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    The English Son: The Amish Millionaire Part 1
    The English Son: The Amish Millionaire Part 1
    The English Son: The Amish Millionaire Part 1
    Ebook96 pages1 hour

    The English Son: The Amish Millionaire Part 1

    By Wanda E Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

    4.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Join New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with Jean Brunstetter in Holmes County for a dramatic new 6-part serial novel.

    In Part 1 of The Amish Millionaire...When Joel Byler turned eighteen he left his Amish roots, but living the good life out in the world requires money, and he finds himself going back home to ask his wealthy and eccentric father for money—again. But how many times can Joel expect to be welcomed back before his father’s patience with him wears thin?

    The Amish Millionaire -- A 6-Part Serial Novel
    #1: The English Son
    #2: The Stubborn Father
    #3: The Betrayed Fiancee
    #4: The Missing Will
    #5: The Divided Family
    #6: The Selfless Act
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBarbour Publishing
    Release dateFeb 26, 2016
    ISBN9781634097604
    The English Son: The Amish Millionaire Part 1
    Author

    Wanda E Brunstetter

    New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's 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. 

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    Reviews for The English Son

    4.5/5

    11 ratings3 reviews

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    • 5/5
      As we open this book we meet a young man that has just purchased his dream car, and spent $250,000 for it, he must be wealthy, right? So much joy he is experiencing, and you fell happy for him, I could just picture him riding around in his Corvette, but this is the beginning of a big spiral, he was hedging his fortunes, which brings to mind a lot of fallen people whom have done this.Joel is in a relationship with a sweet Mennonite girl, in fact he is engaged to her, but as her mom reminds Kristie, that you should not be unequally yoked, but like most young people she is sure she can change him.Joel is hiding a deep secret, besides being in debt, he is running away from his family, and I was surprised, but again his name kind of gave him away. Don’t be quick to judge, how will his family accept him when he comes to visit, and why is he there.The book does end in a cliffhanger, and I was ready to keep reading, so it won’t be long before I have the next book on my shelf. This is a very quick read, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      The English Son by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is the first book in The Amish Millionaire series. Joel Byler has just put himself in a financial bind by buying the car of his dreams. It is a 1967 Corvette Stingray (he paid $250,000). Now, though, Joel (a contractor) needs to come up with the money needed to pay his subcontractors for their latest work. Joel has a joint account with his fiancé, Kristi Palmer. They are saving up money for their wedding and a home (he lives in a trailer). They agreed never to take money out of the account without discussing it with the other person. Joel does not want to tell Kristi about the car (and is hiding it at his workshop). Joel decides to take the money from the account, but it will not pay all of his subcontractors. Joel decides to go home and ask his father for the additional money. Joel left his family seven years ago. Joel was raised in Berlin, Ohio in an Amish family. He was never satisfied with that life (always wanted what he did not have). Joel’s father, Eustace is still grieving the death of his wife. He misses his son and wants to help him, but he does not think that money is the answer. Kristi is worried about Joel. She can tell that something is wrong, but he refuses to talk to her. What is going to happen to Joel?The English Son is well-written and enjoyable to read (I read it straight through). I did not want the book to end (I wanted more). The English Son ends with a cliffhanger and we have to wait for The Stubborn Father to find out what happens next. I give The English Son 5 out of 5 stars. I have only given you a brief overview of the book (there are other family members who have their own lives and issues). I am impatient for the next book in The Amish Millionaire series.I received a complimentary copy of The English Son from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      What a great start to a very promising six part story. Joel is a very determined young man. He has visions of making lots of money and marring Kristi. He has asked her to marry him, but he has not bought her an engagement ring yet. I wonder why he hasn't put a ring on her finger? Could it be the very expensive and unnecessary car he bought? He becomes very careless with his money and soon finds himself in trouble. He can't pay his subcontractors and he is hiding a few secrets from Kristi. This reminds of the scripture, "The love of money is the root of all evil." Kristi is a very sweet young woman who is head over heels crazy for Joel. Her mom has warned her about "not being equally yoked" with Joel as he has wandered away from his faith. She seems to have hope that he will start finding his way back to God. She has noticed lately that Joel has become tense and has the weight of the world on his shoulders. What secret has he not told Kristi about his family? When he goes to visit his family , will he feel welcomed? This is a great start to a wonderful new novella by an author that I highly admire. She writes about the Amish with such graceful words and makes their town come to life. Her character development is so engrossing . I love Kristi and her dedication to her faith. Joel is in for a few surprises when he thinks of a plan to get himself out of debt. The story ends on a cliffhanger which makes me anxious to get the next book in the series. It is well worth the time to read this engaging story and has a bit of the prodigal son theme in it. I love stories like that which reminds us about forgiveness and second chances. I received a digital copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

    Book preview

    The English Son - Wanda E Brunstetter

    10

    CHAPTER 1

    Akron, Ohio

    One thing Joel Byler couldn’t stand was a dirty car. While the vehicle he’d bought today might be a classic, the exterior needed some help.

    Joel was thankful his girlfriend, Kristi Palmer, had gone shopping in Holmes County with her mother and wouldn’t be back until Sunday evening. That would give him all weekend to spend with his new car. As soon as he got it washed, he might see if Tom Hunter was free to take a test drive with him.

    Joel leaned against his work truck and stared at the tuxedo-black 1967 Corvette Stingray convertible. What a beaut! Even with a layer of dust, it was any man’s dream. Well, Joel’s anyway. He’d wanted a car like this for a long time and had been watching the ads, as well as going to classic car auctions every chance he got. The sale he’d attended this morning had been surprisingly successful. When this gem came up for auction, Joel couldn’t resist. A few others apparently wanted the Corvette as badly as he did, because the bidding shot up quickly. Before Joel realized it, the highest bid was $200,000. In desperation, he upped the bid by $50,000 and won. The only downside was he’d gone way over his budget to get the car, even though with its 435-horsepower engine, the model in this good condition usually sold for more than $300,000.

    As a general contractor, cash availability was often feast or famine. Before the most recent job—a big office complex—Joel’s cash flow had been on the meager side. Now, after using more than half the money he’d earned from that job to buy the car, the amount left over was not enough to pay all his subcontractors. But Joel felt certain his bid on a huge upcoming job would be chosen and the advance from that would get him out of the jam he’d put himself in. Once he got paid, he’d have money to spare, even after he paid everyone else. And he would finally be able to get the engagement ring Kristi deserved. Joel had already proposed, and she’d said yes, but he didn’t have the funds for a ring yet—at least not one big enough to prove his love for her. Kristi had assured Joel she didn’t need a fancy ring, but Joel wanted her to have the best. They’d both been saving money for their future together and would eventually use it on a down payment for a house.

    Joel turned his attention to the Corvette again. The first order of business was to wash the outside. He paused a minute to study himself in the side mirror, realizing he, too, needed some sprucing up. Besides the streaks of dirt on his face, his thick, dark hair could use a trim. He’d have to get it done before seeing Kristi—and even-up his short beard. As a business owner, he needed to make a good impression on his customers, but he didn’t care about his appearance when he was at home.

    Joel turned on the outdoor faucet, but before he could grab the end of the hose, it started twirling around under the water pressure, and a blast of chilly water hit Joel square in the face. It also gave his clothes a good soaking, especially the T-shirt, now sticking to him like glue.

    He jumped back and wiped his eyes, then grabbed the flailing hose and pointed it at the Corvette. This was not the way he’d planned to take a bath, even though the cool water felt good.

    It took Joel almost an hour to get the car clean and dry. He used a sponge to clean off a smudge he’d missed and then rubbed the spot shiny clean with a chamois. About to go inside his single-wide mobile home, Joel paused, watching his friend Tom pull up. Perfect timing. Joel grinned.

    Tom got out of his SUV and sauntered up the driveway, where Joel’s new car was parked. Wow! Where’d ya get the good-looking Vette? Tom let out a low whistle while checking it out.

    Got it at a car auction this morning. Joel pointed to the shiny black hood. What do you think?

    Tom blew out his breath. You’ve either come into a large sum of money, or you’re deep in debt. She’s sweet all right. Bet this classic had to be expensive.

    It was, Joel admitted.

    So how’d ya swing it?

    I recently got paid for a big job I completed, so I had the money to pay cash. He chuckled, pulling his fingers through his scruffy short beard. Well, to be honest, I actually wrote a check.

    Tom continued to eyeball the car, walking all around it and then opening the passenger door. Why don’t ya take me for a spin? I bet this Vette has got some get-up-and-go.

    You read my mind. I was planning to drive over to your place to show it to you. Joel tugged on his wet shirttail, wringing out the moisture still left. Give me a few minutes to get cleaned up, and then we’ll take a ride.

    Sounds good. Tom followed Joel up to his single-wide. Mind telling me what you paid for the car?

    Joel hesitated a few seconds. Umm… got it for $250,000.

    Tom’s mouth dropped open, and he blinked his pale blue eyes a couple of times. You’re kidding, right?

    Nope. It was my final bid.

    Wow, at this rate you’ll be living in a mobile home the rest of your life and never get your dream house built, let alone marry your girlfriend. When Kristi sees your new purchase, I wonder what she’ll have to say.

    Joel cringed. I don’t plan on letting her see it. At least not right away. So please don’t say anything, okay?

    Tom slid his fingers across his lips. She won’t hear it from me. That’s a promise. Pointing to the Corvette, Tom’s eyes darkened. How you gonna keep something like this baby hidden from her, Joel? Doesn’t Kristi ever go in your garage?

    I’m not keeping it there. I’m gonna put the Vette in my shop, under a tarp. Joel’s deceit didn’t bother him that much. He figured he’d tell Kristi about the car when the time was right—maybe after he’d given her a ring and a wedding date had been set. They could go out to dinner in the Corvette to celebrate.

    Berlin, Ohio

    Sure wish I had enough money saved up to buy an Amish quilt, Kristi commented as she and her mother entered a quilt shop on Main Street. All the extra money I make goes into the joint account Joel and I opened eight months ago. I won’t touch that—not without Joel’s permission. We made an agreement when we first opened the account not to take out a penny of the money unless an emergency arose, and then, only with the other person’s approval.

    Mom tipped her head. What is this savings account for?

    Our future—together.

    Has he asked you to marry him?

    Kristi nodded.

    Mom took hold of Kristi’s left hand. "I don’t see a

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