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Kentucky Brothers #3
The Struggle
Now a New York Times Bestseller. Welcome back to Kentucky, where an Amish couple from Lancaster County seeks a new future in the land of tomorrow. When Timothy Fisher decides to move his wife, Hannah, and daughter Mindy to Christian County, where two of his brothers now reside, Hannah is very reluctant to go. Will the new home Timothy builds for them there do anything to lift her spirits? When a tragic accident occurs, Timothy and Hannah are inconsolable. Is an abrupt separation the beginning of the end of their marriage, or will they rally to seize a God-given second chance?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
106 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
215 books2,326 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 142 reviews
August 18, 2012
For me the title of this book says a lot. I found The Struggle by Wanda Brunstetter, published by Barbour to be an interesting study of some of the problems that have to be as prevalent in Amish life as they are in ours. While most of the novels in the ‘Amish fiction’ genre dwell on duty, honor and giving this one takes a different direction.
Timothy, his wife Hannah and young daughter Mindy leave home to join his brothers in a Kentucky Amish community. Timothy sees hope for his struggling relationship with Hannah, a hope of keeping his marriage and family together. Hannah sees nothing but betrayal. She feels that Timothy istrying to ruin her world by his decision.
Early in the story it becomes apparent that nothing, nothing, NOTHING is going to make her accept Kentucky as ‘home’. She shows a streak of selfishness and self indugence we do not usually see portrayed in Amish romances.
Tragedy strikes as they lose their only child Mindy in an accident that leads to each one blaming themselves and the other. The rift grows deeper and Hannah returns to her parents in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.
This book deals with struggles, in relationships, dealing with tragedy and a picture of what ‘wrong’ decisions can lead to.
Both Timothy and Hannah struggle with the consequenses of their guilt, but stubbornly refuse to change until they each have a lifechanging dream.
What choices will they make now?
I give this book 3 1/2 stars.
Timothy, his wife Hannah and young daughter Mindy leave home to join his brothers in a Kentucky Amish community. Timothy sees hope for his struggling relationship with Hannah, a hope of keeping his marriage and family together. Hannah sees nothing but betrayal. She feels that Timothy istrying to ruin her world by his decision.
Early in the story it becomes apparent that nothing, nothing, NOTHING is going to make her accept Kentucky as ‘home’. She shows a streak of selfishness and self indugence we do not usually see portrayed in Amish romances.
Tragedy strikes as they lose their only child Mindy in an accident that leads to each one blaming themselves and the other. The rift grows deeper and Hannah returns to her parents in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.
This book deals with struggles, in relationships, dealing with tragedy and a picture of what ‘wrong’ decisions can lead to.
Both Timothy and Hannah struggle with the consequenses of their guilt, but stubbornly refuse to change until they each have a lifechanging dream.
What choices will they make now?
I give this book 3 1/2 stars.
October 29, 2013
This is, by far, the worst book I have ever read.
Wanda Brunstetter should be embarrassed to call herself an author. The character development is non-existent, she frequently uses dialogue when she should be painting a picture (over 50% of the paragraphs contain some kind of quote), the protagonist is the most annoying person I've ever read (I literally wanted to kill her), and Ms. Brunstetter uses deus ex machina liberally to resolve the menial conflicts she manages to weakly conjure along the way.
Repetition is employed frequently to reiterate the same, tired, old points previously explained. The main tone of the book is set by using boring repetition to keep the reader blatantly aware of the obvious. The repetition is awfully crass and only serves to pad an already dull story. The author often finds herself repeating herself on several occasions. You get the point.
I can't believe this woman has written several other books and is actually praised for the stuff she comes up with. She gives me hope for my unpublished manuscripts that, if she can be an author, then certainly I can do so as well. I felt nothing during points that should have touched emotional chords in the reader. That's how weak her writing style is.
The one redeeming quality I can think of is that it is appropriately named.
I wish I could give it 0 stars.
Wanda Brunstetter should be embarrassed to call herself an author. The character development is non-existent, she frequently uses dialogue when she should be painting a picture (over 50% of the paragraphs contain some kind of quote), the protagonist is the most annoying person I've ever read (I literally wanted to kill her), and Ms. Brunstetter uses deus ex machina liberally to resolve the menial conflicts she manages to weakly conjure along the way.
Repetition is employed frequently to reiterate the same, tired, old points previously explained. The main tone of the book is set by using boring repetition to keep the reader blatantly aware of the obvious. The repetition is awfully crass and only serves to pad an already dull story. The author often finds herself repeating herself on several occasions. You get the point.
I can't believe this woman has written several other books and is actually praised for the stuff she comes up with. She gives me hope for my unpublished manuscripts that, if she can be an author, then certainly I can do so as well. I felt nothing during points that should have touched emotional chords in the reader. That's how weak her writing style is.
The one redeeming quality I can think of is that it is appropriately named.
I wish I could give it 0 stars.
July 26, 2019
Never did read the first 2 in this series, but you didn't have to. Very sophomoric writing and mostly a lot of whining.
September 6, 2021
This is the last book in the Kentucky Brothers Series and it didn’t disappoint. Another brother and another love story. There was much tragedy and heartbreak but God was there to pick up the pieces and bring healing. I love how the writer was able to weave in the love stories of their English friends as well. I am thankful for Christian writers who are not ashamed to share the love of God in their Christian Fiction writing. Well done!
May 15, 2020
I started out not liking Hannah in this story because she was self absorbed but ended up crying because the ending was such a testament as to what God can do!
April 4, 2023
This book was SO good.
Really kept me turning the pages and in so much suspense.
It really was a very great ending and it was just perfect.
Really kept me turning the pages and in so much suspense.
It really was a very great ending and it was just perfect.
August 13, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Hannah did not want to move to Kentucky. She’d be leaving her home, her parents and all that was familiar to her. She knew her husband was moving her because she spent too much time with her mother and let her interfere in their marriage. That didn’t make her happier about it.
Ms. Brunstetter sets her story in Amish country and the story includes all the Amish families and how they all interact. I enjoy reading about their culture and learning some of their words and this story gives you an opportunity to do that.
The title is most appropriate for this story. Hannah struggles from the beginning to the end until she finally comes to terms with what has happened in the past and how she wants to live in the future. She’s a confused young woman. She loves Timothy and her daughter, Mindy, but she grew up tied to her mother’s apron strings and she misses her dreadfully. Knowing Timothy thought she was spending too much time with her mother now that she was married doesn’t make it any better. Because Hannah is so busy feeling sorry for herself, she’s not real easy for the rest of the family to befriend or welcome to Kentucky. Her actions often make the situation worse and exacerbate her relationship problems.
I often wanted to pick Hannah up and shake her (gently, of course), like you would a small child you want to make a point with. She’s so bull-headed and self-centered she doesn’t see what she’s doing to Timothy. She did get me engaged in the story, though. Timothy is a good man and is trying to be patient with Hannah, but when they have a family tragedy, things fall apart.
When I had almost given up on Hannah, the author brought me back from the brink of the cliff and moved the story towards closure. I would have liked to see more sense in Hannah’s character sooner, but it is the story of her struggle, as the title implies. It’s a good read, the Amish way of life is interesting and I was happy to see Hannah finally evolve into womanhood. This is the third book in this series Kentucky Brothers, so series readers might want to check out the other books, too.
Hannah did not want to move to Kentucky. She’d be leaving her home, her parents and all that was familiar to her. She knew her husband was moving her because she spent too much time with her mother and let her interfere in their marriage. That didn’t make her happier about it.
Ms. Brunstetter sets her story in Amish country and the story includes all the Amish families and how they all interact. I enjoy reading about their culture and learning some of their words and this story gives you an opportunity to do that.
