ABOUT THE BOOKIn 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 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.
Deanna’s Determination by Wanda E. Brunstetter:
Deanna Speicher belongs to the very plain, white-top buggy community, known as the Nebraska Amish. Deanna’s husband died, leaving her and her six-year-old son. Could a love once buried resurface to bring joy to mother and child, or will time and tragedy get in the way?
Rose Mary’s Resolve by Jean Brunstetter:
Rose Mary Renno belongs to the conservative black top community and is being courted by Tom Yoder, who wants to leave the Amish faith. Rose Mary can’t imagine leaving the life she knows – but then she meets an English pilot who befriends her. Suddenly she is faced with choosing the path of her faith or her heart.
Leila’s Longing by Richelle Brunstetter:
Leila Fisher is a young Amish woman from the yellow top buggy community who is burdened with family responsibilities and wondering when she will ever start a family of her own. But when she meets someone from the black top community, could she ever consider crossing the invisible line drawn between faiths to find love?
MY THOUGHTS..... The Brides of the Big Valley: 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law Jean, and her granddaughter Richelle have each written a short story about a young woman from a different district in the Big Valley who finds herself destined to become a bride. None of the three women are the same age and their lives and circumstances have nothing in common but they all find themselves facing issues and conflicts that threaten their chance at happiness. I was especially interested in Wanda Brunstetter's contribution because she centers her story around a widow with a young child with Down Syndrome and I admired the way Brunstetter describes her situation. Each of these authors has a different approach to storytelling but they each captured my attention and they all stress the deep religious commitment of the Amish.
At the beginning of The Brides of the Big Valley, there is an explanation of the history of this area and I enjoyed learning about the Lancaster County families who purchased land in the Big Valley in 1791 and eventually divided into three districts. Big Valley is so special because of these three unique horse-and-buggy Amish groups who live there. It is true that they all share the same deep religious beliefs and dedication to living a simple and peaceful life but some of their practices vary from being lenient to being very strict. I was especially intrigued with the unique difference in the color of their buggies. Black buggies are commonly seen among the Amish in our area of Kentucky but each district of The Big Valley Amish has its own special color of buggy; either black, yellow, or white.
Wanda E. Brunstetter is known for her ability to entertain as she shares her extensive knowledge of the Amish way of life and this book is certainly no different. The Brides of the Big Valley is an enjoyable book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Amish stories and Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but I was under no obligation to write a favorable review.
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