Cover Image: Letters of Comfort

Letters of Comfort

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Member Reviews

This is the second book in the Friendship Letters series. I really enjoyed this one and didn't want it to end. I didn't want to stop reading it once I started reading it. It was a real page turner. Go get your copy today you will love it.

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A heartbreaking story that portrays grief and depression. Doretta’s darkness is finally lifted by the support of family and friends. A beautiful story.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I really enjoyed this book! The tragedy of Doretta losing her fiance at the very beginning of the novel captured my interest and caused me to really immerse myself in the novel. I do wish that more letters had been apart of the novel, but I did enjoy seeing the friendship between Doretta and Eleanor. It was also fun to learn about more natural health remedies from Doretta's work in Warren's health food store.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this novel. A positive review was not required.

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One of my favorite authors has done it again. A wonderful book about love, friendship, and working together. Well done!

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I loved this novel as much as the first one in this Friendship Letters series, Letters of Trust. There are many things I appreciate about the Amish, including their faith in the Lord and their love for their family and friends. Another is how many still use what, in the English world, is the almost lost gift of writing letters.

The best friends in this series treasure their friendships with each other as much as they did when living in the same district. What makes their letters so rich and unique is how the best friends, now separated by many miles, grow closer when one has a crisis of life or faith. The writers of the letters share scripture, Amish wisdom, love, faith, and every day events.

For Doretta, letter writing was staying in touch and as a means to help and encourage others. She had comforted and encouraged Eleanor through a devastating time. Doretta has always been an optimistic and positive person. When she is in crisis, it is hard for her to receive that encouragement, especially when her faith is failing.

Days before her wedding to William, he is taking Doretta on a buggy ride to show her a surprise. Before they arrive at their destination, however, the unthinkable occurs. William is dead and Doretta has serious injuries, perhaps even lifelong disability. Unconscious for many days, she could not even attend his funeral. When she finally awoke, her mother had to tell her what happened to William and what her injuries were. Devastated, Doretta wishes she had been the one who died. She does not want others to see her injuries, the possible scarring from her brace, or her broken heart.

Doretta’s grief turned into serious depression. She would not accept visitors, even Warren, her childhood friend and William’s twin. He is grieving and going on as best as he can, including opening the health food business they had planned. Doretta’s mother, Amanda, and Eleanor have communicated when possible. Eleanor has sent several letters. Doretta cannot use her writing hand yet, but Amanda had offered to write to Eleanor for Doretta. Doretta also refuses to see a doctor for any kind of medication, and was furious when her mother asked Warren what supplements might help the depression. She does not know if the Lord even cares about her. The only thing worse than depression, for her, is her crisis of faith.

This novel shows very sensitive, vital, concerns that many balk to speak about with anyone. We see how one can minister to another who is not yet ready for more than simple conversation. Even when Eleanor did not hear back from Doretta, or Doretta refused her visit or phone call, Eleanor continued writing, even sending simple gifts. Ultimately, Eleanor never stopped praying for her dear friend, and when Doretta was ready to talk, Eleanor would be there.

I have loved this journey with Doretta and seeing Eleanor and her husband Vic again. For different reasons or triggers, I have been on both sides of this challenging disorder, and while each person is different, the author’s suggestions are very fitting. I was so absorbed in the novel that I was almost ready to pray for Doretta! I highly recommend this novel and series to those who appreciate Amish Christian novels demonstrating aspects of faith and life, including helping those we love.


From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from Goodreads Firstreads and from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

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I really love The Friendship Letters series by Wanda E. Brunstetter and was very excited to read the second installment, Letters of Comfort. Letters of Comfort tells the story of soon-to-be married Doretta who is about to get a wedding present from her fiancé, William, when they are involved in an accident. Doretta survives but not William, causing Doretta to spiral into a depression. Warren, William’s twin brother, is trying to help his family and Doretta through this tough time. Warren and Doretta become closer.

I just love The Friendship Letters series and the true life topics Ms. Brunstetter brings out in the series. I love how realistically the portrays the topics and the characters reactions to them. I highly recommend Letters of Comfort and the whole Friendship Letters Series. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

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This is my favorite Amish writer. She wrote another 5 star book if I could I would give it 10 stars. If you haven’t read any of her books you need to pick up a copy of this book.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest review

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I am not sure I enjoyed this as much as the first one but still glad I got to read it.

“Doretta smiled as she folded her friend’s letter and slipped it back in the envelope.”

What I liked:
- Depression representation
- Heartbreakingly beautiful
- Easy to read without having read the first

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The main characters are two amish friends, Eleanor and Doretta. They exchange writing paper letters, because they now live in two different States.
What a tragic accident occured to Doretta, she seems not able to recover phisical and about all emotionally!
Friend and friendship, family and God, they work together to help Doretta.
Depression is a bad illness. Author is great to discuss about it through the book.

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Letters of Comfort Book 2 is a wonderful book full of Family, Faith, loss and love. This story just wrapped itself around my heart and I highly recommend this book!

5 Stars!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Mrs. Brunstetter, Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book.

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Letters of Comfort by Wanda E. Brunstetter, book two in her Friendship Letters series, a wonderful and touching series. This story focuses on depression and the amount of pain and heartbreak it can cause a person who suffers from it. This story also illustrates how grief can sometimes cause severe depression. This is a heartfelt story about an Amish young lady who lost her fiancé in an accident shortly before what would have been their wedding day.

Doretta Schwartz offered encouragement and friendship to her friends by writing letters each month sharing her positivity and being there for those she cares for; in the previous book. This time, she is the one in need of positivity, friendship, and caring to get her through a difficult time. Days before she is to marry she and her fiancé are in a tragic accident. Her heart and her world are torn apart with the loss of her fiancé, along with the depression she suffers. Her friend, Eleanor, decides it is her turn to help her out; as Doretta helped her the previous year. With the support of Eleanor, family, and friends, along with her faith, the light returns to her, lighting her darkest days.

Ms. Brunstetter wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, and crying of heartbreak, as we follow along with Doretta to find peace within and hope for a future in the midst of a broken heart waiting and prepared to heal. I highly recommend Letters of Comfort to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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I really enjoyed this book filled with romance, Amish culture and dealing with depression. I loved Warren and Doretta and how they helped each other after the loss of William. I loved how Eleanor helped Doretta through letters. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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This is the second book of the series and the best so far! Letters of Comfort follows Doretta's journey more detailed and closely. After the death of her fiance, her interest in communication with her close friend Eleanor through letters is almost non-existent, which leaves Eleanor to wonder what is really going on with Doretta. Doretta's relationships are challenged following the incident and her relationship with herself as she battles depression. With her family, Eleanor, and her fiance's twin brother Warren all trying to connect it is up to Doretta to return the friendships.

The friendship letter series really gives insight into some complex topics that people go through. This book focuses on the loss of a loved one and the depression that can come after. There is a lot of truth in the challenges that the characters face but it shows the power of friendship and love and how to overcome them.

I rate this book 3.75 stars. It will give you the feeling of being faster-paced than the first one which will keep you engaged. I am very intrigued by what the next book could bring. After reading The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club (Favorite) and The Amish Cooking Class (Second Favorite) series I do enjoy getting to know the characters and how you continue to hear their stories while being introduced to new beginnings of others.

If you are looking for a book with Amish Faith, friendship, grief, and love this book is for you!

Thank you, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the copy!

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A special story that reminds the reader of the different paths we take in life. Depression can take a toll on everyone. In this heartwarming story, people deal with grief and other life situations in different ways. Hope and peace can be found. Good read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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This is the second book in the “Friendship Letters” Series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I was really into reading this book because it deals with Doretta Schwartz losing her fiancé, William and William’s twin brother Warren. Doretta is dealing with depression, anger and just doesn’t seem to care about anything around her anymore. Warren is also grieving but also trying to stay strong for his parents and being a friend to Doretta when she just keeps turning him away. Her friend Eleanor, who has married and moved to another state, keeps writing letters to Doretta showing her support and writing scripture from the Bible hoping to get Doretta out of her depression and to cheer her up but to no avail. While Warren is grieving on his own, he has opened a health store that he and his brother were supposed to start and open together. Eventually, he has asked to hire Doretta part time to help him in the store because the help he has is not working out to his standards. It kind of helped Doretta out somewhat. The book is about dealing with depression, struggles, friendship and losing faith in God but in the end, it all comes back and leaning on God to help you deal with these struggles. I highly recommend this book.

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Letters of Comfort takes place in Amish country and is the story of Doretta Schwartz whose life changed dramatically when she and her fiancé were in a terrific accident and her fiancé William did not survive. She goes into a deep depression which she doesn’t seem to be able to overcome.

Warren, Williams’ twin brother, also misses his brother tremendously, but seems to rise above it helping his family and also starting a new business of a shop which he and his brother intended to work together. Through circumstances Doretta becomes an employee of the store.

I enjoyed the book and would encourage others to read it, especially if they are going through depression. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

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I enjoyed this book, I’ve always had an interest in the simple ways the Amish live. Some of the dialogue and writing felt awkward to me and a little too obvious. Maybe this book is also meant for teens. The story is sweet and I liked getting to know the characters. I’d definitely read some more of her books.

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Doretta is to be married to her beloved in a few days. William wants to show her something. They’re riding in his Amish open buggy when a car spooks his horse and they crash. Doretta wakes up in extreme pain and something holding her head from moving.

She’s broken an arm and her neck, plus has a concussion. Doretta needs to remain in this contraption to allow her head and neck to heal. She hates every moment of the healing. She hates it even more when she learns her betrothed died in the accident.

Her healing process is challenging for her and for her caretaker, her mother. Doretta shows signs of depression and refuses to take the prescription pills from the doctor. She prefers holistic healing but won’t allow her mother to ask what would work get her. She’s extremely embarrassed and prideful.

Eventually she finds herself going into the health food store her betrothed and his twin brother were to open together. Warren somehow is living his life and not bogged down with depression like she is. She wonders why and Warren tells her he keeps busy to keep from thinking too much about the brother he lost.

Doretta mother and best friend try to encourage her but she never took their advice thinking they don’t understand what she’s going through. But Warren does and so do his parents. She ends up helping Warren in his store and everything’s going great until one day more than a year after his brothers death, Warren considers telling Doretta he loves her. What could go wrong?

Love this book and the relationships between generations and how considerate the younger generation is compared to English people of the same age. I give this 5 out of 5 tiaras! I do love Amish fiction! Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for access to this book. Everyone I read one of these books I want to become Amish! At least live closer to them!

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Doretta Schwartz finds love and comfort in writing letters, Usually she is happy with a positive attitude which she uses to help her friends as they face difficulties. When her fiance is killed in an accident, Doretta finds herself at a loss. No longer wanting to write letters or keep in touch with friends, she wanders aimlessly until an unexpected contact makes her rethink God's love and forgiveness. Read the book to find out if Doretta can find her joy again. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

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This is the second book in the Friendship Letters series. I loved it. This book is the story of Doretta Schwartz who was in a buggy accident with her fiance. It a story of losing someone you love and the depression you go through. It is a story about true friends and the comfort you can get from them. I loved the series and what words written on a paper and sent with love can do.

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