The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Published by: Barbour Publishing
Series: Mifflin County Mystery – Book 1
Publication Date: August 1, 2024
Genres: Amish Romance / Christian Romance / Mystery
Pages: 320
Format: paperback (from library)
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A Mysterious Disappearance Shakes an Amish Family’s Faith
In 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 is a low-key romance. I’m not just talking about it being closed-door, which it is—I’m saying that romance wasn’t the main focus of the book. And I’m okay with that. The real focus is on how Rosa’s disappearance has impacted the family. When it comes to Salina’s romance with Norman, I can see where things are strained and why. Honestly, Salina is much more understanding than I would ever be, as the book spans almost an entire year.
Because the romance was almost in the background for parts of the book, it was difficult to establish the chemistry between Salina and Norman. Salina did mention that things were different before Rosa’s disappearance, and the story begins there. I suppose I just have to take her word for it. The strain and distance in their relationship were completely understandable, given everything Norman was going through. He seems like the kind of person who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Besides Norman and Salina, there were two other first-person points of view in the book: Norman’s sister, Susan (I won’t share my thoughts on her because… well, spoilers), and Elsie, his mother. Aside from the missing Rosa, this family seems to be surrounded by misfortune. It makes everything feel so real. Have you ever talked to—or maybe you are—that person who just seems to face hardship after hardship after hardship? You wonder if it will ever stop for them, and all you can do is pray and wish them the best. That’s the Petersheim family.
Now, let me just say this…
Oh… my… gosh! Can I be mad at an author? I mean, this ended on such a cliffhanger that my head is reeling, and the second book in the series doesn’t release until March 1st. I might have a meltdown by then. What happened to Rosa?!?!?
What was the last book you read that ended on a cliffhanger?
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