What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Prayer
Beloved, bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter tells a harrowing story set on a cross-country journey in 1850. Three lone wagons on the California Trail become trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains by a sudden snowstorm. Stuck in tight quarters with others makes Cynthia Cooper reevaluate her reasons for being engaged to fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she has to reconsider here dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?
Audio CD
Published September 1, 2018
59 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
215 books2,325 followersNew 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
April 6, 2023
A short read about a journey to California during the time of westward expansion. Each traveler faced uncertainty about the future and whether the journey would land them where they wanted to be.
While some readers felt there wasn't enough development of the characters and their relationships, I found it to be true to the time period. The limited cast of characters makes it quite easy to predict what will happen romance wise and despite its brevity, the story does easily show the different attitudes towards marriage from that time. For women, marriage was most often for financial security and perhaps even the opportunity to do something different or something more. There's also a bit of coldness in the formation and dissolution of relationships, but this also relates to the ideas surrounding marriage of the time. Many did not marry for love, but rather for convenience, security, or a business/home partner. When love and attraction are not part of the equation, choosing a spouse becomes more of a business transaction, one that is hopefully made with wisdom and forethought.
In the end, there's a simple message of taking the time to know another person before entering into the contract of marriage even if you're not marrying for love. It's always best to know exactly what you're getting and whether or not that is acceptable to you before you make a lifelong commitment. A happily ever after only comes with careful observation and discernment beforehand.
While some readers felt there wasn't enough development of the characters and their relationships, I found it to be true to the time period. The limited cast of characters makes it quite easy to predict what will happen romance wise and despite its brevity, the story does easily show the different attitudes towards marriage from that time. For women, marriage was most often for financial security and perhaps even the opportunity to do something different or something more. There's also a bit of coldness in the formation and dissolution of relationships, but this also relates to the ideas surrounding marriage of the time. Many did not marry for love, but rather for convenience, security, or a business/home partner. When love and attraction are not part of the equation, choosing a spouse becomes more of a business transaction, one that is hopefully made with wisdom and forethought.
In the end, there's a simple message of taking the time to know another person before entering into the contract of marriage even if you're not marrying for love. It's always best to know exactly what you're getting and whether or not that is acceptable to you before you make a lifelong commitment. A happily ever after only comes with careful observation and discernment beforehand.
October 29, 2018
Um...okay.
So, when I was 11-14, I read every Wanda Brunstetter book I could get my hands on and eagerly awaited new releases. Then, after a few years of not reading much by her, I've gotten back a bit...but I'm not very impressed with her writing?
Maybe I'm just more critical these days, but I've found some of her more recent works to be lacking—The Christmas Prayer included. This book was just strange.
Title >>> It doesn't have one darn thing to do with the book. I mean, NOTHING. Prayer? What prayer? That one written-out prayer they said over halfway through that has nothing to do with the plot or the (non existent) message?
Speed >>> So. Fast. We go from mid-April to late-December in a story that is shorter than what I would consider a novella. The plot is rushed, everything has to me told because there isn't time or space for it all to be shown, and the end is literally just throw in there. It was a mess.
Characters >>> The characters were actually pretty good. I don't know why they all had to have their own POVs...which was rather ridiculous, not to mention entirely unnecessary. But up until the 50%/60% mark, I liked them. (Except Walter. Just, ew.) They felt like real people. But then that last chapter? UM WHAT.
>> Spoilers <<
While all eight characters are trapped in a cabin, nearly starving to death, Cynthia's annoying fiancé decides she's too immature for him and proposes to her mother. Did I mention he didn't even break things off with the gal before that? So then the wagon train leader dude decides he loves Cynthia, she says she loves him too, and they kiss. Oh, and the only remaining unattached man and woman decide they like each other, too.
The problem, other than it's a tad unrealistic? (I'm being sarcastic.) There is literally NO attraction between ANYONE during the ENTIRE story. Did I mention this all happened in the last two pages? ('Kay, I'm done.)
>> End of spoilers <<
Honestly, this story had a lot of potential. There was plenty of plot, a great setting, multiple options for great side-plots, realistic characters, and opportunity to pull off a great theme. If this were a full length novel, with time for the story to develop and the character arcs to, ya know, arc...I'm pretty sure I would've liked it much better.
2.5/3 stars. #dissatisfied
So, when I was 11-14, I read every Wanda Brunstetter book I could get my hands on and eagerly awaited new releases. Then, after a few years of not reading much by her, I've gotten back a bit...but I'm not very impressed with her writing?
Maybe I'm just more critical these days, but I've found some of her more recent works to be lacking—The Christmas Prayer included. This book was just strange.
Title >>> It doesn't have one darn thing to do with the book. I mean, NOTHING. Prayer? What prayer? That one written-out prayer they said over halfway through that has nothing to do with the plot or the (non existent) message?
Speed >>> So. Fast. We go from mid-April to late-December in a story that is shorter than what I would consider a novella. The plot is rushed, everything has to me told because there isn't time or space for it all to be shown, and the end is literally just throw in there. It was a mess.
Characters >>> The characters were actually pretty good. I don't know why they all had to have their own POVs...which was rather ridiculous, not to mention entirely unnecessary. But up until the 50%/60% mark, I liked them. (Except Walter. Just, ew.) They felt like real people. But then that last chapter? UM WHAT.
>> Spoilers <<
While all eight characters are trapped in a cabin, nearly starving to death, Cynthia's annoying fiancé decides she's too immature for him and proposes to her mother. Did I mention he didn't even break things off with the gal before that? So then the wagon train leader dude decides he loves Cynthia, she says she loves him too, and they kiss. Oh, and the only remaining unattached man and woman decide they like each other, too.
The problem, other than it's a tad unrealistic? (I'm being sarcastic.) There is literally NO attraction between ANYONE during the ENTIRE story. Did I mention this all happened in the last two pages? ('Kay, I'm done.)
