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The Amish Millionaire #5
The Divided Family
Join New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with Jean Brunstetter in Holmes County for a dramatic new 6-part serial novel.
Meet businessman Joel Byler who has gotten himself into a financial bind and his eccentric, wealthy Amish father who is done bailing out his spoiled son. When will Joel learn he most pay for his own mistakes—and at what cost to his business, his fiancée, and his Amish siblings?
Meet businessman Joel Byler who has gotten himself into a financial bind and his eccentric, wealthy Amish father who is done bailing out his spoiled son. When will Joel learn he most pay for his own mistakes—and at what cost to his business, his fiancée, and his Amish siblings?
114 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2016
89 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
215 books2,328 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 66 reviews
June 19, 2023
As Doris recovers from her fall down the stairs and grieves the loss of her baby, Arlene, Elsie, and Verna continue the hunt for the will in between caring for Doris, their homes, and families. Joel still thinks only of himself, and seems even further from reconnecting with his family. Kristi has moved on from their relationship and is focused on her work. Her genuine kind-hearted and caring nature is evident and is likely why Joel is drawn to her. Her character serves a s a nice juxtaposition to Joel's selfishness.
The will is found but it comes with a stipulation that must be met before anyone can receive their inheritance. Aunt Verna's wisdom and experience make her a good choice for gatekeeper as she gains nothing financially either way. The cliffhanger leaves us with more possible tragedy afoot. I'll be kept in suspense until I start the next book, although I can guess how things will turn out for most of the characters. Joel's future, however, is not so predictable.
This matter-of-fact continuation of the ongoing storylines felt subdued and humdrum so it will be nice to wrap things up in the next and final installment.
The will is found but it comes with a stipulation that must be met before anyone can receive their inheritance. Aunt Verna's wisdom and experience make her a good choice for gatekeeper as she gains nothing financially either way. The cliffhanger leaves us with more possible tragedy afoot. I'll be kept in suspense until I start the next book, although I can guess how things will turn out for most of the characters. Joel's future, however, is not so predictable.
This matter-of-fact continuation of the ongoing storylines felt subdued and humdrum so it will be nice to wrap things up in the next and final installment.
August 23, 2017
Just when I think every bad thing that could happen has happened...something just as awful comes along!
March 12, 2024
Now Scott is in the hospital with severe stomach pains, and when Elsie got home from visiting him on Christmas Eve her house was on fire.
March 30, 2024
Review to follow!💜
June 10, 2017
~4.5 stars~
I think this is my favorite from the series so far! :) And of course there had to be another cliffhanger lol xD
I think this is my favorite from the series so far! :) And of course there had to be another cliffhanger lol xD
September 25, 2017
The sisters continue going through their father's house
& found money in old catalogs. Aunt Verna was getting
some meat out of the freezer & found a plastic bag in there.
It was the will. Joel & his sisters met to read the will. It
& four envelopes were in the plastic bag. The sisters had to
agree that Joel's act was selfless & their Aunt Verna would
have the final say. Joel got so angry that he left.
After he cooled down & desperate for money he went to
see his old Amish girlfriend & apologized for breaking up
with her when he left the Amish life. Thinking he was on
his way to collecting his inheritance, he told his Aunt
Verna that he had done it & was angry again when she
wouldn't accept his deed as selfless.
Also, other bad things were happening in the family.
His sister was still grieving over the baby she miscarried
& trying to re-cooperate from her fall & broken leg.
Scott, the son of his sister, Arlene, complains of a sore
stomach & takes a turn for the worse on Christmas Eve.
Book number 5 ends with sister Elsie's family going home
Christmas Eve to find their house is on fire.
& found money in old catalogs. Aunt Verna was getting
some meat out of the freezer & found a plastic bag in there.
It was the will. Joel & his sisters met to read the will. It
& four envelopes were in the plastic bag. The sisters had to
agree that Joel's act was selfless & their Aunt Verna would
have the final say. Joel got so angry that he left.
After he cooled down & desperate for money he went to
see his old Amish girlfriend & apologized for breaking up
with her when he left the Amish life. Thinking he was on
his way to collecting his inheritance, he told his Aunt
Verna that he had done it & was angry again when she
wouldn't accept his deed as selfless.
Also, other bad things were happening in the family.
His sister was still grieving over the baby she miscarried
& trying to re-cooperate from her fall & broken leg.
Scott, the son of his sister, Arlene, complains of a sore
stomach & takes a turn for the worse on Christmas Eve.
Book number 5 ends with sister Elsie's family going home
Christmas Eve to find their house is on fire.
September 19, 2025
Two stars for constantly calling the school students "scholars." That's unique.
February 27, 2021
This book is number five out of six so I will finish the series tomorrow. The will has been located. It was found in the freezer of the father. The will has a stipulation that Joel will have to perform a selfless act of kindness in order for the siblings to open the envelopes that tells them what was left to them by the father. Joel is having trouble figuring out what he can do in order to satisfy the conditions of the will.
January 25, 2019
This story is slowly moving forward. It is an okay read. There were some major tragedies in this story and it ended on a cliffhanger. I did tear up at one point. I am on to the last book and I hope that Joel gets it together. I have no idea which lady he'll end up with.
September 30, 2021
This was a very good, but stressful book.
