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Love Finds a Way #3
Love Finds a Way
Three stories of light-hearted romance from bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter prove Love Finds a Way . Widow Lorna Patterson returns to college looking for education not romance. Then she meets fellow student and culinary novice Evan Bailey. Will his persistence have her re-thinking love? When Shelia Nickels searches for her grandmother’s doll her hunt leads to antique dealer Dwaine Woods’s door. But will she find love instead of a lost treasure? Wendy Campbell doesn’t want a relationship, but her father does. . .for her. Will his matchmaking end with an unexpected romance for Wendy and paramedic Kyle Rogers?
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
57 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
216 books2,333 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 49 reviews
April 30, 2020
Love Finds A Way is a trilogy written by Wanda E. Brunstetter in 2012 and it is made up of three contemporary fiction novels. In each of these short novels, people who aren't looking for romance seem to find it anyway!
In Blueberry Surprise a widow returns to college to fulfill her desire to become a music teacher. Evan Bailey has also enrolled in Bay View Christian College and he jokingly admits that he wants to 1) learn how to cook and 2) find a Christian wife. Will Lorna Patterson find something besides a teaching degree when she meets Evan?
Grandma's Doll offers a touch of mystery as Sheila Nickells searches for a doll that she loved as a child. When she finds it missing from her grandmother's attic she hopes that an antique dealer can help her find it. Will she find her beloved Bye-Lo baby doll? Is it possible that Dwain Wood will help her find something even more valuable?
Matchmaker 911 shares the romance between Wendy Campbell and paramedic Kyle Rogers that is being orchestrated by an unlikely matchmaker...Wendy's father. Wayne Campbell decides that this considerate young paramedic is just the person that Wendy needs in her life? Will his efforts work or will his matchmaking scheme be discovered?
Once again, author Wanda E. Brunstetter offers readers stories that both entertain and inspire. If you are an Amish fan looking for the usual Brunstetter book, you may be disappointed with Love Finds A Way but I found these three novellas to be enjoyable Christian romances. I recommend it to anyone looking for light, easy reads!
In Blueberry Surprise a widow returns to college to fulfill her desire to become a music teacher. Evan Bailey has also enrolled in Bay View Christian College and he jokingly admits that he wants to 1) learn how to cook and 2) find a Christian wife. Will Lorna Patterson find something besides a teaching degree when she meets Evan?
Grandma's Doll offers a touch of mystery as Sheila Nickells searches for a doll that she loved as a child. When she finds it missing from her grandmother's attic she hopes that an antique dealer can help her find it. Will she find her beloved Bye-Lo baby doll? Is it possible that Dwain Wood will help her find something even more valuable?
Matchmaker 911 shares the romance between Wendy Campbell and paramedic Kyle Rogers that is being orchestrated by an unlikely matchmaker...Wendy's father. Wayne Campbell decides that this considerate young paramedic is just the person that Wendy needs in her life? Will his efforts work or will his matchmaking scheme be discovered?
Once again, author Wanda E. Brunstetter offers readers stories that both entertain and inspire. If you are an Amish fan looking for the usual Brunstetter book, you may be disappointed with Love Finds A Way but I found these three novellas to be enjoyable Christian romances. I recommend it to anyone looking for light, easy reads!
November 1, 2025
Three quick romances in one book, definitely recommend for Christian readers!
April 20, 2020
Love Finds a Way consists of three novellas.
Blueberry Surprise - Oh boy, I did not like this story one bit. It had an interesting premise, a widow, Lorna, in her mid thirties goes back to college and meets a very persistent slightly younger fellow named Evan. That fellow was was utterly annoying, he came off so unlikeable, and very unbelievable to me. He couldn't take no for an answer, and all he was out for was a wife to keep house and birth him some babies. I'd give this story one star.
Grandma's Doll - Now this story was pretty cute. Grandma is moving and she invites all her grandchildren to come to the house and keep something. Shelia wants a doll but it goes missing. Out to help her is antique store owner Dwayne and sparks fly. Likable characters, and a believable build up for the eventual romance. I'd give this story three and a half stars.
Matchmaker 911 - This story was adorable and my favorite of the three. Wendy is over worked, going through some stuff, and worried about her dad. Dad on the other hand thinks fixing her up with paramedic Kyle can help. So he goes out of his way to try to play matchmaker in an unconventional way. Even though it deals with some heavy topics the story was still fun and you can't help but root for the characters. Highly enjoyable, I'd give this one five stars.
Blueberry Surprise - Oh boy, I did not like this story one bit. It had an interesting premise, a widow, Lorna, in her mid thirties goes back to college and meets a very persistent slightly younger fellow named Evan. That fellow was was utterly annoying, he came off so unlikeable, and very unbelievable to me. He couldn't take no for an answer, and all he was out for was a wife to keep house and birth him some babies. I'd give this story one star.
Grandma's Doll - Now this story was pretty cute. Grandma is moving and she invites all her grandchildren to come to the house and keep something. Shelia wants a doll but it goes missing. Out to help her is antique store owner Dwayne and sparks fly. Likable characters, and a believable build up for the eventual romance. I'd give this story three and a half stars.
