The Gift

Prairie State Friends #2

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his three nieces and finds himself needing a wife. Despite their differences over her practice of reflexology, Leah Mast seems the best option to fill that role. Can they make it work in a modern-day marriage of convenience? 

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

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2015

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

[Madonna Dolin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Amish fiction and normally enjoy Wanda Brunstetter but I hated this book. Leah Mast has a gift for reflexology which she uses to help her community. Adam Beachy is a boorish man who hates what Leah does and lets her know in no uncertain terms. He thinks she is a fraud. Sadly Adam's sister is killed in accident along with her husband and Adam is left to raise her 3 girls. I can see Leah as part of the Amish community helping Adam out but I can't see her agreeing to marry him or even being attracted to him. He is quick to state his opinion about what she does, he is controlling and manipulative. I don't care that his mother did reflexology and then ran off and left him and his sister when they were young. That was years ago, let it go and move on with your life. Things gets even worse when one of Leah's patients who is an Englishner nurse turns out to be Adam's mother. I can't say I liked her character either. She lets her younger son do whatever he wants and she thinks she has the right to force her way into Adam's life. There were too many storylines that were started and not completed in this book for me. For instance at one point someone defaces Adam's barn and given things in the storyline we are pretty sure it is the younger half brother (neither of which knows they are related) yet nothing is ever mentioned again about this. Not the greatest love story in the world and in my opinion not that great a book. I would not recommend it.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah has a gift from God that she takes great pleasure in using to help others in the community. But her neighbor who is now her new employer does not approve of it or believe in its effectiveness. Leah works for Adam as she cares for the three nieces he is now raising alone. She and Adam become quite close but will the differences from his past create problems for their future? He is looking for a mother for the three precious nieces and he needs a mother for them now! The girls have grown attached to Leah. Will she agree to marry a man without love? Will love grow between them?
The secrets from Adam's past come to haunt them as Leah finds a special patient for her reflexology. But will this secret come between Adam and Leah? Or will this newfound secret bring them together?
This book is definitely filled with surprises. I had read book one so it was really wonderful to see the story continue. The characters are lovable and real. They could be my own next door neighbors and in fact, I would quite enjoy it if they were my own neighbors.
I rated this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers. Wanda Brunstetter's followers will be certain to fall in love with this book.
I received a print copy of this book from the publisher and a pdf version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

“Not everyone thinks Leah has a gift…
Leah Mast and her family have always considered her to have a healing touch and a special gift for reflexology—treating people’s ailments by massaging certain places on their feet. But others scoff at the notion saying that the very idea of curing people of illness through their feet is absurd.
Adam Beachy is one of those scoffers, even though his own mother used to practice reflexology. And then she left the Amish faith and walked out on her family, leaving his father to rise Adam and his sister alone. Now Adam mocks reflexology and balks at the idea of ever marrying and starting a family of his own.
When tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his nieces. He finds himself needing a wife—immediately. Despite their differences, Leah seems the best option to fill that role. Can they hope to find peace and love in a modern-day marriage of convenience?”


Series: Book #2 in “Prairie State Friends” series. (Review of #1, “The Decision”, Here!)


Spiritual Content- Isaiah 30:15 at the dedication (& quoted three times later); Quite a few Scriptures are quoted; A bit of Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible; Prayers & mention of prayers; Talks about God & His creation; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of Church & Off-Sundays; Cora hasn’t trusted God since she was a young girl *Spoiler* She asks forgiveness near the end. *End of Spoiler*;
*Note: Adam calls reflexology “hocus-pocus” many times.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three forms of ‘stupid’ and four forms of ‘dumb’; A bit of sarcasm; Jared talks back & is mouthy to his mother; A few mentions of blood, a mean groundhog & dog with the groundhog’s carcass; Mentions of divorce; Cora left her first husband; Someone dying (barely-above-not-detailed).


