The Walnut Creek Wish

Wanda E. Brunstetter

Aug 2021 · Creektown Discoveries Book 1 · Barbour Publishing

About this ebook

Book 1 in the Creektown Discoveries Series from NYT Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter

An Antique Store Becomes a Place of Healing for Broken Hearts
 
Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

Ratings and reviews

This is one of my favorite novels of the ones I have read by this author. She offers characters with realistic struggles, needs, and desires. Each of the four primary characters are defined very well through conversations and actions. Watching one older couple consider how best to mentor a younger pair without being obvious is fascinating, as is seeing the difference of lifestyles between the Amish and English. It is also a source of hope and encouragement for those with loved ones in various situations. Rhonda and Jeff have been married almost 13 years, and Rhonda is certain they are heading for divorce. Jeff wants to bring them closer together, while Rhonda does not hold out hope. One of her long-term heartaches is not being able to have children, and Jeff not wanting to adopt. The one thing they do agree on is that neither is a believer in the Lord due to events from their childhoods, and neither want to hear about religion from anyone as they do not think they need it. Jeff suggests that they look for a home outside of Canton, where they currently live and work, to a rural setting, as he thinks it will be better for them than being in their little townhouse in the city. He saw an ad for an open house in Walnut Creek, where there is a thriving Amish community. Rhonda thought the commute would be too stressful to keep her hotel manager position and Jeff going to the restaurant he owns. They are both very impressed by the property. It is secretly a dream home for Rhonda, and the deal is quickly done. Jeff went into a Walnut Creek antique store owned by a delightful older Amish couple, Orley and Lois. They enjoy chatting with their customers and helping them with situations they share. Jeff and Orley get along well, and he found an old sled like the one his grandpa had years ago. Rhonda does not want it in their home and wants Jeff to sell the antiques he has. After a time of being somewhat happier in the new home, one crisis after another occurs. They do not want to hear some of the suggestions made to them by family and friends, but they cannot come to terms with how to resolve challenges. Honestly, I saw some of myself in each character. I could also see myself, many years ago, in the way they turned their backs on the Lord. I aspire to be much more like Lois. There are spiritual lessons in this novel that I appreciated, and I think other readers might find one or two, also. Whether this couple can overcome the crises that threaten to overcome them is a matter of prayer for those who love them even as they try to solve it themselves. I highly recommend this to fans of the author and of Amish fiction, and novels that show spiritual values and growth. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in Creektown Discoveries series. I enjoyed this special Amish tale from beginning to end. I thought it was well-written with developed characters. Orley and Lois Troyer own Memory Keepers Antique Store in Walnut Creek, Ohio where Rhonda and Jeff Davis relocate after finding their dream home. Orley bonds with Jeff and has a way of getting Jeff to talk about what is troubling him. Rhonda and Jeff’s marriage has been on a downward spiral for several years. Rhonda yearns for a child, but she has been unable to get pregnant. Both of them spend too much time working and little time with each other. They hoped the move to Walnut Creek would give them a chance to slow down and have less stress in their lives. Unfortunately, a series of events have made their lives more stressful. Orley and Lois provide guidance and love plus pray for the couple. The Walnut Creek Wish is an uplifting story. Orley and Lois Troyer are great characters. Orley is a hoot. I love his zest for life and his upbeat attitude. I thought the characters were realistic. I also thought Jeff and Rhonda’s marital problems were representative of what couple’s experience today. Rhonda is unable to become pregnant and the doctors cannot find a physical reason, stress from work, working long hours, and financial troubles (going into debt to purchase a home). I like the blend of English and Amish. I appreciated that there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up Rhonda and Jeff’s tale. My favorite phrase is, “. . . when I have a problem too difficult for me, I’ll remember that God is a just a simple prayer away.” I was sorry for this sweet story to end, but I am looking forward to seeing who Orley and Lois help in the next Creektown Discoveries novel. The Walnut Creek Wish is a heartening story with singular treasures, financial failures, a stressful profession, a car commute, and sociable shop owners.

This was an enjoyable start to a new series by Wanda Brunstetter. A young couple, unable to have children finds their marriage pulling apart at the seams. A move from the city to an Amish town brings about change in their lives that doesn't come easily but as they grow together they find things that are missing in their lives. The story revolves in a non-Amish couple who become acquainted with an Amish couple who see the needs in others, when they themselves do not. Not feeling a need or desire to listen to God and rely on His help, the couple continues to struggle through life's ups and downs. It's a sweet story of growing and becoming. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, All thoughts are my own.

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.