Goodbye to Yesterday

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 6 million copies sold. 

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too.
Ms Brunstetter has a beautiful and informative website where you can learn more about her and her books.  It can be found at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Goodbye to Yesterday is Part 1 of the six part  Discovery Saga.  

Synopsis:
When Luke Stoltzfus loses his job at a furniture store in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he is given an opportunity to learn a new trade from his uncle who lives in Indiana.  Despite his wife's reservations, Luke jumps at the chance and makes plans for a quick trip to Middlebury.  Along the way, Luke meets with tragedy, and life as he knew it will never be the same.  Despite all odds, will the faith and love Luke and Meredith share be enough to bring them back together again?  Or will Meredith begin a new life with another?
You can learn more about The Discovery Saga by going to the Facebook page found HERE.

My Thoughts:
Ms Brunstetter writes from a deep well of knowledge about Amish life and culture.  And this sets her apart from other writers of Amish novels.  While Amish fiction has never been my favorite genre to read, I enjoyed this installment of The Discovery Saga.  Goodbye to Yesterday introduces us to Luke and Meredith just over a year into their marriage.  The story is tender and moving and depicts the realities of various struggles in relationships.  Ms Brunstetter tells their story and eloquently weaves in current themes such as economic downfall all the while staying true to authentic Amish life and she adds a bit of mystery.
The book is short - only 121 pages in a pocket sized binding.  I read the book in just a couple of hours and in the carpool line.  
The remaining five portions of the story is being released in five consecutive monthly installments beginning with the release of part two, The Silence of Winter, in March 2013.  The way this book ends leaves you kind of disappointed.  I'm ready to know what happens!  I really wish the story was presented in one complete novel rather than divided up into 6 parts over such a long time.  You can order the books from Amazon.com by going HERE.

Thank you Julie Busteed with Handlebar Central for sending the book for the purpose of review!

Happy Reading,
Jennifer