The Silence of Winter: Part 2

Discovery #2

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Meredith anxiously waits to hear that Luke has arrived safely in Indiana for a new job opportunity... but Luke’s call never comes. Instead, Meredith receives news that tears her heart to shreds and leaves her just barely living―and only for the sake of the little one growing within her. How will Meredith ever go on without Luke?

Book 2 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial novel. The Silence of Winter is part two of New York Times Bestselling  author, Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga.

The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga
Book 1 - Goodbye to Yesterday
Book 2 - The Silence of Winter
Book 3 - The Hope of Spring
Book 4 - The Pieces of Summer
Book 5 - A Revelation in Autumn
Book 6 - A Vow for Always    

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

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2013

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

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The events in this second novella in the six-part series bring much emotional upheaval as Meredith's life changes in significant ways. She moves forward with faith, facing a new and unexpected future, while unbeknownst to her Luke lies unconscious in a hospital. Wanda Brunstetter writes a great little novella that keeps you invested in the characters. I enjoy how each installment ends on a cliffhanger at just the right moment to spur you on to read the next as quickly as you can!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silence of Winter, part two of The Discovery series, was very good -- just like the first book. I'm nervous to see where the story is going to go next; this book didn't really answer my questions from the first book and it ended with a cliffhanger. I will definitely be picking up book three soon.

[Grace, Queen of Crows and Tomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this one better than the last one! A tragedy befalls Meredith and she has to learn to cope. A new character is also introduced who is set up to have a bigger part in the next book. I think all of these books are going to end on a cliffhanger since this one did too! If you liked the first one, then you will definitely enjoy this one!

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in 2013, 2017 and 2022.
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Another good book in this Amish Fiction Series!!

The Characters are still so interesting to read about. I still love Luke and Meredith's story.

The Setting is still so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in PA while reading.

Even tho this book ended on a sad note, im anxious to see how Meredith and her baby are in Book 3.

Can't wait to read more by Wanda in the future!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Silence Of Winter" by Wanda Brunstettler gets 5 stars. I loved this. It is part 2 of 6 in the A Lancaster County Saga. I don't usually like books like that this, I want the whole book at once but I was given the first book by a friend and was kept turning the pages till the end and now I cannot wait till all six are out before reading them. In the start of the book Meredith learns that she is pregnant and is happy but has regrets that she didn't tell Luke that she might be before he left to go to Indiana. Meanwhile Luke is admitted to the hospital in a coma. But there is an accident and because no one knows who Luke is he is believed to be dead. So the sheriff tells Meredith and Luke parents he is dead This books tells about the memorial service that is held for Luke. Meredith is having pains and must see the doctor immediately. And the ending in this book is also a cliff hanger.
I was coming home from a visit to my mother and sister today and on the way home I started reading this story aloud because I said oh no! and my husband said what and I started to tell him about the story and then I said see why I like reading it is as good as watching a movie and then I started reading it aloud and I happened to glance over at Carl and tears were running down his face. What a great story! TO BE CONTINUE!
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing's NetGalley Public Catalog for a honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness where is this story gonna head next. 😶 They end on such cliffhangers!

[April Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silence of Winter, by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second book in the Lancaster County saga. This story picks up after Goodbye to Yesterday.

I was really excited to read this story after reading Goodbye to Yesterday, as it came to a sudden hault at a very high point of suspense.

Meredith and her family are mourning the loss of Luke and are trying to move on with their lives. Meredith is pregnant with Luke's baby, and has a lot to prepare for.

Meanwhile, Luke is in a coma in a hospital, unaware that his family believes he has perished in a horrible train crash. The drug addicted drifter who stole Luke's train ticket, wallet, and clothing has met his death... Thank God Luke did not board that train.

A man from Meredith's past knocks on her door... believing her husband is dead, will she fall in love with him?

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so badly for Meredith in this one, watching her grieve for Luke was so heartbreaking since they had such a great relationship. There were some happier moments too, but this one was definitely more of a sad one - though I still enjoyed it a lot. I'm really glad that I had all the books on hand so I could continue reading right away, because after this one I jumped right into the next one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.

[Melanie Brinkman]

The Silence of Winter is part 2 of 6 of this series.

Young Amish wife Meredith receives the news that her husband has died in a horrible bus accident.

She struggles with finding ways to cope with the grief of her husband's death.

She also learns that an old friend is coming back to town.

I love the way that her family and friends are supporting her.

[Tammy Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

More characters and more trials - I can tell this series is going to keep me on the edge of my seat.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! Love this author's books!!

[Angieleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5

This is a fast, easy read that I listened to in under 2 hours. I know not everyone is a fan of serial type books, but I love them. When I want to listen to something quick while working or just wanting to relax, they are the perfect way to pass time. I also don't mind the cliffhanger endings as you can guess how the next book will start.

I like the character development of Meredith. She handles the news she receives and her impending pregnancy with as much bravery as she can muster, while also clinging to her faith. We get to know her parents and in-laws more, but not much as this book centers around Meredith.

As I said in my review for Goodbye to Yesterday, Brunstetter is the Queen of Amish fiction, and while this may be predictable, there were a few elements that were a bit surprising.

Such as the drug addict beating Luke to within an inch of his life in the bathroom at the bus station, though it was obvious that he was going to go after Luke when they met in the diner.

The bus crash killing everyone actually stunned me. I didn't foresee that coming!

Onto the next!

Disclaimer: I received an advance galley of this book via Netgalley, but I listened to it via my library's audiobook app. All thoughts are my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saga Continues!

Meredith learns of bad news about Luke and she is devastated. Things changed in just a blink of an eye. Life will never be the same. Meredith is beside herself but knows life must go on especially now that she has more than just herself to think about.

One day a knock comes at her door. An old friend shows up to offer Meredith support and to see if she is in need of help.

Who is this old friend? Will this be the beginning of new changes for Meredith?

Once again Wanda Brunstetter left us with a cliff hanger! I can't wait to read The Hope of Spring to find out what happens next.

You will love this series!

[Ashley W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super quick read. Still better than the first book. Luke's "death" totally adds a new layer of drama to the story. And I get that Meredith is mourning but it seems like no one is the least bit concerned with how she is going to support the baby she is having. It's like an after thought.
I didn't really like how we are made to feel sympathy for Alex just for him to die. I sort of wanted him to be rehabilitated or something, not a fiery bus crash. And all those kids that were on the bus singing, no one even mentioned because they are too concerned with Luke.
But I did like the book if for nothing else than because I am learning a lot about Amish people.

[Rhonda Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh, my heart simply breaks for Meredith and for Luke. Meredith must struggle with both tragedy and joy and will she ever have Luke to share her life with again? I don't want to "spoil" the book, but I will say that I have been hanging on the edge of my seat as I read. The volumes, I realize, have upset some readers, but I actually enjoy the quick readability of these volumes and wait with bated breath for each new installment! I love seeing how the Amish help each other through hardtimes and truly wish that we had more of that going on among my world, the world of the Englisch.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second of 6, can't wait for the next one to see what happens to Luke and Meredith.

Luke has traveled to his uncles to learn the business but at the bus station he gets attacked, the person who beat him up stole his id and when he was killed in a bus accident the family was told that Luke was killed.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an Amish Fiction, and the second book in the Discovery series. I have really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and the storyline is great. They are really good and well written. I think of has a big book took apart into 6 books. The books really follows each other. They are fast and good reads. I like to read one of these books after I finish a big long book. (*)

[Saara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. The author pretty much spent 100+ pages saying the same thing over and over. The only reason I finished this novella was that it was so short. No plans to read more installments. Having spent time around Mennonites (basically Amish who drive), I don't find this depiction of these pious, 2-dimensional, wooden figurines masquerading as people to be true-to-life.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second part of this serial novel. There were some twists and turns that leave me wondering what will happen next. That's always a good quality in a book! :)

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another cliffhanger. Started and finished in one night and started #3. Had a hard time putting down #3 to get some sleep.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great book about a young Amish widow, who recently lost her husband in an accident and is expecting a child in the summer.

[Barbara]

Haven't read yet and don't have a copy.

[Bethany Robinson-betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel to the first one, listening to them All on audio books

[teatunesandtales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first book; a little less predictable.

[Melissa Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning- This is the 2nd part of a 6 part mini-series "The Discovery". Each book is like a episode for a tv series and leaves you with a cliff-hanger.

Luke had gone out of state to look into a taking over his uncles business and moving it to their town. Meredith, his wife, found out she was pregnant shortly before he left and had decided to keep the new baby a secret until he returned home.
While gone Luke gets mugged and left for dead. The man who beat him and took his stuff boarded the bus at the pit stop. There was a bad bus accident and everyone thinks that Luke is dead. Meredith is devasted and regrets that she didn't share the news of the pregnancy with Luke before he left town.

Luke is in a coma in the hospital, where Susan a nurse tends to him. Susan calls Luke, "Eddie" not knowing his true identity. Luke doesn't realize where he is. And because he has no ID, no one knows who he is. Susan thinks of Luke often wondering where he came from.

An old childhood friends stops by. A gentlemen... Will Meredith start to fall for him after she has grieved? Will Luke wake up and know who he is before it it too late?

I will not go into more details. I did enjoy the second novel better. I felt like it started to move the story along at a more faster pace. I listened to this book through my library's Hoopla service, while hemming curtains.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silence of Winter is the second part of the serial The Discovery and it involves mistaken identity, a seriously injured young man, and a wife who thinks that her husband has died. Meredith Stoltzfus was anxiously waiting for her husband Luke to return home to Lancaster County after a short stay with his uncle in Indiana so that she could tell him that they are going to have their first baby. The news that Luke was involved in a fiery bus crash leaves Meredith devastated and fearful that her intense grief may jeopardize the life of her unborn baby.

Wanda E. Brunstetter has once again written a story filled with hope and faith and the values that we associate with Amish living. Several other characters are introduced and since this is part two of a six-part serial, there are many questions left to be answered. Brunstetter's knowledge of the Amish is very evident in this book and I recommend it all who enjoy reading about the Amish religion. I look forward to reading The Hope of Spring, the next book in this series.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in a 6 part series/serial. All 6 of the books were on a library sale rack. We're kind of in the odd position of knowing both parts of the story as the reader while the characters in the story do not know things that we know.

I know some readers are loving the serial novel idea and others dislike it. I kind of feel like this book had nothing happen in its 126 pages. Especially for the $6.99 original price! One character spends the entire book in a coma (with only one brief excursion into his thoughts.) It feels like Meredith spends part of the book bemoaning being left at home alone and the other part mourning.

[Lu Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ Audio Version ~
In the 2nd continuous book of this short Amish story. They find out that Luke was in a bus crash on his way to his uncles place to learn the new trade of his uncles business before taking it over. And the sheriff of the Amish community got word of it and headed over to Luke's house to inform his wife but meanwhile Luke is still alive but no one knows it. They continue with the memorial service and continue life after the fake news of the death of Luke. She then goes ahead and tells the family that she is indeed with child.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At least I knew beforehand that all of these are going to end in a cliffhanger. Also another reason I got them all from my library before I started the first one. I knew they would be very quick reads.

I like this one as much as the first even though I was extremely upset for Meredith thinking Luke is dead. Honestly, Alex got what was coming to him. I hated him for what he did to Luke and now it seems like Luke isn’t going to remember anything about Meredith or that he’s Amish. I will definitely be diving into book three and who knows, I may have that one finished today as well.