The title is most appropriate for this story. Hannah struggles from the beginning to the end until she finally comes to terms with what has happened in the past and how she wants to live in the future. She’s a confused young woman. She loves Timothy and her daughter, Mindy, but she grew up tied to her mother’s apron strings and she misses her dreadfully. Knowing Timothy thought she was spending too much time with her mother now that she was married doesn’t make it any better. Because Hannah is so busy feeling sorry for herself, she’s not real easy for the rest of the family to befriend or welcome to Kentucky. Her actions often make the situation worse and exacerbate her relationship problems.
I often wanted to pick Hannah up and shake her (gently, of course), like you would a small child you want to make a point with. She’s so bull-headed and self-centered she doesn’t see what she’s doing to Timothy. She did get me engaged in the story, though. Timothy is a good man and is trying to be patient with Hannah, but when they have a family tragedy, things fall apart.
When I had almost given up on Hannah, the author brought me back from the brink of the cliff and moved the story towards closure. I would have liked to see more sense in Hannah’s character sooner, but it is the story of her struggle, as the title implies. It’s a good read, the Amish way of life is interesting and I was happy to see Hannah finally evolve into womanhood. This is the third book in this series Kentucky Brothers, so series readers might want to check out the other books, too.
August 17, 2012
Book 3 in the Kentucky Brothers series.
Can a couple rent by grief find renewal?
Timothy Fisher's decision to move his family from their home in Lancaster County Pennsylvania isn't a happy one for his wife, Hannah. Everything she knows is in Lancaster County - her mother - her home - her friends.
But what choice does Hannah have? Realizing that her place is with her husband and young daughter, she reluctantly goes but finds her new life is a hard adjustment.
Nothing Timothy does pleases Hannah, and his best laid plans are beginning to crumble before him. Then a tragic accident occurs, further driving a rift in their relationship. Hannah is inconsolable and blames Timothy.
Between the stress of his job, dealing with his wife's hostility, and feeling the burden of guilt Timothy can barely cope.
Hannah's resentment drives her back to Pennsylvania, where she hopes to find peace and healing for her troubled soul. Timothy turns to his pillar of strength and pleads with God to restore his marriage.
Amid the ashes of grief and struggle, will renewed love, faith and hope emerge?
I couldn't put it down! I started it Tuesday afternoon and finished it Thursday afternoon. I love a great book like this! It does have a happy ending.
If I say much more than I loved every minute of it I'd spoil it for those of you who haven't read it yet. I hope you'll take time to pick it up and read it, if you've not read any of the Kentucky Brothers series by Wanda Brunstetter I highly recommend it!
Can a couple rent by grief find renewal?
Timothy Fisher's decision to move his family from their home in Lancaster County Pennsylvania isn't a happy one for his wife, Hannah. Everything she knows is in Lancaster County - her mother - her home - her friends.
But what choice does Hannah have? Realizing that her place is with her husband and young daughter, she reluctantly goes but finds her new life is a hard adjustment.
Nothing Timothy does pleases Hannah, and his best laid plans are beginning to crumble before him. Then a tragic accident occurs, further driving a rift in their relationship. Hannah is inconsolable and blames Timothy.
Between the stress of his job, dealing with his wife's hostility, and feeling the burden of guilt Timothy can barely cope.
Hannah's resentment drives her back to Pennsylvania, where she hopes to find peace and healing for her troubled soul. Timothy turns to his pillar of strength and pleads with God to restore his marriage.
Amid the ashes of grief and struggle, will renewed love, faith and hope emerge?
I couldn't put it down! I started it Tuesday afternoon and finished it Thursday afternoon. I love a great book like this! It does have a happy ending.
If I say much more than I loved every minute of it I'd spoil it for those of you who haven't read it yet. I hope you'll take time to pick it up and read it, if you've not read any of the Kentucky Brothers series by Wanda Brunstetter I highly recommend it!
September 28, 2012
Thank you to the author for the autographed copy won in her website
giveaway. I have been interested in reading Wanda's books for quite some time and was thrilled to now finally have the opportunity to do so.
