refreshing to know the Amish face the same difficulties that we all do. This is an easy read with characters that have depth. A recommended read for lovers of Amish Fiction or if you are wanting to try this genre.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Once again, three generations of Brunstetter women have brought three unique stories together in one book. I liked how each story was set in the same valley, allowing some of the characters from a previous story to spill into the next one. I know that fictional characters are, well, fiction, but sometimes I wonder what might have happened to that person or how they may have adjusted to a trying situation. Difficult situations are not always written about in Amish fiction yet the Brunstetter’s are able to infuse these topics into their work. These are the very things that make their stories believable for the challenges brought to bear. At the heart of each woman’s story is their faith and how it renews and strengthens each of their paths as they become brides.
I recommend this book for all fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter and for those who are new to reading works written by her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter and granddaughter Richelle Brunstetter. Together their collaborations are wonderful, while each has her own unique gifts.
The Brides of the Big Valley is a trio of delightful stories set in an Amish community. Each coveys the account of couples from the individual groups within that community – the White Tops, Yellow Tops, and the Black Tops – referring to the buggies they drive. These buggies differentiate them and the individual, varying beliefs between the groups
As always, Wanda weaves her trademark, steeped-in-personal-knowledge ways of the Amish into their stories and brings them to life in heartfelt characters and settings. Her daughter-in-law and granddaughter also add their own unique and pleasing takes with their stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. It was a pleasure reading this book and the thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Another great book by three wonderful authors. Loved this book. It’s a must read.
I’ve always enjoyed a book by Wanda Brunstetter and to have one co-written by her granddaughter and daughter-in-law was truly delightful! They take us to visit three different Amish communities and introduce us to three couples who fall in love. While I knew there were diversities even among the Amish, I didn’t realize they can distinguish themselves by the color of their buggies. Each community has varying degrees of conduct and what is allowed or not allowed. It was very interesting to learn these differences! I’m glad there are Amish fiction authors who do thorough research to get it just right, it lends authenticity to the story.
Getting to know Deanna & her son Abner and their long-time friend Elmer in “Deanna’s Determination”, Rose Mary, Tom and Kevin in “Rose Mary’s Resolve”, and Leila and Aden in “Leila’s Longing” was a lot of fun! Watching their lives unfold in both love and life was engaging, enjoyable and sometimes heart-wrenching with things they’ve had to deal with. There’s a lot of emotion that each of the authors put into the stories to make it come alive for me as a reader. I liked how they tied each story together with one of the characters from the previous story so you get a complete picture. Big Valley is a place I would certainly want to visit, it sounds peaceful and beautiful. While the stories were beautiful, that cover just drew me in from the get-go! Covers that make me want to open the pages to find out what’s inside are the best, in my opinion. There’s also three recipes included at the end of each story to try, I’ve already printed out copies to include in my own recipe book.
Well crafted & unique stories, emotional, and characters steeped in faith is what I loved the most about this collection. Not to mention, the gentle love stories to discover. If you enjoy Amish fiction, you don’t have to go looking any farther than “The Brides of the Big Valley”!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *
There are 3 different stories to this book. The first being the story of Deana and Elmer. Deana is a young widow with a sweet son who has Down Syndrome. Elmer has always had feelings for Deana even before she married his best friend.. Over the months they have strong feelings toward each other. I enjoyed reading the journey they to take to be together. The Second story is Rose Mary and Kevin. Rose Mary is dating Tom and he is trying to convince her to leave their Amish faith.. After breaking up with him a plane lands in their field with a Englisher Kevin. They find themselves attracted to each other but Rose Mary does not want to leave her faith and Kevin does not go to church . He is amazed by her family and faith. They both have to pray and work on what they want out of life. The third story is Leila and Aden . Leila has been to herself for a long time after being picked at earlier in her childhood. She is trying to help with her household while her mother is with child. Her mom has not been feeling well so she is taking care her little brother, her dad and the card shop she runs with her mother. Her mom is worried she doesn’t have a social life and convinces her to go to the next social. Leila gives in and meets a new friend. The friend has a brother Aden and she is smitten but scared. Leila has been hurt and it takes a while for her to warm up to the idea Aden can accept her and care about her. Leila has tragedy strike and loses her mom during childbirth. Again she is taken on the responsibility of the household and puts Aden aside. It takes a while for her get back on the track of living her life. Each one of these stories have struggle with faith and love. These couples have to work hard to make their relationships work . This book was provided by net galley and the publisher for my honest review.