Lydia's Charm: An Amish Widow Starts Over in Charm, Ohio

Brunstetter crafts realistic characters and a storyline that will lift up the reader's spirit.xa0 The Amish deal with the same struggles as the "Englishers," but they seem to have a sense of inner peace, which is not always evident in the fast-paced, technology-driven English world. (4-Star Review) -- Leslie L. McKee, Romantic Times, October 2010 (Leslie L. McKee Romantic Times 2010-10-01)Wanda E. Brunstetter portrays a wonderful detail of life in an Amish community. This story is about loss and love, strength and weakness, and sadness and hope. At times, I found it so heartbreaking that it bought me to tears but in the end, it is balanced with hope and love. The characters are so realistic I felt as if I stepped out onto my front porch one or more of them would ride up in their horse and buggy. I enjoyed the fact that the author did not shy away from the not so nice aspects of some people's personalities. It was with depth and insight that we were able to see why Mae behaved as she did. The way Ms. Brustetter handled the introduction of the Stutzman family and the way they dealt with their special circumstances was a testament of how we all deal with prejudices and carry on with our lives. This is a well-written tale of faith and hope and if you are looking for a solid story about starting over when faced with tragedy and despair, this is one to read. (Venus Cahill Coffee Time Romance and More 2010-09-10)Wanda fills this 5 star book with everything from sadness to love and hope. She weaves God's love and grace through her amazing work, make this novel unforgettable. If you are new to Amish fiction, grab a copy of Lydia's Charm now....you'll be forever hooked! If you're already a Brunstetter fan, then you MUST add this book to your fabulous collection! (Molly Edwards Book Reviews by Molly 2010-10-26)xa0Most Amish love stories I've read revolve around one female and one male. You know in the end they will most likely get together. But, this one is different...I was intrigued and kept trying to figure out which one Lydia would want to marry. Along the way I gasped, cried, and laughed at all the story's twists and turns. If you are a lover of Amish fiction, this is one book that you won't want to miss! (Jodie Moore Mom's Pace 2010-10-26)This book definitely has periods of sadness, but it is a beautiful story of a woman trying to heal from the tragedies of life when more tragedy hits, and how her faith helps her get through...I think it's a beautiful book worth the read! (Chamille Buffenmeyer A Book A Day 2010-10-26)Wanda E. Brunsteller skillfully incorporates the Amish way of life into the actions of a community of people who work hard to make a living, but still find time to have fun and to nurture and “practice-what-they-preach” in their religious beliefs. Lydia's Charm is an amazing story about living by faith. Ms. Brunsteller’s straightforward style of writing and her character development create an uplifting story of love and highlight the best of human nature while revealing the imperfections that are overcome. She gives the reader a most satisfying happy-ever-after. (Camellia Long and Short Romance Reviews 2010-11-17) This was my introduction to the world of Amish Romance and I was delighted; Heart-warming, heartbreaking, intense and surprising, Lydia’s Charm was a lovely read. I’m looking forward to reading more in this style and from this author. (Alison Sammes Fangbooks 2010-11-23)Oh, my goodness!! This books dealt with so much I just don't know how the author kept everyone straight and crammed all of those situations into one book. I laughed out loud in the first fifty pages. I was crying before I was a third of the way through. I even got angry a couple of times. Let me tell you - if you want an emotional rollercoaster this is the books for you!!I'd recommend this book to just about everyone. It's one I'll share across the board - mom, sisters, grandma, and my nieces. Grab it, today! (Regina Hott Hottbooks.com 2010-12-23)Lydia's Charm is an Amish story that really has its roots based in real life. It was hard to fathom all the hardships that Lydia faced in this story...Wanda really bringsxa0 her characters to life in her stories and she makes them real. They suffer losses just like the rest of us. Lydia even goes through some unemployment in this book. Again, its all very real. (Andrea Guy A Chick Who Reads 2011-01-25)Mrs. Brunstetter does a fantastic job at instilling the simple truths into stories.xa0 If you’ve been through hard times recently or are going through hard times I highly suggest this book. It will bring hope to your heart and remind you that God never leaves you nor forsakes you regardless of what’s going on in the world around us. (Sharise Toombs Christian Book Reviews 2011-01-31) I was mesmerized as I learned not only more about Lydia, but also about the Amish culture. This is a truly fascinating story as we gain a better understanding of the Amish culture and how they truly embrace their sense of community. The trials and tribulations that Lydia endures after she returns to Charm will simply rip your heart out and make you weep. But Lydia is a strong woman, who is a survivor. Despite everything that she’s lost, she’s still a caring, giving woman who is an inspiration to us all. Lydia’s Charm will make you laugh, cry, and at times want to scream as these characters learn how to co-exist. This mesmerimizing story of faith will bring Joy to your heart and will make you beg for more with the turn of every page. It’s obvious that Ms. Brunstetter has done her research on the Amish culture, which I found extremely intriguing. In fact, I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Brunstetter’s stories regarding the Amish culture. Lydia’s Charm is Christian romance at it’s finest and will warm your heart. If you’re looking for a heart-warming story that will bring tears and laughter to your heart all at the same time, where community, faith, unconditional love, and forgiveness are the key factors that makes this story so capitvating, then Lydia’s Charm is definitely the book to read. I will absolutely be picking up more of Ms. Brunstetter’s books as they are enlighting and such a joy to read. I’m completely fascinating by the Amish culture and am eager to learn more. Bravo Ms. Brunstetter for creating such a wonderful story.xa0 (Vicki Krivak Good Reads 2011-02-22) Book Description When Lydia King suddenly finds herself widowed and jobless, she moves to Charm, Ohio. But when tragedy strikes her young life yet again, can she find strength in a family of young boys who need a mother, or will the gifts from a secret admirer prompt her to pursue an impossible love? 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.xa0 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. Read more