Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection: Featuring Two Delightful Stories

by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter

Two Are Better than One
 
Twin sisters, Elma and Thelma Hochstetler do everything together. They live together, they run a general store in Indiana together, and they are growing old together—neither one marrying young like their peers. But that could change if one of them marries.
 
The Lopsided Christmas Cake
A baking flop still manages to earn high bids from admiring bachelors at an Amish charity auction when Elma and Thelma recreate their grandmother’s Christmas cake recipe in front of a live audience. Will the highest bidder also win a sister’s heart?
 
The Farmers’ Market Mishap
Still single Elma 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 Elma has tried long-distance dating before, and it bound to end badly.
 

Genres: Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Amish

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2020

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

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book featuring two previously released books by Jean and Wanda Brunstetter.
The books follow the lives of twins Elma and Thelma.

The Lopsided Christmas Cake

My Review

A quick and fun read. Twins, Elma and Thelma inherit their grandparents store and home. One sister sees a flyer asking town's people to bake cakes to be auctioned of to help for a fundraiser. The sisters fix up the house but it's a bit overwhelming to them. A lopsided cake involving a cat brings a chance at love for these twins.

The Farmers’ Market Mishap

My Review

One of the original founders of the Amish genre, Wanda E. Brunstetter has done it again.
This is the second book in the Lopsided Christmas Cake series.
It was great to read such a light,fun read after some of the books I've been reading dealing with heavier subjects. The twins, Thelma and Elma no longer live together as Thelma has gotten married and is expecting a boppli since the last book. The sisters are still running their general/fabric store but it's tiring out Elma since with Thelma expecting she really can't help out many hours weekly.
Thelma and Elma go to the Farmer's Market to sell produce and due to a funny mishap, Elma meets Ben. On a flower delivery Ben makes for his mother he takes along his dog, Hunter . As Hunter is chasing the customers cat he runs off and gets lost devastating, Ben. An old boyfriend of Elma's is back in the picture but will Elma even choose either of them or is she too picky in love?
I loved how the dog brought Elma and the man she chose together. When I read a Wanda Brunstetter book I can always count of good quality writing and great Christian values . Superb author!

Pub Date 01 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection is a two story collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter. This is an excellent collaboration between two established Amish genre authors. Both stories feature Amish twin sisters, Elma and Thelma Hochstetler, who are extremely close, both living and working together. The characters are vibrant and very likable. There’s a twist to each story that gives them an interesting presentation. These are great stories, and I really enjoyed them. I recommend this 4 out of 5 star read to all readers of Christian romance, especially Amish romance.

The Lopsided Christmas Cake features free-spirited Thelma’s romantic story. As the title alludes a lopsided cake is the catalyst for Thelma’s romance. Her suitor is a little shy, and Thelma is outgoing. Do opposites really attract?

The title, The Farmers’ Market Mishap, also echoes the catalyst for Elma’s romance. Elma and her suitor may be closer to each other in temperament but they still have their own issue to work out.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of twin sisters Elma and Thelma is truly twice as nice. It was so enjoyable to journey with both of the sisters and see if they find romance. I always look forward to seeing the recipes at the end of each book too!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

[Betsy Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection was two books in one, The Lopsided Christmas Cake and The Farmers’ Market Mishap, written by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter. I highly recommend this book introducing us to two 32-year-old twin sisters, Thelma and Elma, who inherit their grandparents house and general store in Topeka, Indiana, meaning that they have to move to a new place many miles away from their parents in Sullivan, Illinois.
The twins find that their grandparents left a house that was in need of paint and many repairs. The horse they inherited was not as docile as they were used to and there were cats and chickens that needed their attention. The list of things to be done was growing longer. A charity event was to take place where it would benefit others by auctioning off baked goods. Thelma baked her grandmother’s Christmas cake, but it was not quite perfect because she did not have enough icing to frost the entire cake. In fact, it was rather lopsided after the buggy ride to the event, but it did gain a large bid price. Joseph had a stuttering problem especially when he was nervous, and he convinced his best friend to do the bidding for him. That bid brought many days of friendship followed by courtship.
The second book finds Elma still single and still operating the store with the help of Thelma for a few days a week since she is now pregnant with her first child. It makes it easy since she and her husband live across the road from Elma. The summer allows their garden to produce abundantly and they go to a farmers’ market to sell their produce and that is where Ben knocks over Elma’s wonderful basket display. Ben lives many miles from the twins, and he must hire a driver to visit Elma. The courtship causes ill feelings between his mother and Thelma, each thinking that this courtship will cause a move away from them for their loved one.
The book is a delightful read and as a bonus there are recipes at the end of the stories. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #TwiceAsNiceAmishRomanceCollection #WandaBrunstetter #JeanBrunstetter #NetGalley

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is basically two books in one written by Jean & Wanda Brunstetter. I have read many, many books by Wanda & love them all.

In the first book, Elma & Thelma Hochstetler are Amish twin sisters who inherit a home and a store in Indiana from their grandparents when they are killed in a buggy accident. They are 32 years old and both single when they move to Indiana. When they first arrive there, Thelma decides to enter them into a cooking contest using their grandmother's cake recipe. As part of the contest, they have to bake the cake in front of the audience. Because of their nervousness, the cake comes out lopsided. Their product is then auctioned off to the highest bidder. Joseph had seen Thelma around town & was somewhat enamored with her so he outbid everyone else to win the opportunity to meet Thelma. From there they begin to have dinner & get together whenever possible..along with Joseph's friend & Elma, Thelma's twin.

In the second book, Elma is still single & still living in their grandparent's house & running the store. Thelma is married & pregnant but she & Joseph live just across the road from Elma so they help out whenever they can. Thelma is still trying to fix Elma up with Joseph's friend but Elma has no interest in him. In the meantime, she meets Ben Wagler at a farmer's market but he lives quite aways away. She is not sure she wants to be involved in a long-distance relationship but Ben makes the effort to come see her whenever possible.

Thank you to the publisher, Barbour Books & Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion! Great book(s)...I definitely recommend them!

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter a few months ago, I was eager to check out Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection as well! Her writing is an easy light read and I looked forward to becoming friends with her characters!

Are there twins in your family? My first cousins are twins. These sweet stories are about twin sisters who inherit their grandparents home and store. They have learned to work together even in their differences throughout their lives, yet have done everything together. That is, until one finds love!

My twin cousins were quite similar. They did everything together! Eventually, they both lived in the same building in a different state than they grew up! Now that they move in different states, they show their independence from one another. The twins in Twice as Nice Amish Collection is no different! Although they do a lot together, they also show their independence.

I really enjoyed this collection for two reasons: first, I love Amish fiction! And second, the story made me feel like the twins are my good friends that I hang out with quite often. I love their interactions and their differences. Love how they encourage one another and protect each other at the same time.

Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collevtion was provided complimentary in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley and Barbour Books. This book released on October 1, 2020. I give it five out of five tiaras because I felt like the twins became close friends and the community of Topeka, Indiana was where I lived!

[Lisa J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love Wanda Brunstetter, and her books have gotten even better since she teamed up with Jean. She tends to write a lot of amish romances, and she has truly shown an ability to write a very diverse collection that is not cookie cutter in style. Every book she writes (or I should say "they" write these days) touches on an entirely different style and group of problems/scenarios. I love the approach taken to each of these books.

Twice as nice was a set of two stories that focused on a pair of identical twin young women. They had never married, mostly because they always believed they would marry at the same time. When their grandparents were killed in an accident, the twin girls inherited their home and store in another community.

I loved that these books were not at all easy to guess on how they would end. The authors kept up such a wonderful group of events throughout the book that the endings of each were a really nice surprise. The many characters were deeply explored, and this led to a wonderful ability to throw in many plot twists where the reader could truly feel for each character as the many events unfolded. There was no easy fall in love and get married plots.

I will absolutely continue to seek out more books by this author duo as they continue to write! I look forward to the topics they choose to explore next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the fact that both stories are about the twin sisters, Elma and Thelma, so there's continuity in the characters and story line. I watch a lot of cooking shows, so I particularly enjoyed the cooking demonstration with the lopsided cake and the humorous mishaps.
Thelma and Joseph's attraction was almost instantaneous. It was a little too fast for me but it was sweet. Elma's temperament or personality seemed to change a little from the first part to the second. Maybe she mellowed with the passage of time a bit.

I wish I knew what year or decade the story was set in. I sometimes felt like I was reading something set in a much older era, but then there'd be a reference to something quite modern. I know some of my confusion probably came from not catching when something was referring to an Englisher (although there weren't many of them in the story) instead of an Amish person. For example, there'd be talk of a phone box and then a cell phone. It just jarred me once in a while.

This book has a slower pace. It takes a while to get to the point where the twins meet the men. It gives you more time to get to know the individual characters but as someone who reads a lot fast-paced books, I sometimes wanted it to move a little quicker. I like when there's more time for relationship interactions and development.

Thank you to Barbour Books for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thelma and Elma are twin sisters that just inherited their grandparents store and house. Moving away from their parents home is full of promise for the sisters. They are excited for the challenge and they hold on to the promise of having each other's back. They are in a new Amish community with this move and meeting new friends. The sisters are identical looking but their personalities are completely different. This was developed well in the story line and in the challenges they faced. Being older and never married, they both dreamed of finding suiters at that same time. It looks like they may have found them in Joseph and his best friend Delbert. They meet at an Amish fundraiser when the men bid on their unusual cake.

Of course a romance buds but for only one sister. The 2nd story is how the sisters adapt to separate lives and a possible romance for the sister left behind. The sisters are faced with different challenges of running a business, taking care of a home, home repair, and trusting God in the midst of all the changes. The twins have a special relationship as well. This adds to their story that family is important.

A special thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite authors are at it again with a winner!! Here we have twin sisters....Thelma and Elma Hochstetler who are not only twins, but identical ones....sounds like trouble, doesn't it??!!

In the first book, of this collection, "The Lopsided Christmas Cake", you will find that the sisters have inherited their grandparents house and general store. Now they must move away from home and try to survive on their own. THAT in itself is a trip.....first the mouse, in the house, kittens in the basement and 2 men who may be the sister's salvation of being "old maedels". Thelma has volunteered to make a cake, in front of a live audience and this is where the fun begins!!

In the second book, "The Farmers' Market Mishap", we find that Elma is the sister of this story. Elma has her own issues and somehow her life is full of ups and downs, cats and dogs, a new helper at the store and a possible suitor....or not. Life has many turns and Elma is finding out that you have to be able to "go with the flow".

Sit back, get a warm and wonderful drink, and a soft blanket.....the evening has just begun, after you have turned Page One!!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice As Nice Amish is an Amish romance collection by author(s) Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter.

The Lopsided Christmas Cake

Elma and Thelma Hochstetler were twins who inherited their grandparents’ house and store. Thelma saw it as an adventure, however, Elma was overwhelmed. They would be 300 miles away from where they grew up. Thelma saw the adventure through rose-colored glasses. Elma saw it as work.

The Farmers’ Market Mishap

The Farmers’ Market Mishap continues with Elma and Thelma. It is well-written with an immersive setting. The twins had always been close, never wanting to depart. Promising never to marry unless the other twin married, too.

Twice As Nice Amish Romance Collection had realistic characters and a slow pace, that I enjoyed.

I give Twice As Nice Amish Romance Collection 4*/5*

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is two segments in the story of twins, Elma and Thelma Hochstetler. The twins are in their 30s and are unmarried. When their grandparents die in an accident they are surprised to find out that they left their house and business to them instead of their father (her grandparents’ only son). Their father and mother also run a general store. The twins decide to move to the small town where their grandparents lived and look over their new property. The house and the store are run down but they forge ahead to make a living on their own. In the first story Thelma, the outgoing twin, meets her match and in the second one Elma, the more businesslike twin finds hers. Any more about that would ruin the stories.

This was highly enjoyable and I would highly recommend it to those who enjoy this genre and especially are fans of the Brunstetters (Wanda and her daughter-in-law Jean).

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Ann Readyoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

#TwiceAsNiceAmishRomanceCollection#Net Galley
A great book as usaul. As the book opens twin distresSing and Thelma find out their grandparents have left them a house and store in Indiana. They have always been together and they have never married. In the first story The Lopsided Cake is a story of a cake that the twins make for a auction for helping the people in their new community. Their cake gets the highest bid because Joseph wants to meet Thelma. They double date with his friend Delbert but their is no. Spark. In the second blosSoms is married to Joseph and expecting a baby. Emma is still single and wants no more than friendship with Delbert. Emma meets Ben at a farmer's market but he is from another community. Will they be God to make a relationship work ? Will Ben move? Will Emma leave her sister? Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

* THE LOPSIDED CHRISTMAS CAKE - Wanda Brunstetter -
Thelma and Elma, 32 yo, are sisters. They moved to Topeca, to run the shop from Gran they inherited.
"Free-spirited, that is what Dad called Thelma, while he'd labeled Elma as the serious one".
The twins are a special bond, but as said Emma: "We may look alike and enjoy some of the same things, but we're not identical in every sense of the word".
They cooked a Christmas cake for a charity auction, and met two nice single man, perhaps love is in the future for them?
* THE FARMER'S MARKET MISHAP - Wanda Brunstetter -
Thelma found her soul mate and now is happy married, she lives near Elma in Topeca.
Elma runs her grandparents shop, grows a vegetable garden, has chicken and her horse to feed and take care.
A day the twins organize to go to the market to sell the produce and..
Plain, realistic, lovely story.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection contains two light-hearted Amish romances that I enjoyed reading. Both tales are well-written and have engaging characters. The Lopsided Christmas Cake is such a cute story. I liked Thelma who is outgoing, friendly, and full of life. Elma was a little harder to like, but she does grow on you. The writing style made this charming tale a breeze to read. The Farmers’ Market Mishap has a good pace, it is just the right length, and it has a satisfying ending. I especially liked the addition of Hunter/Freckles. He is a smart and loving dog that accomplishes what the humans could not. Each story can be read as a standalone, both I heartily recommend both of these charming Amish stories. This collection of books is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection will leave you smiling.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: These two stories were published several years ago. However, it’s great to have both stories in the same collection.

I enjoyed reading the stories of twin sisters Elma and Thelma Hochstetler. They think they’ll be living together forever, and neither anticipated marrying or having a family. The fun begins when love knocks on the door of Thelma’s heart. “The Lopsided Christmas Cake” features her story, and is one of my very favorite books by Wanda Brunstetter. “The Farmer’s Market Mishap” tells Thelma’s story, and her attempt at long-distance dating.

Both of these stories are sweet and full of fun. I found myself smiling as I read these books. If you are looking for something heart-warming to read, this collection is perfect for you.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection by Jean and Wanda Brunstetter is an enjoyable set of stories. The two stories follow twins Elma and Thelma as they move to a new town to take over their late grandparent's home and store. When they enter their grandma's Christmas Cake in a baking show/auction, it turns into a lopsided mess, but still brings in more money than any other item there. Joseph and Delbert are two men who bid on the cake, and while Joseph finds himself falling for Thelma, Delbert and Elma don't really get along. Will the twins find love in their new lives? I enjoyed this book and both stories in it. The Brunstetter women always write enjoyable stories that relate to our lives, even if we aren't Amish.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection by award winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter is a collection of two previously released novels that I really enjoyed. These are the stories of Amish twin sisters, Elma and Thelma Hochstetler. The girls are extremely close as most twins seem to be, but they also live and work together.

I love the Brunstetter ladies’ writing style. It is intriguing, relatable, and easy to read. The characters are well rounded. The stories always include a bit of humor, and most importantly they have a spiritual message.

I highly recommend this Amish Romance to all readers. It is a nice break from the trials of today. It gets a 5 out of 5 rating from me.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda Brunstetter never disappoints with her Amish Romance. Here Wanda and Jean put together two previously published books into a Duet. I’ve read many of Wandas books but not these. So I was excited to read them. I always like to read series in a row and this made it very easy as I didn’t even need to get a new book.

Elma and Thelma are identical twins in their 30s. They vowed when they were younger to only marry if the other had someone. Of course later in life one finds a suitor and it causes some concern. The second book is the follow up for the other sister.

Thanks Wanda and Jean Brunstetter, netgalley and Barbour publishing for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This pair of stories about Twin sisters was beautifully written. The change in perspective from various characters gave a complete view of the story. Elma and Thelma were fantastically written and grew through the course of the stories. I learned to love them and all of their supporting characters as I learned more about the Amish culture. The supportive nature of these communities is clear in this book. I hope to read more stories by these authors in the future. The characters and the story were compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed my reading of these stories.

I received an eARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of these authors I am reading. Beautiful!!!

Two wonderful stories of love found! I like how the authors wove beautiful tales of love and family together. I liked how the Amish life was illustrated in the stories. The characters were very relatable and the story enjoyable. I loved how Thelma and Elma found love through very unlikely situation. I admired their courage to step out in faith into the unknown and to tackle hard things. The bond between them was beautiful. I loved how they choose to wait on God for their choices of life partners.

An overall good book.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

[Ayla Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection tells the stories of twin sisters, Thelma and Elma. When their grandparents leave their house and general store to the sisters, Thelma and Elma leave home to begin a life of their own. They soon meet best friends, Joseph and Delbert. Will they be able to overcome all the obstacles they face in living away from home for the first time? Will they find love at the same time? How will things change when another man, Ben, comes into the picture?

I enjoyed the majority of this collection. Some parts felt a little far-fetched, but all-in-all, this collection was a sweet short read. If you like to Wanda Brunstetter's Amish fiction, you will want to grab this one.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice as Nice Amish Romance Collection by Jean Brunstetter and Wanda E. Brunstetter is an easy to read Amish romance. There are are two stories in the book with a set of twins, Elma and Thelma.
Both stories are full of Amish family life, humor, friendship, and romance. I didn't want to put it down. There is a recipe included.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Linda Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable book to read. It is a story of friendship and loyalty. I love to read about the hard working faithful amish people. These authors teamed up together and created this 2 story, they flowed together very well.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not read many romance books because I want good, clean, warm your heart romances with no cursing. The Brunstetter ladies are my favorite authors for romance and/ or cookbooks. The same quality of writing is displayed in both genres. I don't even read the book descriptions, I just buy them.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is comprised of two previously released stories. Both stories follow twin sisters on their journey of self discovery and love. A must read for any Amish fiction fan.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and netgalley in return for my honest opinion.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both of the stories in this book. They are well written sweet Amish romances that hold your attention. This book was a joy to read and I highly recommend it. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book through netgalley. I love Wanda's book's I met her and her family in person. I love each and every one of her stories. they get better and better each and every time.. I can't wait for more or her Book's. I think Wanda's a wonderful story teller.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Loved both stories!!! I think I read both stories before but I didn't remember them!! Didn't like elma in the 1st book!! Didn't like dorthy in the 2nd book!! I love these authors books!!

[Tracy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the lives of identical twins Thelma and Elma, who inherit their grandparents house and general store in Topeka.

I actually read both of these books separately but very far apart, so reading them together in one book it was a lot easier to follow.