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Title: White Christmas Pie
ISBN: 1597899372
Author:
Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publicate Date: 2008-09-01
Publish: 2008-09-01
List Price: $10.97
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $7.05
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $7.00
Amazon Merchant Price: $8.78
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1: One of the most blah stories I've read in a long time.
I was bored reading this story and feel like I wasted my time. I like Amish stories so I read it thinking I would like it. I hoped maybe it would pull me in more, but nope. It's not a hard read, in fact, I'd say it's middle to high school level reading. It's also not very deep. The story has great potential but I didn't connect with Will as much as I wanted to. I think because the author tended to over-explain I didn't need to think for myself. It also had a very predictable plot. So while I really wanted to love this book, I finished it and can't say that I liked it. The ending was also fairly rushed and the tension seemed contrived and slowed the story down. And the core issue was repeated over and over throughout the story, which got old fast. I did read another book the author wrote and I enjoyed it, so I was disappointed in White Christmas Pie.
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2: Comes with A Recipe
Although my grandparents lived in Pennsylvania, and I have often visited there and seen the Amish riding in their horse and buggy, I never have read an Amish Christian Fiction book before this one. I knew that Wanda E. Brunstetter has a reputation of being an expert on Amish literature, and so I looked forward to this new experience. I'm glad I had the opportunity. This is a lovely Christmas time story.
In this romance novel, I learned a good bit about the Plain People. Will Henderson, the protagonist, is a well-developed character who is engaged to marry Karen Yoder. He was abandoned as a young six-year-old and wrestles with repressed hostility and jealous rages which he controls by shutting down and walking away. But can this be good for an engagement? I found the plot slowing down in the middle, but the end was satisfying.
A dessert, White Christmas Pie, is an important ingredient in the story and is referred to often. There is a copy of the recipe for that I can't wait to try. White Christmas Pie might become a Christmas tradition at my house. For fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter's writing, this will be an enjoyable one for you.
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3: "Not up to par"
Written by: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Published by: Barbour
Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com 11/2008
ISBN: 978-1-59789-937-6
"Not up to par" 3 stars
It is no secret that I think Wanda Brunstetter is amazing. I am saddened to have to give this book a 3. Imagine my excitement--a Wanda Brunstetter book with a Christmas theme!
I never connected with the characters. This may be the first time when some much emphasis was placed on the male character--Will. Perhaps, that is a reason for my disconnect. Regardless, I never cared about the plot. Her books are always a bit predictable, but this one was so obvious from the beginning.
Do not let this keep you from Brunstetter's other works. This one is just not up to par.
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4: It is all about Faith and Family in this heartwarming story
In a nutshell: A wonderfully written book surrounding the Amish culture. Through the interactions and conversations of the characters in the book, we see how important faith and supportive relationships are, as well as communication and honesty. A very enjoyable and easy read (once you get used to a few of the harder Amish words, which were fun to try and say ;) ). This book provides the reader with small insights into the Amish life and character. I love what Ms. Brunstetter does near the end of the book to wrap the story up. As a special bonus, she DOES include a recipe for White Christmas Pie at the end of the book.
From the Back Cover:
Will Henderson, abandoned by his father sixteen years ago and left in the care of an Amish couple, has joined the Amish church and is about to marry Karen Yoder. But as Will contemplates marriage and potential fatherhood, he wonders will he eventually destroy his family as his father did his?
Karen Yoder can't break through the barrier her fiance has suddenly constructed around his heart. When she seeks the advice of an old boyfriend, Will begins to see green. Is there a chance there won't be a December wedding after all?
Riddled with guilt and shame over abandoning his son, Frank Henderson sinks into depression. As he begins to search for Will, he wonders if there is anything he can do to make it right.
When Will's life is threatened, the strength of blood-ties is put to the test. Can Will find it in his heart to forgive his father and marry the woman he loves? Can an old recipe for White Christmas Pie contain the truth that sets him free?
First Paragraph:
Three-Year-Old Girl Abandoned In Small Town Park. A lump formed in Will Henderson's throat as he stared at the headline in the morning newspaper. Not another abandoned child!
My Review:
Meet Will Henderson, who has lived with his Amish "parents" for the past 16 years, after his father mysteriously leaves him to find a more stable job.
Mark and Regina have raised Will as their own son. He is on the cusp of marriage to Karen Yoder, a wonderful Amish girl. With thoughts of his real father, and feelings of abandonment, he becomes moody, causing his loved ones to wonder if the marriage will happen, and if Will will choose remain among the Amish.
As a reader, we discover that Will's father Frank has remarried and now has two daughters. With the support of his family and Karen, we find that things with his real father may not be as straight-forward as Will thought.
Will a life-threatening buggy accident pull the family, including Frank and his new family, closer, or will it tear the family apart?
Characters: The characters are wonderfully written, with depth of character and personality.
Story-Line: There are a lot of children today who do not know what happened to their birth parents, or why they aren't with them. This book gives perspective to the fact that our assumptions aren't always correct. I loved this story! I especially like that I was able to learn a little about the Amish that I didn't already know.
Readability: This was a very enjoyable and easy read.
Overall: A very nice story, with touches of faith, holiday spirit, and romance. A book that everyone should find enjoyable.
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5: Not her best Amish novel...
When I was reading this novel I felt like I was reading an "English" novel that was turned into an Amish novel almost as an afterthought. The story is okay, but after reading many of her novels and novels from other authors of Amish fiction I didn't feel like this really stood up to the test. I have read many of Wanda Brunstetter's novels and enjoy them thoroughly, which is why I bought this one. It is my least favorite of the many I have read so far.
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