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Love Finds a Home
Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter brings you three historical stories of finding room for love. Glenna Moore is desperate after she watches her gambling father jump hurriedly from the back of a moving train. Will a young reverend bring stability and love back into her life? Judith King’s life as a new schoolteacher takes an unexpected turn when a widowed father begins to captivate her thoughts. Will she muster enough courage to seek his love? Bev Winters’s job is an answer to prayer until her boss complicates her widowed life. Will her pride allow love after loss?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
49 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
216 books2,334 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 14, 2011
Daddy's Girl-
Glenna Moore & David Green meet on a trail. Glenna and her father are heading to Granger, Wyoming. They have been kicked out of another town and it was leave or let her father get shot. He was a gambler. He cheated others and drank too much. Glenna herself lied and cheated to cover for her father. Ever since her mother died in childbirth they had been moving from town to town.
David is heading to Idaho City to become a pastor at a church there. He notices the beautiful dark haired girl and wonders how the drunken older man is related to her.
Glenna gets up to get some air while her father is gambling and David follows her. When her father comes down to them he looks angry. He had told David to stay away. Instead her father jumps over the rail of the train. Thinking he must have died and left her alone in the world, David offers marriage. It seems his church thinks he has a wife. David also tells Glenna about Christ and salvation.
David has a past of his own to tell Glenna about. Good story.
Dear Teacher-
This is such a heart warming story.
Ernie Snyder has a boat and works bringing coal on his boat along the canal. He is raising is children on his own being his wife died.
Judith King is the new schoolmarm. When she meets Ernie and his children in the general store she finds out that his children will start school in a month or so when the weather is too cold for them to be using the canal.
Ernie is attracted to the teacher but feels she could never care for someone like him who only finished the 4th grade. Judith feels unattractive. She is taller then most women and she has one blue and one brown eye.
We see Ernie struggling through the book to even talk to the "purty" teacher and is shyness is endearing.
Twice Loved-
Dan's wife Darcy died of leukemia two years ago. Bev's husband died while at war four years ago. They bumped into each other at Bev's work while he was there. He noticed the woman had been crying.
Bev has just lost her job to a returning soldier who held the position before her. She sees a help wanted in the paper for Twice Loved. Darcy had started the store for the children during the war. They gave away toys and helped the families. When Bev applies it takes them a bit to recognize each other from their quick meeting.
Dan is taken with Bev's six year old daughter, Amy. Darcy and him had never had children. As the two of them grow closer they keep trying to put distance between them as the memories of their late spouses are still there.
Another great story and wonderful characters.
Glenna Moore & David Green meet on a trail. Glenna and her father are heading to Granger, Wyoming. They have been kicked out of another town and it was leave or let her father get shot. He was a gambler. He cheated others and drank too much. Glenna herself lied and cheated to cover for her father. Ever since her mother died in childbirth they had been moving from town to town.
David is heading to Idaho City to become a pastor at a church there. He notices the beautiful dark haired girl and wonders how the drunken older man is related to her.
Glenna gets up to get some air while her father is gambling and David follows her. When her father comes down to them he looks angry. He had told David to stay away. Instead her father jumps over the rail of the train. Thinking he must have died and left her alone in the world, David offers marriage. It seems his church thinks he has a wife. David also tells Glenna about Christ and salvation.
David has a past of his own to tell Glenna about. Good story.
Dear Teacher-
This is such a heart warming story.
Ernie Snyder has a boat and works bringing coal on his boat along the canal. He is raising is children on his own being his wife died.
Judith King is the new schoolmarm. When she meets Ernie and his children in the general store she finds out that his children will start school in a month or so when the weather is too cold for them to be using the canal.
Ernie is attracted to the teacher but feels she could never care for someone like him who only finished the 4th grade. Judith feels unattractive. She is taller then most women and she has one blue and one brown eye.
We see Ernie struggling through the book to even talk to the "purty" teacher and is shyness is endearing.
Twice Loved-
Dan's wife Darcy died of leukemia two years ago. Bev's husband died while at war four years ago. They bumped into each other at Bev's work while he was there. He noticed the woman had been crying.
Bev has just lost her job to a returning soldier who held the position before her. She sees a help wanted in the paper for Twice Loved. Darcy had started the store for the children during the war. They gave away toys and helped the families. When Bev applies it takes them a bit to recognize each other from their quick meeting.
Dan is taken with Bev's six year old daughter, Amy. Darcy and him had never had children. As the two of them grow closer they keep trying to put distance between them as the memories of their late spouses are still there.
Another great story and wonderful characters.
August 19, 2020
this book was my least favorite of all the books Brunstetter has written. It was still an entertaining read tho that kept me occupied for a 3 hr drive
August 9, 2011
Well let's go with the worst part of this book first, the stories weren't long enough. I wanted more. I have never read anything by Wanda Brunstetter that was not an Amish novel before and I was taken by her stories. I read this whole book in one sitting. My favorite story was well, I better rephrase that and say my favorite part of Daddy's Girl was how Reverend Green ended up saving Glenna. And my favorite part in Dear Teacher was when Judith finds out who was writing the unsigned notes in the box in her class and my favorite part in Twice loved is Christmas day.
You can read my complete blog review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2011/...
You can read my complete blog review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2011/...
February 13, 2020
CHALLENGE # 18- LOVE OR HATE
(love in title)
Okay, i knew this one was a "christian romance" as I've read other books by this writer. I've read her Amish romances which are good if you like that type.
This was a good, quick read. I liked that they were all historical romances. (not Amish related)
the first 2 took place in the Old West (1800's) but the 3rd story took place after WWII which was a nice change of pace.
they were a little cheesy but short & sweet.
the religious aspect was present but it didn't bother me too much b/c it was in context and referenced lightly. (ie. story #1-lead is a minister, story #3-they're "church going, good christians")
(love in title)
Okay, i knew this one was a "christian romance" as I've read other books by this writer. I've read her Amish romances which are good if you like that type.
This was a good, quick read. I liked that they were all historical romances. (not Amish related)
the first 2 took place in the Old West (1800's) but the 3rd story took place after WWII which was a nice change of pace.
they were a little cheesy but short & sweet.
the religious aspect was present but it didn't bother me too much b/c it was in context and referenced lightly. (ie. story #1-lead is a minister, story #3-they're "church going, good christians")
June 23, 2025
I’ve read this author before but this was a bit different. There were 3 different historical romance stories. My only concern was that they were too short. Loved the characters, the Biblical references, especially the Dear Teacher novella with Judith as a one room school room teacher in 1890. Twice Loved was memorable because of the quote by Dan: “ Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop”.
July 24, 2017
LOVE FINDS A HOME - THREE HISTORICAL ROMANCES WANDA E BRUNSTETTER
Love Finds A Home contains three lighthearted historical stories of romance.
---DADDY'S GIRL---
It is August of 1879, and once again, Glenna Moore and her father, Garret Moore are on a train leading to another town, to escape the law or a shooter. All because of her father's erratic gambling and drinking. One night while on the train, heading west, a gambling game of Garret Moore's goes wrong and a catastrophe happens, changing Glenna's life. forever. On the same train, Rev. David Green is on his way to his new church assignment. When on the train he meets Glenna and offers aid to her. Can both Glenna and David learn to trust each other and in God. Will David be honest with Glenna about his past.
---DEAR TEACHER---
Set in Parryville Pennsylvania, in the year 1890, Judith Miller has taken a job at the one room school house near the Leigh Navigation System. Some of Judith's students are children of the men who run the boats on the canals. Ernie Snyder, a widower with two children runs one of these boats. The children live on the boat part of the year and the other part they attend school. When Ernie goes to enroll his children, Andy and Grace in the school, he becomes quite smitten with Judith Miller, their teacher. Will Ernie and Judith be able to put their differences and their backgrounds aside and have a releationship.
---TWICE LOVED ---
Twice Loved takes place two years after World War II, in the year 1945 in Easton Pennsylvania.
Bev Winters is a war widow with a young daughter, Amy. Bev loses her job as a bookkeeper at Bethlehem Steel because the war is over and returning veterans need their jobs back. While looking through the paper, Bev notices an ad for a manager at a used toy store, called Twice Loved.
Bev answers the ad and is immediately hired by Twice Love's owner, Dan Fisher.
Dan Fisher's wife died of leukemia two years before the war ended and Dan's promise to her was to keep Twice Loved, her used toy store, open. When Dan hires Bev Winters he starts to become "attached" to Bev and her daughter, Amy and shows them both much kindness. Will a relationship develop between Bev and Dan beyond "employer and employee". Will they both find happiness and love again after loss. Twice Loved was published in 2013, as a stand alone book.
I really enjoyed reading all three of the stories in Love Finds A Home. I would highly recommend reading these lighthearted stories of romance. They were very well written by the author Wanda E Brunstetter.
Love Finds A Home contains three lighthearted historical stories of romance.
---DADDY'S GIRL---
It is August of 1879, and once again, Glenna Moore and her father, Garret Moore are on a train leading to another town, to escape the law or a shooter. All because of her father's erratic gambling and drinking. One night while on the train, heading west, a gambling game of Garret Moore's goes wrong and a catastrophe happens, changing Glenna's life. forever. On the same train, Rev. David Green is on his way to his new church assignment. When on the train he meets Glenna and offers aid to her. Can both Glenna and David learn to trust each other and in God. Will David be honest with Glenna about his past.
---DEAR TEACHER---
Set in Parryville Pennsylvania, in the year 1890, Judith Miller has taken a job at the one room school house near the Leigh Navigation System. Some of Judith's students are children of the men who run the boats on the canals. Ernie Snyder, a widower with two children runs one of these boats. The children live on the boat part of the year and the other part they attend school. When Ernie goes to enroll his children, Andy and Grace in the school, he becomes quite smitten with Judith Miller, their teacher. Will Ernie and Judith be able to put their differences and their backgrounds aside and have a releationship.
---TWICE LOVED ---
Twice Loved takes place two years after World War II, in the year 1945 in Easton Pennsylvania.
Bev Winters is a war widow with a young daughter, Amy. Bev loses her job as a bookkeeper at Bethlehem Steel because the war is over and returning veterans need their jobs back. While looking through the paper, Bev notices an ad for a manager at a used toy store, called Twice Loved.
Bev answers the ad and is immediately hired by Twice Love's owner, Dan Fisher.
Dan Fisher's wife died of leukemia two years before the war ended and Dan's promise to her was to keep Twice Loved, her used toy store, open. When Dan hires Bev Winters he starts to become "attached" to Bev and her daughter, Amy and shows them both much kindness. Will a relationship develop between Bev and Dan beyond "employer and employee". Will they both find happiness and love again after loss. Twice Loved was published in 2013, as a stand alone book.
I really enjoyed reading all three of the stories in Love Finds A Home. I would highly recommend reading these lighthearted stories of romance. They were very well written by the author Wanda E Brunstetter.
June 19, 2011
This collection is a depature from the stories I'm used to reading by Wanda Brunstetter. This book features 3 stories, each around 90 pages. It is historical Christian fiction, with an emphasis on Christian, though Wanda doesn't shove any particular religion at the reader, her characters are all very religious.
The first and the last stories were the best. Daddy's Girl had Glenna finding love and God after her father jumps off a train, but there is more to the story then that. The story reminds us that we all have faults and we all have good in us. The relationship develops a bit fast in this one, but then again, Glenna wedded her minister, David to help her start over. This one was very bittersweet. The relationship between Glenna and her father.
Dear Teacher was the weakest story in the collection. Judith is a school teacher and Ernie is an undereducated canal boat captain. Both struggle with self-esteem issues that keep them apart. It is Judith's love for Ernie's children Grace and Andy that really bring them together over the course of her time teaching them.
Twice Loved is the final story and the most contemporary. The setting is Easton, PA shortly after the second world war. Both Bev and Dan have lost spouses, and they find each other because Bev lost her job. She takes over working at Twice Loved, the used toy store Dan's late wife opened and loved. This was the strongest story, with characters that you really cared about. I loved watching their relationship grow, even though they had some struggles.
Wanda Brunstetter proved with these stories that she really is a master of Christian fiction. Her stories are always light and sweet and easy and enjoyable to read and this was no exception.
The first and the last stories were the best. Daddy's Girl had Glenna finding love and God after her father jumps off a train, but there is more to the story then that. The story reminds us that we all have faults and we all have good in us. The relationship develops a bit fast in this one, but then again, Glenna wedded her minister, David to help her start over. This one was very bittersweet. The relationship between Glenna and her father.
Dear Teacher was the weakest story in the collection. Judith is a school teacher and Ernie is an undereducated canal boat captain. Both struggle with self-esteem issues that keep them apart. It is Judith's love for Ernie's children Grace and Andy that really bring them together over the course of her time teaching them.
Twice Loved is the final story and the most contemporary. The setting is Easton, PA shortly after the second world war. Both Bev and Dan have lost spouses, and they find each other because Bev lost her job. She takes over working at Twice Loved, the used toy store Dan's late wife opened and loved. This was the strongest story, with characters that you really cared about. I loved watching their relationship grow, even though they had some struggles.
Wanda Brunstetter proved with these stories that she really is a master of Christian fiction. Her stories are always light and sweet and easy and enjoyable to read and this was no exception.
May 4, 2012
This book contains three short stories and they are indeed very short. I realize that when a story is shorter your not going to have as much depth and detail but I felt that these stories where so short they did not seem believable. Take the first story for instance it deals with Glenna who is running with her father because he is a gambler and on the train she meets a man who ended up marring her. The story line idea was great it could have been a whole book in its self but when compressed it was so unbelievable. She married the man and fell in love with him in just days. The 2nd story was about the same. The third story at least got this one more star because I did like it and felt it was an okay short story. I just think it would have been better to have one of these stories be a whole novel rather then two unbelievable short stories and one okay one. The writing itself was good and the characters likeable but it could have been so much more.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/0...
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/0...
August 6, 2011
What a great book and wonderful read. Even though I have read a couple of the stories before, I loved reading them again. The book is an extremely quick and enjoyable read.
The first story is about a young woman, leaving another home because of her Dad's gambling. There are twists and turns to the story and you wonder how she will ever manage. She has to rely on her newly found faith.
The second story is about a teacher and living along the canal in PA. These are hard times, and you wonder if the teacher Judith King will end up with Ernie Snyder and become a Mother to his two children?
This is a wonderful Christian story!
The last story is about healing from the grief of losing a loved one, and finding the right path in life. This is a sweet story that happens right after the end of WWII. I loved the idea of the used and repaired toys, can just picture the sweet store.
I don't think you can go wrong picking up this great book!
The first story is about a young woman, leaving another home because of her Dad's gambling. There are twists and turns to the story and you wonder how she will ever manage. She has to rely on her newly found faith.
The second story is about a teacher and living along the canal in PA. These are hard times, and you wonder if the teacher Judith King will end up with Ernie Snyder and become a Mother to his two children?
This is a wonderful Christian story!
The last story is about healing from the grief of losing a loved one, and finding the right path in life. This is a sweet story that happens right after the end of WWII. I loved the idea of the used and repaired toys, can just picture the sweet store.
I don't think you can go wrong picking up this great book!
April 18, 2020
Three great short stories by Wanda Brunstetter each story is Uplifting, encouraging. This is my second non Amish book by Wanda Brunstetter (Love Finds a Way) I’ve read and enjoyed it as much as the last one.
I read this while social distancing at home when I found I was struggling to read due to covid19. Each story was readable in a day for me and helped me some escape from what is going on. story of trials that are overcome, found love and understanding. I love this book and glad I own it. Looking forwRd to eating it again some time in the future. I encourage you to eat this book.
I read this while social distancing at home when I found I was struggling to read due to covid19. Each story was readable in a day for me and helped me some escape from what is going on. story of trials that are overcome, found love and understanding. I love this book and glad I own it. Looking forwRd to eating it again some time in the future. I encourage you to eat this book.
August 11, 2011
Another excellent book by Wanda
September 5, 2011
Didn't LOVE it. Short, very quick read, and because of that it is lacking details, and development. It is only 91 pages. Interesting storyline, but not very satisfying.
April 14, 2013
Such wonderful stories.. Ms. Brunstetter just knows how to tell a story. Even though I could figure out the ending I loved the trail to get there..
June 25, 2013
This is great work.
March 4, 2021
Three historical Christian fiction stories finding love - I could not put this down - Great Read
June 19, 2021
Nice, easy reading. This is a collection of three books. They are historical romance with a Christian theme. Very nice stories that I enjoyed very much.
Read
October 26, 2020"Love Finds a Home" is three historical romances wrapped into one book. I had this book for awhile and I regret not reading it sooner. Glenna Moore in "Daddy's Girl", loves her father but really needs Jesus. Reverend David Green is on the train with her. Will he lead her to Christ? Judith King in "Dear Teacher" is an unmarried school teacher who is willing to accept life for what it is until..... she meets Ernie Snyder. I have read "Twice Loved" before as a stand alone novel. Bev Winters, a widow after World War 11. is learning to cast her cares upon God. Dan Fisher is suffering too and they meet. Will God bring them together? Read this book; it will brighten your day.
November 13, 2022
Ehhh. The first two stories did not hold my interest... and the writing seemed somewhat juvenile. I have also previously read, "Dear Teacher" in different novella collection.
I really did enjoy the final story, "Twice Loved", however. This story was incredibly well written and definitely tugged on my heartstrings.
Alright... now onto the next book... :)
I really did enjoy the final story, "Twice Loved", however. This story was incredibly well written and definitely tugged on my heartstrings.
Alright... now onto the next book... :)
April 21, 2018
Not my cup of tea, but it got me off that shelf in the library.
March 4, 2021
2/17/21 waiting for overdrive audio # 3 was the best story
October 5, 2011
Love Finds A Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
Love Finds A Home is 3 historical romances combined together to make a longer book.
In the first story we meet Glenna Moore who has a drunken gambling father who forced them to move to another town. On the journey, while on the train, Glenna meets a young reverend who supports her when her father jumps from the train to take his own life. Will this reverend provide her the love and support she always needed, or does he have secrets of her own that will destroy everything?
In the second story we meet Judith King, a young school teacher who has never found a man. She meets the widowed father of two children who works hauling coal up and down the river. During the winter she gets the chance to know him better as she teaches his children. She finds him gentle and kind, and he too is intrigued by her, but he cannot fathom that she could like him. After all he is just stupid and uneducated. Will Judith become the new mother for these children? Or are their worlds just too different?
In the third story we meet Bev Winters, a young widow with a young daughter. Bev has just lost her job, and has no idea how she is going to support her daughter. When she stumbles across an opportunity to work in a second-hand toy store, she gladly accepts, and her boss' kindness knows no bounds. He is being chased by another woman, but still has not recovered from the loss of his dear wife. Will a fire start between Bev and her boss? Or is he just the answer to her prayers in other ways?
Read Love Finds A Home to find out!
I have to say that I was sadly disappointed. But then again, Wanda E. Brunstetter has just never been my favorite author.
While in some respects most romances are very predictable, these were even more so. Not to mention the conversations between the characters felt so forced and jilted. Nothing at all was natural about the dialogue.
I also found Glenna Moore to be an irritating character. It was as if she needed a man to be ok. I much prefer reading fiction about a strong young woman who can take care of herself and ends up not with a man because she has to, but rather because she wants to and chooses to...
Judith King was a better character, but Wanda E. Brunstetter has written so many stories about canal workers and romance on the canal that it feels the same as every other book I have read by her.
Bev Winters was also a better character, more independent, and less naive.
Overall I would say
2 out of 5 stars.
Nothing special.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
Love Finds A Home is 3 historical romances combined together to make a longer book.
In the first story we meet Glenna Moore who has a drunken gambling father who forced them to move to another town. On the journey, while on the train, Glenna meets a young reverend who supports her when her father jumps from the train to take his own life. Will this reverend provide her the love and support she always needed, or does he have secrets of her own that will destroy everything?
In the second story we meet Judith King, a young school teacher who has never found a man. She meets the widowed father of two children who works hauling coal up and down the river. During the winter she gets the chance to know him better as she teaches his children. She finds him gentle and kind, and he too is intrigued by her, but he cannot fathom that she could like him. After all he is just stupid and uneducated. Will Judith become the new mother for these children? Or are their worlds just too different?
In the third story we meet Bev Winters, a young widow with a young daughter. Bev has just lost her job, and has no idea how she is going to support her daughter. When she stumbles across an opportunity to work in a second-hand toy store, she gladly accepts, and her boss' kindness knows no bounds. He is being chased by another woman, but still has not recovered from the loss of his dear wife. Will a fire start between Bev and her boss? Or is he just the answer to her prayers in other ways?
Read Love Finds A Home to find out!
I have to say that I was sadly disappointed. But then again, Wanda E. Brunstetter has just never been my favorite author.
While in some respects most romances are very predictable, these were even more so. Not to mention the conversations between the characters felt so forced and jilted. Nothing at all was natural about the dialogue.
I also found Glenna Moore to be an irritating character. It was as if she needed a man to be ok. I much prefer reading fiction about a strong young woman who can take care of herself and ends up not with a man because she has to, but rather because she wants to and chooses to...
Judith King was a better character, but Wanda E. Brunstetter has written so many stories about canal workers and romance on the canal that it feels the same as every other book I have read by her.
Bev Winters was also a better character, more independent, and less naive.
Overall I would say
2 out of 5 stars.
Nothing special.
February 22, 2013
This is a collection of 3 historical stories. I truly loved the last two stories in this book of three. I would read Dear Teacher and Twice Loved again but I would not bother with Daddy's Girl which is why I have to mark this book down by 2 stars.
Daddy's Girl is about an 18 year old daughter of a gambler and drifter who may have fallen for a minister. When her card cheating father jumps off a train, and supposedly dies, she wonders what will become of her. forced into a marriage to a man she doesn't know she finds Christ. This is about the point where I wanted to throw this book out the window and not finish it. What continues to happen in the book is unbelievable and in my opinion not worth reading. Of course there is a happy ending which I always like. If you want to know the happy ending read the rest of the book but it is a predictable ending and left me disappointed in an author whose books I normally love.
Dear Teacher is a sweet novella that I found heart warming and as a teacher something I could see happening even in 2012. Judith King is a teacher who feels she will never fall in love because of teasing and name calling she suffered when she was a child. In this day and age of bullying in schools I loved how she was adamant that her student's would not name call or bully. She reaches out to one of the "canalers" children and turn may be falling love with him as well. what will happen to Judith, will she ever be loved by this man? His children have fallen for her and she hopes he will too. I found this novella relate able and a quick read that was a refreshing return to the writing I love from Brunstetter.
Twice Loved is a wonderful story about finding love after being widowed. While buried in the burdens of raising her daughter after the death of her husband during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bev is let go from her job when the soldiers return from WWII. She hopes to only find a job at Twice Loved a used and refurbished toy store. Dan is still grieving for his wife who died of leukemia 2 years earlier. He just wants someone to help him run his deceased wife's dream. What he didn't expect to happen was for Bev and her daughter Amy to change his life and bring his happiness back. They both struggle with trusting another person and Dan feels he will dishonor his wife by ever loving again. When they each find separate notes left by Dan's wife, at just the right time, to open their eyes to being Twice Loved. I loved this book and could not put it down, I read it all in one sitting and found it a great read as well as a wonderful book to read during the holidays, when it takes place. I wanted to be out playing in the snow with the characters and found myself cheering for them to find love again. I highly recommend this book
Daddy's Girl is about an 18 year old daughter of a gambler and drifter who may have fallen for a minister. When her card cheating father jumps off a train, and supposedly dies, she wonders what will become of her. forced into a marriage to a man she doesn't know she finds Christ. This is about the point where I wanted to throw this book out the window and not finish it. What continues to happen in the book is unbelievable and in my opinion not worth reading. Of course there is a happy ending which I always like. If you want to know the happy ending read the rest of the book but it is a predictable ending and left me disappointed in an author whose books I normally love.
Dear Teacher is a sweet novella that I found heart warming and as a teacher something I could see happening even in 2012. Judith King is a teacher who feels she will never fall in love because of teasing and name calling she suffered when she was a child. In this day and age of bullying in schools I loved how she was adamant that her student's would not name call or bully. She reaches out to one of the "canalers" children and turn may be falling love with him as well. what will happen to Judith, will she ever be loved by this man? His children have fallen for her and she hopes he will too. I found this novella relate able and a quick read that was a refreshing return to the writing I love from Brunstetter.
Twice Loved is a wonderful story about finding love after being widowed. While buried in the burdens of raising her daughter after the death of her husband during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bev is let go from her job when the soldiers return from WWII. She hopes to only find a job at Twice Loved a used and refurbished toy store. Dan is still grieving for his wife who died of leukemia 2 years earlier. He just wants someone to help him run his deceased wife's dream. What he didn't expect to happen was for Bev and her daughter Amy to change his life and bring his happiness back. They both struggle with trusting another person and Dan feels he will dishonor his wife by ever loving again. When they each find separate notes left by Dan's wife, at just the right time, to open their eyes to being Twice Loved. I loved this book and could not put it down, I read it all in one sitting and found it a great read as well as a wonderful book to read during the holidays, when it takes place. I wanted to be out playing in the snow with the characters and found myself cheering for them to find love again. I highly recommend this book
August 16, 2011
Daddy's Girl - Glenna and her father are on route to yet another town. Her father - a notorious gambler and drunk has managed to alienate them once again from yet another place on their route to the west. David, a minister on the same train is heading to his new home and church.
David and Glenna meet and wed under unusual circumstances - they are thrown together by fate. David helps Glenna cope with her father jumping from the train after being accused of cheating at a card game. His guilt drives him away from his daughter and leaves her stranded with strangers.
This is a wonderful story of finding love, faith and forgiveness.
Dear Teacher - Shy Ernie Snyder and his two children live and work on the water. They bring coal up the river from town to town. Left on his own after his wife died, he is unsure of how to deal with his daughter and son. They are in desperate need of education to get ahead in life.
Judith is the new teacher in the area. She is self-conscious and loves children. Judith has poor Ernie in a dither and doesn't even know it! Cute notes - who she believes is from a student - keep popping up in the class mailbox.
Such a great story of two people discovering one another and the joys that they bring to one another.
Twice Loved - Single mother Bev suddenly finds herself without a job, and an apartment she can barely afford. At a time when soldier's are returning from overseas jobs have become scarce for young women looking to make their way in the world.
Dan needs help at his second hand toy store - Twice Loved. Bev finds her way into his store and into his life. Each of them has their own loss - Dan losing his beloved Darcy to leukemia and Bev losing her husband.
This is an amazing story of loss, love and coming to terms with things that you just can't control.
David and Glenna meet and wed under unusual circumstances - they are thrown together by fate. David helps Glenna cope with her father jumping from the train after being accused of cheating at a card game. His guilt drives him away from his daughter and leaves her stranded with strangers.
This is a wonderful story of finding love, faith and forgiveness.
Dear Teacher - Shy Ernie Snyder and his two children live and work on the water. They bring coal up the river from town to town. Left on his own after his wife died, he is unsure of how to deal with his daughter and son. They are in desperate need of education to get ahead in life.
Judith is the new teacher in the area. She is self-conscious and loves children. Judith has poor Ernie in a dither and doesn't even know it! Cute notes - who she believes is from a student - keep popping up in the class mailbox.
Such a great story of two people discovering one another and the joys that they bring to one another.
Twice Loved - Single mother Bev suddenly finds herself without a job, and an apartment she can barely afford. At a time when soldier's are returning from overseas jobs have become scarce for young women looking to make their way in the world.
Dan needs help at his second hand toy store - Twice Loved. Bev finds her way into his store and into his life. Each of them has their own loss - Dan losing his beloved Darcy to leukemia and Bev losing her husband.
This is an amazing story of loss, love and coming to terms with things that you just can't control.
April 5, 2012
3.5 stars/Fiction; Christian Romance
Made up of three novellas, Love Finds A Home is a charming romance book by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Written with a christian theme, these stories combine realistic situations while keeping the characters focused on God. It is not a heavy-handed approach but there is definitely a strong message delivered throughout the book.
In Daddy's Girl, Glenna tries to find her way after the untimely loss of her father. A fellow passenger on the train she is riding introduces her to the Lord, but it is up to Glenna to stay on the right path.
Judith in Dear Teacher does not have a very high self esteem and is sure she is destined to become a lonely spinster. When two new children join her class, their tongue-tied father, Ernie, finds himself smitten with the beautiful Judith but both struggle to feel worthy enough for each other.
Twice Loved introduces us to fellow widowers, Bev and Dan. While they are just 'getting by' alone, they quickly develop a sweet friendship built around an easy going companionship that they both seem to be missing. Doubting whether they are ready for another relationship in their lives, they rely on God's guidance to help light the way.
I enjoyed these stories a lot. It is nice to read clean romance and watch the characters grow throughout the stories. Because of the word constraints of these short stories, there is always a bit lacking in detail but overall I thought the author did a great job developing each story.
Recommended
Made up of three novellas, Love Finds A Home is a charming romance book by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Written with a christian theme, these stories combine realistic situations while keeping the characters focused on God. It is not a heavy-handed approach but there is definitely a strong message delivered throughout the book.
In Daddy's Girl, Glenna tries to find her way after the untimely loss of her father. A fellow passenger on the train she is riding introduces her to the Lord, but it is up to Glenna to stay on the right path.
Judith in Dear Teacher does not have a very high self esteem and is sure she is destined to become a lonely spinster. When two new children join her class, their tongue-tied father, Ernie, finds himself smitten with the beautiful Judith but both struggle to feel worthy enough for each other.
Twice Loved introduces us to fellow widowers, Bev and Dan. While they are just 'getting by' alone, they quickly develop a sweet friendship built around an easy going companionship that they both seem to be missing. Doubting whether they are ready for another relationship in their lives, they rely on God's guidance to help light the way.
I enjoyed these stories a lot. It is nice to read clean romance and watch the characters grow throughout the stories. Because of the word constraints of these short stories, there is always a bit lacking in detail but overall I thought the author did a great job developing each story.
Recommended
August 23, 2013
This book contained 3 historical fiction short stories or novellas. Each was less than 100 pages. I have read several of Wanda Brunstetter's novels with Amish settings. None of these short stories were in an Amish settings. I felt the 1st and 3rd were believable but I did not find the middle story believable. It seemed there was too much incongruity between the two main characters.
The first was set in the old west, late 1800's and involved a gambler's daughter and a preacher. It was believable because many people married during that time out of necessity and not necessarily because of love. Love often grew from these marriages. Both the main characters were good looking and young which makes it even more believable that they could fall in love relatively quickly. The preacher being drawn to this young woman with a soft and yielding heart, which is why she so readily accepted Christ's love and forgiveness as well as the preacher's compassion and love, is easily believable.
