Richelle Brunstetter

The Return to the Big Valley is a trilogy of stories written by a family of authors – Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter in law, Jean Brunstetter, and her granddaughter, Richelle Brunstetter. That feat, alone, makes this a unique set of stories to read. It is interesting to read each author’s story, because they all have very unique writing styles. The stories themselves, follow the lives of three very different Amish women, in very different stages of their lives, facing very different circumstances and challenges. What is particularly exciting is the different aspects of Amish life each story covers. For instance, one story deals with an Amish woman who is more comfortable assuming tasks that Amish men typically undertake. Another story dealt with scenarios that may seem more commonplace in the English world, than Amish world – however, it was interesting to see how the author dealt with it. Lastly, there are scenarios that reflect basic human nature in terms of dealing with anger, fear, sorrow, frustration. I think at times, we as readers, forget that the Amish deal with these emotions, as well. We expect them to be above them, somehow. This group of stories dispels that myth. Some of these story plots may take you out of your comfort level if you are more used to the tried and true situations that Wanda Brunstetter’s characters typically find themselves in. Whichever type of story you typically prefer, you are bound to find one you enjoy in this trilogy of stories. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.… (plus d'informations)

This book shares three novellas about Amish women and their boyfriends. The stories take place in Big Valley, PA where the Brides of Big Valley novel occurred. Each story is a standalone and is written by a member of the Brunstetter family. Wanda wrote Wilma's Wish, her daughter-in-law Jean wrote Martha's Miracle and Wanda's granddaughter Richelle wrote Alma's Acceptance. Each one is about 120 pages long and are easy reads.

In Wilma's Wish we see engaged couple Israel Zook and Wilma Hostetler struggling to care for Israel's five nephews. The boys are orphans and a little rambunctious. Israel has decided to adopt them but is not sure if Wilma will still marry him. The boys do not get along with her and are trying to discourage her from marrying Israel by behaving badly. Martha Yoder, of Martha's Wish, is an unusual Amish girl. She prefers hunting and fishing to cooking and cleaning. Her parents worry that she will never find someone to marry her if she continues in her tomboy ways. In Alma's Acceptance, Alma Wengerd is a widow after only one year of marriage. She decides to visit a friend in Big Valley where she lived when she was younger. There she reunites with a friend who she once thought of marrying Elias also wanted to marry her but never got up the courage to ask her out. All of these stories deal with grief, romance, and those wonderful, always caring parents.

I enjoyed Wilma's Wish and Alma's Acceptance. Martha's Wish was too simplistic and the characters were not interesting. There was no tension in the plot and I got bored reading this story. I would have to say, though, that all three stories were lacking the usual amount of tension and character development that readers are used to seeing with full length Amish fiction. However, the book as a whole was a relaxing read and I will rate it 3 out of 5 stars.… (plus d'informations)

Return to the Big Valley is a compilation of three novellas by Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter. These are each nice short stories that can read in an evening. Each of the stories are based on different couples with different situations they are dealing with. I enjoyed reading these stories and the different writing style of each of the authors.

In Wilma’s Wish we see the struggles Israel had with taking his five nephews when his sister died. It is fun to see how the boys change through out the story and how Wilma struggles with trying to help Israel.

In Martha’s Miracle we see a young lady who loves the outdoors, hunting and fishing. She struggles with finding a man who loves her just the way she is. When she meets Glen she is faced with having a man who likes her for herself, but is leaning toward the English life.

Alma’s Acceptance is a story of second chances. Alma’s husband past away just weeks prior and she has gone to visit friends. While there she get reacquainted with a friend and their relationship moves faster than others approve.

These are nice stories to read just to get away from things. The theme of faith and prayer is evident in each story. Each of the stories has a different romance situation where the couple have to make choices.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest review.… (plus d'informations)