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 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.
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.
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.”
In this interview, Wanda talks about her latest novel, The Protector.
FF: What inspired the story in your book?
My husband and I have visited Mifflin County, PA several times, and each trip has given me more insight as to why the Amish who live there dress the way they do, and drive different colored buggies. I have written a few other series that involve a mystery, and I thought it would be fun to write another one—this time set in Mifflin County, which some call “The Big Valley.”
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in your book?
Norman Petersheim is one of the main characters. He’s the oldest sibling and feels like his job is to protect his family. When Norman’s sister, Rosa, disappears, Norman blames himself, believing that he didn’t do enough to protect his sister. Rosa’s father, the bishop in their community, is certain that Rosa left of her own accord, because she didn’t like the church or her home rules. Norman and his mother believe that some type of harm may have come to Rosa, or she might have been abducted. Although the authorities have conducted what they believe to be a thorough investigation, Norman tries to find out what happened to Rosa on his own. Susan, one of Norman’s other sisters, has always been jealous of Rosa. When Rosa disappears, Susan makes an effort to please their distraught mother, hoping she will become the favorite daughter now.
FF: Which character surprised you the most?
It was Norman who surprised me the most, because he allowed his desperate need in the quest to find his sister to ruin the relationship he’d had with his girlfriend, Salina.
FF: Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful way to share truth?
Readers often connect with characters they read about, especially if they can relate to things that occur in the book that may have happened to them as well.
FF: What can you tell us about your next book?
The next new novel I have coming out will release in Jan. 2025. It’s a cute stand-alone, entitled, The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, and I co-authored it with Martha Bolton, an author and playwright. A musical play, inspired by the book, will open at select theaters sometime in 2025.
FF: What kind of research did you do for this book?
Spending time in Mifflin County gave me plenty of opportunity to do research for the three books that will make up this series. I felt it was important to get to know the people there and experience for myself what the area, customs, etc., are like.
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading your book?
I hope my readers will understand that Amish people are often faced with the same kinds of problems we English deal with. I also want readers to see that when we are faced with difficult circumstances, such as what takes place in this book. we need to accept help from others, and above all, rely on God, as well as family and friends, to help us get through the ordeal.
FF: What are the biggest challenges for you as an author writing in your specific genre?
Since both my husband and I have an Anabaptist heritage, and we have many close Amish friends, I don’t feel challenged to write about the Amish. Even so, there are always challenges an author must face when writing any novel—coming up with an interesting topic—making sure all the chapters flow well—and giving each character a distinct personality that will help the reader relate to them.
FF: What authors or books have inspired you as an author?
I have always loved to read, and as a child, I read a book called Nancy and Plum, by Betty McDonald. The storyline, about two orphaned sisters, pulled me into the book from the very first page, and I couldn’t put it down. As an adult, I’ve been inspired by many other authors, including Karen Kingsbury, Tracie Peterson, Collen Coble, and Janette Oke, to name a few.
FF: How has your faith or world view impacted the way you tell stories?
My faith in God, which began as a child, has brought me through many joys and trials in life. I feel blessed to be able to create situations for my book characters that readers have told me has helped them grow deeper in their faith, strengthened relationships, and given them a desire to help others who are hurting or in need.
The Protector
A Mifflin County Mystery Series #1
Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour Fiction
Genres: Amish Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2024
ISBN-10: 163609760X
ISBN-13: 978-1636097602
Book Summary:
A Mysterious Disappearance Shakes an Amish Family’s Faith
In book one of a 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?
CLICK TO BUY
Buy The Protector from theFamilyFiction Amazon Affiliate HERE!