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Brides of Webster County #1
Going Home
Faith Stutzman Andrews left her Missouri Amish community ten years ago to pursue her career as a comedian. Now widowed, Faith shows up on her parents' doorstep with her six-year-old daughter in tow. Will the lure of the English world prove too strong for Faith, or will she discover that home is where her heart is? Confirmed bachelor Noah Hertzler often bakes desserts that he gives to others, attaching verses of Scripture to each culinary delight in the hopes of soothing the soul as well as nourishing the body. Can Noah's tactics heal a shattered Faith before she runs away again? Going Home is book 1 in the The Brides of Webster County series. Other books in the series include On Her Book 2, Dear to Book 3, and Allison's Book 4.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
194 people are currently reading
1131 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
219 books2,336 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 141 reviews
April 15, 2013
Some of my co-workers and I decided to read this book as part of our Random Book Club because we had never read a Chri-FI novel before and thought they were ridiculous. We were right. It's a romance novel that is rated G and there is nothing wrong with that, however the story telling was unbearable. Wanda Brunstetter is so repetitive that the book could probably be cut in half if she stopped saying everything over and over again. The main character Faith is just horrible. Not only does the constant mention of her former career as a joke teller and yodeler keep being beat into the reader, but she is incredibly weak and selfish.
I laughed through the entire book with my co-workers over how ridiculous this book was and I am now more confused than ever about why this genre is so popular. I will not be picking up another Chri-Fi novel anytime soon.
I laughed through the entire book with my co-workers over how ridiculous this book was and I am now more confused than ever about why this genre is so popular. I will not be picking up another Chri-Fi novel anytime soon.
May 21, 2010
I have finished the book Going home. I enjoyed it very much. As I said before we have some amish friends and I can see how this story is from someone who knows the amish.
The story was about love and the lack of love. The love for a child,a love for a career,and the lack of love for the Lord. But in the end all things turn out for the best with the help of the Lord.
I enjoyed the book and am anxious to start the next one on the list.
The story was about love and the lack of love. The love for a child,a love for a career,and the lack of love for the Lord. But in the end all things turn out for the best with the help of the Lord.
I enjoyed the book and am anxious to start the next one on the list.
January 26, 2018
Before I even talk about this book let’s talk about the setting. Living in Southwest Missouri my entire life (I was born in Springfield) I am familiar with the local Amish communities. I’ve moved just a bit north of Springfield and enjoy visiting the local (smaller) Amish community in Dunnegan. Mainly, the bulk foods store (hello spices!) and the bakery (hello extra pounds!). There are a few small communities in this rural area of both Amish and Mennonite. This book was set in a much larger community near Seymour which is south of Springfield. When Mom and dad rebuilt the barn, or as I call it My Inheritance, they hired Amish from this community. It was refreshing to read about things that I am so very familiar with between the shows in Branson and things around Springfield (Bass Pro Shops and Fantastic Caverns – can you believe I’ve lived her my entire life and have never been there, despite driving past it twice a day to and from work!). It was a definite squee moment for me to realize that this was my stomping grounds, my comfort space, my home. OK, enough of that, let’s talk book.
I truly loved this book and it was a great break from the suspense and mystery I’ve been reading lately. I need to mix it up frequently to prevent me from getting overly burnt out on any one genre (anyone remember my romance melt down late last year?). This book touches on a couple of difficult topics (domestic assault and alcoholism) but keeps it to such a minimum that I almost feel like glosses over it to some degree. I had a hard time with the idea that when Faith reveals that tidbit from her past it’s never explored at all. ‘No man should ever do that’ kind of mentality without the deeper exploration of how it is currently effecting her life and her idea that marriage is not for her because of it. When she does go on to fall in love and choose marriage it’s still left unaddressed. I found that a touch uncomfortable. If you mention it, it bothers you. If you are against marriage because of it, it bothers you. You don’t not take steps to heal from that and expect everything to turn out rosy. That felt a bit glossed over but it didn’t take away from the bigger picture.
Let’s face it, we knew from the get go that Noah and Faith were going to explore a future together. They went through the same thing that ever reluctant couple goes through that really brings out the Gibbs’ smack in me. She might leave. I want to leave. She was with that tall English man. He must have a girlfriend. She might leave. I can’t trust another man. She might… STOP! Yes, she might leave. Yes, he’s a man and you haven’t had a great experience there but for the love of gravy stop. If you don’t actually talk to each other and let other people make your plans you are only digging your own misery. Communication people. True, deep, lasting relationship are build first on communication. Once they all (Faith, Noah, even her family) learned how to communicate their feelings and hurts then things can move forward. It took a long time (kinda like life right?) but communication lead to so much greatness. I loved the returning of Faith to the idea of faith. Not necessarily the Amish faith but a trust and relationship with God. Something she had left behind because of the hurts her she left her family with. And stayed away from because of the hurts her husband had heaped on. And a reconciliation of those hurts into the arms of God.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/going-....
I truly loved this book and it was a great break from the suspense and mystery I’ve been reading lately. I need to mix it up frequently to prevent me from getting overly burnt out on any one genre (anyone remember my romance melt down late last year?). This book touches on a couple of difficult topics (domestic assault and alcoholism) but keeps it to such a minimum that I almost feel like glosses over it to some degree. I had a hard time with the idea that when Faith reveals that tidbit from her past it’s never explored at all. ‘No man should ever do that’ kind of mentality without the deeper exploration of how it is currently effecting her life and her idea that marriage is not for her because of it. When she does go on to fall in love and choose marriage it’s still left unaddressed. I found that a touch uncomfortable. If you mention it, it bothers you. If you are against marriage because of it, it bothers you. You don’t not take steps to heal from that and expect everything to turn out rosy. That felt a bit glossed over but it didn’t take away from the bigger picture.
Let’s face it, we knew from the get go that Noah and Faith were going to explore a future together. They went through the same thing that ever reluctant couple goes through that really brings out the Gibbs’ smack in me. She might leave. I want to leave. She was with that tall English man. He must have a girlfriend. She might leave. I can’t trust another man. She might… STOP! Yes, she might leave. Yes, he’s a man and you haven’t had a great experience there but for the love of gravy stop. If you don’t actually talk to each other and let other people make your plans you are only digging your own misery. Communication people. True, deep, lasting relationship are build first on communication. Once they all (Faith, Noah, even her family) learned how to communicate their feelings and hurts then things can move forward. It took a long time (kinda like life right?) but communication lead to so much greatness. I loved the returning of Faith to the idea of faith. Not necessarily the Amish faith but a trust and relationship with God. Something she had left behind because of the hurts her she left her family with. And stayed away from because of the hurts her husband had heaped on. And a reconciliation of those hurts into the arms of God.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/going-....
July 24, 2019
Book Review: Going Home Faith comes home after living in the English world. She has her daughter in tow with her. What happen to Faith Stutzman Andrews and her daughter. Faith is widowed but what happen to her husband and what makes her to come home. Noah is enjoying with doing things in the kitchen rather then work in the fields. Noah seem to like help other out and make them feel better. Will Noah be able to help Faith? Their seem to be rules that Faith must follow when she returns back to her parents home. Will Faith decide to stay or will she leave once again. Noah seem like he likes Faith and her daughter. The author does well with this story. It show that it okay to return back home. Will Faith and Noah find love with each other? It seem that Wanda does this. I remember bit and parts about this story when I read it about seven years ago. I would love to reread it in audio book if I ever get the chance. This book is worth reading. If you are a fan of christian fiction or even Amish fiction. Wanda is a really good storyteller and this story is no different.
