Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed The Blessing (Amish Cooking Class, Bk 2) on + 157 more book reviews
In the Amish fiction genre, Wanda E. Brunstetter is a solid, dependable writer; I know what to expect and am never disappointed. Her characters are relatable and have depth, it's easy to get caught up in the storyline, and spiritual themes are gently woven throughout, in a way that comforts and even makes me think.
The Blessing, continuing the Amish Cooking Class series that began with The Seekers, is about family and relationships. While there's some overlapping of characters and themes, sufficient background is given so that this book can stand alone. But if you're like me, you'll want to go back and read the previous one if you haven't already.
I loved the cooking class theme because ordinary people from various walks of life are pulled into the story. They all have some type of problem or insecurity, because that's life â and the story reflects how life in Christ is to be lived. I was entertained and impressed by how the lives of all these characters interconnected. But best of all was the way Heidi, while dealing with her own personal struggles, shared her faith in a creative way â by writing a Scripture verse on the back of each lesson's recipe card. Each verse seemed to be exactly what someone needed to hear at the time, and this reminded me of how easy it is to witness in the simplest of ways, then step back and let God work.
The Blessing comes to a satisfactory conclusion, but with the promise of much more to come. Several recipes are included at the end ⦠âChicken in a Crumb Basketâ sounded delicious and I will be trying it soon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to The Celebration in February 2018. Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Blessing, continuing the Amish Cooking Class series that began with The Seekers, is about family and relationships. While there's some overlapping of characters and themes, sufficient background is given so that this book can stand alone. But if you're like me, you'll want to go back and read the previous one if you haven't already.
I loved the cooking class theme because ordinary people from various walks of life are pulled into the story. They all have some type of problem or insecurity, because that's life â and the story reflects how life in Christ is to be lived. I was entertained and impressed by how the lives of all these characters interconnected. But best of all was the way Heidi, while dealing with her own personal struggles, shared her faith in a creative way â by writing a Scripture verse on the back of each lesson's recipe card. Each verse seemed to be exactly what someone needed to hear at the time, and this reminded me of how easy it is to witness in the simplest of ways, then step back and let God work.
The Blessing comes to a satisfactory conclusion, but with the promise of much more to come. Several recipes are included at the end ⦠âChicken in a Crumb Basketâ sounded delicious and I will be trying it soon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to The Celebration in February 2018. Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
How to write a review without giving spoilers, when there is so much I want to say!? I will say that, if you don't know by now, Wanda Brunstetter is one of my absolute favorite Amish novelists. She never fails to hook me with her books and keep me entertained the entire way through. And, The Blessing, book 2 in her Amish Cooking Class series is no exception! I was hooked from the beginning and held captive til the very end. True talent!Â
The Blessing picks up where book 1, The Seekers, left off. Heidi and Lyle Troyer are adopting a baby but a sad circumstance leaves Heidi heartbroken and once again teaching a class to occupy her mind. She, once again, opens her home to strangers and the fun begins! Each new character brings something special to the story and I loved watching Heidi interact with them. The messages thrown into the story and watching the characters realize what those messages were, was truly refreshing!Â
This book is deserving of so much more than 5 stars! Mrs. Brunstetter has created another wonderful novel that every Amish fiction fan (and those that are new to the genre!) will fall in love with. Not only with her writing style, but also with the characters. They quickly become a part of the reader! I highly recommend this book to all book lovers! Hats off to the talented Mrs. Brunstetter, once again! I can't wait for book 3 to release.Â
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
The Blessing picks up where book 1, The Seekers, left off. Heidi and Lyle Troyer are adopting a baby but a sad circumstance leaves Heidi heartbroken and once again teaching a class to occupy her mind. She, once again, opens her home to strangers and the fun begins! Each new character brings something special to the story and I loved watching Heidi interact with them. The messages thrown into the story and watching the characters realize what those messages were, was truly refreshing!Â
This book is deserving of so much more than 5 stars! Mrs. Brunstetter has created another wonderful novel that every Amish fiction fan (and those that are new to the genre!) will fall in love with. Not only with her writing style, but also with the characters. They quickly become a part of the reader! I highly recommend this book to all book lovers! Hats off to the talented Mrs. Brunstetter, once again! I can't wait for book 3 to release.Â
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Love this sweet series by Wanda E. Brunstetter! It even has a few good recipes. Recommended!
I loved getting to visit with Heidi and Lyle Troyer again. I thoroughly enjoy this couple because they have a strong marriage in which they support and encourage each other. Their marriage is the strong foundation for how the interact with the students in Heidi's cooking class.
The new batch of students is varied and very entertaining to get to know. Each one has their own set of problems to work through over the course of the six classes. Even while she is trying to encourage her students Heidi herself is dealing with personal heartbreak.
I loved the appearances of Kendra and some of the other people who were in the first set of classes Heidi held. Their lives have progressed and it is a lot of fun to check in on them.
The new batch of students is varied and very entertaining to get to know. Each one has their own set of problems to work through over the course of the six classes. Even while she is trying to encourage her students Heidi herself is dealing with personal heartbreak.
I loved the appearances of Kendra and some of the other people who were in the first set of classes Heidi held. Their lives have progressed and it is a lot of fun to check in on them.
The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter is the second Amish Cooking Class novel. Heidi Troyer is married to Lyle, an auctioneer, and they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Kendra's baby. Kendra is living with the couple (after her father threw her out when he discovered she was pregnant), and she has agreed to let Heidi and Lyle adopt her baby. When things do not go as planned, Lyle suggests Heidi hold another cooking class (keep her busy). Six people join Heidi in her home and each of them have a different reason. Lance is a postal carrier who has lost his wife, Nicole is a high school student who has struggling since her mother left, Todd is a food critic who is going to write an article about the class, Allie is a housewife with two kids who worries about her policeman husband and their marriage, Lisa is a local caterer who is hoping to learn new dishes for her business, and Bill who wishes to learn new dishes to impress his camping buddies. Heidi will teach them Amish dishes and share some of God's wisdom with them through Bible verses. Heidi knows this group of people were brought together for a reason, and she looks forward to the experience. It will help Heidi deal with her own heartbreak. See what God has planned for each of these individuals and what the future hold for the Troyer's in The Blessing.
The Blessing is well-written and engaging. I was immediately drawn into the story and I did not want it to end. I was captivated by this novel (which rarely happens). The Blessing contains characters that could be my own neighbor, relative, or mail carrier. Each of them have problems or situations that individuals experience every day. I thought the characters were well-developed and thought out by the author. I like seeing how each of the characters change over the course of the cooking classes. I was glad that the author updated readers on the individuals from The Seekers (they are nicely woven into the story). My rating for The Blessing is 5 out of 5 stars. I do recommend reading The Seekers before starting The Blessing (you will not regret reading either book). I found The Seekers to be heartwarming and uplifting. It is the type of novel that fills me with hope (which is desperately needed in our mixed-up society). I really appreciated the Bible verses the author included in the book. The enhanced the story and were meaningful. There are recipes and discussion questions at the end of the book. If you like to read Amish or Christian novels, I recommend reading The Blessing. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Amish Cooking Class series.
The Blessing is well-written and engaging. I was immediately drawn into the story and I did not want it to end. I was captivated by this novel (which rarely happens). The Blessing contains characters that could be my own neighbor, relative, or mail carrier. Each of them have problems or situations that individuals experience every day. I thought the characters were well-developed and thought out by the author. I like seeing how each of the characters change over the course of the cooking classes. I was glad that the author updated readers on the individuals from The Seekers (they are nicely woven into the story). My rating for The Blessing is 5 out of 5 stars. I do recommend reading The Seekers before starting The Blessing (you will not regret reading either book). I found The Seekers to be heartwarming and uplifting. It is the type of novel that fills me with hope (which is desperately needed in our mixed-up society). I really appreciated the Bible verses the author included in the book. The enhanced the story and were meaningful. There are recipes and discussion questions at the end of the book. If you like to read Amish or Christian novels, I recommend reading The Blessing. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Amish Cooking Class series.
