Letters of Comfort - (Friendship Letters) by Wanda E Brunstetter (Paperback)

Doretta has suffered a tragedy. Will she be able to move on? Will she find love again? I love the fact that Wanda Brunstetter has covered new subjects in her writing.

This is the second book in the “Friendship Letters” Series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I was so happy to read this second book in the series. Your life can change in an instant, as Doretta knows, she lost her fiance and all of her hopes and dreams for the future. She battles deep depression as she tries to overcome her losses. Doretta's best friend Eleanor writes her letters of hope and prayers for healing. Warren lost the other half of himself when his identical twin brother William died. He struggles with knowing the right thing to do since he and William were going to start a business together, he doesn't feel like he can do it by himself, so he leans on the One who is there for us. I think you will really enjoy reading this book.

Remember when writing letters was a chief source of communication for everyone? I was always so excited to find a letter in my mailbox and this new book is a lovely reminder of that simple joy. In Letters of Comfort, it's Doretta Schwartz's turn to find encouragement and solace in the letters that she exchanges with her friend Eleanor Lapp. Doretta's grief over the death of her soon-to-be husband has become her constant companion and she's also recovering from the injuries she received in the tragic accident. Will Eleanor's letters pull Doretta from the depths of depression that threaten her once cheerful existence? Author Wanda E. Brunstetter is known for writing encouraging stories of family and faith and Letters of Comfort is no different, but there's also grief that comes from tragedy and the feelings of depression that often occur in the aftermath. This is an emotional story of learning to accept loss, attempting to find a new normal, and welcoming second chances. The letters between Eleanor and Doretta add a special touch. and there's even a recipe for Doretta's Apple Muffins. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish contemporary fiction and look forward to the third book in the Friendship Letters series. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

What a beautiful and touching story! Amish fiction is not my usual genre, but I loved it! I like how their faith is usually so strong and the sense of community and helping one another that they have. It’s inspiring. This is the second book in the “Friendship Letters” Series, and I have to say that I didn’t read the first, but they can be read perfectly as standalones. Now I want to read about Eleanor’s story, the heroine in the first book, since she is such a loyal friend to Doretta in this book, and I really liked her. I loved this story because it felt so realistic. The way the author deals with the character’s emotional turmoil after the passing of a loved one -a soulmate, a son, a sibling- was very human and relatable. We all grieve in different ways, but this kind of loss can very well lead to a depression, which is very understandable, but needs to be treated and helped in unique ways depending one’s personality, circumstances, etc. It especially needs understanding, empathy, and lots of patience and listening. It made me want to be more empathetic to so many people that go through this particularly difficult moment, of loss and depression. And depression can be caused by many other things that are difficult to explain, not only some kind of loss. And we need to be understanding and discover what that person needs in order to heal better. Most people think that isolation is what they need, and even the person with this problem might think so too as interacting is not easy or comfortable, but I think we all need love, kindness and compassion to get us through these moments. This book showed me the treasure of true friendship, the kind that’s there for you in the good times and bad times, and not only that, but the kind that is there for you when you are not in your best self or may feel unlovable or incapable of sharing with others. And another thing I learned from this book is the power of prayer. That is the best gift you can give to anyone, and it may not always bring the outcome we expect but it warms your heart and makes you realize you are loved and cared for by the most important person in the world: God himself! I loved the characters from this book. Even if Doretta was grieving in her own way, and that made her difficult to deal with others as she felt misunderstood, especially at first, she was relatable and she had a huge loving heart, which is what made her grief so deep too. And Warren had a heart of gold too, and I loved his concern for Doretta, and the way he wanted to support his parents by not adding to their grief. He was an honest and kind man, and unselfish too. And Eleanor was a true friend. I liked how she helped Doretta overcome her depression by giving her insight into the wisdom of the Scriptures to bring her closer to God, who is the True Healer. I highly recommend this book. It deals with hard real life issues but it does it with hope and love. It was a heart-tugging story with lovable characters that inspired me and enlightened me in my faith. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing but was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This was book two in the Friendship Letters series. It was even better than book one although it was excellent as well. Doretta had helped best friend Eleanor through a crisis in book one and now Eleanor is trying to help Doretta through her own time of grief. After having her neck broken and her fiancé killed in a buggy collision, Doretta is suffering a very severe depression. No one seems to be able to help her until her body heals and she finds purpose in working part time for Warren, the identical twin of her former fiancé. That eventually goes awry and she “runs away”. This was a book I really got into and only “jumped from the pages” when real life called. I felt immersed into their lives and my husband had to call my names several times before I responded as in a daze. After finishing in record time I’m now awaiting the next book in this wonderful series. I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author through Barbour Publishing but was not required to write a review.

Having just lost my mother, I felt with Doretta her sadness of losing someone close to her. She went from being very happy and positive to be being very depressed. She had lost her fiance William in a buggy accident. No manner what her family and good friends did, her depression got worse. Doretta isolates herself. When her friend opens a nutrition store, Warren asks his girlfriend Margaret to work in the store. But it soon becomes apparent that her interest is in working with horses. Warren asks his friend Doretra to work in the store two days a week. It becomes apparent to the reader that they are falling for each other. When Warren blurts out that he loves her, she leaves the store abruptly. She calls her friend Eleanor who lives in another state if she can come stay with them. She leaves immediately. Even though it is hard for her to admit, she has fallen for Warren too. What will happen now? Doretta and her fiance William had made a vow to each other that they would never marry anyone else. Even though William was gone, she felt she couldn't break this vow. What is Doretta to do now? Read on and find out what happens.

I highly recommend anything Wanda Brunstetter 's books. This is not an exception. She is dealing with a very serious topic - depression. I couldn't put it down.

Letters of Comfort is the second book in the Friendship Letters series by Wanda Brunstetter and tells Doretta's story. The story opens with Doretta and William making plans for their wedding and life together, only for a tragic accident change everything in seconds. Injury and loss cause a complete change in Doretta's outlook, bring on depression and uncertainty for her future. Her faith is tested. Her friend Eleanor sends letters of encouragement, hoping to help Doretta find her way. Warren, William's twin, shares an understanding of Doretta's struggles and reaches out to her, hoping to help her find a happiness in life again. I love the characters and realism in this story. The difficult topics of depression, loss, and grief are dealt with in a tasteful way, making this a story that tugs at the heart. I loved the second chance of happiness that results, the relatable characters, and that faith is woven throughout. An overall great read. Thanks to the publisher and author for complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and thoughts about it are my own.

This is book two in The Friendship Letters series and although it can be read as a stand-alone I suggest you read book one so you understand the deep abiding friendship between these ladies. I love the letter writing as it reminds me of the dying art of sending and receiving letters and the joy of discovering one in your mailbox. This book deals with depression after losing your fiancé and how Doretta, who has been an encouragement to others in difficult times now needs encouragement to seek God and move forward with hope. Eleanor although a busy wife and mother remembers how her friend was there for her and takes the time to be the encourager to her in return. It is a great reminder of how friendship is taking and giving not one sided. I have enjoyed this series as although they deal with a difficult subject I admire Ms. Brunstetter tackling the subject of depression and how there is hope in the storms of life. Warren is so patient and kind even though he is grieving also he reaches out to be a help. An all around good story that leaves you wanting these friendships to include you. I highly recommend. Enclosed is a recipe and an author note on depression as well as discussion questions. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Book #2 in The Friendship Letters series, Letter of Comfort focuses on Doretta Schwartz, a young woman who's life takes a sharp turn when her fiance is killed in an accident. Struggling with her own recovery an depression, she isolates herself and closes herself off to love and family. Doretta becomes determined to forget and bury her pain through staying busy. When an opportunity arises for her to work at the local health food store, it seems like the perfect distraction. But things might be more complicated than they seem. This series just keeps getting better. I originally read book #1, Letters of Trust, earlier this year so I had some context for the characters in this series. But Letters of Comfort goes even deeper, dealing with grieving and depression in a very real way. Brunstetter does a very good job of representing all those emotions in an authentic manner, and creates very true to life characters. Although this is the second in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title. So real and honest... I definitely recommend this one! *Disclaimer: I recieved a copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is a beautifully written story about grief and friendship. I loved how the author develops her characters slowly while showing how they grow and overcome obstacles. Getting to know Doretta was a look at someone who is grieving a loved one. Everything was going so perfect for her as her wedding day was fast approaching. An evening before the wedding her soon to be husband takes her on a buggy ride. He has a big surprise for her and can’t wait to see how excited she will be. When tragedy comes Doretta’ dreams are shattered. Finding out that her beloved William has died was too much for her. She missed his funeral due to being in the hospital. Now she faces a life without him and a journey of recovering from her own injuries from the accident. Her bitterness is evident as she pushes family, friends and God away. I loved how her dear friend Eleanor continues to write letters of comfort to Doretta. Even though Doretta does not respond we can tell she slowly is allowing scriptures and encouraging words to heal her anger and broken heart. The author does an excellent job of using different people to speak into Doretta’s life. People react differently to grief and I could understand why Doretta was angry. Her life is forever changed and she doesn’t feel like she has a future anymore. Warren is grieving the loss of his twin brother William. The entire family has been shaken by his death and it is hard to go forward at times. Warren tries so hard to keep himself busy but there are a few people who seem to bother him a little too much. His sweet mother hovers over Warren which upsets him. In her own grieving process she tries to hold tight to her remaining son. Warren was very close to his brother and as twins they shared many things. Now he is left with a big hole in his heart. I appreciate how he reaches out to Doretta and tries to comfort her. I loved when he reminds Doretta what 2 Corinthians 5:8 says, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. “ This has been a great story that reminds us to never give up on our friends. Eleanor continued to write to Doretta even when she didn’t get a reply. Warren faces his feelings and learns to trust God more. Doretta well that will be a surprise for readers to discover. I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.