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Sisters of Holmes County #2
A Sister's Test
Sit back with a warm cup of herbal tea and sink into the relaxing pleasures of a story from an Amish community, virtually insulated from the fast pace of modern life. Meet Ruth Hostettler and discover how even a cocoon of tradition cannot protect the Hostettler family from unjust evil in the world. Watch as generations of faith struggle to stand firm and one woman's dreams are put to the test
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
87 people are currently reading
1319 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 164 reviews
September 6, 2008
there were parts of the book that were better then others. The overall book I liked and I definitly wanted to see what happened. It didn't answer all my questions, so on to the next one.
December 26, 2024
I only skim read this because it seemed vaguely familiar like I had read it before so maybe that's why it gets three stars. The tragedies are still happening at such a rapid pace it almost seems unbelievable.
As my friend said of Wanda characters, "If it weren’t for bad luck they’d have no luck at all!"
I guess I'll need to read the third book to figure out the mystery.
As my friend said of Wanda characters, "If it weren’t for bad luck they’d have no luck at all!"
I guess I'll need to read the third book to figure out the mystery.
June 11, 2018
A Sister’s Test is one of Brusntetter’s older books that I decided to reread since I own a copy of this book from 2007. The story is centered on Ruth Hostettler, the second daughter of Ruben and Judith. There’s plenty of action with damage and threats to the Hostettler family’s property, as in book one, A Sister’s Secret, still happening without the sheriff capturing the offender. Then Ruth’s life is turned upside on Christmas Eve with heartbreak that caused even more anguish in her life and others. This book is filled with characters that are like family and a mystery of who is seeking revenge on the Hostettler family. With one tragedy after another including a young child being loss will Ruth be able to find her place in life and her dream of being a mother and wife gained? Readers of Amish genre will want to read this older series by Wanda E. Brunstetter if they haven’t.
January 22, 2025
Spoilers but, this book was not good and it’s old so I’m not hiding the review. Martin seemed vaguely threatening for no good reason the whole time he lasted, Abe was a throwaway character with too much tragedy, Ruth started out okay but then became insufferable after her hysterectomy. She gets in an accident, her husband DIES and she wakes up having had an emergency hysterectomy and her only concern is that she’ll never have children? Um, was she planning to remarry instantly just so she could have a kid? Why wasn’t she more sad about her husband DYING?!
The only ok characters in this series are Judith and Rosemary. And yes, I will read the final book because I simply can’t figure out who the attacker is and I don’t really care but at the same time I must know.
The only ok characters in this series are Judith and Rosemary. And yes, I will read the final book because I simply can’t figure out who the attacker is and I don’t really care but at the same time I must know.
November 7, 2011
'A Sister's Test' is book two in the Sisters of Holmes County series
by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Given my less than steller review of book
one, 'A Sister's Secret', I was a little wary about reading this. I am
glad I gave it a chance, however. There are still a few qualities of
the book that I find annoying, such as repetitive explanations and
defining the Amish words in the text rather than utilizing a glossary.
This story follows the middle sister, Ruth and her speedy romance
and marriage to Martin. When attacks against her family become
serious, Ruth is left with some life changing circumstances that she
must overcome. I won't spoil the story for those that haven't read it
yet, but I was rather surprised at some of the twists. I think the
outcome was for the better, for Ruth, although it was somewhat
predictable.
We continue to see struggles between Grace and Cleon as they are
working through their relationship. I must say, and I hate saying this
about a fictional character, as if they're a real person, I really
dislike Cleon. I'm not sure if the Author meant for people to dislike
his character, but I do. He is tolerable and means well, he's just a
rather annoying character.
Moving on to Martha, we see her as she continues exploring her
feelings for Luke. Her Dad doesn't trust him, and frankly, I can see
why. I honestly think he is innocent of all he's being accused of
though, but as with book one, we're left hanging on the real culprit.
All in all, this book was much better than the first book, I still
have a few complaints but overall I was pleased enough with the book
to give it a high rating. I look forward to reading book three to see
how everything resolves itself.
by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Given my less than steller review of book
one, 'A Sister's Secret', I was a little wary about reading this. I am
glad I gave it a chance, however. There are still a few qualities of
the book that I find annoying, such as repetitive explanations and
defining the Amish words in the text rather than utilizing a glossary.
This story follows the middle sister, Ruth and her speedy romance
and marriage to Martin. When attacks against her family become
serious, Ruth is left with some life changing circumstances that she
must overcome. I won't spoil the story for those that haven't read it
yet, but I was rather surprised at some of the twists. I think the
outcome was for the better, for Ruth, although it was somewhat
predictable.
We continue to see struggles between Grace and Cleon as they are
working through their relationship. I must say, and I hate saying this
about a fictional character, as if they're a real person, I really
dislike Cleon. I'm not sure if the Author meant for people to dislike
his character, but I do. He is tolerable and means well, he's just a
rather annoying character.
Moving on to Martha, we see her as she continues exploring her
feelings for Luke. Her Dad doesn't trust him, and frankly, I can see
why. I honestly think he is innocent of all he's being accused of
though, but as with book one, we're left hanging on the real culprit.
All in all, this book was much better than the first book, I still
have a few complaints but overall I was pleased enough with the book
to give it a high rating. I look forward to reading book three to see
how everything resolves itself.
March 6, 2008
This is the second book in this series. This book left me with the same feelings as the first. The book is really great but it just does not end right. Well,I guess that is because there is a sequeal, but still it just did not end like I wanted. This book focuses more on the second oldest sister in the family Ruth as she is put to the test by many trials. In the end, she puts her faith in God and finally makes it. This book as well as the first are both kind of stressful as someone is out to get the family and keeps doing small threatening things as well as causing a buggy accident that leads to the death of a family member. So, the autor has thrown in a mystery in a christian fiction book. The reader is given lots of clues as to who is doing this, but we still do not find out who or why in this book. I am a big fan of Wanda Brunstetter and this book meets my expectations of here, really good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2012
Sit back with a warm cup of herbal tea and sink into the relaxing pleasures of a story from an Amish community, virtually insulated from the fast pace of modern life. Meet Ruth Hostettler and discover how even a cocoon of tradition cannot protect the Hostettler family from unjust evil in the world. Watch as generations of faith struggle to stand firm and one woman's dreams are put to the test.
My Review - I loved how this book played on the first book and it kind of just kept going. I can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series. I felt so sorry for Ruth all throughout the book. And Abe as well. I loved the story line between Cleon and Anna, as well as the one between Rosemary and Roman. Hopefully in the 3rd book we'll find out who has been messing with the Hostettler family!
My Review - I loved how this book played on the first book and it kind of just kept going. I can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series. I felt so sorry for Ruth all throughout the book. And Abe as well. I loved the story line between Cleon and Anna, as well as the one between Rosemary and Roman. Hopefully in the 3rd book we'll find out who has been messing with the Hostettler family!
August 1, 2008
Second book in the series - I still don't feel they are all that well written, but I keep reading.... The attacks on the family continue and some of the story line is really depressing, but again, for some reason, I am hooked - I think maybe it is because I cannot figure out who is doing this stuff and I am not usually stumped...
September 4, 2017
.
This author has a divine way with combining a sensible plot and believable characters, and thoughful enough to include Bible verses to reflect their faith. Each book has its own story line that captivates the audience.
Each book is able to stand on its own, clean and wholesome, and concludes with an HEA. These are important attributes for my reading pleasure.
This author has a divine way with combining a sensible plot and believable characters, and thoughful enough to include Bible verses to reflect their faith. Each book has its own story line that captivates the audience.
Each book is able to stand on its own, clean and wholesome, and concludes with an HEA. These are important attributes for my reading pleasure.
April 16, 2012
This book was a constant repeat. The same conversation 4-6 times; predictable outcome, overly dramatic with very little drama - it was a terrible read. The first book was not much better but this one was worse.
October 24, 2014
I liked this book. It's a continuation of A Sister's Secret, so you should read them in order, or you'll be lost. We still don't know who is attacking Ruth's family, but I suspect it's the neighbors. I look forward to book three to see if they are guilty or not.
October 4, 2008
Book 2 of the Sisters of Holmes County Series ... since the books really do begin where the previous one ends, I suggest reading in order. Again, a very easy and quick read.
March 13, 2017
Tragic, but touching.
October 3, 2020
This book was AWESOME!!! This was better then the first one too. I loved the plot twists and the characters reactions to them. I especially loved the part when Ruth was dropped into Abe's lap. That our a smile on my face and happiness in my heart. I can't wait to find out who has been sabotaging the Hostleters.
September 14, 2023
Ruth's faith is severely tested when life in the Amish community brings terror and heartache. She wonders if the perpetrator of the horrifying events will ever get caught. Will she ever recover from her loss? Will life ever be worth living again?
January 10, 2021
I listened to the unabridged edition of this on CD; With a mixture of Ms Brunstetter's good writing and Ms Nielsen's good narration this book grabs your attention and you don't want to not listen to it until your done. BUT make sure you have the next book on hand because this story doesn't end at this book and will continue with the next (according to the summaries of the other books)
As you read-listen to this book you fall in love with and become a part of each character; and that will take you on a journey through all three books. This one the 'main' character was the middle daughter of an Amish family and then each of the other books lets each of the other daughters be 'main' characters. Although as I said even the 'minor' characters are major characters in these books. This book took you back to your 'friends' from the first book; you 'could' read this one as an independent book BUT I wouldn't recommend it. As it is a continuation from the first book and one of the mysteries is still unsolved and will be finished (I'm sure) in the third book.
This was a Christian mystery-romance book. Having just enough reference to God and scripture that you are aware it's there and sweet reminders to things maybe you, yourself are encountering in your life as the characters are in their lives. But it's not a 'slap you in your face' Biblical scripture quoting overwhelming the storyline book. Very nicely written and as a fan of Beverly Lewis Abram's Daughters series this series by Ms Brunstetter is just as nice! Can't wait to start book three
As you read-listen to this book you fall in love with and become a part of each character; and that will take you on a journey through all three books. This one the 'main' character was the middle daughter of an Amish family and then each of the other books lets each of the other daughters be 'main' characters. Although as I said even the 'minor' characters are major characters in these books. This book took you back to your 'friends' from the first book; you 'could' read this one as an independent book BUT I wouldn't recommend it. As it is a continuation from the first book and one of the mysteries is still unsolved and will be finished (I'm sure) in the third book.
This was a Christian mystery-romance book. Having just enough reference to God and scripture that you are aware it's there and sweet reminders to things maybe you, yourself are encountering in your life as the characters are in their lives. But it's not a 'slap you in your face' Biblical scripture quoting overwhelming the storyline book. Very nicely written and as a fan of Beverly Lewis Abram's Daughters series this series by Ms Brunstetter is just as nice! Can't wait to start book three
May 22, 2008
I'm really struggling with reading this series. This is the first (meaning this series) of Wanda Brunstetter for me to read and I'm just not sure what I think. I have read various authors of Amish Christian Fiction over the years, as well as many history books of the Amish dealing with my quilting addiction. I have never heard before of the Amish so often going to a Dentist, or Chiropractor, sure I've heard of them seeing a Doctor or going to the hospital under extreme circumstances, but it is very strange to hear of various Amish persons continually seeing a Chiropractor.
This book picks up just a few weeks after the first one ends, and I really would like to say that there are more smiles and rose blossoms in reading the book of Job than there is in this book. I just do not understand how so much strife can continue one thing after another. I'm ready for some happiness! Geez, these books are depressing me. But, I refuse to just quit the author or the series, because surely as much strife is shown to be as possible there must be such happiness to compare. Because I know that as much as the Lord is one for taking, He also giveth!
This book picks up just a few weeks after the first one ends, and I really would like to say that there are more smiles and rose blossoms in reading the book of Job than there is in this book. I just do not understand how so much strife can continue one thing after another. I'm ready for some happiness! Geez, these books are depressing me. But, I refuse to just quit the author or the series, because surely as much strife is shown to be as possible there must be such happiness to compare. Because I know that as much as the Lord is one for taking, He also giveth!
June 11, 2009
The story follows Ruth, the middle daughter of the Hostettler family, as she is courting and then married to her beau. The plot continues where Book 1 left off with the attacks on the family still continuing by an unknown perpetrator.
I have to admit I peeked ahead in this one, but it was an accident–honest! I was just trying to see how many pages the story was without the ads, author bio, etc in the back of the book and I saw a detail that turns the story in a way I wasn’t expecting and didn’t want. I quickly flipped through the book to see why it was ending the way it did and what happened. I found out, but I won’t tell.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I liked the continuation with the family. You’re able to see a bit of development in the main characters of Book 1, but it wasn’t as developed as I would have liked. Grace, the eldest sister, was very whiny, characterized by worry, and seemed to overreact too much. It was a disappoint to see the main character from the first book fall like that.
It felt lacking, although I can’t exactly put my finger on what I feel it lacked at the moment. It almost seemed to be just the stopping point for the series.
I have to admit I peeked ahead in this one, but it was an accident–honest! I was just trying to see how many pages the story was without the ads, author bio, etc in the back of the book and I saw a detail that turns the story in a way I wasn’t expecting and didn’t want. I quickly flipped through the book to see why it was ending the way it did and what happened. I found out, but I won’t tell.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I liked the continuation with the family. You’re able to see a bit of development in the main characters of Book 1, but it wasn’t as developed as I would have liked. Grace, the eldest sister, was very whiny, characterized by worry, and seemed to overreact too much. It was a disappoint to see the main character from the first book fall like that.
It felt lacking, although I can’t exactly put my finger on what I feel it lacked at the moment. It almost seemed to be just the stopping point for the series.
November 9, 2014
I liked this one better than the first one. There's still some of the very basic dialog in it, especially in the beginning, but it's not as preachy as the first one. It doesn't feel as driven to force the moral on the reader...it's more natural. And of course as we get to know the characters better, it's more interesting to read. This one was quite a bit more...sad I guess. It was expected if you read the synopsis, but it didn't stop me from feeling a bit gutted. But all's well that ends well. Let's hope the third book improves on it even more!
Plot: Ruth has been courted by Martin for just a short time, but after some advice from Abe about not wasting precious time they could be spending together, they decide to get married. Tragedy strikes and Ruth is left feeling angry and bitter and has no desire to live. Gradually she finds purpose in her life again by helping Abe with his children after his sister goes home to help her mom with her recovery after a fall. The attacks on her family continue, but Ruth finally comes to realize she needs to find forgiveness in her heart.
Plot: Ruth has been courted by Martin for just a short time, but after some advice from Abe about not wasting precious time they could be spending together, they decide to get married. Tragedy strikes and Ruth is left feeling angry and bitter and has no desire to live. Gradually she finds purpose in her life again by helping Abe with his children after his sister goes home to help her mom with her recovery after a fall. The attacks on her family continue, but Ruth finally comes to realize she needs to find forgiveness in her heart.
February 15, 2016
This is a continuation of the first book in sharing the lives of three Amish sisters.
In the first book there have been several attacks and a lot of trying to figure out who is working these attacks out. If you were frustrated by the lack of getting these things figured out in the first book, that will continue in this book..
This book focuses more on Ruth, the middle sister who is kind and gentle. In the end of the first book she is building a friendship with Martin and is no longer with Luke. In this book she seems to be having a grand life but many struggles come before her and she doesn't know how she can trust in God's will for her life if these bad things continually happen to her and her family. Why would God want these things to happen? She has a huge struggle.
This is definitely a sad book. I read it in a day so it was definitely a fast read.
In the first book there have been several attacks and a lot of trying to figure out who is working these attacks out. If you were frustrated by the lack of getting these things figured out in the first book, that will continue in this book..
This book focuses more on Ruth, the middle sister who is kind and gentle. In the end of the first book she is building a friendship with Martin and is no longer with Luke. In this book she seems to be having a grand life but many struggles come before her and she doesn't know how she can trust in God's will for her life if these bad things continually happen to her and her family. Why would God want these things to happen? She has a huge struggle.
This is definitely a sad book. I read it in a day so it was definitely a fast read.
March 17, 2013
In this second novel in the Sisters of Holmes County series, acts of vandalism continue to plague Grace and her family. They take a deadly turn when the buggy in which Ruth and Martin are riding is rammed by a truck. The sheriff has no clues to the perpetrator and the vandalism continues. Tragedy seems to have moved in to stay in what was a peaceful Amish community. As the residents, Amish and English, pull together to offer support, it seems that a peaceful happiness remains elusive as bad things keep happening. Will their faith sustain them through the hard times? And will the troubles ever end? Readers of Amish fictions are sure to enjoy this well-written saga with its endearing characters.
August 5, 2013
I found this book to be very suspenseful, because of the poorly written blurb on the back, you know something bad is going to happen and it does, several times in this book. One, the attacks that started in book one of this series A Sister's Secret, continue on throughout the series, two people die in this book, one is expected from the blurb on the back, we expect it so much in fact that it ruined the moment when it finally happens, would have been much better for it to have some as a surprise to the reader. That is the only reason this is a 4 star book and not a 5 in my opinion.
After I finish this series, I will see if my library has anymore complete sets of her books, if not, I'll look online for some e-books of hers.
After I finish this series, I will see if my library has anymore complete sets of her books, if not, I'll look online for some e-books of hers.
April 2, 2009
WOW!!!
and talk about, "when it rains it pours", and/or "feast or famine"?!?!?!
i can identify w/ the characters in this book, even more so than the ones in the first book of this series. unfortunately, i can NOT say that i handled it any better than them! in fact, i don't think i did so even as well as them. %(
thankfully, tho, our God is an awesome God, and He knows our heart, so ...
a GREAT testimony to hope, and forgivenss, and the power of prayer, and faith, and strength, and ...
and talk about, "when it rains it pours", and/or "feast or famine"?!?!?!
i can identify w/ the characters in this book, even more so than the ones in the first book of this series. unfortunately, i can NOT say that i handled it any better than them! in fact, i don't think i did so even as well as them. %(
thankfully, tho, our God is an awesome God, and He knows our heart, so ...
a GREAT testimony to hope, and forgivenss, and the power of prayer, and faith, and strength, and ...
January 29, 2017
A Sister's Test picks up the story of three Amish sisters. Ruth and Marvin are newly weds when a tragedy befalls them on Christmas eve. Someone rams their buggy and Marvin is gone and Ruth's greatest dream is destroyed. The attacks are continuing with Grace believing it is Gary and Ruth it is her former suitor Luke. Ruth 's healing takes a long while but can she forgive? Willshe find the one thing she has always wanted to be and do? Wanda E. Brunstetter keeps you wanting to know who the is behind the vandalism and criminal acts, and will Ruth see a light at the end of the tunnel?
September 29, 2009
This was my favorite book out of the series, even if it was a little predictable. They are cute books in my opinion, the make me want to read more and read quickly to figure out if it is actually as predictable as I expected. I enjoyed it enough that I wanted more story about Ruth, and #2. The book did a fine job in the amount of story, I just wasn't really ready for the love story to end. Yes, it was a slightly cheesy love story, but not gag cheesy, and completely clean.
November 4, 2010
this book #2 is about another sister Ruth, she is a wonderful caring helping type of person and she marries young and the marriage tragically ends causing Ruth to go through a time of depression and questions her faith. She will find her life again when she makes herself help another member of the community that has lost a spouse and has many children that he needs help with....You won't want to miss this story about Ruth.....I now am anxious to read book #3 and hear the story of Martha
May 24, 2011
This series is so good! I found myself gasping aloud during some moments in the book. I was so happy when Abe and Ruth decided to get married in the end, what a lovely thing for the two of them. They are both so badly wounded by fate that it is good they found each. I am so curious as to who might the person be who is harassing the Hostettler family. I guess I will just have to read the next book to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2012
A moving story of a family's ups and downs while being pursued with violence from an unknown source. Attacks move from aggravation to death when the story takes a twist on Christmas Eve. I enjoyed this a lot and plan to look for a number 3 in this series of Holmes County. A new character was also introduced into the story and I look forward to seeing how she plays into the investigation in this Amish community.
June 1, 2020
Having read two other books by Wanda Brunstetter, I picked this up off the library shelf without reaalising it was in a differnet series to the ones I had read earlier. So I was immediately disappointed .not to read more about the family of Abraham, Abby and Naomi. This, book two in the "Sisters of Holmes County" series was a relentless tale of gloom, doom and disaster with attacks on the family of Ruth Hostettler. I am afraid I gave up on it - not something I often do with books.
April 8, 2013
I did enjoy this book. I've really been getting into the Amish books because I know that they're safe to read and I' not going to come across any content that I don't want. They also tend to have a happily ever after theme going on, even if there is heartache along the way. (And there is... this author likes death.) One recurring theme in this book - and series - really just annoys me for some reason, but I'm partway through the 3rd book now so I'm determined to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews