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Brides of Lancaster County #2
Looking for a Miracle
As a child, Rebekah Stoltzfus suffered a freak accident that left her legs paralyzed. Now, confined to a wheelchair, she feels she'll never measure up to the expectations of her Pennsylvania Amish community that a woman should marry and raise a family. She longs to be loved, yet she prays for a way to be self-supporting.
Daniel Beachy wants to court Rebekah, but she believes that she is a burden and has convinced herself that love is not for her. Will Rebekah's search for a miracle come true? Or, will she miss God's gift in her battle between self-pity and the determination to be independent?
Looking for a Miracle is book 2 in the Brides of Lancaster County series.
Other books in the series include A Merry Heart: Book 1, Plain and Fancy: Book 3, The Hope Chest: Book 4.
Daniel Beachy wants to court Rebekah, but she believes that she is a burden and has convinced herself that love is not for her. Will Rebekah's search for a miracle come true? Or, will she miss God's gift in her battle between self-pity and the determination to be independent?
Looking for a Miracle is book 2 in the Brides of Lancaster County series.
Other books in the series include A Merry Heart: Book 1, Plain and Fancy: Book 3, The Hope Chest: Book 4.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2001
55 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
220 books2,349 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 113 reviews
April 22, 2022
Injured in a freak accident at the age of six, Rebekah is a paraplegic, cared for by her devoted grandmother who dies of natural causes at the start of the book. Now, at the age of 19, Rebekah stands by the sidelines as all of her friends and family play volleyball and go to weenie roasts and snuggle in their courting buggies. Convinced no man would ever desire her, Rebekah throws herself into her career as a flower and garden peddler, assisted by a young man, Daniel, who openly and wantonly lusts for densely deluded Rebekah …
No, the sarcasm feels empty … I actually really liked this book … sometime between 1984 and The Virgin Suicides I became a romance fan … I find it curious how the loneliest people self-persecute and convince themselves no one could ever love them, when a hapless soulmate flounders for attention in plain sight …
But with these Amish romances … it’s hard to make fun of them because these people are so nice … it’s heartwarming how the whole town volunteers to build Rebekah’s greenhouse so she can start her own business … and despite a pity party or two or ten I was really rooting for Rebekah to requite Daniel’s unrequited love …
At the end of this book, I sighed deeply … on the verge of losing my job, and declaring bankruptcy, and auditioning for My 600 Pound Life … would my problems resolve themselves if I studied my oft neglected Bible, sung hymns at a hootnanny, and ditched feminism to settle as a hausfraa? In today’s world, I longed for a happy ending, and God granted this small but fervent prayer … for a few stolen chapters, I could forget the complexity and sarcasm of a godless life … and fall not just in love with the happy Amish couple, but the happy Amish town, and the happy Amish community based on faith and potlucks … maybe God is trying to tell me something …
No, the sarcasm feels empty … I actually really liked this book … sometime between 1984 and The Virgin Suicides I became a romance fan … I find it curious how the loneliest people self-persecute and convince themselves no one could ever love them, when a hapless soulmate flounders for attention in plain sight …
But with these Amish romances … it’s hard to make fun of them because these people are so nice … it’s heartwarming how the whole town volunteers to build Rebekah’s greenhouse so she can start her own business … and despite a pity party or two or ten I was really rooting for Rebekah to requite Daniel’s unrequited love …
At the end of this book, I sighed deeply … on the verge of losing my job, and declaring bankruptcy, and auditioning for My 600 Pound Life … would my problems resolve themselves if I studied my oft neglected Bible, sung hymns at a hootnanny, and ditched feminism to settle as a hausfraa? In today’s world, I longed for a happy ending, and God granted this small but fervent prayer … for a few stolen chapters, I could forget the complexity and sarcasm of a godless life … and fall not just in love with the happy Amish couple, but the happy Amish town, and the happy Amish community based on faith and potlucks … maybe God is trying to tell me something …
November 7, 2013
This is better than the first book. I loved Rebekah's spiritual growth from the beginning to the end. The book teaches a strong lesson to people because the main character didn't let her disability get in the way. I was surprised by the ending. Highly recommended for anyone who's loking for a relatively quick read that they can learn something from.
November 9, 2013
Can you imagine suffering an accident that would forever change your life. Well Rebekah Stolitzfus was injured in the storm when a huge branch fell on top of her buggy when she was just little. Rebekah was paralyzed. She feels as if she's failing her family and the rest of her Amish community. In this book it tells you about how Rebekah struggles when she can't get up and run like every other normal person age, and how she gets in the pain of losing her dear grandmother. Also she's having since feelings about Daniel Beachy but she would never want to be a burden on his life. As the story goes along she learns about her biggest and strengths and her weaknesses.
This is and truly amazing books that help me change my view on challenges and see how good I have it. Wanda E. Brunstetter has done an outstanding job on the whole series and especially on this book!
This is and truly amazing books that help me change my view on challenges and see how good I have it. Wanda E. Brunstetter has done an outstanding job on the whole series and especially on this book!
November 18, 2022
A good book
November 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book! I enjoyed how Rebekah's character developed!
July 27, 2016
I picked up this book due to the cover. Being Amish and in a wheelchair? That's two concepts I had never thought about together.
What I didn't expect was that it would be written at an children's or early middle school level (despite having a YA or adult length).
The author explains every thought, action, or emotion at a very elementary level. For example, you'll never read that a man laughed at a joke. Instead, Brunstetter tells you that he laughed at a joke because he found the joke funny.(You know, just in case you couldn't make that connection.) This over-explaining of everything really distracts from the story, which is itself rather formulaic and predictable.
Furthermore, any time a Pennsylvania Dutch word is used, the reader isn't expected to use context clues to define it. Brunstetter kindly has the next character repeat the sentence almost word for word using English just in case.
The book does cover some more mature issues surrounding being disabled, such as being depressed that you'll always have to rely on someone, dealing with the possibility of infertility, and having younger siblings perceive you as being treated better by your parents. However, these issues are treated superficially, playing again into the sense that this book was written for a young audience.
More personally, I also found the long preachy episodes and the even longer lists of each food served at every dinner also very distracting from the story. Others may not.
What I didn't expect was that it would be written at an children's or early middle school level (despite having a YA or adult length).
The author explains every thought, action, or emotion at a very elementary level. For example, you'll never read that a man laughed at a joke. Instead, Brunstetter tells you that he laughed at a joke because he found the joke funny.(You know, just in case you couldn't make that connection.) This over-explaining of everything really distracts from the story, which is itself rather formulaic and predictable.
Furthermore, any time a Pennsylvania Dutch word is used, the reader isn't expected to use context clues to define it. Brunstetter kindly has the next character repeat the sentence almost word for word using English just in case.
The book does cover some more mature issues surrounding being disabled, such as being depressed that you'll always have to rely on someone, dealing with the possibility of infertility, and having younger siblings perceive you as being treated better by your parents. However, these issues are treated superficially, playing again into the sense that this book was written for a young audience.
More personally, I also found the long preachy episodes and the even longer lists of each food served at every dinner also very distracting from the story. Others may not.
February 27, 2015
This is book 2 of a series and continues a few years after the 1st book leaves off. Miriam and Amos are now happily married Rebekah has now reached courting age but she is depressed with her wheelchair and disability and feels that no man could ever want her. She decides she needs to become self-sufficient and her father and the neighbors build her a greenhouse where she sells plants and seedlings. Shy Daniel Beachy has eyes for her and helps her with her greenhouse and finally admits his feelings but Rebekah thinks he only wants a partnership in her greenhouse.
June 24, 2017
I really enjoy Wanda E. Brunstetter's books about the lives of these women in the Amish Community. I am looking forward to book number three in this series. I like the fact that Wanda includes much Scripture from the Bible in her stories.
August 27, 2019
Good book.
Talks a lot about fear getting in the way of us trusting God for our life and future. It’s a good reminder do keep our eyes on Jesus.
Talks a lot about fear getting in the way of us trusting God for our life and future. It’s a good reminder do keep our eyes on Jesus.
February 2, 2022
This is the second book of Wanda E Brunstetter that I read, I must confessed that from the first page my feelings were put to the table. The true love of Daniel was what captured my attention the most that when I turn to the next page I was to cross-checked if the word Daniel was in that new page. I must admit that it was a pleasure reading this book that I took only 2 days to read it. Now I say to myself.. I must ask God for a miracle too but, in this case my miracle would be " looking for a Daniel"💖💖💕
March 24, 2018
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing
Content to be aware of: None
Suggested Age: 15+ (Best enjoyed by adults or older teens. This suggested age is not due to inappropriate content.)
