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Kentucky Brothers #2
The Healing
Amish widower Samuel Fisher journeys from Lancaster County to Bluegrass Country seeking a balm for his grief after his wife's death. Esther Beiler, who helps watch his children there develops a crush on Samuel and a true affection for his kids. Can she win his heart, or has he already lost it to an English woman? How will God untangle these star-crossed lovers when jealousies and misconceptions threaten to tear them apart?
525 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
127 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
216 books2,331 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
November 21, 2011
Grieving widower Samuel Fisher moves his family from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. Samuel and his four young children temporarily move in with his soon-to-be married brother, Titus. Samuel's understandable grief makes him unbearable to everyone around him, especially his children.He doesn't do anything fun with them and just wants to be alone.
Allen Walters, a friend of Titus's gets Samuel a job fixing up Bonnie Taylor's house. She inherited it from her grandmother and is turning it into a Bed & Breakfast. Working helps Samuel keep his mind off of Elsie, his deceased wife. Esther Beiler starts caring for his children while he is working. Esther and Bonnie meet and become fast friends. Esther also works at the Bed & Breakfast after it opens.
Esther wonders if she'll ever get married and be a mother. She has fallen in love with Samuel's children and would like to be their mother. She even begins to dream of being Samuel's wife.
When a near tragedy happens in Samuel's family he sees that he needs to get out of his depression. He sees how much his children need him. He also realizes that he is ready to court Esther.
Titus ties the knot and everything starts to unravel for Samuel and Esther. At the wedding, something was said that reminds Samuel of a promise he made when he was younger. He tells Esther he can no longer court her and she can't care for the kids anymore. He decides to return to Pennsylvania. At the same time, Allen is trying to get Bonnie to date him. She feels she can't because of her past.
Both Samuel and Bonnie can't let go of their past and are destroying their future. What did Samuel promise? What happened to cause Bonnie to feel she can't love again? Does Samuel return to Pennsylvania? Read The Healing to find all these answers and more.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction. I found myself wishing for Samuel to get out of his depression. I felt sorry for his children because he couldn't be the father they needed. I really liked Esther, she was kind and sweet. The only that I wasn't sure of was how the Amish characters became very good friends with the English characters. In my own experience, I tried several times to talk to the Amish in the previous town where I lived and they just ignored me. I'm sure different districts have different rules of how to treat the English. I just can't see Amish having close relationships with the English no matter where they live.
The Healing continues the story of the Fisher family, who were introduced in The Storekeeper's Daughter. You don't have to read either book to understand the other. I would also recommend reading The Storekeeper's Daughter and the rest of the books that follow it because they are very good.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Allen Walters, a friend of Titus's gets Samuel a job fixing up Bonnie Taylor's house. She inherited it from her grandmother and is turning it into a Bed & Breakfast. Working helps Samuel keep his mind off of Elsie, his deceased wife. Esther Beiler starts caring for his children while he is working. Esther and Bonnie meet and become fast friends. Esther also works at the Bed & Breakfast after it opens.
Esther wonders if she'll ever get married and be a mother. She has fallen in love with Samuel's children and would like to be their mother. She even begins to dream of being Samuel's wife.
When a near tragedy happens in Samuel's family he sees that he needs to get out of his depression. He sees how much his children need him. He also realizes that he is ready to court Esther.
Titus ties the knot and everything starts to unravel for Samuel and Esther. At the wedding, something was said that reminds Samuel of a promise he made when he was younger. He tells Esther he can no longer court her and she can't care for the kids anymore. He decides to return to Pennsylvania. At the same time, Allen is trying to get Bonnie to date him. She feels she can't because of her past.
Both Samuel and Bonnie can't let go of their past and are destroying their future. What did Samuel promise? What happened to cause Bonnie to feel she can't love again? Does Samuel return to Pennsylvania? Read The Healing to find all these answers and more.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction. I found myself wishing for Samuel to get out of his depression. I felt sorry for his children because he couldn't be the father they needed. I really liked Esther, she was kind and sweet. The only that I wasn't sure of was how the Amish characters became very good friends with the English characters. In my own experience, I tried several times to talk to the Amish in the previous town where I lived and they just ignored me. I'm sure different districts have different rules of how to treat the English. I just can't see Amish having close relationships with the English no matter where they live.
