The Gift (The Prairie State Friends)

I absolutely loved this book. Wanda Brunstetter did an excellent job. Her books never disappoint me and I just started reading her books like two years ago.
The Gift (book two of the Prairie State Friend series) is about Adam and Leah. Adam ends up having to take in his sister’s young children after she and her husband were killed in an accident. Leah who does reflexology juggles between caring for Adam's nieces during the day and reflexology in the evening decides to marry Adam for the stake of the children. Neither are in love with each other. Adam does not believe in reflexology because his mother used to do it before she left the Amish and Adam wants nothing to do with her or what she did. After so many years of being away and remarrying but now divorced again and with another son, Cora moves in the same town as Adam when she accepted a job as a nurse at the clinic. Both Cora and Adam do not know they are only within miles of each other. The book had its shared of tragedy, struggles, disappointments and love. I felt like the characters were real and I was right there with them. The ending ends in a cliff hanger wondering if Adam and Cora ever put aside the past, will Adam forgive Cora and let her back into his life, will Adam and Leah profess their love to each other and will Elaine and Jonah get back together again after Jonah becomes a widower or will she marry Ben? I highly recommend reading this book to all and if you haven't read The Decision (book one of the Prairie State Friend series) you should read that first. Some of the characters continue on the second book.
After you read the first two books in the series book three, The Revelation, will be published in February 2016.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for my honest review.

Title: The Gift
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Series: Prairie State Friends #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Gift" by Wanda Brunstetter

My Thoughts....

I found 'The Gift' a second in this series was a good read as we get a well written story that will keep your attention as you will be kept turning the pages. We are presented with a Amish story where we find Adam Beachy needing help after a tragedy not that he hadn't already had one with the way his mom had left his family. What happens as he becomes caretaker of his three nieces will really be some read. And the fact that he needs a wife to help him...a marriage of convenience...well this is where Leah Mast comes into the picture as she cared for Adams' nieces during the day and did her reflexology in the evening until she decided to marry Adam for the sake of the children. Now, what will come of this...was there any love? What was up with Adam not believing in reflexology? I liked the way this author was able to present these characters life's to the reader where we find hope, love, disappointments, tragedy, struggles as well as longing through all the emotional parts of this storyline that flowed very well to even bringing in the hummingbirds and the other animals were a perfect fit into this story. Also the topic of reflexology was a great interesting part of this wonderful story as the reader will see Adam's past as well as Leah's. Be ready for many twist that you keep you alert because the author seems to do this so often in this novels. You will be definitely be kept wondering what will be coming next as the reader sees how well this author will bring it all out ...'love, loss and family issues.' Will Adams find forgiveness and peace that he needs in his life? Will he ever be able to 'trust, obey, love and forgive? There will be a lots going on in "The Gift" that will tie together toward the end, so you will have to keep up with this story [that is presented to the reader in third person point of view]. Even though this novel is a standalone read ... to understand a little more about some of the characters from the pass, I would suggest you read the first series...'The Decision' first. And as always...the author gives us a recipes ...this time from Leah...'a chocolate chip cheeseball.'

My final thoughts....

By the end of this story the reader will be left only wanting more of this inspirational read as we wait for the next series as we will be left with a cliffhanger with many unanswered questions as the reader will be left wondering .... will Adam be able to put aside the pass? I guess we will have to wait for this answer and more when the next series...'The Revelation' is ready to read.

I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.

After being less than impressed with <i>The Decision</i> (the first book in this series) I wasn’t all that keen to read this book, but when it came up on a Kindle sale I thought I would be a good opportunity to give Brunstetter a second chance. I don’t like to write an author off after one book and there are obviously many people who love her work, so I plunged in, hoping to discover what I had missed the first time.

Unfortunately, all of my previous impressions were simply reinforced. The characters in this book are like wooden actors reciting lines. We are told, told, told repeatedly, rather than shown. The prose is bland and unsophisticated. The dialogue is unnatural, often being used to inform the reader, or even more awkwardly, to repeat in English what another character has said using an Amish Dutch word. There are whole scenes where nothing happens except the character thinking. And if there was a heart monitor on the tension, it would be virtually flat-lining. There was one spike about three-quarters of the way through the book, but by then I had abandoned all hopes of permanent resuscitation.

