The Amish Ballerina by Richelle Brunstetter with Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Amish Ballerina

Book Summary

An Amish Woman Hides a Secret Passion

 

Eighteen-year-old Arie Kauffman loves to twirl and leap around the barn in her Amish bonnet and dress, practicing ballet moves her English friend taught her. Her parents would be upset to learn that this longtime interest has progressed to her secretly attending ballet classes. Arie even hides her dance skills from her boyfriend, Edwin Chupp, who often invites her to try new things, knowing she has an artistic heart. Her secrecy, however, is causing damage she may not be able to repair. When offered new opportunities to dance, will Arie break from Amish tradition or hold true to the bonds of her faith and family?

My Thoughts

The Amish Ballerina by Richelle Brunstetter with Wanda E. Brunstetter is a story that I was looking forward to reading.  I thought the premise was unique with a young Amish woman taking ballet classes.  The writing style was definitely not that of Wanda Brunstetter (I have read every book that she has written).  The story was stilted, lacked warmth, and a good flow.  The story also moved at a snail’s pace. I did not enjoy the lengthy paragraphs of internal dialogue (they went on and on).  Arie and Edwin’s families are not warm, loving people.  I felt bad for Edwin whose father overlooked his older son’s numerous faults but did not appreciate Edwin’s hard work.  I was disappointed that the issues with Edwin’s family were not resolved.  The characters lacked depth, and, with the exception of Edwin, they were self-centered.  The danger of secrets and being dishonest were the two main themes in the story.  The Amish Ballerina had a nice ending, but I was disappointed with it.  In the end, I was happy to turn the last page of The Amish Ballerina.

The Amish Ballerina is available from Amazon*.  Wanda E. Brunstetter has The Beginner's Quilt coming out February 15, 2026.  You can find Wanda E. Brunstetter's other novels here and Richelle Brunstetter's books here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for On a Midnight Clear by Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beiler, and Karen Witemeyer.  I am off to take my mother to an appointment, and then we are going out to eat (my belated birthday dinner).  I hope that you have a glorious day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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