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The Amish Cooking Class #1
The Seekers
Will Heidi's cooking lessons turn into life lessons for five unlikely students?
Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But is it a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement?
Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students.
Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Soon Heidi’s cooking lessons turn into life lessons as they each share their challenges. . .and their souls are healed one meal at a time. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?
Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But is it a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement?
Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students.
Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Soon Heidi’s cooking lessons turn into life lessons as they each share their challenges. . .and their souls are healed one meal at a time. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
606 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
216 books2,333 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 313 reviews
January 26, 2024
Four and a half stars.
Heidi Troyer has been married to Lyle for ten years, but she has not fallen pregnant. She would also like to adopt a child, but Lyle refuses to consider the idea. In an effort to distract her deep longing for a child and help her utilise her time, Heidi decides on the idea of teaching classes focussed on Amish cooking. She plans for them to be held in her home in Holmes County Ohio.
Heidi has five students enrol in her classes. There is Charlene, who is engaged to Len, Loretta, a young widowed mum with two pre school children, Kendra, a young pregnant woman who has been kicked out of home, Eli, an Amish widower, and Ron, a Vietnam Vet who lives in a motor home and who has more than a few issues. All of these people will be treated to not just cookery classes but life lessons as well as each one tries to cope with life’s challenges. Heidi shares bible verses and recipes with her diverse group of students.
Heidi is a joy and it was easy to empathise with her. Some of the others take a little longer to warm to. But they are all well portrayed. This is book 1 in The Amish Cooking Class series. I enjoyed it very much and liked learning more of the Amish way of life as well as getting to know the non Amish characters. It explores the various emotions and attitudes of each character. Not convinced about a couple of things towards the end, but overall an engaging read. It also includes recipes for the 6 Amish meals made in the classes.
Heidi Troyer has been married to Lyle for ten years, but she has not fallen pregnant. She would also like to adopt a child, but Lyle refuses to consider the idea. In an effort to distract her deep longing for a child and help her utilise her time, Heidi decides on the idea of teaching classes focussed on Amish cooking. She plans for them to be held in her home in Holmes County Ohio.
Heidi has five students enrol in her classes. There is Charlene, who is engaged to Len, Loretta, a young widowed mum with two pre school children, Kendra, a young pregnant woman who has been kicked out of home, Eli, an Amish widower, and Ron, a Vietnam Vet who lives in a motor home and who has more than a few issues. All of these people will be treated to not just cookery classes but life lessons as well as each one tries to cope with life’s challenges. Heidi shares bible verses and recipes with her diverse group of students.
Heidi is a joy and it was easy to empathise with her. Some of the others take a little longer to warm to. But they are all well portrayed. This is book 1 in The Amish Cooking Class series. I enjoyed it very much and liked learning more of the Amish way of life as well as getting to know the non Amish characters. It explores the various emotions and attitudes of each character. Not convinced about a couple of things towards the end, but overall an engaging read. It also includes recipes for the 6 Amish meals made in the classes.
February 12, 2017
The Seekers is the first installment to Wanda Brunstetter's newest series, Amish Cooking Class. I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of her Half Stitched Amish Quilting Club series, which is my favorite of all her books.
In The Seekers, Heidi starts an Amish cooking class and gets some interesting students. Such as:
A young, single, and pregnant Kendra
Engaged Charlene, who needs help with her lack of kitchen skills
A young widowed, Amish man, Eli
Single and widowed mother Loretta
Vietnam vet, Ron
Of all the characters, Ron, was my favorite.
I cannot wait to read the next book of the series.
Highly highly recommended.
5 plus stars
In The Seekers, Heidi starts an Amish cooking class and gets some interesting students. Such as:
A young, single, and pregnant Kendra
Engaged Charlene, who needs help with her lack of kitchen skills
A young widowed, Amish man, Eli
Single and widowed mother Loretta
Vietnam vet, Ron
Of all the characters, Ron, was my favorite.
I cannot wait to read the next book of the series.
Highly highly recommended.
5 plus stars
September 19, 2021
New York Times Best selling Author Wanda Brustetter's latest release , The Seekers , begins her new Cooking Class series. Hidi Troyer, young married lady is unable to have children . Feeling bored and with too much time on her hands she decides to give classes in Amish Cooking. Five people answer her advertisement and sign up for her classes.
Carlene Higgins who is a teacher also is a disaster in the kitchen. She'd love to learn to cook.
Kendra Perkins wishes to take the classes to get her mind off her personal problems.
Loretta Donnelly is a widow with two young children. She knows how to cook but is seeking a simpler lifestyle. The Amish Cooking classes spark her interest.
Ron Hensley a Vietnam Vet parks his RV on the Troyer property. He's not as much interested in the cooking classes as he is to get inside the Troyer home to look the place over.
Eli Miller is a friend of the Troyers. He is also a widower who recently lost his wife. He's at the point where he's tired of eating hard boiled eggs and cold cereal.
This is a delightful story. We see familiar characters pop up in the story. The classes begin and students put on their aprons and take their places in the kitchen. From there the story unfolds as we learn more about each student. I'm not a spoiler and don't want to give away too much of the plot. It's my wish for you to read the story and find out for your self what's on the pages. I will say there is some unexpected happenings that will hold your interest.
I found the book to my liking and it held my interest throughout the pages. I loved the attractive cover.
In the back of the book Wanda shares the recipes that the students fixed during the cooking classes. My favorite recipe being Amish Country Breakfast. I liked that the story took place in and around Sugar Creek Ohio as I'm familiar with the area. Makes the story more real to me. I gave 5 stars because this story is very well done and I have come to expect a good reading experience from Wanda Brunstetter's books.
If you love Amish fiction and follow Wanda Brunstetter you will love this book. You will not be disappointed and I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy of a the Seekers by Barbour Publishing and the author. I was not told to give a 5 star review. I gave an honest review in how I felt about the book.
Carlene Higgins who is a teacher also is a disaster in the kitchen. She'd love to learn to cook.
Kendra Perkins wishes to take the classes to get her mind off her personal problems.
Loretta Donnelly is a widow with two young children. She knows how to cook but is seeking a simpler lifestyle. The Amish Cooking classes spark her interest.
Ron Hensley a Vietnam Vet parks his RV on the Troyer property. He's not as much interested in the cooking classes as he is to get inside the Troyer home to look the place over.
Eli Miller is a friend of the Troyers. He is also a widower who recently lost his wife. He's at the point where he's tired of eating hard boiled eggs and cold cereal.
This is a delightful story. We see familiar characters pop up in the story. The classes begin and students put on their aprons and take their places in the kitchen. From there the story unfolds as we learn more about each student. I'm not a spoiler and don't want to give away too much of the plot. It's my wish for you to read the story and find out for your self what's on the pages. I will say there is some unexpected happenings that will hold your interest.
I found the book to my liking and it held my interest throughout the pages. I loved the attractive cover.
In the back of the book Wanda shares the recipes that the students fixed during the cooking classes. My favorite recipe being Amish Country Breakfast. I liked that the story took place in and around Sugar Creek Ohio as I'm familiar with the area. Makes the story more real to me. I gave 5 stars because this story is very well done and I have come to expect a good reading experience from Wanda Brunstetter's books.
If you love Amish fiction and follow Wanda Brunstetter you will love this book. You will not be disappointed and I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy of a the Seekers by Barbour Publishing and the author. I was not told to give a 5 star review. I gave an honest review in how I felt about the book.
December 28, 2016
I found myself fully engrossed in this new book, and kept page turning to try and find the out come of this uncommon group of participants in Heidi Troyer’s new cooking class.
What a range of characters we have here, and at first could see no common denominator to them, except learning to cook. Now the idea of taking cooking lessons from an Amish woman does hold appeal, and could see myself doing so, and I can cook.
When Ron showed up and decided to stay for the lessons, my mind was screaming “No”, and yet he did add to the drama. While these students didn’t air their dirty laundry at the classes we were gifted to their lives between the classes.
Besides being gifted with some delicious Amish recipes, and I am going to try them, we are shown compassion and understanding, for all, even when we want to get rid of one of them.
A really fun read in this new series, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc., and was not required to give a positive review.
What a range of characters we have here, and at first could see no common denominator to them, except learning to cook. Now the idea of taking cooking lessons from an Amish woman does hold appeal, and could see myself doing so, and I can cook.
When Ron showed up and decided to stay for the lessons, my mind was screaming “No”, and yet he did add to the drama. While these students didn’t air their dirty laundry at the classes we were gifted to their lives between the classes.
Besides being gifted with some delicious Amish recipes, and I am going to try them, we are shown compassion and understanding, for all, even when we want to get rid of one of them.
A really fun read in this new series, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc., and was not required to give a positive review.
September 2, 2017
Different than usual for Amish fiction, but a great start to the series nonetheless.
February 13, 2017
I love this new series coming out by Wanda Brunstetter. This series will touch many hearts. I loved all the different individuals and their own stories and what bought each one to the cooking class held by Heidi. From all walks of life. I love to go to one of these classes. I think I am a lot like Charlene. My cooking skills are not great. She is engaged to be married but his mother doesn't seem to like her. Then there is Loretta a widow raising her two little ones. Eli is a friend of Heidi's and Lyle's and his wife was killed and his cooking skills are not great. A mystery that hasn't been solved is who killed her? Then we have Kendra a unwed mother. Trying to find herself in life and a
answer as what to do with her baby. Then comes Ron and veteran who is struggling in life and finds ways to provide for himself not legally. Heidi finds this is more then just a cooking class. People who are there for more then just learning to cook. Can Heidi help them? You see God working through out the book using Heidi. Awesome characters well written as Wanda's books always are. O and as a bonus there are recipes in the book for you to try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
answer as what to do with her baby. Then comes Ron and veteran who is struggling in life and finds ways to provide for himself not legally. Heidi finds this is more then just a cooking class. People who are there for more then just learning to cook. Can Heidi help them? You see God working through out the book using Heidi. Awesome characters well written as Wanda's books always are. O and as a bonus there are recipes in the book for you to try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
September 9, 2020
Loved this fictional book about Ohio native and childless Amish matron of 8 years, Heidi Troyer, who decides to host a cooking class and unknowingly opens a door to shine the light of Jesus to her students: Ron, a troubled homeless Vietnam vet; Loretta, a widow with 2 young children; Kendra, a pregnant teenager who’s been kicked out by her parents; Eli, a young Amish widower; and Charlene, a young career woman who is engaged to a wonderful man but who can’t cook!
Rating: 5 stars
Warning: some disturbing details about out of wedlock pregnancy, PSTD from experiences in war, being homeless, and stealing
Recommend: for ages 15+
I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the Amish Cooking Class series which this book is the first book of!
Rating: 5 stars
Warning: some disturbing details about out of wedlock pregnancy, PSTD from experiences in war, being homeless, and stealing
Recommend: for ages 15+
I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the Amish Cooking Class series which this book is the first book of!
July 27, 2017
“The Seekers” is the first book in the Amish Cooking Class series. This book is a nice fun read. I did find it just a bit confusing in the beginning though. There are seven characters from whose point of view the story is written from. So in the beginning it was a bit hard to remember everybody, but it didn’t take too long for me to remember who was who and I did enjoy this book.
February 2, 2017
One of the things that have always impressed me about the Amish is that they keep basic home-making skills alive. Things like sewing, gardening, and cooking is such a vital part of their lives, it would be odd if it were missing in lieu of things like eating out instead of taking your food from garden to table and often wonder how amazing that food tastes when no preservatives are added. If you have ever wanted to cook like the Amish, you can find plenty of Amish cookbooks out there, but what if you could read a great novel about the friendships that form among various people who come together drawn initially by their love of wanting to know how to cook?
In The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter, that is just what happens when Heidi Troyer realizes that she has quite a bit of time on her hands and learning from her friends that they have benefited from creating classes to teach others what they excel at, and for Heidi that is cooking! She has always dreamed of starting a family of her own, but at this time, it seems that will never happen. So now she imagines a small group coming together where she can teach them how to prepare some of the Amish beloved dishes.
She managed to incorporate her friends who burn more than they can successfully cook like Loretta Donnelly, who is a recent widow and mother of two very busy young children, who would love to utilize this class to help her prepare better meals for her family but also give her a much needed break from being a mom. Charlene Higgins is the most desperate of the group as it seems she can't do anything right. She needs to be able to at least cook seeing as a wedding to her Amish boyfriend Len is in her future and her future in-laws aren't the slightest bit impressed with anything she does, finding fault in everything. Eli Miller is tired of cold cereal and hard boiled eggs, now that his wife has died in an accident, a cooking class might be what he needs to get out of his slump and at least put a decent meal on the table for himself. Kendra Perkins needs this class since being tossed out of her Amish house when she became pregnant unexpectedly. This might help her find a true purpose in her life for now.
Ron Hensley needed to find a place to fit in and the Troyers seems just the place. Since they are a small family with no children and plenty of space on their farm, he anticipates they are just the right people to garner sympathy for a man living out of his RV that needs a place to park it while he tries to fix it. Only it is all a ploy so he can find the time to scope out their home and find just the right things they won't miss to sell at the local auction. Joining a cooking class might just be the edge he needs to get that kind of invitation. But will they be cooking up something else that he didn't expect?
I received The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter compliments of Barbour Publishing and Net Galley. For me, the best part of this novel is the mouth-watering recipes that Heidi provides for each of her classes and ones you will find at the conclusion of this book as well as some great discussion questions perfect for book clubs. I love how this group of people come together to learn to cook and come away with so much more. For some, they will find the perfect friends, others will see that their perceptions of others aren't quite what they imagined and for others a dream come true. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and this is the first novel in the Amish Cooking Class series.
In The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter, that is just what happens when Heidi Troyer realizes that she has quite a bit of time on her hands and learning from her friends that they have benefited from creating classes to teach others what they excel at, and for Heidi that is cooking! She has always dreamed of starting a family of her own, but at this time, it seems that will never happen. So now she imagines a small group coming together where she can teach them how to prepare some of the Amish beloved dishes.
She managed to incorporate her friends who burn more than they can successfully cook like Loretta Donnelly, who is a recent widow and mother of two very busy young children, who would love to utilize this class to help her prepare better meals for her family but also give her a much needed break from being a mom. Charlene Higgins is the most desperate of the group as it seems she can't do anything right. She needs to be able to at least cook seeing as a wedding to her Amish boyfriend Len is in her future and her future in-laws aren't the slightest bit impressed with anything she does, finding fault in everything. Eli Miller is tired of cold cereal and hard boiled eggs, now that his wife has died in an accident, a cooking class might be what he needs to get out of his slump and at least put a decent meal on the table for himself. Kendra Perkins needs this class since being tossed out of her Amish house when she became pregnant unexpectedly. This might help her find a true purpose in her life for now.
Ron Hensley needed to find a place to fit in and the Troyers seems just the place. Since they are a small family with no children and plenty of space on their farm, he anticipates they are just the right people to garner sympathy for a man living out of his RV that needs a place to park it while he tries to fix it. Only it is all a ploy so he can find the time to scope out their home and find just the right things they won't miss to sell at the local auction. Joining a cooking class might just be the edge he needs to get that kind of invitation. But will they be cooking up something else that he didn't expect?
I received The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter compliments of Barbour Publishing and Net Galley. For me, the best part of this novel is the mouth-watering recipes that Heidi provides for each of her classes and ones you will find at the conclusion of this book as well as some great discussion questions perfect for book clubs. I love how this group of people come together to learn to cook and come away with so much more. For some, they will find the perfect friends, others will see that their perceptions of others aren't quite what they imagined and for others a dream come true. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and this is the first novel in the Amish Cooking Class series.
February 14, 2017
The Seekers by author Wanda Brunstetter is another great Amish offering from a gifted author. This 320 page paperback novel published by Barbour is absolutely a page turner. I didn't want to do anything except read it from cover to cover.
This book has everything that I enjoy in Christian fiction. Author Wanda has included plenty of scripture in her book. There are inspirational messages dealing with love, forgiveness, values, respect, and redemption. The present day issues of PTSD, unwanted pregnancy, bullying, and family relations are discussed. Cute children and dogs are included along with the adult characters. Recipes of six Amish dishes follow the story. After the recipes are 15 discussion questions for individual or group reflection and discussion. The last page is information about the author, Wanda.
Wanda has a nice way of writing. Her characters are have a wide variety of personalities and issues. Some main and secondary characters are so lovable while others are just terrible villains. Wanda knows how to write! In this book you will meet
Heidi and Lyle, the Amish couple. Heidi teaches the cooking classes. Her students are Ron, Eli, Loretta, Charlotte, and Kendra. Each student has a unique story and issue. As Heidi teaches her class directions are given for an Amish dish in such vivid detail that I wanted to go to my kitchen and cook along side them. I wanted to smell the delicious aromas that were coming out of my book. Now I want to take a cooking class even though I have written a cookbook myself!
This is a lovely book. I became friends with the cooking members and became invested in their lives very early, Heidi's, too. The story is interesting immediately and takes no time to work into. I couldn't put it down from page one and am counting the days until the sequel.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is wonderful. It would be good for a church group, book club, cooking club, anyone that enjoys Amish fiction, Christian romance, contemporary, or fiction. I loved it. There are twists, humor, Amish recipes, Amish words, great descriptions of the Amish life and country, and mystery. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour and the author for my honest opinion.
This book has everything that I enjoy in Christian fiction. Author Wanda has included plenty of scripture in her book. There are inspirational messages dealing with love, forgiveness, values, respect, and redemption. The present day issues of PTSD, unwanted pregnancy, bullying, and family relations are discussed. Cute children and dogs are included along with the adult characters. Recipes of six Amish dishes follow the story. After the recipes are 15 discussion questions for individual or group reflection and discussion. The last page is information about the author, Wanda.
Wanda has a nice way of writing. Her characters are have a wide variety of personalities and issues. Some main and secondary characters are so lovable while others are just terrible villains. Wanda knows how to write! In this book you will meet
Heidi and Lyle, the Amish couple. Heidi teaches the cooking classes. Her students are Ron, Eli, Loretta, Charlotte, and Kendra. Each student has a unique story and issue. As Heidi teaches her class directions are given for an Amish dish in such vivid detail that I wanted to go to my kitchen and cook along side them. I wanted to smell the delicious aromas that were coming out of my book. Now I want to take a cooking class even though I have written a cookbook myself!
This is a lovely book. I became friends with the cooking members and became invested in their lives very early, Heidi's, too. The story is interesting immediately and takes no time to work into. I couldn't put it down from page one and am counting the days until the sequel.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is wonderful. It would be good for a church group, book club, cooking club, anyone that enjoys Amish fiction, Christian romance, contemporary, or fiction. I loved it. There are twists, humor, Amish recipes, Amish words, great descriptions of the Amish life and country, and mystery. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour and the author for my honest opinion.
August 15, 2023
Per my Original Review, I still the same way about this book.
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Even tho this was only the 5th Series ive read by Wanda Im really loving her storytelling and writing style.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Charlene, Kendra and Loretta were definatley my favorites. I could relate to all 3 very well with certain struggles they were having in their lives.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Walnut Creek, Ohio while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall A Fun Book 1 in this Amish Cooking Class Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 and more by Wanda in the future!!
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Even tho this was only the 5th Series ive read by Wanda Im really loving her storytelling and writing style.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Charlene, Kendra and Loretta were definatley my favorites. I could relate to all 3 very well with certain struggles they were having in their lives.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Walnut Creek, Ohio while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall A Fun Book 1 in this Amish Cooking Class Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 and more by Wanda in the future!!
April 29, 2017
The Seekers is the first book in the Amish Cooking Class series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I really enjoyed this book. It was a mostly lighthearted read and I really enjoyed how it was the weaving of multiple lives together in one story. I think some people may not appreciate how the story switches perspective but I found it to be a fresh approach. I’m not sure that I’ve seen this done in Amish books. It was new to me and fresh.
Each of the students in Heidi’s class have their own unique set of challenges and while my heart went out to each of them—I was especially touched by Ron. My dad is a veteran so I have a soft spot in my heart for the men and women who have given so much to serve our country.
If you’re looking for a fairly lighthearted-feel good outcome and a quick and delightful read—this is the book for you. There’s also quite a few enjoyable recipes in the back of the book if you would like to try making an authentic Amish meal. I haven’t tried them yet but I fully intend to!
Overall, this book just hit the spot for me. I was needing a pick-me-up after reading a few books with dark content. I wouldn’t say that everything is sunshine and roses in this book but the redemptive themes brought healing and peace that I so needed.
I look forward to reading more in this series and in seeing how more books written with this multi-person perspective plays out. The author did a great job in making each of the characters come across as individuals. They were well-developed and I’m super curious if we’ll get to see glimpses of them in future installments or if there will be a new cast of characters.
While I wouldn’t call this book out for being particularly deep in terms of content, sometimes you just need a very feel-good quick read and this book definitely fits that bill. This would make a great book-club read or a story to share with a friend.
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and the Author. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
Each of the students in Heidi’s class have their own unique set of challenges and while my heart went out to each of them—I was especially touched by Ron. My dad is a veteran so I have a soft spot in my heart for the men and women who have given so much to serve our country.
If you’re looking for a fairly lighthearted-feel good outcome and a quick and delightful read—this is the book for you. There’s also quite a few enjoyable recipes in the back of the book if you would like to try making an authentic Amish meal. I haven’t tried them yet but I fully intend to!
Overall, this book just hit the spot for me. I was needing a pick-me-up after reading a few books with dark content. I wouldn’t say that everything is sunshine and roses in this book but the redemptive themes brought healing and peace that I so needed.
I look forward to reading more in this series and in seeing how more books written with this multi-person perspective plays out. The author did a great job in making each of the characters come across as individuals. They were well-developed and I’m super curious if we’ll get to see glimpses of them in future installments or if there will be a new cast of characters.
While I wouldn’t call this book out for being particularly deep in terms of content, sometimes you just need a very feel-good quick read and this book definitely fits that bill. This would make a great book-club read or a story to share with a friend.
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and the Author. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
October 5, 2017
Wanda Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre and she has over 10 million books sold! Her classic storytelling style lends itself well to the Amish genre. Using multiple viewpoints, Brunstetter weaves a surprising tale of diverse souls finding grace and hope for the future through the quiet service of a gentle Amish woman.
Heidi has no idea that she'll be teaching more than cooking when she starts up her classes. Inspired to include a scripture with every recipe card she hands out, we get to see how the Word influences the lives of her students. Sweet and funny and poignant. There's even a light romance that flourishes in the group. I was really touched by the difference one woman made as she followed God's leading in her life.
An inspiring, feel good story that illustrates the power we can all have to reflect God's light in the world.
Heidi has no idea that she'll be teaching more than cooking when she starts up her classes. Inspired to include a scripture with every recipe card she hands out, we get to see how the Word influences the lives of her students. Sweet and funny and poignant. There's even a light romance that flourishes in the group. I was really touched by the difference one woman made as she followed God's leading in her life.
An inspiring, feel good story that illustrates the power we can all have to reflect God's light in the world.
February 9, 2017
I was delighted when I received an ARC of The Seekers from Barbour Publishing. Wanda Brunstetter never fails to deliver a story that keeps me turning the pages. Brunstetter is well known for her true to life Amish books filled with realistic characters facing life’s issues along with Biblical principles interwoven into the story.
Heidi and Lyle Troyer are childless with Heidi having time on her hands. After hearing how successful her Aunt Emma’s quilting classes were, Heidi placed an ad for Amish cooking classes for 6 weeks. Heidi was uncertain if anyone would show up but was thrilled when 3 women showed up along with their widower neighbor, Eli Miller. Then the wanderer Ron, whose beat up RV was parked on their property joined the group. With 5 students and each one is attending for different reasons, what a curious group of students.
Bi-weekly Heidi taught the students with a delicious Amish recipe for each class. My senses were on alert with the tasks of preparing each recipe weekly and sitting down to enjoy the end results. Heidi not only provided recipes for the students’ to make at their own homes but she also wrote a scripture on the recipe card for each class session to feed their soul and spirit.
In time the students opened up to Heidi about difficulties they were struggling with except for Ron, who ended up being a shady character. Will Charlene, Kendra, Loretta, Eli and Ron find fulfillment in their life by attending Heidi’s class? There are some unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers turning the pages to see what is happening in the lives of the students as well as for Heidi and Lyle.
The Seekers, book one in The Amish Cooking Class, will not disappoint Wanda’s fans or new readers of Amish fiction. The primary and secondary characters will cause emotions to go from one extreme to another. My heart broke for Kendra, Loretta and Eli with their heartaches, Charlene was in a class of her own as she had a good job and a fiancé but couldn’t cook and then the shadiness of Ron created a totally different emotion. Will these individuals come to find some peace, forgiveness, renewed faith and love through Heidi’s cooking classes and scriptural verses?
I look forward to reading book two in The Amish Cooking Class series to see what is happening in the lives of these characters that seems like family members.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. However, I have shared my honest opinion for The Seekers.
Heidi and Lyle Troyer are childless with Heidi having time on her hands. After hearing how successful her Aunt Emma’s quilting classes were, Heidi placed an ad for Amish cooking classes for 6 weeks. Heidi was uncertain if anyone would show up but was thrilled when 3 women showed up along with their widower neighbor, Eli Miller. Then the wanderer Ron, whose beat up RV was parked on their property joined the group. With 5 students and each one is attending for different reasons, what a curious group of students.
Bi-weekly Heidi taught the students with a delicious Amish recipe for each class. My senses were on alert with the tasks of preparing each recipe weekly and sitting down to enjoy the end results. Heidi not only provided recipes for the students’ to make at their own homes but she also wrote a scripture on the recipe card for each class session to feed their soul and spirit.
In time the students opened up to Heidi about difficulties they were struggling with except for Ron, who ended up being a shady character. Will Charlene, Kendra, Loretta, Eli and Ron find fulfillment in their life by attending Heidi’s class? There are some unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers turning the pages to see what is happening in the lives of the students as well as for Heidi and Lyle.
The Seekers, book one in The Amish Cooking Class, will not disappoint Wanda’s fans or new readers of Amish fiction. The primary and secondary characters will cause emotions to go from one extreme to another. My heart broke for Kendra, Loretta and Eli with their heartaches, Charlene was in a class of her own as she had a good job and a fiancé but couldn’t cook and then the shadiness of Ron created a totally different emotion. Will these individuals come to find some peace, forgiveness, renewed faith and love through Heidi’s cooking classes and scriptural verses?
I look forward to reading book two in The Amish Cooking Class series to see what is happening in the lives of these characters that seems like family members.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. However, I have shared my honest opinion for The Seekers.
March 14, 2017
The Seekers is the first installment to Wanda Brunstetter's newest series, Amish Cooking Class. I really enjoyed this book. In The Seekers, Heidi starts an Amish cooking class. I loved all the different individuals and their own stories and what bought each one to the cooking class held by Heidi.
This book revolves around a woman named Heidi Troyer and her Amish cooking class.Heidi Troyer and her husband of eight years, Lyle, have no children yet. She loves her Lyle and their life together but desires children, also. Lyle refuses to adopt, believing that if it is God’s will, Heidi will be able to conceive a child. Heidi considers giving cooking classes since cooking has come naturally to her and classes won’t take time away from her husband. Heidi will lead six lessons over the next three months.
The Lord prepares students for her first class. The students come with different problems to the classes and through out the book, they find solutions. First is Loretta, a widow and single mother of two little kids that just wants to learn a more simpler way of life. She wants to know more about being Amish, so learning Amish cooking in an Amish home sounds beneficial.
Second, Charlene is engaged to a wonderful man, but has no experience in the kitchen. Her financé has a mother who is an expert cook and doesn’t like Charlene. She doesn’t want her future mother-in-law to know she can’t cook.
Third is Eli, is a young widowed man who is part of the Amish community and also doesn't know how to cook much of anything. His wife had been killed by a hit-and-run driver. He couldn’t cook, and eats out frequently after work.
Fourth, Kendra is a young lady who got pregnant out of wedlock and was kicked out of her home by her dad so he wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of church or social friends. The young man also left her.
Last but not least is Ron. He pulls his older RV into the Troyer’s yard, hungry and broke. He tells Heidi and Lyle the first lie, that his rig needs repairs and he needs a place to park until he can repair it. He ends up in the cooking class without planning to be there. The Troyers share their food and time, but he holds his secrets close. A Viet Nam vet with PTSD, Ron always finds ways to justify what he does.
Most of the characters are very likable. We see Heidi as a three-dimensional woman of faith, and get to know her students through their everyday lives. I love how this book focuses so much on God. I also love the recipes and how after each class she gives a notecard with the recipe and a verse on the back.
This book revolves around a woman named Heidi Troyer and her Amish cooking class.Heidi Troyer and her husband of eight years, Lyle, have no children yet. She loves her Lyle and their life together but desires children, also. Lyle refuses to adopt, believing that if it is God’s will, Heidi will be able to conceive a child. Heidi considers giving cooking classes since cooking has come naturally to her and classes won’t take time away from her husband. Heidi will lead six lessons over the next three months.
The Lord prepares students for her first class. The students come with different problems to the classes and through out the book, they find solutions. First is Loretta, a widow and single mother of two little kids that just wants to learn a more simpler way of life. She wants to know more about being Amish, so learning Amish cooking in an Amish home sounds beneficial.
Second, Charlene is engaged to a wonderful man, but has no experience in the kitchen. Her financé has a mother who is an expert cook and doesn’t like Charlene. She doesn’t want her future mother-in-law to know she can’t cook.
Third is Eli, is a young widowed man who is part of the Amish community and also doesn't know how to cook much of anything. His wife had been killed by a hit-and-run driver. He couldn’t cook, and eats out frequently after work.
Fourth, Kendra is a young lady who got pregnant out of wedlock and was kicked out of her home by her dad so he wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of church or social friends. The young man also left her.
Last but not least is Ron. He pulls his older RV into the Troyer’s yard, hungry and broke. He tells Heidi and Lyle the first lie, that his rig needs repairs and he needs a place to park until he can repair it. He ends up in the cooking class without planning to be there. The Troyers share their food and time, but he holds his secrets close. A Viet Nam vet with PTSD, Ron always finds ways to justify what he does.
Most of the characters are very likable. We see Heidi as a three-dimensional woman of faith, and get to know her students through their everyday lives. I love how this book focuses so much on God. I also love the recipes and how after each class she gives a notecard with the recipe and a verse on the back.
January 28, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Unlikely Friendships Are Formed in an Amish Cooking Class
Married for eight years with no children to help fill her days, Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But it is a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement.
Charlene Higgins is engaged, but to the despair of her fiancees family, she can't cook. Kendra Perkins, a teen estranged from her family, is facing an unwanted pregnancy alone. Loretta Donnelly, widowed with two children, would like to simplify her life. Ron Hensley, a Vietnam Vet, parks his RV on the Troyer farm. And Eli Miller, an Amish widower, needs to learn how to cook for himself.
Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Suddenly cooking classes at Heidi's house become life lessons...and their souls are healed one meal at a time.
MY REVIEW
Six heartrending stories to pull on your sympathetic soul, yes I am including Heidi's story. Starting out with cooking in mind soon turns into some subtle counseling for the students, will they only learn how to cook or will it turn some lives around. If you enjoy Amish books you will enjoy this.
Unlikely Friendships Are Formed in an Amish Cooking Class
Married for eight years with no children to help fill her days, Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But it is a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement.
Charlene Higgins is engaged, but to the despair of her fiancees family, she can't cook. Kendra Perkins, a teen estranged from her family, is facing an unwanted pregnancy alone. Loretta Donnelly, widowed with two children, would like to simplify her life. Ron Hensley, a Vietnam Vet, parks his RV on the Troyer farm. And Eli Miller, an Amish widower, needs to learn how to cook for himself.
Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Suddenly cooking classes at Heidi's house become life lessons...and their souls are healed one meal at a time.
MY REVIEW
Six heartrending stories to pull on your sympathetic soul, yes I am including Heidi's story. Starting out with cooking in mind soon turns into some subtle counseling for the students, will they only learn how to cook or will it turn some lives around. If you enjoy Amish books you will enjoy this.
September 18, 2021
This little treasure was unearthed at a friend’s garage sale and I got another book by the same author. Thank goodness! This was well written and refreshing. The story centered around amish Heidi teaching a cooking class to many different kinds of people who are all needy. Heidi befriends them and sends a recipe card home after each class with a Bible verse. There are even recipes at the end of the story. I always love a novel that inspires and makes the reader closer to God.
Read
November 18, 2021Good story with a great message. -- well done !
July 15, 2023
What an utterly wonderful book. I cannot wait to read book 2.
April 19, 2024
great book. can hardly wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
October 7, 2024
Not my favorite, but I will continue the series as my palate cleanser between heavier reads.
February 20, 2019
This was a fun read! I really enjoyed how each character got to tell from their side and how everyone got together because of cooking classes. Each had their own set of problems and it was so amazing to see how they all were able to connect. I'm excited to get the second book in the series now!
April 28, 2017
Trying to figure out what I want to say about this book is hard. Within the first little bit I felt like Ron was a toad and Lyle was a push over. I was almost immediately annoyed with both of them. However, both played a pivotal role in building a wonderful feel good story. Let's talk about my initial impressions of the rest of the cast, as well. Kendra, while her situation wasn't in any way fair felt like a whiner, Loretta left me feeling wishy washy, Eli interested me, and Charlene seemed so at odds with her security with her career and hobbies while being so annoyingly insecure about her relationship. Of course they were so much more than that but that's were I started with them. I was hoping they would do a lot of growing and changing and for the most part I was rewarded.
There are two things that draw me into a story and keep me engaged. Characters and the the actual story. If I can't bond with the characters and feel like I know them (I don't have to like them!) that hurts how I feel about the story. If I can't bond with the story-line then it's hard to really care what happens or how it turns out. The way this book was set up showing the different characters in their real lives, not just at cooking class grabbed my attention and made me invested in the story. I cared who these people were and wanted to know more about who they were, why they were there, and how it came to pass. I actually hope to see these characters again in future books since I really don't feel like their stories are told. They just aren't finished you know? There has to be more. The drawback, for me, however was that I don't feel like I had a chance to truly bond with the characters. The characters were truly well developed and I came to like them all, I even changed my mind about a few, but there just wasn't enough time with each of them. Giving them more time would have been a mini-series but I feel like the small glimpse weren't quite enough. I lost some of that bond that makes me truly care about a character.
At the end of the day I still feel like Lyle is a push over, but not in a bad way. I feel like what Kendra's family did was completely unacceptable but she's still a bit whinny. Charlene redeemed herself a little bit at the end but I'm not sure I will ever grasp the change of heart her future mother-in-law had and feel like it left a gaping opening that wasn't closed. Eli and Loretta's story I saw coming from a mile away but it was OK because it just made sense. Ron, oh Ron. Ron redeemed himself, sorta, but I felt like it was just too easy. Lacking that ability to really delve into the characters left me with so many unanswered questions about Ron and feel like his revelation was too easy. He was too easy to explain it when I'm sure it was one of the hardest things he has even done. He was too easy to be off the hook. I'm happy for him and honestly, the man needs something too easy in his life.
This book started slow and I was frustrated for about the first part of the book. But as the characters started to grow for me the book came to life. I am so glad that I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. And I truly cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
There are two things that draw me into a story and keep me engaged. Characters and the the actual story. If I can't bond with the characters and feel like I know them (I don't have to like them!) that hurts how I feel about the story. If I can't bond with the story-line then it's hard to really care what happens or how it turns out. The way this book was set up showing the different characters in their real lives, not just at cooking class grabbed my attention and made me invested in the story. I cared who these people were and wanted to know more about who they were, why they were there, and how it came to pass. I actually hope to see these characters again in future books since I really don't feel like their stories are told. They just aren't finished you know? There has to be more. The drawback, for me, however was that I don't feel like I had a chance to truly bond with the characters. The characters were truly well developed and I came to like them all, I even changed my mind about a few, but there just wasn't enough time with each of them. Giving them more time would have been a mini-series but I feel like the small glimpse weren't quite enough. I lost some of that bond that makes me truly care about a character.
At the end of the day I still feel like Lyle is a push over, but not in a bad way. I feel like what Kendra's family did was completely unacceptable but she's still a bit whinny. Charlene redeemed herself a little bit at the end but I'm not sure I will ever grasp the change of heart her future mother-in-law had and feel like it left a gaping opening that wasn't closed. Eli and Loretta's story I saw coming from a mile away but it was OK because it just made sense. Ron, oh Ron. Ron redeemed himself, sorta, but I felt like it was just too easy. Lacking that ability to really delve into the characters left me with so many unanswered questions about Ron and feel like his revelation was too easy. He was too easy to explain it when I'm sure it was one of the hardest things he has even done. He was too easy to be off the hook. I'm happy for him and honestly, the man needs something too easy in his life.
This book started slow and I was frustrated for about the first part of the book. But as the characters started to grow for me the book came to life. I am so glad that I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. And I truly cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
May 15, 2025
Lots of people with interesting backstories come together for a cooking class. I found this a unique plot and it's very immersive with Amish food and customs.
4 stars
Thanks to Wanda E. Brunstetter and publisher for my eARC in exchamge for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars
Thanks to Wanda E. Brunstetter and publisher for my eARC in exchamge for an honest and voluntary review.
February 7, 2017
Wanda Brunstetter returns with a new series The Amish Cooking Class and doesn’t disappoint.
In The Seekers, Heidi Troyer and her husband Lyle have not been blessed with children. Heidi longs for a child of her own with every new baby born in the community. After speaking with her Aunt Emma from Half-Stitched Quilting Club series, Heidi decides to teach classes of her own. She is a talented cook and sets up her first series of six classes over the next three months.
The Lord directs five students from different walks of life to take Heidi’s first class. Loretta, a young widow and mother of two, wishes to learn more about the Amish and decides taking Amish cooking classes would be fun. Charlene is a young teacher engaged to the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, his mother is a terrific cook and she is not. Charlene decides learning to cook would impress her mother-in-law-to-be. Eli, a young Amish widower and friend of Lyle, signs up to take classes because he is unable to cook and is tired of eating sandwiches and eating out. Kendra is a young un-wed pregnant woman who was recently kicked out of her parent’s home and living with her friend. She is struggling with embarrassment and the decision to raise her child or give him/her up for adoption. Ron, a Vietnam Veteran, pulls his RV onto the Troyer’s farm when he is at his wits end. He is hungry, broke, and needs a helping hand. He convinces Lyle to let him stay on the farm until he can get his RV repaired.
