The Christmas Prayer: a fiction review

Yes it is not even October and I’m reading The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunsetter. Boy did Brunsetter not disappoint. I never rush through fall as it is truly my most favorite season, but when given the chance to read this story I couldn’t resist “getting in the spirit” just a bit early this year. Yes, I am reading it right next to a pumpkin spice candle, a beautiful bouquet of dahlias and some lovely gourds from a friend’s yard. I just couldn’t rush it too much. The story itself was immediately engaging, an easy read, and left me wanting more. I love the format of the diary of Cynthia Cooper coupled with the first person storytelling of what is happening on the journey. As an introduction to a full wagon train of characters, Brunstetter was also able to give us a deeper peek into a number of the characters and the dynamics between them.

I literally read the book in two sittings. It is a novella so it’s brief 170 pages goes quickly. This might be my only “complaint” with the book. The novella setting is a great place for a quick story but leaves readers like me wishing for more with no promise of that. I love a deep and complex story and while this one has some of that potential the format itself doesn’t lend itself to delving into the intricacies that Brunstetter often creates in her characters. However, a brief and engaging story, with an interesting setting and entertaining storyline is exactly what I needed in a busy season. I encourage you to take a look at the recipe below, and the guest post from the author.

Thank you to Celebrate Lit Bloggers for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

 

The Christmas Prayer Celebration Tour

The Christmas Prayer FB Banner copy

About the Book

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Book Title:The Christmas Prayer

Author:Wanda E. Brunstetter

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

AuthorPhoto_Wanda BrunstetterNew 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.

 

Guest Post from Wanda

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

 

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?

 

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

 

Instructions:

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.

Blog Stops

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Blossoms and Blessings, September 20

Britt Reads Fiction, September 20

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Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 25

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Miss Tina’s Amish Book Reviews, September 29

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Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Bigreadersite, October 1

Giveaway

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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 book plate inside!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d297/the-christmas-prayer-celebration-tour-giveaway

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