The Farmers' Market Mishap: A Sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake

Wanda E. Brunstetter · Jean Brunstetter

Jun 2017 · Barbour Publishing

About this ebook

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Daughter-in-Law, Jean, Weave a Lighthearted Romance from Indiana’s Amish Country
 
Living alone for the first time in her life is lonely for Elma Hochstetler, whose twin sister Thelma recently married. Though they share the running of a general store, more and more of Thelma’s time is taken up by her growing family. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love.
 
Through a mishap at the farmers’ market, Elma meets Ben Wagler and instantly likes him. But there is a problem. He lives in Grabill—50 miles away! But Elma has tried long-distance dating before, and it won’t work for her.  Besides the store needs her. Her sister needs her. Elma feels love will forever remain beyond her grasp.
 
Elma has a habit of putting others before her own needs. Can she learn to take a risk at following the desires of her heart?

How did Thelma meet her husband?  Find out in The Lopsided Christmas Cake.






 

Ratings and reviews

Like Visiting With Old Friends Again! The Farmers' Market Mishap easily picks right back up where The Lopsided Christmas Cake left off, which will be a delight for all Wanda and Jean Brunstetter fans! Twins Elma and Thelma now live across the street from each other, since Thelma's wedding to Joseph. As Thelma and Joseph begin their lives together and start to build a family, Elma lives alone in the farmhouse they once shared, and at times, feels understandably lonely. She deals with the very real human emotion of envy -- wondering if she will ever be married and raising a family. But we also see that Elma has grown a bit more mellow -- to the point of letting a few pets share her home. Her pets quickly become dear companions to her, another bit of proof that Elma's demeanor is softening. As Elma goes about the daily tasks of running the general store, could she be rekindling an old relationship -- or is there someone new in her life who will win her heart? As readers, we are left guessing right up until the very end! Another treat for the reader are the recipes that follow the story, at the end of the book. Another wonderfully heartwarming read by the writing team of Wanda and Jean Brunstetter! I received an advanced copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Farmers’ Market Mishap by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is the sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake. Elma Hochstetler is thirty-four years old and has been living alone since her twin sister, Thelma married Joseph Beechy. Elma has a busy life with taking care of their general store, home, garden and chores in the barn. But it does get lonely and Elma wonders if she will end up an old maid. Thelma is worried about her sister and keeps pushing her towards Delbert Gingerich. Delbert and Elma used to court, but they were not suited (Elma found him set in his ways and disliked his various quirks). Thelma hopes that her sister will change her mind (she wants her to stay close by). Thelma and Joseph are excited about their first child. It means, though, that Thelma cannot work as many hours in the store, and Elma must take on more responsibility. Ben Wagler lives in Grabill with his widowed mother, Dorothy. Dorothy has taken a booth at the Shipshewana farmer’s market to sell some of her excess produce and her lovely flowers. Ben decides to look around before the market opens and encounters Elma at her stand where he proceeds to knock over some of her produce. Elma and Ben are attracted to each other, but they live about fifty miles apart. Elma tried a long-distance relationship in the past and it did not work out. Plus, she has responsibilities and would never consider moving away from her sister especially now that she is becoming an aunt. Is there a chance for a happily ever after for Ben and Elma? The Farmers’ Market Mishap is a light-hearted Amish romance that I enjoyed reading. It is well-written and has engaging characters. The Farmers’ Market Mishap has a good pace, it is just the right length, and it has a satisfying ending. I especially liked the addition of Hunter/Freckles. He is a smart and loving dog that accomplishes what the humans could not. The Farmers’ Market Mishap is a sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake, but it can be read alone. I give The Farmers’ Market Mishap 4 out of 5 stars. The story has an expected ending, but I was still pleased with the story. The Farmers’ Market Mishap is the perfect book to read on a hot afternoon.

Very warming and heart felt. Loved the bond between the two Amish twins!

About the author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

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. Visit Jean's website at www.jeanbrunstetter.com.