If it’s romance you’re looking for, you’re not likely to be any more impressed. For the first three-quarters of the book Leah and Adam repeatedly convince themselves that they will never marry (me thinks they did protest too much!) and then all of a sudden they think, “Oh. I’ve fallen in love with him/her. I wonder whether he/she will ever feel the same.”

You also get random points-of-view from Eileen and Priscilla (Leah’s friends) and Sara Miller (who married Jonah in the previous book). These were obviously to keep their stories going in preparation for the third book in the series, but they really had nothing to do with Leah and Adam’s story, or if they did, could have been told just as effectively from Leah’s or Adam’s viewpoint. Then there was ‘Cora’, a character whose point-of-view seemed wholly unconnected to the story for the first half of the book. Her place became more obvious during the second half, but every time she came up before that I would think, “Who are you, and what are you doing in my story?” I really think her part could have been handled better.

The final book in this series will release next month, and I am seriously torn over whether or not to sacrifice the time to read it. I’ve really not had any resolution yet, despite being two books in to the series, and so in that sense I am keen to get some closure and move on, but I’m really not sure if I can put myself through it. It pains me to be so negative, and from the reviews it would seem I am definitely in the minority, but if this series is representative of Brunstetter's style, then she's definitely not an author for me.

The Gift by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second book in Prairie State Friends series. Leah Mast learned reflexology from her Grandmother Yoder as a teenager and she uses those skills to help those in her community. Since she is not licensed, she only accepts donations for her services. Adam Beachy is really against reflexology (there has to be a story behind his attitude) and makes it a point to tell Leah about his feelings when he gives her a lift home during the rain (she was riding her bike).

Adam is on his front porch waiting for the arrival of his sister, Mary and her family when police officers arrive. They were in an auto accident. Mary and her husband, Amos were severely injured and did not make it. Adam is left with taking care of their three girls (Amy-10, Linda-7, and Carrie-4). Adam is used to living alone and running his hardware store. Adam does not have a clue how to raise three girls. Leah’s mother until she has to go take care of her sister who is pregnant and bedridden. Leah takes over the care of the girls during the day. She schedules her reflexology appointments for evenings when she is at home (she feels that her talents for healing are a gift from God). When Leah tries to take care of Amy’s headache one day with reflexology, Adam is very upset. He insists that Leah not use it on any of his children. What does Adam have against reflexology? Adam is grateful for Leah’s help with the children, but he needs a wife. The children care for Leah and respond to her. Adam proposes a marriage of convenience. Will it work out between Adam and Leah?

Cora Finley is a nurse in Chicago, Illinois. She is divorced and has a teenage son named Jared. Jared has been getting into trouble since the divorce. He has been hanging around with the wrong crowd. Cora has decided to move to a more rural area and get her son away from the bad influences. Cora gets a job in Arthur, Illinois at a clinic. Cora’s past, though, is about to catch up with her. Jonah Miller and Sara have married and are expecting their first child. Jonah was courting Elaine Schrock until her grandmother became ill. Elaine had to take care of her grandmother, Edna so she told Jonah a little lie (that she did not care for him). Elaine was hoping that Jonah would still be available after her grandmother passed away and that he would understand her reasoning. Unfortunately, Jonah married Sara within a few months. Elaine has started the dinners again at her farm (English visitors get a traditional Amish dinner and can ask questions about their life and culture) trying to move forward, but she misses Jonah.

The Gift was a typical Wanda E. Brunstetter novel. It is well-written and enjoyable to read. There is a lot going on in the novel, but it all ties together. I give The Gift 4 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it, but I did not love it). This is the second book in the series, but it can be read without reading the previous book (but it really helps to have read The Decision).

I received a complimentary copy of The Gift in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

After being less than impressed with <i>The Decision</i> (the first book in this series) I wasn’t all that keen to read this book, but when it came up on a Kindle sale I thought I would be a good opportunity to give Brunstetter a second chance. I don’t like to write an author off after one book and there are obviously many people who love her work, so I plunged in, hoping to discover what I had missed the first time.

Unfortunately, all of my previous impressions were simply reinforced. The characters in this book are like wooden actors reciting lines. We are told, told, told repeatedly, rather than shown. The prose is bland and unsophisticated. The dialogue is unnatural, often being used to inform the reader, or even more awkwardly, to repeat in English what another character has said using an Amish Dutch word. There are whole scenes where nothing happens except the character thinking. And if there was a heart monitor on the tension, it would be virtually flat-lining. There was one spike about three-quarters of the way through the book, but by then I had abandoned all hopes of permanent resuscitation.

If it’s romance you’re looking for, you’re not likely to be any more impressed. For the first three-quarters of the book Leah and Adam repeatedly convince themselves that they will never marry (me thinks they did protest too much!) and then all of a sudden they think, “Oh. I’ve fallen in love with him/her. I wonder whether he/she will ever feel the same.”

You also get random points-of-view from Eileen and Priscilla (Leah’s friends) and Sara Miller (who married Jonah in the previous book). These were obviously to keep their stories going in preparation for the third book in the series, but they really had nothing to do with Leah and Adam’s story, or if they did, could have been told just as effectively from Leah’s or Adam’s viewpoint. Then there was ‘Cora’, a character whose point-of-view seemed wholly unconnected to the story for the first half of the book. Her place became more obvious during the second half, but every time she came up before that I would think, “Who are you, and what are you doing in my story?” I really think her part could have been handled better.

The final book in this series will release next month, and I am seriously torn over whether or not to sacrifice the time to read it. I’ve really not had any resolution yet, despite being two books in to the series, and so in that sense I am keen to get some closure and move on, but I’m really not sure if I can put myself through it. It pains me to be so negative, and from the reviews it would seem I am definitely in the minority, but if this series is representative of Brunstetter's style, then she's definitely not an author for me.

The Gift by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second book in Prairie State Friends series. Leah Mast learned reflexology from her Grandmother Yoder as a teenager and she uses those skills to help those in her community. Since she is not licensed, she only accepts donations for her services. Adam Beachy is really against reflexology (there has to be a story behind his attitude) and makes it a point to tell Leah about his feelings when he gives her a lift home during the rain (she was riding her bike).

Adam is on his front porch waiting for the arrival of his sister, Mary and her family when police officers arrive. They were in an auto accident. Mary and her husband, Amos were severely injured and did not make it. Adam is left with taking care of their three girls (Amy-10, Linda-7, and Carrie-4). Adam is used to living alone and running his hardware store. Adam does not have a clue how to raise three girls. Leah’s mother until she has to go take care of her sister who is pregnant and bedridden. Leah takes over the care of the girls during the day. She schedules her reflexology appointments for evenings when she is at home (she feels that her talents for healing are a gift from God). When Leah tries to take care of Amy’s headache one day with reflexology, Adam is very upset. He insists that Leah not use it on any of his children. What does Adam have against reflexology? Adam is grateful for Leah’s help with the children, but he needs a wife. The children care for Leah and respond to her. Adam proposes a marriage of convenience. Will it work out between Adam and Leah?

Cora Finley is a nurse in Chicago, Illinois. She is divorced and has a teenage son named Jared. Jared has been getting into trouble since the divorce. He has been hanging around with the wrong crowd. Cora has decided to move to a more rural area and get her son away from the bad influences. Cora gets a job in Arthur, Illinois at a clinic. Cora’s past, though, is about to catch up with her. Jonah Miller and Sara have married and are expecting their first child. Jonah was courting Elaine Schrock until her grandmother became ill. Elaine had to take care of her grandmother, Edna so she told Jonah a little lie (that she did not care for him). Elaine was hoping that Jonah would still be available after her grandmother passed away and that he would understand her reasoning. Unfortunately, Jonah married Sara within a few months. Elaine has started the dinners again at her farm (English visitors get a traditional Amish dinner and can ask questions about their life and culture) trying to move forward, but she misses Jonah.

The Gift was a typical Wanda E. Brunstetter novel. It is well-written and enjoyable to read. There is a lot going on in the novel, but it all ties together. I give The Gift 4 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it, but I did not love it). This is the second book in the series, but it can be read without reading the previous book (but it really helps to have read The Decision).

I received a complimentary copy of The Gift in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

Adam Beachy's past haunts him, with abandonment always lurking beneath the surface of his thoughts. Upon the sudden deaths of his sister and her husband Adam is faced with the responsibilities of raising his three nieces. Leah Mast has reached a time in her life that marriage seems only a distant dream. Her gift of reflexology is one of her joys in life, as she helps members of her community find relief from their ailments. Adam sees her gift as hocus pocus, creating a bone of contention between them. In spite of their differences Leah agrees to care for Adam's nieces while he tends to his hardware business.

The second in The Prairie State Friends series, The Gift captured my attention with its detailed and heart-wrenching events. Developments throughout this poignant story evoke emotions of considerable proportions. Credible events create a realistic portrayal of humanity. I was captivated and impassioned throughout this impressive novel of overcoming significant obstacles in life's pathways.

The author possesses a wealth of knowledge of the Amish community, and is a master at creating inspiring plots and engaging characters. The Gift is a impressive depiction of life and the impact that profound circumstances places on those illustrated throughout this remarkable story of tolerance, forgiveness and faith. I highly recommend The Gift and its prequel, The Decision. This series is an unforgettable testament to the author's expertise.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Leah Mast has a gift. The gift of healing through reflexology, a special type of massage of the feet and their pressure points. People from all around come for her help, all, that is, except Adam. Adam is totally opposed to such "hocus-pocus" type treatments and shows his disdain in the way he treats her. Although a handsome young bachelor, definitely not for Leah.

Adam Beachy's family dissolved as he was a young boy, when his mother left his father and their two children. Adam can't forgive this and lives a life of unhappiness that appears to have carried through from childhood to his adulthood. When tragedy again comes in his life, he finds himself the guardian of his three young nieces, a job he is not very prepared for and requests the help of Leah.

Leah quickly bonds with the girls, which is noticed by Adam who suggests a marriage in name only. Not really the romantic proposal she would ever want, nor from the man of her dreams. But she loves the girls. She must decide what to do.

Author Wanda Brunstetter is certainly one of my favorite authors. I love how this book, in the Prairie State Friends series, carries on where the previous book, The Decision left off. It is fun to see the characters again, such as Elaine and others and how the Decision Elaine made turns out in book 2.

I enjoyed this book very much, although it may have ended a little quicker than I expected and I do see that there will be another book in the series. Because I would certainly want to see how their lives continue.

The Gift, is the second book in the Prairie State Friends series. Once again author Wanda Brunstetter did not disappoint. This book kept me turning pages just as fast as my eyes could read.

I was several chapters into the story when a couple of new characters entered the picture. I was a bit stumped to how they fit in. Patience soon made everything crystal clear. It was a light bulb moment for me. I should have figured it out sooner but I didn't!

I enjoyed that this book was not cut and dried. Issues, problems, and concerns, that cropped up in this story, would easily fit in with today's world.

Without God in our lives can we learn to trust, obey, love, and forgive? Sometimes it is easy to trust, obey, love, but forgive? That can be a hard one.

When I got to the end of this book I was disappointed that it ended. I wanted the story to continue on and on. I can't wait for book three to be released to find out what happens to all my favorite characters in this book.

I highly recommend this book to all who read this review. If you haven't read book one, The Decision, do so.

This story begins when Leah Mast and Adam Beachy share a difference of opinion concerning her gift of reflexology. The storm raging outside the Amish horse drawn buggy has no comparison to the clash of personalities within its confines. As time passes Adam, a confirmed bachelor , finds himself in need of a wife, when his three young nieces come to live with him. Unsure of how to care for the girls and in desperation , Adam reaches out to Leah for help.
Amish fiction is my favorite genre and Wanda Brunstetter's style of writing has always appealed to me. I love how her stories flow so smoothly throughout the pages. Closer to the end of the book the author throws in a unexpected surprise to spice up the story . I found myself eagerly turning pages wanting to find out where this was leading to. On this regard the end is unsettled and left up in the air until book three comes out.
I would recommend The Gift to all fans of Wanda Brunstetter. This book did not disappoint . If you read book one of the series, The Decision, you will definitely not want to miss out on The Gift .

The Gift by Wanda F. Brunstetter is the second book in the Prairie State Friend series, (The Decision is #1) , but is also a great stand-alone book. I didn't read the first book in the series and had no problem with following along in this one. Although now I want to go back and read The Decision.

I learned a few things about Leah's passions, hummingbirds and reflexology. Was interesting to read and learn about. Leah decides to take Adam up on his proposal of marriage to help him raise his 3 nieces, even though it will be a marriage in name only or will it?

The Gift is an awesome story with love, forgiveness,acceptance, and tolerance for others. The end of the book left me wanting more! Will Adam forgive Cora? Or will Cora and Jared move back to Chicago? Will Adam and Leah have a baby of their own to add to their family? I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see how these characters stories play out.

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review

God gave Leah the gift to heal through foot massages.

Adam owns a hardware store in the town of Arthur. Leah practices reflexology in her basement. Adams mother, who also practiced reflexology, left the faith and her family when Adam was 5 years old, and views anything to do with his mother and marriage as a ad thing that he will never partake in. All that changes when tragedy strikes and he ends up raising his 3 young nieces. He ends up having Leah watch the girls and they marry to provide full time care to his nieces.

The Gift is book 2 in the prairie State Friends series. Written in the third person point of view, we get to follow numerous people, not just Adam and Leah. Very well written and keeps you guessing about where everything is going. The end was very abrupt and leaves some things unanswered so you know there will be a book 3 coming out.

I can't wait to see what some of the other characters stories turn out to be next. 4 out of 5 stars. Christian approved and recommended for all.

Wanda Brunstetter continues her Prairie State Friends series with The Gift. She once again takes her readers to Arthur, Illinois, to re-visit friends first introduced in The Decision.

The story picks up from the first book, with several characters returning in continuing relationships. The story has an engaging mix of hope, joy, promise and hurt, despair, and struggle. There are twists and turns that kept me well involved in the flow of the story. I also learned some interesting things about widely varying topics like reflexology and hummingbirds.

Fans of good Amish fiction should enjoy this read by one of the premier authors in the genre. There are enough loose ends left in the story to make me anxious to see how they work out in the final installment of the trilogy -- The Revelation, scheduled for release next February.

Thanks to Wanda and her publisher for providing a copy of The Gift in exchange for my honest review.

Fantastic! This is the second book in the Prairie State Friends series. This seemed to stand alone but I recommend reading the first in the series because Wanda E. Brunstetter books are always wonderful. I have never read one of hers that I didn't like. This one has Leah Mast who has a gift of healing using reflexology and Adam Beachy who wants nothing to do with reflexology because of something that happened in his childhood. They meet because Adam has a tragedy and his sister and husband die and he is left to raise their children. Leah helps him to care for them. This book has a great bit of romance and just a hint of what will happen next. I really recommend this series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion.

This is book two in The Prairie State Friends series. This book was absolutely amazing from the very beginning right to the very end. There is always something happening in the story. You will laugh, cry all the way through this book. I so love the characters and their personalities. This is such an amazing story line that will make it so that you won’t want to put the book down. I read this book in a day it was that wonderful. The story is so gripping and so real. I felt as though I was living the story right along with the characters. It takes a truly talented writer to grab a hold of you and not let go of you with one of their stories. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Be sure to pick up your copy of the book today! Remember it makes a great gift also! 5 star!

Another great book by Wanda Brunstetter.

When you have a natural gift you feel as though it should be used, even though others in your life feel like it shouldn't be.

I found this book to be very well written and interesting.
It certainly held my attention throughout.

Ms. Brunstetter takes us back to Arthur, IL where we are reunited with Leah, Priscilla, and Elaine. There are other characters she brings back in addition to some new characters.

I enjoyed the emphasis on relationships and I actually learned some interesting things about hummingbirds.

I look forward to more books in this series as I've enjoyed the characters that she has created.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Truly a great book from Wanda Brunstetter! Leah, a reflexology, and Adam who was a bachelor who owned a Hardware store get together for the sake of helping Adam with his 3 nieces after his sister, Mary dies. Leah loves doing what she does. She feels it is a gift from God. Adam carries his past with him and does not like Leah practicing reflexology. It reminds him of his mother who wanted more and left him and his sister to pursue her dream. When you read this book you will be filled with many different emotions. Birth, death, sadness, anger, and hope will fill your senses throughout the book! Though, I wanted to know more at the end of the book, I believe sequels are to follow!

Brunstetter never disappoints and this novel, book two in the Prairie State Friends series, lives up to expectations. Leah Mast has a gift for healing people using reflexology by massaging key spots on their feet. Leah's neighbor, handsome Adam Beachy scoffs at her ability and becomes angry when discussing the treatments that Leah provides in the community. Leah learns that Adam's mother practiced reflexology before she left her husband and abandoned her family. Adam's world is turned upside down when he becomes guardian of his three nieces and he realizes that a hardware store is no place for young girls to play. Hiring someone to look after the girls is a solution, however, what Adam really needs is a wife to cook, clean and be a mother to his nieces. Will a marriage of convenience work for him and will his new wife be submissive to her husband and give up what is important to her? Or will history repeat itself?

I read Decision, the first book in the series and loved it. Bruntsetter has a way of bringing out the best traits of people in real life situations. Life isn't perfect, but there is always hope for a better day tomorrow. Her message of "love prevails" is evident in this book and the "six degrees of separation" theory provides an interesting twist to a painful experience. I always enjoy Brunstetter's books, well-written, entertaining and hopeful. If you are an "Amish Fiction" genre fan, you will soon be drawn in and won't leave until you finish. The recipes are always an additional "gift" from Wanda.

I received a copy of this book to review from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.

Deeply hurt as a young boy, Adam keeps to himself to prevent ever feeling that aching pain again. Adam doesn't trust women. He's close to his sister though she's married and lives in another state. He's owns a thriving business.
Leah's gift is healing. She's a reflexologist, giving foot treatments. She has loving parents and good friends. Can she break through Adam's shell and help heal his heart?
Engaging, dramatic, romantic read! There's a story within a story that keeps the pages turning with interest! Enjoyed! 4 1/2 stars
Book free for honest review.

Author Wanda Brunstetter has written one of the better Amish stories I've read recently. Brunstetter creates memorable characters as you have Leah, who practices reflexology and is an older single Amish woman; and Adam who fears getting to know people let alone get married.

Circumstances throw the couple together and from their the magic happens.

At the end of her book you'll find two recipes for you to try.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

Wanda Brunstetter does it again!

The Gift is a book you will not want to put down, but if you do, know that you will continue to wonder just what the characters in the book are up to and what will happen to them next. When you have finished reading the book, your thought will be "I didn't see THAT coming"!

I absolutely loved this book (and series) and anxiously await the next installment!

Go ahead...try it...the story line will grab you in the first 5 pages!

The Gift by Wanda Brunstetter is the second novel in her The Prairie State Friends book series. I have to say it is an interesting story and I enjoyed the plot, more so because it deviated a bit from the standard Amish Romance format.
I found The Gift a refreshing read and I definitely recommend it to you all!

Thank you to Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Great Story!! It proves first impressions are usually not the best, you really need to get to know someone before you label them. Opposites do attract and can have a very good relationship!!! I learned about reflexology, I didn't know much about it. Another good one Wanda, cant wait for #3 to find out about what happens with Priscilla an Elaine.

The Gift. It had my attention from the very first page. Two people who come together thinking each one would be alone forever. Finally admitting they both were in love and not a marriage of convenience for Adams 3 nieces he was raising.
Leah had a great gift, but was she going to be able to keep it and tend to 3 girls and a husband?
Loved this book and wonder what is next.
Carolyn J.