Still Chosen, Still Loved

The Pretender

Written by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Series: Mifflin County Mystery, Book 3

Published by Barbour Publishing | Barbour Fiction

Release Date: 08.01.25

Genre: Christian Mystery & Romance

4 Stars!

The Pretender opens with the long-awaited return of a soul both lost and longing for home. Rosa Petersheim’s journey, away and back, is about the deep, aching question we all ask at some point: Will I still be loved, even after everything?

Wanda E. Brunstetter answers that aching question with Gospel truth wrapped in the humble fabric of everyday life. The love and forgiveness poured into these pages are raw and slow. They cost something. Because when grace shows up wearing scars, we recognize it for what it truly is: a gift from God.

“If our Lord could forgive those who had put Him to death, why do we find it so difficult to forgive others?” That question hovers over Rosa’s family, and it settles into the heart of anyone who’s ever wrestled with wounds or withheld grace. The hurt she caused is real. So is the mercy offered … and it flows like healing balm from our Heavenly Father’s hands. Most of us have stood on both sides of that question … needing forgiveness, and needing to forgive.

“…you need to forgive yourself, just as God forgave you as soon as you repented.” Wanda lets Rosa’s redemption unfold slowly, the way true healing often does.

“God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.” This story finishes with the kind of ending that feels both unexpected and exactly right …  because it reflects what real life often looks like: imperfect people, radically loved by a perfect God.

A comforting read that finishes strong with life applications of God’s precious, powerful Word!

Perfect for readers who love Amish fiction, heartfelt redemption, and stories that point clearly to Jesus.

I received a digital version of this book from the publisher. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.