26 September 2018

A Historical Holiday Adventure | The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter

ABOUT THE BOOK

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?

 Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Release Date: September 1, 2018

MY REVIEW
Another novella for this year’s Christmas reading, The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a westward journey. Adventure, danger, romance all lie ahead on the trail to California. 

I wanted to love The Christmas Prayer, I really did. However, as I read it, I couldn’t help thinking that the story lacked space for the development to make the decisions and feelings believable. Cynthia and her traveling companions would be better suited, I think, for a full-length novel, where they could be given more depth and more of their interactions could be seen. 

Though I didn’t enjoy The Christmas Prayer, you still might. If the historical holiday story peaks your interest, check it out—it’s quick and short, perfect for an afternoon of reading. 

(The Christmas Prayer first appeared in The Westward Christmas Brides Collection.)
 
★★.5

Thanks to Celebrate Lit, I received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Prayer and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

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.

GUEST POST FROM THE AUTHOR

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.
GIVEAWAY


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! Enter below.

TOUR SCHEDULE

September 18:

September 19:








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2 comments:

  1. Debra Branigan26/9/18 11:56

    It turns out my husband is a bigger fan of Christmas than I am. However, not so much romance novels:-).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Caryl Kane1/10/18 20:46

    I enjoy Christmas stories! Thank you for the great review!

    ReplyDelete

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