Book Review: Lydia's Charm By Wanda E. Brunstetter

I recently received a copy of the book, Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter, to review.


Lydia's Charm is set in the Amish area of Charm, Ohio, where the widow, Lydia, and her young son Josh move to be closer to her mother - who had moved from Wisconsin herself. Lydia had just lost her job and was running out of money, so her mother suggested she could help out by watching Josh - after all, it would probably be easier to find a job with all the tourists who visit Amish country. Her mother could certainly use the help in taking care of her grandfather, too. Of course, when she's out there, her mother hopes Lydia could find a new husband, and once gifts start appearing on the porch, maybe that could happen.

Lydia has two possible suitors: Menno, a widower who owns a furniture store, and has four boys of his own, or Levi, who is also a newcomer to the area, and comes from a slightly unique family - he is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism.

When a horrible accident happens to Josh, Lydia must rely on her faith in God, as well as the Amish community - and will she choose a new husband?

Lydia's Charm has one of those characters that you just help but feel for her - her story isn't easy, and when you think of losing not only your husband, but the possibility of losing your own child as well? You definitely would need your faith to make it through. Having lived in Ohio for awhile, I am familiar with the Amish and always enjoy reading books that include stories of their life. I admire their simplicity and wish I could bring myself to cut the Internet umbilical cord! (Oh, but I learn so much!) The author is actually from here in Washington State too - I found that rather funny. (Well, to me)

If you are looking for a good book to gift this holiday season - or read yourself - Lydia's Charm definitely fits the bill. I found myself getting annoyed that I couldn't read it all in one sitting, because I wanted to know what would happen next. I really loved that at the end of the book, you will find several recipes mentioned in the story! There are also some discussion questions at the end that are great if you decide to read this as part of a book club. As you can probably guess, this one will be staying in my permanent library!

Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a Christian Fiction Romance oversized paperback. Published by Barbour Publishing, it has 376 pages. The suggested retail price is $14.99, and as always, I suggest you check with your local Christian bookstore, but Amazon does have it for $10.19 as of this posting. It is also available as an e-book for your Kindle and other e-readers.

I received a copy of this book in order to read and review it. All opinions are mine.