October 13, 2008
There is something comforting about the way Wanda E. Brunstetter writes. Her books are just something you can slip into bed get all cozy and then slip into a story that makes you feel good. This was the first book I read by her and I was surprised I enjoyed because I had not read any Christian Fiction before. The characters where funny, and inviting. The Amish settings is interesting and romanticized a little I think but I still enjoyed it. If you are looking for something simple, fun and with some religious meaning to read then I suggest this book. You get so invovled in the settings and characters that you feel like you are there eating with them, playing with them and working with them. I think partly the author realizes this as well because she sometimes adds extras at the end of the book like recipes that the character made in the book, which is nice to see. This is the first book in the Webster County Series and following it is On Her Own and Dear to Me.
January 30, 2018
Fast read, well written & interesting how and what it means to come home to family and love - romance slowly comes into play - strong faith - how prayers can be answered even when it seems impossible.
February 26, 2020
This book is about an Amish/English/Amish girl finding her home and her heart and learning that God is closer than you think. If you have not read this series if you are a fan of Amish Fiction this is a must read.
February 12, 2017
A fun and charming Amish romance.
May 29, 2018
I loved this book!! great story!! love this author!! I have read quite a few of her books!!
June 5, 2015
This was a really good story and so true to life. Parents make mistakes. A child grows up feeling misunderstood and judged. She leaves home with dreams of making a name for herself. Somewhere along the way, the "wheels fall off the wagon" and she heads back home hoping to be able to make a fresh start. In this case, it's an Amish family and she has gone out into the English world. Going home is always more complicated when moving in and out of two different worlds. Add the lack of open, honest communication with a number of unexpected events and life becomes even more complicated. Faith Andrews is the woman in this story, but she isn't the only one who is failing to communicate. Only after she starts listening to God does she come to her senses. That's how it is for us all. We need to be open to hear God when He speaks and act on what we sense Him telling us. I recommend this book because of the strong emphasis on faith.
January 22, 2016
Modern day Amish read. Faith has actually lost her faith. She returns home to her Amish family after living in the English world. She shows up at her family's house with her daughter after her husband passes away. Faith hopes to leave her daughter with her family so that she can go back to the world of entertaining. Divine intervention keeps her from leaving each time she gets up to start to share her plan with her father and mother. Noah helps her find her faith along the way. Will she be able to fall in love and give up her English ways?
October 14, 2021
Going home was a heart felt and sad book in the same right. Faith lost and abusive husband, but had a sweet daughter to care for. She had to make the decision of staying with her family and becoming part of the Amish church or going back on the road as a yodeling commdiean. Sadly things wouldn't be easy because she had to lie to those she loved and herself Love found a way to heal the hurts and make a new path for Faith and her small family. 5🌟
July 6, 2009
I really liked this book. I have never read a book about the Amish community, but I loved it. The story line was very intriguing, and it kept me captivated throughout the book. I sat down to read it thinking it would be something I slowly read through, but a few hours later, and I had finished the book.
October 4, 2012
I absolutely feel in love with this author after reading the Daughter's of Lancaster County series.
They're beautifully woven tales from Amish life. The characters are easy to fall in love with. The writing is wonderful. I really recommend these books to anyone who wants a fancy tale from Amish life.
They're beautifully woven tales from Amish life. The characters are easy to fall in love with. The writing is wonderful. I really recommend these books to anyone who wants a fancy tale from Amish life.
July 29, 2015
Going Home (Brides of Webster County)
This is a very good book, I have read it before. If I can read a book 2 times it is a good book. Mrs. Brunette kept me in suspense and that says a lot because I usually have the ending figured out way before the book ends. I recommend this book.
This is a very good book, I have read it before. If I can read a book 2 times it is a good book. Mrs. Brunette kept me in suspense and that says a lot because I usually have the ending figured out way before the book ends. I recommend this book.
July 28, 2017
What happens when a "wayward" daughter returns home after 10 years away from her Amish family, recently widowed with a daughter in tow? Faith doesn't have good memories of her growing up years but wants stability for her daughter, Melinda. Will she be able to leave her daughter or does God have other plans for her?
