Letters of Comfort

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

In Letters of Trust, Doretta encouraged her friend Eleanor through a difficult time in Eleanor’s marriage when her husband Vic sought relief from grief and guilt by turning to alcohol. In Letters of Comfort, Eleanor tries to support Doretta when her fiancé William passes away shortly before their marriage from an accident in which Doretta is also very badly injured. In her grief, Doretta draws away from God, friends, and family.

In her first book in the Friendship Letters Series, author Wanda E. Brunstetter addresses a more serious subject than is typical of her novels—alcoholism. In this second book, Letters of Comfort, Brunstetter attacks another difficult issue, depression. In a letter to the reader at the end of the book, she explains that her own mother suffered from bipolar disorder. Thus Brunstetter is all too familiar with depression and its symptoms. She encourages readers to seek help in a variety of ways from lifestyle changes to professional guidance.

In this book, Doretta’s life is complicated by a promise to her fiancé to never love anyone else. Will she change her resolve to keep that promise? Can William’s identical twin brother Warren move on from his grief? Both Warren’s and Doretta’s families have known each other since their children were little and all of them are grieving. Eleanor, pregnant with a second child, wants to help Doretta and encourages her as best she can from afar while Doretta is rejecting any efforts of help. Along the way there are complications as Warren tries to open the nutritional supplements store he and William were establishing and as Margaret, Warren’s girlfriend, struggles with priorities as her attachment to horses with behavioral problems increases.

This book is a little slow at times, perhaps to demonstrate that one does not “snap out” of grief and depression. It takes time. There are some key events towards the end that propel the plot forward more quickly. I did not have a strong emotional attachment to any of the characters, but I did appreciate the author’s conclusion. She provides appropriate and satisfactory closure for all. This is not a page turner, but I enjoyed it; and I do look forward to the next book in the series, Letters of Wisdom.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 3/5

Category: Christian, Romance

Notes: The book concludes with a recipe for apple muffins and a very well-written and thought provoking set of discussion questions.

Publication: August 1, 2023—Barbour Publishing

Memorable Lines:

“To be honest, I do not appreciate it when someone says a bunch of positive things that are supposed to cheer me up. It makes me feel like I don’t have the right to grieve.”

…since she didn’t have a job anymore and had been replaced by another school teacher, Doretta had no purpose in life—no reason to get up in the morning—and nothing to look forward to doing each day. She did not want to feel like this or entertain such negative thoughts, but thinking positive thoughts seemed to be an impossible task.

Doretta’s hope for marriage had been snatched away, as easily as a hawk pouncing on some poor unsuspecting little bird.

Letters of Comfort
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Pub DateAug 01 2023
Barbour Publishing |Barbour Fiction
Christian| Romance


Barbour Fiction and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Letters of Comfort for review:


A series of friendship letters authored by Doretta Schwartz Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and believes they can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, Doretta and two of her best friends exchange letters that reveal their true feelings and struggles.


 
The Ministry of Letter Writing Restores Hope to Writers.



Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and wrote several letters to friends every month expressing her positive attitude. Her life changed the day she found out about her fiancé's death, and a heavy weight of depression descended upon her. After feeling empty for a while, she puts away her letter writing and won't even respond to friends' calls. Warren, William's twin brother, is also grieving his loss, while trying to support his parents and Doretta. She responds to Warren's friendship, but is he just replacing the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?


I give Letters of Comfort five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

One of the best books I've read from Wanda. Touches you heart with truth and understanding. I had a hard time putting that one down.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.