Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing

This book is yet another wonderful and beautiful story by Wanda Brunstetter- I started last night and finished this morning, I simply could not put it down! Reading about Heidi and Lyle once more was like re-visiting dear friends- they really seem like a special couple, very caring, fun loving, outgoing and spiritual. I could easily see my husband and I enjoying their company. Their struggles with finding ways to be parents after years of infertility, and of their adoption chance falling through, resonate as we have friends and family who have experienced these challenges. In "The Blessing", I was thrilled to see a path emerge for Heidi and Lyle to have a chance to bring children into their home and family. When Heidi started her new series of cooking classes, it was interesting to see the variety of students she now has and how, as in the previous class, her students started to bond with each other and Heidi, even though all were from very different walks of life. Note: spoiler alert. Also, to see Heidi and Lyle continuing to reach out to and spend time with Kendra and her new baby is a strong lesson on the importance of forgiveness. It was interesting to also find some connections between the two sets of Heidi's students. Heidi seems to be a compassionate and thoughtful young woman, with a good sense of humor who genuinely loves sharing her love of cooking and of God with her students. It is heartwarming to see how Heidi is able to reach her students hearts when they are suffering, particularly teenage Nicole, who is struggling with forgiving her mother for leaving the family. I cannot recommend "The Blessing" highly enough.

Book 2 of Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Amish Cooking Class series was a wonderful addition to this series. I really enjoyed book 1 and book 2 did not disappoint.

Heidi and Lyle Troyer's hopes and expectations were not fulfilled, yet Heidi perseveres and receives happiness in her life. She shares her insights, her faith with those who come to her cooking class.

Both of the books in the series, have feelings of hope, love, friendship, forgiveness and trust in God. Heidi shares a scripture with each of her recipe cards. This touching story left me wanting for more. I hope there will be more additions to her Cooking Class series. The stories are uplifting and enjoyable to read.

I received an e-book version of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a sweet read! You'll fall in love with the characters and feel their heartaches, but celebrate their triumphs! All of the characters are believable - you probably know someone just like each of them - but it is the Amish matriarch who will capture your heart, with her outpouring of love for others. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!

This is the second book in the series The Amish cooking class. Heidi and Lyle open their home up at the Troyer Amish Farm for a second cooking class. Her students are a young teenager Nicole who is struggling with her family life.. Her mother and father are divorced and her mother is a alcoholic who is now remarried. A mailman who wants to learn to cook. A wife who's husband is a policeman and gives her this gift to learn to cook. A caterer who wants to learn new recipes for her business and A hunter who wants to learn to cook for his buddies. At the classes Heidi teaches them to cook good Amish food and always sends them home with a quote from the Bible on the back of the recipe card. The story shows how each person needs something in there lives and Heidi is able to help them. It is a beautiful story and a great second book in the series.

Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing – Wanda Brunstetter

This is the second in the Amish Cooking Class series. We find Heidi Troyer and her husband ready to finally experience parenthood. They had become friends with Kendra, one of her former students, who is now pregnant, living with them and has promised to let them adopt the baby. Circumstances change and now Heidi decides to teach another cooking class to help heal her grieving heart.

She takes on 6 new students who each have needs in their lives that we learn about as the book progresses. Heidi teaches flavorful Amish recipes to them, giving them copies of the recipes, along with scriptures written on the back of the recipes. Her prayers for each student, along with the scriptures, impact each student in a special way.

I loved this book and look forward to more in the series. It was a very easy, quick read and I highly recommend it to all readers.

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

The story continues with Heidi and Lyle along with some new characters and a delightful story line. Kendra a character from the first book is given an opportunity that eventually affects both Heidi and Lyle. Can't give details it will ruin the story.
In this book we meet Bill whom is razzed by his friends about his cooking during their annual camping trip.
Nicole, a high school student who is struggling since her mother left and was an alcoholic.
Allie, a mother of 2 and husband who is a cop.
Lisa, a caterer who wants to learn some new dishes to serve in her catering business.
Todd, a food critic who decides to write an article about the cooking class
Lance, a postman decided to learn something new after his wife past away.
Each person has there own problems and with the Bible verses Heidi places on each card they all soon realize something valuable to change them or their outlook on life.
I feel like I knew each of the characters and want to hug some, shake some and encourage others.
I hope there is a 3rd book because it left the ending to open. Love this story and so will you. By the way there is something interesting coming for Heidi and Lyle. and Eli and Loretta make an appearance in the book along with Kendra.

In this sweet, heart warming story, a cooking class brings unique individuals together in unexpected ways. The author brings to life each character and their situation. Amazing how something as simple as getting together to learn to cook can create long lasting friendships and more. I enjoyed this story very much. I received a copy of this story from the author and Net Galley and this is my personal honest opinion.

I love sequels! I love finding out what happened to characters from the first story. It's not like they just disappear is it? Wanda Brunstetter has included many of the characters from the first book The Seekers. She tied up a lot of loose ends and gave us hope for some sad characters from that first story. The Blessing continues with Heidi giving cooking lessons out of her kitchen. Gosh I wish I could sign up for those classes! If you are a Brunstetter fan you'll love these books. If you aren't here is a great place to start reading her books. The books give you a warm feeling and,most of all, gives you hope. In the Amish cooking series Brunstetter takes one Bible verse and seems to weave stories around that verse. It shows how simple words from the Bible can have an effect on everyone's lives. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and can't wait for the next one!

The second book in the Amish Cooking Classes series as we continue to follow Heidi as she gives a series of six cooking classes to those interested in learning to cook traditional Amish dishes. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and really looked forward to the second. Honestly the first book was better but this one was still very enjoyable. I really liked the little drop ins of past students that fit seamlessly into the story.
The students this time around were just as eclectic as the first book. I love how the author takes you along in the lives of the all the cast without it feeling jumbled. Seeing the students where they live so to speak and not just when they attend the cooking class really helps you journey with and understand them which in turn makes this book the great read it is.
One thing I was really looking forward to reading about was the little cliffhanger if you will from book one, Heidi and her husband Lyle adopting the baby of one of her former students. I won't give it away but I love how it was handled and written.
The students although so different eventually grow to be invested in each others lives. This was not overnight which was realistically written. The students themselves experience growth in their own lives and personal relationships.
I love Wanda E Brunstetter and as usual she did not disappoint.

The Blessing is book two from Wanda Brunstetter's The Amish Cooking Class series. In this installment, we meet 6 new students in Heidi's class. These students include:
Nicole - a young teen girl, who is trying to learn to cook for her divorced dad and family. She's, also, dealing with her mother's abandonment.
Lisa - a caterer, who is trying to find new ways to improve her business.
Todd - a food critic, who wants to write an article about the class but does not tell anyone of his intentions.
Bill - a hunter, who wants to impress his hunting buddies by cooking something new (and good) at their cabin during the season.
Allie - a lonely housewife and mother, who is taking the class because it was a gift by her husband.
Lance - a widowed mailman, who wants to find a new way to spend his time.
Though not a student of the class, unwed and pregnant Kendra plays a part of the story right from the start.
I cannot tell how much I love this series and The Blessing is a wonderful addition to it. There is so much a reader can learn from reading this book. Forgiveness, redemption, faith, compassion, and trust. There are scenes of heartache and tears, while others with laughter and smiles, and even some romance when least expected. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and see what happens next for Heidi and her students.
Highly highly recommended.
100 stars.

This is a follow up to the first book you catch up with some of the characters from the first book but also get introduced to another group of characters. In this book Heidi and Lyle are faced with some disappointment but also take it in stride and now have a few huge choices to make. Heidi decides to take on a other group of people for this book with teaching cooking. There are six people not including Heidi, however that being said it was not hard to keep up with what was going on. Each person faced something that impacted there life and there story was told. The author did an amazing job making it all flow and not make it seem like to much going on with that many characters. It was also nice to catch up with some of the people from the first book as well. Fair warning though you will feel hungry with the amount of food that is being made through out this book. I liked how Lyle is there and he seems like the silent type but he loves Heidi with such an amazing love that just jumps off the pages. This book has a strong healing and forgiveness message through out and no matter what your being faced with it reminds you to love one another no matter what anyone is going through. This book does not disappoint at all and is well worth the read.

The Blessing is that Mrs. Brunstetter continues to write such delightful stories that I love. It is so easy to like her characters. How could you not love Heidi? She suffers such heartbreak but continues to be faithful and trusts that GOD does have a plan for her.

Each character blesses others in some way (big or small). They each might have an obstacle to conquer in their own lives but by giving to others they are blessed in return.

I read this very quickly. I loved it. I don't read Wanda Brunstetter's books. I devour them until she released a new one. Thank you for blessing my life with your talents.

If you read my review of The Seekers, book 1 in Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Cooking Class series, then you know I wasn’t exactly excited about this series when I first heard about it. You will also know that I totally changed my mind while reading The Seekers.

Well, after being excited for the next book in the series, The Blessing, to release, I am so glad I gave this series a chance! I actually think I may have liked this book slightly more than the first one!

In The Blessing we get to return to the Troyer farm where Heidi is going to teach another Amish cooking class. I’m really enjoying this theme of Amish cooking classes. I think it has something to do with my interest in the simpler life, as well as the great food many Amish are known for. I also enjoy how the class brings a group of strangers together.

One of the people I most enjoyed reading about was a food critic. This individual didn’t share their reason for taking the class, which caused some issues. I think I liked the uniqueness of the character in this type of setting the most.

I also enjoyed how Wanda carried the story over from The Seekers with Kendra’s baby. There is a surprising spin near the beginning of this book that I didn’t see coming, but made for a touching and thought provoking storyline.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed this installment of the Amish Cooking Class series. I’m hoping there are more books to come about Joel and Heidi.

The Blessing by much-loved author Wanda Brunstetter, continues her new series, Amish Cooking Class. There is no disappoint here with this second story of Heidi Troyer and her cooking class! As a young, childless Amish wife dealing with disquieting circumstances decides to have another class, She wonders what would she learn from this group of students. Individuals from all walks of life have opted to gather for six classes on Amish cooking. A teen burdened with the cooking at home, a hunter who gets teased by his buddies for his cooking skills or lack thereof, a policeman's wife, the head maintenance man at a high school, along with a caterer with a budding career, and a food critic with a somewhat negative attitude make up this eclectic group. The author keeps the reader's interest as these six individuals interact with and begin to share their lives with Heidi and each other. Some situations are a little predictable and yet there are some twists and turns that keep the pages turning. Although a sweet story, the author expertly touches on some very tough and heartbreaking subjects as she writes of childlessness, single parenting, and alcoholism and its disruptive and alienating effect on families. There is a little romance, a little angst about a possibly troubled marriage and a little anxiety as a black bear decides to visit one of the attendees. The Blessing is a charming story of people from different cultures and circumstances finding friendship, forgiveness, and faith in a fun setting. Included at the end of the book are the recipes made by the class each week.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed are my own.

I have come to really love this series. I love how the author brings strangers together for a cooking class. They all meet in an Amish home where Heidi and Lyle live. Heidi is such a sweet and compassionate person. Her heart is full of love and kindness. After a devastating loss, Lyle thinks it is time for Heidi to teach another cooking class. The description of the Amish lifestyle is very well written and shows how much the author knows about the Amish culture.

As each student was introduced, we get a little background on their life. Each one comes from different places, but they each were seeking, acceptance, love, friendship and for some , forgiveness. I loved how each character blended well into the story. I have to say that I wanted to be in the kitchen as one of the students. I could feel how much Heidi loved to share her cooking skills . She made everyone feel welcome and had that tender touch of listening and guiding her students to overcome their obstacles. It was nice to have a few previous students visit in the story. The author has a wonderful style of writing which brings readers right into the story. After each class, Heidi gives the students a recipe card with a scripture on the back. I loved how those scriptures impacted their lives.

I don't have a favorite character because I felt they each played a key role in the overall story. Each character has something they are dealing with that centers around forgiveness and disappointment. At the end of the book the author has included discussion questions. I loved reading them and thinking about my answers to them. As an added bonus recipes are included at the end also. I know there are several I am going to try. Overall the book was very touching and I loved how the characters were able to open up and trust each other. I am looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

I have been a fan of Wanda’s since I first read her books. I am glad that she hasn’t changed the way she writes and has stayed true to what makes Amish fiction so interesting to many. Her characters are well-developed and genuine and the stories she writes are interesting. I always feel like I’m getting a real glimpse into the lives of the Amish when I read one of her books. The Blessing fits the Wanda E. Brunstetter recipe for success and is a delightful read.

The characters we meet in this book are a diverse group of people. There’s a teenager, a single woman, and a married woman with children. Plus there are three men, a single man, a widower, and a man who is divorced and living the life of a bachelor. Each of these characters has their own reason for taking the cooking classes and we discover that reason as we get to know the characters. More and more of the characters’ personalities are revealed throughout the book. We also get to know more about Heidi throughout this book and catch up with the students from the first class.

I liked the pace of this book and the fact that the story jumps from character to character throughout each chapter. It’s as if we get to stop in and visit with each one for a bit. To me this made the story move along at a quick pace and kept the story fresh.

I have to say that I just love the cover of this book. It captures Heidi’s character perfectly. The colors are calm and soothing while being eye-catching. The cover is simple yet balanced and is one of the best Amish fiction covers I have seen.

Fans of Wanda’s books are guaranteed to love The Blessing and readers new to her work are sure to fall in love with her work after reading this book. Although this is the second book in the series and I would recommend reading book one first it isn’t necessary. This book could be read as a standalone as there is enough backstory provided to catch up with Heidi’s life and not seem lost.

I was provided a free copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

I felt like I was visiting old friends and meeting new ones as I was reading The Blessing and one of the things that stands out to me is the way we get to know the main characters is through the conversations they have with secondary characters.
Heidi is preparing for her second cooking class after a heartbreaking situation and her students are taking the class for a variety of reasons.  Just as in the first book, Heidi shares not only her recipes, but she shares a Bible verse with each dish they cook.  She opens not only her home, but her heart, too.
While reading this book, there were times that I wish that I could join Heidi’s class and experience her style of cooking, her cozy home  and more her importantly  her genuine concern for others that have challenges of their own.
Readers of Amish and Christian fiction will definitely want to read this one and in addition to a great story, Wanda has included recipes from Heidi’s cooking class.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review.

So enjoyed catching up with Heidi and her cooking classes, and with the start of this book she is about to start her second series of classes.
We meet the new students, and yes I had instant dislike to some of them, but keep reading. We go in-depth into their lives, and find out why they are like they are; will Heidi be able to influence them like she did the previous?
I loved that we are updated on the people we meet in the first book, but Kendra has devastating news for Heidi, so sad, but there are the lives of the others we met and find out how things are going for them.
Will this new group be as affected by Heidi and her sweet ministering, or will the first impressions be what happens?
We finish with some yummy recipes, and they will soon be making it to my table, especially the chicken crumb basket!
I loved some of the compassion some of these people showed to their fellow students, and the main lesson here is Forgiveness, so very hard to do, and how Heidi is able to lead them.
Another page turning read that you won’t be able to put down once that first page is turned.
I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Encouraged by her husband Lyle, Heidi returns to holding her cooking classes after a heartbreaking decision changes the course of their life. Taking on six students seems to give her hope again and a new chance to share her love of cooking. Each student has different reasons for taking the class, and soon form friendships that bond them in many ways.

Since I really enjoyed the first book, I was happy the opportunity came up for me to read this one as well. Each character has their own unique personalities to add to the story. Heidi again shares scriptures on the back of the recipe cards she sends home with them, and I love how they touched each person. She shares her gentle faith and encouragement and you can see how they blossom under her tutelage. There's even a bit of romance at play! Made me smile throughout the book. Well-developed characters, yummy recipes in the back of the book to try, friendships formed, and gentle faith shared changes the lives of all in this delightful story. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

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

This new treasure by Wanda Brunstetter is a real gem. Better than the last one in the series.

Heidi is up doing another cooking class after another heartbreak. And, like the first novel, we get to meet multiple new characters each facing a problem. Todd, a food critic who is a married to his work; Lisa, a single woman with a struggling catering business; Nicole, a teenager forced to grow up too fast to replace her mother in her family's life; Bill, a lonely janitor; Ally, a mother who suspects her husband is cheating on her; Lance, who has a brother who gets on his nerves constantly; and Kendra from the last book trying to live her life as a single mother.

This book is really enlightening, portraying real life situations (and one particular that hits home with me). You will not be able to put this book down.

I recommend it for everyone.

The Blessing is the second book in The Amish Cooking Class series by Wanda Brunstetter. I may have liked this book a bit better than the first installment, The Seekers. Though I had such a soft spot in my heart for some of the characters from the first book, this one was better developed.

Don't get me wrong, both are fantastic and the writing is spot on in both books. But, I'm better acquainted with Heidi and Lyle this time around. Returning to their story felt like a visit with old friends.

I appreciate that Wanda revisits some of the characters from The Seekers. There is the inclusion of Kendra and her adorable baby girl. Loretta is settling into life in Heidi's community as she is taking the classes to become Amish. Additionally, she and Eli are now a couple and plan to marry in the future. Even Ron and Charlene's whereabouts are touched upon—though less so than the others.

The new group of students bring their own set of problems to Heidi's table. And the Lord uses Heidi to instill wisdom and trust in their hearts.

This is a heartwarming tale of love that will leave you feeling the cozy warmth of friendship.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing, Netgalley, Wanda's Clippity Clop Club. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

Wanda E. Brunstetter never disappoints in providing a heartwarming read.

In book two of The Amish Cooking Class, she introduces 6 new members of Heidi's Saturday morning cooking classes. Heidi is able to teach her students some new Amish recipes as well as share God's word.

My favorite character is teenager Nicole. Since her mom left she has become the "mom" of the household and cooks all the meals. Her family is ready for some new dishes and her dad finds Heidi's class. Over six weeks Nicole will learn more than cooking from Heidi. Will forgiveness be one of her learning experiences?

My least favorite character is Todd. Why? Because he is so full of himself. At times I found myself yelling at him to get over himself. Will Heidi be able to teach him that the world does not revolve around him?

I loved that Wanda brought back Kendra throughout the entire book. I cannot wait to see if she continues her story in the next book. I want to know what happens with the new love interest in Kendra's life. (Hint, Hint)

I cannot wait to try the recipes in the back of the book, especially Chicken in a Crumb Basket. It sounds yummy and I think my picky teenager might even like it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my own and honest review.

www.kentuckybooklover.com

The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter is The second book in The Amish Cooking Class series . Spending time reading this book is like visiting with old friends as we revisit some of the characters from her first book in this series and catch up with their lives. We also meet a new cast of characters that Heidi open her Ohio home to as she teaches her 6 new students in a cooking class. There are 3 men and 3 women from all walks of life. They get to know each other and form friendships and just maybe a romance will develop slowly for a few of them. Wanda really pours her heart into her books and makes the characters come alive for us and we get to know them. I felt a lot of emotions as I read this and was glad to see the characters lives taking a turn for the better through hard work,faith,forgiveness and perseverance. Very enjoyable book and I look forward to getting to know the characters in Wanda's book 3 in the series when it releases.
Pub Date 01 Aug 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

What better way for a woman to share her love of cooking than by teaching others. Heidi Troyer was a wonderful cook who decided to invite people into her home for cooking lessons. Her Aunt Emma was a master quilter and to help conquer her loneliness as a widow she started teaching others to quilt. Heidi knew that Emma got much more in return from her students than just seeing their completed projects. So, Heidi, in turn, prayed that by giving simple cooking lessons she could bless others while adding purpose to her own life. Her first classes were successful so she planned to teach another series of lessons.

She and her husband Lyle have been married nearly nine years yet remain childless. After years of longing for a child, they are looking forward to adopting a baby. As things happen in life, the best laid plans don’t always come to fruition. Disappointed and hurt, Heidi buoyed herself with her deep faith and strength of character to overcome the sadness after learning the adoption fell through. With Lyle’s encouragement, she went ahead with her plans teach another series of classes. The first day of class brought an unexpected mix of eager students. From the lonely wife of a policeman to a teen struggling to fill the shoes of the mother who walked out on the family, Heidi welcomes them all to her home. Even her mailman smelled the delightful aromas and wanted to join in. Women and a few men who wanted to prepare tasty meals unwittingly found so much more in the Troyer's kitchen.
Each week as Heidi wrote out the weekly recipe for the class she tucked a verse of scripture on the back of t. Devout in her faith, she prayed that someone among the group would read and need that verse before the next class. Oftentimes, the students would gather and share how uncannily a verse resonated and hit home.

In her simple yet faithful way, Heidi made an impact on those who took her class. I read the first book in the series, Amish Cooking Class - where it all began when one woman decided to step out in a leap of faith to make a difference. I enjoyed the quiet way she listened, taught and prayed for her students. So much more was going on than mixing, baking and preparing food. A ragtag group of unlikely people came together as strangers and came away as friends. Each one with their own story.

I invite you to see your yourself by picking up this wonderful book. I was pleased to read the Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing, by Wanda Brunstetter for review for an unbiased review.

The Blessing is second in the series Amish Cooking Class. I have enjoyed this series. Many lives are involved and changes happen in each individuals lives. More let downs in Heidi's life so her husband suggest she does another cooking class to occupy her mind and time. This one has people of all kinds in it from a teenager trying to help a divorced father. A food critic and a caterer. Then we have the hunter wanting to find new things to feed his buddies. A wife was given an unwanted gift of this class. Each has something going on their lives how can the class help them and the scriptures that seem perfect for them on the back of the recipe? Can Heidi's broken heart be mended? Wanda always writes great inspirational books. I fully enjoy the recipes given in the book also. (less)

Heidi and Lyle Troyer, unable to conceive a much-wanted child, are given an opportunity to adopt a baby. Like all things in life, circumstances begin to pile up, and Heidi needs an outlet, so once again she opens her home to six strangers wanting to learn more about Amish food.

Each person in the story is as different from one another as possible. The cooking class consists of three men and three women. The men include a food critic hiding his true identity, an avid hunter and a school janitor. The women include a mother of two small children, a woman wanting ideas for her catering business and a teenager stressed out from having to keep her family together after her mom walks out on them.

I enjoyed finding out about Heidi’s previous students, whom we met in book one, The Seekers (The Amish Cooking Class Series). I felt like I was catching up with old friends.

Wanda Brunstetter’s ability to portray her characters makes you feel as if they are your next-door neighbors. However, one aspect of her writing that is a little off-putting is the way she jumps from one character to another in each chapter. Sometimes focusing on several characters helps show readers how the different individuals interact, but sometimes it is hard to determine which individual the author is referencing.

The Blessing is the second book in the series; however, it works well as a standalone.

There are two bonuses in the back of the novel. First, Miss Brunstetter includes the Amish recipes Heidi taught her students. Second, she lists discussion questions.

I received this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter is the second Amish Cooking Class novel. Heidi Troyer is married to Lyle, an auctioneer, and they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Kendra’s baby. Kendra is living with the couple (after her father threw her out when he discovered she was pregnant), and she has agreed to let Heidi and Lyle adopt her baby. When things do not go as planned, Lyle suggests Heidi hold another cooking class (keep her busy). Six people join Heidi in her home and each of them have a different reason. Lance is a postal carrier who has lost his wife, Nicole is a high school student who has struggling since her mother left, Todd is a food critic who is going to write an article about the class, Allie is a housewife with two kids who worries about her policeman husband and their marriage, Lisa is a local caterer who is hoping to learn new dishes for her business, and Bill who wishes to learn new dishes to impress his camping buddies. Heidi will teach them Amish dishes and share some of God’s wisdom with them through Bible verses. Heidi knows this group of people were brought together for a reason, and she looks forward to the experience. It will help Heidi deal with her own heartbreak. See what God has planned for each of these individuals and what the future hold for the Troyer’s in The Blessing.

The Blessing is well-written and engaging. I was immediately drawn into the story and I did not want it to end. I was captivated by this novel (which rarely happens). The Blessing contains characters that could be my own neighbor, relative, or mail carrier. Each of them have problems or situations that individuals experience every day. I thought the characters were well-developed and thought out by the author. I like seeing how each of the characters change over the course of the cooking classes. I was glad that the author updated readers on the individuals from The Seekers (they are nicely woven into the story). My rating for The Blessing is 5 out of 5 stars. I do recommend reading The Seekers before starting The Blessing (you will not regret reading either book). I found The Seekers to be heartwarming and uplifting. It is the type of novel that fills me with hope (which is desperately needed in our mixed-up society). I really appreciated the Bible verses the author included in the book. The enhanced the story and were meaningful. There are recipes and discussion questions at the end of the book. If you like to read Amish or Christian novels, I recommend reading The Blessing. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Amish Cooking Class series.

This is book 2 in another great series by Wanda E Brunstetter. She has a way of painting quite a written picture and is one of my favorite Amish authors. This book is primarily about another cooking class that Heidi has decided to hold at her home. Teaching people recipes of things she likes to make herself is a passion for her. The people who sign up for her class, all varying in age, are the people we follow throughout the book and each person has a life story being unfolded. I love reading through and following each person’s story and how their lives have been and are being worked out and intertwined. There are many twists and turns and it keeps you reading. You’ll want to pick this one up.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

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Heidi and Lyle opened their home to a troubled teenager who was expecting a baby after she agreed to let them adopt the babe. But coming toward the end of the pregnancy, her parents asked her to come back home and offered to help rear the baby too. Heidi was heartbroken, and so was Lyle, but he saw a way out of the grief and that was to get Heidi to give another one of her cooking classes. There are six characters who show up to learn what Heidi has to teach.

Todd is a food critic with no time for God
Lisa is a caterer wanting to expand her repertoire
Bill wants to impress his hunting buddies
Nicole is the teen daughter of a single father who expects her to cook for him and her siblings
Allie was given the class as a gift from her husband
Lance just wants to learn what Heidi teaches because he smells her cooking every day when he delivers her mail.

Each character in the book gets to tell the story from their own point of view, which makes the book so much more interesting. The other character is Kendra, the pregnant teen who sees something in Heidi and Lyle that she wants in her own life.

Wanda Brunstetter includes the recipes at the end of the book that Heidi teaches her class. I have a couple of them I want to try for myself in the coming week. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a piece of apple cornbread for a snack.

My thanks to Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Shiloh Run Press



Christian , General Fiction (Adult)

Pub Date 01 Aug 2017

I am reviewing a copy of The Amish Cooking Class-The Blessing through Barbour Publishing Inc, and Netgalley:

Lyle and Heidi once again open their Ohio home up to those seeking to learn more about Amish cooking, despite the stressful changes that have been occurring in their lives. This time around it is a teenager looking to help teach her divorced father how to prepare meals for the family, a caterer her needs new recipes, a food critic, a hunter who take the class hoping to impress his buddies. A wife who was given the class as a gift, a gift she did not want, and a mailman lured in by the aroma of good food.

During every class, Heidi teaches Culinary skills, but it is her words of wisdom brought by her life, her experiences.

I give Amish Cooking Class-The Blessing five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Amish cooking class – blessing has done it again – it has run away with my heart. The author truly makes the characters come to life and that you end up so in love with the characters and what's happening to them because you care for them so very much . In this thing have you have three men and three women with Heidi leaving the class as she opens up to them and they do that to each other. It is such a special book I just love it each person has a story and they each meld into each other beautifully.

This is the second book in The Amish Cooking Class series. Heidi Troyer is heartbroken because the adoption she hoped for did not work out. She decides to conduct another Cooking Class. Nicole, a teenager whose mother is an alcoholic., was my favorite character. Todd, a food critic, is the least like able character, as he is impatient at times with the other characters.
All of the characters in the book grow through Heidi’s spiritual guidance and encouragement. The characters bond together to help each other as well. Readers will enjoy the scriptures as well as the recipes provided in the book.
Heidi and her husband wrestle with the decision to become foster parents. The next book in the series will reveal the outcome of their decision. A refreshing read that leaves the reader hungry for more.

There's a reason why Wanda Brunstetter is one of my all-time favorite Amish authors and this book is once again a favorite book. Heidi continues to teach her cooking class as a way to heal herself, after her husband suggests it might give her peace. The class helps the participants as much as it helps her.
I give this book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers. This book would be appropriate for teen readers as well as adults as it is a clean, refreshing book.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley, the author, and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is an incredible Amish novel!

I loved getting to visit with Heidi and Lyle Troyer again. I thoroughly enjoy this couple because they have a strong marriage in which they support and encourage each other. Their marriage is the strong foundation for how the interact with the students in Heidi’s cooking class.

The new batch of students is varied and very entertaining to get to know. Each one has their own set of problems to work through over the course of the six classes. Even while she is trying to encourage her students Heidi herself is dealing with personal heartbreak.

I loved the appearances of Kendra and some of the other people who were in the first set of classes Heidi held. Their lives have progressed and it is a lot of fun to check in on them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Wanda Brunstetter does not disappoint with the third book in her Amish Cooking Class series. Heidi Troyer now has cooking classes for kids, and just like adults she taught in books 1 and 2, the kids have problems of their own. Through the classes, the kids finally overcome their issues and so do some of the parents. Love is the theme for everyone. This was a quick read and an enjoyable one.