Having once traveled through Lancaster County, Pennsylvania as a teenager, I could picture the setting and envision the people she described in this wonderful story. The main characters, Timothy and Hannah Fisher, are a young married couple who are struggling to find their way as parents and as partners. Their move to Kentucky turns out to be both a blessing and a curse and threatens to tear their relationship apart.
I'll admit I could identify more with how Timothy handles himself in the relationship as he seems to be the calm, levelheaded one. Hannah is immature and a bit selfish in her actions. We certainly all have our moments where we feel self-pity and want to be selfish putting our own needs first, but she spent a better part of the story only thinking of herself. I did however enjoy all of the supporting characters as they are all quite easy to relate to, even with the difference in culture.
There are some very valuable (and important) lessons to be learned from
this story. I will let you decide what they are and what they mean to you specifically. But suffice it to say I will be reading more of Wanda E Brunstetter's novels in the near future.
giveaway. I have been interested in reading Wanda's books for quite some time and was thrilled to now finally have the opportunity to do so.
Having once traveled through Lancaster County, Pennsylvania as a teenager, I could picture the setting and envision the people she described in this wonderful story. The main characters, Timothy and Hannah Fisher, are a young married couple who are struggling to find their way as parents and as partners. Their move to Kentucky turns out to be both a blessing and a curse and threatens to tear their relationship apart.
I'll admit I could identify more with how Timothy handles himself in the relationship as he seems to be the calm, levelheaded one. Hannah is immature and a bit selfish in her actions. We certainly all have our moments where we feel self-pity and want to be selfish putting our own needs first, but she spent a better part of the story only thinking of herself. I did however enjoy all of the supporting characters as they are all quite easy to relate to, even with the difference in culture.
There are some very valuable (and important) lessons to be learned from
this story. I will let you decide what they are and what they mean to you specifically. But suffice it to say I will be reading more of Wanda E Brunstetter's novels in the near future.
August 31, 2019
Sometimes I think it would be easier if life were a little simpler. I'm not saying I want to get rid of air conditioning or lights or refrigerators like the Amish but I'm not convinced all technology has made more good changes to society than bad. As far as I know the Amish don't have issues with school shootings opioid or drug addiction and other issues that plague society.
This story takes you to a place where one character (Hanna) becomes focused on herself and on negative thoughts when things don't go her way. Its like she is playing a virtual game of tug of war. She keeps struggling with the rope; tugging and pulling, piling more and more rope around her. What she fails to realize is she is just piling up the issues at her feet when she needs to let go of the rope.
Will she ever look to the future with hope and happiness? Will she shift her focus before its to late?
This story takes you to a place where one character (Hanna) becomes focused on herself and on negative thoughts when things don't go her way. Its like she is playing a virtual game of tug of war. She keeps struggling with the rope; tugging and pulling, piling more and more rope around her. What she fails to realize is she is just piling up the issues at her feet when she needs to let go of the rope.
Will she ever look to the future with hope and happiness? Will she shift her focus before its to late?
December 15, 2014
I do enjoy that Ms. Brunstetter's characters are very human - there are some you like, some you don't. I like how this book shows that everyone struggles with their faith. Hannah is a character I feel sympathy for on one hand, but want to slap with the other. I think Ms. Brunstetter's plots are all well-layed out and come together at the end. I also like that Ms. Brunstetter includes recipes at the back of her books.
August 30, 2012
Although this book, was very easy and enjoyable, I found it very interesting to learn about the Amish religion and culture.
July 5, 2014
this book was ok. the plot of the other characters was more interesting. I didnt like Hannah. she was a horrible, selfish person
April 26, 2023
Good story about faith & forgiveness.
Felt like the ending was a little rushed but, otherwise I liked it.
Felt like the ending was a little rushed but, otherwise I liked it.
June 5, 2022
I’ve had this book for awhile, and I enjoyed being back with the Fisher brothers and their move from Pennsylvania to Kentucky.