Matchmaker 911 - This story was adorable and my favorite of the three. Wendy is over worked, going through some stuff, and worried about her dad. Dad on the other hand thinks fixing her up with paramedic Kyle can help. So he goes out of his way to try to play matchmaker in an unconventional way. Even though it deals with some heavy topics the story was still fun and you can't help but root for the characters. Highly enjoyable, I'd give this one five stars.
February 14, 2019
I'm not so much of a straight romance fan in books, but I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, and thought I would review them now in the "month of Romance". Each story is unique and these are modern stories rather than historical or Amish. Each couple featured meets in an unexpected way. Put simply, they are great stories to pick up when you don't have the time to start a new full length novel. Don't we all have those times?
April 11, 2020
I’ve followed and read books by Wanda Brunstetter for several years. This is the first non Amish I’ve read and loved it. Good clean reading. 3 short stand alone Christian
stories that kept my interest and left me encouraged and feeling good about people. I read this in the mist of the stay at home in April 2020 when I was struggling remembering day to day what I read the day before. Thank you Wanda for a wonderful Christian book that helped reconfirm hope.
stories that kept my interest and left me encouraged and feeling good about people. I read this in the mist of the stay at home in April 2020 when I was struggling remembering day to day what I read the day before. Thank you Wanda for a wonderful Christian book that helped reconfirm hope.
March 1, 2025
The title of this book grabbed my attention, so I had to buy it. These are 3 different stories about 3 women not finding love. It finds them. They discover it when they least expect it. There's a bit of drama and mystery in the stories. I liked each one for a different reason. Great stories! My only thing is, that I wish these stories were longer. I wanted to continue reading about these characters!
May 7, 2018
Overall it was good. I learned some lessons I need to apply to my life. My ratings for each novella are as follows:
"Blueberry Surprise"-- 3 stars. I found the love interest annoying
"Grandma's Doll"-- 5 stars
"Matchmaker 911"-- 5 stars
"Blueberry Surprise"-- 3 stars. I found the love interest annoying
"Grandma's Doll"-- 5 stars
"Matchmaker 911"-- 5 stars
February 4, 2020
Very good shirt stories loved them all matchmaker 911 is my favorite
May 19, 2020
very enjoyable book to read . A book you can sit back, relax and have nice, clean inspirational, good reading.
March 29, 2021
Quick read. 3 really good stories that get you hooked right away.
October 31, 2022
Fantastic book
March 1, 2024
These were sweet, clean stories for a light read. I really enjoy almost all of Mrs. Brunstetter's novels.
March 9, 2025
Women are negative, woe is me
September 17, 2020
i really liked the first two the third one not so much. making false 911 calls is a bigger deal than they made it out to be
July 24, 2012
I love it when you find a unique book that gives you more than what you were expecting and I find this in Wanda Brunstetter's novel, Love Finds A Way. This is a beautiful collection of three short romance stories that capture the essence of finding love in a wide variety of circumstances and offers hope when you think you have just about given up hope in finding love.
In the first story, Blueberry Surprise, we meet a widow, Loren Patterson who has spent the last year getting over the death of her husband Ron who was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident. Now living with her in-laws, she has been working two jobs to make ends meet while she put her husband through medical school and now is trying to pay off all the medical bills. She has given up the prospect of finding love again and spends most of her evenings working as a waitress at Farmen's Restaurant in Seattle, Washington. Taking the advice of her friend Chris and her mother-in-law, Ann, she returns to college to pursue her own education at Bay View Christian College as a music teacher. Evan Bailey is doing the same thing with his own life since leaving the Airforce and is now looking to further his own education at Bay View as a child counselor and hopes to also someday find a sweet Christian wife. In the meantime, he spends his evenings sampling online recipes in hopes that adding cooking to his skills will make him a marketable husband. Will they find the perfect recipe for love?
In the second story, Grandma's Doll, Shelia Nickels has come to Casper,Wyoming as her Grandmother prepares to sell her house and move into Mountain Springs Retirement Center. She tells Shelia to visit her home one final time and take anything she wants from the house before it's sold and she knows exactly what she is looking for. As she heads to the attic to begin her search, she discovers the treasure she is searching for, is missing, a Bye-Lo baby that was her favorite when she visited her grandparents house as a young child. When she asks her Grandmother about it, she learns it was sold to The Older the Better Antique Shop across town now owned by Dwaine Woods. It just so happens that fate intervenes today when her grandmother asks Dwaine to stop by to appraise a piano she needs to sell and he and Shelia will discover that there are more than material treasures to be found if they are only willing to look hard enough. Will they discover the true treasures of the hearts?
In the final story in this novel, Matchmaker 911, Wendy Campbell is the town of Plumer's barber after taking over from her father, Wayne, who has succumbed to the effects of old age and severe rheumatoid arthritis and she finds herself wondering if a woman working in a predominately man's world is really such a good idea since having so many guys at the shop trying to make a play for her only made things worse. Now she spends her time caring for her father at home. But her father wants to see her with a man of her own to care for and a social life besides running the shop and caring for him. However when she hears a siren and realizes it stopping at her house, she panics knowing her father is at home. Kyle Rogers is the responding paramedic who helped her father out at the hospital before and what is finds when he arrives will be an adventure of a life time.
I received Love Finds A Way by Wanda Brunstetter compliments of Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for my honest review and I have to say I love books like this one. They have so much in them that you truly feel like you're getting a deal having three wonderful Christian romance stories all in one novel. Each one is unique and shows how God works in the details to bring healing, hope and love back into the lives of people who feel they have to accept things they way they are instead of something so much more. I rate this book a true 5 out of 5 stars!
January 23, 2012
This book has three stories:
Blueberry Surprise
Lorna Patterson was working two jobs and living with her in-laws. Her husband, Ron, had died one year earlier and she was struggling. She felt her life had no meaning. She was working a lot to keep her mind off her husband's death. She decided to make a change in her life and to attend college to finish the degree that she started years earlier. Her dream was to be an Elementary School Music Teacher. She put that on hold to get her husband through medical school.
In the Admissions Office at Bay View Christian College she literally ran into a very handsome guy. She was already feeling out of place because she was 32 years old. On the first day of classes she discovered that the very same guy, Evan Bailey, was in 2 of her classes. He was also a little older than the average college student. He outright told his classmates he wanted to get a degree in Psychology and find a wife. He really like Lorna and he pursued her. She continually put off all his gentlemanly advances. Can she get through college and the grief of her husband's death while she deals with Evan's constant annoying presence in her life?
Grandma’s Doll
Sheila Nickel's went to visit her grandmother in Casper, Wyoming. Her grandmother moved to a nursing home and Sheila was to pick out something from her house to keep. Sheila had one thing on her mind - the Bye-Lo doll that she played with as a child. She ending up meeting Dwaine Woods, who was an antique dealer in town. With his help, they went on a search for the doll. They encountered several leads, but they all ended up false. She did find love though, she was falling in love with Dwaine and he with her. She was sure a long distance relationship wouldn't work out, that's why her former fiance broke up with her. She headed back home to Fresno, California. She began questioned whether she would ever find her special doll and true love.
Matchmaker 911
Wendy Campbell was a barber. Her father was her partner until his arthritis became so bad he could no longer work. Her customers were getting on her nerves and she wasn't enjoying her life. Then she met Kyle Rogers. He got her thinking about God again. He was one of the paramedics that responded to a 911 call her father made. Kyle had met her father the week before. Wendy had no time for men in her life but her father thought differently. What lengths will her father go to get her dating?
These three stories are quick reads. Blueberry surprise was my least favorite. Evan's constant sense of humor would have had me walking the opposite direction from him. It was nice to see all the men who were the main characters wanting God to lead them in their romantic relationships. All three of the stories have the woman running away from love. I have always enjoyed Wanda Brunstetter's Amish romances. I wasn't sure if I would like this book. It was good but I prefer her Amish stories better.
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Blueberry Surprise
Lorna Patterson was working two jobs and living with her in-laws. Her husband, Ron, had died one year earlier and she was struggling. She felt her life had no meaning. She was working a lot to keep her mind off her husband's death. She decided to make a change in her life and to attend college to finish the degree that she started years earlier. Her dream was to be an Elementary School Music Teacher. She put that on hold to get her husband through medical school.
In the Admissions Office at Bay View Christian College she literally ran into a very handsome guy. She was already feeling out of place because she was 32 years old. On the first day of classes she discovered that the very same guy, Evan Bailey, was in 2 of her classes. He was also a little older than the average college student. He outright told his classmates he wanted to get a degree in Psychology and find a wife. He really like Lorna and he pursued her. She continually put off all his gentlemanly advances. Can she get through college and the grief of her husband's death while she deals with Evan's constant annoying presence in her life?
Grandma’s Doll
Sheila Nickel's went to visit her grandmother in Casper, Wyoming. Her grandmother moved to a nursing home and Sheila was to pick out something from her house to keep. Sheila had one thing on her mind - the Bye-Lo doll that she played with as a child. She ending up meeting Dwaine Woods, who was an antique dealer in town. With his help, they went on a search for the doll. They encountered several leads, but they all ended up false. She did find love though, she was falling in love with Dwaine and he with her. She was sure a long distance relationship wouldn't work out, that's why her former fiance broke up with her. She headed back home to Fresno, California. She began questioned whether she would ever find her special doll and true love.
Matchmaker 911
Wendy Campbell was a barber. Her father was her partner until his arthritis became so bad he could no longer work. Her customers were getting on her nerves and she wasn't enjoying her life. Then she met Kyle Rogers. He got her thinking about God again. He was one of the paramedics that responded to a 911 call her father made. Kyle had met her father the week before. Wendy had no time for men in her life but her father thought differently. What lengths will her father go to get her dating?
These three stories are quick reads. Blueberry surprise was my least favorite. Evan's constant sense of humor would have had me walking the opposite direction from him. It was nice to see all the men who were the main characters wanting God to lead them in their romantic relationships. All three of the stories have the woman running away from love. I have always enjoyed Wanda Brunstetter's Amish romances. I wasn't sure if I would like this book. It was good but I prefer her Amish stories better.
