Woman of Courage

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Author Wanda E. Brunstetter is best known for her fiction books about the Amish. In Woman of Courage, she departs from that focus to write a work of historical fiction whose main character is a Quaker. Amanda Pearson, rejected by her fiancé in New York in 1837, decides to move across the continent to join a missionary couple ministering to the Nez Percé Indians in the Oregon Territory. The first part of her journey is by steamboats and then wagon. At Fort Laramie, she and her father meet up with the guide who is hired to take them the rest of the way by horseback.

Amanda is unprepared for the adventures to come, but she proves to be resilient, courageous, and of strong faith. On her journey she faces the deaths of those she depends on, wild animals, rough mountain men, and Indians from several tribes. Will she make it all the way to Oregon Territory? Can she be dissuaded from her faith in God by the devastations in her life? Will she ever be able to love again?

Brunstetter has researched the time period. She doesn’t fall back on stereotypes for the Quakers, mountain men, or Indians, but portrays them as individuals. This is a Christian book, but it doesn’t play out as a tale where everything works out with magical perfection for the characters who are Christians. They experience internal turmoil and external dangers like nonbelievers, but they have a strong God to rely on during the good times and the bad.

Several times I found myself reading on past my intended stopping place—always a good sign for a book. There are a number of occurrences that I just didn’t predict which keep the book moving at a brisk pace. The characters are well developed and interesting. The various settings are described in detail, appropriate to the action in the book and with language that lets the reader visualize the grandeur of nature. A novel with a Christian theme, it contains history, romance, and action along with thought-provoking concerns about evangelizing other cultures.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Christian, Historical Fiction

Notes: There are discussion questions at the end of the book. My version also contained a novella, Woman of Hope, based on a characters from Woman of Courage. It is a quick, interesting bonus read, and as expected, because of the brevity of the work, does not hold much character development.

Publication: December 1, 2018— Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press)

Memorable Lines:

Gray Eagle didn’t mind them teaching his people from the Bible, but it wasn’t right that they expected the Nez Percé to give up many of their customs in favor of the white man’s way of doing things.

She remembered her father saying once that it was important to forgive someone who had wronged you, but that forgiving didn’t mean you had to be in a relationship with them. Sometimes it was best to keep a safe distance from the person who had done you wrong.

“…God, who I believe is the same as the Great Spirit we have worshiped for so many years. I believe it was God who kept me alive when I was taken from my people. He got me through times when I didn’t think I would survive, and it was Him who brought me home again.”

Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter takes us on a journey to Dansville, New York in 1837. Amanda Pearson, a young Quaker woman, is excited to marry her fiancé, Nathan Lane the next day. Then Nathan stops by and tells Amanda that he has fallen in love with another woman and is canceling their wedding. Amanda decides to join Reverend and Mrs. Spalding on their mission in spreading Christ’s word to the Nez Perce Indians. Her father is joining her on the long, perilous journey to the Oregon Territory. Harvey Hanson is their guide for their trek with his knowledge of the wilderness and the various Indian tribes. In Wyoming Territory, Amanda becomes ill and is rescued by trapper, Buck McFadden. He takes her to Jim and Mary Breck’s cabin to recover. Mary becomes Amanda’s friend and the first Indian she converts. Jim and Buck want nothing to do with Amanda’s religion. Buck has received terrible treatment from white men who claim to be Christians and prefers his solitary existence. He is attracted to Amanda and he cannot help but overhear what she shares with Mary about God. This has been a life altering journey for Amanda and she has yet to reach her final destination. What does the future hold for Amanda? Come along for the dangerous expedition in Woman of Courage.

