A Cousin's Promise

Indiana Cousins #1

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

When a horrific accident cripples Wayne Lambright, he finds it difficult enough to take care of himself, much less Loraine Miller, his future bride. Will he sacrifice his happiness to give her a better life? Having already been jilted once, Loraine is terrified of yet another rejection. But does she love Wayne enough to marry him, for better or worse? When her old boyfriend Jake Beechy returns from exploring the English world, he hopes Loraine will give him another chance. Will she renew their love or wed Wayne as promised? How will God work to give Loraine the desires of her heart?

Alternate cover edition for 9781607421191

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

277 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Reviews

[Darlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read lots of Amish books and I have to say this is the worst I have ever read. The story line and dialogue was so juvenile. It was basically two people bickering about one issue for the entire book - "I want to marry you", "No, I am only half a man!" etc etc. Save your money!!!

[Amy Clipston · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging story of new beginnings, life after loss, new love, and faith through hard times. Fans of Amish fiction and readers who love a good romance will enjoy this series!

[Janna Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few books by Wanda Brunstetter and I have come to a conclusion. Wanda has an amazing following of readers that love her books and her knowledge of the Amish lifestyle and enjoy delving into that simpler side of life that so many of us just don't have. She has simple storylines that are keep your interest and are easy to follow. The only thing that gives me reason to pause is that her style is so simplistic that I feel like she tells me everything I need to know and leaves no room for my imagination to work. This book "A Cousin's Promise" is my favorite of hers so far though. It has a somewhat unique storyline that left me wondering for the first time how things would end (but I had strong suspicions).

What happens when a group of Amish young adults want to go on a little vacation and they hire a driver to take them to an amusement park, but get involved in a horrid car accident on their way there? Not everyone makes it out of the accident okay and now there are some awful consequences. Wayne loses a leg and breaks his engagement to Lorraine because he doesn't feel that he can support her and be a real husband. She doesn't want to give up on him, but he keeps pushing her away. Her old boyfriend hears about the accident and comes back to see how she is doing and quickly realizes he still loves her. What will Lorraine do now?

This is the beginning of what just might be a really entertaining series by Wanda. If you haven't read any by her yet, I would reccomend this one as a good starting point.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loraine Miller promised Wayne Lambright that she would love him forever, and agrees to be his bride. But when Loraine, and 7 other friends and cousins are involved in a fatal accident, those that remain face numerous obstacles. Wayne wakes up to find himself crippled, and Loraine is there by his side supporting him as he deals with his loss. But Wayne feels like half a man, and tells Loraine that the wedding is off.

Then Jake Beechy, Loraine's old boyfriend, comes back to town. Wayne does what he can to get Jake and Loraine back together, but Loraine stubbornly persists that she promised Wayne forever and meant it. Meanwhile, Jake struggles to get her back despite his blame in the reason they broke apart in the first place. Will Wayne and Loraine work through his injury and make a home together? Or will Jake be the one to win Loraine's hand in marriage?

This story was a classic tale of a girl caught between two excellent choices, while struggling to make the right decision and sticking to her promises. I learned a lot about the Amish from Indiana, and the plot kept my interest the entire book. I liked how simple the language was, and despite the abundance of characters, I was able to keep everyone straight.

The accident portrayed in this book really opened my eyes to how suddenly life can change - and the true struggles people will face in light of that tragedy. This book was a good reminder that God controls our lives, in the good times and the bad.

[Abigail Harris]

RTC

[Megan Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved the romantic twists. When there is a love triangle, it is always fun to see which two will end up together. I also loved how the chats overcame their obstacles with God's help. I can't wait to see what is going to happen to the other three cousins.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Cousin Promise is done well. I know I read this way before starting my book blog. I really did enjoy this. This book is about Loraine and Wayne. Will Loraine keep her promise? Though Wayne seem to have had accident and was left crippled.

Will Wayne see is way and hold on to his happiness? I really can not remember much it been that long ago. If I ever do re-read this book again I truly hope it as good as the first I read it. I do not see why it would not be.

I remember some of it story and plot. I know that it was written well. I did enjoy the story none the less. Will Wayne be able to get over his struggles and look to god and faith. Will Loraine be able to get over her rejection with gods help? What will happen once Loraine old boyfriends returns? Who will Loraine choose to love and marry?

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story in this book was really sweet. I loved how it seemed impossible for Loraine and Wayne to get back together until the very end. The plot twits kept me wanting to know what would come next.

However, the characters weren't developed as much as they could have. I felt I didn't know to characters too well, even at the end of the book. All the names were also confusing in the beginning, but I eventually got them figured out.

I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.

[Debbiedowner · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mother always told me if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything. But since Wanda Brunstetter is an established author with about 1 million books sold, I think I can say that this is perhaps not only the worst Amish fiction, but the worst fiction I've ever read. I'm a big fan of Amish Romance, and this novel simply was so poorly written that I felt insulted. There is nothing positive I can say about this book at all. Nothing. I gave it two stars just to be nice.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! It was a sad story!! It was sad when they were in the car accident?! Was sad when Wayne lost his leg!! Didn't like Wayne mom until the end!! Glad that Wayne and Loraine got back together and where getting married!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!! Love this author's books!!

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read other books by this author - and I think this is my last. The story line is lame and it really comes across as being written by a young person. Shallow characters and shallow story line.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this book went absolutely no where. It was basically a whole lot of the following dialog: "I love you we were meant to be together. I refuse to accept that you don't love me."
" We can never be together since I feel sorry for myself and am allowing my injury to over shadow the fact that I'm alive. I've decided that even though I still love you I will push you away into the arms of another."
Add in one angry cousin, a helicopter mother, and an ex-boyfriend stir it around a bit and you get this book.

[Melissa Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally back to the books I love! :)

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way the author blended the Bible verses into the story. Wayne lost his leg in a car accident, he is so devastated that he felt he couldn’t marry Lorraine. She didn’t give up, yet Wayne pushed her toward another man. Wayne’s mom gets injured twice and Lorraine comes to the rescue, even though Ada hasn’t been kind to her. Lorraine exemplifies a true caring Christian by continuing to care for her. A tornado hits Indiana and the book comes to a startling conclusion.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was in the mood for some “light reading“. What a disappointment. I think this is the most poorly written, repetitive, and BORING book that I’ve ever read. There is nothing positive I can say about it.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Indiana, a car accident leaves Wayne Lambright wheelchair bound. Though he suffers some self-pity and bouts of feeling sorry for his plight, his biggest concern is he deems he is no longer worthy of the love of his fiancee Loraine Miller. Instead he wants her to live a happy life and not have to waste her youth caring for a cripple. Loraine wants to help her fiance, but cannot grasp the deep emotional issues confronting her disabled beau especially since he must adapt from being a healthy do it yourself person to a person dependent on others.

Loraine's former boyfriend Jake Beechy has come home to the Amish after tasting the English lifestyle. His only regret for leaving is leaving behind Loraine. He wants a second chance with her. Loraine has a difficult decision to make as she cares for both men, but each in their way at some time deserted her.

This is the start of a new Amish saga taking place in the Hoosier State. The strong support cast brings out the strong sense of community, a trademark of a Wanda E. Brunstetter Amish romance; they also set the tone for future stories as Loraine's cousins have personal issues that need resolution. The lead triangle is fully developed with each caring about others but carrying flaws. Although at times their discussions seem a bit forced especially with Wayne, fans will appreciate Ms. Brunstetter's opening Indiana Amish contemporary romance.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loraine and her fiance are headed to Hershey park with their friends when a terrible car accident changes all of their lives forever. Three of their friends are dead, and one of them has lost her hearing. Wayne loses one of his legs and decides loraine deserves more than just part of a man so breaks of their engagement even though he still loves her. Loraine cant accept they wont be getting married and keeps trying to convince him to come back to her. When her ex boyfriend returns to the amish way of life after being English for 2 years she is surprised at the feelings she still has for him. Surely if she was going to marry someone else she can't still love Jake? Wayne sees this as a perfect opportunity for her to be happy, even if seeing her with someone else would hurt more than losing his leg ever did. Can his heart heal as well as his body or will he always be missing a piece of his heart and his leg?
I did enjoy this book and it was a quick read but it seemed slightly less interesting than some of her other books. When the accident happens at the beginning of the book the rest of it is anti climatic and in almost found myself being irritated with Wayne. I know losing a limb would change anyone's perspective and what he went through is more than likely incredibly common, he wasnt a very likeable character with his sulleness. It is still worth reading but just make sure you're ready

[Alaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I dove into A Cousin's Promise because it worked for a certain challenge I was in. It also didn't hurt that it was available on KU either. So, I figured why the heck not and jumped right in. Long story short, this took me a while to get through because the two main characters were completely frustrating.

Sorry, but I'm really not sorry for not finding one thing to like about them. It's definitely weird to say this because I love a good banter between characters in a book. I wouldn't consider these two bickering all the freaking time to be fun or enjoyable. Plus, the complaining and pushing someone away because they kept thinking they weren't good enough was just - ugh. I lowkey wanted to pull out all of my hair.

In the end, not really sure how I feel about the possibility of jumping into the sequel of this series. For now, though, I'm just going to dive into the next book on my kindle and move on with my life. Maybe one day... but not today.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a trilogy, "A Cousin's Promise" is a very emotional read. After a tragic van accident with three deaths and many injuries, Loraine Miller is left dealing with guilt for suggesting the trip as well as grief over the loss of a cousin and dear friends. Although she is grateful for her fiance, Wayne Lambright, surviving the accident, she is struggling with his anger and depression over losing one of his legs. After adamantly stating that he can no longer marry her, Wayne begins to push Loraine into the arms of her former boyfriend who has returned from living among the English in Montana. Loraine is confused and heart broken and prays for guidance and strength. An unexpected tragedy then befalls her community, but it ends up bringing her the answer she's prayed for...and the hope she needs.

[Denver Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were to describe this book like a meal, I would say the appetizer was just right. Just enough to tempt my tummy and make me eager for the main course. The main course, however, was too big for my liking and over stuffed me. Leaving no room for dessert. Yet the dessert looks so delectable that I personallyover indulged and made myself sick. Let this not be a reflection on the book itself overall. It was a good read. It just took too long in my opinion to get to the happiest part of the storyline.

[Barbpie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for a romance book talk. I wanted to read at least one "Amish" romance. But I didn't like it much as there weren't any fast cars or wild parties in it. There were only about three kisses and only one moan. One highlight though, from "About the Author" at the end of A Cousin's Promise: "In her spare time, Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening. . . . "

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tragic accident haunts an Indiana community. Friends and cousins were involved. Wayne and Loraine were to be married in the fall. Wayne calls it off due to the loss of his leg. He is not a whole man and won't be able to take care of her. An old flame of Loraine's comes home. Will Loraine get back with Jake or will Wayne come to his senses?

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lives of three cousins are changed dramatically after a severe vehicle accident. When Loraine's fiancé is seriously injured their coming marriage is in question. When her ex boyfriend returns home the tension builds. Loraine must finally make a decision who she loves. The story comes to a satisfactory ending and faltering relationships are restored. A good read

[Cayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

I liked the storyline, but I am not in love with it enough to continue the series. I just do not feel connected to the characters. It's clean and written well. I think I am either in a funk or I am not the right target audience.

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

I know that I read this one years ago so I thought that I would try it again. I still enjoyed it and recommend it to those who like Amish fiction.

Tropes: love triangle

Content: car accident that results in death and severe injuries

4 Stars

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable book by Wanda Brunstetter; the first in the Indiana Cousins series. Getting through tragic events with faith and love kept my interest. Looking forward to reading/listening to the other books in this series.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor writing, contrived plot, unbelievable characters. The only reason I picked it up is because it's set in my hometown, but even that wasn't enough to save it.

[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the worst novel I've ever read. In fact, it's the first time I ever found myself DNF.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but the simplistic writing didn't give enough depth to the characters or story to make it believable.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book. The characters were flat and the dialogue was silly. I guess I prefer Beverly Lewis' books if I'm going to read Amish fiction.