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

~ WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER (Author)
Key Phrases: mud sale, wild pansies, wall peg, Mary Ellen, Merry Bart, Amos Hilty (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

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; 1st pb ptg edition (February 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159789298X
• ISBN-13: 978-1597892988
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #66,205 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 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

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."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	M A - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 5 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 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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