Letters of Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in The Friendship Letters series. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is best to read the series in order. This will allow you to know the characters and their backgrounds. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. Irma Miller struggles to take care of her children while her husband is away auctioneering. She has three children, and the two boys are active. She looks forward to receiving letters from her dear friends, Doretta and Eleanor. They send words of encouragement along with helpful books. Irma had a pleasant childhood until her father passed away and her mother remarried. Her stepfather was abusive, and Irma never understood why her mother did not intervene. We get to see how a victim of abuse can become an abuser. Those who have suffered mental and/or physical abuse may find the story hard to read. There were portions that I was unable to read. Irma’s husband, LaVern, is a gem. It is obvious that he loves his wife and kids (and wants what is best for them). I like how the abuse was addressed. I was not aware that there were Christian counselors. Abuse, guilt, self-worth, bitterness, resentment, and forgiveness are themes addressed in the story. Letters of Wisdom is a character driven story. I liked how the characters told the story. I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the first two books. Letters of Wisdom is an emotional tale with an overwhelmed mother, helpful letters, a hardworking husband, energetic tykes, finding forgiveness, and a gracious God.

This is the third book in the series and I love each book. This is the story of Irma Miller and her friend Doretta who sends letters of wisdom to her friend Irma who struggles with memories of abuse from her stepfather. After her stepfather dies it brings back all the abuse she had hidden away. I loved the characters and the story of abuse it is a beautiful story of breaking the cycle of abuse. To forgive and move on.

The third book in the Friendship Letters reveals Irma's story as she deals with anger issues. When Irma's abusive stepfather dies, she fights to control her own abuse of her children. The author does a great job showing the importance of getting counseling and forgiveness. Recommended.

I just had the privilege to read Letters of Wisdom. It was a wonderful relaxing book. I don't remember reading the first 2 in the series so I will. It is a great stand alone. Thank you for the privilege to read a ARC of this book

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Just finished this book last evening and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The book talks about emotional and physical abuse, and Hoe it affects not just the abuser but the whole family.

Often, abuse is viewed as shameful, and the abused individual feels as if they are to blame. They fear additional abuse if they speak out and as if they will not be believed.

The author did a great job, and I felt compassion for Irma and her mother.

As a child of abuse, the story hit.home for me.

Highly recommend.

This story centers around Irma and LaVern. Irma was abused physically and verbally by her step dad growing up. Her mom didn't stand up for her daughter because her husband also abused her. Her daughter, Irma, didn't know this. The lasting effects of the abuse carried over into Irma's adulthood. She resented her mom and step dad. When her step dad dies unexpectedly and her and her family goes back home for the funeral, it all comes to the surface again. Irma starts abusing her three children physically and verbally. When her husband finds out, he insists she get help and won't allow her to be by herself with the children. Then Irma finds out she is pregnant with her 4th child, which puts additional stress on her. With counseling from a Christian counselor, Irma is able to forgive her mom, her step dad and herself and become the mother she longs to be. This is a really good story about love, family, forgiveness and second chances. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Letters of Wisdom is a very powerful story that deals with abusive relationships. It is sad reality that abuse often continues from one generation to another until someone is strong enough to great the chain. Irma realizes how abusive her step-father was to her but she doesn’t realize how his actions affected the others in the family. Will she break the chain or treat her own children in an abusive manner?
This book is really well written without judgements against those who may be deemed the abuser. The main themes are love and forgiveness.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed how these books include letters of encouragement to their friends in whatever they are experiencing. This book was a hard one to read as it dealt with such a serious topic. LaVern was such a caring and compassionate husband. I appreciated how he advocated so well for his wife and children.



Thanks so much to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.

This is a groundbreaking story about how the abuse between families can affect the next generation. Irma, Eleanor and Doretta grew up in the same Amish town until Irma turned 8 and her new stepfather, Homer, moved Irma's family out to Ignatius, Montana.
The girls had continued to write each other about their families, marraige partners and homestead as they got older.
Irma, however, had been physically, mentally and emotionally abused by Homer throughout her childhood, while her mother stood by and did nothing!
Now Irma and her husband have their own family, and Irma and LaVern have Brian, Clayton and Myra to raise and Irma finds herself being over critical and spanking the children and resenting it afterwards.
Then, Homer dies suddenly of a heart attack....

A story of abuse, guilt and forgiveness takes Irma down a long sad path as a young mother. Most of this book is hard to read as Irma is just so bitter but seeing her realize that she needed help made for wonderful end to the book.

The story developed with many different topics, but was hindered by a disjointed start with a multitude of characters and relationships being thrown at the reader. Once these took shape, the story progressed well.

Letters of Wisdom
Friendship Letters #3
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
.
Letters of Wisdom is the third book Of the Friendship Letter series by Wanda Brunstetter.

This book deals with the very sensitive topic of abuse, and how it can effect future generations. I think we sometimes forget that Amish families are not exempt from problems faced by our modern world.

Abuse breeds bitterness, resentment, and Unforgiveness. These issues can eat at a person for many years before they can learn the cause and the best way to handle the situation.

In this story, Irma Miller, her supportive husband, LaVern, and her friend, Doretta Schwartz, work together as Irma learns to cope with this very real problem. The bishop's wife, Shirley and counselor, Mrs. Mayes, are both very important to this story. All characters are well developed and the plot moves along smoothly. It I well written. I can’t say it is an enjoyable read, but truly and Enlightening one.

Thank you Barbour Publishing, for allowing me to read this advanced copy of this book. Publication Date 01 Mar 2024. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

To be honest the first half of the book seemed to be slow moving, quite repetitive, and negative in nature. I almost didn’t keep reading it but I thought I’d stick it out because I have read books by Brunstetter before and from what I can recall, I had enjoyed them. I believe that the feelings and struggles portrayed by the main character, Irma, are important to address and speak truth about and I think that addressing them through a story like this is a clever way to do that so I do understand why Brunstetter decided to write this and the second half of the book had many good qualities. The storyline of the book does include a lot of talk about abuse, so if that is something you are sensitive to, just be aware. I think that the story was fairly realistic overall and though there were no crazy twists in the story or unexpected happenings, it was a decent read. It did make me evaluate my life for things I do based upon my upbringing (though I was never abused) and helped me to see maybe how I might need to forgive for some of the ways I was parented or saw my siblings parented so I don’t take on those qualities or actions. Overall it was not my favorite story to read due to the slowness of the first part of the book but I am glad that I stuck with it and finished the story.

Beloved author Wanda Brunstetter opens her heart and past experiences with this series of Amish stories based on very serious topics. I deeply appreciate her openness while dealing with trauma she has personally endured in her life. I want to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read the advanced reader's copy of this book. This is my own, unsolicited opinion about the story.
Irma Miller has been slowly sliding into being overwhelmed with three children and her home while her husband works many hours as an auctioneer. Burdened with memories of a traumatic childhood at the hands of her stepfather she has become bitter and emotionally scarred. Sadly, she crosses the line and becomes abusive to her own children which she admits to her friend Doretta Schwartz. Along with their friend Eleanor the three women have written letters to one another for years. Doretta draws on the wisdom of God to share words of encouragement in her letters.
I believe this is truly one of the author's most meaningful set of books in her career. She approaches the daunting subject of child abuse from the victims' point of view along with how one can become the next abuser in the chain. Generational abuse is seen here. I am pleased with how the characters tell the story. LaVern is a supportive husband. The bishop's wife, Shirley and counselor, Mrs. Mayes are two integral characters along with Dorcas, Irma's mother. This book brings solid awareness to several aspects of child and spousal abuse, including anger and self-worth. It also shows a more realistic possibility of life in the Amish faith. No one is perfect.
This is a five-star read for me.

It was a great book! I loved the book! It’s also a book where a mom struggles with love from her mom, an abusive stepfather, and her own children! I definitely would recommend this book!

I know I’m probably in the minority but I just couldn’t get into this book. I’m thinking Amish fiction isn’t my thing. Plus the authors name was inserted into the book a lot and I wasn’t sure what that was about.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This review is my own.

Unusually for an Amish novel, this plot explores historic child abuse and the impacts it can still have decades later.

The plot focus is on letters written between friends, and the healing power of God and connection.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 2:6
Letters of Wisdom is the third book in this excellent series. Each book, including this one, has used realistic characters and an engaging story to tackle a difficult subject. This book’s focus on child abuse, and the bitterness and unforgiveness that can come with it, is an unusual one for Amish fiction, but Brunstetter handles it brilliantly. Scripture is used throughout to help Irma come to a place of forgiveness and letting go of her anger. Letters from her friend give much wisdom and are an example of true friendship which is hard to find. I also absolutely loved how supportive her husband was and that he encouraged her to seek professional help.
I appreciate that the author shares these stories from her own experiences. It could not have been easy to be as open as she is, but it gives authenticity and a genuine feel to the book. I highly recommend this series as more than just a feel good story. It will challenge your thinking as you see these issues from a Biblical perspective.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the third book of the Friendship Letter series. Doretta and her two best friends exchange letters that help them through dark times in their lives.

Irma Miller, now married with a family of her own, thought this would bring her much happiness. She holds a secret that she has not shared with any of her friends, not even her husband. She carries the secret of having been abused by her stepfather. This has had such a terrible effect on her life, her feeling towards her family, and how she relates to her own children. In letters revealing her secret to Doretta, she gets suggestions from her friend, but does not want to follow those suggestions.

This book is a quick read as you will not want to put it down until you see how the subject of child abuse is handled in a very interesting way.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own

I enjoy reading books by Wanda Brunstetter! Her Amish books provide insight and inspiration. This book might be a little hard for some people to read as it deals with child abuse.

There are some familiar characters that tie in from previous books in this series. I liked getting to know Irma. Her story is sad; she had a very hard past. The great thing is that she gets help. LaVern is a very supportive husband. He stands by Irma while she's going through some tough times.

As always, Wanda's use of scripture is encouraging and offers hope in times of hopelessness. I applaud Wanda for writing about a hard topic.

I was provided a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.