December 31, 2017
A lot happened in this book! But I feel like a lot of the content was busy filler. This was my least favorite of the 6. Joel was annoying in this book. The good stuff was focused around the other family members and Kristy. This was the redeeming part of the book.
February 5, 2017
Book 5 in the Amish Millionaire series continues the story of Joel and his sisters. Their fathers will has been found but there is a stipulation before anyone can open the letters. It all hinges on Joel and what he decides to do. Doris lost her baby after the fall down the stairs and on Christmas eve Scott become sick and is rushed to the hospital. Elsie and her family go home only to find their home on fire.
June 24, 2016
Doris's story is truly sad. The way her sisters helped her after her accident was amazing. The whole family is praying for Joel to come back to God. Kristi is a special person, the things she does for her patients is remarkable. You won't be able to stop reading this book. You can feel God working throughout this whole story.
November 18, 2016
While an interesting series with multiple twists and turns, I find this series to be NOT up to Brunstetter's usual writing style. Will borrow #6 from the library to finish, but hope if this writing pair is to continue, the style improves.
July 31, 2017
I've continued with the series because I'm curious as to how the story will turn out, but I can't rate it higher because of the stilted, unrealistic dialogue. Too bad, because with a bit of tweaking this could be a 5-star series.
August 9, 2017
Exciting
My ratings are from the heart of reading these books by Wanda when I am reading these stories its lime I am standing right next to the people in the story I recommend this series to everyone
My ratings are from the heart of reading these books by Wanda when I am reading these stories its lime I am standing right next to the people in the story I recommend this series to everyone
September 4, 2017
Such an exciting story. I could hardly wait to get into the next book with the adventures in this story. I think Eustace Byler was the hero in this series. He loved his son and stood firm to prove it.
August 5, 2016
Well, almost done the series.
This one left off with two nice cliff-hangers - well, both could be potentially disastrous.
On to the next one, to finish this series out :)
This one left off with two nice cliff-hangers - well, both could be potentially disastrous.
On to the next one, to finish this series out :)
September 2, 2016
Love this!
July 3, 2016
This series is picking up.. But my heart sure is hurting for these characters of Wanda's. I wonder if Joel will do the selfless act? And what it will be?
Read
July 4, 2016This has been a very interesting series to read. I can hardly wait for the last book to come out. Each book has had a cliff-hanger ending.
July 13, 2016
This is a very good series. I think I will get the set for my mother's birthday or Christmas. It has me waiting in anticipation for each book.
August 10, 2016
Good read.
August 31, 2016
Short, Quick, and good
January 1, 2017
What more bad things can happen to the good people in this family?
January 11, 2017
loved loved it!
October 9, 2017
Book #5 has a Good storyline but dragged more than I would like. The will is finally found and in a most unusual setting.
I do look forward to part 6 for conclusion.
October 20, 2017
This was a fun peek into a family, although I suspect my sympathies were with the hapless and lazy brother more than the author intended.
Read
February 5, 2022b>This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
The sisters continue going through their father's house
& found money in old catalogs. Aunt Verna was getting
some meat out of the freezer & found a plastic bag in there.
It was the will. Joel & his sisters met to read the will. It
& four envelopes were in the plastic bag. The sisters had to
agree that Joel's act was selfless & their Aunt Verna would
have the final say. Joel got so angry that he left.
After he cooled down & desperate for money he went to
see his old Amish girlfriend & apologized for breaking up
with her when he left the Amish life. Thinking he was on
his way to collecting his inheritance, he told his Aunt
Verna that he had done it & was angry again when she
wouldn't accept his deed as selfless.
Also, other bad things were happening in the family.
His sister was still grieving over the baby she miscarried
& trying to re-cooperate from her fall & broken leg.
Scott, the son of his sister, Arlene, complains of a sore
stomach & takes a turn for the worse on Christmas Eve.
Book number 5 ends with sister Elsie's family going home
Christmas Eve to find their house is on fire.
The sisters continue going through their father's house
& found money in old catalogs. Aunt Verna was getting
some meat out of the freezer & found a plastic bag in there.
It was the will. Joel & his sisters met to read the will. It
& four envelopes were in the plastic bag. The sisters had to
agree that Joel's act was selfless & their Aunt Verna would
have the final say. Joel got so angry that he left.
After he cooled down & desperate for money he went to
see his old Amish girlfriend & apologized for breaking up
with her when he left the Amish life. Thinking he was on
his way to collecting his inheritance, he told his Aunt
Verna that he had done it & was angry again when she
wouldn't accept his deed as selfless.
Also, other bad things were happening in the family.
His sister was still grieving over the baby she miscarried
& trying to re-cooperate from her fall & broken leg.
Scott, the son of his sister, Arlene, complains of a sore
stomach & takes a turn for the worse on Christmas Eve.
Book number 5 ends with sister Elsie's family going home
Christmas Eve to find their house is on fire.
April 26, 2019
The Divided Family is the fifth book in the six-part series The Amish Millionaire and Joel Byler is still at odds with his three sisters. All that he can think about is finding his late father's missing will and he continues to believe that he has been treated unfairly by his family and his former fiancee. I am still having a hard time finding positive qualities to like about Joel and I'm anxious to see how Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter will choose to wrap up this series. At the end of this book the Byler family is dealing with another family tragedy and we also have a mystery involving a clause in the recently found will. The authors have left readers with several cliff-hangers and I look forward to The Selfless Act, the final installment of The Amish Millionaire.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews