On Her Own

Brides of Webster County #2

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

When Barbara Zook's husband David is killed unexpectedly on their tenth wedding anniversary, she doesn't know how she will be able to go on. Not only has she lost the love of her life, but she is also pregnant with their fourth child. How can Barbara raise four children and run David's beloved harness shop? When Paul Hilty left Webster County, he knew it hurt his father that he chose harness making over farming. Paul loves the feel and smell of leather more then anything, but with David Zook already in business, he knew he had to move. Now David is gone and Barbara is in need. Could the Lord be leading him home again? Will Barbara remain on her own, or will the Lord bring Paul into her life... and her heart? Fall in love with this inspiring love story and our entire collection of Christian romance novels from Heartsong Presents!

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Historical Fiction

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

New 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.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Amish Fiction, and it is the 17th book in the Truly Yours Romance Club series. I have not read the other books in this series, but I was not lost or felt I was missing anything. I could not put this book down it was so good. This book was very well written, and I love the characters. The storyline was so good.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy Amish read. I really enjoyed the character of Paul, especially his interaction with Joseph.

[Rachel Brand · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly average romance, pretty much like Mills & Boon or Harlequin set in an Amish community with a Christian emphasis. I normally really enjoy the Amish genre - especially Amy Clipston and Beverly Lewis - but this is the first of Brunstetter's novels that I've read and I can't say that it's up to the standards I'm used to. This little book was only 170-odd pages long, my first clue that there wasn't much to the story, and had a fairly predictable plot. Due to the shortness of the book, the characters didn't have a lot of space to develop and this made it hard to really care about them, and although it was fairly well written, there were several moments where speech seemed stilted, particularly with Barbara's eldest son, Aaron. Also, is Barbara a typical Amish name? There were a couple of characters whose names made me do a double take. All in all, this isn't a taxing read and would be nice, light reading for someone who has a low reading level and needs to practice their reading. But other than that, it was just too formulaic and predictable and - well, a bit boring, especially after reading Clipston's A Promise of Hope, which is also about a widowed Amish woman. I have a couple of other Brunstetter books on my TBR and I'll give them a go but I can't say that I'm impressed with her work. 5/10

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More great Amish romance; this series is fun and uplifting.

[Katherine Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one...I like reading in the series and how she keeps the same characters. I'd prefer not so much time to pass between the books though.
This one was Barbara (Faith's friend from book 1) 10 years in future, grown up, recently widowed.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! love this author's books!!

[Jolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Her Own by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second book in the Brides of Webster County series. Barbara Zook had been a widow for several months when her fourth son was born. David had died in a buggy accident and never knew this child. She was exhausted after the birth and suffered postpartum depression and wasn’t able to run her husband’s beloved Harness Shop without him. Paul Hilty was home for the funeral of his brother, Dan, and worked in a Harness Shop for his cousin in Lancaster. He loved Missouri, but couldn’t stay because Barbara and David Zook already had a Harness Shop in the small community. Paul offered to help run her shop until she was able to get back on her feet. A touching story about love after heartache.

[Stephanie *Spunky Avenger* · Rating 5 out of 5]

On her own melted my heart, this is the second of the brides of Webster County series. I was hooked from the first book. Barbara just had her 4 son and lost her husband all in the same year. She has depression and can't get back to the tack shop she loves so much. There are 2 bachelor's floating around one who thinks he'll never find any one because he's terrible with kids and ones a widower who needs help with his 4 girls. Barbara's in for one crazy buggie ride as she navigates all the new struggles and maybe finds love. 5🌟

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love reading Wanda Brunstetter’s books. If you need a quick enjoyable read, this whole series is for you. I always find Amish books fascinating because of their lifestyle. This series would make a great gift too!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple and predictable but cute. Great comfort-reading.

[Mindy Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I immediately liked Paul. Great characters are woven within Barbara and Paul's journey. I was pleased to see the Bishop found his footing too!

[Thereadingbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara Zook lost her husband David. They ran a harness shop together. After giving birth to their son a few months after Davids death, she is too weak and too tired to run the harness shop even though she wants to provide for her four children.

Paul Hilty, who now lives in Lancaster, PA, returns home for the death of his brother. Paul works in a harness shop in PA. While home, he agrees to help out at Zooks Harness Shop until Barbara is back on her feet.

Will Paul's attraction wake up in him a desire to married and help raise four children or will Bishop John Frey find a new mate and a mother for his three girls. Sparks fly because Barbara is still in love with her deceased husband.

This is a story about how God heals broken hearts and provides not only for our financial needs but also for our relational needs. This story takes place in an Amish community.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn about Amish love, but not real indepth character development. I might be being generous with my rating.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a minute since Wanda and I spent time in my WAY backyard. I mean Webster County is only a couple of counties to the south of me, that makes it way backyardable right? Thanks for agreeing! One thing that always takes me a bit by surprise when I go back in time with Wanda E. Brunstetter is the difference in her writing style, at least with this series. Some things are always the same, solid characters living a life of deeper faith, amazing communities that are spot on and memorable, basic ordinary people who happen to be Amish living life, finding love, growing deeper, and expanding their faith. What's different is a little hard to pinpoint. The writing style is deeper, tackling tougher subjects. In 'Going Home' Faith was dealing with living life in the English world with an alcoholic abusive husband. In 'On Her Own' Barbara is dealing with the loss of her husband, raising four boys by herself, and trying to find a way to balance family and the harness shop her and David (her husband) built together and that she loves. There is also the bishop who is not portrayed as perfect and devout and full of wisdom. I mean I'm sure he is all those things but he's also a man of humanness who has jealousy and selfishness along with a sometimes closed mind. Thank you for giving me an unperfect bishop!

We still get to visit with Faith from the first book in this series as her and Barbara are besties but they aren't so intertwined that this couldn't be read as a standalone. I gotta tell you the big thing that bugged me. Besides the meddling Bishop that is. Barbara and Paul basically built their entire relationship in their heads and not with each other. I mean the whole community (at least those featured in this book) knew that Bishop John had set his sights on Barbara as a new wife and mother for his four daughters, even though it wasn't shared with the public. Paul, as he finds himself falling for Barbara keeps his thoughts to himself as he believes she would marry the bishop, despite their vast age different and despite there being no actual affection between them. He builds and shoots down their entire relationship in his head. Barbara is just as bad as she starts finding herself falling for Paul just a smidge. Convinced he will eventually return to Lancaster County and putting the responsibility of their potential relationship on his speaking first without ever even indicating to him she too is interested. Yup, you guessed it, building and shooting down their entire relationship in her head. Geez people use your words m'kay?

Despite all of that I loved this book. A whirlwind of finding love after loss, of finding love and family when you were certain you would never have either. Finding faith in yourself and overcoming fear. I think of all the learning and mishaps and self-contained internal falling in something my favorite character is Aaron. At only 9 years old this boy brought more heart, my growth, and more heart to this book than all the other characters combined. Missing his dad, his heart set on one day owning the harness shop, and not OK with anyone stepping into those places on his heart and mind he is endearing. When it comes to overcoming he is your boy. When it comes to personal growth? He's ages ahead of most adults I know. Aaron is the subtle star of this book and I loved him for that.

Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/on-her....

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Zook lost her husband David in an accident, leaving her with three sons and new baby, David. Barbara and her husband ran the harness shop together, so it has been challenging getting back to normal. Barbara’s father can’t help as much as he wants since his hands are arthritic, and Barbara’s strength isn’t how it used to be since having the baby.
Another widow, Margaret, lost her husband, Dan. Dan’s brother Paul, who lives in Pennsylvania and works for his cousin in a harness shop, comes for the funeral. Paul will help Barbara in her harness shop until she’s ready to work full time.
Over time, Paul falls in love with Barbara. But some mis-communications and no communications has Paul wondering if he should stay in the area or go back to Pa. John Frey, the Bishop, a widower, wants a wife. His first thought is to ask Barbara to marry him, but in the end, God directs two couples to their right matches.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very touching story that I could personally relate to in some ways. Barbara Zook (best friend of Faith from book 1) is now a young widow, raising three boys and a newborn son her deceased husband never knew about. She worked side by side with her husband in his harness shop, so she is determined to keep the shop going and provide for her sons. Her father tries to help, but his arthritic hands make it difficult. When a man in the community dies, his younger brother, Paul, returns from Lancaster for the funeral - and his experience in a harness shop is a blessing to Barbara as she recovers from childbirth. But things get complicated between Paul and Barbara and her sons. Grief, exhaustion, and sheer determination to make it on her own leave Barbara asking God what it is she should do.

This story truly spoke to me. I enjoyed it very much.

[Danielle Turko]

When Barbara brought her fourth son into the world, she knew it would be different then with her first 3 children since her husband passed away 8 months before. Now a single mom and sole owner of the harness shop, she knows she needs to support her family but she is so tired and weak she doesn't know how she's going to do it. When Paul returns home for his brother's funeral, he offers to help out at the harness shop until Barbara gets her strength back. After spending time with Barbara and her family though, he starts to feel a little less of a pull back to Pennsylvania and more of a pull to the one thing he never thought he would ever want.
This was a good continuation to the series, and would make a perfect hallmark channel movie. I would recommend anything I've read by Wanda Brunstetter

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second book in The Brides of Webster County series, I really enjoyed that this story had character tie-ins to the first book, Going Home. The story itself was well written and relatable, with characters dealing with real-life, difficult problems like loss of a loved one, family worries, and making tough decisions. This story shows how having faith can help make life's concerns a little easier. The book also features supportive family and friends, romance, and the possibility of happiness and fresh beginnings. Overall, a really pleasant read that encourages the reader as well as entertains.

[Jeanne (love2cook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Zook is now a widow after her beloved husband is killed. How will she be able to raise their four young boys and manage their harness store on her own? Paul Hilty arrives home for his brother's funeral and he finds himself agreeing to help run Barbara's shop. Everything is going fine until widower Bishop John Frey decides to court Barbara. Paul can't understand where all these emotions are coming from. He's jealous of Bishop Frey. Will Paul try to beat out the competition or move back to Pennsylvania? Will Barbara marry for love or be forced into a marriage of convenience?

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in brides I’d Webster county series. Nice easy read that lets you visit with some people from first book. Barbara looses her husband on their anniversary and she is left with 3 boys and another child on the way. Journey with Barbara as she raises her boys, runs her husbands buggy shop and faces any new adventure that comes her way, I love how Wanda includes Amish traditions in her stories, she takes time to research facts instead of just making her own up.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful written story of Amish life in Webster County. The characters in this series of books are all so likeable and real. The story flows well, is clean, loving, relaxing and enjoyable. Perfect for a nighttime read or a quiet day around the pool - it won't stress you out, but it will leave a smile on your face.

Wanda E. Brunstetter doesn't disappoint in her many stories surrounding the Amish communities.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book I have read by Wanda E. Brunstetter, this book was written in a style similar to a romance. Straight forward, simplistic yet likeable characters in an Amish environment. Overall very readable, yet I was hoping for the multi-faceted story line that made the first book I'd read by this author (a different series) so interesting.

[Shannon Hardway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent

A good story about a woman who thought she could to it all was a single mom. Sometimes we need to learn our limitations and allow others to help without feeling we are taking story our less of a woman. Trusting our lives to God is what helps us see our need for others because he created us this way. He will always do good for us.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a while all the Amish books get to be about the same. This is the second in this series and it is very much like the first. This author is OK.

[Gina Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt read

Good fast paced read with all the characters from the first book showing up in this sequel. Get your tissues out, had me crying a few times.

[Denise Bucklew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good read!!! At one point I was really frustrated with the bishop interfering but it all turned out for the best in the end!!!

[Katie Merkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about how God heals broken hearts and provides not only for our financial needs but also for our relational needs.

[Jeanne Swatzyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great relaxing easy read

[Thomas L. Dymond]

A refreshing read

This story reminded me of simpler times. We complicate life when we leave God out of it.
Life was meant to be lived simply.

[Mary Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about an Amish widow with four young boys and a family business and her struggles with love and moving on from a deep loss. An easy read and a page turner .