20 February 2013

Goodbye To Yesterday by Wanda Brunstetter, Book review

 Publisher: Barbour Books (February 5, 2013)
 ISBN-13: 978-1616260859

Synopsis:


Book 1 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial novel.   
New York Times Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter weaves a compelling love story brilliantly mingled with an unexpected twist. Instead of experiencing newlywed bliss, Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus are faced with the challenge of their young lives. Will the faith and love shared by this Amish couple be enough to bring them back together again, against all odds?

My thoughts:

The first thing you notice when you hold a copy of Wanda Brunstetter's latest novel is the singular format: you can hold the book in your palm at 7.3 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches, a mere 4 ounces! I admit to like this 'new' approach very much. 
A New York Times Bestselling Christian author, there is something comforting in Wanda's wholesome writing and you just know it will be clear, concise, and a reflection of her deep respect for the Amish community.

Whilst some might perceive the slow progress of the plot as tedious, let's remember this is after all  part 1 of 6 in 'The Discovery' series and the author is merely establishing a background for her story.

In 'Goodbye to Yesterday' we discover the slow economy is hard for all including Amish Meredith and Luke Stolzfus. Married only a year, Luke is having a difficult time handling the stress since losing his job at the furniture store. 

When the opportunity to learn a new trade comes his way he jumps at the occasion. This might just help him to fall back on his two feet and support his family. The drawback is that he must travel to Indiana to pursue this offer and with a winter storm brewing, Meredith is apprehensive at this temporary separation. 
There is also something very special she had hoped to share with her husband but now is not the time and all too soon, Luke is on his way. 

Whilst traveling to Indiana to learn his new trade from his uncle, Luke however makes a dramatic encounter which changes their lives perhaps forever.

I remember well childhood similar formatted stories but I admit the conundrum of the story is enticing only up to a point. I have grown fond of reading a whole book versus time released chapters. Sadly, I might very well forget part 1 and never know the rest! Still, it is a matter of choice after all!

In so far Goodbye to Yesterday remains a good story!
4 Stars!


About the Author:

'Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 6 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.'

For additional information visit her website (HERE)

I received this book free from HANDLEBAR as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.  



4 comments:

  1. Intersting - you write such thorough and comprehensive reviews, Noelle. While I am fascinated by the Amish community I don't know if the serial format would work for me - I fear I'd lose interest half way through.

    Gillian x

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'll take that as a compliment Gillian! Thank you.
    I agree with you regarding the format, then again some people might prefer it!
    Blessings,

    ReplyDelete
  3. Noelle,
    Oh, I must get back to reading....this sounds like a good one. There is an Amish show that I watch whenever it comes on TV, and it is a beautiful story about forgiveness. I cry every time I watch it. The Amish live such a simple, uncomplicated life, and I admire some of their ways. Have a wonderful weekend, Noelle.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sheri, I am often surprised that whilst Amishes live a 'plain' and simple life, they have many similar difficulties to ours, including but not limited to, marriage, parenting, elderly care, cost of living, Faith (or loss of) and even abuse.
    They still believe in family unity and community help and that's something you rarely find these days in our society. How sad!

    ReplyDelete

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