Wonderful Amish fiction

I really enjoy Ms Brunstetter's books and 'The Peacemaker' was no exception. Especially at this time, the calming nature of her Amish books is so very valuable to me. There is indeed a mystery, some romance, some characters with spine and characters with issues in their past and/or present, a great plot and interesting characters. I can't wait for the 3rd volume in this series (but you don't have to have read the first volume to follow the plot and characters in this, the 2nd volume of the series). Highly recommended!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley with no obligation. The review is optional and my own opinion.

Oh how I love a Wanda Brunstetter story! She had my emotions all over the place. Once I started reading THE PEACEMAKER it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down. What an awesome story. All of Wanda’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.

Once you start reading THE PEACEMAKER it will be very hard to put down! Wanda sure knows how to put a new twist on Amish fiction. Ada’s best friend, Rosa has been missing for over a year. Ephraim, who was Rosa’s boyfriend, reconnects with Ada, and at first, it seems like they just want to solve the mystery of Rosa’s disappearance. Ada is a sweet woman and just wants to keep the peace between her family and friends. She knows many in her Amish community blame Ephraim for Rosa disappearing, but Ada knows now that that isnt true at all. Or is it? Ephraim continues to struggle with his past but wants to be moving forward and he wants to do it with Ada. THE PEACEMAKER is filled with faith, forgiveness, second chances, love, as well as hurt and anger.

THE PEACEMAKER is without a doubt one of the best Amish books I’ve read in 2025 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Wanda Brunstetter is such a wonderful and heart tugging author and she had me laughing and crying on the very same page. I am now going to read all of her previous books that I have somehow missed and she is now an auto buy author for me! THE PEACEMAKER is the second book in the Mifflin County Mystery series and I can’t wait to read the third book, The Pretender, which comes out in August. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a great continuation from the first book in the Mifflin County series. I feel like the reader got to see the characters evolve and try to move on from the disappearance of Rosa.

I feel like there are still so many unanswered questions and I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store. I fell in love with the story and the characters.

I really enjoy reading Wanda E Brunstetter’s Amish stories and this one was no different.

A great story with romance and suspense and a moral besides. Ada and Ephraim, along with their community, learn the importance of forgiveness and how lives can be destroyed by betrayal, suspicion, or even distance. The romance between Ada and Ephraim is tentative at first, considering the unsolved disappearance of their friend Rosa. Rosa's sister Susan has begun to follow in the wild ways of her older siblings but she will learn the painful side of betrayal and the hurt that can be caused by spreading gossipy accusations. Will Ada and Ephraim find their way through the tangled wen before them on their way to happily ever after? And who is starting the fires plaguing their community? A good stand-alone book but also part of an intriguing series.

This is the second book in 𝘈 𝘔𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 series. Throughout the series, the focus is on the disappearance of Rosa Petersheim and how it has impacted the people around her.

In book two, the focus shifts to Ada, Rosa’s best friend, and Rosa’s ex-boyfriend, Ephraim. Ada is sweet and nurturing to all those around her. Ephraim is living with his grandmother in Bird-in-Hand, and while he misses his community, he does not miss having to deal with people thinking he had something to do with Rosa’s disappearance.

Ada has always secretly had a crush on Ephraim, so when Ephraim's family circumstances bring him back to Belleville, PA, it stirs up all those feelings. Ada doesn’t want to act on them because of her loyalty to Rosa. Plus, she’s convinced that Ephraim still loves Rosa. On the other hand, Ephraim feels a strong sense of duty toward his family and believes it’s his responsibility to care for his grandmother. Since she lives in another city, he sees no point in starting a new life in Belleville.

In this book, we continue to hear from Rosa’s brother, Norman, and her sister, Susan. Susan is a character I do not care for, but I feel like Brunstetter is going somewhere with this storyline. I’m holding out to see what happens throughout the entire series because of it.

This book is for anyone who enjoys series, loves a cliffhanger, and is willing to wait for the mystery to be solved. It’s also perfect for those who love sweet romances involving younger and older couples. I am committed to this series and am still anxiously waiting to find out what happened to Rosa.

𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

I'm a fan of Wanda Brunstetter's books, no matter the genre, mystery, romance or even cookbooks, you can count on a good clean story that will satisfy your reading.

Another wonderful book by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I loved revisiting with Norman and his family but also learning more about Ada (Rosa's best friend) and Ephriam, her old beau. This author has a way with creating wonderful characters that make me feel like I'm part of this close-knit community. I love how everyone looks out for one another and I even love how sacrificially Ephriam took care of his grandmother despite really not wanting to leave his hometown and relocate with her. The author dropped hints throughout book two, keeping the story of Rosa's disappearance alive throughout so that I cannot wait to read the final book in this series and find out what exactly happened to her and how it will ultimately affect her family.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

Ata Detweiler's friend, Rosa Petersheim, had been missing for a year. Did she escape, or was she taken? Ephraim had thought about searching for his fiancée.


The supporting character that intrigued me the most was Ephraim. He lived with his widowed grandmother in Bird-in-Hand.


The writing style was conversational and easy to follow. I recommend this book to fans of Amish and Mennonite fiction.


I rate The Peacemaker 5 stars due to its well-crafted dialogue. The title was unforgettable.


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, 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.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What happened to Rosa??
That is the question on everyone’s mind. Rosa’s best friend, Ada, is still dealing with her friend being missing. She starts hanging out with Ephraim, Rosa’s ex boyfriend. Love is in the air but so is another mystery. If you like a slow burn, this is for you.
I really enjoyed the first book, “The Protector” and this one didn’t disappoint. I highly recommend reading the series in order. The next book can’t come out fast enough! Hopefully we find out what happens to Rosa. Many thanks to the author, Barbour Fiction and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#ThePeacemaker #WandaBrunstetter #BarbourPublishing #NetGalley #AmishMystery #AmishFiction #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInAmishCountry

Ada Detweiler's friend Rosa is still missing. In their one year experiencing her loss Ada has grown close to Ephraim Peight, Rosa's boyfriend. Others have been suspicious that he had something to do with the disappearance.
Rosa's sister, Susan, is being rebellious and is seeing Ben, the arrogant newcomer who Norman had to rescue during an ice-skating incident the previous winter. (The Protector) Susan starts making accusations against Ephraim and he pulls away from Ada.
I received an advanced reader's copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. This is my unsolicited opinion about the second book in the Mifflin County Mystery series. I like it very much. The story of the community continues with the shadow of Rosa's disappearance and Ada's desire to bring a sense of peace to the families involved. There is a troublesome mystery going on which includes an arson. Susan is a character that the reader can just feel irked with. It's a good story with two romances. Who is causing problems and what happened to Rosa?
It can be a stand-alone read, but I do recommend reading The Protector if you want to have the whole Mifflin County mystery story.

Loved reading the inspirational and awesome story. Ada has feelings for Ephraim, and she’s willing to spend time with him even if it’s just as friends. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story.

The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Rating: Four stars!!

Language/Profanity: NA

Faith: Praying; Bible verse; mention of Bible reading; church messages.

Romance/Sex: Kissing; wanting to kiss; wanting to be alone with a guy; mention of how a character was brought up to think kissing in public is wrong; marriage; being in a bad relationship.

Violence ect.: Fire; heart attack.

Other: Refraining from gossiping; but also gossiping (in my opinion); rumers that someone killed his girlfriend.

Part of a Series: Yes, it is the second book in an on-going series called Mifflin County Mystery.

Synopsis:
An Unresolved Mystery Holds an Amish Community in Limbo

In book two of A Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s disappearance continues to cause suspicion and pain to swirl in the Big Valley.
 
Ada’s best friend, Rosa, disappeared a year ago and still has not been found. In their grief and confusion, Ada and Rosa’s boyfriend, Ephraim, have grown very close. But some in the community feel Ephraim is responsible for Rosa’s disappearance. Now Rosa’s younger sister is making accusations against Ephraim that can’t be true, and he pulls away from Ada, feeling betrayed. A fire set by an arsonist might finally be the thing to reveal secrets that have long been dividing this community of friends and family. But will it be too late for love between the peacemaker and the suspect?

Thoughts:
First off. The writing was so much easier to get through!!! There were still parts where it seemed slightly awkward, but it was way less than the other book which made it so much more enjoyable. I loved the characters, and the whole story itself. I didn't like Susan, or her boyfriend though. They were... Yea.
Hopefully we will see more of the mystery soon, and find out what actually happened to the missing girl

Favorite character: Ephraim, and Sarah
Part: The wedding
Quote: NA

Bible Verse: Proverbs 19:17 KJV
[17] He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; And that which he hath given will he pay him again.

The Peacemaker picks up right where The Protector ended. It continues the story of Norman and his family’s dealing with Rosa’s disappearance. The main focus, however, is on Rosa’s best friend Ada and her ex-boyfriend Ephraim. I am loving this series. I like all the main characters for the most part and I feel like I really know them. The author does an excellent job of recapping the first book so that if you did miss it, you won’t be too confused. I am eagerly waiting for the third book in the trilogy. Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Book 2 - A Mifflin County Mystery
An Unresolved Mystery Holds an Amish Community in Limbo
In book two of A Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s disappearance continues to cause suspicion and pain to swirl in the Big Valley.
Ada’s best friend, Rosa, disappeared a year ago and still has not been found. In their grief and confusion, Ada and Rosa’s boyfriend, Ephraim, have grown very close. But some in the community feel Ephraim is responsible for Rosa’s disappearance. Now Rosa’s younger sister is making accusations against Ephraim that can’t be true, and he pulls away from Ada, feeling betrayed. A fire set by an arsonist might finally be the thing to reveal secrets that have long been dividing this community of friends and family. But will it be too late for love between the peacemaker and the suspect?
This is Rosa Petersheim’s story.
This is Ada Detweiler's story.
This is Alice and Jacob Detweiler's story.
This is Ephraim Peight’s story.
Rosa Petersheim, disappeared a year ago and still has not been found.
“I bet this nasty weather will keep customers from visiting the greenhouse today.”
Ada composed herself enough to set the eggs on the counter and turn to face her mother. “I mean, who would want to go out shopping on a wet, dreary day like this?”
When folks want something bad enough, they’ll go wherever they want to get it, in spite of the weather.”
“I hope you’re right. I wouldn’t want to be standing around all day at the greenhouse, doing nothing.”
It had been a little over a year since Rosa’s disappearance, and a day hadn’t gone by that Ada didn’t think about the friendship she’d had with Rosa since they were children.
She hadn’t seen Ephraim Peight since he’d moved to Bird-in-Hand to live with his widowed grandmother. Ada wondered if he had talked his grandma into moving here to live with his family. Ephraim’s father, Lewis, was an only child, and Ada had heard through the grapevine that he was concerned about his mother living alone and had asked her to sell her home and relocate to Allensville to live with him and his family. When she’d refused, he’d talked Ephraim into leaving the Big Valley and going down to Lancaster County to be with his grandmother.
“H–hello, Ephraim. It’s nice to see you. Are you back living in Allensville now?”
I recommend reading this book..
The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Wanda E. Brunstetter.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Book 1
A Mifflin County Mystery
The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Book 2 - A Mifflin County Mystery

I am really enjoying this series, I am really hoping for some development in the mystery department. I loved Ada though, she is just the sweetest unlike the sister of Rosa who is still driving me bananas.

Amish fiction readers will enjoy the second book in the Mifflin County Mystery series. Rosa Petersheim disappeared in the first book of the trilogy. This story focuses on the family and friends left behind still wondering about her disappearance. Each family featured shares insights about their life and faith. I felt such sympathy for Ephraim. Glad the barn burning mystery is solved but am anticipating answers given about Rosa in the final book. Recommended.

The Peacemaker is the second installment in the Mifflin County Mystery series by Wanda Brunstetter. Rosa Petersheim's mysterious disapperance continues to play a major role in this story. When Ephriam and his grandmother return to The Big Valley after his father suffers a heart attack, he and Ada's friendship begins to deepen. Could it lead to more than friendship, or will Ephriam always be pining for Rosa?

I felt like a person really got to know the characters in this story. I definitely did NOT like Ben Ebersol!

It did seem like there were a lot of different characters to keep up with in this story, as well as a lot of different towns.

I would advise that these books be read in order for them to make sense to the reader.

This was an interesting story to read, and I'm looking forward to reading the final book when it comes out later this year.

A big thank you to #NetGalley and #BarbourPubslishing for an advance e-pub of this book. All opinions contained herein are strictly my own.

#ThePeaceMaker #NetGalley

In The Peacemaker, Wanda E. Brunstetter crafts a cozy mystery steeped in Amish traditions, quiet suspense, and tangled relationships. With Rosa’s disappearance still casting a long shadow over Big Valley, secrets and silent suspicions weigh heavy on the community. Ada, grieving the loss of her best friend, finds herself drawn to Ephraim—Rosa’s former boyfriend—just as new accusations threaten to unravel everything.

The story moves at a measured pace, allowing emotions to simmer and relationships to shift. While mystery lingers in the air, the real tension comes in the quiet moments—when trust is tested and long-held doubts creep in. Brunstetter captures the weight of an unresolved case and the fragile bonds of love in a close-knit world where every glance and whisper carries meaning.

Though romance weaves through the narrative, it’s the mystery that keeps the pages turning. With whispers of betrayal, an arsonist stirring up old wounds, and a love triangle that takes a backseat to deeper questions, The Peacemaker unfolds piece by piece—never rushed, never forced, just steadily revealing the truth in its own time.

For those who enjoy a slow-burn mystery with a cozy touch, this story delivers. It’s not about high-speed twists—it’s about the deliberate unraveling, piece by piece, of a community’s buried secrets.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher, Barbor Fiction, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

An ongoing mystery in the Amish community has neighbors and strangers questioning what happened. Relationships are tested. Hope, faith, and love may be possible. Good read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

In Bellevue, PA, everyone is still reeling over Rosa's disappearance a year ago and suspicions about her disappearance are still in people's minds. Ada and Ephraim admit their feelings for each other but accusations, mysterious fires & secrets seem destined to pull them apart. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.