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?
The Amish Millionaire -- A 6-Part Serial Novel #1: The English Son -- March 2016 #2: The Stubborn Father -- April 2016 #3: The Betrayed Fiancee -- May 2016 #4: The Missing Will -- June 2016 #5: The Divided Family -- July 2016 #6: The Selfless Act -- August 2016
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.
Self-centered Joel makes a poorly thought-out decision leaving him in financial straits. He yearns to be an independent and successful businessman and future husband, but he hasn't yet learned that forethought, honesty, and responsibility are the cornerstones of a secure today and tomorrow, both personally and financially.
This first book in the series provides the necessary background for Joel's story as well as the secondary characters, whose stories I may come to enjoy more than Joel's. We'll see how the storylines play out in each part of this serial novel; I'm eager to read more about the Byler family in the next installment.
Okay, so this was not a favorite book of mine :/ I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea...I didn't like Joel, which I suppose was kinda the point of his character...but I definitely didn't like when he said that he was basically just going to church and putting up with his girlfriend, Kristi, praying just because he didn't want to lose her...I mean really?? What is the point of dating a person, if you don't even have the same values or beliefs?
To me, there wasn't very much at all going on in this book until the last few chapters, which I guess is okay since it was such a short book. I also felt like there were soo many characters introduced near the beginning and I was like...
The most likely reason that I felt this way about the characters was because I still had other books that I just finished reading playing through my head...which made it hard to focus on this one. So please don't let my review affect if you read this book or not..I just did not care for it that much... One thing I did enjoy though was when the author talked about food or cooking lol Which no joke, was extremely often-- probably every couple pages :P
Predictions of where the series would go if I continued reading. 1. Joel was killed by his subcontractors for not paying him and then the debt goes to Christie 2. Christie marries the dad to pay off the debt 3. One of the sisters steals the newborn baby and runs off 4. Christie’s mom also married the dad and they become sister wives (and they sew a quilt together)
The English Son by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is the first book in The Amish Millionaire series. Joel Byler has just put himself in a financial bind by buying the car of his dreams. It is a 1967 Corvette Stingray (he paid $250,000). Now, though, Joel (a contractor) needs to come up with the money needed to pay his subcontractors for their latest work. Joel has a joint account with his fiancé, Kristi Palmer. They are saving up money for their wedding and a home (he lives in a trailer). They agreed never to take money out of the account without discussing it with the other person. Joel does not want to tell Kristi about the car (and is hiding it at his workshop). Joel decides to take the money from the account, but it will not pay all of his subcontractors. Joel decides to go home and ask his father for the additional money. Joel left his family seven years ago. Joel was raised in Berlin, Ohio in an Amish family. He was never satisfied with that life (always wanted what he did not have). Joel’s father, Eustace is still grieving the death of his wife. He misses his son and wants to help him, but he does not think that money is the answer. Kristi is worried about Joel. She can tell that something is wrong, but he refuses to talk to her. What is going to happen to Joel?
The English Son is well-written and enjoyable to read (I read it straight through). I did not want the book to end (I wanted more). The English Son ends with a cliffhanger and we have to wait for The Stubborn Father to find out what happens next. I give The English Son 5 out of 5 stars. I have only given you a brief overview of the book (there are other family members who have their own lives and issues). I am impatient for the next book in The Amish Millionaire series.
I received a complimentary copy of The English Son from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What a great start to a very promising six part story. Joel is a very determined young man. He has visions of making lots of money and marring Kristi. He has asked her to marry him, but he has not bought her an engagement ring yet. I wonder why he hasn't put a ring on her finger? Could it be the very expensive and unnecessary car he bought? He becomes very careless with his money and soon finds himself in trouble. He can't pay his subcontractors and he is hiding a few secrets from Kristi. This reminds of the scripture, "The love of money is the root of all evil."
Kristi is a very sweet young woman who is head over heels crazy for Joel. Her mom has warned her about "not being equally yoked" with Joel as he has wandered away from his faith. She seems to have hope that he will start finding his way back to God. She has noticed lately that Joel has become tense and has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
What secret has he not told Kristi about his family? When he goes to visit his family , will he feel welcomed? This is a great start to a wonderful new novella by an author that I highly admire. She writes about the Amish with such graceful words and makes their town come to life. Her character development is so engrossing . I love Kristi and her dedication to her faith. Joel is in for a few surprises when he thinks of a plan to get himself out of debt. The story ends on a cliffhanger which makes me anxious to get the next book in the series. It is well worth the time to read this engaging story and has a bit of the prodigal son theme in it. I love stories like that which reminds us about forgiveness and second chances.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
The English Son, part one of the new Amish Millionaire series by Wanda Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter is an intriguing book. The well described characters made you feel like you already new them.
