Interview with Wanda
about "A Sister's Secret"

Added July 3, 2007

In the Library Reviews welcomes Wanda Brunstetter!

Joyce: Wanda, your books are a delight to read. It's obvious you're a skilled storyteller. How did your new series, Sisters of Holmes County come about?

Wanda: Having visited Holmes County several times, and becoming friends with some Amish people who live there, I decided to set my series in that area. Then, after reading a newspaper article about some Amish in another area who had been the victims of vandalism, I decided to incorporate that idea into this series.

Joyce: What would you like your readers to know about the Amish people and their faith in God?

Wanda: One of the most important things I have learned about the Amish people is that in many ways they are the same as we "Englishers." While the Amish may dress differently and live a more simple life, without the aid of many modern conveniences, they go through similar struggles as we do, and experience the same kinds of joy. The Amish have a strong faith in God and believe that He will guide and direct their lives and help them through every situation.

Joyce: Your characters are very realistic, showing genuine emotions that endear them to readers. At one point in the story, the little girl Anna was reluctant to wear the typical clothing of the Amish. Perhaps you could explain the significance of the dress codes of the Amish community.

Wanda: Amish people believe that discipleship encompasses every area of their life, including the way they dress. They believe they should be distinctly separate from the modern world and that conformity to fads and fashions of popular society indicates identity with the world's system. The plain clothes Amish people wear also gives them a sense of belonging and a feeling of kinship with their brothers and sister in the faith. By wearing plain clothing, the Amish are conscious of being outwardly identified as Christians, and they seek to make their conduct consistent with their dress.

Joyce: The setting of this novel had a peaceful feel in spite of the mysterious 'attacks' that occurred. Grace's father didn't want to involve the sheriff, yet is that the prevailing view among the Amish-that God will be their safety?

Wanda: Most of the Amish people I know personally or have interviewed, say that they would most likely notify the law if a crime was committed on their property. However, the Amish people will not prosecute, so that remains up to the law. Like the father in my story, most Amish don't lock their doors or have any kind of security systems, but they do put their trust in God and ask Him to protect them.

Joyce: I loved how you smoothly incorporated several unique terms that were commonly used, like the words 'grank' and 'eefeldich'. What is the origin of these words?

Wanda: The words, grank, which means 'sick,' and eefeldich, meaning 'silly,' are German Dutch words found in the Revised Pennsylvania German Dictionary published in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Joyce: Which sister will be the main character in the next book in this series?

Wanda: Book 2, A Sister's Test, will focus on Grace's sister, Ruth.

Joyce: Thank you, Wanda, for answering our questions and for giving us a fascinating look at the Amish people. I'll be looking out for the next novel in this series!

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