May 6, 2017
Sweet Coming Home
Prodigal daughter returns to her Amish family after being in the English world for ten years. Her plans to return to her fancy life are interrupted by a series of happenings that serve to heal her broken heart.
Prodigal daughter returns to her Amish family after being in the English world for ten years. Her plans to return to her fancy life are interrupted by a series of happenings that serve to heal her broken heart.
May 9, 2017
Great
The storyline was great.It makes you think about how God works to answer prayers and restore people's Faith when they waver.He is helping when we don't even realize it. Could not put it down from start to finish.
The storyline was great.It makes you think about how God works to answer prayers and restore people's Faith when they waver.He is helping when we don't even realize it. Could not put it down from start to finish.
May 17, 2017
Sweet Read
This is a sweet book about healing, forgiveness, and learning to adjust dreams to reality. Faith has a stubborn streak many can relate to, as well as facing a struggle between two different paths for her future.
This is a sweet book about healing, forgiveness, and learning to adjust dreams to reality. Faith has a stubborn streak many can relate to, as well as facing a struggle between two different paths for her future.
November 15, 2018
Loved this so much. I liked their chemistry!!!!
April 29, 2021
This is a sweet, easy read. I really enjoyed the characters of Faith and Noah. I look forward to making the lemon sponge pie too!
January 30, 2021
Ten years ago Faith Stutzman Andrews ran away from her Missouri home because her Amish parents frowned upon her joke telling and her yodeling. Now, even though she still loves to entertain people with her talents, she is returning to Seymour and Webster County because of the sudden death of her husband. Her parents may not accept her back into the fold but hopefully, they will be willing to provide a home for the granddaughter they've never met.
I always appreciate that author Wanda E. Brunstetter doesn't portray the Amish as never experiencing problems or heartaches and Going Home is a thought-provoking Amish story that shows how the desire for fame and fortune can change the way a person believes. Faith admits that she was a rebellious teenager who left her Amish upbringing to join the English world and she also realizes that her marriage wasn't happy. Even worse, she understands that she grieves more for the loss of a manager than the loss of a husband. These painful realizations prompt her to steer clear of another romantic involvement! "I'll never marry again--that's for certain sure. It would be hard to trust another man."
And then, Noah Hetzler becomes a part of her life and suddenly, the Amish lifestyle becomes much more appealing. Noah's strong Christian witness shows Faith what she's lost and in a moment of revelation, Faith understands that "She must rely wholy on the Lord to meet her needs. No amount of money or recognition could fill the void in a person's heart the way Jesus' love did". Has her return to faith come too late? Will this prodigal daughter be allowed to raise her daughter in the Amish culture that she now fully appreciates? Is it possible for Faith to remain in Webster County?
Going Home is a heartwarming story of forgiveness and redemption and I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish romance.
I always appreciate that author Wanda E. Brunstetter doesn't portray the Amish as never experiencing problems or heartaches and Going Home is a thought-provoking Amish story that shows how the desire for fame and fortune can change the way a person believes. Faith admits that she was a rebellious teenager who left her Amish upbringing to join the English world and she also realizes that her marriage wasn't happy. Even worse, she understands that she grieves more for the loss of a manager than the loss of a husband. These painful realizations prompt her to steer clear of another romantic involvement! "I'll never marry again--that's for certain sure. It would be hard to trust another man."
And then, Noah Hetzler becomes a part of her life and suddenly, the Amish lifestyle becomes much more appealing. Noah's strong Christian witness shows Faith what she's lost and in a moment of revelation, Faith understands that "She must rely wholy on the Lord to meet her needs. No amount of money or recognition could fill the void in a person's heart the way Jesus' love did". Has her return to faith come too late? Will this prodigal daughter be allowed to raise her daughter in the Amish culture that she now fully appreciates? Is it possible for Faith to remain in Webster County?