Joel Byler has left behind his Amish family and community to start his own construction company among the English. The success of his business has afforded him to lead a comfortable lifestyle or has it? When Joel loses on a bid for a large project what does this mean for his future?
Joel accidentally runs into one of his sisters in a restaurant and she invites him home for his favorite meal. Does Joel decide to visit his family or stay put in the English world? Joel wonders how his family, especially his father, would treat him if he did decide to visit. Will Joel venture out of his comfort zone?
For the answers to these questions and to see the cliffhanger at the end of the book, I recommend you read it. I started this book and couldn't stop reading until I hit the end! I am anxiously waiting for part two, The Stubborn Father, to be released to continue the story.
I was not given a free copy of this book but felt compelled to submit my honest review! I have also rated this book with 5 stars! Congrats to co-authors Wanda and Jean Brunstetter for a well written book!
As we open this book we meet a young man that has just purchased his dream car, and spent $250,000 for it, he must be wealthy, right? So much joy he is experiencing, and you fell happy for him, I could just picture him riding around in his Corvette, but this is the beginning of a big spiral, he was hedging his fortunes, which brings to mind a lot of fallen people whom have done this. Joel is in a relationship with a sweet Mennonite girl, in fact he is engaged to her, but as her mom reminds Kristie, that you should not be unequally yoked, but like most young people she is sure she can change him. Joel is hiding a deep secret, besides being in debt, he is running away from his family, and I was surprised, but again his name kind of gave him away. Don’t be quick to judge, how will his family accept him when he comes to visit, and why is he there. The book does end in a cliffhanger, and I was ready to keep reading, so it won’t be long before I have the next book on my shelf. This is a very quick read, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
Christygirl, you are too good for Joel the douche. Seriously, Joel is just arrogant and irresponsible. Don't get me wrong. I have bought things I didn't need. Who hasn't? That's fine. But a $250,000 car, when she feels guilty about buying a quilt? Then the way he asks money from his dad who I am so glad turned him down and told him to get it together and stop using them for money. Joel is an all around douche. Douche. Douche.
The story wasn't too intricate, but it was straight forward, which was nice. I really hope that through this series, Joel grows up. I anticipate him learning some lessons and maybe appreciating people more than things. Basically, he spent this time borrowing from money he didn't have and shorting people he owed for the sake of having his stupid car. Obviously the accident at the end will change everything for him. I'm eager to see how that works out.
I somehow missed this series of books the first time around but I’m glad that I discovered them because I love all Amish books. This is about a man who has left his Amish faith and is trying to make it on his own in construction. He has a girlfriend but unfortunately he has spent more money than he has on a car. He travels back to ask his father for money but his father refuses him because he never pays the money back. The book ends on a cliffhanger or so I’m anxious to find out what happens to Joel in the next book.
This is part one of 6 and you can tell where the story is going. Joel has left the Amish and has an English girlfriend, he counts on a big job coming up to pay all his creditors and buys a 250,000 car with his last earnings.Leaving him in debt, living in a trailer and no money to buy a ring for his girlfriend. He goes home and asks for money to help him get out of debt and is turned down.
The first installment of the Amish Millionaire serial by Wanda E. and Jean Brunstetter introduces us to Joel Byler and his fiancee, Kristi. We are also introduced to Joel's family and Kristi's mom. Joel and Kristi have a bit of (what seemed to me) a one-sided relationship and the reader gets to observe this from the very beginning.
Having never read a "serial" before I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. I was pleasantly surprised in the way the book plays out as if the reader is reading a full-length novel. The character development and storyline are sharp and the writing is superb. The characters are all very real and likable except Joel. I'm not a fan of Joel's but I can see where his character was created with lots of room to grow and develop. I think it will be very interesting to see what happens to Joel in both his life and his relationship with Kristi. I liked Kristi very much and almost felt sorry for her due to the way Joel treated her. I'm hoping good things are coming her way.
Wanda and Jean make a good writing team. I like the way their writing is seamless and makes it impossible to tell that two people were writing this story. I have read other co-authored books where the writing is stilted and choppy and never did I see this in The English Son. Even though I have to wait a month to see what happens next I love the way they ended this book with a cliffhanger.
If you are looking for a great read that is quick and will leave you wanting more then this is the book for you. Great story and great writing make The English Son a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
I understand that this series is broken down into parts and this makes them short stories, but part one, "The English Son" did not hold my interest; I pushed myself to read it the whole way through just to make sure it was me or the book or the authors. Sadly, the only part that held my interest was the last paragraph. If I don't get the chance to read any more of these parts, I do plan on buying the complete series 'The Amish Millionaire' when it is released later.
I received a free copy from NetGalley with the only request to write an honest review about the book. No money was exchanged. This is my review written in my own words.
This is episode one and I loved it! This is Wandas version of the prodigal son and she shows us how the son's decision can affect other family members. The cover of the book is especially interesting. It made want to read how the two on the front cover fit together. I wasn't disappointed. I can certainly understand the part about being unequally yoked for I am married to an unbeliever. Yes, it's hard but he is going to church with me when he can. Maybe someday the Lord will get through to him. We'll see. I feel too that Wanda has described my husband perfectly through Joel's personality. I feel sorry for Kristi Palmer poor girl. I don't blame Joel's Amish father for what he did. It's time to teach Joel a lesson. Will he learn or not? Y'all will just have to find out by reading this short Novella that will leave you wanting more even after you finish. Now that all the books are out I won't have to wait lol!! I strongly recommend Wandas books. They are definitely delightful and hard to put down. My thanks to Netgalley galley and NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own! I have a feeling this is going to be an awesome series!! It has certainly started off with a big bang!!
I am not a fan of serial novels at all, but I have enjoyed the author's work previously, so I thought I'd give this a chance when it went on sale for free. Sadly, I was bitterly disappointed in this story!
I hated how selfish Joel was, but more to the point, he couldn't see how selfish he was! How can he change and grow as a character if he doesn't see this fundamental flaw?! I also hated his stupidity and greed, and felt his family's reactions to him were well deserved. There wasn't enough time devoted to his fiancée to get a good feel for her one way or the other.
The story jumped over several locations and points of view, which got a bit confusing at times. I got the impression that it was setting up for other stories in the serial.
Thankfully, it was a quick read, but I loathe the male main character enough that I don't want to finish the serial, despite the cliffhanger this book was left on.
The English Son by Wanda Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law Jean is the first of a six part serial novel. This quick and easy read introduces readers to Joel Byler, a young Amish man who has lived in English society for the past seven years. During these years, he has fallen in love with Kristi and also become financially burdened. When he returns home to ask his wealthy father for help, Joel doesn't receive the welcome or the help that he was hoping for.
This story is, of course, a cliffhanger so that we will want to read the next five parts of The Amish Millionaire and true Wanda Brunstetter will not be disappointed in the story. My only complaint is that we have to wait a whole month to read the next installnent!
Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book by the author and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for a review based on my honest opinion.
A quick read, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Wanda Brunstetter has teamed up with her daughter in law to create another series about the lives of the plain and simple life while interacting with "English" folks that are friends, and in this case a member of the family that has left the Amish ways to pursue a life that they feel is more to their liking. I have my mom to thank for getting me to read this genre of books. And I am enjoying every one of the books she passes over to me. But if she would not read so much, I wouldn't be as far behind in reading these books as others I have on my Kindle app. But the love of reading was passed onto me at an early age and I just have to make time to read more than I do.
This was an interesting introduction to the 'series' (if a story is released serially, does it make it a true series?). At first, I thought it would only be told from Joel and Kristi's points of view, so it was interesting to have Daed, and the 3 sisters' 'voices' added to the narration as you went along. I am definitely intrigued, and wondering what will happen next. (note that this ends on a cliffhanger, but that all 6 parts of the story have been published, so it shouldn't be too hard to find out what happens next)
Fans of Amish fiction will welcome this new series. I read it in one sitting and can't wait for the next one. The Brunstetters deliver a complicated situation and ethical dilemma in an easy to read succinct story. Read my review at http://bit.ly/1Xm8flN
The English Son: The Amish Millionaire Part 1 by [Brunstetter, Wanda E., Brunstetter, Jean]Before I begin I thought that I had reviewed this book before, but after re-reading it I realized that this was a different book. This book is the first of the Amish Millionaire series by Wanda and Jean Brunstetter.
Joel Byler, in my opinion, was an impulsive man. He purchased an car which was going to keep him from buying a ring for Kristi Palmer, his fiancee. This has made him act differently to Kristi and this confuses her.
Joel then goes to ask money of his father, who turns him down. He was going back home when there was an accident. This book is an easy book to get through and has enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages.
The authors are masters at their trade and I felt this book reflects this.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
It's a cute quaint book. Joel sees that he does no wrong in his eyes and likes to wesseal himself out of situations. He has a successful business but spent all the money on a classic. He stays away from his family and his Amish ways unless he needs money. This time the dad doesn't give in. Now he's hiding stuff from his fiance because she wouldn't approve. Does he really love her? Or the idea of her? And marrying an English woman from Ohio and not into thr Amish faith?