Welcome to Friday Reads!
You can enter to win a print copy of Letters of Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter, courtesy of the publisher. (US ONLY!) Enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends March 15, 2024) Click To Tweet If you’re the chosen winner, I’ll contact you for your information to pass along to the publisher.
About the book…
Letters and Prayers Between Friends Become a Balm for Healing
Irma Miller thought having a family of her own would bring her joy and a sense of accomplishment, but she struggles with memories of the abuse she suffered as a child at the hand of her stepfather. When she becomes physically and emotionally abusive to her own children, she reaches out to her friend Doretta for prayer and wisdom. But Irma may find herself at an even darker emotional place before she will admit she needs professional help to heal the past traumas. Will Doretta’s letters of wisdom help Irma and her family, or will too much be broken to ever be repaired?
(Note: This is the third book in the Friendship Letters series, but it can be read as a standalone novel.)
Excerpt…
Chapter 1
Mount Hope, Ohio
After putting her two-year-old daughter, Myra, down for a nap, Irma Miller grabbed the mail and went outside. There, she found her middle child, Clayton, crouched in one of the flower beds with a bunch of rocks he’d piled into a mound.
Irma shook her head slowly and kept walking until she came to the wooden bench she’d placed under a shady maple tree at the first sign of spring. Eager to read the letter she’d received from her friend Doretta Lengacher, she placed the rest of the mail on the bench beside her, ripped the envelope open, and started reading:
Dear Irma,
I hope this note finds you well and enjoying some lovely spring weather. It’s been beautiful here in Grabill, and I love spending time in the yard. The feeders are full, and there are birds aplenty. Yesterday, I spotted two Eastern bluebirds eating at one of the feeders. Although they’re fairly common here in Indiana, I always enjoy seeing the beautiful blue feathers that cover most of their little bodies. The cardinals
are out too, and I love the remarkably vibrant red color of the males and the red crests above their heads. Remember how you, Eleanor, and I used to play at Riverside Park?
You two used to tease me because I was always pointing out pretty or unusual birds. I’m still doing that as an adult, telling anyone who’ll listen.
Irma smiled as she thought of Doretta Lengacher and Eleanor Lapp, her two best friends from Grabill, Indiana. They had attended the Cedar Creek Amish school together until Irma was seven and her loving father had died in an accident. Within a year, her mother had married Homer Schmucker, and he’d moved the family to Ignatius, Montana.
Things were never the same for Irma. Homer constantly criticized her and treated her as an outsider compared to his four flesh-and-blood children. She frowned, dismissing her bad memories and focusing on her friend’s letter again:
Things are going well at the nutrition center, and I still enjoy working there with Warren. Even so, I won’t be there once the baby comes. Yes, you read that right—Warren and I are expecting our first child, and he or she is due in six months. Of course, as you might guess, we’re both very excited about becoming parents.
Enough about me, though. How are things in Ohio with you and your family? I imagine the children are growing and keeping you busy.
It was wonderful to see you at our wedding last year, and we enjoyed getting to meet LaVern and the children. Maybe you can come here for another visit soon, and we’d
like to visit you in Ohio sometime too.
Well, it’s getting late, and I must close for now and get ready for bed. Take care, friend. I hope to hear from you soon.
Your friend for life,
Doretta
Irma set the letter aside and sighed. Although happy for Doretta, she was glad she herself wasn’t expecting a baby. She had her hands full enough with three active children to care for and couldn’t imagine having another child added to the family. “Jah,” she mumbled, “better her than me. If I had another little one to raise, I think I’d go crazy. I can barely keep up with the kinner I have now, let alone manage the care of a new baby.”
About Wanda…
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.
Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.
All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
I enjoy reading Amish fiction as the stories have great faith and a simple lifestyle
I agree! Good luck, Maryann.
I enjoy their faith, work ethics and family dynamics.
I do, as well. Good luck, Jan!
The simplicity and tech-free life of the Amish allows for more focus on genuine relationships and community participation which is reflected in Amish fiction.
So true! Good luck, Roxanne.
I find the Amish fascinating. This book sounds interesting especially with the raw complexity of abuse and being able to control emotions and actions.
I agree. I think you’d enjoy this one. Good luck, Heather.