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As the World Churns: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery    by Tamar Myers Amazon.com order for
As the World Churns
by Tamar Myers
Order:  USA  Can
Signet, 2009 (2008)
Hardcover, Paperback, e-Book
* *   Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth

Magdalena Yoder, married to big-time Manhattan doctor Gabriel Rosen, seems to be joined at the hip to her mother-in-law, a situation that makes her most unhappy. But she manages to push aside this blip in her life (though it's a big one) in anticipation of emceeing the first annual Hernia Holstein Competition.

This competition has brought tourists and competitors into Hernia, Lancaster, PA, hopefully to swell the coffers of the merchants of Hernia. The contest's originator, aging Doc Shafor, is attacked. Magdalena's husband Gabe and her foster daughter disappear. Magdalena has several encounters with various neighbors and ends up in the hospital herself.

Magdalena is a wonderful character who has no trouble finding others' faults and letting them know about them. She is open about her own faults, though, and you can't help but love her. As the World Churns is the seventeenth novel featuring the adventures of Magdalena and her wacky family, including her homicidal brother-in-law who has escaped from the local hoosegow. A surprise at the ending that may be hard for Magdalena to fathom. Can't wait for the next in this great series to see how she handles it.

Included in most of Tamar Myers' novels about this almost Mennonite Magdalena are wonderful recipes. This offering features ice cream recipes that get the old taste buds working. Note: Magdalena does not cook but she sure knows what is good. For a fun few hours, include Magdalena in your day.

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