The Healing continues the story of the Fisher family, who were introduced in The Storekeeper's Daughter. You don't have to read either book to understand the other. I would also recommend reading The Storekeeper's Daughter and the rest of the books that follow it because they are very good.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
June 25, 2015
SUMMARY: Seek a fresh start with Amish widower Samuel Fisher as he journeys from Lancaster County to Bluegrass Country, hoping to find a balm for the grief he’s carried with him. Will this single father, burdened by yesterday’s memories, discover a new and perhaps better life in Kentucky, the land of tomorrow? Esther Beiler, who helps watch Samuel’s children, develops a crush on Samuel and a true affection for his kids. Can she win his heart, or has she already lost it to an English woman? How will God untangle star-crossed lovers when jealousies and misconceptions threaten to tear them apart?
REVIEW: I read a lot of Amish books many years ago, and finally quit reading them as I found they were all beginning to feel very formulaic. So I only occasionally pick one up now. The Healing was an easy interesting read but still followed the same standard pattern of most Amish books. The dialogue sounded stilted at times, and I found Samuel's repeated gruffness and lack of care for his children disconcerting. He did redeem himself by the end of the book; and the predictable ending, of course, leads into Book 3 of this series. Overall a likeable read for those who enjoy Amish fiction.
REVIEW: I read a lot of Amish books many years ago, and finally quit reading them as I found they were all beginning to feel very formulaic. So I only occasionally pick one up now. The Healing was an easy interesting read but still followed the same standard pattern of most Amish books. The dialogue sounded stilted at times, and I found Samuel's repeated gruffness and lack of care for his children disconcerting. He did redeem himself by the end of the book; and the predictable ending, of course, leads into Book 3 of this series. Overall a likeable read for those who enjoy Amish fiction.
September 6, 2021
This was an amazing continuation of The Kentucky Brothers Series. It is a story of love lost in a very tragic way and how life goes on and the struggles that go along with it. This story deals with death, life, depression, and how with God there can be healing. I highly recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2014
Just as great as the beginning!
November 30, 2019
The Healing Jar is the second book in the series of The Kentucky Brothers. Mrs Wanda Brunstetter takes you along back to Kentucky in this story where Samuel joins his brother Titus. After a horrific accident results in the loss of Samuel's wife and unborn child. Samuel is set to go and find if Kentucky holds a future for him and his children. At the same time Suzanne and Titus seems to have less time with their courting as a result of looking after Samuel's children.
But is when Suzanne's best friend Esther comes to take care of Samuel's children and at the same time she starts having feeling for the children as well as for their father. Esther in order to help her friend's situation moves out of her home into a B&B breakfast where to starts helping out and becoming friends with Englisher Bonnie. At the same time Samuel moves into Esther's parents home.
But little do they both know, that even though Samuel holds a promise made to his late wife and having Esther care for his children; in return his children start caring for Esther as well.
After many situations causing Esther to put aside her fears of height in order to save the children and show Samuel she cares, is not until Titus friend Englisher Allen, with his friendship to Bonnie and Esther, that Samuel gets to see he too cares for Esther.
I enjoy reading Mrs Wanda's books. They are filled with Hope, Fellowship and a Message from God's Love to us that help us hold Faith in Him and His timing. And like Esther when she felt like there was no more answer to her for Marriage and to Samuel, her Faith and Trust in God made it just right for His timing. Sometimes we also need to her our advice to others and put it in practice for us. Wonderful story. Can't wait to read the third book in this series.
But is when Suzanne's best friend Esther comes to take care of Samuel's children and at the same time she starts having feeling for the children as well as for their father. Esther in order to help her friend's situation moves out of her home into a B&B breakfast where to starts helping out and becoming friends with Englisher Bonnie. At the same time Samuel moves into Esther's parents home.
But little do they both know, that even though Samuel holds a promise made to his late wife and having Esther care for his children; in return his children start caring for Esther as well.
After many situations causing Esther to put aside her fears of height in order to save the children and show Samuel she cares, is not until Titus friend Englisher Allen, with his friendship to Bonnie and Esther, that Samuel gets to see he too cares for Esther.
I enjoy reading Mrs Wanda's books. They are filled with Hope, Fellowship and a Message from God's Love to us that help us hold Faith in Him and His timing. And like Esther when she felt like there was no more answer to her for Marriage and to Samuel, her Faith and Trust in God made it just right for His timing. Sometimes we also need to her our advice to others and put it in practice for us. Wonderful story. Can't wait to read the third book in this series.