The last was set in the mid-1940's just before and after WWII. It was also believable. Many people lost loved ones during this time. Anyone who has lost a beloved spouse deals with grief and many times guilt when finding love a second time. This was a gentle and realistic story.
Although there is never time for in depth character development in a short story or novella, these stories shared insights into the characters of all the main characters.
I would recommend this book for those desiring a break from a novel or as easy bedtime reading.
The first was set in the old west, late 1800's and involved a gambler's daughter and a preacher. It was believable because many people married during that time out of necessity and not necessarily because of love. Love often grew from these marriages. Both the main characters were good looking and young which makes it even more believable that they could fall in love relatively quickly. The preacher being drawn to this young woman with a soft and yielding heart, which is why she so readily accepted Christ's love and forgiveness as well as the preacher's compassion and love, is easily believable.
The last was set in the mid-1940's just before and after WWII. It was also believable. Many people lost loved ones during this time. Anyone who has lost a beloved spouse deals with grief and many times guilt when finding love a second time. This was a gentle and realistic story.
Although there is never time for in depth character development in a short story or novella, these stories shared insights into the characters of all the main characters.
I would recommend this book for those desiring a break from a novel or as easy bedtime reading.
October 20, 2025
Three short historical fiction stories. Very Cheesy!
Daddy's Girl-
Think Wild west vibes. The girl's father just passed away horribly, (after being murdered) the preacher is already hitting on her, and urging her to repent of her sins. Does he even recognize she's grieving? He doesn't seem to care that her father just died. He wants to marry her and get her saved. She does get saved and they end up getting married. The characters weren't developed and the story ended too abruptly.
Dear Teacher-
This short story is about a teacher (with a handicap in her eyes)working in a one- room schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. She unexpectedly falls in love with one of the students' fathers. Judith cared for her students, but she also cared for the parents as well which puts her in a challenging situation. While the story was more enjoyable, the characters weren't developed, feels too short, and includes some cheesy dialogue was too.
Twiced Loved-
I found this story to be the best of the three. Set after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, it follows Dan's who is trying to carry on his wife's work at a toy shop after she dies from cancer. Meanwhile, Bev's husband had died in the war. Bev and Dan have a chance meeting and that leads her to work at the toy shop, and she sometimes brings her daughter to the toy shop too. This story has a feel- good and Hallmark vibe to it, though the dialogue can be a little bit cheesy.
Daddy's Girl-
Think Wild west vibes. The girl's father just passed away horribly, (after being murdered) the preacher is already hitting on her, and urging her to repent of her sins. Does he even recognize she's grieving? He doesn't seem to care that her father just died. He wants to marry her and get her saved. She does get saved and they end up getting married. The characters weren't developed and the story ended too abruptly.
Dear Teacher-
This short story is about a teacher (with a handicap in her eyes)working in a one- room schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. She unexpectedly falls in love with one of the students' fathers. Judith cared for her students, but she also cared for the parents as well which puts her in a challenging situation. While the story was more enjoyable, the characters weren't developed, feels too short, and includes some cheesy dialogue was too.
Twiced Loved-
I found this story to be the best of the three. Set after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, it follows Dan's who is trying to carry on his wife's work at a toy shop after she dies from cancer. Meanwhile, Bev's husband had died in the war. Bev and Dan have a chance meeting and that leads her to work at the toy shop, and she sometimes brings her daughter to the toy shop too. This story has a feel- good and Hallmark vibe to it, though the dialogue can be a little bit cheesy.
August 14, 2013
All three stories were good, but i didn't think that the last story went with the first two. The first two were set in the 1800s which is the kind of story that i liked and the last one was set after World War II. All thee stories were nicely written and got the point across Love did finally find a home in each case. The reason i gave 4 stars and not 5 is because i thought that it should have had another story set in the 1800s time frame to go with the other two.
October 2, 2016
This sweet, short novella collection contained 3 historical stories about women who find themselves starting anew. Each was different in its time period and location but they were all good reads. My favorite was the last story, Twice Loved, about a widow and widower finding love again, very touching story. What I appreciate about this collection is that God and faith is an integral part of each storyline. Overall, this was a pleasant and quick read to pass the time.
January 8, 2012
I only read the first story "Daddy's Girl" because I have read the other two before. Glenna is traveling on the train with her gambling father and meets David. Her father jumps from the train to escape someone after him, will Glenna escape falling in love with the preacher man, David?
91 pages
91 pages
June 17, 2015
This is a three in one book. Daddy's Girl which was okay, Dear Teacher which was some better, and Twice Loved which was real good. These were a little different than the other Wanda Brunstetter books I have read.....
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