The Quilter's Daughter

Daughters of Lancaster County #2

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Abby Miller leaves her successful quilt shop and patient fiance in Ohio to help her newly remarried and now pregnant mother in Lancaster County. While she's away, Abby's world is shattered in one fell swoop. How can God make anything good come out of this tragedy? With shaken faith, Abby is forced to look for answers away from friends and family. Will she find them in the ashes of the past, in her love of quilting, or in the heart of an overlooked Amish man? Can her faith withstand the flames of tragedy? The Quilter's Daughter is book 2 in the Daughters of Lancaster's County series. Other books in the series include The Storekeeper's Daughter: Book 1 and The Bishop's Daughter: Book 3.

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Christian Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

New 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.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another touching story in this Amish trilogy. Can't wait to see what happens in the final installment!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good sequel to The Storekeepers Daughter. It is the continuing story of the Fisher family, a hard-working, God-fearing Amish family and the Scotts, who live in Washington state. It is very interesting how their lives are connected, altho they do not know each other.

This is the story of Abby mainly. She is a quilter, and owns a quilt shop. She is engaged to Lester, who loves her dearly and they are engaged to be married. Abby goes to PA to be with her mother and new husband when Mom becomes pregnant with twins. Just as Abby is planning to go back home because her Mom is feeling strong enough to take care of the babies herself, a tragedy occurs in Abby's life and it throws her into a deep depression.

It takes Abby going across country to Washington state with her Mom's cousin and going through some things there to finally pull her out of the depression she's been in and finally she gets on with her life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I am reading the 3rd sequel to this now, The Bishops Daughter. Wanda E. Brunstetter is an excelllent writer, and I would recommend this series of books to anyone that enjoys reading this type of story.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish romance the Quilter's Daughter is a must-read if you are into trilogies and it holds its own as a stand-alone book. It's the second novel in the Daughters of Lancaster County series following The Storekeeper's Daughter which set the stage for the story of the kidnapping of Amish baby, Zach, by Jim Scott.

The Quilter's Daughter initially takes place in Holmes County which has the largest population of Amish in the state of Ohio. Millersburg is the largest city with other Amish towns, Berlin, Charm, Sugarcreek, and Walnut Creek not far away.

I love that Brunstetter throws out the reference to quilts in her first sentence.

Abby Miller loves everything to do with quilts and runs a popular quilt shop in Holmes County. The town is a tourist area, Amish quilts are in demand and many women are expecting, so, Abby has a lot on her plate.

Furthermore, we learn that Abby has a hope chest and dreams of marrying Lester who has been courting her for 4 years. Abby receives a handkerchief for her hope chest. Affixed is a note from her mom. This note is a daunting prelude to what is to come.

Meanwhile, we learn that Zach is now 6 years old.

Abby goes off to Lancaster Pennsylvania to help out her mom Fannie who is expecting twins. It's tourist season and Abby has her hands full. Abby helps run Fannie's quilt shop and tends to others' needs while there.

It is good that Lester takes some time off from Blacksmithing to come to Lancaster for a visit. When he returns home they correspond through letters. Abby has been having nightmares, though, that are quite troubling....

Well, that is where I leave this review.
I borrowed this book from my mom for my book club read. Mom hasn't read the book and already informed me, "Don't spoil it for me, Lori." Notwithstanding this, Mom knows that life for Amish is not easy and during hardships, one often relies on faith to help them move forward

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we left the Fisher family in ‘The Storekeeper’s Daughter’ Dad had refound love with Fannie Miller. Naomi had rekindled love with Caleb. And Zach (Jimmy) was growing up with his English family on the west coast. In ‘The Quilter’s Daughter’ we return to Fannie’s daughter back home in Ohio running the original quilt shop. And engaged to Lester. And missing her mom. Who happens to announce she’s pregnant. Needless to say Abby goes to Pennsylvania to help her mom and spend time with her new family, leaving her ever too patient fiance back in Ohio. After the birth of the boys (yes Fannie has twins, spoiler?) Abby makes plans to return home after Thanksgiving and resume wedding plans. She never gets to make that trip to see Lester and plan their wedding. She makes the trip to say goodbye and attend his funeral instead. Meanwhile on the west coast Jimmy is growing up and his mom is slowly learning to let go a bit. It’s not helping her jacked up marriage but it is helping her grow as a human and find faith of her own.

A lot happens in this book. Naomi and Caleb are now married with boplin. Fannie and Abraham are expanding their family. Abby is saying goodbye and learning how to live again, slowly and painfully. I enjoyed the continued interplay between Zach/Jimmy’s life and the Fishers. It give me hope that perhaps they will be reunited. The way their lives interplay like the Kevin Bacon game, just a step or two removed from them actually reuniting. The cliffhangers are killin’ me! I’m really starting to feel for Linda (you know, unwitting participant of the kidnapping). Jim, her husband, is the definition of toadnugget. I get it, the fear of getting caught can do a lot to change a person. What he did isn’t small stuff, ya know. But hateful is his middle name. She’s floundering trying to find the balance between protecting her child and letting him thrive. She’s making a friend, attending church, and even accepts salvation. I was a little put out though as her salvation experience is too quaint. You don’t figure it out that fast all on your own ya know? Especially for someone who has no background with church or faith.

I loved this book. I still can’t stand Jim. Abraham is growing on me. Abby was a bit self-absorbed for a bit but she’s come around as well. I have hopes for her and Matthew. Naomi still struggles with her martyr complex but it’s getting better. I just hope the choice she’s made isn’t explosive. Guess I’ll have to wait to the next book. I need to find out how it all plays out and the cliffhangers can stop and actually give me answers. I need answers people! Answers!

Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-qu....

[Shelly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story line. Many of us are facing this situation in life today.
What should we be doing in our lives during bad times as Christians? This
teaches us that as Christians, we should trust God in the process of our
hurts and disappointments. (trials)... God wants us to trust in him through
every thing. Not to lean on what we feel or lean on people to help us.

We should also learn to talk about our hurts, no matter how bad it may be.
Though the character Abby was shocked and sadden by loosing two things
close to her. She also through herself into helping other's when she
should have been helping herself get better to. It took her along time.
Some things just would grasp her attention. Like little things that happen
in life, or big may have to get our attention before we can move on.

Really good story and I always learn from these ;)

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was just packed full! It was beautiful to see how the Lord healed her (Abby's) broken heart and had given him (Matthew) the patience to wait, and trust the Lord to work it out and He DID! My heart cries everytime I think of Zach, it was wonderful that his 'adopted' Mom became a Christian and started living for the Lord, and seeing how the Lord was working on Jim's heart - sad though, that he fought against the conviction of the Holy Spirit for his actions and instead grew bitter, angry, resentful. It's wild how the Lord works, by allowing Ginny to see Zach, and arranging it so that Zach's quilt was returned to his family.

[Jynx · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost gave up on this book; There are so many bible references sprinkled throughout the conversations that it seems unrealistic. There may be people who can quote any number of book, chapter and verse references without having a bible in their hand, but I felt as if I was being 'highjacked' and preached at, using the storyline as an excuse to 'Bible-bash me'. I only continued as it's the second book of three. The first one was not like that and I hope the third isn't. I probably won't read it if it is, I'll flip to the last few pages just to see the ending.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby runs a successful quilt shop and is engaged to a wonderful Amish man. But then duty calls. When she leaves her beloved shop and patient fiance to attend to her mother in need, a double tragedy strikes, shattering Abby's world in one fell swoop.

This is a book that is difficult to put down. Most of the time I forgot that Abby was Amish. It was more about commitments to our loved ones and when do we need to put ourselves first. This was a gripping novel and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Tracy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Wanda Brunstetter. Abby dreams of terrible fires which is a premonition of the journey her life will take. Thankfully, the love of family, friends, and her faith pulls her through the tragedy that she must face and with love in her heart she is able to move on and begin another path that will bring happiness to her life. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. It is a wonderful story.

[Carolyn Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the fact that this book picked up where The Storekeepers Daughter left off. Yet at the same time you could read it separately without feeling like you were missing something. Love Wanda Brunstetter.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just as good a read as The Storkeeper's daugher, the 1st book in this series. The characters are real, likable, interesting, and so is the story line. The lifestyle of the Amish has always fascinated me. These books are good clean, and interesting.

[Tasha enderby · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you read the trilogy the second book is a must but it really was dry. I felt like the first story gave some great Clift hangers. My heart will always be tender for Zach and the simple fact he paid for the sins of his father. His life was nothing but easy the moment he was stolen.

[Christine Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

So badly written. This isn't my genre anyway, but even without all the churchy stuff it was ridiculous. Could have been written by a 12 year old.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book jumps to the future, the lost baby is now 6 year old. His father has remarried and his wife is pregnant. Naomi is also married and has a girls. Abby comes to help with the babies and the quilt shop, leaving her fiance waiting for her. A fire claims his life and Abby’s store. Abby just can’t get past her loss. They show what the lost baby, Zach’s , life is like with the family that kidnapped him.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few interesting story lines in this novel, but as a stand alone I was a bit disappointed to find things were not resolved in the end. I am undecided if I will pursue additional novels in this series, as I found myself uncomfortable with the writing style.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life . Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.

Content Review:
Christian or Secular : Christin
Profanity: None
Sex&Violence : None
Trigger Warnings : A man dies in a fire-Non-descriptive.
Disclosure: This book should be safe for all Christian audiences.

The Quilter's Daughter picks up where The Storekeeper's Daughter leaves off. Naomi and her family are learning to cope with the loss of their baby brother, Zach. It's been five years since he was snatched from the front lawn.

Naomi has since married and has children of her own. Her dat, Abraham has found love with a widow woman named Fannie.  This book mostly focuses on Fannie's daughter, Abby.

I really don't know why it has taken me so long to pick up this series. It is unique in that we, the readers, know where baby Zach has ended up. But, I'm not entirely sure how his story is going to conclude. I never anticipated sympathizing with his "adoptive" family but his mother, Linda is as much as an innocent bystander in this as Zach. Her husband Jim? I can't stand him. I mean, really, I can't!

I thought that Linda's faith was unbelievable at times. Unwavering, despite being a babe in Christ. But, I myself have seen miraculous transformations in a person when God touches their heart.

Overall, I loved everything about this book. I felt for Abby when she lost her fiancé because he truly seemed like a great guy. I can't help but admit that I also secretly shipped her and Matthew from the start. Then I felt like maybe I caused her poor fiancé to die and felt rather guilty. Okay, I know that's crazy but this book just pulled me in!

I would absolutely suggest this book to those that love Amish fiction.  As for myself, I can't wait to see what happens in book number three, The Bishop's Daughter. I have to admit though, I'm kind of sad that it will mark the end of the series.This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

[Lisa Birch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough quilting.

The ending... There wasn't really an ending.

Too much preaching, expectations, Jim being abusive to his wife and the pastor telling her just to set a good example?

Often a character would remember something or someone, next minute the aforementioned person would magically appear.

What happens to Rachel?!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually the second in the series, and though it can be read stand alone because there are enough hints about the on-going kidnapping of the young Amish boy and the family who is raising him, not enough gaps are filled. The life of Abby and her struggle with grief and loss is the main part of the this book and it resolves itself by the end, but the story of Jim and Linda and their "adopted" son Jimmy is left at lose ends completely -- that's probably where the third book comes in and the first as well. I would recommend trying to read them in order to get the full plot line. For a long while, I wondered why these two stories were intertwined as they never crossed paths beyond small characters, but later I did find out...it's all connected through Jimmy who was kidnapped by Jim from Abby's step family -- probably in the first book of the Lancaster county series.

