Wanda E. Brunstetter, A Merry Heart

A Merry Heart

Wanda E. Brunstetter

Barbour, Jan 2007, $12.95

ISBN: 159789298X

At one time, Miriam Stolfus believed that her true love William Graber would come back for her when he left for Ohio. Instead, he never returned to their Amish community, ending her dreams with a Dear Miriam letter in which he informed her he had fallen in love and would marry Lydia Stutzman. In spite of her mom constantly quoting Proverbs 17.22, Miriam has a troubled spirit and heavy heart that even her students notice. She is a twenty-six-year-old spinster who is often a cross teacher with a short fuse.

Widower Amos Hilty has loved Miriam since they were children, but she had eyes only for William. He married but his wife passed away. Amos raises their daughter Mary Ellen mostly by himself though the community is there for him. Though her beloved momma insists Amos would Make a good husband, Miriam believes he only wants her as a mother to Mary Ellen. He has competition with English reporter Nick, but Miriam's bitter heart refuses to let go of William's betrayal. However, she begins to reconsider her values when her niece Rebekiah is severely injured in an accident.

This is a somewhat expanded reprint of the first Lancaster Brides' tale though this reviewer does not know how much differs from the ten-year-old original. Miriam is the star as she stereotypes all men as betrayers in spite of the males in her extended family proving otherwise. The interesting storyline provides insight into the Amish community through the lead protagonist's perspectives and relationships. The support cast adds to the overall discerning glimpse at a "bah humbug" female who begins to understand God's messages of A MERRY HEART after her precocious young niece became wheelchair bound.

Harriet Klausner