Wanda E. Brunstetter

Who knew a baking contest could come with a side of mystery and just the right dash of mischief? The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits is the kind of cozy read that feels like slipping into a warm kitchen, where something delicious (and maybe a little dangerous) is always in the works.

Fannie Miller’s biscuits are legendary, but it’s her knack for stumbling into trouble that steals the show. When contestants start vanishing faster than a tray of free samples, Fannie ropes in her show more friend Foster—because what’s a little mystery between friends, right?

This story wrapped around me like the scent of fresh bread, comforting and familiar. I laughed, I craved biscuits, and I felt right at home in the charming, small-town chaos. Sometimes, a lighthearted mystery with heart is exactly what you need.

If you’re craving a cozy escape, The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits is the perfect treat—just be sure to have a biscuit (or two) within reach!

I received a digital ARC of this book from Barbour 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 the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less

You know a devotional is going to be good when you break down just reading the introduction! The words hit the deepest chord within my soul in such a powerful way that tears flowed down my face. I am struggling with a debilitating illness, while also dealing with deep personal loss, and I need hope in a bad way. “Hoping for strength isn’t enough. As Christians, we need to rely on God’s power to strengthen and help us with all the challenges we face.” I know this to be true, but show more something about reading it when my spiritual walk has been dry and desolate was the living water that my soul has been desperately crying out for.

I have been a fan of Wanda Brunstetter’s novels for awhile, but I have had a chance to read any from The Prayer Jars series. After beginning this devotional I know I need to read them! If they are anything like the devotional I know they will be entertaining while also holding powerful soul-stirring truths.

Each day of the devotional begins with a title and one Bible verse, each from different versions of the Bible, something I greatly appreciated as we all have our unique favorites (mine are the New Living Translation (NLT) and the English Standard Version (ESV) if you were curious). The devotional part is only a few paragraphs but don’t let that fool you. There is so much applicable truth each day that often left me pondering the words spoken hours later. If you decide to do a physical prayer jar for yourself, which I have, there is “Prayer Jar Inspiration” at the bottom of each page that gives you one sentence that you can write on a piece of paper, and slip into your own jar. Years ago I did something similar with a “prayer box” and if you’ve heard of those, this is the same concept. I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this practice.

Even if you decide to forgo the jar, I still believe this is a delightful devotional that will touch your spirit. Wanda’s writing is unmatched, and the truth that is on these pages will bless you if you let the words soak into your spirit. Though my circumstances haven’t changed, and many of those prayers still left unanswered, I now am seeing them through a new lens. A lens called hope.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

This is THE BEST Brunstetter clan book I've ever read! I was fascinated by the first story written by Wanda. It was interesting and had a bunch of unique elements to the storyline. It wasn't predictable at all. I was annoyed a little by Eugene's character. He seemed like a whiny baby but I think this added a unique real human element to the story. While I hated his whining I loved how he didn't win in the end. The love story in this book were so sweet and well developed. It wasn't oh we met show more and now it's the next page and we are in love. It was a natural development that I wasn't surprised about but still didn't see it as "predictable". The 2nd story in the book was written by Jean Brunstetter and was also good. I loved how it was a continuation (but not immediate following the previous story in terms of timeline... but it jumped to the adulthood of the youngest child born at the end of the previous story) of the previous story. I was glad to see what was going on in the lives of the characters I had just met. Loved the addition of a deaf child. We don't see "handicaps" in Amish stories often. I love this addition. And I loved how the characters reacted in a real way. They weren't immediately accepting of this challenge. The addition of marital struggles was also one you don't see often. I love when Amish fiction authors get real and don't romanticize the Amish lifestyle. Great story. The 3rd story written by Richelle got going slowly but then bam! Conflict from the beginning! I loved it. Characters met hardship and struggled but then pulled through and were even better off than they were before the struggle. Loved the raw emotion. Characters were well developed and there were plenty of plot twists and cliffhangers that kept me interested. Can't wait to read more from this author. She has a great writing style and way with plot that makes the reader want to keep reading. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. show less

This series has been very enjoyable but this book will always be my favorite. The author tackles a sensitive subject with compassion and opens the doors for healing from those who have been through a similar situation. I appreciate the candid look at child abuse and how it affects many. It was particularly emotional for me as I was a victim like Irma.

Irma was so easy to relate to because we have similar childhoods. Her abuse came from her stepfather but mine was from my father and older show more brother. Irma still has memories from what she endured but when she marries and moves away she almost feels free for the first time. Lingering deep in her heart is pain, bitterness and unforgiveness. She has carried this secret for awhile. Like Irma’s mother, mine stood silently by and did nothing. The pain of not feeling safe and protected by her mother is hard to understand at times. Irma can’t understand why her mother allowed this to happen to her and never once step in to stop it.

Irma’s husband LaVern is away from home a lot due to his job. He has no idea that Irma is feeling stress around the children. He is gentle and loving with his wife but he has no idea of the secrets she has been hiding. When a death in the family sends Irma back home there was definite tension between her and her mother. Irma’s mother feels guilty for what happened to her oldest daughter at the hands of her second husband. She tried to stop him but his anger turned to her. She hid bruises from everyone and I understand her feeling of helplessness. My mother did not step in at all for me and for a very long time in my life I was angry with her.

The story shows how Irma is becoming more angry towards her children and begins to abuse them. This broke my heart. I wanted to sit next to Irma and tell her that she needs to seek help right away. Her bitterness is destroying her life and causing her children to be afraid of her. I’m so thankful that her dear friend continued to send letters to Irma and encourage her to seek help. I will leave the ending of this story for readers to see what the outcome is.

As I end my review I will share a few personal thoughts. For many years I suffered through physical and emotional abuse by my father and oldest brother. For years I cut ties to my family. I was angry that the two people who should have kept me safe didn’t. They let me know that I was not loved by them and had never wanted me. As I finished reading Irma’s story I am thankful for the author for sharing this story. Abuse happens everyday. But there is freedom when we forgive and are forgiven. Please make sure you read the Dear Reader section at the end of the book. It will help you understand why this story is so personal to the author. I’m grateful for the author being transparent and helping me continue to forgive my parents and oldest brother everyday.

“Bitterness blocks healing and prevents the goodness of God from shining through in our life.”

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. The review is my own opinion. show less