A Merry Heart (Brides of Lancaster County, Book 1) [Paperback]

Wanda E. Brunstetter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2007

Miriam Stoltzfus is a young Pennsylvania Amish woman once filled with dreams for a future with a man. . .who jilted her. Now she is known as the old maid schoolteacher with a heart of stone. Could a forbidden romantic friendship with an English newspaper reporter stir the embers of her heart? Or, will she follow the traditional path and settle for a marriage of convenience born out of the sake of a child? Either way, she must find the key to letting go of the bitterness that binds her ability to love.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Miriam Stoltzfus is a young Pennsylvania Amish woman known as the “old maid” schoolteacher with a “heart of stone.” Could a forbidden romantic friendship with an English newspaper reporter stir the embers of her heart? Or will she follow the traditional path and settle for a marriage of convenience born out of the sake of a child?

From the Publisher

The poignant stories that launched Wanda E. Brunstetter's loyal readership are back in the reissue of the popular 4 book Lancaster Brides series. New scenes have been added to these classic Wanda E. Brunstetter novels that further develop the characters and add even more emotion and intrigue to the original story lines. The new Brides of Lancaster County series is being released as 4 full-length novels that will delight first time readers, as well as fans of the original Lancaster Brides books.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc (February 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159789298X
• ISBN-13: 978-1597892988
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #725,360 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 50 books with more than 5 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book.....I can't wait for the rest of the series, October 10, 2006

By 

Ms. Parrothead "Book Lover" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Merry Heart (Brides of Lancaster County, Book 1) (Paperback)

First of all, the book itself, as well as the amazon description, states that this is a re-issue. Therefore, it should not have been a surprise the "this is the same book" as the original. There are expanded scenes in this book, so it is not verbatim the same book. (I went back and checked the old copy my library has.) I have always been a fan of Beverly Lewis, and this book was my first time reading Wanda Brunstetter. I am very pleased with this book, the story line is good, the characters are well developed. I am currently reading another Brunstetter series, the Daughters of Lancaster County, and it is also going well. I am looking forward to the remainder of this series being "re-released."

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not realistic, July 19, 2008

By 

M A - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Merry Heart (Brides of Lancaster County, Book 1) (Paperback)

Much of what is written in this book, and other books by Wanda Brunstetter just isn't realistic. The amish wouldn't just call a news reporter to hang out with, is one example. Beverly Lewis does a much better job of writing accurate examples of how the Amish live.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars somewhat expanded reprint of a fine Amish tale, January 14, 2007

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Merry Heart (Brides of Lancaster County, Book 1) (Paperback)

At one time Miriam Stolfus believed that her true love William Graber would come back for her when he left for Ohio. Instead he never returned to their Amish community, ending her dreams with a Dear Miriam letter in which he informed her he has fallen in love and will marry Lydia Stutzman. In spite of her mom constantly quoting Proverbs 17.22, Miriam has a troubled spirit and heavy heart that even her students notice. She is a twenty-six years old spinster who is often a cross teacher with a short fuse,

Widower Amos Hilty has loved Miriam since they were children, but she had eyes only for William. He married but his wife passed away. Amos raises their six years old daughter Mary Ellen mostly by himself though the community is there for him. Though her beloved momma insists Amos would make a good husband, Miriam believes he only wants her as a mother to Mary Ellen. He has competition with English reporter Nick, but Miriam's bitter heart refuses to let go of William's betrayal. However, she begins to reconsider her values when her niece Rebekiah is severely injured in an accident.

This is a somewhat expanded reprint of the first Lancaster Brides' tale though this reviewer does not know how much differs from the ten years old original. Miriam is the star as she stereotypes all men as betrayers in spite of the males in her extended family like papa proving otherwise. The interesting story line provides insight into the Amish community through the lead protagonist's perspectives and relationships. The support cast adds to the overall discerning glimpse at a "bah humbug" female who begins to understand God's messages of A MERRY HEART after precocious young niece became wheelchair bound.

Harriet Klausner