Looking for a Miracle is book #2 in the Brides of Lancaster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Other books in the series include A Merry Heart (#1), Plain, and Fancy: Book #3, The Hope Chest: Book #4.
My Thoughts:
I liked this book but much like with A Merry Heart, I found the characters were so cynical that I had a problem connecting with them. It's almost as if in their effort to push those around them away, they pushed me away
Looking for a Miracle picks up some time after the accident that left Rebekah paralyzed in the first book. She's now an adult and feels she will never find love. She feels as if she's a burden to her family and worries she could never have children; something which is important to Amish families.
I could understand Rebekah's frustration. No one wants to be a burden. My heart did go out to her. But, even when she had no reason to believe the worst in people, she did. She even went as far as accusing a man of liking her just so he could take her business from her. I mean, cause goodness knows that selling flowers from a greenhouse is a multi-million dollar corporation to steal...right? Ugh, I was just frustrated with her.
I also groaned a little that for the second book in a row the love story came together after a buggy accident. I know that buggy accidents happen frequently in Amish country but it felt like I read the same story back to back with new characters.
The spiritual applications make up for the lack of originality in this series thus far. I appreciate the spiritual growth of the characters and the heavy reliance on scriptural truths.
I would suggest this book to fans of the genre though I would encourage one to keep in mind the aforementioned problems. It's a solid three star book. I have read better books by this author but I also wouldn't say that it is bad.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing
Content to be aware of: None
Suggested Age: 15+ (Best enjoyed by adults or older teens. This suggested age is not due to inappropriate content.)
Looking for a Miracle is book #2 in the Brides of Lancaster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Other books in the series include A Merry Heart (#1), Plain, and Fancy: Book #3, The Hope Chest: Book #4.
My Thoughts:
I liked this book but much like with A Merry Heart, I found the characters were so cynical that I had a problem connecting with them. It's almost as if in their effort to push those around them away, they pushed me away
Looking for a Miracle picks up some time after the accident that left Rebekah paralyzed in the first book. She's now an adult and feels she will never find love. She feels as if she's a burden to her family and worries she could never have children; something which is important to Amish families.
I could understand Rebekah's frustration. No one wants to be a burden. My heart did go out to her. But, even when she had no reason to believe the worst in people, she did. She even went as far as accusing a man of liking her just so he could take her business from her. I mean, cause goodness knows that selling flowers from a greenhouse is a multi-million dollar corporation to steal...right? Ugh, I was just frustrated with her.
I also groaned a little that for the second book in a row the love story came together after a buggy accident. I know that buggy accidents happen frequently in Amish country but it felt like I read the same story back to back with new characters.
The spiritual applications make up for the lack of originality in this series thus far. I appreciate the spiritual growth of the characters and the heavy reliance on scriptural truths.
I would suggest this book to fans of the genre though I would encourage one to keep in mind the aforementioned problems. It's a solid three star book. I have read better books by this author but I also wouldn't say that it is bad.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
November 12, 2019
I liked seeing their relationship develop and how things ended up going between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
Was not as depressing as the first book so already earned itself two stars but the third star is because It genuinely was good
April 13, 2025
this was pretty good!
July 17, 2020
Looking for a Miracle is the second inspiring book written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Brides of Lancaster series. The storyline is filled with hope, love, faith, and family. The characters are very likeable.
Rebekah Stoltzfus was just a young girl when she was severely injured when a tree branch falls on her at school. Left almost paralyzed from the waist down she has learned her way around in a wheelchair but now a young woman of 19 she is concerned what her life will be like. All she wants is a miracle to walk again, get married, and have a family. Realizing she needs to come up with a way to support herself financially, Rebekah comes up with a plan to open a greenhouse to sell plants and flowers. When Daniel Beachy starts paying her a lot of attention she is forced to figure out if his sudden attention is really sincere or if he is interested in her new business. She, of course, is unaware of Daniel's true feelings that had developed long before this. Rebekah doesn't make it easy for Daniel and they travel a very rocky road. Will Rebekah trust in the path that God has put her on? Does her miracle come to light? This is is a truly inspiring story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter on writing this amazing story about family, love, and trusting God for her readers enjoyment.
Rebekah Stoltzfus was just a young girl when she was severely injured when a tree branch falls on her at school. Left almost paralyzed from the waist down she has learned her way around in a wheelchair but now a young woman of 19 she is concerned what her life will be like. All she wants is a miracle to walk again, get married, and have a family. Realizing she needs to come up with a way to support herself financially, Rebekah comes up with a plan to open a greenhouse to sell plants and flowers. When Daniel Beachy starts paying her a lot of attention she is forced to figure out if his sudden attention is really sincere or if he is interested in her new business. She, of course, is unaware of Daniel's true feelings that had developed long before this. Rebekah doesn't make it easy for Daniel and they travel a very rocky road. Will Rebekah trust in the path that God has put her on? Does her miracle come to light? This is is a truly inspiring story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter on writing this amazing story about family, love, and trusting God for her readers enjoyment.
February 21, 2020
Rebecca doesnt really remember what it was like to be able to walk. After all, shes been her wheelchair longer than she wasn't. It's a miracle that she can walk with the use if braces and canes but she doesnt like the feeling of it so usually just uses her chair and has come to accept the fact that her family will always have to look after all. She knows nobody could possibly love a cripple, and she probably could never give him a child so why even bother falling in love. It's not easy to keep believing that when her friends are all starting to fall in love and get married. When Daniel hangs around her shes sure he just using her to get to her cousin Mary Ellen or maybe her green home business. When she finds herself falling for him though she cant help but hope God will allow one more miracle in her life.
I'm a fan of amish romances solely because I know they're going to be clean. It's also refreshing to have a insight into a much simpler way of life even if it's not something I could probably do. If I could change anything about this book it would be to keep it in one person's perspective. Instead you get 5 so while it is easy to keep them separate I just didn't find it neccessary
I'm a fan of amish romances solely because I know they're going to be clean. It's also refreshing to have a insight into a much simpler way of life even if it's not something I could probably do. If I could change anything about this book it would be to keep it in one person's perspective. Instead you get 5 so while it is easy to keep them separate I just didn't find it neccessary
February 24, 2024
Rebecca Stolzfus has been content with her life until things start to change.
Paralyzed since a young girl she has adapted to having to be in a wheelchair. And seeing her surrounding from it. But when her cousin/friend becomes engaged and married. Rebecca finds herself wanting to be courted and becoming a wife and mother. But with fear of not being able to she starts to push away from love. Daniel works for his dad in his dairy farm. But his love for flowers and plants seem to grab his attention, especially when the girl that he loves becomes an owner of a greenhouse.
But with Rebecca's fears can Daniel's love reach deep inside her and make her open her heart to love, hope and faith. And trust in God to have her dreams become the miracles she so desires and wants.
A sweet story of Faith, Trust, Acceptance and Family love. And the miracles that lay in front of us each day.
Paralyzed since a young girl she has adapted to having to be in a wheelchair. And seeing her surrounding from it. But when her cousin/friend becomes engaged and married. Rebecca finds herself wanting to be courted and becoming a wife and mother. But with fear of not being able to she starts to push away from love. Daniel works for his dad in his dairy farm. But his love for flowers and plants seem to grab his attention, especially when the girl that he loves becomes an owner of a greenhouse.
But with Rebecca's fears can Daniel's love reach deep inside her and make her open her heart to love, hope and faith. And trust in God to have her dreams become the miracles she so desires and wants.
A sweet story of Faith, Trust, Acceptance and Family love. And the miracles that lay in front of us each day.
June 2, 2020
As a child Rebekah ended up in a wheelchair. As she grew older she started to struggle with her limitations. She felt as if no man could ever love her due to her limitations not realizing that she should not let her physical limitations define her she is. As the story progresses she has to work through her self-dount and self-esteem. During this story she realizes that she needs to become self-sufficent as her grandma, who took care of her since the accident, had died. She faces the reality that at some point her parents will be gone also and she does not want to become a 'burden' to them. So she opens up a greenhouse. Rebekah learns to realize that she needs to love herself and that others love her as well.
June 17, 2021
Love this series, this book was better than the first one, although Rebekah struggled with her doubts and fears she wasn't as bitter at Aunt Miriam had been throughout the first book. I was so glad to go on this journey with Mary Ellen, Rebekah and the rest of the family. Very heartwarming read that depicts a close family and community relationship but also opens us up to the knowledge that no ones life is perfect and without troubles. Rebekah's journey and her strengthening of faith after a hurtful loss kept me engaged and ready for more. I accidentally read the 4th book first before I realized it was a series so I only have the 3rd book left to read.
January 9, 2023
This book takes place 13 years after the first. It rocades on Miriam’s niece Rebekah and her disability.
It was nice to read about every one thirteen years later. Rebekah’s story was interesting and it was nièce to see her faith journey with God. It was also nice to see the story end well. Just like the previous book this as well as the character’s were both well written. It’s been long enough since I’ve read these that I don’t remember who the next book will be about so I’m looking forward to finding out.
If you’re looking for a good read look no further though I’d highly suggest starting with book one.
It was nice to read about every one thirteen years later. Rebekah’s story was interesting and it was nièce to see her faith journey with God. It was also nice to see the story end well. Just like the previous book this as well as the character’s were both well written. It’s been long enough since I’ve read these that I don’t remember who the next book will be about so I’m looking forward to finding out.
If you’re looking for a good read look no further though I’d highly suggest starting with book one.
February 10, 2019
What a difference from the first book in this series. I enjoyed this heroine quite a lot. She gas much more reason to be bitter than the one in the first book but yet she isn’t. Now she does suffer from a lack of confidence because of her disability and doesn’t believe a man could ever love her. However, she us willing to take a chance until she misinterprets something the hero says. In the end, she does listen to her friends and gives Daniel the chance to explain. I really enjoyed the ending and was so glad their dreams come true. Happy reading/listening!
July 17, 2018
This story takes place one generation after book 1. Rebekah Stoltzfus was introduced in book 1 as a young student who suffered paralysis when a tree limb fell on her back. In Book 2, she's a young woman in a wheelchair, convinced that she'll never marry or have children due to her handicap. She asks God for the miracle of just being able to financially support herself, but God has more in mind for her.
It was an excellent story, and I enjoyed the continuity of community and characters.
It was an excellent story, and I enjoyed the continuity of community and characters.
August 21, 2020
This novel had a slow start; there was no hook. If it weren’t for the disability angle, I doubt I’d have gone past the first chapter. I completed the novel but will not keep it for re-reading. Rebecca is a very unappealing heroine, pessimistic and full of self-pity. Even in the final chapter, she hasn’t improved much. There were a couple of courageous moments but these were overshadowed by recklessness and a total lack of wisdom or fore-thought.
March 22, 2020
So many ups and downs
I loved it and I couldn't put it down. For the past two nights I stashed up real late. Rebecca couldn't make up her mind. She felt sorry for herself and I can understand why. She very faithful in her prayers. All we really need to do is put our faith in God and let him take control, but we need to really let God have control.
I loved it and I couldn't put it down. For the past two nights I stashed up real late. Rebecca couldn't make up her mind. She felt sorry for herself and I can understand why. She very faithful in her prayers. All we really need to do is put our faith in God and let him take control, but we need to really let God have control.
March 19, 2021
Very disturbing main character - Rebekah Stoltzfus . Very selfish - she took every opportunity to complain about being disabled. I usually plan on listening to the book again as soon as I finish but I have no interest in listening to this again. Already listening to book 3 in this series and it also has a disturbing main character - Laura Meade (not the same one as in book 2).
December 28, 2018
Good!
Solid focus on trusting in God. Liked the storyline of Rebekah dealing with her disability.
Only “bad” part was the parts where she was completely blind to Daniel liking her, dragged on too long.
Solid focus on trusting in God. Liked the storyline of Rebekah dealing with her disability.
Only “bad” part was the parts where she was completely blind to Daniel liking her, dragged on too long.
September 5, 2019
That is a miracle, too!
Rebekah is bright, pretty and loving, but feels love, marriage and children will never come to her. Daniel is sweet and caring, but too shy to tell Rebekah of his love for her. It may take a shared interest, to bring them together in love.
Rebekah is bright, pretty and loving, but feels love, marriage and children will never come to her. Daniel is sweet and caring, but too shy to tell Rebekah of his love for her. It may take a shared interest, to bring them together in love.
September 13, 2021
It always calms me down reading Wanda E. Brunstetter's books. They take me away from the world around me. Even if the Amish characters are sad, worried, discouraged they have a faith and believe in a God that helps them find a way to work out their problems.
June 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Someone gave it to me and I realized it was book 2 in a series. I almost didn’t read it because I don’t like getting in the middle of a series. I didn’t need book 1 to really enjoy book 2. Now I want to read the others! If you enjoy a good Amish book read this one!
December 31, 2024
The story was gripping for the most part, but the main character had such a bad attitude and acted so rashly that I couldn’t learn to like her. The metaphors were forced and lengthy, which made the reading awkward…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews