A Cousin’s Prayer
by Wanda Brunstetter
Barbour Publishing, 2009
My Rating: C+
Within the last few weeks I’ve received two books in the Amish romance genre. This genre has become very popular in the past few years, probably because it reflects a way of life that is basic and much more simple than the hectic life style most of us lead. Today l want to tell you about A Cousin’s Prayer. Next week I’ll share the story of Leah’s Choice.
A Cousin’s Prayer is the story of Katie Miller who is experiencing depression and panic attacks caused by an accident which killed her fiance. Katie feels responsible. After the accident Katie was living in a Plain community in Florida but now is forced to return to her family in Indiana. Being home causes the panic attacks to accelerate.
My evaluation: For the most part, this was a pleasant and heart warming story. There were, however, things that bothered me. I found the majority of the main characters rather mean spirited, not what you’d expect from a good Christian community. I also had trouble with the dialogue. It was written in a very simplistic style that didn’t seem realistic. And, there was way too much extraneous material added in.
What I did like were the two main characters, Katie and Freeman. I found them to be near humans with nice flaws thrown in. The character of Eunice was perfect as someone I loved to hate, if you know what I mean. Although I had some problems with this book I want to read at least one more by this author, maybe one of her earlier books. I like her writing. I think my problems may be with this book.
A Cousin’s Prayer is the second in the author’s Indiana Cousins series. I didn’t read the first book and I didn’t feel it was necessary to the story. The author, Wanda Brunstetter, has written four other Amish series, cookbooks, and numerous children’s books. More information is available at her website: Wanda Brunstetter.
[Source: I won this book from Library Thing's Early Reviewer program.]
NORTHERN CALLIFORNIA
These books just don’t appeal to me – I’m not sure why, but it sounds like I’m not missing much anyway.
That’s an interesting observation about people turning ti these because they portray a simpler way of life. Too bad it seems that the quality of the books is not there.
Well the community should not be mean spirited! Too bad this one didn’t work for you.
sounds like a good book, nice review
Nice review, Margot. I’ve never felt drawn to this particular genre myself – probably because I don’t read a lot of romance except for humorous chick lit stuff.
A C+…..I had high hopes for this one. In Beverly Lewis’ books she only has a few “hardened” characters. But for the most part I feel the Amish community are more giving towards each other than we are. I’m going to wait until you read another one before I add her to my list.
It’s interesting that you are still willing to try another. I’ll wait and hear about that one!