Madge C. (dmconn1) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 234 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of my favorite authors! I wouldn't think this book could be any better than what she has written so far. I was wrong ...this novel is an excellent read. Wanda gives us insight into what each character is thinking and feeling. Because this is the first book of a series, questions aren't completely answered in "A Sister's Secret". I look forward to Book Two of the "Sisters of Holmes County" grouping.
Ashley B. (daredevilgirl013) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 746 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
A wonderful book, and it is correct about many places in Holmes County and the Amish there, as I have visited Holmes County numerous times.
This book is a wonderful read, the story line moves along quickly, and it's a page-turner to keep finding out what happens next with every plot twist. And there is a bit of mystery to it as well.
If you want a good read, especially for the upcoming colder months, this is it!!!
This book is a wonderful read, the story line moves along quickly, and it's a page-turner to keep finding out what happens next with every plot twist. And there is a bit of mystery to it as well.
If you want a good read, especially for the upcoming colder months, this is it!!!
Rhea L. (gramrhea) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
As always, Wanda Brunstetter's books are captivating and good reads.
This one is no exception! I love books about the Amish community and have learned a lot from them.
This one is no exception! I love books about the Amish community and have learned a lot from them.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a great book! One of those books where you don't want it to end and you just can't wait to read the second one.
Margaret C. (cherryblossommj) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is my first Wanda Brunstetter, although, I have been reading Amish Christian Fiction for a while and enjoying it from Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall. I couldn't sleep last night, so I decided to start this book, I guess that was around ten or eleven o'clock. Well, that was a mistake, because then I could not stop or go to sleep until I was finished at after five in the morni...more This is my first Wanda Brunstetter, although, I have been reading Amish Christian Fiction for a while and enjoying it from Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall. I couldn't sleep last night, so I decided to start this book, I guess that was around ten or eleven o'clock. Well, that was a mistake, because then I could not stop or go to sleep until I was finished at after five in the morning!
This is not a book to pick up and have a short quaint read of enjoyment. It states on the inside back flap that Wand a E. Brunstetter writes about the Amish life, because she likes the simple, plain life. Well, if you are using the general description of their lives, sure. But not the lives of these characters. One thing after another happens in this story to the family Hosteller, and you never expect what is next. There is a main secret, which from the first chapter, I was able to guess, but for many many chapters after that she throws things in that make you wonder. Nothing ends up being what you thought, and after tons of page turning trying to find out what happens, the book ends, with only minimal things resolved, and you're left scrambling to get the next book in the series.
Luckily, I checked out both from the library at the same time.
This is not a book to pick up and have a short quaint read of enjoyment. It states on the inside back flap that Wand a E. Brunstetter writes about the Amish life, because she likes the simple, plain life. Well, if you are using the general description of their lives, sure. But not the lives of these characters. One thing after another happens in this story to the family Hosteller, and you never expect what is next. There is a main secret, which from the first chapter, I was able to guess, but for many many chapters after that she throws things in that make you wonder. Nothing ends up being what you thought, and after tons of page turning trying to find out what happens, the book ends, with only minimal things resolved, and you're left scrambling to get the next book in the series.
Luckily, I checked out both from the library at the same time.
Janelle C. (jscrappy) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I wanted to like this book, as we used to live near Holmes County, Ohio, and always enjoyed making trips there and seeing the Amish farms. But it's so poorly-written. The characters are one-dimensional, and their motivations are, too. The dialogue is dull and repetitive. The female characters are weak and boring, and the male characters are cruel and unfeeling. Save your time unless you really like the Christian fiction genre.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was an easy read, without any sex or bad language. The use of 'Dutch-German' was rather annoying, because the author would use a word and then have another character repeat the sentence with the English word immediately after. The story was also incomplete. I don't know if she intends to continue the story in her other books, but the story doesn't reveal who is committing the acts of violence against the main characters family. It felt rushed, near the end, like she was running out of pages, and the main character's problems are 'resolved', literally, on the last page.
DANIELLE K. (Danni) - , reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
1st book in the Sisters of Holmes County series.
I love all of Wanda Brunstetter's books and this one is no exception. She writes such heartwarming books that you can picture the characters and share their happiness and heartache.
I love all of Wanda Brunstetter's books and this one is no exception. She writes such heartwarming books that you can picture the characters and share their happiness and heartache.
Loved it! I couldn't wait to go onto the next book and then the next. I love Amish books so much...they are clean, wholesome books.
I haven't got to read it yet. I have Diabetes and sometimes it makes my eyes unable to see. Thanks for asking, I love all the amish Books.
another good Brunstetter book
really like it
Grace loves Cleon but will someone from her past reveal secrets she has tried to hide.Wanda Brunstetter does it again with another thrilling novel about the Amish.
Vickie W. (spunky7478) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
I just love the Amish storied. This si a wonderful book.
Jamie N. (JNelson) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Another great book by Mrs. Brunstetter. Finished it off in 2 days as I hated to put it down
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 482 more book reviews
This is not the first book I have read by Wanda E. Bruntetter nor will it be the last. I do enjoy the lightheartedness of her books. This one was no different a little less predicable then some of her other books have. Even with the predicable elements I still found the book enjoyable. The story takes place on a Amish settlement in Ohio where we meet the lead of the story Grace. She is Amish and is strong willed, keeps to herself and is very secretive. Grace is about to marry Cleon who is also of the Amish faith. Four years earlier during Grace's rumschpring (German/Dutch for running around years) she spent time in the English (what the Amish call those of us not Amish) world with no contact to her Amish family. After she returned she still didn't talk about her life away from them. Which can only mean one thing in the literary world is that there something amiss. At least in Grace's past there is, which is about to possibly be revealed by the new English reporter in town. The reporter Gary is someone who Grace use to date and he has some stories to tell about Gracie. Will he tell Grace's family her secrets or will she stop him? I'm not telling.
I had one problem with the book . I had a problem believing that Cleon and Grace were in love and in the end the feeling I had about them changed. That was my only real problem though.
Since I have never known an Amish person but do live close to Pennsylvania Dutch Country I can't say for sure whether the settings are authentic but do feel like they are pretty close. In the author biography it is stated that she visits Amish settlements often on her travels. Every so often her books she will add a couple of Dutch/German words that the Amish use and I love that. It makes me want to learn the language. When talks about food I want to eat the same food they are eating. Matter of fact just today when was reading about peanut butter and honey sandwich I said, "That sounds good I think I will have that." And I did.
In this book and most of her books Wanda E. Brunstetter has a way of romanticizing the Amish life. I find nothing with but that is just the best way I can describe the way she writes. Out of it you get the feeling the Amish are hard working and mindful of there faith. In the books the God factor is not overwhelming in there daily lives but still there. My point is your not getting beat over the head with God or beliefs. Just a little nudge here and there. In all it a was good read. I give it about 4 stars. Not unbelievably great, but good enough to pass on to someone. Oh and I almost forgot to mention this book is the first in a series of 3. The third book a A Sister's Hope is due out in July 2008.
I had one problem with the book . I had a problem believing that Cleon and Grace were in love and in the end the feeling I had about them changed. That was my only real problem though.
Since I have never known an Amish person but do live close to Pennsylvania Dutch Country I can't say for sure whether the settings are authentic but do feel like they are pretty close. In the author biography it is stated that she visits Amish settlements often on her travels. Every so often her books she will add a couple of Dutch/German words that the Amish use and I love that. It makes me want to learn the language. When talks about food I want to eat the same food they are eating. Matter of fact just today when was reading about peanut butter and honey sandwich I said, "That sounds good I think I will have that." And I did.
In this book and most of her books Wanda E. Brunstetter has a way of romanticizing the Amish life. I find nothing with but that is just the best way I can describe the way she writes. Out of it you get the feeling the Amish are hard working and mindful of there faith. In the books the God factor is not overwhelming in there daily lives but still there. My point is your not getting beat over the head with God or beliefs. Just a little nudge here and there. In all it a was good read. I give it about 4 stars. Not unbelievably great, but good enough to pass on to someone. Oh and I almost forgot to mention this book is the first in a series of 3. The third book a A Sister's Hope is due out in July 2008.
Pat N. (patmat) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 175 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book as a quick, easy read. Follows Ms Brunstetter's formula.
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
This is book 1 of the Sisters of Holmes County. You do not have to read them in order. All are so well written. All are engrossing and if you read one you'll want to read them all. This one is love and justice. Beautiful series.
Susanne S. (susieme) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
This is an excellent series. Read the first and you will have to read them all. I love the books about the Amish and their way of life.
Vickie W. (spunky7478) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Another great Amish story by Wanda Brunstetter. Ilove her Amish stories.
Vickie
Vickie
BARBARA D. (TINKER) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 354 more book reviews
GREAT READ, BUT THEN IS A GREAT AUTHOR I WOULDN'T EXPECT ANYTHING LESS.ONCE I STARTED IT, I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN TILL I WAS THROUGH.
A Sister's Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first novel in the Sisters of Holmes County series (recently reprinted). I thought the story was well-written with realistic characters. Grace Hostettler is a woman who is keeping secrets from her family, fiancé, and community. When a man from her past shows up in Holmes County, Grace wonders if now is the time to unburden herself. The story is told from Grace's point-of-view as well as Cleon's, Grace's fiancé, and Grace's two sisters, Ruth and Martha. Each one has a different voice, so it was easy to go from one individual to the next. There is also a mystery in A Sister's Secret. It started out with overturned outhouses and cows being tipped over. It soon escalated into breaking into the Hostettler home and destroying property. The violence escalates when someone breaks into Roman Hostettler's carpentry workshop stealing tools and wreaking havoc. It is hard to turn the other check when the violence keeps intensifying. There are several individuals who could have done the malicious deeds. I enjoyed solving the whodunit. There are good life lessons in the story including how we learn with my favorite being that we learn from our errors. One of my favorite quotes is, âThat's how life goesâwe learn and grow from our mistakes. And hope we don't make them again.â The other quote that lingered with me is, âWe need to remember that nothing we own is really ours. It's all on loan from God.â I am glad that I had the other two books from the Sisters of Holmes County series on hand. This is a series that needs to be read from beginning to end. A Sister's Secret is a story about forgiveness, family, secrets, second chances, love, and faith.
Great series.
Mary H. (inkdrinker) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 97 more book reviews
I thought I was going to be disappointed when I started this book. The writing didn't seem to be as good as other books I've read by this author. It started out slowly and as if the words were forced. It took almost 4 chapters before I really got interested in the story line. then it sped up and I decided to finish it. I am so glad that I did! This is book one of a series. By the last page, I was hooked and knew I would continue to the second book.
Rachel B. (travnray) reviewed A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Bk 1) on + 182 more book reviews
I think that this author could write her books in 200 pages instead of 300.
Each character has to explain each situation to the next character and it gets repetative (and a little annoying) very quickly. Tho I do appreciate a good love story with morals and clean language. I have alraedy read the second book and I'll probably finish the last one just because there is a story line that continues through all of the books and I want to see how it ends, but I can't decide if it's good enough to start another series.
Each character has to explain each situation to the next character and it gets repetative (and a little annoying) very quickly. Tho I do appreciate a good love story with morals and clean language. I have alraedy read the second book and I'll probably finish the last one just because there is a story line that continues through all of the books and I want to see how it ends, but I can't decide if it's good enough to start another series.