Woman of Courage: Collector’s Edition Continues the Story of Little Fawn has a beautiful cover. The book contains Woman of Courage plus the story of Little Fawn, an Indian child that Amanda raises. I found both stories to be well-written. The author captured the time period and the hazards of traveling west. Woman of Courage is different from Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish novels (in a good way). Amanda is strong, Quaker woman who is intent on sharing Christianity with others especially the Nez Perce Indians. She lives a Godly life and is an example to others. Amanda’s journey is difficult and there are fatalities along the way. Most women would return East when given the opportunity, but Amanda is determined to be a missionary. The authors descriptions of the scenery, the various types of lodgings, how the people lived on the frontier, the clothing worn, and the people brought the story alive for me. I could visualize Amanda’s journey. It was interesting to learn about the herbal medicines utilized during this time period. People in the west did not have access to a physician and it was important to know the healing properties of the herbs and other floral/fauna in their area. It also helped them to flavor their dishes and know what to avoid (do not want to poison anyone by adding the wrong type of mushroom to their stew). The pacing of the story varied. There were some slow sections, but it did not detract from this inspirational novel. I could tell the author did her research on the Indians based on her descriptions. I liked learning about the different tribes, how they lived and their beliefs. I appreciated that the author gave us Little Fawn’s story. It is amazing that any woman survived out west during this time period. Woman of Courage is a realistic story that will keep you reading late into the night.

I have read almost every book published by Mrs Brunstetter. I liked this book although not Amish. It is well written and the characters are strong and well developed. The story is historical and thought provoking. I learned some new things along the journey and enjoyed the book very much. I also enjoyed The Little Fawn story. Thanks to netgalley and Barbour publishing for the gift of tge arc. The review is my honest opinion

It’s not often that you get to step back and read a Wanda book that isn’t based around the Amish. She does historical fiction as well as she does Amish, just in case you weren’t aware. Now, if you have read this book before I need to caution you not to just assume you know it all already. Because. . . It’s been re-released as a Collector’s Edition with additional stuff. Specifically, well spoilers perhaps but play along, the story of Little Fawn has been carried forward. So, you have the original story ‘Woman of Courage’ but you have the bonus content of ‘Woman of Hope’. I’ve read a few fictional accounts of the Spalding Mission. Each on covers a different aspect, a different time period, and provides a different feel. Wanda approached the mission in her signature style, simple in her details and heavy with her faith. It’s something I love about her writing. It may be a simpler style but the faith is never simple.

That being said, I struggled a bit more with this book than I typically do with Wanda books. I almost feel as though it was too simple. I felt like I was missing emotion, engagement, even passion. I heard so much about what Amanda wanted to do and why she wanted to do it (go the Spalding Mission and become a missionary to the Nez Perce tribe, but I didn’t get to feel it. I was told all about it but I didn’t get to see it. Every relationship was like that for me through this book. Jim cut such a striking, almost stereotypical figure in the beginning, and as he morphed and changed I didn’t feel those changes I simply heard about them. Additionally, I feel like Amanda and Little Fawn woke up one day, decided they were going to be missionaries and then went about doing the thing. Little Fawn, more so than Amanda, missed some key elements to how that truly works. It rarely works that you just walk into a new situation, new people, what have you and proclaim the Word of God and everyone falls into line. Amanda had a great understanding, though I think it took her a moment to get there. You can’t beat people with Scripture and they find faith. You lead people to scripture and they find faith. You meet them where they are, with their own understanding, and draw them to the Lord. I think, perhaps, Little Fawn missed a memo. The final thing that truly bonkered me, and it’s more a writing style I strongly do not like and not a problem with the content, is the sound words. Bark, bark, yada, yada, yada. Onomatopeia is a writing style I personally just can’t embrace. It wasn’t everywhere in the book but it was just enough to stick with me. Nuff said.

All that aside, Wanda brings me a book of simple faith. Amanda changed so much as her story progressed, and it was for the good. She may have started out a solid young Quaker woman but along the way she lost so much that she learned how to gain more. She stumbled into her witness and was willing to adjust her mission to the people she was missioning too. It may have been rocky but it was truly life changing. I truly enjoyed this story of finding friendship, sharing faith, and stretching as God leads to true and positive growth. If you enjoy Wanda’s writing style you truly will love this book. If you have previously read ‘Woman of Courage’ this Collectors Edition is definitely worth picking up for the life of Little Fawn. There are some gaps that are filled in as well as another life that has a story to share. It’s worth sharing with her.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Wow , what a strong and courageous woman! She travels through a hard 3000 miles to fulfill a commitment to serve her Lord. Blizzards, Indians and a trapper who saves her life made an interesting, what is coming next story.. Plenty of action and the descriptions had me feeling the blizzards and seeing the Indians up close and personal!!

The author of today's book, Woman of Courage, is Wanda E. Brunstetter. I know I've shared this story before, but back in 2015 I met Ms. Brunstetter while she was doing a book signing event at the local Wal-Mart here in Sarasota, Florida. At that time, I was able to get my mother, Gloria an autographed copy of one of her favorite Amish books. Of course, ever since that meeting in 2015 when the opportunity arises to read and review one of Ms. Brunstetter's books, I jump on it because my mother LOVES Amish stories.

Gloria recently told me about this book and said she really wanted to read it. When I saw the book available on NetGalley through my blogging relationship with them, I requested it and was approved. Unfortunately, Gloria recently had eye surgery and was unable to read this book after all so here are my thoughts:

The first thing I'll say is that this book is a little different than Ms. Brunstetter's Amish books (and her cookbooks). The main character of this book is Amanda Pearson, a Quaker woman with a deep faith learned from her father who was a preacher.

The next thing I'll say is this: I’ve learned that Woman of Courage had already been written and published in 2014, but what I recently had the opportunity to read is a Collector’s Edition so there is an added story at the end entitled The Story of Little Fawn. Both stories are delightful historical reads.

In Woman of Courage, the year is 1837 and Amanda Pearson is jilted by her fiance, for her best friend. She decides to join family friends, Reverand and Mrs. Spalding as a missionary to the Nez Perce' Indians at a Indian reservation in Oregon. Amanda promises her father that she would bring the Bible and Jesus to these Indian people. The trip is three thousand miles on horseback and Amanda's preacher father plans to escort his daughter from New York to the Indian reservation.

Before arriving, Amanda, her traveling mates, her father and a trail guide go through many dangerous risks including death leaving Amanda on her own to navigate the journey. She is determined to continue but becomes very ill until she is rescued by an Indian woman married to a white man. Despite coming from different religions, Amanda and the Indian woman are able to communicate, the Indian woman using just enough English to get by.

I can't say too much without giving away this unique story by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I'll be honest too, I'm so used to Ms. Brunstetter's Amish fiction that I kept looking for Amish to show-up throughout this book. Spoiler: That doesn't happen. Despite the lack of any Amish folk, this story is well developed, the characters are well-written and overall it was very believable.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review but chose to since it was a great book! Thank you!

I am usually a big fan of Wanda Brunstetter. I have read many of her books about the Amish. While this book received many excellent reviews by other reviewers, it really fell flat for me. I tried to engage in the story, which I feel was historically accurate. However, I could not get interested in the characters. I would have liked more information about Amanda, other than her Quaker heritage and that she suffered from a broken engagement. I felt that the language was somewhat pompous at times, and the plot did not move along well for me.

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This is an excellent book. It is more intense and descriptive than many of the author's Amish books. There are actually two women of courage in the book in my mind. Amanda is the main character, a woman of the Quaker faith who is immediately thrust into one challenge after another. She is to draw upon her faith in God in trying and heartbreaking circumstances. Yellow Bird is a young Native American who has had harrowing experience of her own. I really liked these two women who although very different, built a bond and strong friendship as the story progresses. Characters are well developed. Buck and James are two mountain men who have let the last rule their present. It was hard to find redeeming qualities in James as he was altered by bitterness at the loss of his new wife. Buck is death against Christianity because it introduced abuse into his early years. These four characters are at the forefront as they struggle through while Amanda is on a thoroughly life changing journey.

Wanda Brunstetter has given us a new series that is intense, rich with information about a time period when the 'white man' has stepped out into the beautiful and wild country that the natives know and revere. I learned new things as I read along through a plot that is magnetic and thought provoking.

My thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for this interesting book. I look forward to the continuation of the series.

I had wanted to read this book by Wanda Brunstetter, A Woman of Courage, and was excited to see it appear on the NetGalley list of options. Thank you for the chance to read and review what turned out to be a good story with a lot of interesting information about history and the Native American people.
The story follows Amanda, recently broken-hearted after her fiance leaves her the night before their wedding for her best friend. She decides to leave her comfortable home in New York and head west to help teach the Indians about Jesus. Her father accompanies her and along the way, his passing is the first of many challenges she must face. She loses her guide during a storm, gets severely ill, and finds that danger lurks in many forms in the west. Through it all, we see her learn to lean on God in every situation, a lesson for each of us. As she journeys, she meets Mary Yellow Bird and her husband Jim, as well as Buck, a mountain man. She strives to lead them to Jesus and, as her feelings for Buck grow stronger, she must fight her attraction to him. Throw in an abandoned baby, Little Fawn, and the story really grabs you. I really enjoyed reading about her journey and how she made her way to the Spalding Mission, where she finally got to work with the Indian Children.
As a bonus story, A Woman of Hope is included at the end and it is the story of Little Fawn. This was a short story but I liked it too.
I especially liked the tidbits of information included about Indian life in those times and what life was like on the trail for so many. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
I received a free copy of the story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

While I am normally a fan of Ms. Brunstetter's work, this was a definite miss for me! The language seemed pretentious, despite it's authenticity to the times, especially since Amanda had been asked several times to leave it off! I had a hard time believing the plot overall, but most especially in the spiritual conversions that happened over the course of the story, possibly because I found the plot so dry and boring! The characterization felt flat to me, and I couldn't really engage with the characters, or bring myself to care about them over the long term. Other reviewers have suggested better stories instead of this one, so I think I'll be seeking those out instead.

When you read this book you feel like your in it. This book is a good page turner. also enjoyed Little Fawns story. She reminds me of me a lot! Now that I'm older Im still learning to let God be in control not myself. My mom always said that patience is a virtue. I'm still not so good at it and it gets me into trouble sometimes.

I loved reading this book. Wanda has the ability to enable the reader to be right there in the thick of the experience. Conveying the grief, the shock and the warmth that Amanda experiences as she treks towards the Mission Station where she wants to serve the Lord and teach the Indians of His love. Woman of Courage is quite different to any other book that I've read of Wanda's. Within the pages of this book Wanda brings to life some of the Quaker's ways and introduces a few of the Red Indian tribes within America and their differences.. The added sequel brings home the truth that so often plays out in the lives of families today.Parents often try to protect their loved ones from mistakes they themselves had made, only to find that unfortunately their children also seem to learn by making these similiar errors.

Amanda Pearson is a Quaker woman of deep faith taught to her by her preacher father. When her fiance breaks off their engagement, she and her father decide to leave New York. They sell their home and belongings and head west to become missionaries. Their goal is to bring God to the native people. The journey is perilous and both her father and guide die leaving her along to try and find the way to the fort. She becomes deathly ill and is rescued by an Indian Woman. It turns out that she is married to a white man and speaks enough English to communicate. Amanda and Mary (Yellow Feather) become friends and Mary becomes Amanda's fist Christian.

This story is very well written. There are many adventures, trials and tribulations that Amanda goes through. We learn about various tribes and some of their customs. We find out about kidnappings, slavery and relationships between the tribes. Through flashbacks, we find out how Mary ended up married to a white man and what happened in her past. Amanda was very courageous and true to her faith and beliefs. She was also a sweet and caring woman. I also felt sorry for her with all that she went though. It seemed like so many things went wrong, but with her prayers, the Lord was there protecting her and brought her through many situations. I do not want to tell you more about the actual story as it is very interesting to uncover as you read this tale. This was The Collector's Edition of the story and also contained a short story about "Little Fawn" and what happens to her as the story continues. It gave some closure to some aspects of the story. A very enjoyable Historical Fiction book with a Christian plotline. The publisher, Barbour Publishing, Incorporated, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

“I am a woman of faith who is trusting in the Lord to give her courage.”

“Woman of Courage” has been on my reading list for a few years now, and I am glad that I was able to read this collector’s edition, which includes the sequel novella “Woman of Hope.” Expecting “Woman of Courage” to be a travel novel and an Oregon Trail-like experience, I was surprised to discover that it fell more into the genre of wilderness survival and mountain living. Traveling was still a part of the tale, but most of the narrative was focused on the characters’ experiences and interactions with each other rather than on the trek itself. Fraught with omnipresent danger, this story did not have any lulls or tedious sections and proved to be a quick read, even taking into consideration the appended novella. The situations seemed realistic and not contrived, and there were several twists that I did not expect, which I always appreciate. Amanda, the eponymous heroine, was a sweet character, and I would have liked to have more of her background; other than being unerringly Christian and using quaint language (“thee” and “thou”), there were no other indications that she was a Quaker. It would have been worthwhile to add more information about this particular religious group to the story, in my opinion. However, I did appreciate the author’s use of Native American and mixed-race characters.

Despite very much enjoying this story, there were a few points with which I had issues, and I wavered between a four and a five-star rating. Some of the language and slang used in the narrative was not period-appropriate, and several of the characters were stereotypical, including Amanda. She was too perfect and therefore did not seem to grow or change throughout the course of the story, whereas Jim Breck’s attitudes and place in the story shifted too quickly. Yellow Bird and Buck McFadden were my favorite characters, as they were the most dynamic and realistic, given their pasts and what became of them. Because Amanda was a missionary, the Christian underpinning of the novel did come across as preachy, but not overbearingly so. Amanda’s story dovetailed well into that of Little Fawn’s in “Woman of Hope”, and this novella is what ultimately bumped up my rating. Little Fawn’s story was not as idealistic and yet it was still hopeful and inspiring. Amanda’s character was also more realistic, and all of the characters’ actions were credible. The story was well written for its short length, as well, and it did not seem like it was too abrupt. Being able to see how circumstances changed for the characters from “Woman of Courage” in the approximately seventeen-year time gap and being introduced to the next generation of characters was a fitting way to end the saga.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Heart-warming Western Missionary story

I always enjoy Wanda Brunstetter's books. They are heart-warming but usually with a bit of a twist. This one is the story of a woman who goes West to be a missionary, after a broken romance. The story by itself is good, but I especially enjoyed the debate over what really is the purpose of missionaries and the respect for the Native culture. Plus, there is a newly written short story that continues the saga. Nice winter's read.

I’ve long been a fan of Wanda’s Amish fiction so I was definitely looking forward to a novel featuring a Quaker main character! I don’t know much about them and have only read a book or two highlighting them. I’d have to rate this as her best yet! I’ve also since learned “Woman of Courage” had already been written, but what I read is a Collector’s Edition so there is an added story at the end entitled “The Story of Little Fawn”. Both are a delightful historical read.

Amada Pearson‘s heart is to bring the gospel to the Nez Pierce Indians. I especially enjoyed this particular historical fiction because I live in a close proximity to the modern day Lapwai Valley in Oregon. Amanda and her papa set out with their guide to travel from New York to the Western wilderness to help minister alongside the Rev. and Mrs. Spalding. However, the trail is strewn with heartache and many devastating losses. When Amanda finds herself injured in an unfamiliar cabin tended by a kind Indian woman, her life takes on a completely different turn. I admire how she clings to her strong faith to make it through the tough days ahead. She also befriends the Indian woman named Mary “Yellow Bird” and learns much of what she needs to know about the Nez Pierce. It’s as if the Lord has placed her exactly where she needs to be at exactly the right time! She also meets Buck, who is a good friend of Mary’s husband Jim…who also wants nothing to do with the Gospel due to a cruel father. I loved seeing how the Lord changed his heart at the end and all the various things that happened in the story, there’s so much packed into it! Brunstetter knows how to spin a tale to keep you wanting more and invested in her characters & storyline. It only took me two days to read this because I didn’t want to put it down! I think anyone who is a fan of this writer, loves history, enjoys a strong faith thread, adventure, and a hard won happily-ever-after at the end will enjoy this one. I loved journeying alongside Amanda, Mary, and Buck as they travel to bring the good news to the Nez Pierce Indians.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *

Wanda E. Brunstetter in her book, Woman of Courage, has crafted quite a story taking us back to the unsettled west. With the descriptions of the trail guides, forts, and Indian villages you will feel like you've stepped back in time.

Let me just say, this book was not a fluffy book in any way. You will feel the heartbreak with each tragedy as you begin to realize just how dangerous the west really was, Death can come fast in the wilderness and it shocks you who it claims. Knowing that, safety and being aware of their surroundings, was at the forefront of their mind at all times. It's when they let down their guard thing begin to happen.

Amanda was my favorite character as she never let up on preaching the gospel with the hopes of bringing everyone she meets to God. I think I would have buckled under the pressure of people who didn't want to hear but she had the courage and the love to never gave up.

It was a great, great read

The author grabbed my attention right away as Amanda gets an unexpected visit from her fiance the night before their wedding. I am not a big fan of Nathan as he breaks Amanda's heart. What is she suppose to do now with her life? The adventure starts off with Amanda and her father s they travel with a guide to head west. I can just image the terrain they traveled on and the dangers they faced. Maybe this will be a new beginning for Amanda.

The determination and strength of Amanda is seen throughout the story as she faces a treacherous undertaking across the wilderness. She promised her father she would share Jesus with others and along her journey, she finds several who are eager to learn more about Him. I can't imagine what it would be like to travel with little shelter and danger waiting to surprise you. Amanda is strong in her faith and hope that her message will reach many.

I loved following her as she traveled and being introduced to unforgettable characters. I can't forget to mention Mary and Jim. They play a pivotal roll in Amanda's story. I loved the way the author gives us a glimpse of the past in Amanda and several other characters lives. The story is filled with danger, faith, and hope. As an extra bonus included in the book is a bonus story.

THE STORY OF LITTLE FAWN

This story features Amanda's daughter that she took in and is a treat to read. Little Fawn has dreamed of being a missionary like her mother and one day she will make that a reality. Little Fawn is very feisty and I'm afraid she may go out on her own to spread the word about God. I remember when I got saved, I wanted to tell everyone. Little Fawn must have that same joyful spirit and she is getting closer to leaving her home without permission. I loved the adventure Little Fawn took and the people she encountered. She faces real danger when she is captured and fears her fate is sealed. It will be a true test of faith and endurance for Little Fawn. Don't miss this story that captures the true heart of a woman who loves God.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Its 1837 in New York and Amanda's fiancé has broken their engagement the night before the wedding. With the plan of helping missionaries bring the gospel to the Nez Perce Indians, Amanda and her father head for the Oregon territory. With great detail the author takes us along on this incredible journey, with dangers I am so glad I did not experience when I travelled across the country! This prim and proper Quaker lady learned many lesssons but the most important one was that prayer changes things and God answers prayer, sometimes different than you hoped, but He answers nevertheless. She became a true Woman of Courage.
This Collectors Edition also tells the story of Little Fawn, Amanda's daughter and how she became a Woman of Hope by learning to fully trust God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All impressions and opinions are my own.

The most amazing historical novel that I have read in a while. This book had me on the edge of my seat, praying for the safety of the characters and wondering how they could go on. Through Women of Courage I learned some things about the Indian tribes that I had no idea about. Characters are amazing and kept the faith even though they wanted to give up.