by admin
A Cousin’s Prayer
December 6, 2009 in Reformed Presbyterian by admin
- ISBN13: 9781602600614
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
Kumme to Amish country, where the simple ways of life lead to hope and healing. Katie Miller is traumatized after her boyfriend is killed in a van in which she was also a passenger. How will she find her way out of the valley of her depression? Freeman Bontrager will make any excuse to be near to Katie, hoping to win her love. But how far will he go to gain her trust. . .and her heart? What will bring this girl out of the shadows of fear, and open her heart to life—and love?
Three stars is pushing it. I’d like to be able to give it two and a half. While the characters are fairly well developed and the plot is predictible in a kind of “we’ve come to expect it, but that’s good” way, it’s lacking. After a while, predictiable is just, well, predictable. I was looking forward to reading this book because I thought it would have a lot of warm fuzzy heart. I my opinion it lacked all three. Sure, they’re friends. Fine, good, but don’t stop it at “yes I love you, I’ll marry you”. Develop the story more, the relationship more. While I may buy the next installment in this series, it likely will be from the used book store at half price.
Rating: 3 / 5
I sat down to read this book last night, and ended up reading it all at once to see what would happen. Like any engaging book, the characters stuck in my mind today. So, I want to share the good, the bad and some recommendations! First of all: this book is not going to be a classic. The subject is rather cliche and predictable and some of the dialog is unrealistic. For style, it is just an average book. Not bad, not exceptional. However, the content of the book is the important part. I commend the author for painting an excellent picture of how people should treat each other. Yes, there is an antagonist, as with most novels; however, there are portrayals of great communication and healthy relationships that make great examples. Many of the main characters have secrets, hidden fears, shames, etc., but they learn to communicate with each other with respect and I think its admirable. If only people in “real life” treated each so well! The characters are Amish and there is a strong sense of community and family life that really strikes me as wholesome and more meaningful than a whole stack of flashier romance novels. The romantic lead isn’t a Fabio, but he is a good man, and these characters choose their mates for their character qualities rather than superficial aspects. Wouldn’t we all be a lot wiser to do the same? So yes, this book is goody two shoes, it is wholesome, it is corny, it is cheesy and old fashioned… BUT there is a sense of goodness and integrity throughout, and those are two things that are sometimes sadly lacking in our “real” lives. The characters aren’t perfect, but they are very rich in emotional intelligence and honest compassion and caring.
There is also an educational aspect that I appreciated. The main character, Katie, is suffering from severe panic attacks. Actually, it sounds like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but that diagnosis is never mentioned. The text emphasizes the importance of caring for one’s mental health without shame, and gives some truths about panic disorder that may help to educate others. It also stresses the importance of getting help, maybe even taking medicines, and, (something I appreciate as a natural health lover,) the potential of homeopathic and natural remedies. As someone who has suffered from both panic attacks and PTSD, I appreciated the thoughtful and realistic portrayal.
Another feature I liked was the author’s inclusion of Amish terms. It added a nice sense of authenticity. Though there was not a glossary, each term was incredibly well defined by the text. Whenever a character used a foreign term, the other character in the conversation would repeat it in English. I don’t know the author’s career background, but that is actually the preferred technique for teaching speakers of other languages–using words in context and repeating so the meaning is obvious. The author’s technique was very natural yet educational.
So, who should read this book? Christians or people who are open minded to faith for sure. There are strong religious tones throughout and a passage that involves a character accepting Christ. If that annoys you, this isn’t the book for you! It would also work for people who appreciate a wholesome family life or “plain” living or people looking for G rated romance. I think the book shows, as I noted before, excellent examples of real love in action with all the meaning and none of the flash.
Rating: 4 / 5
I love this book, it is absolutly fantastic, I could not put it down read it straight through from cover to cover in a day- to show how to overcome problems and to not be afraid to tell someone and open your heart again after tragedy can be hard but with all of the scriptures given, was able to share this book with a friend who needed encouragement.
Rating: 5 / 5
This book is continuing where A Cousin’s Promis left off. I finished the book within 2 days. If you are interested in the Amish way of life and enjoy scripture you must read this book. I can’t wait until March 2010 for the next book in the series.
Rating: 5 / 5
Indiana Cousins Book 2
Wanda E. Brunstetter
2009
Barbour Publishing
Fiction/Christian/Amish
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
It has been a year since Katie Miller’s boyfriend was killed in a horrible accident. She returns to her home, for her cousin’s wedding after staying in Florida with her grandparents. However she cannot go back to Florida with her grandmother because they are moving to Wisconsin. Katie really doesn’t want to be at home.
Since she has gotten home, she has had panic attacks, and they seem to get more frequent, and leave her more in a fog than the last one. Friends and family want to help Katie, but she is afraid to mention the attacks, afraid people will think she is crazy. Instead a gossipy friend jumps to conclusions and spreads rumors out of jealousy.
An old friend from school who just moved back to the area, reaches out to Katie, because he recognizes her panic attacks, having had them himself as a young teen. Without realizing it, they each fall for each other, thinking that neither one is interested in the other. A tale that ends in love, it is very interesting how this author handled and presented this story.
This has perhaps been one of the best stories I have read in the Amish story genre, there is no Englisher falling in love with an Amish person, there is no Amish person deciding their faith, to stay or leave. But is a story from within, a story of an Amish girl with a serious problem, and how the Amish family and friends help her. I truly enjoyed this story. There were things in the story that made me wonder, but after speaking with a friend who has researched in this area a lot, I became aware that the possibility was there. 300 pages 4 star rating.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no cash or payment was received for this review.
Rating: 4 / 5
I’ve personally dealt with panic anxiety problems my whole life. It started when I was just a kid and I’ve had to deal with them since then. I found a solution that has helped me get them done once and for all. I will tell you that it wasn’t quick or easy, but after a while I was able to finally get rid of them. I’m back on track and its like I’ve started a new life not dealing with panic attacks. I also saw a Dr. Oz special a few days ago, sometimes it isn’t a panic attack that is the root of the problem, I’d also recommend talking to your doctor. Good luck!