While this is Hannah’s and Timothy’s story, we are reunited with the past characters from the previous two books, and brought up to date.
Timothy is looking for a new start, away from the apron strings that had his wife tied up.
Yes, I enjoyed the character of Timothy, but Hannah was another story.
I was thinking with the things that happen here, why wasn’t the Amish Bishop involved, why weren’t they living their faith?
This really was not a book that emulates what I believe the faith of these people. You can judge for yourself, there are others that I did enjoy reading about, and did enjoy the epilogue!
I receive this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
While this is Hannah’s and Timothy’s story, we are reunited with the past characters from the previous two books, and brought up to date.
Timothy is looking for a new start, away from the apron strings that had his wife tied up.
Yes, I enjoyed the character of Timothy, but Hannah was another story.
I was thinking with the things that happen here, why wasn’t the Amish Bishop involved, why weren’t they living their faith?
This really was not a book that emulates what I believe the faith of these people. You can judge for yourself, there are others that I did enjoy reading about, and did enjoy the epilogue!
I receive this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 5, 2022
I’ve never read this author before, but had always heard she’s so popular. I got sucked into the first book of this series. I’m entrenched in a major landscaping project, so I’ve been listening to the audiobooks. I’ve been so preoccupied and busy, I just let the next volume load. If I hadn’t been so engaged with other things, I would’ve quit after the first one. Her characters are flat, the dialogue is like fingernails on a chalkboard, the stories are boring and predictable. The last book of the series was the worst of the bunch, and I won’t be reading her again. I live in Amish country, so don’t mind a well written tale, but I think the only reason why this author has made a success of her writing is the popularity of the genre.
January 28, 2025
I rated this book 4/5 stars because I liked the inclusion of counseling as Hannah and Timothy are struggling to maintain their marriage. Not everyone may enjoy some of the plot twists though and there are touches of realism in this book that aren't typically included in other Amish fiction (i.e. how fire alarms must be removed from an Old Order Amish household). It makes sense if there is no electricity, but it isn't often discussed. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys reading about couples who fight to save their marriages and is interested in seeing the details of the conflict. If conflict isn't your thing, this isn't a book for you.
March 14, 2025
Great book
Spoiler alert. So, I had a hard time understanding some of the situations in this book. Believe that Timothy had a hard time with the relationship between his wife and her mother. Timothy trying to separate the daughter and the mother was hard for me to understand. It felt selfish to me. Hana’s behavior was selfish and time and she did exhibit some immature behavior. I think the decision of Timothy to move to Kentucky was selfish, arrogant and egotistical and A mistake. He made that decision unilaterally without taking into consideration Hana’s feelings. The book was written, really well. But I do have mixed feelings about the premise of the book.
Spoiler alert. So, I had a hard time understanding some of the situations in this book. Believe that Timothy had a hard time with the relationship between his wife and her mother. Timothy trying to separate the daughter and the mother was hard for me to understand. It felt selfish to me. Hana’s behavior was selfish and time and she did exhibit some immature behavior. I think the decision of Timothy to move to Kentucky was selfish, arrogant and egotistical and A mistake. He made that decision unilaterally without taking into consideration Hana’s feelings. The book was written, really well. But I do have mixed feelings about the premise of the book.
October 18, 2018
In this final book of the trilogy, Titus' twin brother Timothy is having trouble in his marriage. His wife Hannah continues to be tied to her mother's apron strings, ignoring her husband much of the time. She also dotes too much on their three-year-old daughter, ignoring any input Timothy has on parenting. In a last ditch effort to salvage their marriage, Timothy decides to put distance between Hannah and her parents by moving is family to Kentucky where his two brothers now live. This causes even more trouble between him and his wife...until God intervenes after a family tragedy.
January 30, 2021
Wanda writes about a life struggles I was able to relate to as twice with my husband due to work or school we’ve relocated away from family and friends. there is always a transition and exciting time involved with any move esp when moving away from loved ones.
