Welcome to Friday Reads!
You can enter to win a print copy of The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter, courtesy of the publisher (US ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends September 3, 2021.) Share on X If you’re the chosen winner, I’ll contact you for your information.
About the book…
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?
Q&A with Wanda…
Q: Amish fiction has been hot for several years now! Why do you think your Amish novels are still so popular?
A: My Amish readers say they enjoy my novels because of the accuracy I portray of their lives. They also appreciate the verses of scripture I share in each story. My English readers say they enjoy my novels because they take them to a simpler lifestyle and a slower pace filled with good family values. They also like the spiritual emphasis each story has in the theme.
Q: What is a main area of growth for the characters in this story?
The main characters—an English husband and wife—come to realize that they need to set their selfish desires aside and rely on God to help them become the kind of person their spouse deserves.
Q: What character did you relate to in The Walnut Creek Wish, and why?
A: I relate most to the Amish woman, Lois, because like me, she enjoys mentoring people and helping them spiritually and emotionally.
Q: Will the other books in the series follow the same characters?
A: The Amish couple, Orley and Lois, will be each of the books in this series, and new characters will appear. There will be a mention of the characters from each of the previous books, but they will not be a part of the main storyline.
Q: What theme or takeaway do you hope to leave readers with?
A: The takeaway I hope to leave my readers with is the need to depend on God, especially when going through difficult times, such as a crisis in one’s marriage, as the characters discovered in The Walnut Creek Wish.
Q: You’re known for your accuracy about Amish life. Explain, if you would, how you gained your knowledge.
A: I gained my accuracy about Amish life from becoming friends with many Amish families and getting to know them well. Spending quality time with the Amish has been the key to understanding their lifestyle.
Q: Have you ever visited this Amish area in Ohio? If so, what was your favorite part of your visit?
A: My husband and I have visited Ohio Amish country many times. The best part of all is when get the opportunity to visit with our Amish friends who live in that area.
Q: Although the Amish are quite different in many ways from modern folks, it seems there are a lot of similarities. What major similarities do you see – and what major differences?
A: The similarities between Amish and English are things like the enjoyment of playing games, singing, and visiting with family and friends. Also, since getting to know the Amish well, I’ve become aware that they deal with many of the same problems we English do.
The differences between Amish and English involve things like their horse and buggy mode of travel, plain style of clothes, no TV or Internet in their homes, and not being reliant on electricity.
Q: Wanda, what are you most excited for in the 2nd book in this series?
A: I am eager for my readers to see how the Amish couple who own the antique store help a young woman who is dealing with pain from her past, and a young man who believes that in his own strength he can fix things that are out of his control.
Thanks for stopping by, Wanda!
My review…
Brunstetter’s books never fail to delight me. This book, the start of a new series, is no exception.
Jeff and Rhonda are realistic and relatable in their relationship, as well as their belief that they don’t have time in their lives for God. I enjoyed watching them grow spiritually as they learned to lean on God. And you can’t help but be encouraged and touched by Orley and Lois! The author does a great job of blending the Amish and <i>Englisch</i> elements. The writing quickly pulls them in, making them feel a part of the book and town. I look forward to reading the upcoming books in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
About the author…
New York Times, award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. 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. 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.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
I do not know anyone like this fictional couple, but have seen stories on the news about people like this that always give back.
It’s nice to see things like that on the news and know that people such as this do actually exist. Good luck, Danielle!
I believe I have read every single book you have written Wanda, and you drawn me into each one. They are so hard to put down. The Tattered Quilt Series has to be my favorite. I didn’t think I could ever have a favorite, but those are. Jan and his daughter really made it so real. I received that series as a Christmas gift from mother-in-law. I have been reading Amish fiction since about 2004. I am addicted. Beverly Lewis got me started and then Wanda. I have been hooked ever since. I am so looking forward to this series.
I agree! Wanda has so many great books. I, too, got started in the genre with Beverly. It’s one of my favorite genres. Good luck, Melissa.
I have had some friends who have mentored me when I had a serious depression and was really grateful for them.
That’s wonderful that you had someone there for you! Good luck, Vivian!
I know some couples and even single people who are wise and caring mentors in our church.
How wonderful! Good luck, Merry.
We could sure use more people like Orley and Lois Troyer. I personally do not know a couple like this, just single people.
Yes, we sure do! That’s great that you know people who are like this. Good luck, Sabine!