I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Series: Lopsided Christmas Cake #2
Published by Shiloh Run Press on June 1st 2017
Source: Barbour Publishing, Netgalley
Genres: Amish & Mennonite, Christian, Clean & Wholesome
Pages: 208
Return to Amish Country in Topeka, Indiana, and the Hochstetler twin sisters who are pulled apart by life s changes. Elma is living alone for the first time in her life after Thelma married. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love. Will she remain alone while Thelma moves on to build a family? Find out in this brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter. "
The Farmers’ Market Mishap, coauthored by Wanda and Jean Brunstetter, picks up where The Lopsided Christmas Cake leaves off. When I started this series, Elma was so serious that I favored her twin sister, Thelma. This book changed my mind. Both of these books were five stars (err, coffee cups) for me but this book was my favorite. Here’s why…
So many times I read a book and I know who ends up with who from the first chapter. I can’t stand that. I don’t like an author shipping their character off to the first guy she meets. Those wham bam romances are so predictable and a character like Elma is just much too sensible to fall for that foolishness.
I feel like the time alone for Elma really smoothed her rough edges. By the time she fell in love; it was for all of the right reasons and not sheer desperation.
We saw how selfless Elma was at the end of The Lopsided Christmas Cake. She gave her sister the freedom to love Joseph; even though it meant learning to live by herself for the first time in her life.
For me, in this book, I realized how selfish Thelma could be. I won’t elaborate but I was frustrated with her. Of course, everything works out how it was supposed to but I couldn’t help but be a little angry with Thelma.
The conclusion was absolutely perfect for this book. Thelma’s surprise? I honestly didn’t see that one coming—it was a bit predictable and I probably should have but I didn’t. Just perfect!
Overall, Elma has the best romance. I feel that Elma took her time to get to know her chosen life partner before rushing down the aisle. It’s not that I don’t like Thelma. I do! But, I love that Elma’s journey to love ever after wasn’t rushed. Wanda and Jean definitely saved the best for last!
About Wanda & Jean Brunstetter
Wanda E. Brunstetter:
New York Times bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter became
fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s
Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard,
live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements
throughout the States, where they have many Amish friends.
Meet Jean Brunstetter
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.
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