November 18, 2018
Seeking a fresh start after the death of his wife and their baby that she was carrying, Samuel Fisher decides to follow his younger brother, Titus, in moving to Kentucky, hoping that a change of scenery will help him and his children find healing. He hires Esther Beiler to take care of his children for him while he works and it doesn't take long for them to develop feelings for each other and for his children to bond with her. Will Esther be able to win his heart? Will Samuel be able to let go of the pain in his heart so that he can move on?
This was such a sweet story and was filled with very relatable themes. Sometimes, we feel like it would be disloyal to the loved one we lost if we were to move on but doing so doesn't mean they're being replaced. I have to admit that, at first, I didn't think Samuel was the greatest father, but that was mainly because he was just so overwhelmed in his grief. Once, he had his eyes opened, he really stepped up. And, his children are so very sweet. Esther was such a sweet, gentle soul and I was glad to see her find happiness. We also got to see what happened to Suzanne and Titus, as well as the rest of the Fishers. And, there were a few new characters introduced that I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to reading the next book so I can visit more with this sweet family.
This was such a sweet story and was filled with very relatable themes. Sometimes, we feel like it would be disloyal to the loved one we lost if we were to move on but doing so doesn't mean they're being replaced. I have to admit that, at first, I didn't think Samuel was the greatest father, but that was mainly because he was just so overwhelmed in his grief. Once, he had his eyes opened, he really stepped up. And, his children are so very sweet. Esther was such a sweet, gentle soul and I was glad to see her find happiness. We also got to see what happened to Suzanne and Titus, as well as the rest of the Fishers. And, there were a few new characters introduced that I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to reading the next book so I can visit more with this sweet family.
November 4, 2017
A delightful story that will inspire and encourage. Samuel Fisher of Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania finds himself a single father of four rambunctious and adorable children and to say the least is overwhelmed. His wife’s tragic death has him grieving and angry shutting out his children as well as the rest of his family. Will a move to Kentucky help him heal? Will he ever be able to open his heart to someone like Esther Beiler, the sweet woman who watches his children while he works, or will the promise he made to his wife keep him from finding happiness? Misconceptions, misunderstandings and a bit of jealousy play a part in this story. Will faith in God and a letter bring peace to Samuel and the healing his heart so desperately needs? This is the second book in the Kentucky Brothers series and each is stand-alone. An enjoyable read!
May 5, 2024
This is the second book in this series, the Fischer brothers, and their relationship, or brother Samuel's.
As the story opens he has tragically lost his beloved wife, and now he is trying to take care of of his children alone.
We journey with Samuel, and his family, as life goes on, but he has made up his mind that he will always remain true to his wife.
He does meet someone, but he knows he can't have a relationship with another woman, and his life becomes so unsettled.
We are with this family as they pick up the pieces and try to move on.
I wondered when he would begin to really live his faith, keep reading!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
As the story opens he has tragically lost his beloved wife, and now he is trying to take care of of his children alone.
We journey with Samuel, and his family, as life goes on, but he has made up his mind that he will always remain true to his wife.
He does meet someone, but he knows he can't have a relationship with another woman, and his life becomes so unsettled.
We are with this family as they pick up the pieces and try to move on.
I wondered when he would begin to really live his faith, keep reading!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 20, 2020
My first book by this author and will be my last. I’ve just finished 3 intense books and wanted something a little “lighter,” so I tried this book that a friend gave to me -but this ended up just being annoying. Shallow character development, whiny characters, too many loose ends at the abrupt ending, took about 2/3 of way into book to really get the plot moving (repetitious up until that point). The story seemed unbelievable at some points, and it became annoying. I was curious about the next book only to find out about Bonnie and Allen but I can’t force myself to read another, and knowing the next book will center around the selfish character of Hannah, I just can’t make myself do it.
August 7, 2018
Every summer I try to read one Amish book, just to feel good and have all the world's problems gift wrapped in one book. Sweet, sappy and The Healing was my free library pick for this August. Now to make sure I don't pick up an Amish book next summer that I've already read before. They seems to blend together after reading about 10 of them over the years. It was a fast quick read on these hot and smokey summer afternoons. (The terrible summer wildfires are burning near Yosemite, Clear Lake and Redding. We are socked in with smokey skies and terrible air quality.)
July 30, 2021
3.5 stars
#2 in the series
Seek a fresh start with Amish widower Samuel Fisher as he journeys from Lancaster County to Bluegrass Country, hoping to find a balm for the grief he’s carried with him. Will this single father, burdened by yesterday’s memories, discover a new and perhaps better life in Kentucky, the land of tomorrow? Esther Beiler, who helps watch Samuel’s children, develops a crush on Samuel and a true affection for his kids. Can she win his heart, or has she already lost it to an English woman?
#2 in the series
Seek a fresh start with Amish widower Samuel Fisher as he journeys from Lancaster County to Bluegrass Country, hoping to find a balm for the grief he’s carried with him. Will this single father, burdened by yesterday’s memories, discover a new and perhaps better life in Kentucky, the land of tomorrow? Esther Beiler, who helps watch Samuel’s children, develops a crush on Samuel and a true affection for his kids. Can she win his heart, or has she already lost it to an English woman?
October 18, 2018
Samuel Fisher has a happy life in Lancaster, until his pregnant wife falls down the stairs and dies. Samuel is so grief-stricken, he can barely take care of his four children. He finally realizes that the only way he can even begin to get past his grief is to sell his home and leave all the painful memories behind...and move to Kentucky to be near his brother Titus. He hopes the fresh start will help him reconnect with his children and be the dad he knows he needs to be.
March 12, 2019
A single father of 4 decides to move away from most of his family. He moves to Kentucky where his brother has recently moved.
In the colony there are a couple of single women, but Samuel can't decide if he even wants to get married again.
Good story to read if you are looking for something that is a quick but still interesting.
In the colony there are a couple of single women, but Samuel can't decide if he even wants to get married again.
Good story to read if you are looking for something that is a quick but still interesting.
January 26, 2020
Wanda once again writes a wonderful story that reminds us Of Gods love and his not our timing. This is the second story in the Kentucky brothers series but can be read alone. The Healing is a story of loss, struggles, love and forgiveness. I found this book one I didn’t want to put down. I recommend it
October 22, 2021
Heartwarming
I chose this rating because this really was an exciting and heartwarming book. I love this author and will continue until I have read all of her books. She is so talented at writing this genre of Amish books that as I said I continue to read all of them. I will order the next one in this series as soon as I finish writing this.
I chose this rating because this really was an exciting and heartwarming book. I love this author and will continue until I have read all of her books. She is so talented at writing this genre of Amish books that as I said I continue to read all of them. I will order the next one in this series as soon as I finish writing this.
May 10, 2018
The Healing, book 2 of the "Kentucky Brothers" series is my kind of book with themes that grab my attention and keep me interested from start to finish. I love the way the author writes. Great book and it made me want to read the third in the series, The Struggle.
November 19, 2018
I just love Wandas' Amish books that she writes. This was so sad in the beginning then towards the end things got better. She wrote this book several years ago and she still is bringing her readers wonderful books to read. Wanda hit this one out of the park!
May 23, 2019
Struggling
This is part 2 of Wanda Brunstetter's Kentucky Brothers. Samuel moved to Kentucky with his 4 young children after his wife's death. He struggles with many things especially his feelings for Ester vying with the love he has for his deceased wife
This is part 2 of Wanda Brunstetter's Kentucky Brothers. Samuel moved to Kentucky with his 4 young children after his wife's death. He struggles with many things especially his feelings for Ester vying with the love he has for his deceased wife
June 22, 2019
This book was both sad and exciting. At first I felt sorry for Samuel then I was mad at him but at the end of the book I was happy for him. Esther felt as if she was a dear friend of mine. This book had you laughing and crying and at some points mad at the characters in the book.
January 24, 2024
I have read others by this author, and this is the 2nd book in this series that I’ve read. It is very light but with some interesting characters and developments. I assume it’s because it is about the Amish way of life, but the make/female roles are very traditional where the man is “in charge.”
October 18, 2025
You know that an author is good when she makes you emotionally connect with the characters in a book. Perhaps, I get a little too connected at times. Because I find myself screaming at my talking book player. I know that sounds weird, but that’s just me.
May 4, 2017
A 5 star must read book for sure . I'm so happy with how The Healing ended. Another well written story by Wanda.
August 21, 2017
very good
January 2, 2018
Excellent story lines in this book.
December 10, 2017
Healing
Enjoyed the story. You should enjoy it also. Nice flow in the story. Great great great great great great great
Enjoyed the story. You should enjoy it also. Nice flow in the story. Great great great great great great great
December 12, 2017
3.5
Easy reading....continuing story...
Easy reading....continuing story...
March 23, 2018
Great book.
April 14, 2018
A great story! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
February 20, 2019
Loved it . Can’t wait to read the next in the Brothers series
June 13, 2019
Good sires of books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews