I sat down to read this book last night, and ended up reading it all at once to see what would happen. Like any engaging book, the characters stuck in my mind today. So, I want to share the good, the bad and some recommendations! First of all: this book is not going to be a classic. The subject is rather cliche and predictable and some of the dialog is unrealistic. For style, it is just an average book. Not bad, not exceptional. However, the content of the book is the important part. I commend the author for painting an excellent picture of how people should treat each other. Yes, there is an antagonist, as with most novels; however, there are portrayals of great communication and healthy relationships that make great examples. Many of the main characters have secrets, hidden fears, shames, etc., but they learn to communicate with each other with respect and I think its admirable. If only people in "real life" treated each so well! The characters are Amish and there is a strong sense of community and family life that really strikes me as wholesome and more meaningful than a whole stack of flashier romance novels. The romantic lead isn't a Fabio, but he is a good man, and these characters choose their mates for their character qualities rather than superficial aspects. Wouldn't we all be a lot wiser to do the same? So yes, this book is goody two shoes, it is wholesome, it is corny, it is cheesy and old fashioned... BUT there is a sense of goodness and integrity throughout, and those are two things that are sometimes sadly lacking in our "real" lives. The characters aren't perfect, but they are very rich in emotional intelligence and honest compassion and caring.

There is also an educational aspect that I appreciated. The main character, Katie, is suffering from severe panic attacks. Actually, it sounds like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but that diagnosis is never mentioned. The text emphasizes the importance of caring for one's mental health without shame, and gives some truths about panic disorder that may help to educate others. It also stresses the importance of getting help, maybe even taking medicines, and, (something I appreciate as a natural health lover,) the potential of homeopathic and natural remedies. As someone who has suffered from both panic attacks and PTSD, I appreciated the thoughtful and realistic portrayal.

Another feature I liked was the author's inclusion of Amish terms. It added a nice sense of authenticity. Though there was not a glossary, each term was incredibly well defined by the text. Whenever a character used a foreign term, the other character in the conversation would repeat it in English. I don't know the author's career background, but that is actually the preferred technique for teaching speakers of other languages--using words in context and repeating so the meaning is obvious. The author's technique was very natural yet educational.

So, who should read this book? Christians or people who are open minded to faith for sure. There are strong religious tones throughout and a passage that involves a character accepting Christ. If that annoys you, this isn't the book for you! It would also work for people who appreciate a wholesome family life or "plain" living or people looking for G rated romance. I think the book shows, as I noted before, excellent examples of real love in action with all the meaning and none of the flash. ( )

Received this book from LibraryThing in order to review it. Glad I have that excuse for reading it. This is the 2nd book in the Indiana Cousins series and I felt like I should read the 1st book first, but my library didn't have it. Glad I didn't waste my time on 2 books.

The writing was dry and stiff. I don't think the author has a sense of humor because there wasn't any humor throughout the whole book. Also, it is about Amish people and never once did the author describe what they were wearing. I had no idea how to imagine them in my head. The dialogue was very repetitive, but the descriptions of the buggies and clothing were scarce.

I had to finish it to see how the author would end it. No surprises or twists and not a very satisfying romance either. ( )

Another entry in the popular Amish romance genre... The main character is a young girl struggling to overcome the death of her fiance. Life has been at a standstill for Katie ever since the buggy accident that claimed her fiance. She is overcome with grief and guilt, and is experiencing physical symptoms she doesn't understand. (Many readers will be able to identify them before the story reveals the answer.) Will Katie learn to face her fears and find healing?

Anyone who is a fan of this genre will enjoy this book.

This book is the second in the series, but you don't really need to have read the first in order to enjoy and follow the second.

Overall, the story was engaging and an enjoyable read, though I found the plot to be a bit contrived in places. While there was plenty of character development in the story, this is not what I would call a "character-driven" story, as much of the growth that happens is only in reaction to coincidences. On the surface it seems that this might be because the character herself is fairly weak, but I would like to have seen the main character overcome that particular personality defect and start to take control of her life (and stop being merely a reactive being, but also an active being) around the same time as she starts to deal with her panic attacks.

In any case, if you're looking for some light (but touching) reading, this is a pretty good choice. ( )

Though I normally do not choose Christian Literature, and I was not all all fond of the author's style, I'll admit that I did find myself pulled into the story. I ended up caring for the characters, even while fussing to myself about the poor quality of the writing style. It was interesting to read about the Amish and I did appreciate the simple goodness of their lives. I think that within her genre, Ms. Brunstetter tells a good, solid story. I won't become a repeat reader of hers, but am glad I had the opportunity to spend a little time with "A Cousin's Prayer." ( )