A Cousin's Prayer: Indiana Cousins, Book 2

Indiana Cousins #2

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

A year after her boyfriend was killed, a traumatized Katie Miller returns to her Amish community in Indiana, struggling with depression and panic attacks. Will she ever find the courage to face her inner demons? Freeman Bontrager has been interested in Katie ever since they were in school. Now that Katie is home, Freeman finds excuses to spend time at the Miller house. Is there any future for him with this emotionally scarred woman, or should he turn to the fair beauty Eunice Byler?

When a mysterious package appears on Katie's doorstep, Freeman's loyalty is tested. Will he win her trust only to lose his standing with her parents? What will it take for Katie to overcome her fears and dare to live and love again?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Amish Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published September 1, 2009

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.

Reviews

[Amy Clipston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cousin's Prayer is a beautiful story of learning to pray, live, and love again. It's a faith-filled story that fans of Amish fiction or fans of a great inspirational novel will enjoy to the very last page!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so in love with this series! It proves that even the Amish go through hardships and medical issues. Well written and truly amazing. One more book to go! I can't wait!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie is at an emotional stand-still after the death of her fiancé in a car accident. She isn't interested in another relationship and is sure she will forever remain unwed. Another young lady in the community starts rumours questioning Katie's moral behaviour. What appears to be a no-win situation for Katie turns into a life changing opportunity for her future happiness. a good read.

[Megan Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good. I loved the development of Katie and Freeman. It was a very sweet romance. I can't wait to see how Ella and Jolene will find their husbands and how their love story happens.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Breathe deeply..move through the anxiety..float with it.. get mad at it.. do whatever it takes."

It has been a year since Katie was in an accident that killed three people, an accident that she thinks she caused. With the guilt of this weighing on her heavily mixed in with the fear and sadness as well Katie isn't dealing with things well. She has developed anxiety over time and instead of dealing with has run from everything. Now her parents want her back at home instead of in Florida with her grandparents. This sends Katie into a tailspin of emotions for quite awhile until someone finally starts helping her in the way she needs it.

Overall I thought this book was okay. I can't remember if I've read the first book or not at this point as I have had this on my shelf for a very long time. I found it very interesting to see what the Amish might think of anxiety and how they deal with it. I think this is the first Amish book I have ever read where it was even mentioned let alone the main topic of the book. Brunsetter did a wonderful job of not only helping us connect to Katie, but to Freeman as well. There were some characters a.k.a Eunice that needed to take a chill pill and stop jumping to conclusions all the time. I know it was to create conflict, but it felt unnecessary the more she kept on. The ending while expected did make me a little sad, because of how Katie just gave up her wants to be with someone.
This is one of the better Amish fiction, and I love how easy I can read these.

Blog Twitter Instagram Facebook

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cousin's Prayer is book 2 in the Indiana Cousins Series.

Once again, the author delivers a sweet and enjoyable story. Very different from book 1, in which Loraine is conflicted between the promise she made to one man and the love she once felt for another, Katie's story in book 2 is more of a slow-growing romance and a tale of overcoming grief and fear.

The many inconsistencies regarding time really bugged me in this book. More than once, the author says some time has passed between two chapters and then refers to the events of the previous chapter as having happened the day before. This was very confusing for me as I like to pay attention to the details of the settings and timeline of a book when I read it.
Another thing I disliked about the book is how the author seemed to stuff certain passages with information found in research. Although I enjoy a well researched story and accurate information, I found some of the information had no link to the events of the book and didn't move the plot forward.
Also, similar to book 1, the resolution doesn't come until the last few chapters, feeling kind of rushed and with not much leading up to it... It felt like the most part of the book is just a series of events and mishaps that don't really lead to the ending of the story.

Nevertheless, the great story and characters make up for the drawbacks of this book and I would still recommend it to Amish fiction fans. I'm also looking forward to book 3 in the series.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book for free on the condition that I would read and review it. I've always been fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, so I figured it would be at least interesting... But I'm having trouble getting through it. I've read the first 2 chapters, and I really had to force myself through every page. I will finish the book because I promised to do so... But It may take some time. It's not necessarily poorly written; it's not full of grammatical errors or annoyingly overused clichés like Twilight. It's the plot that's the problem. I can grit my teeth and get through a great story that's in dire need of an editor. But even C.S. Lewis himself can't make a good read out of a boring plot.