That said, the characters are believable if a bit sweet. The story is a bit slow, but I kept wanting to read. The lives of the Amish are not overly examined (which compared to other ones I've read is kind of disappointing as I like to read about their way of life). Really the salvation of God in both the Amish and non-Amish is very much at the forefront of this book. This is truly a religious romance, though romance is really not part of it since SLIGHT SPOILER -- Abby lives without her love for most of the book for various reasons. Linda, Jim's wife, finds love with God and church but not with her husband....indeed their marriage is crumbling and seems to be getting worse as she goes through her ordeals. I think that the character of Jim seems a little extreme --- always grumpy and never a kind word to say to his wife or son. If he loved her enough to kidnap this boy and pretend he's adopted him legally, you'd think he'd at least make some effort to talk to her or interact with this son. Even if he's guilt-ridden, which is clear from the book and he's trying to hide it, you'd think he would be kinder and softer some of the time..especially when Linda needs him.

Though I am satisfied with the way the book went, I am also rather dissatified. Characters are interesting, but the plot is left with holes right from the start. Hence, my advice start with the FIRST book in the Daughters of Lancaster County series. This is book 2.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I saw this at book sale. I like reading about Amish people. When, I first read the first couple chapters of the book. I thought, it will be 18 century or 19 century. It wasn't. It was 21 century. When Linda was on her cell phone. So, this Amish young lady name Abby Miller, is engage to Lester Mest. Then, she gets a letter from her mom. Her mom is pregnant. So, she travels to Pennsylvania. To help her mother's quilt shop. While her mom is taking easy, while being pregnant with child. Then, few chapters later they found out Fannie is pregnant with twins. Anyways, Abby is staying at her mother's place. She kept pulling off, of going back to Ohio, to be with her Fiance. Then, she gets a call from Lester's mom, that Lester had died in the fire. So, she went back to Ohio for the funeral for few days. Went back to Pennsylvania with her mom & step family. She kept her self busy, blame herself for Lester's death. Then, her mom & her mom's cousin Edna decide she go visit Edna's Sister-In-Law Elizabeth in Montana. So, she can have healing progress. This stranger lady, who she never met. Explain about why God, want her to be in Montana.


What, I don't like this book. Is that this guy name Jim, kidnapped an 1 year old boy name Zach. (Who's name is Jimmy, he's 7 years old.) The writer should have written, that Jim got caught. Zach went back to his family. Jim went to jail. Linda, be able to visit or lived in the same state as Zach's family are at.


The end of the book was to rush. Like the writer wanted to finish up the story.




Some of the character irritated me, while reading their chapters. So, I gave it 3 stas. Just didn't like the story plot at all. But, I do like the scenery in the book. Wanted me go to Amish country for vacation, someday.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book cover, blurb and title appealed to me and I was interested in the setting of the Amish community. However I found this book difficult to come to terms with. I learnt very little abut the Amish community and I continually had to ponder when was the book set. The emphasis on religious observations, the white bonnets of the women, whose lives were dominated by a relentless round of domestic tasks, whilst the men worked in the fields, made me think the setting was the late 19th century - until I was brought up with a shock at mention of cell phones. I was also confused by frequent references to "English" visitors and "Englishers" - surely there could not be that many English visitors in the area? I eventually realised it must be the term used for those who were non-Amish. I stuck with the story and warmed to Abby in her situation with conflicts of commitment, duty and love. The sideline story of Linda and Jim was irriitating. frustrating and a bit incredible - we were left up in the air at the end, not knowing how this storyline developed. Despite these reservations I would be intersted in reading more in this series.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Quilter Daughter is the second amazing book written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Daughters of Lancaster County series. This story continues the story of a kidnapped Amish baby and will bring you to tears. The storyline is fast moving and will definitely keep you turning pages. There are several minor stories being played out in this book but the main story will show you how your faith can be tested.

The characters are very likeable and tell a great story. The main character is Abby Miller who suffer a devastating loss but shows us the steps she takes in which to cope. I experienced several emotions reading this book and it made me realize how strong Abby's character had to be. The author has done an amazing job developing not only this story but her characters has well.

I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing this fantastic story about faith, love, and family for her readers to enjoy.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second of three novels the cast of characters from “The Shopkeeper’s Daughter” are back to continue their stories. Naomi Fisher’s mother was run over by a car and killed, leaving her Amish husband Abraham and eight children, the youngest just two months old. Naomi finally married Caleb Hoffmeir, and her father Abraham married Fannie Miller, the widowed quilt shop owner from Ohio. In the second story, Jim and Linda Scott, an unchurched English couple who adopted a child some years ago, are not getting along. Linda begins going to church with a woman she meets at the playground, looking for some help for her failing marriage. Meanwhile, Abby, Fannie’s daughter, comes to Pennsylvania from Ohio to help her mom, leaving her fiancé back in Ohio. When Abby’s quilt shop is destroyed in a fire, she becomes depressed, so her mom’s cousin Edna comes up with an idea to help Abby. And who can say no to cousin Edna? The stories continue in the third volume.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place shortly after book one ends. Abraham Fisher's new wife becomes pregnant, despite her older years, and then finds out she's to have twins. Her daughter Abby, back in Ohio, travels to Lancaster, PA to help her mother as she approaches her due date. She promises her fiance she'll be back in plenty of time for their wedding. Things go well as she gets to know her mother's new family - until tragedy strikes back in Ohio and Abby is left reeling from grief and guilt. Meanwhile, Abraham's youngest child from his first wife, who was kidnapped months after his mother's death, is being raised by an English family. And Abraham (and his family) believe they'll never see Zach again. Abby and the Fisher family learn the power of God's healing grace and His forgiveness. Brunstetter is wonderful at weaving two stories together with breadcrumbs to lead between the two stories, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the two stories may once again intersect.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in a series,The Quilter’s Daughter is a continuation of The Storekeeper’s Daughter, picked up six years later. This time it is from the point of view of Abby, the daughter of Fannie who married Abraham Fisher in the first book. Abby, good and dutiful Daughter that she is, comes to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to help her mother when she has twin boys, this leading to a series of events that will change her life. As in the first book, the reader is left hanging at the end, requiring that you read The Bishop’s Daughter to tie up all the loose ends, I hope. But it is still a good story in itself.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Abby Miller, a young Amish girl who owns a quilt shop in Ohio. Her widowed mother, who moved to Pennsylvania and remarried a few years ago, discovers that she is pregnant with twins at the age of 47. Abby decides to travel to Pennsylvania to help her mother out until after the birth of the twins. During this time, Abby faces many trials that test her faith. This is a very heartwarming story and the second book in the Daughters of Lancaster County series.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was even more predictable than the last and the constant tragedies/accidents were just about too much for me. I also feel like the writer is repetitive in phrases which started driving me crazy by the end. And i don't agree with some of the doctrinal aspects in this one in particular. Despite all of this, I will read the rest of this series b/c she always leaves things open-ended and I do want to know what happens with these characters.

[Kathy Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little story - talks about the Amish life and religion and is about an Amish woman, Abby, that runs the Quilt shop in Berlin Ohio. She leaves to help her mother in Lancaster, Pa and tragedy strikes. I don't want to give up too much of the story. This is the second of a trilogy - but I did not read the book before it and I did not have any problems understanding what was going on....

[Candace]

An absolute delight as Brunstetter picks up where THE STOREKEEPER'S DAUGHTER left off. She continues to weave the storyline with Linda's and Jim's baby, and Jim's feelings of guilt along with the Fisher's continued hopes to find little Zach. THE QUILTER'S DAUGHTER adds dynamic, faithfilled, compelling characters all living out their simple lives in a variety of Amish Communities.”
cjhardy wrote this review Sunday, July 13, 2008. (

[Peggy Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. Enjoable story of Amish family life, and a young girls trials as she cares for others in her community. There is a blend of multiple story lines that eventually blend. I would have given more stars, however, the story ended without one of the major story lines being completed. It left me wanting to know, what happened?