Letters of Trust Review

Posted on February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Letters of Trust by best selling author Wanda Brunstetter is the first book in her Christian contemporary Amish series The Friendship Letters. This poignant novel is about a struggle some people have and its affects on the lives of loved ones besides themselves. The life lessons in this book are timeless.

This is the story of Amish newlyweds Eleanor and Vic Lapp. After their marriage they left Indiana and moved back to Vic’s hometown in Pennsylvania. Eleanor and her best friend, Doretta Schwartz, keep in touch with each other by writing letters. As best friends do, they pour our their hearts in these letters knowing their secrets will be kept confidential.

Life is going well for the newlyweds in Pennsylvania. Vic is working and has a ride there with a friend. His family loves Eleanor. Then, one day their lives change when a tragic accident happens.

The author did an amazing job with this heartbreaking story. The characters were realistic and easy to befriend. I love that some Pennsylvania Deutsch words were used. I was able to understand their meaning through the conversation.

In this novel, the subject matter was deeper and more serious than some of the author’s books and most Amish books. It was presented from both sides which I appreciated. This is a book that has stuck with me for days after finishing it.

I highly recommend this book. It is perfect for a reading group. There are discussion questions, author notes, and a recipe from the story included at the end. How fun would it be to eat a treat served in the book while discussing it?! I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour Publishing, but these are my honest words.

The Apple Creek Announcement Book Review

Posted on August 27, 2022August 27, 2022 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Apple Creek Announcement is book three in the Creektown Discovery series by best selling author Wanda Brunstetter. This is a Amish contemporary series that is so interesting. If you have not read the first two you will be able to follow this one easily. The other two are just as marvelous as this one.

Two of the series favorites are back again. I love Lois and Orley as well as their antique store. In fact, they are so lovable I wish they had a series dedicated to their back story and future.

This book is the story of Andrea and Brandon. He is a veterinarian and she is a piano teacher and artist. They are newly engaged and have a few issues. Some of the hiccups are minor and others are not. They each write a letter to the newspaper advice column Dear Caroline wanting help. Brandon strikes up a friendship with Orley and asks for his advice, also.

Author Brunstetter has written another page turning story. I was immediately captivated and because engrossed in the tale and characters. At times I even wanted to offer advice. I loved the fact that the engaged couple had a cat and dog that spatted. The author writes believable characters and situations. The dialog was authentic for Amish and taught me a few new words. There are mystery, redemption, humor, conundrums, family issues, adoption, wedding issues, and cute animals.

There are so many life and spiritual lessons in this book. This is a story of love, hope, faith, family, forgiveness and perseverance. As you read make sure you let those messages sink in. After you have read the book, you will want to go back and ponder the lessons. Be sure to catch the recipes at the end after the story.

I highly recommend this book and the other two. It would make a nice selection for a book club. The entire series would be a great choice for that. Fans of contemporary fiction will enjoy this book. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided but these are my honest words.

The Sugarcreek Surprise Book Review

Posted on March 25, 2022March 25, 2022 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Sugarcreek Surprise by award winning author Wanda Brunstetter is a Christian Amish romance novel. It is Book 2 in the Creektown Discoveries Series. It can easily be read as a standalone book.

This is the story of Lisa Miller, a young Amish schoolteacher. She has lived with her grandparents since both of her parents died tragically in an accident. They have taken wonderful care of her. However, she was traumatized by her parents’ death and cannot see a future outside of the safety of their home.

It is also the story of Paul Herschberger. He has moved from Indiana to Sugarcreek, Ohio after his fiancé cheats on him. He is a relatable character and a really nice guy.
Mrs. Brunstetter has written a heartwarming, realistic story that is beautiful. It was easy to become invested in the story and lives of Lisa and Paul. There are life and spiritual lessons woven throughout this tale. Twists and turns kept it interesting. I loved it so much that I read it in one sitting. It is definitely a page turner.

Readers that enjoyed Book 1 will be happy to “see” some familiar faces pop up as they read this book.

This is one of my favorite books by the author. It has a lovely story with a heartfelt message. True to her style, the author included recipes at the end along with discussion questions. I love it when authors include those.

I highly recommend this. Any Amish fan will swoon over The Sugarcreek Surprise. Reader groups would enjoy this as a selection. It gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda Brunstetter

Posted on July 26, 2021July 26, 2021 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Review

The Walnut Creek Wish by award winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is a Christian Amish contemporary, romance, fiction. This is the first book in the Creektown Discoveries series. In it we meet Amish antique store owners Orley and Lois Troyer and struggling married English couple Jeff and Rhonda Davis.

The author takes on real life issues in this novel. Her characters will face personal and marital issues that most all of us have faced. If we have not, we know some family or friends who have. True to her unique style of writing, Brunstetter weaves life and inspirational messages throughout her story. I became invested in the characters and what was happening in their life. I rejoiced when they were happy and became sad when they were. The faith messages of turning to God, trusting Him, and the power of prayer were encouraging.

Two of my favorite things are that after her tale concludes, the author treats readers to recipes we have read about previously and a list of questions for group or individual study. This book would make a nice choice for a reading group. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was received from the Publisher but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book 1 in the Creektown Discoveries Series from NYT Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter

An Antique Store Becomes a Place of Healing for Broken Hearts

Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

About the Author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

The Crow’s Call by Wanda Brunstetter

Posted on March 26, 2020March 25, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Best Selling author Wanda Brunstetter has written another fantastic page turning tale with her newest book, The Crow’s Call. This Amish story is different than the ones most often told by author Brunstetter. It is still a Christian Amish Romance but has a mystery to it. I absolutely loved it and could not put it down!

This is the page turning story of the King family. It is so captivating that I was immediately invested in the story. The lives of the family members were very interesting. Each character possessed a unique personality that made them easy to befriend. All are believable and well thought. Even some of the characters from The Prayer Jar series show up in this new series. I enjoyed the new Englisch characters and the lessons they taught.

The story opens with tragedy and heartbreak. It then deals with the timeless issues of loss and dealing with a new normal. The author has offered so many life and faith lessons in this book. Her writing style is superb. There are surprises and twists as the tale unfolds. The conversations are smooth and sound authentic.

I highly recommend this book. The mystery is intriguing, the romance sweet, and the Amish delightful. I loved the inspirational message woven throughout this 5 star book. I am eagerly awaiting Book #2! A copy was provided by the publisher but these are my honest words.

Series: Amish Greenhouse Mysteries (Book 1)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (March 3, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1643520210
ISBN-13: 978-1643520216

About the Author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many

Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Christmas, Cookies, and Memories

Posted on December 22, 2019December 22, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Christmas and cookies just seem to go together. Kids of all ages love cookies. Don’t you? From the simple chocolate chip and peanut butter to fancier bonbons and cookie press spritz, a tray of cookies is always a welcomed delight at any home.

I remember making Christmas candy with both of my grandmothers but not cookies. My mother and I made those along with treasured memories. Mother is a wonderful cook and baker. She is also a true Proverbs 31 woman even to this day. I am blessed to have a Christian mother to teach me many things, especially about Jesus.

One of our family’s favorite cookies is Spritz or Cookie Press Butter Cookies. A hint of almond mixed with pure buttery goodness in small shapes of wreaths, Christmas trees, stars, and hearts give the kitchen a heavenly aroma when baking. These are scrumptious any time of the year. The best thing about them is the fun I have when making them with a loved one.

Christmas memories don’t need to be about a gift you received. Make sweet memories this year by making cookies for family and friends with your mother, daughter, sister, or friend. Actually, that will be a gift in itself. I still smile when I travel back in time to a little red brick house and am making cookies with my mother and little sister. The smiles on faces of friends and family when we gave them a tin of homemade cookies warmed our souls. Yes, the gift we gave became a gift returned to us.

Need a cookbook for some great recipes? Amish author Wanda Brunstetter has a Christmas cookbook that even has a recipe for these cookies:

I love the Amish cookbooks. If you are not familiar with Amish, they love to cook, bake, and eat! Now that is a recipe for a great cookbook. Get it at Amazon or wherever you normally buy books.

The Brides of the Big Valley Book Review

Posted on June 29, 2019June 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Brides of The Big Valley is a compilation of three Christian contemporary Amish romance stories penned by the three Brunstetter ladies. Matriarch Wanda is joined by daughter-in-law Jean and granddaughter Richelle to produce a delightful fiction book that is unique and engaging. I have never read any Amish stories such as these.

The Amish lifestyle fascinates me and by reading these three books I was able to learn even more about it. Opening this paperback is an Introduction section that describes The Big Valley and Amish there. The three different buggy colors intrigued me. Their language and cooking do, too. The Brunstetter ladies have done their research well and really know the Amish culture. It is evidenced in their well written books.

Each story has believable characters that are true to life. They struggle with life issues such as strife, forgiveness, coveting, and not wanting to accept help from others. Through their tale solutions are given on how to deal with these unfortunate and stressful topics. God is frontmost in each of the three books.

All three novellas are set in an area in Pennsylvania known as Big Valley. There are many Amish here but they aren’t all alike in their beliefs and rules. The three separate districts here range from Conservative to Liberal. Each one has their own color of buggy to distinguish themselves.

Wanda has written the first book, Deanna’s Determination. In this story Deanna is a widow with a young son who has Down’s Syndrome. It is a heart wrenching story that has stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I was a bit bothered by switching between Dad and Daed throughout the book, but it could be a Big Valley practice. I loved the little boy, Abner. There are so many life lessons to be learned in this poignant tale.

Jean took on Book Two, Rose Mary’s Resolve. The common thread between these two books is Elmer. He works for her father. In this tale, Mary Rose is deliberating on her faith and finding a man to help her in her walk. She has been considering jumping the fence over into the Englischer World. It is a wonderful story and filled with faith, decisions, consequences, and inspiration. Jean has a very nice style of writing and knows her Amish, also.

Richelle wraps up the book with Leila’s Longing. Leila has been helping her mother and has done so without complaining. Secretly she yearns for a house and family of her own. Her friends are all married or getting married. She is goes to a singing where young people gather and mingle. Her dilemma is can a strict yellow topper be interested in beginning a relationship and family with someone from a different group?

I would highly recommend this to anyone. If you aren’t certain if you like Amish books, this is a sampling from three excellent authors. Each of the stories is equally entertaining and inspiring. After the novella each author has included a recipe from her story. There are no Discussion Questions at the end, but these would be great book club choices for many reasons. There is heartache, disabilities, and making choices involved in these captivating tales.

After reading these three novella, I am ready for a real trip to Amish Country. This gave me a taste for the real thing! I gladly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Each individual story would get a 5, also. A copy was provided by the publisher but these were my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book:

In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which three distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

About the Authors:

Wanda Brunstetter

Jean Brunstetter

Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach.

Richelle Brunstetter

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter

Posted on February 3, 2019February 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres. The Amish seem to live their lives for God and family. Doesn’t that sound perfect? A simple, idealistic life, but it is no different than ours. Their lives have troubles and conflicts, too, I’m sure.

72CD9E4C-2CEA-4B75-A242-B0A9A4938A19

Author Wanda Brunstetter has penned a multitude of books, the majority of them being Amish. She knows what she’s doing and does it exemplary. “The Forgiving Jar” is Book Two in her The Prayer Jars Series. It could be read as a stand alone but I highly encourage you to read book one first. It is fantastic.

Brunstetter has come up with an amazing story with this series. She is so gifted! I was captivated quickly in Book One. The characters have been well thought and described. It was easy to visualize each one and befriend them. Becoming invested in their lives happened in Book One and continued with this one.

Some of the things I enjoy about the author’s writing are the cooking and kitchen scenes. It is a family tale and families gather in the kitchen cooking and eating. She also has a strong Christian message along with scripture. There is no doubt that Mrs. Brunstetter is a Christian writer. This book has plenty of all of the above.

Forgiveness is the major topic of the book. This is something we all deal with, and Amish seem to do a very good job forgiving. Other issues such as jealousy, acceptance, lying, and acceptance are broached. Deepening our walk with God and trusting Him are also in the book.

152D5574-79DA-49ED-8BD1-10EC822B0404

At the end of the book were two recipes. I am getting spoiled and was hoping for more. There is also a section with discussion questions. Yes! Questions for deeper study are so important and make it nice for a reader’s group. This is an encouraging novel.

I enjoyed this book and found I did not want to put it down. There are a few cliff hangers such as unknown identities that hopefully will be revealed. This book did have a twist or two making it fun.

Everyone will enjoy this delightful book. Whether you related to Grandma, Grandpa, Sara, Michelle, or someone else, you will find a friend in this book. Readers that like Christian, contemporary, Amish, encouraging books will devour it like this reader did. It is highly recommended along with book one. I give it a five out of five stars!

About the Book

4B3D541D-F4F2-4AD1-87CA-B9AB3183FA63

Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the imposter.

Secrets and deceit seem to follow Sara, and she is so tired of it. Though soon she meets Brad Fuller who is visiting her grandparents for during Christmas. She likes him a lot, but even he seems to pull away from her, not being totally honest.

Struggling, Sara finds an old canning jar hidden in the barn that is full of encouraging prayers. Can Sara find a way to forgive the past and move on to building new relationships?

This is Book 2 in the brand-new series, The Prayer Jars, from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
Book 1 — The Hope Jar (August 2018)
Book 3 — The Healing Jar (August 2019)

About the Author

6e910-wanda2bbrunstetter2b252812529

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Woman of Courage and Woman of Hope by Wanda Brunstetter

Posted on December 19, 2018December 17, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I love historical fiction. A good historical fiction takes me on an adventure to a time and place that I have never been. It also teaches me something about them.

69110CC0-F4D3-4C7B-9BB3-62C4D170240C

In her historical Christian fiction, Woman of Courage, author Wanda E. Brunstetter takes me on a journey from New York to the Oregon Territory. It is the story of Amanda Pearson as she joins a Quaker mission to spread the word of God to the Indians out West.

The author has given us delightful, strong characters. It is easy to become invested in their lives and this story. Amanda’s journey has so many trials but she preserves. This shows a strong faith and trust in God.

909ACDA9-B7B0-4DBD-991E-72F81A2E5D42

In the second story, Little Fawn is a very likable character. She has developed a strong faith and wants to share it with other Indians. Her story is intriguing and captivated me quickly.

Conversation is easy and plentiful in this book. I felt like I was right there listening. Descriptions were spot on and my imagination painted a vivid picture of Amanda and her friend a Yellow Bird as well as the scenery. The same with the second story. Emotions were transferred from the characters to me. I felt their sadness, fear, and joy.

The author has written well researched stories. There is a plethora of information on the various Indian tribes and beliefs. Material was well organized, planned, and written. Author Brunstetter is a gifted wordsmith whether she is writing historical or Amish novels. Readers will always find Christian encouragement and inspiration woven throughout her stories.

I definitely recommend this book. Fans of historical fiction and Wanda’s Amish fans will love it. If you are interested in learning about Indians, you will also enjoy this book. This would be a great reading club book and Christmas gift. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own, honest ones.

About: A Woman of Courage Makes an Epic Journey

Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and joins the work at a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Timesbestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Woman of Hope, with Little Fawn’s story:

Raised as an orphan by a loving white couple, Little Fawn always felt something was missing from her life. She longs to take the news of Jesus to the Nez Perce Indians, but despite being a missionary herself, Little Fawn’s mother forbids it. Will White Wolf, her intended, support Little Fawn’s decision when she abruptly follows the tribe’s migration onto the Plains?

About the author:

6e910-wanda2bbrunstetter2b252812529

The Christmas Prayer, CelebrateLit Tour

Posted on September 24, 2018September 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

“The Christmas Prayer” by New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Wanda Brunstetter is not her usual Amish offering, but a historical Novella. Set in the West, this 176 page paperback is the tale of a small group of travelers leaving Independence, Missouri, in April 1850 journeying to California. Their goal is to join a wagon train which left earlier.

Cynthia Cooper and her mother Mabel are two of the characters we meet. They are going with Cynthia’s fiancé, Walter Prentice, to California. Arriving in Independence, late they are disappointed to learn the wagon train has already departed. They discover two other families in the same shape and begin their long journey to catch the train. The other parties are Cole Edwards and his sister, Virginia as well as Jack Simpson, a widower traveling with his two young children, Alan and Amelia.

The characters are extremely well rounded defined. Some were delightful and others detestable. Conversations flowed easily and smoothly. True to life, troubles and trials happen along the way to delay their journey. The group finds themselves at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains when winter hits. Snow falls and halts travel. The author has done a wonderful job describing the time, place, and emotions in her delightful story.

The Christmas Prayer is a well-written novel with a nice message, great writing, and smooth transitions between characters’ viewpoints. At times it was easy to guess what would happen next. The Christian message was sprinkled lighter than normal, but it was still present. Pray and trust God.

I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys historical romance, Christmas books, or for Wanda fans. It is a lovely afternoon or evening read. I will be buying a few for stocking stuffers this year. I gave it 5 out of 5 star rating. A free copy of the book was provided by the author and CelebrateLit, but all opinions are my own, honest ones.

About the Book:

Genre: Historical Christmas Romance

Release date: September, 2018

Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.

Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E.

Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Guest Post from Wanda

A cross-country journey in 1850 leads to high mountain danger—and romance.

Find out in The Christmas Prayer from NY Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Try this Exclusive Bonus Recipe Found Inside the Book!

Cynthia’s Fried Apples

Without peeling, quarter as many tart apples as you would like. Lay apples close together, skin side down, in frying pan with salt pork fat or butter. Cover until well steamed then uncover and brown both sides, turning and watching closely to prevent burning.

To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of The Christmas Prayer with an autographed bookplate inside. Be sure to comment on the blog stops (schedule below) for 9 extra entries into the giveaway. Click here to enter.