Sister's Test

A Sister's Test by Wanda Brunstetter is the second book in the Sisters of Holmes County series. Ruth Hostettler, the younger sister of Grace from A Sister's Secret, the first book, has recently broken up with troubled Luke and seeks the kind of loving marriage that Grace has found with Cleon. When Martin Gingerich starts courting her, they both feel the need to marry immediately, as though something is warning them. The attacks on the Hostettler family farm have continued and ratcheted up in intensity. Someone has it out for this Amish family, and they aren't afraid to take extreme measures. Is it Grace's English ex-boyfriend or Luke, Ruth's ex-boyfriend who is still going through rumspringa? I don't normally read the many Amish Christian fiction books on the market, but this series truly stands out from the rest. There is suspense and mystery along with deep faith and family. It's a real page turner that's impossible to put down. Each member of the family has their own way of dealing with the siege of terror, from the father's quiet acceptance, to youngest sister Martha's detective work. Every character pops off of the page and breathes life into the story. I don't know how I'm going to hold out until July to read the final book in the series, A Sister's Hope, to find out who the attacker is!

As usual Wanda Brunstetter keeps us in suspense. This is a well written book continuing the trials of the Hostettler family. Read to see how Grace and Cleon are doing and how Ruth handles the trials of her life. I can hardly wait for Book #3 to see how everything turns out.

I love how the book is a continuation of the first book, but still has its own plotline. Just when I think I can figure out who is doing all the bad things to the Hostetlers, I'm turned another way and think it's someone else. The ONLY thing I recommend is that you don't read the front cover to see what it's about. I could figure out what was going to happen to Ruth by reading that, and yet it still took me in different turns once it got there. I love the simplicity, the wholesomeness, the suspense, and the emotions involved throughout the book. Can't wait for number 3!!

A Sister's Test is a story of trials and joys. Woven into this tail of the Plain Life is the fact that the Amish often face the same tribulations as the rest of us. They walk the fine line between nurturing their children and spoiling their children. They suffer grief. They have difficulty forgiving. They also experience love. The one theme that runs through the book is that of altruism. Perhaps our culture is a bit short on that. Without a doubt, I love Brunstetter. She has a loyal following, and this book is a perfect example of why. A Sister's Test is the second book in the Sisters of Holmes County series. I am disappointed that I do not have the third book. This book definitely leaves the reader with questions. For anyone with an interest in the Plain Life, mysteries, and love story, this is a perfect book. Brunstetter develops her characters to the point that the reader has a relationship with them. Definitely buy the entire series.