The Farmers' Market Mishap - Extended PREVIEW: A Sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake SAMPLE

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

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New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Daughter-in-Law, Jean, Weave a Lighthearted Romance from Indiana’s Amish Country
 
Living alone for the first time in her life is lonely for Elma Hochstetler, whose twin sister Thelma recently married. Though they share the running of a general store, more and more of Thelma’s time is taken up by her growing family. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love.
 
Through a mishap at the farmers’ market, Elma meets Ben Wagler and instantly likes him. But there is a problem. He lives in Grabill—50 miles away! But Elma has tried long-distance dating before, and it won’t work for her.  Besides the store needs her. Her sister needs her. Elma feels love will forever remain beyond her grasp. 
 
Elma has a habit of putting others before her own needs. Can she learn to take a risk at following the desires of her heart?

The Farmers' Market Mishap releases in June!

( Wondering how Thelma met her husband?  Find out in The Lopsided Christmas Cake. )





 

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction

Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very delightful novel.
To me, this would be towards the youth group
There were some funny and cute places that I laughed at.
Wanda is a great writer! I love every one of her books and very strongly recommend in reading them!!
They will entertain you and you can go wherever your imagination takes you!!
This is one of the reasons I love Christian Ann's Amish fiction.
I enjoyed being taken into the Amish world so unlike ours!!!
God works wonders in all of our lives!!
Fantastic story Wanda!!!

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author just writes wonderful Amish books and this one is no different. The story and the characters are just so good that I read in one sitting. I look forward to the next book that she writes and I would recommend this book to everybody. She also includes recipes at the end of the book. Wanda hit a home run with this!

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS
This is a lighthearted romance that is set in Indiana's Amish Country. Two twin sisters are being pulled apart by life. That happens. As they struggle to stay close, many things begin to happen that are slowly putting some distance between them. As Thelma moves on with her life with a husband and a baby on the way, Elma is alone. Sure she dates some but no one seems to be right for her until... She is at the Farmer's Market when a little mishap is the start of a possible romance. A basket of fruit being toppled over started it all. Thelma lives right across the street with her husband and she is expecting a baby soon. She had always lived with her twin, Elma after their parents moved away. They run a General Store and Elma is overwhelmed with everything there is to do. The house needs many repairs, she has animals and gardening to attend to. Then she has t he store and right now Thelma can't help much with her pregnancy being far along. Thelma wants the happiness she has for her sister, but it doesn't seem to be working out that way. That is, until, the mishap at the Farmers' Market. Then Ben Wagler starts to become a part of Elma's life. There is an attraction between the two but there is a problem. They live 50 miles apart. I began to think I knew Elma and Thelma very well. Elma tugged at my heart strings. You wanted Elma to find true happiness with a man who would love and cherish her. You not only get to be a part of Elma's life but a part of Ben's too. He is torn. one minute he feels that Elma is in love with him as much as he is with her. Then the next, she is avoiding him. Why? It is such a clean, sweet read with characters you can grow to love as you turn the pages. I did feel that Thelma and Ben's mother were interested in how they would feel if Elma and Ben were to marry and perhaps move away from them. They cared about themselves a little more than Elma. I always find when I read an Amish book, my stresses and worries of the day seem to lighten. You get to escape to a different world when you enter the Amish life. The authors give the readers, friendships, romance, courting, family and how true love prevails.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Daughter-in-Law, Jean, Weave a Lighthearted Romance from Indiana’s Amish Country


Living alone for the first time in her life is lonely for Elma Hochstetler, whose twin sister Thelma recently married. Though they share the running of a general store, more and more of Thelma’s time is taken up by her growing family. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love.


Through a mishap at the farmers’ market, Elma meets Ben Wagler and instantly likes him. But there is a problem. He lives in Grabill—50 miles away! But Elma has tried long-distance dating before, and it won’t work for her. Besides the store needs her. Her sister needs her. Elma feels love will forever remain beyond her grasp.


Elma has a habit of putting others before her own needs. Can she learn to take a risk at following the desires of her heart?


How did Thelma meet her husband? Find out in The Lopsided Christmas Cake.


My Review:

With me not reading the first in the series, this book still could stand by itself. But I will have to admit that now I will have to read the first one just for the shear curiosity of it all. The Farmer's Market Mishap is a sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake which sounds phenomenal from what I understand.


Elma has somewhat given up on love, especially now since her sister Thelma has moved on with her life and gotten married and is now expecting her first child. Thelma doesn't want to see her sister alone for the rest of her life. But she knows if she doesn't give Elma a little push this will surely be her fate. So Thelma is trying to push her sister back in the arms of Delbert Gingerich but Elma has seen someone else that has caught her eye. And it seems at the farmer's market she may just get her chance at long awaited love.


Ben takes care of his mother and he just figures he will do that for the rest of his life. But God has a way at laughing at our plans and he starts to turn things around for Elma and Ben. He turns them around in the right direction and love may just bloom after all.


A great story of a great family! I wish I knew these girls. I would fit right in.


**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I find an author that is consistent in her writing. She always delivers well developed characters and the story flows so easily. Who am I talking about? There are several, but there is one that really sticks out. Wanda Brunstetter has joined with Jean Brunstetter to brings readers a delightful story that is consistent in telling a beautiful story about faith, a bit of romance and family.

I absolutely adore the twin sisters Elma and Thelma . They are very family oriented and I love how they are always there for each other. I think that it is funny that Thelma is trying to get her twin married off. Elma is very dedicated to her shop and I liked her honesty about being a bit jealous of her sister who is married and expecting a child. Poor Delbert is really trying to win Elma's attention, but I don't think it is looking good for him. He sure doesn't give up. He helps fix things around Elma's house and is always available when she needs something. He's a good man, but I wanted to tell him to back off a bit.

The Farmer's Marker is a fun adventure and I loved how it was described. Vendors with fresh juicy fruits, vegetables ready to cook and pies that melt in your mouth. What seems to be an innocent meeting between Ben and Elma at the market will change the course of many lives. I loved Ben from the start. He is a hard worker and helps his mom out whenever needed.

I loved the story so much because it captures families and neighbors helping each other . Will Ben and Elma develop a relationship? Will Thelma and her husband have a boy or girl? To get these answers grab a copy of this lighthearted beautufull written story and fall in love with the character. I can't forget to mention Hunter. Hunter is a dog that is very important to someone in the story. Can this dog bring happiness to a couple?

I received an advanced reader copy from the authors. . The review is my own opinion.

[Amy]

In The Farmer’s Market Mishap, we find Elma Hochstetler very lonely and very busy after her twin sister married and is now expecting a baby. Even though her sister, Thelma just moved across the street, Elma can’t help but to feel lonely and even a bit abandoned.

I really felt for Elma. She has resigned herself to being an old maid and is now running the store her and her sister own virtually on her own. The one thing she seems to talk to the most is her cat. She has courted a few men, but either she is too picky or they are. Till one day she meets Ben at the farmer’s market.

Ben is a bachelor of 35 living at home and taking care of his mother. He also has resigned himself to a life of singleness until he meets Elma. The only problem is that they live a distance apart. Distance can be such a problematic and scary word for families. Neither Thelma, Elma’s twin, or Ben’s mother wanted either one of them to move away. It was a sticky situation and I did feel that Elma and Ben were quite old enough to make their own decisions, but the families were comfortable the way things stood and neither Elma’s sister or Ben’s mother were very open about them moving away from one of them. Hmmm, this raised a few of my hackles.

This for the most part is a light summer read that shows that even having a simpler life, life can still get complicated.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/201...

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed "The Lopsided Christmas Cake" by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter that I knew I would enjoy the sequel "The Farmers' Market Mishap" just as much.

The twins Thelma and Elma are living in separate homes. Elma is not taking living on her own so well now that her twin sister Thelma is married and is starting a family with her husband. They still run the general store.

Elma meets Ben Wagler through a mishap at the farmers’ market, he lives 50 miles away in Grabill. Though Elma has tried long-distance dating and it did work out for her, will she give Ben chance?
Elma has a habit of putting others before her own needs. Can she learn to take a risk at following the desires of her heart?

I look forward to reading more books co-written by Wanda and Jean in the future. And if Jean decides to write on her own, I'll be glad to read her books, too.

I received this book through Net Galley and I was not required to give a positive review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twins are fascinating characters to read about and Elma and Thelma Hochstetler are two very interesting characters, for sure and certain. Thelma has married Joseph and they're now expecting their first boppli. Elma has now living alone in the big house they twins had shared. It is a lonely house as well. Thelma and Joe live just across the street, but Elma and Thelma have never lived apart from each other until now.
Elma fears that she will never know the sweet love of marriage and even sweeter kisses of a newborn. The twins are in their mid-thirties which is considered old to be marrying and starting a family amongst the Amish. Elma longs to know the happiness that her sister has found. Up to this point, Elma has not found her perfect man. Will she ever find him?
This is such a light-hearted, fun read. It made me laugh and find great pleasure in the lives of the characters. I really enjoyed The Lopsided Christmas Cake and this sequel might be even better. I highly recommend this book to lovers of Amish fiction and Christian romance.
I am rating this book 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book from the authors and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farmers Market Mishap is a sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake. I really enjoyed this book. I loved reading Wanda's books you are never disappointed in a well developed story and characters. Elam and her twin sister have always been together. Even after Thelma marries they still live by each other and run their grandparents store that was left to them. Only on e thing Elma is now lonely cause she lives alone. Although she has dated a few men she still hasn't found Mr. Right. Till one day she meets someone new at the Farmers Market. Ben Wagler is single man and helping out his mom at the market. While there checking out other stands at the market he accidentally knocks off a bunch of fruit from one stand and who does he meet Elam. She likes him but how can anything become of a relationship when he lives so many miles away. Long distance relationships just don't work. Then there is her sister and her family she couldn't possibly move to Grabill. Then Ben has his mother to care for and his business so how can he possibly move to Topeka? How can the two come together? Get this great book and find out!

[Katrina Epperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake, which I had not read, but I had no problems keeping up with this book. The authors do a fantastic job with bringing the reader all needed information so I would consider this a stand alone story.
I swept away to Amish Country in Indiana and introduced to the lovely Elma Hochstetler. Elma and her twin sister moved to Topeka, Indiana to take over the inheritance of their grandparents home and General Store. As the story opens Elma is adjusting to life after Thelma's marriage and impending birth of her first child. Elma is a hard working young woman, but also finds herself very lonely. She has begun to question if her criteria for a mate is too picky.
I really liked Elma. She has a soft heart, but knows she must stand up for herself. This is difficult for her considering she is always putting others and their needs first. I loved how she hired Lizzie against everyone's advice.
This is a wonderful story about faith, love and following your heart.
*I received this complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farmer's Market Mishap is a realistic story, but aren't most of Ms. Brunstetter's characters abundantly real? This story finds you chuckling and you don't even realize it unless your friend, spouse, dog, or cat ask you what's so funny? You find yourself pulled right on into the story - you feel like you are one of the community you are vested into the characters and the story - you yourself want to find a beau for Elma but all of a sudden you realize hey this isn't real - I cannot call Hal or Elma - although he would have been a perfect gentleman - well that's ok - reading on - what happens to Elma? Will she get her wish? let me tell you what her incredible wish is............nah - can't you have to find out for yourself - that is the fun way - Will GOD grant her the desire of her heart? Will Hal get the desire of his heart? GOD moves in their lives and they rely on HIM - so see HIM move....it is worth it. I received a complimentary copy of this book by the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions in this review are all my own.

if you are interested in more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

[Ausjenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

I read the first book in the series when it was first released and really enjoyed it so was looking forward to seeing what would happen next.

This book takes up after Thelma has married and is expecting a baby. We see Elma is now living along with Tiger the cat she never wanted in book one but is now welcome companionship. We see a couple of interests for Elma but there are hurdles. Thelma would like to see her rekindle a relationship with her husbands best friend but they are just friends. There are times I really get annoyed with Thelma. I found her to be quite selfish in her thinking. She seems to think that her twin should be happy to help her when the baby comes and not put herself first. She also doesn't want her twin to find love in another district. I understand they are close but at times I felt frustrated with her for not realising she had married and was happy and why wouldn't she want her sister to have the same opportunity even if it meant moving away. I enjoy the way the book is written from several points of view and we see each persons motivation.
Another great read by Wanda and her Daughter in Law

[Sherri Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elma Hochstetter is alone and lonely, and seeing her twin sister Thelma recently get married and now expecting her first child makes her feel even more so. When Elma meets Ben Wagler at the farmer's market, she allows her mind to wander to possibly finding love with him, but will the long distance between their homes keep them apart forever?

While The Farmer’s Market Mishap is the sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter. it is not necessary to have read it to be able to understand what's going on in this sequel. This is a fairly short book which I felt was a hindrance to my enjoyment of it, it could have been fleshed out more, the book felt rushed to me as if the deadline was looming soon and the authors just wanted to get it finished. The book seemed rather slow and somewhat boring at times, more details and a less easily resolved situation would have made for a more interesting read. If you want a quick, sweet story as an escape for a day or two from a well-known author, this one might just be what you're looking for.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review.

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all this is a sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake so I would suggest that you read The Lopsided Christmas Cake first to understand the dynamics of the family.
Sometimes family life is complicated especially when one of the family members marries before the other. The "other" one may feel lonely and left out. This is somewhat the case with Elma Hochstetler. When her twin sister, Thelma, marries and is busy and is expecting a new little bundle of joy.
Elma and Thelma run a general store together but Elma just feels the need for her own "exciting" life.
Well as life would have it Elma finds love but not quite the way she wants it to happen.
This is the fun, light heated story of Elma's romance.

*This book was provided by Barbour Publishing and I did not have to write a review; but I chose to do so.*

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elma is living on her own for the first time. Even though she lives across the street from her twin sister and brother-in-law, Elma is lonely and missing companionship. She feels like she will never be married or have her own family.

Ben lives in another town with his mom. His mom has decided to play matchmaker and is trying to match him up with another young girl from close by. His mom is afraid that he will meet someone from another town and move away.

While Elma and Ben live in different towns and try to decide if they should try to have a long-distance relationship, Ben's dog Hunter takes matters into his own hands.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read, perfect for some relaxing downtime.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about twin Amish sisters, Thelma and Elma who run a general store in Topeka, Kansas. Thelma is married and expecting a baby, so she can work in the store on a limited basis, while Elma, who is single spends a great deal of time in the store. Elma eventually hires someone to help out in the store. For Elma romance has not worked out for and she feels she may be single forever.Thelma on the other hand has match making her mind with a friend of her husband, who she thinks will be great for her sister.
Elma decides to sell produce at the Farmers Market and through a mishap encounters a handsome Amish who is also single. Could this encounter be an answer to someone's prayers?

Highly recommend this book!

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Wanda Brunstetter and I really enjoyed it. Although this is a sequel I had no problem following along.

Twins Elma and Thelma live across the street from each other in Topeka, Indiana. They keep busy in their general store they inherited from their grandparents.

I enjoyed Emma's sweet personality and her questioning if she would ever find love and happiness and become a wife and mother as her sister was doing.

When Emma accidentally meets handsome single Amish bachelor Ben Wagler she wonders if romance is possible. He lives far away, his mother is trying to play matchmaker with another Amish girl for him and she doesn't want to leave her sister and family.

Delbert is another man possibly vying for Emma and these two share a past.

Life is full of twists and turns and sometimes the road to love is not an easy one. Emma sees what love truly means in this sweet Amish romance that readers will enjoy.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoy every book that Wanda E. Brunstetter writes. This was definitely no exception. This was fun to have the characters a bit older than normal. This story had me going back and forth as to whether Elma was going to end up with Ben or her old friend Delbert. This was such a good story. I received a copy of this book from Barbour for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farmers’ Market Mishap is a light-hearted Amish romance that I enjoyed reading. It was well-written, had engaging characters, and the story had a good pace with just the right book length.

I liked the addition of Hunter/Freckles. He is a smart and loving dog that accomplishes what the humans could not. This book is a sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake, but it can be read alone.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story with interesting characters. The setting and events are described in a way that makes the story enjoyable and makes me want to read more by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story of how the second unmarried twin found a husband, how her work and life was lived mostly helping and putting others first. Having twin grand-babies born this year I enjoyed this story focused on twins.

[Angie Macfarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I love reading stories that make you feel like you are right there in the story. It was hard to put down because I just needed to know how it was going to end. Wanda is a great writer.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried reading this when I found it at the library but just ran out of time as it came in when a dozen other books arrived. I then found it as an audiobook and was so excited. I hated when I had to turn it off and patiently await for the next time I could turn it on.

[Mary Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a light hearted story by Wanda. It is a sweet Amish romance story. The one twin sister was able to finally find love and was able to overcome the distance between them to make their relationship work. Enjoyed this book!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read an Amish romance. This one went well with likable characters and a reasonable story.. The Amish seem to have a good way of looking at things and actually try to help each other. There were two decent recipes at the end.

[Sarah Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elma Holchstetler has always had a habit of putting others before herself. Her twin sister found love but will she? Delbert was there for her but was it love?
She meets Ben Wagler who is great but lives so far away..... How will it all work out? Just wait and read....

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda and Jean are excellent together. This is a cute Amish romance novel. Easy to read and at times humorous. I like the way they choose to show how different twins can be.

[Pelican Rapids · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed very much--find the Amish stories relaxing

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I enjoyed both books.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to The Lopsided Christmas Cake. These books are always pretty predictable but at least it's nice clean reading.