The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Pretender

Book Summary

A Woman Missing for Two Years Suddenly Returns Home

In book three of the Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s return creates more hurt and confusion in the Big Valley.

Two years since Rosa Petersheim mysteriously disappeared from her Amish home, there has been no word from her. Her family and friends have suffered in the silence, though they have tried to move on with life.

Then one day Rosa just as suddenly reappears at her parent’s home. . .with a husband in tow.

 

Rosa is ashamed of the choices she made that caused her to leave home. And now that she is back, her father is not welcoming and her siblings and friends want explanations that she can’t give.

 

Will Rosa’s family accept her and Anthony? Can the Big Valley ever be home again?

My Thoughts

I have been waiting for The Pretender, so I can discover what happened to Rosa Petersheim.  The PretendeBrr by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in A Mifflin County Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but it helps to understand the mystery to read the books in order.  I was drawn into the story right away. The characters were well done. I liked Rosa and Anthony Reeves. I felt for Anthony.  He is a good guy with a big heart. Susan was irritating for much of the story.  Talk about having a chip on your shoulder. The Pretender is an inspirational story.  One of the themes in the story is the damage caused by lies.  Lies have a way of quickly snowballing out of control.  I was happy that the author included an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the book.  The Pretender was my favorite book in the series. 

The Pretender is available from Amazon*.  The first two A Mifflin County Mysteries are  The Protector and The Peacemaker.  Wanda E. Brunstetter has The Beginner's Quilt coming out March 2, 2026.  If you follow Wanda E. Brunstetter on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  You can also learn more about the author, her latest books, and other events by visiting her Facebook page What's Next, Wanda?.  You can also visit the Facebook page under her name.  Wanda could use a little extra love as she deals with the loss of beloved husband.  Wanda's next book is The Beginner's Quilt which comes out on March 2, 2026.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend. 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.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton

 The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits

Book Summary

Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?

 

Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.

 

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio’s Amish country.

My Thoughts

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton is a lighthearted Amish cozy mystery.  I was looking forward to this story because it combines two things that I enjoy, which are baking competitions and a mystery.  I like that the story has Amish, Mennonite, and English characters. I did struggle in the beginning as the point of view switched between the various characters. I would have liked the two main characters, Miss Fannie and Foster to have been more developed. The story references a previous case that Fannie and Foster had worked on together, but this is the first book to feature these characters (I could not find another book that with Fannie and Foster).  Fannie’s mystery was a letdown.  I kept hoping it would develop into something more, but it did not.  There is a hint of romance in the story.  I enjoyed the interactions between Fannie and Foster.  I did feel the story was too long (thirty-five chapters plus the epilogue) with repetitive details and it was predictable.  The recipe for Miss Fannie’s mouthwatering biscuits is at the end of the book.  The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits had a cute ending.  

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits is available from Amazon* as well as other major book sellers.  Wanda Brunstetter has The Peacemaker coming out February 15.  You can find Martha Bolton's other books here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I hope that everyone had a joyful Christmas and a very merry New Year. 

Did you get everything on your wish list?  I received an adult tricycle (I wanted it because of the big basket in the back which allows me to cart items to the clubhouse and to take Dickens, my cat, on rides), comfy pajamas, a Danbury Mint Raggedy Ann & Andy ornament (I have received one every year since they began in 2008), and a Christmas Stitch (my mother is a big believer in giving something fun and cuddly for Christmas).  The only thing missing was a book for my Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden collections (I collect the vintage editions from when they were originally published). I will return on Tuesday, January 7 with my thoughts Death Among the Stitches by Betty Hechtman.  It is the first book in A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery series.  I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  I am off to take my mother to a medical appointment (I hope--she has cancelled it twice). I look forward to hearing from you.  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. 

The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Protector

Book Summary

A Mysterious Disappearance Shakes an Amish Family’s Faith

In book one of A Mifflin County Mystery series, after a night out with her boyfriend, Rosa Petersheim has disappeared from the Big Valley without a trace. Norman Petersheim always considered himself his sister’s protector, and he can't believe she would have left home of her own accord. Clearly, he must have failed her. He throws all he has into helping the authorities search for Rosa, while trying to support his parents and siblings--who are struggling both mentally and physically. Salina Swarey loves Norman and hopes they are headed toward marriage, but his obsession with Rosa’s whereabouts is driving them apart. Can Norman find peace and contentment, even if he never learns where Rosa has gone?

My Thoughts

The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in A Mifflin County Mysteries.  The Protector is different from this author’s other Amish novels.  The main character is Norman Petersheim who is determined to locate his missing sister, Rosa.  We get to see how Rosa’s disappearance affects the family.  The Petersheim family are sad and tense.  The mother is deeply affected by the loss of her eldest daughter (it’s like the rest of the kids do not matter).  Norman has appointed himself the protector of the family and he feels he has failed.  We get to know his every thought in detail.  It was too much, especially with the mother who was making herself sick, the angry father, and the self-absorbed sister.  I could certainly understand why Norman’s girlfriend was feeling neglected (more negativity).  I kept waiting for something positive and uplifting to happen.  I had a long wait.  The conclusion was unsatisfying because it was incomplete.  I admit that I am hesitant to read the next book in the series.  I have read all of Wanda Brunstetter’s novels, and this is the first time that one of her stories left me depressed (and unsatisfied).  

While The Protector was not my cup of tea, I suggest you download a sample to judge it for yourself.  The next book A Mifflin County Mysteries is The Peacemaker which will be out on March 3, 2025.  Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook:  More than 200 Recipes that Taste like Home and Love comes out November 1.  You can find Wanda E. Brunstetter's other books here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, August 6 with The Antique Store Detective by Clare Chase.  It is the first A Bella Winter Mystery.  I am off to the rheumatologist for poking and prodding.  I will treat myself to Chinese food on the way home (I finally found a restaurant that makes delicious pepper steak near the house).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend. 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.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Letters of Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 Letters of  Wisdom

Book Summary

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.

 

Letters and Prayers Between Friends Become a Balm for Healing

 

Irma Miller thought having a family of her own would bring her joy and a sense of accomplishment, but she struggles with memories of the abuse she suffered as a child at the hand of her stepfather. When she becomes physically and emotionally abusive to her own children, she reaches out to her friend Doretta for prayer and wisdom. But Irma may find herself at an even darker emotional place before she will admit she needs professional help to heal the past traumas. Will Doretta’s letters of wisdom help Irma and her family, or will too much be broken to ever be repaired?

 

Find out in the third book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

My Thoughts

Letters of Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in The Friendship Letters series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is best to read the series in order.  This will allow you to know the characters and their backgrounds.  I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  Irma Miller struggles to take care of her children while her husband is away auctioneering.  She has three children, and the two boys are active.  She looks forward to receiving letters from her dear friends, Doretta and Eleanor.  They send words of encouragement along with helpful books.  Irma had a pleasant childhood until her father passed away and her mother remarried.  Her stepfather was abusive, and Irma never understood why her mother did not intervene. 

We get to see how a victim of abuse can become an abuser.  Those who have suffered mental and/or physical abuse may find the story hard to read.  There were portions that I was unable to read.  Irma’s husband, LaVern, is a gem. It is obvious that he loves his wife and kids (and wants what is best for them).  I like how the abuse was addressed.  I was not aware that there were Christian counselors.   Abuse, guilt, self-worth, bitterness, resentment, and forgiveness are themes addressed in the story.  Letters of Wisdom is a character driven story.  I liked how the characters told the story.  I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the first two books.  Letters of Wisdom is an emotional tale with an overwhelmed mother, helpful letters, a hardworking husband, energetic tykes, finding forgiveness, and a gracious God.  

Letters of Wisdom will be out March 1 and can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first two books in The Friendship Letters series are Letters of Trust and Letters of Comfort.  Wanda has The Protector coming out August 1.  It is the first A Mifflin County Mysteries. You can find Wanda Brunstetter's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour tomorrow for The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker.  It is the third book in The Heart of the Amish series.  I hope you will stop by to learn more about the Amish story and to enter the giveaway.  I am off to sort another closet.  I am slowly getting each closet organized.  I found a travel bag of  new Halloween t-shirts in the back of my closet along with two pair of sandals still in their boxes.  I hope that you have an uplifting day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Prayer Jar Devotional: Forgiveness by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Prayer Jar Devotional:  Forgiveness

Book Summary

Inspired by New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s The Prayer Jars series. . .

 

The Prayer Jar Devotional: Forgiveness delivers the same life-changing inspiration as Wanda E. Brunstetter’s unforgettable stories. Every reading will help you draw closer to your heavenly Father. Your prayer life will be transformed as you read through these dozens of encouraging devotional readings centered around the theme of forgiveness. With each turn of the page, you’ll discover unchanging truths of God’s Word alongside meaningful prompts that guide you to write out your personal prayers or favorite, grace-filled Bible verses and then add to your very own prayer jar. (Simple instructions are included in the introduction.)

Once you’ve finished reading the last page, you’ll have a full prayer jar of your very own. Use it to infuse your heart with inspiration and encouragement when you need it—or share it with a friend who could use some faith restoration of her very own!

The Prayer Jar Devotional:  Forgiveness is available on Amazon*.  Wanda Brunstetter along with Richelle Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach has Sisters by the Sea coming out October 1.  I will return tomorrow with Having a Fudgy Christmas by Nancy Coco.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Letters of Comfort by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 Letters of Comfort

Book Summary

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.
 
A Ministry of Letter Writing Restores Hope to the Writer
 
Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiancé’s death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won’t even respond to calls from friends. William’s twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren’s friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?
 
Find out in the second book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

My Thoughts

Letters of Comfort by Wanda E. Brunstetter has Doretta Schwartz in a buggy accident days before her wedding.  When Doretta wakes up in the hospital, she learns her fiancé, William is dead, and she has suffered terrible injuries. Doretta finds herself despondent and grieving.  Doretta’s letters helped her best friend Eleanor through a challenging time the previous year, and Eleanor is hoping she can do the same for Doretta.  I thought Letters of Comfort was well-written with realistic characters and situations.  I could feel the characters’ emotions.  Doretta was struggling not only with her grief but with the limitations from the injuries she suffered.  I could understand why she was in a dark place.  It is good that Doretta has family and friends who love and support her.   It will take time for Doretta to shed her depression and work through her grief.  Understanding, love, faith, and encouragement are what Doretta needs during this challenging time. 

Warren, William’s twin brother, is grieving as well.  He feels the loss of his twin deeply as do his parents.  Warren and William were opening a health food store after William and Doretta’s wedding.  Warren decides to proceed on his own, but he needs help in the store.  He hires his girlfriend, but it is not a match made in heaven.  Warren prays another solution will present itself to him.  I like that we get to see how each character manages their grief.  No two people handle the same way and I like that the author showed this in the story. The character’s relationship with God can help them with their journey through the stages of grief if they allow Him.  I like how faith was interwoven into the story.  Letters of Comfort is an emotional story (make sure to have a box of tissues nearby).  I appreciated the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  It gave some lightness to the story that was needed.  Letters of Comfort is the second book in The Friendship Letters series.  While Letters of Comfort can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Letters of Trust first.  It will allow you to get to know the characters and their back story.  Letters of Comfort is a touching tale with an appalling accident, grappling with grief, a horse whisperer, workplace woes, helpful letters, a profound promise, and a gentle God.

Letters of Comfort is available from Amazon*.  The first book in The Friendship Letters series is Letters of Trust.  The third book in The Friendship Letters series is Letters of Wisdom which  will be out on March 1, 2023.  You can find Wanda E. Brunstetter's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  The Heart's Bidding by Kelly Irvin, A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon, and A Troubling Tail by Laurie Cass are three other books that came out today. I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon.  It is the fourth book in The Open Book Mysteries.  I hope that you have a peaceful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E. Brunstetter: Q&A with Author plus my review!

The Sugarcreek Surprise

Book Summary

Antique Store Owners Offer Romance Advice to a Smitten Carpenter

Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

My Thoughts

Paul finds himself fascinated with Lisa from the moment he meets her.  She seems familiar to him, but he cannot imagine how they could have met.  As Paul spends more time with Lisa, he finds himself falling for her.  Paul is not sure how to get Lisa to open up her heart to love.  Paul meets Orley and his wife, Lois at their antique shop, Memory Keepers while searching for a special milk bottle.  Orley and Lois offer advice to Paul on how to break past Lisa’s walls as well as their prayers.  Just when Paul believes he is making progress with Lisa, a secret comes to light that has the door to Lisa’s heart closing.  What will it take for Lisa to be open to love? 

The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second Creektown Discoveries novel.  It can be read as a standalone for those who have not indulged in The Walnut Creek Wish.  I thought The Sugarcreek Surprise was well-written with developed characters.  The story had a good flow and moved along at a steady pace.  I liked the characters in this story that included Lisa’s grandparents, Paul’s Uncle Abe, Lois and Orley Troyer, and the sweet, Maggie.  Maggie is a dog that follows Lisa home from school and becomes devoted to her.  There are good life lessons in the story.  Lisa needs to learn that you cannot close yourself off from close relationships just to avoid pain.  Pain is a part of life just like love.  The two work hand in hand.  Faith is an essential element in this tale.  We get to see the importance of prayer and trusting God.   My favorite quote from The Sugarcreek Surprise is “We as humans can only do so much, but Jesus can work out any problem no matter how big it is.”  There is some repetition in the story especially about Lisa and how she does not wish to marry.  The ending will leave you smiling, and I am glad there was an epilogue.  I am eager to read the third novel in the Creektown Discoveries series. There are two recipes at the end along with discussion questions.  The Sugarcreek Surprise is a touching Amish tale with a protective pooch, a distressed schoolteacher, a caring carpenter, gentle grandparents, sweet students, and a gracious God.

Q & A with Wanda Brunstetter

What made you decide to write Amish stories?  

    I have had an interest in the Amish for many years, even before I began writing.  When I met an Amish family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania via one of our Mennonite friends, I knew I needed to write about the Plain people.

Will you be writing any non-Amish fiction books in the near future?

    Although I have no immediate plans to write another historical novel, I may add a sequel to one of historical novels in the future.

How did you get your connections with your Amish friends in the communities you visit?

    I make new Amish friends in every community I visit.  Many of them know who I am and will approach me to strike up a conversation.  Some are introduced to me through other Amish or English people that I already know.

How do you come up with new ideas for the storylines in your books and what do you use for inspiration?

    Spending time in Amish communities helps with storylines.  Also, I often create scene ideas based on things that have happened to me, someone I know, or have heard about.  I've always had a vivid imagination, so that helps too!

Which Amish communities have you visited?

    I have been to Amish communities in Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Montana, and Florida.

Have you ever considered living the Amish way of life since you have so many Amish friends?

    If I had been raised by an Amish family, I'm sure I would have remained Amish.  However, living with and relying on some of our modern conveniences would make it difficult to live an Amish person at this stage of life.

Are you able to speak or understand the Pennsylvania Dutch language of the Amish people?

    I know a few Amish words, which I sprinkle throughout my novels, but I'm not able to speak the Pennsylvania-Dutch language fluently or enough to carry on a conversation.

What is the most difficult part of the writing process?

    Every aspect of writing has some challenges, but the most difficult part for me is writing the first draft which requires not only scene ideas, but when to begin and end each chapter.

The Sugarcreek Surprise is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Creektown Discoveries series is The Walnut Creek Wish. The next Creektown Discoveries is The Apple Creek Announcement  which will release on August 1.  You can follow Wanda E. Brunstetter so you can receive an email when she releases a new book.  Some of the other books out today are: Record Store Reckoning by J. C. Kenney, The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd, Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray, Wedding Bell Blues by Lynn Cahoon, Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson, Batten Down the Belfry by Diane Kelly, and Girl on Ice by Erica Ferencik.  I appreciate you joining me today.  I hope I have helped you to find a new book and/or author.  I will return tomorrow with Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray. I hope that you have a memorable day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Walnut Creek Wish

Book Summary

An Antique Store Becomes a Place of Healing for Broken Hearts
 
Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

My Thoughts

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in Creektown Discoveries series.  I enjoyed this special Amish tale from beginning to end.  I thought it was well-written with developed characters.  Orley and Lois Troyer own Memory Keepers Antique Store in Walnut Creek, Ohio where Rhonda and Jeff Davis relocate after finding their dream home.  Orley bonds with Jeff and has a way of getting Jeff to talk about what is troubling him.  Rhonda and Jeff’s marriage has been on a downward spiral for several years.  Rhonda yearns for a child, but she has been unable to get pregnant.  Both of them spend too much time working and little time with each other.  They hoped the move to Walnut Creek would give them a chance to slow down and have less stress in their lives.  Unfortunately, a series of events have made their lives more stressful.  Orley and Lois provide guidance and love plus pray for the couple.  The Walnut Creek Wish is an uplifting story.  Orley and Lois Troyer are great characters.  Orley is a hoot.  I love his zest for life and his upbeat attitude.  I thought the characters were realistic.  I also thought Jeff and Rhonda’s marital problems were representative of what couple’s experience today.  Rhonda is unable to become pregnant and the doctors cannot find a physical reason, stress from work, working long hours, and financial troubles (going into debt to purchase a home).  I like the blend of English and Amish.  I appreciated that there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up Rhonda and Jeff’s tale.   My favorite phrase is, “. . . when I have a problem too difficult for me, I’ll remember that God is a just a simple prayer away.”  I was sorry for this sweet story to end, but I am looking forward to seeing who Orley and Lois help in the next Creektown Discoveries novel.  The Walnut Creek Wish is a heartening story with singular treasures, financial failures, a stressful profession, a car commute, and sociable shop owners. 

The Walnut Creek Wish is out today.  You can find it on Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  You can find Wanda E. Brunstetter's other novels here.  The pictures I used today feature an antiques from a shop in Walnut Creek, Ohio.  The other shows a man cave.  I can imagine Jeff watching his television while thinking about new items to add to his collection.  I am looking forward to the next book in the Creektown Discoveries series.  Thank you for stopping by today.   I hope that you have an upbeat day.  I am going to relax and read today.  Tonight I am cooking  dinner on the grill (keep the house cool).  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.