I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Hawaiian Discovery by Jean Brunstetter, Wanda E. Brunstetter Series: Hawaiian #2
Published by Barbour Publishing, Incorporated on June 5, 2018
Genres: Amish & Mennonite, Christian, Fiction, Romance
Pages: 256
Source: Barbour Publishing, NetGalley
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An Amish Woman Finds Love in Hawaii
Ellen Lambright mourned when her best friend, Mandy, moved from Indiana to Hawaii. But now Ellen has received the Amish church's permission to go to Hawaii and help Mandy through challenging times. Rob Smith works on the Williams family's organic farm, far from his past mistakes and burning regrets. When Ellen befriends Rob, the attraction is mutual, but her commitment to the Amish faith stands between them. Could a heartfelt discovery lead to forgiveness, reunion, and love? Or is Ellen's destiny waiting for her in Indiana?
Find out in this sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.
I’m just going to say it, I’ve had one of those weeks were everything was chaos and chaos was everything. I finished this book days ago and haven’t had opportunity to release my thoughts onto the screen. (There is just something not as endearing as the page but well, technology.) Those emotions and initial thoughts aren’t right at the ready, and to some degree the super amazing words I had are lost forever. I’ll find something similar but that somethingness is gone now. Now, in true Fizzy style I’m going to totally change directions massively. If you don’t want any spoilers stop reading now and just jump to the next paragraph. That’s your only warning, next paragraph if you don’t want spoilers. Can we just say Amish Fiction meets Shark Attack!?! Two ideas I never in a million years would come together. Ever. That and thank you for sending them back to Hawaii, they belonged there after all. Minus the shark attack though, they didn’t need that. The story did, they didn’t.
What I love about Wanda’s books is actually what took me a bit out of this book. I still have great characters with great personal depth. I still have a well woven story that drew me into the setting. However, this story with all it’s bumps and bruises had a bit of depth missing for me. I wanted more from Ellen and Rob (especially Rob) and from Ken’s brother. Dan seemed like a shallow after-thought (though I guess in same ways that statement is accurate) and I feel like his behavior was too easily excused. Rob (also known as Ruben) dropped a massive bombshell on everyone, but especially on Ellen. I feel like there was this massive emotional opportunity and the ball was dropped in the field and no one was watching. It took something away for me and it made what little I had gained in Ellen slink down a bit.
Yes, let’s talk about Ellen. She’s still pretty annoying but in a better way. She’s grown and seems less legalistic and somewhat less fatalistic (but only a smidge). She is still, in some ways, self-centered but she’s definitely come a long way as a person. She put herself, her life (though to be fair her job was gone), and even her faith on the line to fly (yes FLY) to Hawaii in her friend’s time of need. She wasn’t the stick in the mud she had been last time she was there. She even branched out with an Englisher. Yup. Let that sink in people! I’m still not all in with her, I still think she’s got some growing to do, but she’s getting there. This book kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. Perhaps a third book is needed just to get Ellen into a more well-rounded person? Just a thought 😀
About 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.
About Wanda E. Brunstetter
Wanda E. Brunstetter is an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of Amish and historical fiction. She’s also written Amish cookbooks, Amish-themed devotionals, and several children’s books with Amish characters.
Wanda E. Brunstetter writes about the Amish because they live a simple life, which she feels we all need in this day and age.
Wanda and her husband Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, have Amish friends in several Amish communities.
Besides writing books, Wanda’s a professional ventriloquist. In her spare time she photography, gardening, knitting, looking for shells and agates on the beach, and spending time with her family.
I suspect there’ll be a third book as well.
Nice review! 🙂