The Protector - by Wanda E Brunstetter (Paperback)

A young Amish woman goes missing, there are no clues about her disappearance, and her family members are left with unanswered questions that threaten to tear their family apart! Did she leave home willingly, or is there someone or something that's preventing her return? Author Wanda E. Brunstetter shares Rosa Petersheim's intriguing story in the first book of a new series, and her writing skills have never been more evident. The character development is excellent and the portrayed emotions are spot on! The Protector is set in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania in the Amish community of Belleville so the suggestion that Rosa may have willingly left her Amish community presents an intriguing dilemma. Will this community support the Petersheims or will they be censored? We're reminded that tragedy and loss are universal, surface emotions are often misleading, and none of us can truly understand another person's feelings. Families can be strengthened, or they can be destroyed by stress and grief! This well-written book kept me fully engaged with its romance, mystery, and inspiring message of faith. I recommend The Protector to all who enjoy Amish fiction, and I look forward to the next Mifflin County Mystery! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

When Rosa Petersheim disappears without a trace, all of Big Valley is shaken. Not the least of which is her brother, Norman. And as the family's struggles mount, Norman's protective side is stretched thin. He throws himself into following every possible lead, to the neglect of his girlfriend, Salina. While Salina tries to be supportive, Norman falls deeper and deeper in to the mystery of Rosa's disappearance. Can he accept what he may never solve? Or will the Petersheim family be torn apart? I do enjoy Brunstetter's writing and this one definitely does a beautiful job of combining a mystery with the wholesomeness of Amish fiction. I was also intrigued by the fact that the main character was a man. It's not often you find a male lead in this genre, particularly one that acts as the nurturer. Brunstetter does a great job of bringing out Norman's nurturing side with his family while still maintaining his masculinity. Additionally, while Rosa is never actually present in this novel, her impact on the family is felt strongly throughout the writing. Brunstetter leaves us on a cliffhanger, with her disappearance still a mystery. All in all, The Protector was a good book with a unique perspective. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the storyline from her as she continues the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction or is looking for a mystery. *Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is book 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 was a well-written book that shows how a family deals with a missing adult child. This is the first book in a new series. I look forward to finding Rosa. I look forward to learning more about Rosa’s family. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

This is Wanda Brunstetters first book in the Mifflin County Series. It is about the disappearance kf Tosa. A young Amish adult who was last seen by her boyfriend. Norman, her brother, blames himself for her disappearance and tried relentlessly to find her. His obsession to locate her is affecting his relationship with his girlfriend. Rosa’s mother’s health continue to deteriorates as she daily calls the police station for looking for answers about her missing daughter. This book also explores how other members of the family cope with Rosa’s unexplained absence. They don't know if she is alive; ran away or kidnapped.

The Protector is Book 1 in A Mifflin County Mystery series. The story begins with the disappearance of Rosa Petersheim, the oldest daughter of Mahlon and Elsie Petersheim, when she fails to return from a date with her boyfriend. The story pivots from Rosa’s disappearance to how her family members are impacted by her disappearance. Rosa’s brother, Ephriam seems to be the only family member intent on finding out what happened to his sister. Ephriam’s girlfriend, Salina is not happy about all the time he devotes to trying to find his missing sister, which leads to eventual tension between the pair. Ephraim quickly becomes the focal point of this first book, as he carries the weight on his shoulders of trying to find his sister, as well as being self-appointed person responsible for the emotional and physical well being of the rest of the family. Other family dynamics are in play here – Rosa’s sister, Susan sees herself as Rosa’s ‘replacement’ as #1 daughter, and most favored by their mother. Rosa’s disappearance is causing a strain for each member of the family - in terms of their mental health, or in the case of Rosa’s mother, her physical health, as well. Eventually, the family adjusts Rosa being missing. While some of them accept that she may never return, Norman explores other avenues which might lead to clues about his sister’s whereabouts. As far as cliffhangers go, Ms. Brunstetter has set the stage for the beginning of Book 2 in the series.

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

The Protector is the first in a new three-part series from author Wanda Brunstetter. Set in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, the Petersheim family's oldest daughter, Rosa, mysteriously goes missing after an evening out with her boyfriend. With no answers, older brother Norman focuses on trying to find answers, as well as supporting the members of his family as they all struggle with the situation. While members of the family go through health issues, Norman feels the pressure to step up for his family. This combined with search for his sister, leads to the neglect of his personal relationship with his girlfriend. Norman comes to the realization that he must lean on his faith and trust in God, as well as his friends and family, to help him through. I very much enjoyed this story, with its realistic situations, romance, and mysterious disappearance of a character. The focus on faith and support of friends and family made this a read to think about long after the last page is read. While the mystery is not resolved by the end, the story leads nicely into the next book to come, which I look forward to reading. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to share a review. All opinions 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).

The "Protector" by Wanda E. Brunettes is another great book! This author knows how to make the characters and storyline come alive. The story will pull you in by the description and by the end of the first chapter. Norman Petersheim is the oldest brother of Rosa, who disappeared after having an argument with her boyfriend, while at young person gathering. Norman feels responsible of all his siblings, but especially Rosa. Where did she go? Did something happen to her or did she just decide to leave for good. In this book you will see the strain it puts on a family with the not knowing. You see a brother that wished he could do more to bring his sister home and give his family answers, while still trying to live his own life. The Protector shows you into the Amish community and also the struggle of the family with the unknown. The storyline is great and the characters are likable. I highly recommend this book to others! I received is complementary advanced copy for the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

Rosa is gone. Will she ever come back to her Amish home? Norman, her older brother, feels he should have been her "protector." Will her family trust in God? Read this wonderful story and you will appreciate it.