Author, Wanda E Brunstetter is one of my favorite writers of Amish fiction.  I enjoy how she develops the characters and weaves a story together.  I looked forward to reading her newest novel, A Castle of Sand. 

This story seems quite different than other Amish fiction.  Instead of a typical rural Amish community, it takes place at the vacation spot, Pinecraft, in Sarasota, Florida.  Instead of telling a story about a family and their local community, this one focuses on three main characters.  It’s not your typical romance.

A Castle of Sand tells the story of a young widow, Sharon.  She was devastated by the death of her husband and has gone into a deep depression.  Sharon returned home to live with her family.  While well-intentioned, her mother’s help may not be the support and encouragement Sharon needs to get better.  Not only did Sharon lose her husband, but she also lost her faith.  After talking with a friend, Sharon decides that spending some time away in Florida might help her broken heart to heal.  Despite her mother’s protests, Sharon makes plans to get away.

In Florida, she meets an older woman who looks familiar.  Iva happens to be from the community where Sharon and her husband had lived.  Iva befriends Sharon, who is a little shy and wants to be left alone.  But over time, Iva draws Sharon out to experience some fun, see the sights in Florida, and create new memories.  Later, Iva persuades her nephew Peter to join her and take care of some home repairs.  Peter is also nursing a wounded heart in the wake of his fiancée leaving him.  Iva hopes that Sharon and Peter will develop a friendship or something deeper that will help their hearts to mend. 

By far, my favorite character was Iva.  She was caring, compassionate, and patient.  Iva has a strong faith that has grown deeper with the trials she’s faced.  She loves adventure and wants to spend time with her many friends.  She seemed younger than her age.  Peter was a nice young man.  Because of his recent loss he was sensitive and caring towards Sharon.  I really struggled with Sharon, but over time and with much patience and effort from her friends, Sharon started to see the clouds of depression lifting.

Will Sharon work to regain her life and find joy?  Will she continue to deny God’s existence?  Will she recognize that loss and pain are part of life?  Will she learn to look at life anew?  Will she allow God to help heal her broken heart?  How will Iva and Peter fit into her future?  Or will they part and look back at their time together with fond memories?  Will their friendship last? 

A Castle of Sand by Wanda E Brunstetter is not your typical Amish romance.  I took my time reading this book because some weighty things that were being worked out; relationships, friendships, emotions, loss, faith, and rebuilding lives.  My favorite character was Iva; she’s the kind of friend I would love to have in my life. 

If you enjoy Amish fiction, you may want to read A Castle of Sand by Wanda E Brunstetter.  An Amish story with some twists in a different setting. 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of A Castle of Sand by Wanda E Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  A Castle of Sand by Wanda E Brunstetter will be available October 1, 2026.