The Discovery Series

Discovery #1-6

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, an Amish couple who are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives. Financial struggles. Arguments. A suspected pregnancy. A last-minute trip to Middlebury, Indiana. A drug addict on the run. A deadly encounter at a Philadelphia bus station. Will their love and faith be enough to bring them back together again, against all odds?

Originally released in a 6-part serial, now you can have The Discovery–A Lancaster County Saga all in one book.

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction

366 pages, Paperback

First published November 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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this collection as it was published in 6 parts. I enjoyed it even more as I read the first 5 parts of the collection again and was able to finally read the conclusion in part 6. I know many readers expressed a desire to wait until the entire 6-part series was published as a collection and you can now enjoy The Discovery: A Lancaster County Saga without waiting for a short time to discover what was coming next. Meredith and Luke endure many hardships and struggles. But this collection is most definitely about overcoming obstacles and hope and faith play a strong part in the lives of Meredith and Luke.
Each of the 6 parts of the collection ends with a surprising cliff hanger. It made me want to keep on turning those pages on my kindle to keep the excitement going. Wanda Brunstetter has a beautiful way of making her characters seem very real and likable. I was rooting for Meredith and Luke, but some other characters become close to them and it is hard to think of these folks be hurting by the natural consequences of the plot. I do not want to reveal a great deal as it would "spoil" the story for readers.
I felt as though I was taking a "mini-vacation" from my own life and surroundings as I read. I was able to imagine the clip-clop of the horses' hooves on the pavement and feel the warmth of the handmade quilts as I lay in my own bed. The beauty and simplicity of the Amish way of life drew me in and allowed me to escape my own thoughts and struggles. I deal with several chronic illnesses and it takes me away from that as I read. I find that I am able to focus on someone and something else as I read. I rate this collection 5 stars and am delighted to recommend it to readers.
I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to my best friend for loaning me all six of these in the fun little book box. I read them so quickly. Our 5th grade daughter is going to read them as well! I was like, "Wow, Wanda, you must've felt SOOOO good after writing this series! You really did it! Thank you." Yep, that's what I thought. It's when you close the book and slowly set it down, because you made it. And it was super satisfying!

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the series!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Loved all the stories in the book!! Love this author's books!!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Discovery Saga Collection (A 6-Part Series from Lancaster County) by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a wonderful Amish Christian Fiction book. Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus are newlyweds, but they are having financial difficulties. Luke lost his job working at the furniture store due to the economy and he will not let Meredith try to find work. Luke is then offered a chance to purchase his Uncle Amos' headstone engraving business. He will have to travel to Indiana from Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania to learn from Uncle Amos, but he figures it will be worth it. Meredith does not want Luke traveling during the winter because of the awful snow storms and blizzards. Unfortunately, the bus to Indiana that Luke was taking hits a tanker trunk and everyone on board is killed. Unknown to Meredith or anyone else, Luke was not on the bus. He was robbed and beaten at the bus terminal. Luke had no I.D. on him and is left in a coma.

Meredith is left grief stricken at the loss of her husband and pregnant. Luke is badly injured and has severe amnesia. The next year of their lives with be hard for both of them and their families. With faith and love they will find a way back to each other and find true happiness.

The Discovery Saga Collection was originally released in six parts (one section a month). It is now being released as one complete book. I would rate this book at 4 out of 5 stars. The Discovery Saga Collection was very enjoyable and a delight to read. I look forward to reading more books by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Happy Reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc. in exchange for an honest review.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this series as the six part novella when they were first released and while I really enjoyed the story—I was concerned about the cost and a little frustrated that I had to wait so long between each release.

This is all six of The Discovery-A Lancaster County Saga made available in one collection. I know that price shouldn’t always be discussed in a review but in this case it is very relevant. When the novellas were released they were 4.99, not including shipping. That came out to be 29.94 for the set (keep in mind that each novella was around 120 pages) which is quite expensive. In contrast, this collection is hovering at the $12 mark for the collection—much more affordable!

Luke and Meredith are a young couple, newlyweds. While they still love one another, their financial situation is putting a strain on their marriage. When an opportunity to take over his uncle’s business comes up; Luke is eager to take the necessary steps to learn the trade. This means traveling in the middle of a dangerous winter, something that Meredith is worried about.

When Luke’s train is in an accident and all of the passengers are killed. Meredith and Luke’s family have no idea that Luke was not on board. Before he made it on the train, Luke had been violently robbed and is in a coma. The year that follows shows the struggles that Meredith faces as a young widow and that Luke faces as he comes out of the coma and suffers from amnesia.

The still small voice of God is ever-present to keep both Meredith and Luke from making rash choices that may keep them from finding each other. Even during the moments of weakness when it appears that their lives may take a turn away from one another—God directs their paths (and their love) back to one another.
See all of my reviews

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your are about to embark on an adventure, no one would want to take, and through no fault of their own, their lives are about to change forever.
This adventure takes place in Amish country, and young couples are having financial problems, typical in any culture. This is the story of Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, and there struggles and losses, and you find yourself, having to keep reading, how is this going to end. We know what is going on, but Meredith and Luke, of course, only know their portion.
I can’t imagine being pregnant, and knowing my husband is never coming back. Or in Luke’s case, he doesn’t know who he is, or ever were he is or how he got there. What a great idea for a story, and you could feel yourself living each person’s part of his or her life, and hoping and praying for what we want to happen.
Life goes on, and like a snowball rolling down a hill you won’t know which direction their paths are going to take. Of course, this makes the story so interesting and page turning. We do have to wait until the very end to find a conclusion, but that is the way life is too. Pick this one up you will not be disappointed.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Jaquelyn Scroggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Discovery Saga is a whole different kind of suspense. Brunstetter made it impossible for me to put the book down! I was scared about what was going to happen next, but I couldn’t wait to find out at the same time. She had me guessing and trying to figure out what was going to happen. I had too much fun trying to figure it out. My husband might not have loved it, but I was hooked and had no choice but to stay up way too late in order to finish it. But after I explained to him what was going on in my book he understood. Brunstetter let me hear many different sides of the story and form my own opinion on what I wanted to happen. Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus will draw you into their story, and keep you hanging on until the very end.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing Inc. in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Brook]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Amish fiction. I was actually starting to panic the closer it got to the end of the book! I didn't think Luke would get his memory back enough to find his wife before she remarried! After everything came to light Meredith realised she was only marrying Jonah so that Luke's son would have a man in his life that loved and cared for him and a father to look up to; all the while Meredith thinking her husband was killed in a bus accident!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deals with the loss of job and no work in sight for Luke. His Wife Meredith suspects she may be pregnant but she does not want to add to Luke's worries. When he gets a call about taking over a business and learning the trade to bring back to Middlebury, Meredith has her reservations. One of those Cliff hanger books. Trouble befalls Luke on his way to Indiana. Meredith agrees to marry Jonah meanwhile Luke is getting his memory back. Will he be in time to tell Meredith that he is alive. Must read series by Wanda Brunstetter.

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best "mini series" that I have ever read! Each book is about this sweet, young Amish couple who are newly married, Meredith and Luke.
Intrigue, mystery and romance...along with Amish traditions.
Each of the mini books is a story within itself but each until you reach the sixth book has a wonderful cliff hanger.
Yes, each book goes with the next.
This is one great set....A must read for all Amish fiction lovers!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Discovery Saga in one sitting was enjoyable versus reading each part as it was released several years ago. Meredith and Luke’s story took many turns during their young marriage with Luke leaving to work for his uncle. A robber, amnesia, grief, new beginnings, and faith will keep readers spellbound. The characters are lovable and bear solid Christian principles even with their failures.

I borrowed this new edition and was not required to write a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Tawny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite lines:
1. "Sometimes you have to give up things you thought you wanted before you reap the rewards of the things you least expected" (Book 1, p. 36).
2. "True happiness didn't come from financial security . . . it came from being with those he loved and letting others see God's love through his actions" (Book 6, p. 124).

[Amanda Eggert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was crazy how they came so close at times to seeing eachother and just bearly missing their chance. I am really glad Meredith nd Luke finally found eachother agin before she was married to another man. I didnt think he would remember in time. That just goes to show you that God has everything timed out just right so you should just let him handel it all.

[Marcie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short story books about trials and struggles of a young married couple, that would be hard for any to endure. it has financial difficulties, amnesia, death notification, love from the past, and mind struggles to get back to normal. With God's grace lives begin to change.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

**SPOILER FREE**


Love this collection! Every day life good and bad are dealt in this series. Things move forward and you learn to deal. Great set you want to read!



*received for an honest review*

[Cindy Crispin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved each book could not wait for each book to come out. It was quite pricey to buy each book but I could not wait for the series to be in one book. It is an excellent read.

[Just · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this saga. Just wished it didn't end.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story that is set in Amish country - I enjoyed every moment of this book and would highly recommend to others who like to read romances that include the Amish way of life.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books aren't real long and it was a quick and easy read. Did all the books in one day.

[C Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy Amish based stories you will most likely enjoy this one. Quite the fast read and a bit predictable but good nonetheless.

[Susan Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

All six books are so easy to read that you can actually read the entire series in one day. Very captivating. I cried and cried and cried. Loved it!

[Barbara Tallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. Think it went a little too fast at the end though.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a young Amish couples unbeatable challenges. Get your tissues, this one's a tear-jerker.

[Maria Pierron · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the first book, Amish bro Luke Stotfutz (or however you spell that) is sitting at his kitchen table glassy-eyed because he’s lost his job. His wife, Meredith, is getting tired of him loafing around her kitchen, who wouldn’t, and they have a “fight.” He goes out in the yard and decides to listen to their messages because apparently they have a phone outside. There’s a message from his uncle offering to sell him his gravestone engraving business, with a catch-Luke has to go to Indiana to learn the craft.

He’ll only be gone for a couple weeks, but Meredith grapples with his decision to “leave” her. Luke doesn’t care. They’re the most awkward married couple of all time. She blushes when he tells her she’s beautiful, and then Luke hits the road.

When the bus makes a stop and Luke goes to a diner to get a bite to eat, a street thug hits him and Luke descends into a coma! Then, the street thug takes Luke’s clothes, hops on the bus with his ticket, and seconds later, the bus hits a gas tanker and EXPLODES!

The thug is dead, but they think it’s Luke so Meredith is notified. She finds out she’s pregnant, then the dog says, “Woof! Woof!” (It said that a lot throughout the whole series.) “Meredith is going to have a boppli in July!” is something someone in this book said, and I almost busted out laughing. After a while I lost count of the number of times the word boppli was said in this book. It was on almost every page.

Eventually some Amish guy named Jonah comes around and is uber helpful. He looooves Meredith from afar.

After church one day, Meredith is in a buggy with her sister, when suddenly she says, “This boppli is ready to come!” Laurie, her sister, pulls the wagon over and delivers the boppli. After reading this scene, which was really detailed for some reason, I’m proud to announce I am now certified to deliver boppli’s in buggies on the roadside.

Jonah comes along right before the boppli comes into the world but he does nothing to help. I think he called 9-1-1 but who knows. Laurie shouts, “It’s a bu!” Then, Meredith names the boppli Levi, but people keep calling it “the boppli,” and frankly I don’t blame them. It’s such a fun word.

Jonah wastes no time in ardently asking postpartum Meredith to court him. Despite the Love of Her Life, Luke, only being “dead” for like two weeks, she agrees. They court, Jonah is so in love, and then he proposes suddenly. She says she’ll give him an answer at Christmas. Eventually that rolls around and she says, sure, I’ll marry you. I have nothing better to do.

Someone named Sadie is furious that Meredith is going to marry Jonah. At first I thought, maybe Sadie is in love with Jonah and they’ll be the next book series. Then I realized: Sadie is Luke’s mom.

Meanwhile, Luke has been in the hospital somewhere in Pennsylvania. A nurse named Susan, who loves reading Amish romance novels (probably by Wanda E. Brunstetter), is kind to him and starts calling him, “Eddie” because he’s got AMNESIA AND CAN’T REMEMBER WHO HE IS!!!

Susan, who thinks Eddie-Luke is homeless, doesn’t think twice about a background check, and invites him to come live with her grandparents. Susan and her sister Anne also live with their grandparents. Susan has ulterior motives: she’s quietly in love with Eddie-Luke.

Eddie-Luke goes about his new life and once in a while remembers something about his past. At one point, he and Susan build a snowman together and Susan thinks he’s going to kiss her! But he doesn’t. Instead, they go inside and eat. The grandparents are talking about a flea market in “Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania,” which is where Eddie-Luke is from. Bird-In-Hand. What a name. Suddenly, Eddie-Luke looks stricken. “Do you think you might be Amish?” Asks Susan’s grandfather, clutching Eddie-Luke’s arm. Susan takes one look at Eddie-Luke’s astonished face and knows the answer. He’s Plain.

Eventually Eddie-Luke remembers that he has a wife. He also remembers his phone number. Susan takes him to Bird-In-Hand and they find Meredith. She collapses when she realizes it’s Luke! Then, Luke sheds his Englischer wardrobe and in Amish garb once again, takes Meredith to Jonah’s house so she can break up with him.

Of course it’s the morning of the day they were supposed to get married. Jonah is devastated, but when he comes out to the buggy, he realizes that Luke once saved him from drowning when he was a kid, so it’s alright that he’s Meredith’s husband.

In the epilogue, Meredith and Luke are happily back together, and we’re told that Jonah went back to Illinois and found a girl there. Susan found a guy at her church. Everyone is dating/engaged/married, and it’s the end of the book.

Review on Mellow Musings Blog: https://mellowmusings.home.blog/2020/...

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. It wasn’t what I expected at first though, because I thought, based on the way its format is, that it was several short stories. But rather, it was just kind of a long chapter book. Anyway, we’re introduced to Luke and Meredith Stoltzfus. They are a happily newly married couple. But they have some financial problems, so when Luke’s uncle is willing to sell Luke his headstone engraving business, Luke thinks his prayers are answered. In order for him to learn this business, though, he must go to Indiana for a few weeks. Of all the time to go, it just so happens it’s the middle of a nasty winter. But Luke and Meredith know it’s for the best. Meredith decides not to tell Luke her suspicions…she is pregnant with their first child.
Luke is taking the bus to Indiana, and so far things are going well until they stop at the bus station in Philadelphia. Luke is attacked by a homeless man in the bathroom, robbed, and left for dead after the homeless man switches their clothes. The homeless man gets on the bus to Indiana, and also to his death, when the bus gets into an accident and catches fire. Meredith is notified by the sheriff that there were no survivors.
Luke is taken to a hospital where he has to have many surgeries, and physical therapy. He has amnesia, and remembers nothing about himself. A nurse, Susan Bailey, takes great care of him until he is ready for therapy with her sister, Anne. The two sisters live with their grandparents, so when Eddie, the name Susan comes up with to name Luke, is ready to leave the hospital, they take him into their home. Eddie becomes a member of their family. Susan and Eddie even become close to maybe become boyfriend girlfriend. But the nagging feeling of who Eddie is keeps coming up…is he married?
Meredith is getting back to her life after Luke’s death. She has a son, Levi. She gets reacquainted with an old friend, Jonah Miller, who has moved back with his parents to help his dad in his buggy business. Jonah has always liked Meredith, so he’s always coming around her place to see how she is doing. When the year of mourning Luke is almost up, Jonah asks Meredith to court him and eventually to marry him.
Luke slowly gets his memory back. He remembers enough of who he is to have him and the Bailey’s go with him back to his Amish family. The day before Jonah and Meredith’s wedding, Luke comes home. But there won’t be any hard feelings between Luke and Jonah, since a long time ago Luke had saved Jonah from drowning.

[Margaret Domer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins Bird-in-Hand Pennsylvania. Meredith and Luke Soltzfus. Luke is been out work seen he lost is job at the furniture story he was hopping that the economy would turn around. He received call from a family member offering a job and a new skills of headstone engraving business is uncle Amos in Middlebury,Indiana. Is uncle wants to close is business and was wondering if he would like to take over the business he said he would teach Luke what he need to no about headstone engraving business then Luke could buy all the tools he need to stared a business in Bird-in-Hand seen there where no tombstone engraving in Pennsylvania. He and Meredith talk it over that night. Meredith was that happy about this do to it winter and she was a afraid about the roads to Indiana felt Luke should wait tell the spring to go. Luke talk to Meredith and try to explain that they couldn't wait do to the tax would have to be paid soon. Luke went to get the next bus ticket to is uncle in Middlebury, Indiana that night. He stared packing his clothes and doing some chores around the house so his wife wooden have to worried about while he was going. Meredith made him some sandwiches for the bus trip. He told that he would pick something when the bus made it stop on the way. There was something Meredith want to tell Luke but she thought she would waited tell she found out for sure that they were expecting a baby in the summer. She thought she would tell him when he called to tell her that he made to is uncle safe and sound. So Luke caught the bus and on he why he said goodbye to Meredith and kiss told he would see her in about a month. He also told he would call soon. Meredith was getting worried about Luke because he never called her and she new he should have been buy know. Luke bus was run behind do to the weather and the roads. The bus had made a stop do to the roads so Luke thought this would be a good time to get something to eat. When he was done he went to the bathroom before getting back on the bus while he was in the bathroom a man came and fighting with Luke being Amish they don't believe in fighting the man beat Luke up pretty bad and then stole Luke clothes and his money and ticket he got to go to his uncles. The man boarded the bus as Luke he also had Luke wallet that had everything in like his information . Luke was found in the bathroom and taken to the nearest hospital but he didn't know who he was are he was at. To find out what happen to Luke and Meredith Stoltzfus I recommend you pick up the book. It will be well worth it . I loved read it twice.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Thank You

Warning: Spoilers - but nothing you wouldn’t have been able to predict for yourself after the first few chapters


The beginning of the book introduces us to the main couple and premise — Luke gets amnesia and is presumed dead by his wife and family. After the first few chapters, the entire book is spent with these two main characters forming romantic relationships with other people. In the last chapter and a half, Luke remembers who he is and is thankful that he never pursued a formal commitment to the woman (Susan) that he fell in love with while his memory was still lost. Meanwhile, Merrie gives birth to Luke’s son and is courted (first unofficially and then officially) to another man, Jonah. The last few pages of the book have Luke returning home on the eve of Jonah and Meredith’s wedding. In short, the romances that the entire series spent developing are carelessly tossed away in the last few pages; there’s no real conclusion for any of the characters. The reactions and emotions the secondary characters experience as they lose, what Jonah refers to as the “love of his life” are, at best, flat and unbelievable. The epilogue is a ridiculous bow attempting to tie up lose ends at the end of a disappointing and empty storyline.

In addition to the poorly executed and unrealistic plot, the characters consistently do and say things that are completely unbelievable. There are many holes in the story to Luke’s amnesia and so much of the book was filler that didn’t serve to move the plot along or develop any of the character’s individually or relationally.

There is so much about this series that I found unsettling, upsetting and unfulfilling. I only give it two stars because it weaves in a few Bible verses and Christian values and lacks the promiscuous filth that litters so much of today’s reading. Bottom line: I do not recommend reading this book nor paying money to read this series. There are much better written books that satisfy the same needs the author sought to meet in this book.

[Patricia Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Discovery Saga Collection contains the six books that were first released as six separate books. I first read The Discovery Saga books back in 2013 and I enjoyed the books and characters now, as much as I did then. The six books are: Goodbye to Yesterday, The Silence of Winter, The Hope of Spring, The Pieces of Summer, A Revelation in Autumn and a Vow for Always.
The story centers around Luke and Meredith Stolzus, a young married Amish couple, who live in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Like all young married couples, Luke and Meredith are struggling with finances, occasional fights, and expecting a baby. Luke's uncle in Middlebury Indiana offers to sell his headstone engraving business to Luke. Meredith pleads with Luke not to make the trip by bus to Indiana. While at a bus stop in the Philadelphia area, Luke is mugged, robbed, and beaten badly by a drug addict. The drug addict, Alex takes Luke;s place on the bus, and when the bus catches on fires in a horrific accident, everyone dies and Luke is presumed dead. Meredith believes it was Luke that died in that fatal bus accident and she is faced carrying their unborn child and giving birth without Luke, even knowing he was to be a father.
Unknown to Meredith, Luke is lying in a hospital and later rehab recovering from his injuries and he has no memory of who he is and where he comes from.
As the seasons past Luke slowly recovers and Meredith goes on with her life, giving birth to their child, and maybe starting a new relationship with newcomer Jonah Miller;
Read The Discovery Saga Collection, to see what miracle happens that brings Luke and Meredith together again

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one that I just couldn't close the book and put it down. From the beginning to the last page Mrs. Wanda E Brunstetter held my attention with these characters. My husband surprised me with this book and I have to say that is one of my most favorite stories that I have read. I felt sad has I turned the last page of the book. This is the story of a young newly wed couple Meredith and Luke. In the beginning they have many disagreements because Luke lost his job and he felt like he was not being a good husband because he had no work. But after an accident on his way to get a job for his family he is found unconscious and no memory after he awakens. Meanwhile Meredith after hearing of his death has found a New Friendship in a friend from when they were young. Knowing she needed a father for her son and a financial helper; after many incidents that happened and getting to know Jonah more she agrees to marry him. But Luke finally starts to remember his past life and Meredith holds dear the love she has for Luke with the help of a little voice that speaks to her. Is a story that any review in me personally would do no justice. Indeed if you love Amish stories this is the one to get. It will captivate you with detail how Love and Faith in God can bring you through all. And shares with us how the Amish do things. Is a book with it all. But this story is a MUST. I loved it and is now my #1 favorite. With God we can get through anything. Definitely a great addition to your library as a new Amish reader or not. You won't be disappointed. Thank you Mrs Wanda for this great story.