Clowning Around

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Joe Richey has spent most of his life clowning around.... His unwillingness to express feeling of anger or hurt has made him the "good guy" who jokes about everything and laughs his way through life. Lois Johnson broke up with her rich boyfriend who wasn't a Christian. Now she's committed to serving the Lord through her new job, so she isn't looking for another man. But when Slow-Joe the Clown falls into her lap, Lois wonders if he might be the man God has in mind for her. Is Joe what Lois is looking for in a man? Or will his laughter and jesting be bad for their relationship? Will Joe be able to connect with his real feelings, or will he spend the rest of his life clowning around?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Amish

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

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

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Another cute and enjoyable Contemporary Romance by Wanda!!

The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. Lois and Joe were definately my favorites with their witty banter.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was in Washington State while reading especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Good Contemporary Romance!! Can't wait to read more by Wanda in the future!!

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a follow-up to Talking For Two, though not directly named as a series. Some time has passed since the events of Talking For Two, and this story follows Tabby's sister Lois as she finds her happily ever after.

The main problem I had with this story was Joe. His reluctance to talk about his past made him hard to get to know or connect with. It made his interactions with his brother difficult to understand as well. I also didn't care for how little information was given about being a gospel clown, and what it meant to him personally.

Lois was also a bit hard to connect with, though not as much as Joe. I liked that we got to see some resolution in regards to the previous relationship she had. However, I didn't like the fact that she kept sending out so many mixed signals to Joe, that wound up creating a lot of unnecessary confusion between them.

All things considered, I'm glad I read this story, as we do get some follow-ups with Tabby and Seth, but I don't think that this story was as good as theirs.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clowning Around by Wanda E Brunstetter is a wonderful, warm contemporary Christian novel that will have you chuckling throughout. It follows on from Talking For Two and is part of A Heart Warming Romance Collection.
We met Lois in the previous book but now she knows God, she is a new creation. Her heart of stone is gone as she walks her life in tandem with His.
A character hides their emotions behind humour to protect themselves from hurt. The past is having a huge effect on the present and it needs to be faced. We must be real. The world does not need to see an imitation of ourselves.
The novel is totally delightfully and very funny. I literally laughed out loud. It was wonderful.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lois has become a Christian, and working as the church secretary. Seeing the change in her sister Tabby now married, Having an ex fiancé who didn’t share the same values she now had, broke off the engagement, She knew now that money wasn’t the goal to base a marriage on. If there was a man God wanted for her he would have to fall into her lap. A mishap at the crusade Lois was attending with Tabby and Seth. In which the clown stumbled and fell into her lap. He made people laugh, on the inside he was hurting. Finally deciding to forgive those that had hurt him in the past, so he could pursue a future.

[Jan Whittenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a cute story! I learned some things about hot be a clown that e retains people. Great bok!

[Sheila McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Christian story. A lot of jokes in it, but a good ending.

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

This story was an uplift of my spirits. Funny, sweet and with a good message about keeping pain inside.

Mrs. Wanda brings Joe and Lois together regardless their different characters. Joe a Gospel clown that through his funny jokes and programs reaches out to people sharing God's message. Lois serious and a little uptight. But together they bring and form a beautiful relationship of friendship and love.

I enjoyed it very much. I envision myself inside the story and truly loved it. One to relate to hiding feelings with jokes and being funny. This story was a treat.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well I suppose every single Heartsong novella can't be phenomenal. This was one of those NOT ones.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so adorable! One of Brunstetter's best in my opinion :)