THE AMISH GREEN MYSTERIES BY WANDA BRUNSTETTER 

Where Is the Hope in Grief?
A terrible accident leaves three women as the sole providers of the family they have left. Their only income must come from the greenhouse in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, but someone seems to be trying to force them out of business in their darkest hour of grief and despair. Can hope be restored in three novels from bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter?
 
The Crow’s Call
When her father, brother, and brother-in-law are killed in a traffic accident, Amy King leaves a job she loves and halts a promising courtship with Jared to help run the family greenhouse. Can things get any worse for a young Amish woman who has already made several sacrifices?
 
The Mockingbird’s Song
Widow with two children, Sylvia feels her mother is being too over-protective and meddlesome when she meets Dennis Weaver while birdwatching. When the budding romance is squelched and troubling events start happening again at the family-run greenhouse, Sylvia must confront her reoccurring anxieties.
 
The Robin’s Greeting
Suddenly widowed with the weight of her family and business on her shoulders, Belinda King struggles to remain strong and at peace. When the pressures mysteriously increase, will she crumble, or can she turn to one of two new suitors?

 

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

MY REVIEW 

I love reading books with different stories that provide a variety of lessons and brings characters together in whole collection. This book is compiled with wonderful characters and a glimpse at hope, unconditional love, loss  and forgiveness. It is a great way to get the series all in one book to enjoy. 

THE CROWS CALL

This has been such a wonderful start to a promising new series for the author. I love how much the author knows about the Amish and it shows in each of her stories. We not only get to know the Amish better, but we feel as if we are in the middle of the story as it plays out. The author is able to take characters and make them come to life with emotions that tug on your heart and bring you a better understanding of God’s love.

There has has a great loss in one of the families when  three members  are killed. The void they leave behind will have lasting affects on other members in the family. I love how the community comes together to offer support and assures them they are not alone.

The greenhouse is a prosperous business that takes the remaining members a lot of work to keep it going. It doesn’t help that they are still grieving from the tragedy. Amy has a great head on her shoulders and is determined to keep the business running. If only she can get her little brother Henry to get over his anger and allow God to comfort him. What I really liked in this book was the mystery the author provides that really enchanted an already enchanting story. Someone is vandalizing the greenhouse and the property which causes Amy and her family to wonder who could be doing such unkind things to them?  I found several suspects in my investigation but will I be right? And what is Henry up to with the annoying crow?

It is a refreshing start to a series that have characters dealing with grief, family, forgiveness and learning to trust God. The new neighbors are a mystery themselves when the wife doesn’t want to be sociable. I found that to be a great opportunity to have Amy or even her mother to reach out to her. The author invites us to join her as we follow a family through heartbreak and come together as a family to help each other deal with their grief.  Don’t miss the discussion questions the author has provided at the end of the book. The book does leave us with a bit of a cliffhanger so be prepared to be on the lookout for the next in this series.

THE MOCKINGBIRD’S SONG

I am really liking this series so much and glad I was able to relax and visit the characters again in this book. The story finds us seeing how the family is doing after a devastating loss. I loved reading about the greenhouse and how the family works hard to keep it running.  I am not good with plants but I enjoy looking at them. I admire people who have beautiful gardens and flowers that cascade around the yard.

Sylvia is still struggling with her loss while raising her two small children. It was nice to see how Sylvia and her younger brother took up birdwatching together. I have several bird feeders in my yard and get great pleasure watching them fly around while grabbing  seeds. I think this hobby has brought Henry a little happiness in his life. He still feels overwhelmed at times but he is slowly dealing with his grief.

I loved the introduction of Dennis to the story. He has his own grief to deal with and his friendship with Sylvia is helping both of them. The author does  a great job of slowly developing  their relationship. If only Sylvia’s mother could accept the fact that Sylvia is ready to move on with her life. I was quite surprised by Belinda’s attitude toward Dennis. Perhaps she is not ready to see her daughter move on. Dennis is a perfect gentleman but he is beginning to feel that perhaps he shouldn’t pursue the relationship with Sylvia. I couldn’t wait to see where the author would take Sylvia and Dennis relationship. I so wanted them to get together.

There is a bit of mystery in the story that I hope to see come to an end in the next book. Who is trying to sabotage the greenhouse? I haven’t figured it out yet but I am anxious to discover who it is. I also liked reading about Virginia the neighbor. That poor lady is so desperate for friends. I laughed when she started spying on Sylvia and her family with binoculars. Talk about being a nosy neighbor. She reminds me of Gladys from a show that was on many years ago. I am wondering how Virginia will fit into this story. Will she let her guard down and become friends with her neighbors?

The story has a gentle feel of faith that is just the right amount to give readers a sense of peace. The story was one I didn’t want to end. There are lessons in the book about judging, forgiveness, grief and acceptance. I can’t wait to read the next book in this lovely series.

THE ROBIN’S GREETING 

What a beautiful ending to a charming series. I loved reading about the greenhouse and all the work it takes to run it. Belinda has seen her share of heartache, but it looks like she has two suitors vying for her attention.  I loved the intrigue in the book about the vandalism going on at the greenhouse. Who would do such horrible things and cause a family to lose their business?

I loved the part about the elderly lady who seemed to have no way of taking care of herself. The family befriends her and finds that she is in need of love and people who care for her. It is a good reminder of taking care of your neighbor.

Speaking of neighbors, we find Virginia once again spying on her Amish neighbors. She is a very lonely woman who is bitter and  a little judgmental. She spends more time complaining about her neighbors then making her home a happy place.

I loved the romance in the book and wasn’t sure who Belinda would choose to marry. Her son Henry isn’t happy that his mother is courting. Losing his father has been hard on him. He still has some grieving to do. I know Henry is still hurting but maybe someone can help him overcome his bitterness. He loves his family and it is hard for him to accept his mother remarrying. This was  a great storyline because it is never easy for a child who has lost a parent to deal with someone new coming into their home.

I was extremely surprised at who the person was who had been vandalizing the greenhouse and trying to scare Belinda into moving. I understand why this person did it, but the best part was seeing how several people gave their heart to Jesus. The scripture of, “what the enemy wanted for evil God turned it for good,” fits perfectly in this part of the story.  God does work everything out for good. There is much joy and happiness as the series ends. I will miss the characters I’ve grown to love.