In Wandas book Hannah struggles with the move her husband has decided is best for the family and how life throws curve balls, obstacles and even a death...lbut how if you allow these same things build you up making you stronger, I enjoyed this book
In Wandas book Hannah struggles with the move her husband has decided is best for the family and how life throws curve balls, obstacles and even a death...lbut how if you allow these same things build you up making you stronger, I enjoyed this book
December 29, 2021
This book held my attention well. Hannah is a miserable Amish woman. I thought the story was realistic, nice life lessons. It was challenging to read about a miserable woman but the book events were real enough for me. Amish women marry young and it is hard to move away from your family. Learning about Amish living in Kentucky was interesting. Ms. Brunstetter does want her readers to walk away more educated about Amish culture.
This book was a Christmas gift chosen by my dad so I am always grateful to be gifted a book!
Happy reading!
This book was a Christmas gift chosen by my dad so I am always grateful to be gifted a book!
Happy reading!
October 2, 2018
Hannah was a spoiled brat and I give credit to her husband for seeing that and dealing with her about the only way he could. Personally, I would have a) never married her or b} left her in Pennsylvania and moved on with my life. Compared to other books written by Ms. Brunstetter, I found this one amatuerishly written with too many "gee golly" types of remarks. This 3rd in a 3 part series, is the first one I'd read and I have no plans to read the first two.
August 11, 2021
Timothy Fisher decides to move his wife, Hannah, and daughter Mindy to Christian County, where two of his brothers now reside, Hannah is very reluctant to go. Will the new home Timothy builds for them there do anything to lift her spirits? When a tragic accident occurs, Timothy and Hannah are inconsolable. Is an abrupt separation the beginning of the end of their marriage, or will they rally to seize a God-given second chance?
January 31, 2024
This is the third and final book in the Kentucky Brothers series. As with the others they are fairly light stories that take place in the Amish culture. This one had a few unexpected turns that kept it interesting. As with the others, there are some (in my opinion) simplistic platitudes about God’s will and also about a woman’s role in the family. Overall these are good books to read when I want a break from heavier stories.
May 10, 2018
The Struggle, so aptly named as the last in the "Kentucky Brothers" series. Mishaps, relocations, accidents are a part of living in the world and the author of this series shows how just because they occur, doesn't mean God can't bring good out of them. Wonderful series – I would recommend getting all three at the same time because you aren't going to want to wait in between.
April 29, 2019
The conclusion of the Kentucky Brothers series does not disappoint. In fact, it may be the best of the 3 books. The Amish are not free from the stress, guilt and hostility of the world. But how they deal with it is refreshing, with honestly, and love. Wanda's books never disappoint. And the series ends with all the questions answered.
November 9, 2021
I liked this book overall, but it wasn't one of my favorites. I didn't realize at first that this was the 3rd in the series, so perhaps that was part of it. I didn't like how "easily" and simplistically everything was resolved at the end. Suddenly everything was perfect again, no more struggles. I also wasn't a big fan of the way the resolution happened. But it was still an enjoyable book.
February 3, 2019
Well i almost didn't read this book due to comments on here, but I did finally read it. The main character, Hannah was presented as too stubborn to be believable. I won't read the other two books in the series.
May 23, 2019
WOW
The Struggle is a very emotional ending to the Series Kentucky Brothers. There is a Christmas blizzard, a couple accidents(One with a death), marriages and births. All this equals one fantastic book. Wanda Brunstetter is A wonderful story teller. Thank you
The Struggle is a very emotional ending to the Series Kentucky Brothers. There is a Christmas blizzard, a couple accidents(One with a death), marriages and births. All this equals one fantastic book. Wanda Brunstetter is A wonderful story teller. Thank you
July 8, 2019
This book was very good. I had a hard time liking a character but when I finished the book my heart went out to her. Was a great read and I went through all the emotions. This is a great book and I hope this is not where this story ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews