Shannon's Review - White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Title: White Christmas Pie
Series: Not Currently
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction,
Publisher: Barbour Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: September 2008
Pages: 300
Rating:



Author Wanda Brunstetter’s Official Websites:






Website:
https://wandabrunstetter.com/

Blog:
https://wandabrunstetter.com/journal/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WandaBrunstetterFans

Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/WBrunstetter

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wanda_brunstetter/

TikTok:
None found

YouTube:
Https://www.youtube.com/user/WandaBrunstetter



Shannon’s Thoughts:

A winter wedding is planned for the Amish couple Will and bride-to-be Karen. Will was originally born in the English world, but at 6, his real father left him with an Amish couple, Mark and Regina. His father had meant to come back for Will after a couple of months but terrible circumstances happened that kept him from writing or physically getting him. When he finally did come for him Will and his adoptive family moved and his father had no way of finding him. Will now an adult and soon to be married still has abandonment issues. After 16 years his father has found him and wants to reconnect. Will must find a way to deal with his anger and find a way to forgive.


I am a fan of Amish fiction for two reasons: One is because they are light-hearted, cozy, and don’t need much brain power. Two my mother really liked them and now that she has passed away they make me think of her. This one was one of the last ones she had read. It was a comforting read. The back and forth between the Amish families and then Will’s English family felt different than some Amish fiction and I liked it because of that.


I was hoping for it to take place during Christmas but in reality, it doesn’t get to the holiday until the end of the book. I was also surprised there was no recipe in the back of the book for the pie because I have seen books that do put the recipes in the end.


Even with the holiday misdirection I still like Wanda Brunstetter’s Amish fiction more than others because I feel her books are always lite.

The Shack by Wm. P. Young

Title: The Shack   
Author: Wm. Paul Young
Genre: Christian Fiction, General Fiction
Publisher:  Windblown Media                                        
Received: Bought for Book Club
Release Date: May 2007
Pages: 248   
Rating:

What is it About?
A father who’s daughter mysteriously disappears during a family vacation. As he mourns her loss of presence.  Evidence is found that she was murdered.  Still grieving he receives a letter from someone who signs God and asks him to come back to the shack in the woods.

My Thoughts:
The fictional tale of Mackenzie Allen Phillips younger daughter and the tale of her possible murder is heart breaking and sickening to the soul which is why Mackenzie still grieves what he can not get back . The sudden note from God is a blessing undisguised.

I loved the story so much I really wish some of it to be true.  I don’t want to get on a tangent on my thoughts of God but this tale does leave you with hopeful heart.

Website:http://www.theshackbook.com

 

 

DragonSpell by Donita K. Paul

Title: DragonSpell
Series: Dragon Keeper Chronicles
Author(s): Donita K. Paul
Genre: Fantasy, Religious Fiction
Publisher:  Waterbrook  Press                                        
Received: from paperback swap
Release Date:     June 22nd 2004
Finished: August 1st 2010
Pages: 352
Challenges: None
Rating:

 




 







My Thoughts:

The book starts out with a young peasant girl, Kale, leaving her birth place being pulled to something greater then even she expected.   Kale seems to have a radar for dragon eggs and trouble.  

She soon finds friends and those that know of her hidden magical talents that are connected to all dragons.  As she befriends those in her current party and dragons that cross her path or hatch from a egg.  She finds her path leads her true self and the world she lives in.

This book interested me because I saw it in the christian fiction section of course now the books have been switched to the fantasy section.    I thought it unusual that a series of books featuring dragons and christian influences.    So I read the first book and I still don’t understand how or where Christianity comes into play.

What I did like about it was how the story is in progress as you start reading Dragonspell.  I am also a big fan of any story with a dragon or two and a fantasy story with magic.

While I disliked some the traveling groups impatience with Kale learning her gifts that she was just learning she had.

I enjoyed the world that Donita K. Paul created.  It reminded me a little bit like Piers Anthony’s Xanth world.  There were humorous times and then there were serious adventurous times.

I think fantasy lovers will enjoy this start to a series. The first book is adventure packed and even a good story for Young Adult readers.

About the Author: Donita K. Paul is a retired school teacher.  She started writing after retirement.  She has written Romance, YA, children’s and fantasy.   She will soon be releasing in 2011 a second picture book in the Dragon and the Turtle series called The Dragon and The Turtle Go On Safari.   See her official website for further info http://www.donitakpaul.com/index.html.

DragonSpell  

Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy

Title: Burn
Series: None
Author(s): Ted Dekker and Erin Healy
Genre:  Christian Fiction
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Received: Received from Publisher, to be given away on Paperbackswap
Release Date: January 12, 2010
Finished: March 2010
Pages: 384
Challenges: None
Rating: 

My Thoughts: Janeal lives at a gypsy compound, "Kumpania." To say she is unhappy there is like saying a cat is unhappy in water. Sure she has family and friends, but that is not enough for Janeal. She wants more. Then opportunity brings a situation that changes Janeal's world and heart. Years later, after dealing poorly with the decision she made, she must deal with the mark it has left on her soul and her friends.

I was surprised how we were introduced to Janeal, who seems to be a very selfish character. Her description of her positions in life left me feeling sour in the stomach, even as we get to her "wonderful" life years later.  I think the reason her character is so unlikable is because deep down all humans  have weaknesses like Janeal's that we hate to be reminded of. At least that is how I feel.

This was my first delve into christian fiction with supernatural elements, which is a little strange combination to me. Although I am a big fan of fantasy in general, so the fact that this genre is blending into christian fiction is awesome!

In the end, things are resolved, but my first impressions of Janeal's character and how she reacted stuck with me. They left me with uncomfortable feelings toward the book, and I guess myself. 

About the Authors: Ted Dekker had a very interesting childhood that led him to write what he calls "spiritual thrillers." He has written many books, and two have been made into movies. Check out his website, http://www.teddekker.com/home/.

Erin Healy first started as a book editor for other authors. She wrote her first 2 books with Ted Dekker and has a soon-to-be released, Never Let You Go. Visit her website at. http://www.erinhealy.com/.

Come back Saturday, April 3, for a Confuzzled Books Author Interview with her.


 

Falling Into The Sun by Charrie Hazard

Title: Falling Into The Sun
Series: None
Author(s): Charrie Hazard
Genre: Fiction, Christian Fiction
Publisher: Spoonbill Cove Press
Release Date: August 18, 2009
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 363
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: A mother of three, Kate, comes home to find her neighbor has commited suicide. The suicide effects her so much that she goes to see a therapist. Along with dealing with the suicide, she realizes her teenage son's rage is out of control. She looks for help spiritually and mentally.

I was a little surprised at the language in a book that called itself christian fiction. I usually don't see the F-word and other curses used so freely in religious fiction, but I can see how it made the characters feel realistic.
I enjoyed the book and found the conversation that she has with her friends and pastor thought provoking.

About the Author: Charrie Hazard is a mother of three herself whocomes from a family of writers. You can learn more at her website http://charriehazard.com

Shannon's Review - Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Summary: Dreaming of becoming a comedian Faith Stutzman Andrews ran away from her home in the Amish community. Now a grown woman and a widow she returns to make sense of her life. He will have to decide between family and the career she always dreamed of.



My Thoughts: There is something comforting about the way Wanda E. Brunstetter writes. Her books are just something you can slip into bed get all cozy and then slip into a story that makes you feel good. This was the first book I read by her and I was surprised I enjoyed because I had not read any Christian Fiction before. The characters where funny, and inviting. The Amish settings is interesting and romanticized a little I think but I still enjoyed it. If you are looking for something simple, fun and with some religious meaning to read then I suggest this book. You get so invovled in the settings and characters that you feel like you are there eating with them, playing with them and working with them. I think partly the author realizes this as well because she sometimes adds extras at the end of the book like recipes that the character made in the book, which is nice to see. This is the first book in the Webster County Series and following it is On Her Own and Dear to Me.


About the Author: Wanda E. Brustetter is mostly known for her books which are set in the Amish life. Her most recent book to come out is called White Christmas Pie. Along with being a writer Wanda is also a ventriloquist.

If you would like to win a free copy of this book come back on Friday for Refer A Book Friday!

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury

Summary:

Connor and Michelle have a seemingly perfect marriage but Connor is hiding a secret. Unknowing to him he secret is about to come out all because of a little boy, his little boy. A book about forgiveness and how forgiving can lead to love.

My Thoughts:

I have to say this book was only okay. It started off good. Some good characters and some interesting life changing experiences to deal with. Probably one of my favorite characters was the little boy named Max. He was sweet, innocent and just plain adorable. You can probably guess how the book ended and I am not saying it was a bad ending I mean it ended the way I wanted it to end. It just that near the middle I got bored and it just wasn't as interesting a read as it was in the beginning. Saying that though I would give the author another shot some day.

About the Author:

Karen Kingsbury is a Christian Fiction author. She has written many books some have won awards. Like this one, Oceans Apart. (could've of surprised me) Her books have also made the New York Times Bestseller list and three of her books are going to be made into movies coming soon. If you like to you can visit her at KarenKingsbury.com

If you would like to win a free copy of this book come back on Friday for Refer A Book Friday!

Sanctuary by Beverly and David Lewis

Melissa is recently married to her wonderful husband Ryan. Suddenly after a brief encounter with someone from her secretive past she leaves her husband and hides herself in an Amish settlement. Her husband's world is turned upside down with his wife missing. It sounds pretty predictable but for me it wasn't. There where some twists thrown in there. It starts off exciting and pretty much stays thrilling.

Another Amish fiction. Yeah I am on a Amish kick. Maybe I should start a challenge? Beverly Lewis is probably best know for her Amish series The Heritage of Lancaster County. Unlike her fellow Christian author Wanda E. Brunstetter she doesn't romanticize the Amish she adds mystery and psychological thrills. She also wrote this with her husband David. I don't if that is what made this one different for me because I have read other books by her and sometimes they fizzle out.

So what can say if I wanted you read this book? I like this book because lately I am looking for religion and these books have that. Just a little but it added in a smart way, in a real way. Where when you read the different situations the characters are going through you understand because you can add them into your own life. I like that.

A Sister's Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter

A Sister's Secret

This is not the first book I have read by Wanda E. Bruntetter nor will it be the last. I do enjoy the lightheartedness of her books. This one was no different a little less predicable then some of her other books have. Even with the predicable elements I still found the book enjoyable. The story takes place on a Amish settlement in Ohio where we meet the lead of the story Grace. She is Amish and is strong willed, keeps to herself and is very secretive. Grace is about to marry Cleon who is also of the Amish faith. Four years earlier during Grace's rumschpring (German/Dutch for running around years) she spent time in the English (what the Amish call those of us not Amish) world with no contact to her Amish family. After she returned she still didn't talk about her life away from them. Which can only mean one thing in the literary world is that there something amiss. At least in Grace's past there is, which is about to possibly be revealed by the new English reporter in town. The reporter Gary is someone who Grace use to date and he has some stories to tell about Gracie. Will he tell Grace's family her secrets or will she stop him? I'm not telling.

I had one problem with the book . I had a problem believing that Cleon and Grace were in love and in the end the feeling I had about them changed. That was my only real problem though.

Since I have never known an Amish person but do live close to Pennsylvania Dutch Country I can't say for sure whether the settings are authentic but do feel like they are pretty close. In the author biography it is stated that she visits Amish settlements often on her travels. Every so often her books she will add a couple of Dutch/German words that the Amish use and I love that. It makes me want to learn the language. When talks about food I want to eat the same food they are eating. Matter of fact just today when was reading about peanut butter and honey sandwich I said, "That sounds good I think I will have that." And I did.

In this book and most of her books Wanda E. Brunstetter has a way of romanticizing the Amish life. I find nothing with but that is just the best way I can describe the way she writes. Out of it you get the feeling the Amish are hard working and mindful of there faith. In the books the God factor is not overwhelming in there daily lives but still there. My point is your not getting beat over the head with God or beliefs. Just a little nudge here and there. In all it a was good read. I give it about 4 stars. Not unbelievably great, but good enough to pass on to someone. Oh and I almost forgot to mention this book is the first in a series of 3. The third book a A Sister's Hope is due out in July 2008.

Link to check out: The Offical Wanda E. Brunstetter Website