Wanda has a way of bringing to life several characters and intertwining their stores together for a beautiful story of love, faith, and friendship. Heidi truly wants to help her students and I love the idea of her adding scripture to the back of each week’s recipe cards. There is a great lesson for each of us in the story. Heidi learns to care for and encourage the one student she started out not even trusting in the beginning by faith in knowing that God had brought him to her and Lyle for a reason and they just needed to open their hearts and home to him.
The book kept me engaged and I had a hard time putting in down due to the plot twists and characters. I can honestly not wait to see what the future holds for Heidi and her cooking class. I recommend this book to all Wanda fans, as well as, those who love Amish-Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in return for my honest review and was under no obligation to post a review.
In The Seekers, Heidi Troyer and her husband Lyle have not been blessed with children. Heidi longs for a child of her own with every new baby born in the community. After speaking with her Aunt Emma from Half-Stitched Quilting Club series, Heidi decides to teach classes of her own. She is a talented cook and sets up her first series of six classes over the next three months.
The Lord directs five students from different walks of life to take Heidi’s first class. Loretta, a young widow and mother of two, wishes to learn more about the Amish and decides taking Amish cooking classes would be fun. Charlene is a young teacher engaged to the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, his mother is a terrific cook and she is not. Charlene decides learning to cook would impress her mother-in-law-to-be. Eli, a young Amish widower and friend of Lyle, signs up to take classes because he is unable to cook and is tired of eating sandwiches and eating out. Kendra is a young un-wed pregnant woman who was recently kicked out of her parent’s home and living with her friend. She is struggling with embarrassment and the decision to raise her child or give him/her up for adoption. Ron, a Vietnam Veteran, pulls his RV onto the Troyer’s farm when he is at his wits end. He is hungry, broke, and needs a helping hand. He convinces Lyle to let him stay on the farm until he can get his RV repaired.
Wanda has a way of bringing to life several characters and intertwining their stores together for a beautiful story of love, faith, and friendship. Heidi truly wants to help her students and I love the idea of her adding scripture to the back of each week’s recipe cards. There is a great lesson for each of us in the story. Heidi learns to care for and encourage the one student she started out not even trusting in the beginning by faith in knowing that God had brought him to her and Lyle for a reason and they just needed to open their hearts and home to him.
The book kept me engaged and I had a hard time putting in down due to the plot twists and characters. I can honestly not wait to see what the future holds for Heidi and her cooking class. I recommend this book to all Wanda fans, as well as, those who love Amish-Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in return for my honest review and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 17, 2017
You may wonder, how can an Amish woman make money? Heidi Troyer decides to start having cooking classes in her home and be able to teach anyone who is interested how to cook and bake simple, yet filling dishes for themselves.
Five people sign up for her first classes. She will provide all ingredients and recipes for all who attend.
Charlene, who is engaged, but has no kitchen know-how.
Loretta, a young widow with two small children, who is interested in the Amish way of life,
Kendra, a young, pregnant, unmarried woman, who's best friend has given her the gift of the cooking lessons.
Eli, a young Amish widower who is a good friend of Heidi and her husband Lyle-who burns boiled eggs.
Ron, the Vietnam vet who is living in his motor home parked by their barn, while he fixes the engine problems.
Each of these five people have their secrets and problems, as do Heidi and Lyle. Heidi uses her cooking classes to help each one to work through their problems and let them know that she cares for them and their problems and to share the gift of the Lord who can help in all things.
A very good book. Easy, heartwarming read. I look forward to further books in this series by Mrs. Brunstetter. Makes me wish there was an Amish lady in our neighborhood that I could take cooking lessons from.
Five people sign up for her first classes. She will provide all ingredients and recipes for all who attend.
Charlene, who is engaged, but has no kitchen know-how.
Loretta, a young widow with two small children, who is interested in the Amish way of life,
Kendra, a young, pregnant, unmarried woman, who's best friend has given her the gift of the cooking lessons.
Eli, a young Amish widower who is a good friend of Heidi and her husband Lyle-who burns boiled eggs.
Ron, the Vietnam vet who is living in his motor home parked by their barn, while he fixes the engine problems.
Each of these five people have their secrets and problems, as do Heidi and Lyle. Heidi uses her cooking classes to help each one to work through their problems and let them know that she cares for them and their problems and to share the gift of the Lord who can help in all things.
A very good book. Easy, heartwarming read. I look forward to further books in this series by Mrs. Brunstetter. Makes me wish there was an Amish lady in our neighborhood that I could take cooking lessons from.
January 30, 2017
What a terrific start to the latest series by Wanda Brunstetter. The Seekers introduces us to Heidi Troyer who has decided to teach Amish Cooking classes in her Ohio home. Her husband, Lyle is a busy auctioneer and he encourages her to share her skills with others.
Yes, it does remind one of The Half Stitched Quilting Club and the fact that Emma Yoder is Heidi’s aunt was perfect and I think nudged Heidi just a bit in her decision.
A mixture of excitement and nervousness lends an air of authenticity as to how she felt as she planned and got ready for her cooking classes.
The people who sign up for her class are a diverse group but we soon learn they have some commonalities. They each have something to overcome besides their obvious need to learn cooking skills. The author tells each of their stories in a unique way as we learn more about their lives and what some are running from and others are running towards.
I had a fondness for Eli, the only Amish person taking the class. He was so sweet and boy did I want him to learn to cook since he was a widower with no skills in the kitchen. The only character that I didn’t immediately like was Ron, but I started to warm up to him after a while and felt sorry for him. At first I considered him a recipe for disaster.
I find I always learn something when I read Wanda’s books. This time I learned the age requirement and steps to take to become an auctioneer!
I can’t wait for the next installment to find out what’s cooking with the Troyer family and their friends.
I received a complimentary copy of The Seekers from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
Yes, it does remind one of The Half Stitched Quilting Club and the fact that Emma Yoder is Heidi’s aunt was perfect and I think nudged Heidi just a bit in her decision.
A mixture of excitement and nervousness lends an air of authenticity as to how she felt as she planned and got ready for her cooking classes.
The people who sign up for her class are a diverse group but we soon learn they have some commonalities. They each have something to overcome besides their obvious need to learn cooking skills. The author tells each of their stories in a unique way as we learn more about their lives and what some are running from and others are running towards.
I had a fondness for Eli, the only Amish person taking the class. He was so sweet and boy did I want him to learn to cook since he was a widower with no skills in the kitchen. The only character that I didn’t immediately like was Ron, but I started to warm up to him after a while and felt sorry for him. At first I considered him a recipe for disaster.
I find I always learn something when I read Wanda’s books. This time I learned the age requirement and steps to take to become an auctioneer!
I can’t wait for the next installment to find out what’s cooking with the Troyer family and their friends.
I received a complimentary copy of The Seekers from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
February 15, 2017
The Seekers ( Amish Cooking Class - Book 1 )
By: Wanda E. Brunstetter
The Seekers is book one in Wanda E. Brunstetter’s new series Amish Cooking Class. Wow, Ms Brunstetter has did it again, another winner. The author grabbed me right at the start and did not let go till the end. Ms Brunstetter weaves us a story that will have you trying to read faster, turn the pages faster, to see what is going to happen next. I love the story and the characters , most of the characters, both were easy to follow and well developed. Heidi is married to Lyle Troyer and she wants to start an Amish Cusine cooking classes in her home to help bring in more money and to help fill her days. She gets five women and men for her classes. All five seem to have their own problems and reasons why they want to take the classes. One woman is engaged to be married, an expected mother who is estranged from her family, a widowed mother with two children, a widower who needs to learn to cook for himself , and a Vietnam Vet who has camped out in the Troyer’s yard . I love the way Heidi’s does her recipe cards. I love her Bible verses and the way she uses them and the way she shared her faith. Will these five learn to cook after Heidi’s classes? What else will they get out of their classes? What about Heidi , what will she get out of these classes and her students? I also love that Wanda E. Brunstetter put her recipes from the classes in the back of the book. All these sound so good, simple, and easy to make. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
By: Wanda E. Brunstetter
The Seekers is book one in Wanda E. Brunstetter’s new series Amish Cooking Class. Wow, Ms Brunstetter has did it again, another winner. The author grabbed me right at the start and did not let go till the end. Ms Brunstetter weaves us a story that will have you trying to read faster, turn the pages faster, to see what is going to happen next. I love the story and the characters , most of the characters, both were easy to follow and well developed. Heidi is married to Lyle Troyer and she wants to start an Amish Cusine cooking classes in her home to help bring in more money and to help fill her days. She gets five women and men for her classes. All five seem to have their own problems and reasons why they want to take the classes. One woman is engaged to be married, an expected mother who is estranged from her family, a widowed mother with two children, a widower who needs to learn to cook for himself , and a Vietnam Vet who has camped out in the Troyer’s yard . I love the way Heidi’s does her recipe cards. I love her Bible verses and the way she uses them and the way she shared her faith. Will these five learn to cook after Heidi’s classes? What else will they get out of their classes? What about Heidi , what will she get out of these classes and her students? I also love that Wanda E. Brunstetter put her recipes from the classes in the back of the book. All these sound so good, simple, and easy to make. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2017
Wanda E. Brunstetter books are kind of easy-going for me. This one has a little more substance, perhaps because she introduces us to a room full of interesting characters. As I read the book I could see that each one has a specific problem or challenge, Amish and English. Heidi is the main Amish character who fills her need by starting a cooking class which her aunt inspired as a quilting class teacher. She invites class members into her own home and kitchen to teach them simple Amish recipes. I don't think she is even prepared for the diverse characters and problems they present.
I enjoyed the book and the methods the author has Heidi use to be a quiet, yet strong, witness of God's love to the room full of people. Class member not only need help with cooking, but with loneliness, burdens, poor choices, fearsome challenges and more. These were realistic and sometimes heartrending experiences. The challenges are interesting and some bring forth additional problems. I did find Heidi's husband a character that I didn't care as much about as he comes and goes frequently. He isn't as in depth as the other people and not quite in tune with his wife, which can be normal, sadly. Mrs. Brunstetter surprised me with a couple of twists and turns that kept the book interesting to the end. She included recipes too which gave me a better idea of the food prepared during the cooking classes. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
I enjoyed the book and the methods the author has Heidi use to be a quiet, yet strong, witness of God's love to the room full of people. Class member not only need help with cooking, but with loneliness, burdens, poor choices, fearsome challenges and more. These were realistic and sometimes heartrending experiences. The challenges are interesting and some bring forth additional problems. I did find Heidi's husband a character that I didn't care as much about as he comes and goes frequently. He isn't as in depth as the other people and not quite in tune with his wife, which can be normal, sadly. Mrs. Brunstetter surprised me with a couple of twists and turns that kept the book interesting to the end. She included recipes too which gave me a better idea of the food prepared during the cooking classes. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
January 27, 2017
An excellent cook, Heidi Troyer, at the suggestion of her Aunt Emma, decides to offer bi-weekly Amish cooking classes for anyone regardless of cooking skills.
Five very different people sign up for the class. They include an Amish widower, a widow that has two small children, a young engaged school teacher, a unwed teen, who is expecting a baby, and a Viet Nam vet.
After each class, Heidi's students set down and eat the food that they have prepared. Before each of them leaves to go home, Heidi gives them a recipe card with the dish written on it and on the back she writes a Bible verse.
Each student in Heidi's class is seeking out something in his or her life. and each time that they are faced with a situation during the week, they refer back to that Bible verse on the back of the recipe card.
Heidi herself, is facing the disappointment of not being able to have children after eight years of marriage.
By the end of the cooking classes, all of her students have found answers for their problems, or have grown more confident. For two people love and friendship blossoms.
I really enjoyed reading Amish Cooking Class The Seekers. It was a story of love, abandonment, PTSD, renewal of life, and disappointment.
I would highly recommend this book. I looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received an advance copy from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Five very different people sign up for the class. They include an Amish widower, a widow that has two small children, a young engaged school teacher, a unwed teen, who is expecting a baby, and a Viet Nam vet.
After each class, Heidi's students set down and eat the food that they have prepared. Before each of them leaves to go home, Heidi gives them a recipe card with the dish written on it and on the back she writes a Bible verse.
Each student in Heidi's class is seeking out something in his or her life. and each time that they are faced with a situation during the week, they refer back to that Bible verse on the back of the recipe card.
Heidi herself, is facing the disappointment of not being able to have children after eight years of marriage.
By the end of the cooking classes, all of her students have found answers for their problems, or have grown more confident. For two people love and friendship blossoms.
I really enjoyed reading Amish Cooking Class The Seekers. It was a story of love, abandonment, PTSD, renewal of life, and disappointment.
I would highly recommend this book. I looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received an advance copy from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
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