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
January 11, 2012
Review Love Finds a Way by Wanda E. Brunstetter
4 STARS
This book has three stories in it. I decided to write the review after I had read each short story. I liked Blueberry Surprise.
Lorna has been a widow for about a year and is working two jobs. She was in collage as a music major when she met her husband. Lorna had quit school to help her husband to go to medical school when he was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Lorna has quit one of her jobs so she can go back to school and be a music teacher.
Evan got out of the Air Force and decided to go to a Christian Collage on GI bill.
He wanted to work with kids and he also wanted to get married and start a family.
Evan also was taking a online cooking class.
The first day of school they bumped into each other and papers flew. They had a few classes together. Evan wanted to get to know her better. Kept asking her out.
Lorna did not want to date anyone.
It was good to see Lorna opening up more and it was funny how Evan kept messing up cooking.
Doll Matchmaker
Sheila's grandmother had to move into a retirement place so she offered each grandchild to take something from her house to remember them by.
Sheila as a child would always play with this one doll and would pray that someday it would be hers. So Sheila came for the doll after searching for it, found out it had been sold to antique store.
Dwaine had just bought a antique store from previous owners family because he had altimers. He had no idea where anything was so Dwaine and Sheila were on a hunt to find the doll. In mean time Dwaine kept asking her out. Sheila liked him but she lived three states away and knew how hard long distance romances were.
Matchmaker 911
Wendy father Wayne was at the hospital cafe when he met Kyle. Kyle helped him when he was struggling with his tray and cane. He thought Kyle would be good for his single daughter who was not interested in dating.
So he arranged a emergency and called timing it so Wendy coming home to fix lunch would meet Kyle the paramedic. After the second call Kyle and his partner accepted the lunch offer.
Wendy was bitter from past romance and had a problem trusting men and worked as a barber and saw rude & crude behavior. At first Wendy thought her dad was lonely since he could not work anymore but after third 911 call realized he was matchmaking.
I enjoyed all three stories. They were clean and left you with a smile. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/01/2012 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc.
4 STARS
This book has three stories in it. I decided to write the review after I had read each short story. I liked Blueberry Surprise.
Lorna has been a widow for about a year and is working two jobs. She was in collage as a music major when she met her husband. Lorna had quit school to help her husband to go to medical school when he was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Lorna has quit one of her jobs so she can go back to school and be a music teacher.
Evan got out of the Air Force and decided to go to a Christian Collage on GI bill.
He wanted to work with kids and he also wanted to get married and start a family.
Evan also was taking a online cooking class.
The first day of school they bumped into each other and papers flew. They had a few classes together. Evan wanted to get to know her better. Kept asking her out.
Lorna did not want to date anyone.
It was good to see Lorna opening up more and it was funny how Evan kept messing up cooking.
Doll Matchmaker
Sheila's grandmother had to move into a retirement place so she offered each grandchild to take something from her house to remember them by.
Sheila as a child would always play with this one doll and would pray that someday it would be hers. So Sheila came for the doll after searching for it, found out it had been sold to antique store.
Dwaine had just bought a antique store from previous owners family because he had altimers. He had no idea where anything was so Dwaine and Sheila were on a hunt to find the doll. In mean time Dwaine kept asking her out. Sheila liked him but she lived three states away and knew how hard long distance romances were.
Matchmaker 911
Wendy father Wayne was at the hospital cafe when he met Kyle. Kyle helped him when he was struggling with his tray and cane. He thought Kyle would be good for his single daughter who was not interested in dating.
So he arranged a emergency and called timing it so Wendy coming home to fix lunch would meet Kyle the paramedic. After the second call Kyle and his partner accepted the lunch offer.
Wendy was bitter from past romance and had a problem trusting men and worked as a barber and saw rude & crude behavior. At first Wendy thought her dad was lonely since he could not work anymore but after third 911 call realized he was matchmaking.
I enjoyed all three stories. They were clean and left you with a smile. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/01/2012 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc.
November 13, 2012
Love Finda a Way is a book of 3 short romance stories. All are faith based which I really enjoyed that part. Overall these were great. I think my favorite was Grandma's Doll, but they were all pretty good. I really enjoy reading short stories because they are quick reads, but they leave me wanting more from the characters, so that must mean I liked them.
Blueberry Surprise
This story is about a 34 year old Lorna who lost her husband in an accident. She is working 2 jobs and lives with her in laws. After several people in her life encourage her to go back to school, she decides to go. She ends up meeting Evan who is looking for a christian wife. Lorna is 4 years older than him. Will this make a difference? Will Lorna finally be able to move on? This is a realy sweet story of finding love after a loss. I really enjoyed it.
Grandma's Doll
Sheila Nickels goes to visit her Grandmother, who has recently been placed in a retirement home. Her grandmother is allowing all her grandchidren to go back to her home to find an item that means something to them before she sells the house. Sheila has her heart set on the By-Lo Baby doll she used to play with in her grandmother's attic. Sheila searches for the doll, but does not find it. While Sheila is searching the local antique store dealer comes to look at her grandmother's old piano. Dwaine, the antique store dealer, tries to help Sheila find the doll and they quickly develop a relationship. Shiela is worried because they live in different states and she has had a bad experience with long distance relationships. Will Sheila be able to open her heart to this man and will they ever find her grandmother's missing Bye-Lo doll? I really enjoyed this story, even if it felt a little bit rushed at the end.
Matchmaker 911
This was the story of Wendy and Kyle. Wendy followed in her father's footsteps and is a barber. She also takes care of her aging father who suffers from arthritis. Wendy's father meets Kyle an amulance driver and decides he would be a good match for his daughter. So her father calls 911 for several complaints just to get Kyle to come to his house to see Wendy. This is a really cute story and I enjoyed the barber shop scence.
Blueberry Surprise
This story is about a 34 year old Lorna who lost her husband in an accident. She is working 2 jobs and lives with her in laws. After several people in her life encourage her to go back to school, she decides to go. She ends up meeting Evan who is looking for a christian wife. Lorna is 4 years older than him. Will this make a difference? Will Lorna finally be able to move on? This is a realy sweet story of finding love after a loss. I really enjoyed it.
Grandma's Doll
Sheila Nickels goes to visit her Grandmother, who has recently been placed in a retirement home. Her grandmother is allowing all her grandchidren to go back to her home to find an item that means something to them before she sells the house. Sheila has her heart set on the By-Lo Baby doll she used to play with in her grandmother's attic. Sheila searches for the doll, but does not find it. While Sheila is searching the local antique store dealer comes to look at her grandmother's old piano. Dwaine, the antique store dealer, tries to help Sheila find the doll and they quickly develop a relationship. Shiela is worried because they live in different states and she has had a bad experience with long distance relationships. Will Sheila be able to open her heart to this man and will they ever find her grandmother's missing Bye-Lo doll? I really enjoyed this story, even if it felt a little bit rushed at the end.
Matchmaker 911
This was the story of Wendy and Kyle. Wendy followed in her father's footsteps and is a barber. She also takes care of her aging father who suffers from arthritis. Wendy's father meets Kyle an amulance driver and decides he would be a good match for his daughter. So her father calls 911 for several complaints just to get Kyle to come to his house to see Wendy. This is a really cute story and I enjoyed the barber shop scence.
January 17, 2013
I enjoyed all three stories, but I would have to say that Grandma's Doll was my favorite. I once had a cherished doll like Sheila Nickels, and I don't know what ever became of it. I was glad that handsome Dwaine Woods was there to help in more ways that one. After countless time trying to find the antique doll, they fall in love, but Dwaine gets injured, and Sheila feels like she is to blame. Their strong Christian faith brought them together.
In Blueberry Surprise, Lorna Patterson is a widow that wants to stay busy to keep her mind off her husband's death. Although she boards for free at her in-laws' house, she still juggles two jobs, one at a convenient mart, and one at a restaurant. However, her in-laws and her fellow waitress nudge her to go back to school and fulfill her dream. After much hesitation, she finally agrees.
Handsome bachelor Evan Bailey has two goals: to learn to cook and to find a good, Christian wife. He is taking an online cooking course, but his desserts need improvement. He also signed up to attend Bay View Christian College, where Lorna accidentally bumps into him. Later, they become college buddies, but there is another woman, Vanessa, who hangs out with him.
When Vanessa is spotted having a meal with Evan at Lorna's workplace, Lorna sees red, for Evan had kissed her. What kind of man was he, dating two women? At this point, I hated Vanessa, and I wanted her to leave; become erased. Wanda Brunstetter did an excellent job at creating conflict here, and at showing the growing feelings that Lorna had for Evan. In the end, it was a happy ending, but I will not put any plot spoilers in.
In matchmaker 911, Wendy runs a barber shop, and she has no man in her life. She starts her work-week off on Tuesday, like most barbers, and trims hair while listening to the menfolk crack jokes, some funnier than others. Wendy's father can see that she is rather lonely, so tries to play matchmaker. Now, I would love to tell you how (you will never expect what he will do), but it would be a huge spoiler, so I will not tell. Buy the book and find out. By the way, there is a handsome, compassionate Medic names Kyle that enters mid-stream...
In Blueberry Surprise, Lorna Patterson is a widow that wants to stay busy to keep her mind off her husband's death. Although she boards for free at her in-laws' house, she still juggles two jobs, one at a convenient mart, and one at a restaurant. However, her in-laws and her fellow waitress nudge her to go back to school and fulfill her dream. After much hesitation, she finally agrees.
Handsome bachelor Evan Bailey has two goals: to learn to cook and to find a good, Christian wife. He is taking an online cooking course, but his desserts need improvement. He also signed up to attend Bay View Christian College, where Lorna accidentally bumps into him. Later, they become college buddies, but there is another woman, Vanessa, who hangs out with him.
When Vanessa is spotted having a meal with Evan at Lorna's workplace, Lorna sees red, for Evan had kissed her. What kind of man was he, dating two women? At this point, I hated Vanessa, and I wanted her to leave; become erased. Wanda Brunstetter did an excellent job at creating conflict here, and at showing the growing feelings that Lorna had for Evan. In the end, it was a happy ending, but I will not put any plot spoilers in.
