The Protector is Book One in author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s new A Mifflin County Mystery series. It is a Christian contemporary Amish novel set in Belleville, Pennsylvania. Author Brunstetter is definitely an expert on all things Amish, and her writing displays it.

This is the story of the Petersheim family. Norman is the oldest son. His sister, Rosa, has disappeared. Their family is suffering from worry and stress wondering where she might be. Norman has made it his mission to find her or at the very least get information about her. Unfortunately this has created issues in his relationships and his faith.

The characters are believable from the worried mother to the whiny sister. I was invested in each one as well as the story. It had me reading until the wee hours of the night when I finally finished it. There is light romance, mystery, Christian messages, and more in this new book from Wanda Brunstetter. I am eagerly awaiting Book Two!

I highly recommend this to fans of Amish mysteries. This would make a nice Book Club selection. It receives a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.

The Protector by Wanda Brunstetter is the first book in the Mifflin County Mystery series.

When Rosa Petersheim disappears, her brother, Norman, who deeply feels the responsibility of protecting his family feels guilty that he hadn’t been able to protect Rosa the night she disappeared and becomes obsessed with trying to find her.

Not knowing whether Rosa is alive or dead and questioning did she leave on her own or was she abducted as she made her way home after dark, the Petersheim family lives each day praying that Rosa would walk through the door to be with her family once again.

The book leaves you wanting more and looking forward to the future books in the series.

I highly recommend this book if you love mysteries and Amish Fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the advanced reader’s copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A new series by a seasoned author

I have probably read all of Ms Brunstetter's books and thoroughly enjoyed them. The Protector is the first book of a new series and has a theme of dealing with uncertainty and challenges. As usual, it is well written in a cozy style with details of Amish lifestyle along with universal themes. I highly recommend this book for those, like me, who like the Amish genre, but, as well, for those who want a comforting but thoughtful read in these times.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-limited e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

This is a wonderful start to a new series. The book starts out with a mystery that rocks the Amish community. Rosa has turned up missing with no trace for anyone to follow. Right away I was glued to this intriguing book. I adored Norman and his intense need to protect his family and those around him. Each day his sister is missing, he deepens his search to find her. Why aren’t the police looking diligently for her? Did she run away or did something far worse happen to her? Norman tries so hard to keep his wits about him while juggling work, a relationship and watching over his family. I loved his deep faith but it upset me to think he blames himself for his sister’s disappearance. Have you ever blamed yourself for something that you didn’t have control over?

I have to mention one of Norman’s younger sisters. Susan has a big problem with jealousy over her older sister that is missing. She feels like her mother loves Rosa more than her. When Rosa disappears, Susan steps up to get her mother to love her more. It was so sad to see this young woman more worried about being the favorite in her mother’s eyes than being concerned about her older sister missing. The author does an excellent job of showing how jealousy can turn a person’s heart to bitterness.

The author also touches on Graves Disease. Norman’s mother has been diagnosed with it and now the family has become more concerned for her health. I didn’t know anything about this illness but I appreciate how the author gives us facts that help us understand it better. The family is starting to become overwhelmed with everything going on which starts to affect relationships. One thing that is important about this book is how we need to always make time for God. In the story many of the characters become so involved in things going on in their lives, they stop spending time with God. “There are too many lukewarm Christians warming benches, so to speak.”

Don’t miss this unforgettable story about faith, trust, loss and reconciliation. I love the different scriptures used in the story and faith that was illustrated throughout the story. I anxiously await the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The review is my own opinion.

The Protector which is the debute story in A Mifflin County Mystery series written by Wanda Brunstetter jumps right into theme of the book. The characters are very well defined and bring realism to the story. The mystery will keep the readers interest throughout the entire story. I also loved the cover to this book which will also draw the readers into the story.
I was given a complimentary ebook of this story to read and review from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley. I have rated this story with five stars and highly recommend it to others.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter on a great start to her new series.

The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter
A Mifflin County Mystery
Book 1 of 2: Mifflin County Mysteries
in Amish Romance
A Mysterious Disappearance Shakes an Amish Family's Faith
In book one of A Mifflin County Mystery series, after a night out with her boyfriend, Rosa Petersheim has disappeared from the Big Valley without a trace. Norman Petersheim always considered himself his sister's protector, and he can't believe she would have left home of her own accord. Clearly, he must have failed her. He throws all he has into helping the authorities search for Rosa, while trying to support his parents and siblings--who are struggling both mentally and physically. Salina Swarey loves Norman and hopes they are headed toward marriage, but his obsession with Rosa's whereabouts is driving them apart. Can Norman find peace and contentment, even if he never learns where Rosa has gone?
This is Rosa Petersheim 's story.
This is Elsie Petersheim, husband Mahlon and children 's story.
This is Norman Petersheim and his girlfriend, Salina Swarey’s story.
Rosa boyfriend Ephraim Peight’s story.
HAVE YOU SEEN ROSA ANYWHERE?” Norman Petersheim’s mother asked when Norman entered the kitchen Saturday morning, with the hope that breakfast would be ready.
“No, I haven’t. Has my sister gone missing?” He chuckled and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl in the center of the table.
Mom’s forehead wrinkled, and her stern blue eyes pierced Norman like icicles. “This is not a laughing matter, Son. Rosa didn’t answer when I knocked on her bedroom door, and when I peeked inside, she wasn’t there. Rosa’s bed was neatly made, which seemed odd because she rarely makes her bed before leaving for work. Usually I make it for her.” His mother’s shoulders rose, and with a huff she added, “Like all my children, that young woman has her good points, but she can also be undependable at times. Yesterday, she promised that she would get up early this morning and help me make a batch of blueberry pancakes.” Mom made a sweeping gesture of the room. “But as you can see, she is not here to make good on her word.”
“Did you knock on Susan and Tena’s door? Rosa could be in their room, talking to them about her date with Ephraim last night.”
I recommend this book.
The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Wanda E. Brunstetter .
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.
The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter
A Mifflin County Mystery
Book 1 of 2: Mifflin County Mysteries

Book 2 in A Mifflin County Mystery Series
The Peacemaker

The Protector is an Amish Mystery, set in Mifflin County Pennsylvania. Like with Faith we don’t always find out all the answers. But one day God will reveal the Truth. So Faith and patience aren’t easy. Norman Petershiem had to learn to trust and wait. God answers in his time not ours. A very enjoyable mystery with more gems to come in the rest of the Series

2 stars
Unfortunately, I was not a fan of this book. I read Amish fiction for the uplifting hope filled stories. This one was depressing. There was no lightness at all and it was a slog to get through.

I cannot recommend. I received a complimentary copy from netgalley and the publisher.

This is Wanda Brunstetters first book in the Mifflin County Series and it was amazing. When a young Amish girl, Rosa, attends a party with her boyfriend and doesn’t return, her brother, Norman, diligently tries to find her. Will his obsession to locate her ruin his relationship with his girlfriend? Will Rosa’s mother’s health continue to deteriorate as she daily calls the police station for leads on her missing daughter? I absolutely enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one in the series for the answers to these questions. This was a real page turner and keeps me wondering how it’s going to end. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher. All words are my own.

The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in A Mifflin County Mysteries. The Protector is different from this author’s other Amish novels. The main character is Norman Petersheim who is determined to locate his missing sister, Rosa. We get to see how Rosa’s disappearance affects the family. The Petersheim family are sad and tense. The mother is deeply affected by the loss of her eldest daughter (it’s like the rest of the kids do not matter). Norman has appointed himself the protector of the family and he feels he has failed. We get to know his every thought in detail. It was too much, especially with the mother who was making herself sick, the angry father, and the self-absorbed sister. I could certainly understand why Norman’s girlfriend was feeling neglected (more negativity). I kept waiting for something positive and uplifting to happen. I had a long wait. The conclusion was unsatisfying because it was incomplete. I admit that I am hesitant to read the next book in the series. I have read all of Wanda Brunstetter’s novels, and this is the first time that one of her stories left me depressed (and unsatisfied).

I have in the past loved the books I've read by Wanda Brunstetter. For some reason, this one felt different. It seemed to start slowly and not really go anywhere. It felt a little disjointed, and didn't have that homey, nostalgic feeling that her other books seem to have. I also felt it was a bit anticlimactic, which was a little disappointing and the book felt unfinished.

One of the things I didn't love was all of the thoughts that went through the minds of the characters, especially Norman and his sister Susan. It felt a little frustrating to wade through.

Another great one by Wanda Brunstetter. I will say upfront that this book is part one of three and the bigger mystery wont be solved until the third book so only start this if you're willing to go a little further. However, this is still a good stand alone story. The Petershiem family is experiencing problems as they try to accept their daughter/sister's mysterious disappearance. The mother experiences failing health and, the father, an Amish bishop, believes he cannot forgive if Rosa ran away intentionally. Norman, the older brother, feels much burden as he believes in failed in protecting his sister. Consequently he seeks to protect his other family members even more, going beyond what is comfortable for them. The oldest sister Susan has always felt that Rosa was the favorite daughter, so now that she has disappeared, Susan seeks to endear herself to her parents in an attempt to attain the favored status.
As the family works through the feelings and circumstances they don't completely understand, Norman endangers his relationship with Salina, the girl he hoped to marry. Devoting himself to searching for his sister draws him away from Salina and the rest of his family along with making him feel a failure in having been unable to learn anything of his sister's disappearance.
Brunstetter expertly captures the emotions experienced by this family onto the pages of The Protector, making it impossible to put down. You might read this in one sitting! Join the Petersheim family in their sorrow, joys, small victories and utter defeats as they navigate the unknown path of dealing with Rosa's disappearance. Romance, suspense and insight into the Amish lifestyle are all part of this captivating story.

This is the first book in a series that begins with a mysterious disappearance of a young lady within the Amish community, gone without a trace. While well within the author's normal Amish setting, this story is a slight departure that involves a mystery of a girl who goes missing without explanation and a brother willing to do anything to find her and get her back. Each character deals with the disappearance differently, and the author does a great job of highlighting that. While the story leaves some questions unanswered, it also leaves the reader anticipating the next installment in the series.

I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.


With a male protagonist being the lead character, THE PROTECTOR, by Wanda Brunstetter, is a departure from her regular Amish fiction. What’s even more of a decampment from this genre queen’s usual fare is the relentless, wretched attitudes of the characters.

Every good story needs conflict, an antagonist or 3, tension and the like, so there can be protagonists and growth with eventual resolution and in the case of Miss Wanda’s books, the proverbial HEA, (happily ever after), at least until the next book in the series has its dilemma. Norman, the MC, is a self appointed PROTECTOR for his family and he’s martyring himself, which unfortunately, we readers get to read about; Every. Single. Thing. He. Thinks. Good ol’ Norman, and he is a mostly good guy, has a sister who is so self absorbed, I wanted to spank her - almost every time she opened her mouth. This young woman is almost 20 years old! In Amish years, that’s full grown.

There are a younger brother and sister who are tolerable but they are trying to be seen and heard. Dad is angry and Mom is sick, to the point of potentially jeopardizing her life. All of this is related to older sister, Rosa, running away from home. It’s been months with no news. Was she kidnapped? Leave on her own? Murdered? Something else? Norman is fixated of solving this mystery at the cost of his relationship with his girlfriend. His stress level is high and gets worse when family pressures come crashing down from multiple events.

For the life of me, I cannot fathom why Brunstetter opted to voice the incredibly annoying thot’s and whines of these characters for SO LONG. The resolutions didn’t come until the last 3 pages of the book. That’s literally, the last 1% of the story; too much aggravation and not nearly enough resolution and HEA for my liking. Perhaps it has to do with the next volume.

Usually, the scripture sprinkled along the storyline is water in the desert; not in this case. These characters were so grating and annoying, with just the minimalist of growth occurring in the final breath, it was too little too late. I hope that this isn’t a Wanda first read for someone. She has so many great books, this just isn’t one of them📚


Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

Norman's sister, Rosa, disappears without a trace. Norman blames himself for not protecting her more even though she is of age. Rosa had been complaining about the rules of The Amish faith. Did she leave on her own or was she abducted? Norman's mom grieves so much that it affects her health, She is diagnosed with Grave's disease. Norman's dad is the bishop so there is a lot of pressure on him to have the perfect life and family. He feels like Rosa left on her own and that they all need to get on with their lives. Rosa's disappearance affects the Petersheim family in many ways. Norman becomes so obsessed with finding her that he neglects his girlfriend. How will his family survive without knowing what happened to Rosa? The not knowing is worse than the knowing. Their faith in God is being tested. Will they learn to trust God during this terrible ordeal? Or will they turn their backs on Him? I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Interesting mystery involving an Amish community. What happened to the missing girl and who is responsible? I look forward to reading more in the series. I receieved a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

Readers who like Amish fiction will enjoy this book. This was not my favorite by this author because the story was a little too drawn out. Susan’s thoughts about her sister, Rosa were alarming. Lack of communication ran throughout the story. What happened to Rosa. Lots of unanswered questions will leave readers anxious for the next book of this new trilogy.

The Protector, A Mifflin Co. Mystery, Book 1, written by Wanda Brunstetter is about family hardships, love, loss and endurance. In Belleville, PA, Rosa disappears after attending a gathering & her brother Norman, who sees himself as her protector, doesn't know what happened or even where to look for her. Throughout the next year Normans siblings seem to compete with each other to be the one that their parents depend on the most, to make up for Rosa's absence. Despite illness & accidents, the family does learn how to get through each day by helping each other. Norman finds that he has been neglecting his true love because of family hardships & his own investigation into his sisters disappearance.

Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, gazing into a vast, uncertain expanse where each gust of wind seems to carry whispers of unanswered questions and unspoken prayers. This is the feeling that envelops you as you read The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter. In this novel, Brunstetter does more than spin a mystery; she invites us to explore the raw, unfiltered emotions of fear, faith, and familial bonds.

When Norman Petersheim’s world is turned upside down by his sister Rosa’s disappearance, we are drawn into his deep internal struggle. Brunstetter reveals a search for answers and allows us to feel the weight of Norman’s responsibility and the profound impact of his faith. I was moved by how Norman’s journey mirrors our own quests for meaning in times of darkness.

One of the most poignant moments in the book is when Norman prays for Rosa and for peace in his family’s fractured world. Brunstetter captures this moment with such tenderness: “Norman prayed silently, thanking God for the food on the table and asking Him to bring Rosa safely home.” It’s a beautiful reminder of how even the simplest prayers can reflect our deepest yearnings.

Through Norman’s story, we confront questions that reverberate with anyone who has faced their own trials: “If the bad things people do bother us so much, can you imagine the way God must feel as He looks down from heaven at the beautiful world He created and sees so much corruption?”

Brunstetter’s portrayal of the Petersheim family’s crisis is vivid and heartfelt. You don’t merely read about their struggles; you live through their pain and hope. The characters become a part of your own thoughts, and the story lingers with you long after the final page is turned.

As The Protector unfolds, it becomes evident that this is only the beginning of a larger journey. The unresolved ending invites us to contemplate not just the mystery, but also the broader questions of life, faith, and hope.

In a literary landscape often filled with familiar tropes, The Protector offers something truly special. It’s not just a book to read but a profound experience that invites you to explore the deeper currents of faith and redemption. If you are searching for a story that touches on the divine aspects of life, this book is a journey worth taking.

I received a digital ARC of The Protector from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Wanda Brunstetter has written another wonderful book.. The Protector has a very good plot and well developed characters.. I recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher. This is my unbiased review.