The Stubborn Father

The Amish Millionaire #2

by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Rebecca Gallagher (Narrator)

Wanda E. Brunstetter is back with a thrilling six-consecutive-month release of a brand-new Amish serial novel written with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter. Set in Ohio’s Holmes County, the Brunstetters introduce a unique Amish family to their fans.The Amish Millionaire of Holmes County Widower Eustace Byler stands out in his Amish community for his eccentricity and his wealth. He mourns the loss of his son to the world like he mourns the physical loss of his wife. In the past, Eustace has freely loaned Joel money, perhaps hoping to entice him back home, but now Eustace is done and is moving on to fulfill some of his own dreams. Can father and son come to an understanding about their different choices in life before time runs out?

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

Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

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]

Not very long in pages, but certainly not lacking in thoughtful lessons. Both Joel and Eustace illustrate how a personality trait that can start out with a positive tone and intention can all too easily turn to its contrary and unfavorable negative side. Here we see how each man started out with a persistent approach that unknowingly to them has turned into stubbornness and an unwillingness to try a different tactic.

Another appreciable lesson is how easy it is to blame others for mistakes and misfortunes and how so often we fail to see our how our own actions and responses to those situations have caused and can cause further distress. A calm and thoughtful response shows maturity, responsibility, care, and respect.

The overall message is to strive for a more positive attitude and bearing by seeing the best in everything. My favorite line comes near the end of the book when Joel's sister, Doris, struggles with envy and reminds herself to count her blessings: "So with God's help, I will try to remember this and be grateful." A small book with an uplifting reminder to be more thoughtful and mindful of our words and deeds and to look for the good in each and all.

[Reilly Zimbric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh for fucks sake.
I wasn’t going to keep going, but the cliffhanger of this one was Eustace getting struck by lightning.

[Elaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5 stars~
This sweet elderly lady at my church gave me a bunch of books because she knows I love to read ^_^ This was one of them...I had already read the first one a little while ago and it wasn't my favorite, but I thought I would give this a try since she gave it to me :) I liked this more than the first one from what I can remember lol These are part of a serial novel collection thingy (I know, great explanation xD haha) And each one is close to 100 pages long...so I knew not to expect too much from them. Since I read this one though, I may get the rest of them from the library because I just haaaate to leave a series unfinished lol I know it is my OCD kicking in haha, but I can't help it :P

There was a cliffhanger in both the first and second book...(No doubt to make you want to buy the other four short books in this series lol) But I will probably get them from the library because I am cheap and don't want to spend my money on something I'm not sure I'll enjoy...

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cliffhanger. So glad I'm not waiting for the next book. XD

[Rachel Middendorf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for the cameo of Dwight K. Schrute on the cover. The rest of the book doesn't deserve any. I'm still laughing at how the boys were "peddling" away on their bikes instead of pedaling like they should have.

[Ashley W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this book focused more on the father than Joel. I got so sick of him and his cars! The man is ready to borrow more money from the joint account that he borrowed from before that got him in this mess and he is still all about his stupid car! I think she is going overboard on it.
Also, Kristi needs to get it together and stop blaming herself for him being so mean some times. He is sneaky and he knows he is about to get caught so he is cranky and hateful. I do, though, understand why he would want away from his parents if they were making him marry that Anna. That isn't fair. But I don't think he deserves Kristi either.
There is a lot of information about the Amish community in this one and I learned some things, like how they can use phones and ride in cars. Which I really don't understand, but that's okay. I'm sure it will come up eventually.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reading in this series seems very simple almost as if it were written by a teenager perhaps. It's a sweet story and an easy read but sometimes the simplicity of the language is a little irksome.

[Bridget Nygren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, the ending was a bit unexpected, but I suspected it was going to happen!

[Shannon Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book or part 2 of 6 in the Amish Millionaire series. I couldn’t put this down and have already started part 3. I had to make sure I borrowed it from the library before I finished part 2 because I didn’t want to have to wait. I love reading about this family and can’t wait to see what happens with wayward son Joel. I have to admit that I was upset of what happened to Eustace and wasn’t expecting it. This is all I want to say so I don’t spoil it for future readers. I will say that this is a must read. Wanda Brunstetter is an amazing writer and I have yet to read a book by her that I haven’t loved.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eustace Byler, Joel's father, decides to build a treehouse like he always promised to do for his late wife. His daughter's are concerned for their dad's safety after he burns his beard and lets food cook unattended nearly starting a fire. His thoughts return to Joel and his need to have everything he wants but not taking responsibility for his mistakes. The second in the series this book leaves the reading hanging when a storm comes along and Eustace is in the treehouse putting up some bird houses. Again, predictable but an entertaining read. Quick.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Amish Millionaire by Wanda Brunstetter. With the 1st book it ended with Joel involved in a car accident. He finally awakes in the hospital but doesn't have his cell phone to call Kristi. Eustace starts building a tree house to honor his late wife. Eustace sister comes for a visit. When this book ends Eustace goes out to attach birdhouses to the treehouse railing while a thunderstorm was coming in. Must read to find out what happens to Eustace.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe after I read the other books in this mini series this one might mean something. Otherwise I felt like I was reading a wishy washy book that covered alot of old material all ready.

[April Suter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a real hard time having any compassion for Joel so I am just not enjoying this series. This second book in the series is better than part one.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book 2 out of a series of 6. This book focused mainly on Joel's Amish father. He is lonely since his wife died, but he stays busy with projects. He is building a tree house in memory of his late wife. She always wanted a tree house. Eustace plans to sit in it and watch the birds and other wonders of nature. Joel continues to avoid his family and is still concerned about money. Kristi seems to be getting tired of the way Joel is acting but she is hanging in with hopes that things will get better.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this one is not as together as the first one. It seems like it was two separate stories but with an estranged son and father. The synopsis did not really cover what the book was about. It was most likely on me from mis interpreting the synopsis, but I thought there would be more of a dialog between the son and father.

[Pat K · Rating 4 out of 5]

These short audiobooks are surprisingly engaging. This one more so than the first. They are books about domestic Amish life, so no swearing, violence or sex.
A little more christian than my usual interest, but it doesn’t overpower the story too much.

[Megan Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very intense! The ending was crazy and very sad.

[Traysee · Rating 4 out of 5]

... yes this is book number 2 in an Amish series, your point?


Also yes, I'm going to be reading 3, 4, 5, and 6. THE CLIFFHANGERS, MAN.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Stubborn Father" is the second book in the six-part series The Amish Millionaire and its focus is on the father of the wayward young man we met in "The English Son". Joel Byler's father Eustace is an Amish man who feels like he has lost both his wife and his son. His wife has died but his son Joel has chosen to leave his Amish upbringing and live in a manner that isn't pleasing to Eustace. Joel's request for another loan and his father's refusal creates a division that seems to be permanent. Once again, there is a cliff-hanger that will be answered in book three of the series. I admired Eustace Byler, "The Stubborn Father", for his strong religious beliefs and I look forward to learning more about the Byler family.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this next installment in the 'Amish Millionaire' serial novel. I liked how we got to see more into Eustace's thought process about Joel needing to grow up (which I agree with), and into Kristi's thoughts that things aren't going as well as she'd like with her relationship with Joel. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
NOTE: this installment, like the previous one, ends on a cliffhanger, so it may be the better part of valour to choose to read these back-to-back-to-back, as I am going to do.

[Lola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book two of the "Amish Millionaire" series.
Eustace Byler continues to mourn the death of this wife &
the hard feelings between himself & his son Joel who was
angry that his father would not give him the money he
wanted.
Kristi feels that Joel is distancing himself from her but
she doesn't know why. When she saw him & his friend
in his Corvette, he quickly made up the lie that the car
belonged to his friend. He also withdrew money from
their joint account without telling her. He never told
her that he was Amish either.
Joel's lies are mounting.

[LaShunda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, this is the second installment of a serial novel. I was unaware of this but decided to read it anyway as I have found that Wanda E. Brunstetter serial novels can be read with interest and delight in any order. Each installment adds to the wonder. That being said, I was looking for an intriguing story with engaging writing and I was not disappointed. This was an interesting take on an Amish family and makes me want to read more. Truly a good read.

[Tiffany Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stubborn Father is a good second book from the English Son. Gives us more info in the life between father and son. Also on how the Eustace thinks of his wife more and how he plans to build a tree house just like she wanted too when she was a live. Hopefully the third book will be just a good.

[Johazel Ehnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good continuation from part one... the story gets more interesting. This book shows how important communication and honesty is. Can't wait for part 3. I would have enjoyed it if the series was condensed into 2 full books; not 6 mini ones though.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good continuation of the story. A little slower than I expected, but still a well written piece of the story. Looking forward to starting the next installment - hopefully tonight!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good! I can't wait to read the next book! I'm very curious to see how Joel will grow and change. I can't believe the mess that he has gotten himself into!

[jerry guyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

Quick read and great story about Amish and family. Looking forward to next one in series☺. Enjoy Brunstetter books very much

[Ann Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dad is a great character! Stay strong!

[Louise E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of 6......good story.