Journal Joe and Arie, a young Amish couple, move onto Chestnut Ridge Acres, a farm near Summerville. Joe's younger sister Nancy and brother Steven come from Whispering Brook Farm to help them during their first summer. Storms and mistakes make for rough going on the farm. But they hang together, and the community gathers to raise a barn for Joe's new dairy operation. Join Joe and Arie for days and nights that are full of action, dealing with farm life and wildlife on Chestnut Ridge.
Bender does an admirable job of giving young readers a thoughtful look at Amish life.
Lessons about lying, stealing, kindness, and friendship are woven into these stories. The author's pen name is Carrie Bender. She is a member of an old order group. With her husband and children, she lives among the Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In addition to the Whispering Brook Series, she has also written the popular five-volume series, Miriam's Journal , for adults and youth.