A Merry Heart

Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour Publishing (2007)
ISBN 159789298X
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (2/07)

Miriam Stoltzfus is a twenty-six year old Amish lady who is considered to be an "old maid schoolteacher" since she has not yet married. She believes her family is trying to push her into a marriage she does not want. The stress from this is causing her to have constant migraines. There are three men who are currently influencing her life - William, Amos and Nick. William jilted Miriam a few years ago to marry someone else. Consequently, Miriam cannot let go of her bitterness and is not open to finding happiness. Amos has loved Miriam since they were children but has never admitted it to her. She believes Amos is trying to court her because he wants her to be his housekeeper and a mother to his young daughter. Miriam keeps running into Nick, both literally and figuratively. He is not Amish and does not respect her people's ways. However, Nick is easy for her to talk to and comforts her during the unexpected and unpleasant events that occur in her life. After a terrible accident for which she blames herself, Miriam feels alone and must adjust her life to accommodate the ensuing changes.

Brunstetter has targeted this book toward adult females. She effectively explores the difficulties of being true to both your heart and your faith.  She stresses the importance of letting go of the past and any bitterness you hold so your heart can be happy. Only then can you make sound decisions about people and their intentions. I was, however, a little disappointed that Miriam made the rash decision of marrying a man she did not love. She is portrayed as a strong and independent woman so I would have liked her to find peace with her past before she took this step.

I enjoyed learning about the simple, yet difficult, lifestyle of the Amish people in “A Merry Heart.” They seem much happier and better able to handle difficulties than many who live in a technologically advanced society. Including the recipe for the chunky chocolate peanut butter cookies was a cute idea. I think I'll make some for a party I'm having next weekend.

Having a merry heart truly is the best medicine for whatever ails you. It is only then that people can make the proper decisions and lead happy and fulfilling lives. Hold on to faith because God is always with you, even when your prayers are not answered in the way you want them to be answered.

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