The Walnut Creek Wish

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in the Creektown Discoveries Series. It is a wonderful story that has four main characters. Orley and Lois Troyer who own Memory Keepers Antique Shop in Walnut Creek, Ohio and Rhonda and Jeff Davis who relocate to Walnut Creek after finding their dream home. Jeff's love of antiques brings him into the Memory Keepers Antique Shop. A friendship begins between Orley and Jeff. Throughout the story Jeff and Rhonda experience a series of events that cause much stress in their lives as well as in their marriage. Their friendship with Orley and Lois helps them through these difficult times. It is a very heartwarming story that once you begin reading you can't put down. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next one in this series.

The Walnut Creek Wish is Book 1 of Wanda Brunstetter’s new ‘Creektown Discoveries’ series. The story centers around two couples: Rhonda and Jeff Davis, a bored, disengaged married Englisher couple who have all the outer trappings of a successful life (nice house, cars, etc.), but a dying marriage; and Amish couple, Orley and Lois Troyer, who own Memory Keepers, an antique store in Walnut Creek. When Jeff and Rhonda buy a home in Walnut Creek, it is not long before the paths of the two couples cross. Jeff, an antique enthusiast soon finds himself in Orley and Lois’ shop. After a chance meeting on a country road, Rhonda learns the Troyer’s are childless, similar to her and Jeff. Meanwhile, we begin to learn more about the Englisher couple, Jeff and Rhonda. Both had gone through separate hardships in their lives before adulthood, and both felt that their prayers were not answered. Now neither has a relationship with God. You cannot help but draw comparisons to each couple, and how they either enjoy, or don’t enjoy, life, as well as how they cope with life’s ups and downs. These comparisons are not lost on either couple, either. It is only when a major, life-changing event occurs for Jeff and Rhonda, that they each, secretly, recommit their lives to God. Once again, Wanda Brunstetter does not disappoint with how everything comes together at the end. If you are looking for a life affirming - faith affirming -- feel good book, this is it! I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This new series by master storyteller Wanda Brunstetter is off to an amazing start with The Walnut Creek Wish! I love how the story blends Amish with the Englisch (non-Amish) to represent communities that exist within the mainstream culture. Although it had a bit of a slow start, the story really picks up and then I couldn't finish reading it fast enough! I had to find out what happened. Relatable, lovable characters, a realistic storyline, and a happy ending are the perfect trifecta that make up The Walnut Creek Wish! This is a great book for any fan of Amish fiction, Christian fiction, heartwarming stories, and feel-good fiction. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! This book was provided to me by Barbour Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive (or any) review. Opinions and ideas expressed in this review are my own.

I have yet to find one of Wanda Brunstetter's books that I don't like. They are written so well and tell the truth of the Amish. Keep writing such wonderful stories.

The Walnut Creek Wish  features a young 'Englisher' couple who are searching for answers, and a very wise Amish couple who helps them on their journey. Wanda E. Brunstetter is a master at writing Amish fiction, and this story shows her unique ability to merge two completely different cultures. She offers a realistic portrayal of a friendship between two couples, one Amish and one English, who have very little in common. Brunstetter shows the lure of worldly values and the temporary happiness that comes from material possessions, and powerfully illustrates the hope and joy found in faith and prayer. The Walnut Creek Wish is a lovely introduction to the community of Walnut Creek, Ohio, and I look forward to more books in the Creektown Discoveries series. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.