In matchmaker 911, Wendy runs a barber shop, and she has no man in her life. She starts her work-week off on Tuesday, like most barbers, and trims hair while listening to the menfolk crack jokes, some funnier than others. Wendy's father can see that she is rather lonely, so tries to play matchmaker. Now, I would love to tell you how (you will never expect what he will do), but it would be a huge spoiler, so I will not tell. Buy the book and find out. By the way, there is a handsome, compassionate Medic names Kyle that enters mid-stream...
April 28, 2020
Love Finds Away is book that contains 3 great stories. Each with their own characters and their amazing ending. First, we have Lorna a widow at an young age struggling two jobs in order to keep occupied and not think about her husbands's loss. She returns to college where she meets Evan, a man younger than her by 4yrs. He turns her world around by baking for her desserts. He has gone to college to become a Culinary chef. And in between classes and baking they both let their Faith in God and his last attempt of a blueberry surprise dessert end up being the way to each one's heart. A fun story that will keep you turning pages to see what else he comes up to grab her attention and her heart. Second story, is Shella Nickels. if you like a some detective work this is the story that will have you wondering what next. Her grandmother has moved out of her home she has her granddaughters come a choose something special from her items. Shella goes in search of a Bye-Lo Baby doll. but with that she meets Dwain, an antique dealer. And in search of the doll, she finds herself falling in love with Dwain, as he helps her find the doll, he helps her open her heart to find there is love in it for him. The last story, Wendy, after a tragic tragedy that takes her mom's life, and a broken heart left by a man, she has closed her heart in letting love in. With working and taking care of her ill father, she puts her life in hold and shuts down her heart. But when a Christian paramedic Kyle comes into the picture, and has decided not to give up but at least bring her father and her closer again to God. He has also put his heart in God's hands. And while doing that he starts changing Wendy's look at life and love, as she also puts her heart in God's hand. A sweet story that gives hope that when you put God first and let him take control, you can find the right, sweet, true love your heart needs and desires. This book took you to 3 different places, and yet, each of them grabbed you and took you right in them. Loved this book. A sweet addition to add to your bookshelf.
June 27, 2013
Three woman find love in unexpected places and ways. Lorna Patterson is a widow returning to college after ten years, and not interested in finding another husband. But culinary novice Evan Bailey is a determined and
persistent man, who won't take "no" for an answer. Can he get her to change her mind about re-marrying?
Shelia Nickels comes back to her hometown to pick out an antique doll after her grandmother offers all her granddaughters a treasure from her attic.Dismayed to find the doll missing, she and antique dealer Dwayne Woods fruitlessly search. Will Shelia be able to find the doll before it is gone forever?
Wendy Campbell thinks her father is the only man she needs in her life. But after he fakes 911 calls to get a certain paramedic Kyle Roger, to their home, will Wendy finally realize that she needs a life of her own?
As always, my gripe with Brunstetter is that her her stories are more like fairy tales; simplistic in language, bordering on unbelievable, and at times childish. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the stories in this book, but while many good books get you believe in the characters, Brunstetter just delivers a story. It is names, places and events put together, which I know will happen in a short story where things need to move very fast. While it is a nice collection of romances, it still falls flat like bread without yeast. I enjoyed it for what it was; an easy read with likable, (albeit fake) characters. A good book will make the line between fact and fiction blurry, if not obsolete. But all Brunstetter was able to accomplish is feel-good, trite romances that fail to draw you in and completely loose yourself.
persistent man, who won't take "no" for an answer. Can he get her to change her mind about re-marrying?
Shelia Nickels comes back to her hometown to pick out an antique doll after her grandmother offers all her granddaughters a treasure from her attic.Dismayed to find the doll missing, she and antique dealer Dwayne Woods fruitlessly search. Will Shelia be able to find the doll before it is gone forever?
Wendy Campbell thinks her father is the only man she needs in her life. But after he fakes 911 calls to get a certain paramedic Kyle Roger, to their home, will Wendy finally realize that she needs a life of her own?
As always, my gripe with Brunstetter is that her her stories are more like fairy tales; simplistic in language, bordering on unbelievable, and at times childish. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the stories in this book, but while many good books get you believe in the characters, Brunstetter just delivers a story. It is names, places and events put together, which I know will happen in a short story where things need to move very fast. While it is a nice collection of romances, it still falls flat like bread without yeast. I enjoyed it for what it was; an easy read with likable, (albeit fake) characters. A good book will make the line between fact and fiction blurry, if not obsolete. But all Brunstetter was able to accomplish is feel-good, trite romances that fail to draw you in and completely loose yourself.
September 7, 2016
This is a collection of three contemporary romantic novellas:
Blueberry Surprise: Lorna decides to go back to college to pursue her dream of teaching, a dream she gave up to put her deceased husband through medical school. But she doesn’t count on the romantic interest of Evan, another student.
Grandma’s Doll: Shelia is back in town helping her grandmother, recovering from a broken engagement and trying to find the collectible doll she played with as a child with the help of local antique shop owner, Dwaine.
Matchmaker: Wendy has taken over her father’s barber shop, and has no interest in dating, despite the efforts of her matchmaking father to set her up with Kyle the paramedic.
The three stories were a nice quick read, but the conversations were a little stilted at times (too much awkward ‘God talk’ that didn’t read like normal conversation), and all were based on the ‘love at first sight’ plot. I personally prefer the ‘boy next door’ plot or a friendship that develops into love, as I think this is a better basis for a lasting relationship, and is a better example to set for young people in this age of divorce. The characters were all aged in their twenties, but the book felt more young adult than adult in tone and language. Love Finds a Way is Wanda Brunstetter’s first departure from Amish fiction. It will appeal to her fans as well as those who enjoy sweet fiction from authors such as Lori Wick.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
Blueberry Surprise: Lorna decides to go back to college to pursue her dream of teaching, a dream she gave up to put her deceased husband through medical school. But she doesn’t count on the romantic interest of Evan, another student.
Grandma’s Doll: Shelia is back in town helping her grandmother, recovering from a broken engagement and trying to find the collectible doll she played with as a child with the help of local antique shop owner, Dwaine.
Matchmaker: Wendy has taken over her father’s barber shop, and has no interest in dating, despite the efforts of her matchmaking father to set her up with Kyle the paramedic.
The three stories were a nice quick read, but the conversations were a little stilted at times (too much awkward ‘God talk’ that didn’t read like normal conversation), and all were based on the ‘love at first sight’ plot. I personally prefer the ‘boy next door’ plot or a friendship that develops into love, as I think this is a better basis for a lasting relationship, and is a better example to set for young people in this age of divorce. The characters were all aged in their twenties, but the book felt more young adult than adult in tone and language. Love Finds a Way is Wanda Brunstetter’s first departure from Amish fiction. It will appeal to her fans as well as those who enjoy sweet fiction from authors such as Lori Wick.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
January 9, 2021
Matchmaker 911 is a sweet Christian story written by Wanda Brunstetter and can be found in the book Love Finds a Way. The author writes another truly inspiring story about healing the heart thru God. The characters are very enduring and likeable. The storyline is very fast pace which keeps the reader turning the page to see what happens next.
Wendy Campbell has experienced a devastating event while dating a man see thought she could trust. When learning the truth about him she has closed off her heart to all men. Wendy is also her father's caregiver who has been diagnosed with a severe case of arthritis. When her father had an encounter with a very nice EMT he decides to put his matchmaking skills to the test. Calling 911 several times with made up problems he was hoping by throwing Kyle(the EMT) and Wendy together it might make a match. But when his plan fails and he admits what he has done he decides to leave it in God's hands. This is where the story takes an unexpected turn. This story is filled with family, faith, and healing.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter on writing another inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
Wendy Campbell has experienced a devastating event while dating a man see thought she could trust. When learning the truth about him she has closed off her heart to all men. Wendy is also her father's caregiver who has been diagnosed with a severe case of arthritis. When her father had an encounter with a very nice EMT he decides to put his matchmaking skills to the test. Calling 911 several times with made up problems he was hoping by throwing Kyle(the EMT) and Wendy together it might make a match. But when his plan fails and he admits what he has done he decides to leave it in God's hands. This is where the story takes an unexpected turn. This story is filled with family, faith, and healing.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter on writing another inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
April 3, 2012
There are three easy to read romances in this book, Blueberry Surprise, Grandma’s Doll and Matchmaker 911. Each story is set in modern times and they are all fun reads.
The first romance, Blueberry Surprise’s plot was a bit slow at times but once the main characters started interacting with each other the story really picked up. I liked how they met over food. You don’t read a lot of romances with this setting but the author did an excellent job making it believable.
The second romance, Grandma’s Doll follows the main character as she searches for an antique doll. I enjoyed the parts where they search for the doll. I found that interesting and the search is what kept the story moving quickly. The romance was cute and I liked how the main characters related to one another.
The final story, Matchmaker 911 revolves around a father and daughter and their different ideas of what her future should hold. I enjoyed this story because it moved quickly and had great characters. The plot was acceptable and the characters relationships is what made this story so interesting!
I gave this book 5/5 stars because each story was good and the book was a fun and easy read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
The first romance, Blueberry Surprise’s plot was a bit slow at times but once the main characters started interacting with each other the story really picked up. I liked how they met over food. You don’t read a lot of romances with this setting but the author did an excellent job making it believable.
The second romance, Grandma’s Doll follows the main character as she searches for an antique doll. I enjoyed the parts where they search for the doll. I found that interesting and the search is what kept the story moving quickly. The romance was cute and I liked how the main characters related to one another.
The final story, Matchmaker 911 revolves around a father and daughter and their different ideas of what her future should hold. I enjoyed this story because it moved quickly and had great characters. The plot was acceptable and the characters relationships is what made this story so interesting!
I gave this book 5/5 stars because each story was good and the book was a fun and easy read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
September 22, 2011
Love finds a Way is 3 short stories about finding love. I enjoyed that Christ was the center of all the stories, but with any short story it seems find of fast how they fell in love. They all made me feel good though and made me wish love was that easy to come by - but we all know with God all things are possible.
Blueberry Surprise was about a 30 something widow who decides to go back to school. On the first day a 'younger' man sits next to her and because of assigned seating sits there every day. He is looking for a relationship and she is not. She has many reason for not allowing this relationship to grow but Ethan and God won't hear of it.
Grandma's doll is about Sheila who travels back to where she grew up to pick out a chosen item from her grandma's house before the grandma sells the house. Due to circumstances the item she wants was sold to an antique dealer. Sheila winds up intertwined with an owner of a antique store. She is not willing to have a relationship because she is just visiting, God and Dwaine has different ideas.
Matchmaker 911 is about Wendy, a barber and Kyle a paramedic. Wendy's dad plays matchmaker and he met Kyle at the hospital and now calls him, during Wendy's lunch hour.
Blueberry Surprise was about a 30 something widow who decides to go back to school. On the first day a 'younger' man sits next to her and because of assigned seating sits there every day. He is looking for a relationship and she is not. She has many reason for not allowing this relationship to grow but Ethan and God won't hear of it.
Grandma's doll is about Sheila who travels back to where she grew up to pick out a chosen item from her grandma's house before the grandma sells the house. Due to circumstances the item she wants was sold to an antique dealer. Sheila winds up intertwined with an owner of a antique store. She is not willing to have a relationship because she is just visiting, God and Dwaine has different ideas.
Matchmaker 911 is about Wendy, a barber and Kyle a paramedic. Wendy's dad plays matchmaker and he met Kyle at the hospital and now calls him, during Wendy's lunch hour.
February 27, 2012
This is a collection of three romantic novellas. In "Blueberry Surprise," Widow Lorna Patterson decides to get her life back together by going back to college. Her education had been cut short so she could put her husband through medical school. She wants to fulfill her dream of being a music teacher. She might be well on her way if her classmate would stop distracting her with his charm, humor, and baked goods. In "Grandma’s Doll," Sheila Nickels comes to town to visit her grandmother, who recently moved to a retirement center. Her grandmother wants her to choose an item to keep from her attic treasures. Sheila knows immediately what to choose—an antique doll that she loved as a child. Her discovery that the doll is missing leads her to a search of the local antique store and to an attractive, charming, and single antique dealer. In "Matchmaker 911," Wendy Campbell’s homebound father calls 911 so that he can match up his single daughter with the dashing paramedic on call. All three novellas reflect the subtitle, “Make Falling in Love Simple and Sweet” in this inspirational book.
March 8, 2013
Oh it makes me sad to give one of my favourite authors only a 2-star rating!
I first encountered Wanda Brustetter as an author because she writes Amish fiction, a genre with which I am becoming increasingly fascinated. Her work in Amish fiction is gentle, interesting, and never fails to please. These 3 short stories, on the other hand, are jarring, predictable, and not a little bit cheesy.
I'm not sure if she's been writing Amish fiction for so long that she's lost the 'knack' for writing contemporary Christian fiction, or if it was simply that she tells a better story through novels, rather than reducing the 'time frame' to a short story format. Either way, if you're going to read a Wanda Brustetter book, skip this one and head straight for one of her Amish novels ('The Storekeeper's Daughter' is the one I started out with and really enjoyed!).
I first encountered Wanda Brustetter as an author because she writes Amish fiction, a genre with which I am becoming increasingly fascinated. Her work in Amish fiction is gentle, interesting, and never fails to please. These 3 short stories, on the other hand, are jarring, predictable, and not a little bit cheesy.
I'm not sure if she's been writing Amish fiction for so long that she's lost the 'knack' for writing contemporary Christian fiction, or if it was simply that she tells a better story through novels, rather than reducing the 'time frame' to a short story format. Either way, if you're going to read a Wanda Brustetter book, skip this one and head straight for one of her Amish novels ('The Storekeeper's Daughter' is the one I started out with and really enjoyed!).
February 1, 2012
It took me a long time to read this book because I simply couldn't finish it. The book didn't work for me at all. The storied were too cheesy and 'Christian' for my taste. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against Christianity but a subtle reference to it may work for me, not the stories repeatedly pointing to Christianity.
Also, I am not much of a believer in love at first sight and happily ever after, so it was all practically made-up and fantastical to me.
The settings were well developed, the characters were OK but the plot didn't work for me, personally.
Also, I am not much of a believer in love at first sight and happily ever after, so it was all practically made-up and fantastical to me.
The settings were well developed, the characters were OK but the plot didn't work for me, personally.
May 23, 2013
Very cute and entertaining stories! Since there were three different stories combined in this book, there were some I liked better than others, but they were still good. The way they were written reminded me explicitly of a Hallmark movie! Good little stories that kept you reading and wanting to find out how it ends!
December 27, 2015
This book contains 3 stories: Blueberry Surprise; Grandma's Doll; Matchmaker 911
They are all contemporary non Amish.
Grandma's doll and Matchmaker 911 weren't bad, but Blueberry surprise was really bad. This story was downright cheesy with bad dialogue (esp. the self talk) and seemed poorly written, like something a novice writer might write.
They are all contemporary non Amish.
Grandma's doll and Matchmaker 911 weren't bad, but Blueberry surprise was really bad. This story was downright cheesy with bad dialogue (esp. the self talk) and seemed poorly written, like something a novice writer might write.
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