>> End of spoilers <<
Honestly, this story had a lot of potential. There was plenty of plot, a great setting, multiple options for great side-plots, realistic characters, and opportunity to pull off a great theme. If this were a full length novel, with time for the story to develop and the character arcs to, ya know, arc...I'm pretty sure I would've liked it much better.
2.5/3 stars. #dissatisfied
September 3, 2018
The Christmas Prayers is a novella that was first published in 2014 in Barbour's Christmas Collection titled,The Westward Christmas Brides Collection: 9 Historical Romances Answer the Call of the American West. I love Barbour collections and this was one of my favorite novellas in it.
Cynthia Cooper promises to marry a man many years older than her named Walter. Now this will not be a love match on Cynthia's part but rather a match to ensure her and her mother have security financially and otherwise. Her mother,Mable encourages this match because she will be taken care of as well. Late in the season 3 wagons set out on the way to California and the wagon Walter is leading with Cynthia,her mother and others falls behind and becomes separated from the other wagons. They do their best on the journey but tempers become short as food runs low and after falling behind so much they run into snow. Finding what they think is an abandoned cabin in the woods the members take shelter for weeks before the cabin's owner comes back. After their explanation he understands why they were there and when it's warm enough they move on. Walter reveals a secret to Cynthia during their time in the cabin and all are happy. It is a Christmas Prayer that leaves Cynthia's heart filled with joy.
Pub Date 01 Sep 2018
Thank you to Barbour Books for a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Cynthia Cooper promises to marry a man many years older than her named Walter. Now this will not be a love match on Cynthia's part but rather a match to ensure her and her mother have security financially and otherwise. Her mother,Mable encourages this match because she will be taken care of as well. Late in the season 3 wagons set out on the way to California and the wagon Walter is leading with Cynthia,her mother and others falls behind and becomes separated from the other wagons. They do their best on the journey but tempers become short as food runs low and after falling behind so much they run into snow. Finding what they think is an abandoned cabin in the woods the members take shelter for weeks before the cabin's owner comes back. After their explanation he understands why they were there and when it's warm enough they move on. Walter reveals a secret to Cynthia during their time in the cabin and all are happy. It is a Christmas Prayer that leaves Cynthia's heart filled with joy.
Pub Date 01 Sep 2018
Thank you to Barbour Books for a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 27, 2022
DNF @ 1/2 way.
November 29, 2018
Three covered wagons set out from Independence Missouri heading for California. The year is April 1850. The small group had intended to meet up with and travel with a larger group of covered wagons but had arrived in Independence too late to connect with them. They set out on their own hoping to arrive in California before winter.
The trip was hard and the small wagon train fell behind schedule. After only traveling half the distance to California, winter set in. Things didn't look good for the travelers. Food supplies were bound to run out. With only the covered wagons for protection from the bitter cold weather they faced the threat of freezing to death. Would their prayers be enough to get them through the winter? Would the Sierra Nevada Mountains be the end of the trail for these weary travelers ?
This novella was a very easy and quick read. I was able to read it in one afternoon. This story was paged between a very attractive cover with a view of the mountains on the front and back inside flaps. The story contains light romance between some of the characters. I think it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed it.
This book would be good for readers who enjoy historical romance and fiction. All readers of Christian Fiction would enjoy this novella. If you enjoy reading Wanda Brunstetter's books you will enjoy A Christmas Prayer.
The trip was hard and the small wagon train fell behind schedule. After only traveling half the distance to California, winter set in. Things didn't look good for the travelers. Food supplies were bound to run out. With only the covered wagons for protection from the bitter cold weather they faced the threat of freezing to death. Would their prayers be enough to get them through the winter? Would the Sierra Nevada Mountains be the end of the trail for these weary travelers ?
This novella was a very easy and quick read. I was able to read it in one afternoon. This story was paged between a very attractive cover with a view of the mountains on the front and back inside flaps. The story contains light romance between some of the characters. I think it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed it.
This book would be good for readers who enjoy historical romance and fiction. All readers of Christian Fiction would enjoy this novella. If you enjoy reading Wanda Brunstetter's books you will enjoy A Christmas Prayer.
September 9, 2018
My thoughts: THE CHRISTMAS PRAYER is a historical set on the wagon trail by Wanda Brunstetter. This was an awesome novella! I totally loved it. There are there "families" traveling west together since they missed the wagon train that was leaving, and they were a brother, a sister, a widower and his two children, and a mother and daughter with the daughter's finance. I figured out how the story would pan out before I got to the end, but that was okay I enjoyed getting there.
I read this story quickly, at church in the hour and a half between services and gave my copy away to a woman at church who is a huge Wanda Brunstetter fan as she was practically begging for it as soon as she saw the book.
There are several different Point of Views in the book, but they are seamlessly done. This was a great wagon trail Christmas story with a satisfying ending.
This is not Amish.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2018
A different read from the author’s usual Amish stories, this one will keep your attention, and is more like a novella, as I read it in about an hour.
Can you imagine living like the pioneers of our country did, leaving what they had in the east to travel to the western part. This ends up being one small wagon train, with only three wagons, so we really do get to know each of the members of this small party.
At first you won’t see much in common between this group, but by the end, which sure ended differently that I saw coming, and I loved that there was an epilogue.
Although, parts of the story felt rushed, it is a feel-good Christmas read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run, and was not required to give a positive review.
Can you imagine living like the pioneers of our country did, leaving what they had in the east to travel to the western part. This ends up being one small wagon train, with only three wagons, so we really do get to know each of the members of this small party.
At first you won’t see much in common between this group, but by the end, which sure ended differently that I saw coming, and I loved that there was an epilogue.
Although, parts of the story felt rushed, it is a feel-good Christmas read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shiloh Run, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 9, 2018
Are you ready for a sweet Christmas story? It is a very fast read. and I will say it again great authors should NOT write novellas. They end just way to fast for me. I never get enough.
Wanda can write any genre and do it with such class and so much knowledge.
You should give this 4 star Christmas novella to someone you love this Christmas.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Wanda can write any genre and do it with such class and so much knowledge.