...Perhaps the story will pick up in a few chapters?

[Linda nally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. As most of her books are this book shows how we are to always keep God active in our lives, not just put on a shelf in our heart. He wants to be active in all parts of our life. He is always there when we need Him, all we have to do is call His name. We can go to church all we want, but if we don't ask God into our heart and life and confess our sins and recognize that He died for us on the cross, then he will not be able to answer us. He sees us but he does not know us.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just thought the book dragged too much - first one in the series was better. This was too much focus on Katie and her depression and panic attacks. Also, thought it was more like a petty high school jealousy book about who's going to get the boyfriend.

[Shirley Yant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy the Amish books.

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book from Mrs Wanda, I love it more and more. This story "A Cousin's Prayer" had me in every feeling possible. I felt sad for what was happening to Katie, have had a panic attack myself I knew what she was feeling and going through. At the same time I did more than once want to shake Eunice. There probably hasn't been a story where I truly did not like a character as much as I did not like Eunice.

But this story is one that will navigate you through a "emotional" feeling that you hardly read in books and well explained as Panic attacks. I truly liked how Mrs Wanda explained the feelings Katie felt and went through. Along she molded a great story of love and Faith and Trust. Trust and Faith in God and in oneself to move forward.

As all this is happening, Mrs Wanda brought Eunice into the story to spice it up a little with all the doubts, selfish and envy someone can have. Not only that but how people can be cruel when not knowing facts base rumors, and lies about someone.

Katie was left with an emotional state right after friends, family and her boyfriend Timothy are in a fatal accident. Blaming herself for the cause of the accident she runs from everything that reminds her of the happy life she had. Emerged into being alone she feels safe. Until her cousin's wedding brings her back to the place she ran from and to the only friend that has loved her since their younger days.

At the end Love conquers everything. Love and Faith in God and in one self.

This book is one of my favorites now of Mrs Wanda. Love the story, the characters and highly recommend it to everyone. It had me until late at night reading to see what the next page hold.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I'm definitely in a rut where I want to read but I don't want anything to deep. I've had a a few busy months and if it needs a large amount of concentration it just isn't going to happen. That is why even though I don't give them very high readings I continue to read these Amish romance books.
After reading the first in this trilogy I was wary about reading the other books. Good news, the second is better then the first. This story line was much smoother. One thing I did like was the subjects it was based around. The main character, Katie, deals with panic attacks and is afraid of being thought of as crazy if she would get professional help of any sort. This made me think about how problems mentally/emotionally are stigmatized and how it could keep people from getting the help they really need. Katie also has to deal with the results of someone spreading harmful gossip about her.
Over all I'd give this book a 2.5 and will be considering if I just want to read the final book just to get it over with or will be moving on to something different.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie hasnt been back to Indiana since she went to Florida shortly after the accident that killed her fiancee, cousin, and driver and injured the rest of the group but she returned for loraine and Wayne's wedding. The anxiety starts almost immediately but her fear if what others will think has her hiding it from everyone around her. Everyone except Freeman that is. Even though she hasnt seen him since they were little she seems to feel the most comfortable when shes around him and she finds herself opening up to him. Eunice wants to marry Freeman and is not at all pleased that he seems to be spending so much time with Katie and seems to only reluctantly be with her. She already lost one beau to another woman, shes not going to let someone who suffers from anxiety do it to her again.
I liked this book slightly better than the first but it bugs me that this series seems to keep having such difficult to get along with characters. I know the amish arent saints but I would think they wouldnt allow spoiled brats but if this portrayal is accurate I guess they do

[Melissa Stull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie travels from the Amish community in Florida where she lives with her grandparents to her Amish hometown community in Indiana for her cousin, Loraine's wedding after the tragic accident that took the life of her fiance, Timothy. Freeman and his family have moved from Ohio back to their Amish community in Indiana where he finds that he has a crush on Katie, but also on newcomer, Eunice, who is the town gossip. Eunice starts a rumor that Katie is pregnant and that Freeman is the father so it doesn't look good when a teenage girl drops her daughter, Susan, off on the Miller's porch in a basket. Later on, Eunice spreads a rumor that the paper boy, Mike, is Katie's new boyfriend, but Katie has a crush on Freeman. Freeman tells Katie's cousin, Ella, about her panic attacks and survivor's guilt. I liked the way this story played out and learning more about the Amish community. I can't wait to see the rest of Katie's story unfold in the last book in this series.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cousin's Prayer is the second amazing book written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Indiana Cousins series. I enjoyed this storyline and all the characters. I was engaged in this book all the way through.

The characters are very likeable and realistic. I enjoyed reading Katie's story. She is strong, independent and loving. Freeman Bontrager is interested in Katie but there are things testing his feelings. When something unexpected appears at Katies door will she be able to deal with it?

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in this series follows the story of Katie Miller, the cousin who lost her fiance in the tragic van accident described in book one. After spending months with her grandparents in Florida, she goes home for her cousin Lorraine's wedding, thinking it's only for a visit. But she learns her grandparents are moving from Florida and can't take her with them. She'll have to stay in Indiana - where all the painful memories are. Suffering from panic attacks, which get worse with every day she stays in Indiana, Katie believes she'll never be well - and never marry (because who would want "damaged goods"). But God has other plans for Katie.

This is a wonderful story that deals with the reality of grief, panic attacks, and the fear of never being good enough. Very touching - and healing.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less than a year after a tragic accident that killed her fiancé, took the leg of another, and the hearing of her cousin, Katie returns to Indiana for her cousin’s wedding. She is still deeply mourning the loss of Timothy, but finds herself dealing with serious symptoms that she’s afraid may label her crazy in her Amish community. Freeman and his family have recently moved back and is doing the best he can to help her, but can Katie open up enough to get the help she needs and move on with her life?

I’ve read a few of these author’s books and this was another great read. If it wasn’t for the small things, this could have been anyone, anywhere.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the fact that this one had a love triangle, I listened to it in one sitting. I just couldn't stop.
Although it is very uncommon in most Amish-centered novels, but this one discussed anxiety and panic attacks.
Also, I really wish that we knew what happened to the child that Katie found. Once she went to the police, the situation wasn't really ever mentioned again, leaving no closure.
I really liked how there was not much of a romance plot as much as a deep friendship plot.

Tropes: love-triangle, friends to more

Content: mentions of an accident that took the life of Katie's boyfriend, infant abondenment, anxiety

5 Stars

[Staci Kinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation in The Indiana Cousins trilogy! This story focuses on Katie, one of the cousins who was involved in the same accident that changed the lives of each of the characters in this series. Katie’s struggles are more emotional than physical, which is something that many people can relate to. Helping her navigate her struggles proves to be a challenge for both her family and friends…but they never give up on her. A heartwarming story that leaves the reader ready for book #3 in the trilogy!

[Joleen Devens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book last September and put it down. I just couldn't get into it. But, then I started reading it again in November and Couldn't put the book down. It is fabulous!! I think this series was the best Amish fiction series that I have read. I am now spoiled. It is about a group of young cousins that survive a car accident and how it affected their lives. Great Christian reading. YOU SHOULD READ THESE IN ORDER.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cousins Prayer is the 2nd book of the Indiana Cousins series. The story is based around Katie Miller, who is suffering from panic attacks after her fiancé was killed in a car accident which she feels responsible for. She and Freeman are good friends, and he helps and supports her deal with her emotional issues of which he is familiar, as he too suffered from panic attacks. Will the two fall in love or will he commit to Eunice? A great story of finding faith and love.

[Jennifer Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some deep sadness in it, it wasn't necessarily difficult to read but wasn't the best book of a series I have read so far. I am on my last book to this series and as much as I liked it I am not sure I would say its my favorite series by her. Always happy ending but this series has a lot of sadness.

[Larisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the series, and it’s great how she dealt with panic attacks and how the main character learned to navigate so
in solving them.

It’s an easy read, and it was wonderful to see that Katie learned that God does answer prayers... just the method and timing are often not what we were thinking.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Learned a lot about panic attacks, there causes and ways to recover.

[LaShunda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting installment to the series. I am a bit taken aback on how the community deals with grief but the writing as I expected is solid and the story engaging. A worthy read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Wanda Brunstetter is an excellent author. As always her books captivate me.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet book. I love Wanda's books and this was an easy read in a day book. It teaches kindness, perseverance and overcoming trials.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book.

[Heather Bridson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story

[Jane Spears · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awsome

I like this series. It deals with situated for young people. The plans God have for us as young adults.