Sexual Content- A barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Married couples kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Cora’s husband left her for a young woman, after he cheated on her; Mentions of his unfaithfulness; A mention of being married in the physical sense; A mention of wanting more; Two mentions of sharing a bed; Mentions of being a wife in name only; A marriage of convenience; Love, talks about love & sharing love, falling in love & the emotions.

-Leah Mast, age 25
-Adam Beachy, age 29-30
P.O.V. switches between them, Cora, Sara (7x), Elaine (5x), Priscilla (3x), Jonah (3x), and Dianna (2x)
318 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
I really didn’t like the first book in this series due to the serious plot & sadness in it. Seeing those characters again, felt awkward to me. Especially with how this one ended. I’m not happy with the ending at all. I had a feeling those plot twists would be coming, but I was so hoping I would be wrong! *sigh* This book could have gotten a bit of a higher rating from me had it not played out how it did. The reflexology and humming bird parts were pretty neat, but I wish the cover had shown a humming bird (and two more girls) on it. Overall, it was very clean for a marriage of convenience, which was nice. :)


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gift by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second book in Prairie State Friends series. Leah Mast learned reflexology from her Grandmother Yoder as a teenager and she uses those skills to help those in her community. Since she is not licensed, she only accepts donations for her services. Adam Beachy is really against reflexology (there has to be a story behind his attitude) and makes it a point to tell Leah about his feelings when he gives her a lift home during the rain (she was riding her bike).

Adam is on his front porch waiting for the arrival of his sister, Mary and her family when police officers arrive. They were in an auto accident. Mary and her husband, Amos were severely injured and did not make it. Adam is left with taking care of their three girls (Amy-10, Linda-7, and Carrie-4). Adam is used to living alone and running his hardware store. Adam does not have a clue how to raise three girls. Leah’s mother until she has to go take care of her sister who is pregnant and bedridden. Leah takes over the care of the girls during the day. She schedules her reflexology appointments for evenings when she is at home (she feels that her talents for healing are a gift from God). When Leah tries to take care of Amy’s headache one day with reflexology, Adam is very upset. He insists that Leah not use it on any of his children. What does Adam have against reflexology? Adam is grateful for Leah’s help with the children, but he needs a wife. The children care for Leah and respond to her. Adam proposes a marriage of convenience. Will it work out between Adam and Leah?

Cora Finley is a nurse in Chicago, Illinois. She is divorced and has a teenage son named Jared. Jared has been getting into trouble since the divorce. He has been hanging around with the wrong crowd. Cora has decided to move to a more rural area and get her son away from the bad influences. Cora gets a job in Arthur, Illinois at a clinic. Cora’s past, though, is about to catch up with her. Jonah Miller and Sara have married and are expecting their first child. Jonah was courting Elaine Schrock until her grandmother became ill. Elaine had to take care of her grandmother, Edna so she told Jonah a little lie (that she did not care for him). Elaine was hoping that Jonah would still be available after her grandmother passed away and that he would understand her reasoning. Unfortunately, Jonah married Sara within a few months. Elaine has started the dinners again at her farm (English visitors get a traditional Amish dinner and can ask questions about their life and culture) trying to move forward, but she misses Jonah.

The Gift was a typical Wanda E. Brunstetter novel. It is well-written and enjoyable to read. There is a lot going on in the novel, but it all ties together. I give The Gift 4 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it, but I did not love it). This is the second book in the series, but it can be read without reading the previous book (but it really helps to have read The Decision).

I received a complimentary copy of The Gift in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been disappointed in Wanda's book and this one is no exception! It is the second in the Prairies State series but could be easily read as a stand alone. Wanda' s ability to develop her characters in a realistic and complex way is outstanding in this novel. The two main characters are realistic , with problems such as you and I could have. They became my best friends and at times, i became so involved in their lives that I forgot they were not real !! The plot moved quickly with unexpected twists and turns ! The reader is kept guessing throughout the book. Just when you think you have the answers to their problems and challenges, another surprise awaits you. The world passed me by as I was glued to this book! Yes, my husband can attest to this fact, as meals and housework were forgotten. The theme throughout made me really think ! The past deeply affects the future. God has a plan to heal hurts and solve problems, if we only will step back and allow Him to take control of our lives. A five star book!! Eagerly awaiting the next!!
This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mindy Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an endearing love story. I love honest and raw characters and know I can always find them in one of Wanda's books. The Prairie State Friends series is high on my TBR list. I recommend readers give them a try.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to follow and I thought it flowed nicely. This was my first book by Wanda but I would definitely read more.

[Emily Boyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually didn’t like this book. It was slow, and the ending was very abrupt. Also her friend DIES?? Days after giving birth? I was not happy about that. It was shocking because the first book in the series is about Sarah and Jonah so I wasn’t expecting it. When I read the words “marriage of convenience” I was expecting a lot more than I got.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Gift
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Series: Prairie State Friends #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Gift" by Wanda Brunstetter

My Thoughts....

I found 'The Gift' a second in this series was a good read as we get a well written story that will keep your attention as you will be kept turning the pages. We are presented with a Amish story where we find Adam Beachy needing help after a tragedy not that he hadn't already had one with the way his mom had left his family. What happens as he becomes caretaker of his three nieces will really be some read. And the fact that he needs a wife to help him...a marriage of convenience...well this is where Leah Mast comes into the picture as she cared for Adams' nieces during the day and did her reflexology in the evening until she decided to marry Adam for the sake of the children. Now, what will come of this...was there any love? What was up with Adam not believing in reflexology? I liked the way this author was able to present these characters life's to the reader where we find hope, love, disappointments, tragedy, struggles as well as longing through all the emotional parts of this storyline that flowed very well to even bringing in the hummingbirds and the other animals were a perfect fit into this story. Also the topic of reflexology was a great interesting part of this wonderful story as the reader will see Adam's past as well as Leah's. Be ready for many twist that you keep you alert because the author seems to do this so often in this novels. You will be definitely be kept wondering what will be coming next as the reader sees how well this author will bring it all out ...'love, loss and family issues.' Will Adams find forgiveness and peace that he needs in his life? Will he ever be able to 'trust, obey, love and forgive? There will be a lots going on in "The Gift" that will tie together toward the end, so you will have to keep up with this story [that is presented to the reader in third person point of view]. Even though this novel is a standalone read ... to understand a little more about some of the characters from the pass, I would suggest you read the first series...'The Decision' first. And as always...the author gives us a recipes ...this time from Leah...'a chocolate chip cheeseball.'

My final thoughts....

By the end of this story the reader will be left only wanting more of this inspirational read as we wait for the next series as we will be left with a cliffhanger with many unanswered questions as the reader will be left wondering .... will Adam be able to put aside the pass? I guess we will have to wait for this answer and more when the next series...'The Revelation' is ready to read.

I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 2 out of 5]

After being less than impressed with “The Decision” (the first book in this series) I wasn’t all that keen to read this book, but when it came up on a Kindle sale I thought I would be a good opportunity to give Brunstetter a second chance. I don’t like to write an author off after one book and there are obviously many people who love her work, so I plunged in, hoping to discover what I had missed the first time.

Unfortunately, all of my previous impressions were simply reinforced. The characters in this book are like wooden actors reciting lines. We are told, told, told repeatedly, rather than shown. The prose is bland and unsophisticated. The dialogue is unnatural, often being used to inform the reader, or even more awkwardly, to repeat in English what another character has said using an Amish Dutch word. There are whole scenes where nothing happens except the character thinking. And if there was a heart monitor on the tension, it would be virtually flat-lining. There was one spike about three-quarters of the way through the book, but by then I had abandoned all hopes of permanent resuscitation.

If it’s romance you’re looking for, you’re not likely to be any more impressed. For the first three-quarters of the book Leah and Adam repeatedly convince themselves that they will never marry (me thinks they did protest too much!) and then all of a sudden they think, “Oh. I’ve fallen in love with him/her. I wonder whether he/she will ever feel the same.”

You also get random points-of-view from Eileen and Priscilla (Leah’s friends) and Sara Miller (who married Jonah in the previous book). These were obviously to keep their stories going in preparation for the third book in the series, but they really had nothing to do with Leah and Adam’s story, or if they did, could have been told just as effectively from Leah’s or Adam’s viewpoint. Then there was ‘Cora’, a character whose point-of-view seemed wholly unconnected to the story for the first half of the book. Her place became more obvious during the second half, but every time she came up before that I would think, “Who are you, and what are you doing in my story?” I really think her part could have been handled better.

The final book in this series will release next month, and I am seriously torn over whether or not to sacrifice the time to read it. I’ve really not had any resolution yet, despite being two books in to the series, and so in that sense I am keen to get some closure and move on, but I’m really not sure if I can put myself through it. It pains me to be so negative, and from the reviews it would seem I am definitely in the minority, but if this series is representative of Brunstetter's style, then she's definitely not an author for me.

[Debora Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Amish story.

I had not read book #1 in this series before reading this one. There were enough references to it and things from that story that it probably would have been better to do so. At the same time I was able to fully follow everything that happened in this novel without having done so. Therefore it isn’t exactly necessary to read it first.

I loved Leah Mast and I’m guessing that she is probably one of the secondary characters in the previous book. She is comfortable with the life that she has living with her parents and giving reflexology treatments to help others. That is her whole focus in life living the way God wants her to and helping others. I was able to really connect with her on both of those points and that added to my enjoyment of the story. I wanted her to add a loving, romantic relationship to that so that her life could be even more fulfilling.

When introduced to Adam Beachy and the story of his childhood started to come out my heart ached for all that he had been through. I can’t imagine the feelings of rejection that he and his sister would have had to deal with. I really enjoyed reading his journey as he tried to work through some of the past and the heartache with God’s help.

I hope that we get to see more of Adam and Leah in future books so that we can see how they are getting along.

I received a free eBook copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam Beachy is a semi-typical caricature of a strict Amish man. I found him to be a stick up the spine, annoying, know-it-all. Leah Mast practices reflexology and really puts herself out there helping her community. She can also come off as a caricature sometimes too. However, I understand that these people are following their religion and could be why the female comes off as wishy-washy and the male as a boor.

Tragedy strikes Adam and he is put in charge of his sister’s 3 little girls. He gets Leah to watch the girls for him while he is at work, but soon starts thinking that marriage would make this a better idea…you know a 24 hour a day, housekeeper, babysitter, cook –a mom. But this would be a marriage without love, simply convenience for Adam.

Meanwhile a second story—line is going on at the same time and I found this to be extremely distracting and annoying. This story is about Adam’s estranged mother –the one he hates and cannot forgive.

I found most of the character’s to be annoying and the story not very well written. I have never read a book by this author and I have to wonder if I will try anything else by her…perhaps this was just a one of a kind or just not my cup of tea at the moment.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gift is the second book in this series at Arthur IL Amish Community, and reunite with our old friends, and especially the bond of friends Leah, Priscilla and Elaine. We ended the first book on a cliff- hanger and expect the same with this read.
We get caught up with all of our friends and begin new relationships, with the focus on our friends and their trip to matrimony. There are some real chuckles here, and some very sad happenings.
With the introduction of the Englisher from Chicago into the story, my mind was trying to figure out how she fit, and yes I did guess it. We all make some choices that we regret later, and this story has several story points of this nature, and we get an in-depth look into their lives.
When the story ended Adam seemed to be on the road towards forgiveness, he has a lot of bitterness left, and we can only home he finds peace. I am looking forward to the next book and answers to the many facets of the lives in this small community.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, Inc., and was not required to give a positive review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift, is the second book in the Prairie State Friends series. Once again author Wanda Brunstetter did not disappoint. This book kept me turning pages just as fast as my eyes could read.

I was several chapters into the story when a couple of new characters entered the picture. I was a bit stumped to how they fit in. Patience soon made everything crystal clear. It was a light bulb moment for me. I should have figured it out sooner but I didn’t!

I enjoyed that this book was not cut and dried. Issues, problems, and concerns, that cropped up in this story, would easily fit in with today’s world.

Without God in our lives can we learn to trust, obey, love, and forgive? Sometimes it is easy to trust, obey, love, but forgive? That can be a hard one.

When I got to the end of this book I was disappointed that it ended. I wanted the story to continue on and on. I can’t wait for book three to be released to find out what happens to all my favorite characters in this book.

I highly recommend this book to all who read this review. If you haven’t read book one, The Decision, do so.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Wanda E. Brunstetter's books since she was one of the very few writing Amish fiction. Unlike some authors, Wanda's stories have always remained fresh and new while at the same time being reliably good reads. The Gift definitely fits this description.

I loved the storyline of this book and was eager to get started after reading the blurb on the back cover. I was not disappointed as the book was just as good as I imagined it would be. The characters are realistic and easy to like (even though I did want to bop Adam on the head at times). The storyline was fantastic and had a great flow to it. The story moves at just the right pace and builds up to a nice ending. I wanted to read the book quickly to find out what would happen but at the same time didn't want to have to leave the characters and town at the end.

This is a must read for fans of Amish fiction. Set aside some uninterrupted time to read this book because once you get started you won't want to put it down.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on the Kindle

This is the 2nd book in the Prairie State Friends I have enjoyed this there was one big surprise in the book plus some that you could see what may happen part of that has but not fully what i expect but that will sort it self out in the 3rd book I am not saying what as it would spoil it for those who have not yet read this series what i will say is that it a very good series i thought i would wait to get the 3rd book but having just finished this one i have to get the next so i know what is happening
Highly recommend

[Michelle Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read these for light reading but then O get frustrated. This book had a decent premise but it was overly simplistic with two dimensional characters and every issues is easily resolved.
I need to stop reading this author.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was unread for my unread shelf challenge but it turns out that I read it years ago. I'm glad I reread though.

4 Stars

[Tracy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Wanda Brunstetter's stories and this one did not let me down. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Leah Mast and the man she would eventually marry, Adam. They both endured personal loss along the way, but learned to hand it over to God and found sweet love that would carry them through. If you enjoy a good Amish fiction story, then I would definitely recommend you try this one! Happy Reading!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

BORROWED HOOPLA AUDIO

[Mary Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book on Amish fiction. I really enjoyed reading more about Leah, Elaine and Priscilla and their friends and family. Sometimes this story made me laugh and then at other times it made me cry. Looking forward to reading the last book in this series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story where a family comes together after sorrow. Will have to read the next one to find out what happens.

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a special gift and or talent?
Did you expand from your gift or talent to the next level?

Do you have regrets? How have those regrets affected your life?
Do you wish for a do-over?

Follow the characters as we learn about how regrets affect not only us but those around us, especially children. Children are affected by the choices their parents make and sometimes children have a hard time later in life letting go of the hurt they have experienced from their parents choices.

Who knew hummingbirds, a chipmunk, and dogs could steal the spotlight in an Amish fictional book? There is a very good reason why they did and you'll have to read "The Gift" to find out just how.

"The Gift" kind-of picks-up where "The Decision" left off. There is a shift of main and support characters this time around. Boy! Wanda does not miss out on any details because "The Gift" is FULL of details and information. I felt like I was right there in Illinois living the experience with all of the characters.

I loved "The Gift", the experience of following the characters' lives and how they handle the situations that Wanda E. Brunstetter has laid out for them. I can not wait for the third book in the series to be announced so I know when it will released.




I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Wanda Brunstetter did an excellent job. Her books never disappoint me and I just started reading her books like two years ago.
The Gift (book two of the Prairie State Friend series) is about Adam and Leah. Adam ends up having to take in his sister’s young children after she and her husband were killed in an accident. Leah who does reflexology juggles between caring for Adam's nieces during the day and reflexology in the evening decides to marry Adam for the stake of the children. Neither are in love with each other. Adam does not believe in reflexology because his mother used to do it before she left the Amish and Adam wants nothing to do with her or what she did. After so many years of being away and remarrying but now divorced again and with another son, Cora moves in the same town as Adam when she accepted a job as a nurse at the clinic. Both Cora and Adam do not know they are only within miles of each other. The book had its shared of tragedy, struggles, disappointments and love. I felt like the characters were real and I was right there with them. The ending ends in a cliff hanger wondering if Adam and Cora ever put aside the past, will Adam forgive Cora and let her back into his life, will Adam and Leah profess their love to each other and will Elaine and Jonah get back together again after Jonah becomes a widower or will she marry Ben? I highly recommend reading this book to all and if you haven't read The Decision (book one of the Prairie State Friend series) you should read that first. Some of the characters continue on the second book.
After you read the first two books in the series book three, The Revelation, will be published in February 2016.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather 123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book after reading, The Decision, by the same author was I found to be a disappointment. This story brought love, tragedy, heartbreak and struggles that most readers could related to. I really felt for the characters, Leah sacrificed herself to help Adam raise his nieces to the point where she was willing to give up the thing she loved to please him.

Like the previous book by this author, I struggled to see why Coral and Jared were introduced into the story especially so early. When Coral was first mentioned I actually felt like I missed something and went back through the chapter to see where the name was previously mentioned. I didn't think it was necessary for the author to detail everything Jared and Coral were going through at the time. I think this would have been better done in a conversation with Leah or Adam.

The book ended suddenly for me; like the previous book I don't feel that there was closure. All of a sudden Adam and Leah are professing their love to one another, but there is no discussion about what that looks like when they leave the funeral. There is no closure to Coral and Adam either; did they ever talk? Adam says he is working to forgive Coral but does that happen? And of course, I can't help wondering about Elaine and Jonah; do they ever get together again? Does Elaine accept the marriage proposal?

The end of the story felt rushed, almost like the author realized she hit a certain number of pages and that was all that was required of the story. I didn't feel there was enough closure with any of the characters.

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Tammy
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Wanda Brunstetter is one of the first authors to write Amish Fiction. She says she wants to portray an accurate image of the Amish lifestyle in her stories. Brunstetter hopes her books will cause readers to lose their heart in the Amish life, as she has. I became a fan of her writing after I checked out The Storekeeper’s Daughter from my public library. The Gift is the second book in Brunstetter’s Prairie State Friends series.

In The Gift, Leah Mast is a single Amish woman who practices reflexology. Adam Beachy is a single Amish man, who keeps to himself. When tragedy comes upon Adam’s family, their paths cross. The way the two get along, it would be a surprise if they could form a friendship, let alone a romance.

As soon as I read about Leah and Adam, I was sure I knew what was going to happen. But there were at least three twists to the story that I did not expect. I try to stay away from full product descriptions before I read a book; they sometimes give too much away. I like that some characters from The Discovery Saga and The Decision, the first book of this series, have their story continued alongside that of Leah and Adam. I think the introduction of a certain person could have been done a little differently, as it seemed to come out of nowhere to me. The Gift is a stand-alone novel that I think fans of Amish romance will enjoy. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see how the lives of the characters’ continue. Having read The Decision, I am hoping for some loose ends to be happily tied up.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 1 out of 5]

"1.5 out of 5 stars. A continuation from Ms. Brunstetter's "The Decision," focuses around Leah and Adam. Leah practices reflexology, which she learned from her grandmother and considers it a gift she can give to others. Adam is a confirmed bachelor, with plans to stay that way, and owns the local hardware store. Neither really like each other because of their view on reflexology. However, when a freak accident leaves Adam's three nieces in his care both Leah and Adam's lives will be forever changed ... but will those changes be for all the better?

Okay while I didn't love this novel, I have to get these facts straight...

FIRST -- This is the first time I've read a book by Ms. Brunstetter.
SECOND -- I have read Amish romance novels before and really liked them.
THIRD -- When choosing this novel to read/review I was hoping the novel would be a little like Patricia Davids' "Katie's Redemption" as the "heroes" from both novels have slightly similar backstories.


While I'll admit that Adam's childhood is deeply sad it has turned him into a harsh man who doesn't know how to deal with social interactions well. In addition..."

Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2016/03/what-was-i-thinking-prairie-state.html

Check out an additional teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2016/03/second-sentence-saturday-gift.html

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah Mast has an ability to help her neighbors and heal their ailments by practicing reflexology and she is thankful that God has given her this talent. Adam Beachy has total disdain for anyone who believes in this practice and he is very vocal about his aversion. Readers meet both of these characters in the first few pages of The Gift, the second book of the Prairie State Friends series, and we are immediately given a glimpse of how complicated a relationship between the two of them would be. Soon, Adam is faced with the prospect of raising his three orphaned nieces and who does he seek for help? Yes, it is Leah but it is only because he is desperate! A proposal of marriage follows but no love is involved; this will be a marriage for his convenience only.

As I read this, I found myself wondering if Leah is making a mistake because Adam is very judgmental and very unforgiving but Brunstetter has a talent for developing characters that are flawed people but ultimately, redeemable human beings.

This book also gives us an update on characters we met in The Decision, the first book in the Prairie State Friends series. It is nice to revisit them but their new situations and added conflicts leave us with questions that I hope will be answered in book three.

Wanda Brunstetter is famous for her Amish themed books and her fans will not be disappointed.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift is book two in the Prairie State Friends series by Wanda Brunstetter. Although it can be read and enjoyed without having read book one, it was enjoyable for me to be able to follow up on some of the characters introduced in that first book. Leah has been given a gift of healing by God. She uses reflexology by massaging the feet of those with ailments. Many come to her for help but one man in the community, Adam, thinks it's hocus pocus. His reasoning comes from events that happened to him in his past. When his sister and brother-in-law are killed in an accident they leave behind three young girls that are left in his care. Being a long time bachelor, he enlists Leah to help with their care. Eventually he proposes a marriage of convenience to Leah, so that the girls have care 24/7. Leah's two closest friends are against this arrangement, and so are her parents when they find out.
Wanda herself has a special gift of writing, making her characters so real. You feel their emotions. You can easily place yourself in their shoes. She brings the English world into the Amish world and vice versa. I enjoyed the chance to catch up with the friends I'd "made" in book one and look forward to continuing that friendship in book three.
I was given this book by the author for my honest opinion, which I have given.

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Wanda Brunstetter's Amish-based novels and I was honored to be asked to review her latest book, "The Gift," the second book in her "Prairie State Friends" series.

The thing I really love about Wanda's books is that the reader learns so much while being involved in the heart-warming story. In this particular story the art of reflexology (manipulating the feet to help aches and pains in other parts of the body) is a huge part of the main character's story and I, for one, discovered aspects of this treatment I'd never known before.

Hummingbirds are also a huge part of this heartwarming story. The sweet little jewels of the air are very important to the children that are part of the story and I loved how the banding and tracking of the birds was explained.

While this is the second book in the "Prairie State Friends" series, and there are obvious references to previous events and characters in the first book, it is still possible to sit down and enjoy this charming story as a stand alone. And love, love, love the recipes for the chocolate-chip cheese ball and the "Hummingbird" cake that is included at the end of the book.

I always highly recommend Wanda Brunstetter's books and "The Gift" is no exception. If you enjoy Amish-based stories, you'll love this one!