This is a story that sort of parallels Jesus' parable of the prodigal son. Because it is just part one of a six part series, we have yet to see the son coming back repentant. Stay tuned. ( )

What a great start to a very promising six part story. Joel is a very determined young man. He has visions of making lots of money and marring Kristi. He has asked her to marry him, but he has not bought her an engagement ring yet. I wonder why he hasn't put a ring on her finger? Could it be the very expensive and unnecessary car he bought? He becomes very careless with his money and soon finds himself in trouble. He can't pay his subcontractors and he is hiding a few secrets from Kristi. This reminds of the scripture, "The love of money is the root of all evil."

Kristi is a very sweet young woman who is head over heels crazy for Joel. Her mom has warned her about "not being equally yoked" with Joel as he has wandered away from his faith. She seems to have hope that he will start finding his way back to God. She has noticed lately that Joel has become tense and has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

What secret has he not told Kristi about his family? When he goes to visit his family , will he feel welcomed? This is a great start to a wonderful new novella by an author that I highly admire. She writes about the Amish with such graceful words and makes their town come to life. Her character development is so engrossing . I love Kristi and her dedication to her faith. Joel is in for a few surprises when he thinks of a plan to get himself out of debt. The story ends on a cliffhanger which makes me anxious to get the next book in the series. It is well worth the time to read this engaging story and has a bit of the prodigal son theme in it. I love stories like that which reminds us about forgiveness and second chances.

I received a digital copy from NetGalley for an honest review. ( )

The English Son by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is the first book in The Amish Millionaire series. Joel Byler has just put himself in a financial bind by buying the car of his dreams. It is a 1967 Corvette Stingray (he paid $250,000). Now, though, Joel (a contractor) needs to come up with the money needed to pay his subcontractors for their latest work. Joel has a joint account with his fiancé, Kristi Palmer. They are saving up money for their wedding and a home (he lives in a trailer). They agreed never to take money out of the account without discussing it with the other person. Joel does not want to tell Kristi about the car (and is hiding it at his workshop). Joel decides to take the money from the account, but it will not pay all of his subcontractors. Joel decides to go home and ask his father for the additional money. Joel left his family seven years ago. Joel was raised in Berlin, Ohio in an Amish family. He was never satisfied with that life (always wanted what he did not have). Joel’s father, Eustace is still grieving the death of his wife. He misses his son and wants to help him, but he does not think that money is the answer. Kristi is worried about Joel. She can tell that something is wrong, but he refuses to talk to her. What is going to happen to Joel?

The English Son is well-written and enjoyable to read (I read it straight through). I did not want the book to end (I wanted more). The English Son ends with a cliffhanger and we have to wait for The Stubborn Father to find out what happens next. I give The English Son 5 out of 5 stars. I have only given you a brief overview of the book (there are other family members who have their own lives and issues). I am impatient for the next book in The Amish Millionaire series.

I received a complimentary copy of The English Son from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

As we open this book we meet a young man that has just purchased his dream car, and spent $250,000 for it, he must be wealthy, right? So much joy he is experiencing, and you fell happy for him, I could just picture him riding around in his Corvette, but this is the beginning of a big spiral, he was hedging his fortunes, which brings to mind a lot of fallen people whom have done this.
Joel is in a relationship with a sweet Mennonite girl, in fact he is engaged to her, but as her mom reminds Kristie, that you should not be unequally yoked, but like most young people she is sure she can change him.
Joel is hiding a deep secret, besides being in debt, he is running away from his family, and I was surprised, but again his name kind of gave him away. Don’t be quick to judge, how will his family accept him when he comes to visit, and why is he there.
The book does end in a cliffhanger, and I was ready to keep reading, so it won’t be long before I have the next book on my shelf. This is a very quick read, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run Press, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )