I have read all of Wanda Brunstetter’s Amish books, so I found this contemporary set of books to be a delightful change.

Each of the books characters have experienced life happenings that have lowered their self-esteems. Each book focuses on Christ-centered characters that meet and through their interactions, helps each person to find their way to a renewed self-esteem as they learn to lean on Christ throughout their lives.

I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

A nice collection of three Christian romance novellas. Simple yet easy read by a wonderful author. Good summer take along. Would recommend.

I love Amish romance books. I love Wanda Brunstetter. But I don't love clowns and ventriloquists. A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda Brunstetter was my first disappointment from all the years I have been reading her books. This is a three-book collection in one. The first two are basically the same story but told about two different sisters. The first sister has a debilitating stutter. While trying to find a way to entertain and teach her daycare class biblical values, she inadvertently ends up in a class on how to be a clown. The premise of the story is good and the scripture lessons are interesting. But the characters fall flat. The storyline is predictable and I found myself wanting to skip to the end. The second story is almost the same pattern except it involves ventriloquism.
The third story was the redemption of the book. We follow a woman who buys a creepy old house in a nice neighborhood. The next-door neighbors are a single father and his overly curious daughter. The storyline is fun and definitely not predictable! I would love to read more about this group of people.
I have never been to a church service that does clown ministry and I have seen a few ventriloquist shows. I agree these are great ways to spread God's message. But, I don't enjoy those stories. My advice is to skip the first two stories and go straight to the third.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This was an enjoyable book and very simply written. The stories were about people whose self esteem has caused them to have problems in their lives to overcome. The themes are all Christian and suitable for younger readers. The stories were easy to read and had happy endings. They were uplifting and relaxing. There are lessons to be learned in each and represent a closeness to God and how he can change our lives for the better.

I received an ebook copy from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter contains three sweet Christian romances set in Washington. They are well-written with characters who have strong Christian values. They are quick and easy to read. The characters are realistic with their strong points and their flaws. It was interesting learning about ventriloquism and clowns as well as chalk art. I liked how the characters used their gifts as a ministry to share their love of Christ. We get to see how our characters overcome obstacles to find love and deepen their faith as well. Bullying, overcoming the past, and insecurities are themes present in the stories. I was a little disappointed that the third story did not contain the theme of the first two. I was hoping we would get Donna Hartley’s story (a chalk artist). I just did not feel that The Neighborly Thing fit in with the other two tales. I had not read these early works by Wanda Brunstetter, so I found it a nice treat. This author always provides sweet, refreshing stories. They remind us to focus on what is truly important in our lives and to rely on Him. A Heartwarming Romance Collection are three inspiring Christian tales with a cute canine, a passionate puppeteer, a crazy clown, doll drama, an anxious adolescent, and curious Christians.

A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a very nice collection of three short stories based on individuals from Washington State. I've never read any of Ms. Brunstetter's novels, so this was a first time read for this reader and it was three stories that I found entertaining and fun to read. I enjoyed the characters, as well as the Christian theme that was central to all three stories. A well-written compilation of stories that gave you that comfy and cozy feel while reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing this enjoyable novel in exchange for my fair and honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Having enjoyed reading all of Ms. Brunstetter’s Amish books, I was glad to see the debut of this collection of three of her earlier previously published contemporary novels. Set in Washington State, the first two stories are delightful with heartwarming romance (as so aptly described in the title), a little humor and drama, and a lot of faith. The stories are fun, yet packed with valuable life lessons and spiritual truths such as how lives can be changed and used by commitment to God. The characters are well-developed and engaging, and each story kept my interest from beginning to end. I also enjoyed learning more about the arts of ventriloquism and clowning. I would have given these stories a 5-Star rating. The third story, however, I did not enjoy as much. Although well written, I found this read a little tedious and depressing at times, and the characters just did not appeal to me especially the heroine Sinda with her constant whining about the past and Tara, a very disrespectful 10 year old girl. I finished this story only because of the mystery and the strong faith element. I recommend this book on the strengths of the first two stories.

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

A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a charming collection of three short stories.
Talking for Two- Tabitha is extremely shy and introverted. She assists with teaching pre-school children at her church and uses puppets to help her tell stories. When she attends a conference and the only class available is for ventriloquists she attends. The instructor, Seth, she finds him encouraging. Will she also find a new love in her life?
Clowning Around- Tabitha’s sister, Lois, has ended her engagement and taken a job as the secretary of Bayview Christian Church where Tabitha works in the daycare. Joe is a clown and does many Christian events around the area. Will he be able to get Lois involved in clowning with him? Will she decide he just too big of a clown?
The Neighborly Thing- Sinda believes she has found the perfect home even though it is in much disrepair. She plans to operate her doll hospital there as well as living there. Her 10-year-old neighbor, Tara, is a budding detective and watches everything in the neighborhood. Tara’s father, Glen, is a single dad and mail carrier. When Tara reports strange happenings next door will he be brought in to help investigate? What happens when they get to know their new neighbor better?
All of these are well written and engaging stories. I had read them before but I was well into the first one before I figured that out as it had been some time ago. I enjoyed them very much and recommend them highly. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A nice collection of stories with a Christian message and sweet romance. Three different stories, all enjoyable.
I think the first story was my favorite. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

A Heartwarming Romance Collection contains three of Wanda E. Brunstetter's early novels. Each of the stories focus on a particular couple from Washington state.
Talking for Two focuses on ventriloquist and dummy maker/seller Seth Byers and very insecure child care worker Tabby, who meet at a class Seth teaches.
Clowning Around focuses on Joe Richey, Slow-Joe the Clown, and Lois Johnson a church secretary.
The Neighborly Thing focuses on doll repair person Sinda Shull and her neighbor, single father, Glen Olsen.

These are all great fun stories to read. The first two are stories about sisters Tabby and Lois. When younger sister Lois was born, her father devoted all his time towards her, ignoring Tabby. As a result Tabby became very insecure and started stuttering. As adults Lois was engaged to a wealthy man and Tabby was destined to be single. I really liked these two stories that showed how the sisters changed and matured as they became Christians and reached out in missionary work with Seth and Joe.
In The Neighborly This we see how Sinda has been affected by her childhood as well and the family secrets she finds out after the death of her father. We also see how Glen, as a single father, has his hands full with his daughter who is always on watch for a mystery to solve.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is nice to travel back to read some of one of my favorite authors first stories. I received an e-book copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I throughly enjoyed this collection of well written inspirational romance stories. This author never lets this reader down. Love her books. I highly recommend this book. I received an ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

A great collection of sweet and heartwarming stories that made me smile and root for the characters.
I liked the style of writing and look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Publishing for an e-Arc of A Heartwarming Romance Collection in exchange for an honest review.

Brunstetter writes three separate stories about finding love while the characters overcome obstacles and find themselves as well. The first two stories, however, seem to focus more on the character’s insecurities and personal lives more than the romance. In the third story, Brunstetter does an excellent job weaving in mystery and romance, slowly building upon attraction while giving hints about the characters’ lives–a stark contrast to the info dumping in the first two. If you read this book for the last story alone, it would be well worth it!

The first story – Talking for Two – is about a ventriloquist and shy woman who has a stutter caused by stress in her childhood. The author captures anxiety and fear perfectly when describing Tabby’s internal struggles. But I really struggled with the interactions between the characters. I feel like they were overly harsh on Tabby and pushed her to do things she didn’t want to instead of encouraging her in helpful, supportive ways. The pushiness really distracted from the romance (which was underdeveloped until the end of the story, and even then it lacked a little). However, the Christian message weaved throughout was strong and the author does a great job showing the characters learn to lean on Christ.

The second story – Clowning Around – did a much better job including the romantic part of the story. One of the main characters overlaps from book one so I won’t include too much info to avoid spoiling the story, but I do wish the character arc would have been included a little more to show how the character changed between the two stories. I enjoyed this one much better than the first, although some of the pushiness is still present and sometimes rubbed me the wrong way. It made the male character seem a little abrasive at times and a little self-centered (which is fine but didn’t seem to fit in with his character).

The third story – The Neighborly Thing - was my favorite out of the three! Sinda and Glenn’s love story was realistic and sweet. The only uncomfortable pushiness in this story came only from a child which is much more acceptable and doesn’t ruin the story at all. The inclusion of God and the Word was much more natural in this story, as well as one of the character’s struggles with faith. This story kept me turning the pages. I literally couldn’t put it down! If this was the only story in the book, I would have given it five stars!

What a fun collection of sweet romances by favorite author Wanda E Brunstetter! This collection contains three of the author's original books. Each novel stands alone, full of wit, wisdom, sweetness, and romance. Great collection!

From ventriloquists to red noses to dolls, each of these three stories have love and friendships. The characters are unique. The story lines are interesting. I enjoy reading stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This book contains 3 separate romance novels. The first two novellas have characters that are connected to each other. The third one is not connected to the first two.

I really enjoyed reading this collection. It was fun to read a departure from the authors Amish fiction.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy

As someone who has long been a fan of Wanda E. Brunstetter's books, it was a fun treat getting to read her earliest published novels that were all new to me reads. Each story focuses around a romance developing between a couple who have to learn to overcome insecurities, let go and let God, and learn to use their talents given by Him to honor Him.

I loved how all three of these novels reminded me of simpler times and showcased a focus on what is truly important in life. It was definitely different reading contemporary books set in a time where technology wasn't readily available, and I really enjoyed it. The couples have to rely on answering machines messages and face to face visits to try and stay in touch, and it was definitely something different from the romances coming out on the market today.

Of the three stories, my favorite ended up being The Neighborly Thing. While I enjoyed all three, I liked Glen and Sinda as characters the best, especially the way that Glen is so patient with everything that Sinda's been through, and is determined to shine a light for Jesus towards her. There was also a focus throughout all three stories on the idea that accepting Jesus doesn't guarantee a perfect life, but it does guarantee that He will walk with you through every obstacle and I loved that.

All in all, I wouldn't say these are my favorite of Wanda's beloved novels, but I highly enjoyed them and would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to read a clean, faith based romance that's set during simpler times.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Barbour and NetGalley for allowing me to advance read this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

i love Wanda brunstetter books. I love her writing. Her books tend to calm me down in a world that doesn''t make sende. And i love the powerful friendships she has in her books. And this book has all the things listed above . So thank you again for a great book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest review

It's refreshing to read a book that gives life lessons in a story that holds your interest while engaging your mi nd. I always look forward to Wanda's next books due to the lessons she teaches and the insight she brings into the Amish and Christian communities.

Three stories form this sweet gentle collection of romances. The first two are connected in that the main female protagonists are sisters.

I liked the third story where there’s humour as a father (and widower) and feisty young daughter gets a new neighbour and strange things start to happen.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.