I am a fan of Amish books. Their lifestyle intrigues me. Wanda Brunstetter is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction among other books. She has done Amish cookbooks that are wonderful. Her newest book “The Blessing” is Book Two in her series “The Amish Cooking Class. This 308 page paperback is a Contemporary Christian with Amish and cooking novel. If you like any of the above this is the book for you. It is Book Two but could be read as a stand alone.
Book One in this series was so good I anticipated really liking Book Two, but I never expected to love it more than I did the first one. Author Brunstetter has a way of storytelling that gets my attention and keeps it. I love how she uses Amish (Pennsylvania Deutch) words. After reading so many Amish novels I have even learned some myself. Her descriptions are so realistic I can almost smell the pumpkin cookies baking and taste the hot apple cider. She takes me to Amish Country.
“The Blessing” continues the story of Amish couple Heidi and Lyle Troler. Heidi continues her Amish Cooking Class with new students. Each student brings a unique and interesting story. The students are not Amish so a lot of the story is set in the “English” world. It is a good mix of men and women, young and old.
Brunstetter tackles a lot of issues in this novel. Things that a lot of people struggle with are touched upon such as stress, adoption, fostering, priorities, family, divorce, alcoholism, forgiveness, redemption, and being unequally yoked in a marriage. Seldom do we read about the latter, but it is in scripture and so important. In this enthralling story are insight and encouragement for some of life’s issues. Scripture is heavily sprinkled throughout the book. This is what I look for in a Christian novel – one that inspires according to the Bible.
After the page turning, stay up all night reading it story there are the six recipes from Heidi’s cooking classes. Apple Cornbread is the one I am eager to try. It is one that sounds so different. Following the recipes are fifteen discussion questions. This helps delve deeper into the story and our own lives.
I loved “The Blessing” and would definitely recommend it to anyone. You do not have to like Amish fiction to enjoy this book, but if you do it is an added bonus. There is so much packed into the pages of this inspiring book. You will want to share it with a friend. It would make a great gift or book club read. If you like to cook you will enjoy it. Definitely a 5 out of 5 star rating from me.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
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