You should give this 4 star Christmas novella to someone you love this Christmas.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Read
December 31, 2018My Review:
Before you read this review, you need to know I will be trying other books by this author because of her long writing history and I hold hope that her older books will be great since I know two people who enjoyed them. (One of them would be my mom, and she isn't too thrilled with my review being so horrid. Horrid is my word for the day.)
Genre: Historical fiction.
My Rating: 2 stars.
Recommendation: I don't recommend this book. If you want to read it go for it!
My Favorite Character/s: I wasn't able to keep up with the characters, and they weren't very interesting. (What you can't see here is me ... Hitting my head on the wall as I want to cry in sadness for the poor book I'm reviewing because all books are precious; there are just some that are for other people and NOT me.)
My Thoughts: OK, so, I thought this would be an interesting read, and it was until the second chapter; I couldn't connect with the characters and the book had a dragging storyline. So, while I see a good bit of potential it was slightly boring. I did enjoy reading the beginning but if I hadn't needed to review it I would have stopped reading around the 3rd chapter.
It was like the author threw awesome ideas in a mixer hoping to make macaroons and it came out as pickled eggs that are considered edible by some people but are too horrid to eat. (You want proof I HATE pickled eggs? I have a video ... *ducks in embarssment*)
Major Spoiler (That is needed. Sorry!) Don't read further if you want to regret having eyes to read with because of this horrid book read this book
*cries* It disturbed me that the main character's mother and the main character's fiance was supposed to marry got married. Who does that? It was horrible to me!
If books had feelings, this book would feel like Job wishing it was never written.
COPYRIGHTED to Kaylee's Kind Of Writes.
Not really copyrighted just thought it be fun to say that!
(I received this book in exchange for my honest review and I'm happy to provide it.)
Before you read this review, you need to know I will be trying other books by this author because of her long writing history and I hold hope that her older books will be great since I know two people who enjoyed them. (One of them would be my mom, and she isn't too thrilled with my review being so horrid. Horrid is my word for the day.)
Genre: Historical fiction.
My Rating: 2 stars.
Recommendation: I don't recommend this book. If you want to read it go for it!
My Favorite Character/s: I wasn't able to keep up with the characters, and they weren't very interesting. (What you can't see here is me ... Hitting my head on the wall as I want to cry in sadness for the poor book I'm reviewing because all books are precious; there are just some that are for other people and NOT me.)
My Thoughts: OK, so, I thought this would be an interesting read, and it was until the second chapter; I couldn't connect with the characters and the book had a dragging storyline. So, while I see a good bit of potential it was slightly boring. I did enjoy reading the beginning but if I hadn't needed to review it I would have stopped reading around the 3rd chapter.
It was like the author threw awesome ideas in a mixer hoping to make macaroons and it came out as pickled eggs that are considered edible by some people but are too horrid to eat. (You want proof I HATE pickled eggs? I have a video ... *ducks in embarssment*)
Major Spoiler (That is needed. Sorry!) Don't read further if you want to regret having eyes to read with because of this horrid book read this book
*cries* It disturbed me that the main character's mother and the main character's fiance was supposed to marry got married. Who does that? It was horrible to me!
If books had feelings, this book would feel like Job wishing it was never written.
COPYRIGHTED to Kaylee's Kind Of Writes.
Not really copyrighted just thought it be fun to say that!
(I received this book in exchange for my honest review and I'm happy to provide it.)
August 30, 2018
This was a very enjoyable novella, but not really a Christmas story. Rather the story ends at Christmas time.
Cynthia Cooper is an engaged woman in a marriage-to-be arranged by her mother. Her fiance, Walter, is much older than Cynthia. He is a business man who owns two stores in New York and now wants to take Cynthia and her mother to California where he wants to open another store. But Walter is hard headed, opinionated, and knows nothing about travel to California via wagon train. When they miss the wagon train, Walter joins with two other men to head to California. Jack Simpson has lost his wife and is heading to California with his two young children to join his brother on his cattle ranch. Cole and his sister, Virginia, are heading to California so Cole can seek gold and his sister can continue teaching. Cole and Jack are outdoors men and have some idea what they are getting into. Walter refuses to listen to any of their advice.
Walter set my teeth on edge from the very beginning. I totally understood Cynthia's questioning herself as to whether this is the man she should really marry. Cynthia's mother wasn't much better as she constantly pushed Cynthia and Walter together. Jack and Cole carried the brunt of the load throughout the journey; and if it hadn't been for them, they would never have made it to California. Jack's children were adorable. Alan a typical little boy interested in everything and always getting into mischief. Amanda was such a sweetheart, and it was sad that she wouldn't talk after seeing her mother die.
I loved the surprise ending and how everything was wrapped up at Christmas time especially with the appearance of a friendly "Santa Clause."
Enjoyable novella that was nice to spend an afternoon reading.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Cynthia Cooper is an engaged woman in a marriage-to-be arranged by her mother. Her fiance, Walter, is much older than Cynthia. He is a business man who owns two stores in New York and now wants to take Cynthia and her mother to California where he wants to open another store. But Walter is hard headed, opinionated, and knows nothing about travel to California via wagon train. When they miss the wagon train, Walter joins with two other men to head to California. Jack Simpson has lost his wife and is heading to California with his two young children to join his brother on his cattle ranch. Cole and his sister, Virginia, are heading to California so Cole can seek gold and his sister can continue teaching. Cole and Jack are outdoors men and have some idea what they are getting into. Walter refuses to listen to any of their advice.
Walter set my teeth on edge from the very beginning. I totally understood Cynthia's questioning herself as to whether this is the man she should really marry. Cynthia's mother wasn't much better as she constantly pushed Cynthia and Walter together. Jack and Cole carried the brunt of the load throughout the journey; and if it hadn't been for them, they would never have made it to California. Jack's children were adorable. Alan a typical little boy interested in everything and always getting into mischief. Amanda was such a sweetheart, and it was sad that she wouldn't talk after seeing her mother die.
I loved the surprise ending and how everything was wrapped up at Christmas time especially with the appearance of a friendly "Santa Clause."
Enjoyable novella that was nice to spend an afternoon reading.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
September 1, 2018
This historical romance, The Christmas Prayer by Wanda Brunstetter, is a very promising plot that fell short for me. I have read several of Brunstetter’s Amish books and really liked them. I have read at least one other historical romance she wrote that I thought was a true winner. This one, I believe, just was too short (it is a novella) and space ran out before the narrative could conclude smoothly. I think, had this book been a novel, things would have happened at what I would consider a good speed and it could have been a great book.
I felt for poor Cynthia stuck on the westward trail in 1850 with a much older, unkind, uncaring fiancé. Especially when there were two highly eligible other young men in their little
wagon train. The children, Amelia and Alan, had very integral roles.
The portrayal of the characters was interesting, but at the end, I wanted to see more fleshing out. I realized many were more two-dimensional than I would have liked.
The journey was interesting, but it seemed to reach a climax, then abruptly loose ends were tied up and the novella ended. I felt like I was riding a horse at a good canter, but then the horse suddenly came to an abrupt stop at the edge of a bluff, and I got thrown.
Two songs characterized this book for me: in one spot, Keith Green’s early 80’s hit, “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?!”; and “You Can’t Hurry Love(You Just Gotta Wait).”
Quotable: “When our hope is lost, that’s when we need to rely fully on Him, for with God, all things are possible.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own, for which I am solely responsible. I was not required to write a positive review.
I felt for poor Cynthia stuck on the westward trail in 1850 with a much older, unkind, uncaring fiancé. Especially when there were two highly eligible other young men in their little
wagon train. The children, Amelia and Alan, had very integral roles.
The portrayal of the characters was interesting, but at the end, I wanted to see more fleshing out. I realized many were more two-dimensional than I would have liked.
The journey was interesting, but it seemed to reach a climax, then abruptly loose ends were tied up and the novella ended. I felt like I was riding a horse at a good canter, but then the horse suddenly came to an abrupt stop at the edge of a bluff, and I got thrown.
Two songs characterized this book for me: in one spot, Keith Green’s early 80’s hit, “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?!”; and “You Can’t Hurry Love(You Just Gotta Wait).”
Quotable: “When our hope is lost, that’s when we need to rely fully on Him, for with God, all things are possible.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own, for which I am solely responsible. I was not required to write a positive review.
October 17, 2018
This historical romance novella, The Christmas Prayer by Wanda Brunstetter, had a good plot, but just didn't hit the mark for me. I think the idea of this story was too big for this short novella. Cynthia Cooper and her mother were traveling west to California over the Sierra Nevadas. Cynthia is betrothed to Walter Prentice and older man who is a bit of a stick in the mud. She is traveling with Walter and her mother as well as a few other wagons. As the trip progresses, Cynthia realizes that she does not want to marry Walter and that he doesn't measure up to the other two men in their wagon train. One of the men, is a widowed father with two delightful children, that cause a few problems on the journey, the other a prospector traveling with his sister. When the weather turns unexpectedly, they have to hole up in a cabin they found for the winter.
The portrayal of the characters was interesting, but at the end, I wanted to see more fleshing out. I realized many were more two-dimensional than I would have liked. Even though I liked the idea of Cynthia, it was hard to get too attached to the characters. The journey was interesting, but it seemed to reach a climax, then abruptly it ended. It was a very simple story with a message of praying for guidance and support as well as being true to yourself. The publisher, Shiloh Run Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
The portrayal of the characters was interesting, but at the end, I wanted to see more fleshing out. I realized many were more two-dimensional than I would have liked. Even though I liked the idea of Cynthia, it was hard to get too attached to the characters. The journey was interesting, but it seemed to reach a climax, then abruptly it ended. It was a very simple story with a message of praying for guidance and support as well as being true to yourself. The publisher, Shiloh Run Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 28, 2018
The Christmas Prayer is an amazing work of fiction by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Wanda weaves together a piece of historical fiction unlike any other. I loved traveling along with the the wagons on their journey to California. This story is packed with lots of happens and unexpected events. I loved this story.
September 2, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I've read several of the author's older Amish works, enough to know that I like her writing style. Most of her newer books seem to have lost that quality, though, but not so with this one! It is definitely vintage quality for the author, and a great read overall!
While it is shorter than her normal novel length, it has a good "cast" of characters that you can easily connect with. Unfortunately, that shortened length makes the story feel rushed in places, and the readers don't get to see enough interaction between the couples that get paired up at the end of the book to make their love stories believable.
All things considered, I'd recommend this as a well written and quick Christmas read!
I've read several of the author's older Amish works, enough to know that I like her writing style. Most of her newer books seem to have lost that quality, though, but not so with this one! It is definitely vintage quality for the author, and a great read overall!
While it is shorter than her normal novel length, it has a good "cast" of characters that you can easily connect with. Unfortunately, that shortened length makes the story feel rushed in places, and the readers don't get to see enough interaction between the couples that get paired up at the end of the book to make their love stories believable.
All things considered, I'd recommend this as a well written and quick Christmas read!
December 7, 2018
The Christmas Prayer is a sweet Amish romance about a group of strangers traveling from New York to California in the hopes of better lives. This was my first experience reading a story like this. The pacing was very well written and I actually finished the story in a few hours. I enjoyed this sweet story, but there were a few things I wished were different.
Without giving any spoilers, I do wish there had been a little more romance. Other than Cynthia's strong feelings that she didn't want to marry Walter, there weren't any signs that she felt a particular way about anyone else. Even in her diary entries she didn't say she was falling for someone or having secret feelings toward a specific person. Overall, this is a sweet romance that I think fans of historical/Amish stories will find pleasant.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Without giving any spoilers, I do wish there had been a little more romance. Other than Cynthia's strong feelings that she didn't want to marry Walter, there weren't any signs that she felt a particular way about anyone else. Even in her diary entries she didn't say she was falling for someone or having secret feelings toward a specific person. Overall, this is a sweet romance that I think fans of historical/Amish stories will find pleasant.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2022
Super cringe. This was bad. Probably one of the worst books I have read all year and I have read over 100. I only read because it came in a mystery box I received from ChristianBook.com and it seemed like a decent Christmas read. Nope. Stay away!!
December 17, 2021
I would warn that there are spoilers in this review, but this book is so bad, you should be thanking me for spoiling it. Let me start by saying this book was gifted to me, or I probably would have never picked it up. I really had no expectations for how this book was going to go since I had never heard of this author. But I read it in about an hour and a half, and that was even with pausing to send audio messages to my friend reading her the most ridiculous parts of the story.
Anyway, the general setting for the book (Trail to the west in the 1850s) is such an easy setting to make exciting. So, how it could be made lame, I don't know. But it was lame. In terms of characters, the main character (MC) was pretty flat. It was the classic, "I have to marry this really annoying dude because if I don't my family will be poor so it's all on me to marry a rich guy and provide. But this hotter and younger guy who I just met would be a better match simply because he is hotter and younger, but he's poor, so what should I do," which is all fine and good, but because this trope has been done 3,000 times, you have to bring your A-game as an author if you're going to make that the main plot. And if you're going to do that, at least give me some light (Christian) smut (I'm just kidding, but also, not really). Also, the MC and her love interest (who didn't really become a love interest until about the last 25 pages of the book) talked to each other all of 2 or 3 times in this book. No interactions, no chemistry, just like, "Hey you wanna get married, oooorrrrr." So yeah, on a scale of 1 to "50 Shades of Grey," I give the smuttiness and romance, like, a 2.
And, can I just take a second to talk about the dialogue? I'm dying to talk about the dialogue! Very bizarre, and the characters talk to each other (when they did talk to each other, which was rare) like they are all caricatures of actual grown ups. Or like they're aliens learning how to be humans. Like Mark Zuckerberg trying to relate to someone who works a 9 to 5. Just odd.
I know I'm skipping around a bit, but I have a lot of thoughts. The title doesn't even make sense. "The Christmas Prayer." What prayer? They prayed, like, twice. And it was along the lines of, "God I hope we don't die in this snow." Yes, they were trying to get through the mountains to California in the middle of winter and were going to starve every other chapter, but it had nothing to do with the main plot of the MC not wanting to get married to her fiancée. But, a sucky title isn't the end of the world; everything else in the book was, though.
I will say--my favorite part of the book was the extremely bizarre plot twist of the MC's fiancée deciding to break off their engagement and marry the MC's mother instead, quoting the MC was too immature for him and her mother was a better match? Pretty insane, but hey, it made me laugh out loud at 1AM while I was reading. I am also wayyyyy more interested in that side story. I would 100% read a book about a weird little guy falling in love with his fiancee's mother while on the Oregon Trail. Give me that book, Wanda!
Overall, I feel like I was reading a Hallmark movie-esque story except it had no redeeming qualities like cookie baking for the town Christmas bake sale. The setting was badly utilized, the characters were barely filled out, and, when they did have dialogue, it was so abnormal it was distracting. The plot was strange and rushed via time lapses so much that the characters hardly interacted with each other. I finished this book around 2AM, and I will say it was a great laugh. For what it's worth.
Anyway, the general setting for the book (Trail to the west in the 1850s) is such an easy setting to make exciting. So, how it could be made lame, I don't know. But it was lame. In terms of characters, the main character (MC) was pretty flat. It was the classic, "I have to marry this really annoying dude because if I don't my family will be poor so it's all on me to marry a rich guy and provide. But this hotter and younger guy who I just met would be a better match simply because he is hotter and younger, but he's poor, so what should I do," which is all fine and good, but because this trope has been done 3,000 times, you have to bring your A-game as an author if you're going to make that the main plot. And if you're going to do that, at least give me some light (Christian) smut (I'm just kidding, but also, not really). Also, the MC and her love interest (who didn't really become a love interest until about the last 25 pages of the book) talked to each other all of 2 or 3 times in this book. No interactions, no chemistry, just like, "Hey you wanna get married, oooorrrrr." So yeah, on a scale of 1 to "50 Shades of Grey," I give the smuttiness and romance, like, a 2.
And, can I just take a second to talk about the dialogue? I'm dying to talk about the dialogue! Very bizarre, and the characters talk to each other (when they did talk to each other, which was rare) like they are all caricatures of actual grown ups. Or like they're aliens learning how to be humans. Like Mark Zuckerberg trying to relate to someone who works a 9 to 5. Just odd.
I know I'm skipping around a bit, but I have a lot of thoughts. The title doesn't even make sense. "The Christmas Prayer." What prayer? They prayed, like, twice. And it was along the lines of, "God I hope we don't die in this snow." Yes, they were trying to get through the mountains to California in the middle of winter and were going to starve every other chapter, but it had nothing to do with the main plot of the MC not wanting to get married to her fiancée. But, a sucky title isn't the end of the world; everything else in the book was, though.
I will say--my favorite part of the book was the extremely bizarre plot twist of the MC's fiancée deciding to break off their engagement and marry the MC's mother instead, quoting the MC was too immature for him and her mother was a better match? Pretty insane, but hey, it made me laugh out loud at 1AM while I was reading. I am also wayyyyy more interested in that side story. I would 100% read a book about a weird little guy falling in love with his fiancee's mother while on the Oregon Trail. Give me that book, Wanda!
Overall, I feel like I was reading a Hallmark movie-esque story except it had no redeeming qualities like cookie baking for the town Christmas bake sale. The setting was badly utilized, the characters were barely filled out, and, when they did have dialogue, it was so abnormal it was distracting. The plot was strange and rushed via time lapses so much that the characters hardly interacted with each other. I finished this book around 2AM, and I will say it was a great laugh. For what it's worth.
September 14, 2018
The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter takes us back to April 15, 1850. Cynthia Cooper along with her mother, Mabel are embarking on a journey to California via wagon train. They are going with Cynthia’s fiancé, Walter Prentice. They are late arriving in Independence, Missouri and the wagon train they were joining has already departed. Instead, they link up with two other families and begin their long journey to California. The other parties in the train are Cole Edwards along with his sister, Virginia as well as Jack Simpson, a widower traveling with his two young children, Alan and Amelia. Rain, mud and wagon repairs delay their journey. The group find themselves at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains when snow begins to fall. Thankfully, Cole finds an empty cabin where they stay while they wait for better weather. Eight weeks later they are still in the cabin and Christmas is approaching. The ladies try to figure out how to provide Christmas for the children with their meager supplies. The more time Cynthia spends in Walter’s company, the less she wishes to marry him. How else, though, can she provide for her mother since their father died leaving them penniless. Cynthia decides to pray on the matter and leave it with God. What choice will Cynthia make? Will this group of intrepid travelers make it to California?
The Christmas Prayer is a well-written novel with steady pacing and smooth transitions. The POV switches between a couple of the characters allowing readers different perspectives. The Christmas Prayer is a short story of 176 pages. I did feel the ending was a little rushed, but I appreciated the epilogue. The paperback version is just lovely with a beautiful cover that has metallic red border and pretty edging around each page. Wanda Brunstetter captured the feeling of a wagon train and the feelings the people experienced. It was a long, grueling journey where anything could happen. Illness, wagon repairs, sick animals, lack of food, Indians, wild animals, mud bogging down the wagons are just a few things that they would encounter. The people could not ride continually because it would wear out the oxen. The walking had to be exhausting. I like how the author included Cynthia’s journey entries. It allows readers a peek at her thoughts and what she was feeling. I liked the variety of characters with one of my favorites being Abe Jones. The Christian element is light, but the point is made. God is there for us. Prayer and steadfast faith will help you get through the tough times. We need to rely fully on Him, for with God, all things are possible. The ending is happy and heartwarming. The Christmas Prayer is a sweet, historical romance.
The Christmas Prayer is a well-written novel with steady pacing and smooth transitions. The POV switches between a couple of the characters allowing readers different perspectives. The Christmas Prayer is a short story of 176 pages. I did feel the ending was a little rushed, but I appreciated the epilogue. The paperback version is just lovely with a beautiful cover that has metallic red border and pretty edging around each page. Wanda Brunstetter captured the feeling of a wagon train and the feelings the people experienced. It was a long, grueling journey where anything could happen. Illness, wagon repairs, sick animals, lack of food, Indians, wild animals, mud bogging down the wagons are just a few things that they would encounter. The people could not ride continually because it would wear out the oxen. The walking had to be exhausting. I like how the author included Cynthia’s journey entries. It allows readers a peek at her thoughts and what she was feeling. I liked the variety of characters with one of my favorites being Abe Jones. The Christian element is light, but the point is made. God is there for us. Prayer and steadfast faith will help you get through the tough times. We need to rely fully on Him, for with God, all things are possible. The ending is happy and heartwarming. The Christmas Prayer is a sweet, historical romance.
October 24, 2018
Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.
Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.
Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?
--My thoughts. Quick, cute Christmas story about love. Do we follow our hearts, or what we think is best? Cynthia is traveling with her mother and her soon-to-be dreadful husband Walter to Calfornia in search of a better life. They are traveling with two other carriages, one brother and sister and another man and his two children, whom his wife has died. Both men, Cynthia wonders if Walter will ever be like them, kind, wonderful, basically everything Walter is not!
You will love making the journey with them and rooting on Cynthia!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.
Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?
--My thoughts. Quick, cute Christmas story about love. Do we follow our hearts, or what we think is best? Cynthia is traveling with her mother and her soon-to-be dreadful husband Walter to Calfornia in search of a better life. They are traveling with two other carriages, one brother and sister and another man and his two children, whom his wife has died. Both men, Cynthia wonders if Walter will ever be like them, kind, wonderful, basically everything Walter is not!
You will love making the journey with them and rooting on Cynthia!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
September 30, 2018
It's Fall. It's time for all things Fall-y, Halloween-y and best of all? Christmas-y! So, when I saw that Ms. Brunstetter was releasing The Christmas Prayer, I jumped on the chance! I love a good novella that's filled with snow, history and best of all? Wanda Brunstetter's addictive characters. This book had it all and so much more, for such a small, quick read.
Sitting down to read this, we are taken to history, during the 1850's, and introduced to some amazing, fun loving characters. Each character has something different for the story, each of their journeys for a different reason, but with God, prayer and unforgettable messages, these characters make being snowed in, a fun treat!
Ms. Brunstetter is the type of author who can write 5 star books across the genre grid. From Amish fiction to historical romance, she can bring the reader to the heart of the story instantly, and keep them their til the very last page is turned. Once you're finished, you want more. She's that good. Ms. Brunstetter is my top author when it comes to historical and Amish romances. If you are looking for a 5 star, winter-y read to set the mood for Christmas this year, look no further than this amazing, soul moving novella! Well done, Ms. Brunstetter! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Sitting down to read this, we are taken to history, during the 1850's, and introduced to some amazing, fun loving characters. Each character has something different for the story, each of their journeys for a different reason, but with God, prayer and unforgettable messages, these characters make being snowed in, a fun treat!
Ms. Brunstetter is the type of author who can write 5 star books across the genre grid. From Amish fiction to historical romance, she can bring the reader to the heart of the story instantly, and keep them their til the very last page is turned. Once you're finished, you want more. She's that good. Ms. Brunstetter is my top author when it comes to historical and Amish romances. If you are looking for a 5 star, winter-y read to set the mood for Christmas this year, look no further than this amazing, soul moving novella! Well done, Ms. Brunstetter! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
October 27, 2018
Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri in April 1850 with hopes of going to California and becoming rich.
One wagon has Cynthia Cooper and her mother along with the man she has promised to marry, Walter Prentice. In the second wagon was Jack Simpson along with his four-year-old son Alan and her six-year-old sister Amelia. The problem with Amelia is that since she witnessed her mother's death six months ago she has given up speaking. The third wagon had Cole who was twenty-six along with his sister Ginny.
All were hoping to have there lives change and become rich and start a new life. Since they were only three wagons they stuck close together. They must have gone off track from the others because they find themselves stuck in a horrible snowstorm in Sierra Nevada Mountains. They are lucky enough to find an abandoned cabin and will all have to live together to keep warm and safe.
During the time together feelings are changing and Cynthia is beginning to wonder if Walter is really the man for her. Each of the people seems to have changed and relationships are forming and feelings for each other have become strong since this journey started.
As always Ms Brunstetter has written a perfect story just in time for the holidays. I was lucky enough to get a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to review.
Perfect gift for the holidays
One wagon has Cynthia Cooper and her mother along with the man she has promised to marry, Walter Prentice. In the second wagon was Jack Simpson along with his four-year-old son Alan and her six-year-old sister Amelia. The problem with Amelia is that since she witnessed her mother's death six months ago she has given up speaking. The third wagon had Cole who was twenty-six along with his sister Ginny.
All were hoping to have there lives change and become rich and start a new life. Since they were only three wagons they stuck close together. They must have gone off track from the others because they find themselves stuck in a horrible snowstorm in Sierra Nevada Mountains. They are lucky enough to find an abandoned cabin and will all have to live together to keep warm and safe.
During the time together feelings are changing and Cynthia is beginning to wonder if Walter is really the man for her. Each of the people seems to have changed and relationships are forming and feelings for each other have become strong since this journey started.
As always Ms Brunstetter has written a perfect story just in time for the holidays. I was lucky enough to get a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to review.
Perfect gift for the holidays
July 14, 2018
Wanda E. Brunstetter is known for her Amish stories. I enjoy and have read many of them. When I saw this title and read the description, I was excited to read something a little different by her. As the introduction tells us, this is a story about three different families. They each have met up in Independence, Missouri in April 1850 to join a wagon train. They all three arrived late and the other wagons have already left for California. Thinking they can catch the wagon train, they vote to continue on. It is unusual and foolhardy to leave at such a late date. Due to hardships and weather, there is a good chance they can get caught in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Wanda is a master at character development. Although the entire story is written about just three families, Wanda gives us a great variety of personalities. We have a brother and his sister wanting to strike it rich in the gold mines. We have a widower and his two small children traveling West to join his brother already established there. Our main character Cynthia Cooper and her mother are fleeing to California. Her father has recently died and left them penniless. Cynthia is engaged to Walter Prentice, who is headed to California to open several stores. If the story has a villain, Walter would be it. Although this was a short story and a quick read, it was interesting and entertaining. I would recommend this book.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 29, 2018
What a heart-warming, sweet story! This is a perfect book for a quick read on a cold night, curled up with a cup of something warm and wonderful. When I was growing up, my mother would keep several small Christmas-themed books on the coffee table during the Christmas season, and this is just the kind of book that would be perfect for that. I plan to add it to my own collection this year!
In 1850, a cross-country journey was brave, dangerous, and difficult. Cynthia Cooper discovers more about life, priorities, and family throughout the difficult journey. She wants to do what her head knows is best, but her timid heart just can't foresee a future with the man she plans to marry. As she gets to know her fellow travelers on the journey west, she questions all of her plans. When they end up stranded in a snowstorm during Christmas, she makes some life-changing decisions that leave the reader smiling! This is a wonderful story, a very quick read, and would make a perfect gift this holiday season.
This book was provided to me by Barbour Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive (or any) review. Opinions and ideas expressed in this review are my own.
In 1850, a cross-country journey was brave, dangerous, and difficult. Cynthia Cooper discovers more about life, priorities, and family throughout the difficult journey. She wants to do what her head knows is best, but her timid heart just can't foresee a future with the man she plans to marry. As she gets to know her fellow travelers on the journey west, she questions all of her plans. When they end up stranded in a snowstorm during Christmas, she makes some life-changing decisions that leave the reader smiling! This is a wonderful story, a very quick read, and would make a perfect gift this holiday season.
This book was provided to me by Barbour Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive (or any) review. Opinions and ideas expressed in this review are my own.
October 22, 2018
Wanda Brunstetter’s “The Christmas Prayer” leaves me with mixed feelings. A brief novella, it is great for a one-to-two hour diversion, and the writing is very easy to understand. However, these qualities are also part of my criticism. The storyline seems like it would have been better suited to a full-length novel, as the plot comes across as rushed, jumping over weeks and even months at a time. The same is true of the characterization. As the reader, I did not feel any strong connection with any of the characters, and they were not developed to any real extent. Part of the narrative comes from Cynthia Cooper’s journal, which in my opinion detracted from the flow of the story. This read more like a teen or young adult novella, and everything came together too neatly and too quickly to be believable. It is reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel movie. Nevertheless, the cover is absolutely beautiful, with an embossed gold border on both the front and back, and anyone looking for a fast, feel-good tale will enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
August 13, 2018
A very different book from what Wanda has written but I loved it anyway, but love all of Wanda's books anyway
This book has taken me away from all of my troubles and I surely hated coming back to the real world.
At first, when I seen the cover I thought it was the sequel to the Hope jar. But, it wasn't.
I loved the fellowship of the wagon train but what I didn't like was that there was someone in the crowd that always spoils or tries to for everyone else.
Wanda has a of making each person in the story come alive and matching their feelings with yours or in how you connect with them.
I enjoyed this story particularly because in 2006 my family and I had a chance to visit the Sierra Nevada's.
It was a sight to behold. I'll never forget it. This was another way that I could relate to this story. I couldn't imagine traveling that by covered wagon!!
I give this book 5 stars because of the wonderful historical research behind it.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book
All opinions my own. No compensations were not required
This book has taken me away from all of my troubles and I surely hated coming back to the real world.
At first, when I seen the cover I thought it was the sequel to the Hope jar. But, it wasn't.
I loved the fellowship of the wagon train but what I didn't like was that there was someone in the crowd that always spoils or tries to for everyone else.
Wanda has a of making each person in the story come alive and matching their feelings with yours or in how you connect with them.
I enjoyed this story particularly because in 2006 my family and I had a chance to visit the Sierra Nevada's.
It was a sight to behold. I'll never forget it. This was another way that I could relate to this story. I couldn't imagine traveling that by covered wagon!!
I give this book 5 stars because of the wonderful historical research behind it.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book
All opinions my own. No compensations were not required
September 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this novella. It is an interesting story about love. Cynthia is set to marry Walter, her mother arranged it so that Cynthia would be well taken care of in life. I have to admit that I didn't like Walter in the least and Cynthia's mother wasn't much better. Walter was uncaring and pigheaded. I did love the children.
When they head out on a journey with an interesting group of others, and not the wagon train, I couldn't wait to see how that went. The trip itself had its hardships and without the other men along, the trio of Cynthia, Walter and her mother wouldn't have made it. I figured what would happen before the end but still enjoyed the story. It was a good, quick read.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
When they head out on a journey with an interesting group of others, and not the wagon train, I couldn't wait to see how that went. The trip itself had its hardships and without the other men along, the trio of Cynthia, Walter and her mother wouldn't have made it. I figured what would happen before the end but still enjoyed the story. It was a good, quick read.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
November 10, 2018
If you want a quick, easy read for the holidays then this is the book for you! It has a sweet storyline, but unfortunately because it was so short the story has a strange, unbelievable, and quick ending.
I have read several of Wanda’s books and have enjoyed them much more than this one. I think if this was a full novel it would have been much more appealing to me. The relationships would have been richer and had more time to develop.
Without giving away any spoilers, it was just too cookie-cutter perfect the way everything just happened to work out for all the characters in the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I have read several of Wanda’s books and have enjoyed them much more than this one. I think if this was a full novel it would have been much more appealing to me. The relationships would have been richer and had more time to develop.
Without giving away any spoilers, it was just too cookie-cutter perfect the way everything just happened to work out for all the characters in the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
December 11, 2018
3.5*
Brunstetter's sweet, light-hearted, fast-paced novella is a heartwarming tale of Christmas romance. As a small wagon train works their way toward California, and the hope of a new future, Cynthia finds herself receiving the attentions of two handsome men... and engaged to a third. Although she dislikes her fiance, she knows her mother needs the security that comes with the marriage. Yet God may have a very different plan for her future...
The epistolary style used at the beginning of each chapter is an intriguing aspect of the story. However, I felt that the story moved too quickly, and that the characters didn't have quite enough time to develop. The plot is interesting, and the twist was quite unexpected, but the ending felt somewhat abrupt. Still, this is a wonderful short story to read during the Christmas season.
Brunstetter's sweet, light-hearted, fast-paced novella is a heartwarming tale of Christmas romance. As a small wagon train works their way toward California, and the hope of a new future, Cynthia finds herself receiving the attentions of two handsome men... and engaged to a third. Although she dislikes her fiance, she knows her mother needs the security that comes with the marriage. Yet God may have a very different plan for her future...
The epistolary style used at the beginning of each chapter is an intriguing aspect of the story. However, I felt that the story moved too quickly, and that the characters didn't have quite enough time to develop. The plot is interesting, and the twist was quite unexpected, but the ending felt somewhat abrupt. Still, this is a wonderful short story to read during the Christmas season.
July 17, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of A Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter while on a trip out of town. It's the middle of summer 2021, but this book transported me to 1850 and to the Christmas season, complete with lots of snow. I enjoyed the narrator, Rebecca Gallagher. Though this was a short novella, there was enough information to flesh out the setting and time period. I would have loved it if this was a full-length book since I enjoyed the storyline and time period so much.
Cynthia is betrothed to Walter Prentice - a man much older than her, but whom she feels duty-bound to marry so that her mother is taken care of. Their wagon train to California helps to open Cynthia's eyes to other possibilities, as well as show her more of the kind of man Walter is. While she feels they will not be a good match, she is still willing to go through with the marriage for her mother's sake. I liked all of the other characters besides Walter - Mabel (Cynthia's mother), Cole, Virginia, Jack, and his two children. Everyone has a different reason to travel to California, but they must work together to survive the trip.
I loved the diary entries as well as Cynthia's prayers throughout the book. Her faith helped her throughout and she was able to remain thankful and see answers to her prayers.
I checked this audiobook out of the library and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Cynthia is betrothed to Walter Prentice - a man much older than her, but whom she feels duty-bound to marry so that her mother is taken care of. Their wagon train to California helps to open Cynthia's eyes to other possibilities, as well as show her more of the kind of man Walter is. While she feels they will not be a good match, she is still willing to go through with the marriage for her mother's sake. I liked all of the other characters besides Walter - Mabel (Cynthia's mother), Cole, Virginia, Jack, and his two children. Everyone has a different reason to travel to California, but they must work together to survive the trip.
I loved the diary entries as well as Cynthia's prayers throughout the book. Her faith helped her throughout and she was able to remain thankful and see answers to her prayers.
I checked this audiobook out of the library and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
December 8, 2021
I enjoyed the "Dear Diary" entries more than the actual content of the book. The writing seemed basic to me. Almost juvenile in style. It was mentioned that several of the characters were immature and I can say that I felt the same way. There was a slight twist toward the end that I thought was interesting.
I thought the cover of the book was attractive and the inside flap on the front and back were a nice touch as well. It was pictures of snow-covered mountains and a vast landscape.
It's a short book and I was able to get it read in one sitting.
Rating: PG
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes
I thought the cover of the book was attractive and the inside flap on the front and back were a nice touch as well. It was pictures of snow-covered mountains and a vast landscape.
It's a short book and I was able to get it read in one sitting.
Rating: PG
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews