Jonah and Elaine seem to be headed to wedded bliss, but tragedies in Elaine’s life put a halt to those plans. When death and illness befall her grandparents, Elaine must decide which road her life must take. Should she be a wife and mother, a caregiver to her elderly relative, or can she be both? This book explores the nature of illnesses and the stress those illnesses impose not only on the inflicted, but also on those close by. The author handles these subjects with caring and with dignity as the characters deal with the problems that illness and grief bring. This well written novel has a somewhat open ending, as the lives of at least some of the characters go on. ( )

Once again beloved author Wanda Brunstetter has created characters that grab our attention and a storyline that tugs at our heartstrings. As in true life, death or illness can alter many plans and this book has both. Dementia and MS affect two of the prominent characters and readers are given a glimpse of how the Amish might deal with these issues.

There are many decisions to be made in this story. Elaine must choose between keeping her promise or following her heart; Jonah must decide if he will remain single or risk losing his heart for a third time.

"The Decision" is a heart wrenching study of duty over personal happiness and a heartwarming reminder that 'good can come to those who wait'. Readers of this book will be glad they have chosen to read "The Decision" and they will anxiously await the second story in this series!

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

Have to say that the way this story wrapped up was not what I was expecting. Jonah Miller is a man who might feel he is unloveable. He moves from Pennsylvania to Illinois to settle into a new Amish community when the woman he was to marry broke his heart. He is courting Elaine Schrock, who is being raised by her grandparents. When her Grandpa suddenly dies and Grandma begins the early stages of dementia, Elaine must let the man she loves go, so she can care for her Grandma. Won't spoil and ending, but it went a different direction than I was expecting. ( )

I was very disappointed in this book. It just didn't stand up to what I have come to expect from this author. ( )

The Decision by Wanda Brunstetter is the first book in her new Prairie State Friends series. The story opens with Elaine Shrock finding her Grandfather seriously ill. He is dying and his last request is that she promises to care for her Grandmother. Elaine loves her Grandparents dearly and she readily commits to this promise.

Keenly feeling the loss of her Grandfather, she is soon faced with life changing obstacles when her Grandmother becomes diagnosed with serious illness. While her faith is strong, she stays committed to her promise but the decisions she makes have far reaching effects. Effects that she never dreamed of having to face.

I spent a delightful and relaxing afternoon reading The Decision. I was impressed by the deep characters and the complexity of the story line that kept me interested and engaged in the story through out the book.

What I found most impressive though, was how Ms. Brunstetter creatively acknowledged and weaved the issues that caregivers often face when caring for a loved one with chronic illness. All in all, I found The Decision to be an interesting and enjoyable book!

Many thanks to Kim @ Nancy Berlin Public Relations for the opportunity to review this book. My review is an honest reflection of my impressions, thoughts and feelings regarding this book. ( )