The Decision

The Decision by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in The Prairie State Friends series.  TheDecision is such a joy to read.  This book picks up after The Discovery Saga Collection (A 6-part series from LancasterCounty).   Jonah Miller has moved from Lancaster County to Arthur, Illinois.  He did not feel he could stay in Lancaster County and get over Meredith. Jonah’s twin sister, Jean and her husband, Nathan (along with their two children) live in Arthur.  Jonah has bought a property and started a buggy making business.

Elaine Schrock lives with her grandparents, Lloyd and Edna Schrock.  Her parents died in a buggy accident when she was little and her paternal grandparents took her in and raised her.  Grandfather Schrock dies suddenly of a heart attack with his last words asking Elaine to take care of her grandmother.  Shortly after his death Edna starts acting strangely.  Edna is getting forgetful as well as having dizzy spells.  Elaine takes her to the doctor and finds out that Edna has Type II Diabetes.  Edna will have to modify her diet and take medication to control the diabetes.  Elaine knows this will be difficult since her grandmother loves sweets.  One day Edna passes out at a local diner and is taken to the hospital.  The doctor runs tests and discovers that Edna has dementia.  How will this diagnosis affect Elaine’s life?

Jonah and Elaine have been courting for the last year, but when her grandmother becomes ill Elaine feels that she must handle her responsibilities on her own.  Elaine tells Jonah that she does not love him and pushes him away.  Jonah feels hurt.  This rejection is especially hard after what happened with Meredith.  Jonah starts spending time with Sara.

Sara Stutzman is a widow with a two year old son, Mark.  She was married to Hurley who was a friend of Jonah’s.  Sara is tired all the time and has a tingling sensation in her arms and legs.  Sara gets diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  Sara has to decide to whether to stay in Arthur or go back to her home town (where her parents live).  How will Jonah handle the news of Sara’s illness?

To find out what happens with Elaine, Jonah, and Sara, please read The Decision.  It is such a marvelous book.  I did not want it to end.  I have to warn you that it gets sad towards the end.  You will need to have your hankie close by!  I give The Decision 5 out of 5 stars.  I cannot wait for the next book in The Prairie State Friends series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley  in exchange for an honest review.

The Decision will be out on March 1, 2015.  It is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  I am currently reading The Glass Kitchen by Linda Francis Lee.   I am also looking forward to the new series the Good Witch.  I have loved the movies and I hope the series will be as good.  Have a great evening and Happy Reading!

Kris