Going Home is a heartwarming story of forgiveness and redemption and I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish romance.
July 17, 2021
Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in the Brides of Webster County series. Faith Stutzman Andrews is the prodigal daughter who left her Amish community ten years earlier to become a comedian onstage. She is now a widow with a
six-year-old daughter and has returned home to her parents. She wants her daughter to be raised in a stable home by her Amish parents. Noah Hertzler is the youngest son of ten brothers and has stayed at home to care for his parents. He knew Faith when they were children and wonders if she will be able to give up her worldly ways and truly return to the fold. This book is a bit slower paced from my recent reads, but comforting and cozy nonetheless.
six-year-old daughter and has returned home to her parents. She wants her daughter to be raised in a stable home by her Amish parents. Noah Hertzler is the youngest son of ten brothers and has stayed at home to care for his parents. He knew Faith when they were children and wonders if she will be able to give up her worldly ways and truly return to the fold. This book is a bit slower paced from my recent reads, but comforting and cozy nonetheless.
December 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I received this book as a gift, and after hearing a friend rave about Amish romance novels, I dove into the book. It was an easy read, clean, happy ending. Predictable, but that was okay with me. I learned about Amish culture from the reading too. I’ll be finishing the next 3 in this 4 book series.
I received this book as a gift, and after hearing a friend rave about Amish romance novels, I dove into the book. It was an easy read, clean, happy ending. Predictable, but that was okay with me. I learned about Amish culture from the reading too. I’ll be finishing the next 3 in this 4 book series.
November 10, 2022
This one was really boring, Faith was annoying, and that ending made me recoil.
July 10, 2025
This was a winner in my boat! Faith’s abusive husband has died, she can’t keep performing with a young daughter, so she returns, after 10 years, to her parent’s Amish home. Her parents want her to join the church, but Faith wants to get Melinda used to a secure home and then leave and return to performing. I loved Noah’s gentle, loving ways, especially his homemade baked goods with Bible verses attached. He loved her Faith! This was a short, inspiring story that made the reader feel hopeful.
October 8, 2008
Sheesh, I am going through Mrs. Brunstetter's books at break-nek speed. Thanks to that Speed-Reading course my mom made me take in 7th grade, I can finish one of her books in about 3-4 hours.
This was a great story! I really find myself caring about each character. This is the 3rd WEB series that I have read...and enjoyed! (Well, this is only the 1st book..I have 3 to go!
With each of the other series', I could see where the end of the story would lead into the next book. I must admit, since I haven't read the back of book #3 of Brides of Webster County...I canNOT "see" where this book 'leads' into the next one. A teeny-tiny disappointment.
Having attended a Plain church (for more than just a visit), I do find that the books portray that faith, values and lifestyle of the Plain people...which are THAT "simplistic". They have their ups and downs just as the rest of us do.
I do enjoy the Brunstetter series MUCH better than the Lewis series' because in Mrs. Brunstetter's, the answers to your problems are to turn to your family and your faith.
In Mrs. Lewis' books...the answers are OUTSIDE yoru family and faith...that the Amish are not believers in Jesus...and that's just a falsehood.
Ok, off my soapbox. And off to buy #2! (I realy have GOT to learn to use teh Library!)
This was a great story! I really find myself caring about each character. This is the 3rd WEB series that I have read...and enjoyed! (Well, this is only the 1st book..I have 3 to go!
With each of the other series', I could see where the end of the story would lead into the next book. I must admit, since I haven't read the back of book #3 of Brides of Webster County...I canNOT "see" where this book 'leads' into the next one. A teeny-tiny disappointment.
Having attended a Plain church (for more than just a visit), I do find that the books portray that faith, values and lifestyle of the Plain people...which are THAT "simplistic". They have their ups and downs just as the rest of us do.
I do enjoy the Brunstetter series MUCH better than the Lewis series' because in Mrs. Brunstetter's, the answers to your problems are to turn to your family and your faith.
In Mrs. Lewis' books...the answers are OUTSIDE yoru family and faith...that the Amish are not believers in Jesus...and that's just a falsehood.
Ok, off my soapbox. And off to buy #2! (I realy have GOT to learn to use teh Library!)
January 19, 2015
Going Home is the first in a contemporary four-book Christian fiction series set in a Missouri Amish county. A young female leaves her Amish family, becomes a minor actress, marries an "English" gambler/alcoholic, has a child, he dies, and mother and daughter return to the world of their Amish family. That's the setting.
While this is a bit of a standard plot set-up, this is interesting in that the young mother does not want to return home because of the disapproval she is sure to experience from her own parents and much of the Amish community, but she feels that this is the best place to raise her young daughter. She hopes to leave the child behind as she returns to the stage. Family dynamics and religious issues must resolve before Faith can make her final decision about leaving her child behind and leaving forever. The handsome young Amish man determined to befriend her really complicates everything.
This is a simple, squeaky clean romance that will resonate most with people who enjoy novels with complicated family dynamics.
While this is a bit of a standard plot set-up, this is interesting in that the young mother does not want to return home because of the disapproval she is sure to experience from her own parents and much of the Amish community, but she feels that this is the best place to raise her young daughter. She hopes to leave the child behind as she returns to the stage. Family dynamics and religious issues must resolve before Faith can make her final decision about leaving her child behind and leaving forever. The handsome young Amish man determined to befriend her really complicates everything.
This is a simple, squeaky clean romance that will resonate most with people who enjoy novels with complicated family dynamics.
December 9, 2008
12-1-2008
Imagine having your family shun you because you don't agree with them, and then after being away from them for years you are forced to return back home to the family that does not want you back. In the book Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter that is precisely what happens. A young woman is widowed and left with a child and no money to her name. She returns home in the hope of finding a stable environment for her child;however, her amish home does not want her back because she does not want to be amish. Can she work through her troubles with her family? Will she ever find happiness and love? These are a couple of questions I have. Immediately upon begining this book I felt such compassion for this woman. Although you may not be amish, I think that many people could relate to this book and find answers to life. I hope this young woman finds what she's looking for, whatever that truly is. I'm anxious to find out how this book will end.
Imagine having your family shun you because you don't agree with them, and then after being away from them for years you are forced to return back home to the family that does not want you back. In the book Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter that is precisely what happens. A young woman is widowed and left with a child and no money to her name. She returns home in the hope of finding a stable environment for her child;however, her amish home does not want her back because she does not want to be amish. Can she work through her troubles with her family? Will she ever find happiness and love? These are a couple of questions I have. Immediately upon begining this book I felt such compassion for this woman. Although you may not be amish, I think that many people could relate to this book and find answers to life. I hope this young woman finds what she's looking for, whatever that truly is. I'm anxious to find out how this book will end.
August 28, 2017
I read this on the Kindle
This is the 1st of a 4 book series
I enjoyed the book but found Faith so selfish she keeps wanting to leave her daughter so she can go back on the road as an entertainer she knows that it a hard life
In the book she wants to leave her daughter with her parents who are Amish & she left the community 10 years earlier so if it was so bad why would she think of leaving her child there especially without her & after her father was killed
I did find that while i enjoyed the book I didn't enjoy the way it was done with the selfishness by faith
I will be reading the rest in the series
This is the 1st of a 4 book series
I enjoyed the book but found Faith so selfish she keeps wanting to leave her daughter so she can go back on the road as an entertainer she knows that it a hard life
In the book she wants to leave her daughter with her parents who are Amish & she left the community 10 years earlier so if it was so bad why would she think of leaving her child there especially without her & after her father was killed
I did find that while i enjoyed the book I didn't enjoy the way it was done with the selfishness by faith
I will be reading the rest in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews