THE BRIDES OF THE BIG VALLEY book review

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 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.

MY BOOK REVIEW:
5 stars for all 3 novellas:  5/5 star rating 
Deanna's Determination by Wanda E. Brunstetter--the novella collection involves Mifflin County, Pennsylvania in the area known as the Big Valley.  The stories follow Amish  families in the "yellow toppers" (most progressive Amish district in Big Valley), "white toppers"(more conservative group in Big Valley....no suspenders, no indoor plumbing, etc) and "black toppers"(also known as Peachey or Renno Amish and are stricter than yellow toppers especially regarding the ban). 

Deanna's Determination is set in Belleville, Pennsylvania and features Deanna Speicher and her story. Deanna is a widow raising her young son, Abner, who has Down syndrome.  She is in a serious courting relationship with Elmer Yoder.  Elmer happens to have been her husband's dear friend before his death.  
I really really enjoyed following Deanna and Elmer's story.  Tragedy strikes for them and readers will not want to put the book down until they know how the problem is resolved.   I read this entire novella collection in two nights as it was so good that I wanted to read more and more.  A copy of Deanna's Baked Cabbage recipes is included.  I had never heard to baked cabbage and plan to try this recipe soon.  

Rose Mary's Resolve by Jean Brunstetter--is also set in Belleville, Pennsylvania, and follows nineteen-year-old Rose Mary's story.  Rose Mary begins working in her father's furniture shop as her older sister, Linda, is marrying and leaving the shop.  The story connects to Deanna's Determination as Elmer is employed in the furniture shop as well.  Of the three novellas, I think this one would be my favorite.   I loved all three though and just really related to the characters in this novella more.

Leila's Longing by Richelle Brunstetter---is also set in Belleville, Pennsylvania, and follows Leila Fisher and her longing for love, marriage, and family.  When she does meet someone, they are in differing districts.  The difference in the districts caused friction for many people.  Readers will enjoy following Leila's love interest and learning who she becomes involved with and if there is friction and why.  Each of the three novellas is loosely connected in that some of the characters overlap.  
A special recipe mentioned in each novella is included in the book.

I highly recommend this novella collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law, Jean, and granddaughter, Richelle.  Each one can be read fairly quickly.  
I received a digital version of this book from netgalley and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Authors:


Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach. 

Visit her website ---Jean Brunstetter



Wanda Brunstetter:  New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Visit Wanda's website



Richelle Brunstetter--lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took a creative writing course in high school. She is just beginning her writing career, and her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt along with her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter and mother, Jean.  Richelle enjoys travel and her favorite destination is Kauai, Hawaii.