If you like tropical locations, Hawaii, and Amish then I have a fabulous novel for you. Tropical Amish sounds like I misspoke, but no, this is accurate. The Hawaiian Discovery is the second in author Wanda and Jean Brunstetter’s Hawaiian quilt series. Even though it is Book Two, you could read it as a stand alone book. However, I would encourage you to read book one because of the back story and just how great it was!
This is the tale of best friends Mandy and Ellen. It is set a few years after Book One, Amish Quilt. 
We find Mandy and hubby running a Bed and Breakfast in Indiana. Her best friend, Ellen works there along side her. One day Mandy and her family receive word of a family emergency which causes them to need to quickly pick up and relocate to Hawaii. Ellen jumps in requesting permission to go and help, too, when another crisis hits. She receives permission and flies, on a plane, to Hawaii. Oh the places you’ll go, Ellen! Who could imagine Hawaiian Amish? Wanda and Jean, of course!
We find Mandy and hubby running a Bed and Breakfast in Indiana. Her best friend, Ellen works there along side her. One day Mandy and her family receive word of a family emergency which causes them to need to quickly pick up and relocate to Hawaii. Ellen jumps in requesting permission to go and help, too, when another crisis hits. She receives permission and flies, on a plane, to Hawaii. Oh the places you’ll go, Ellen! Who could imagine Hawaiian Amish? Wanda and Jean, of course! The girls and Ken, Mandy’s husband, all work on his family’s chicken farm. There they meet Rob. Immediately sparks start to fly between Amish Ellen and Englischer Rob. Rob carries a secret he does not want to share. However, Mandy warns Ellen about Rob’s background.
The authors do a lovely job with their descriptions. The soft sounds and sights of Hawaii drew me in and I was ready to pack my bags right now. Noises and unpleasant smells from the chicken farm descriptions were on point. Yuck! That would not be the job for this city girl. My point is these authors know how to grab readers and transport them into a story. I felt like I was there. The characters were very authentic, well redescribed with flaws and all. The storyline was well planned and flowed. A few parts were predictable and some had twists and turns. I was not disappointed.
This book gave me a page or two to gently ease into to it and then, bam! I could not put it down. Yep, it is a definite page turner where you want to hurry and see what happens, but don’t want the book to end. Oh, the problems we readers have with a good book.
Many lessons can be gleaned from this sweet romance and the Amish. It teaches readers to cast our cares on God, 
to trust Him, and have faith. Friendship is shown throughout this book. Giving readers pause to reflect upon what kind of friend they are? What would they do for a friend? Do we pray with our friends? Also, family and religious dynamics are explored. What happens when you are away from the guidance of family? How does it effect the family if you marry outside your (their) cultural beliefs?
to trust Him, and have faith. Friendship is shown throughout this book. Giving readers pause to reflect upon what kind of friend they are? What would they do for a friend? Do we pray with our friends? Also, family and religious dynamics are explored. What happens when you are away from the guidance of family? How does it effect the family if you marry outside your (their) cultural beliefs? I enjoyed this book overall, but liked the Indiana more traditional Amish part of it better. It is not your typical Amish novel which is reason enough to give it a try. Just remember to go into it with an open mind. Don’t expect the old Amish things in everything. Expect some surprises. See things through Ellen’s eyes and you will love it. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. Certainly I would highly recommend it. Anyone who loves Christian fiction, romance, or Hawaii will enjoy this book. I. received a complimentary copy of it from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 