Customer Reviews

A Cousin's Promise (Indiana Cousins)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A Cousin's Promise is the first book in the Indiana Cousins series. Early in the book a group of teenagers are in a car wreck and the rest of the book is about the aftermath of the accident and how it changed their lives. Before the accident Loraine and Wayne are engaged to be married, but when Wayne gets crippled he tries to figure out what is the best thing to do for himself and for Loraine since he can't provide for her now.

When Jake, Loraine's previous boyfriend, hears about the accident he comes home for the first time since he left the community to make more money. He has broken her heart once already, but Loraine is surprised at her feelings toward Jake when he returns.

Loraine is caught between these two guys. Wayne is pushing her away and difficult to be around, but she still loves him. Jake is fun to be with and obviously still has feelings for her. She gets all kinds of unwanted advice from her mom, Wayne's mom, and her best friend and cousin, Ella. I was shocked at how the moms were acting toward Loraine and the things they said to her. I guess I never thought of the Amish as having that kind of bickering, but it's human nature especially when mama's little chicks are involved.

A Cousin's Promise was a very interesting read and I felt connected to the characters right away. By the end of the book I was in the story with all of them and rooting for Loraine. The story showed a lot about forgiveness and persevering with finding what God wants, not necessarily what other people want. You might not want to read this when you're down in the dumps, though, since it deals with issues after a tragic accident. Throughout much of the book I kept wondering when something good was going to happen and was ready for things to get better. But I do recommend it and am looking forward to the rest of the series. Oh, and the ending will blow you away! But you'll have to read it for yourself.

A Cousin's Promise
Written by: Wanda Brunstetter
Published by: Barbour
Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com 3/2009
ISBN: 978-1-60260-060-7
"Keeps you guessing" 4 stars
Wanda Brunstetter is the leader in Amish fiction. Her latest, A Cousin's Promise, does not disappoint. When a tragic accident occurs, a few are injured, and a few die. Those dealing with the grief have to learn to not push the ones who love them away.
Wayne, who lost a leg, is having a hard time. He thinks that he cannot marry because of his handicap. He encourages his fiancé, Loraine, to seek a relationship with Jake. Will Wayne come to his senses before Jake and Loraine plan their future? I really did not know how this one was going to end. Brunstetter is known for happy endings, but she kept hinting at a twist.
Put this on your summer reading list.

I have read almost all of Wanda Brunstetter's Amish novels, and in each one I find a new set of friends. This genre gives me a respite from an ever-increasingly chaotic world, and plunges me into a simpler life, albeit a more physically demanding, rigorous life. The author crafts characters I would like to meet. In A Cousin's Promise, there seems to be a wider range of personalities and character traits present. Not all of the characters are good at heart; some have selfish and ugly motivations. The protagonists are tested by circumstances, and discover strengths they didn't know they possessed. And, like another critic mentioned, this particular book begs to become the first in a series because it leaves the reader wondering about what happened to a number of characters.

Another great book. Love this author's books. I've never read a boring book by her. Would highly recommend if you like Amish fiction books.

In Indiana, a car accident leaves Wayne Lambright wheelchair bound. Though he suffers some self-pity and bouts of feeling sorry for his plight, his biggest concern is he deems he is no longer worthy of the love of his fiancee Loraine Miller. Instead he wants her to live a happy life and not have to waste her youth caring for a cripple. Loraine wants to help her fiance, but cannot grasp the deep emotional issues confronting her disabled beau especially since he must adapt from being a healthy do it yourself person to a person dependent on others.

Loraine's former boyfriend Jake Beechy has come home to the Amish after tasting the English lifestyle. His only regret for leaving is leaving behind Loraine. He wants a second chance with her. Loraine has a difficult decision to make as she cares for both men, but each in their way at some time deserted her.

This is the start of a new Amish saga taking place in the Hoosier State. The strong support cast brings out the strong sense of community, a trademark of a Wanda E. Brunstetter Amish romance; they also set the tone for future stories as Loraine's cousins have personal issues that need resolution. The lead triangle is fully developed with each caring about others but carrying flaws. Although at times their discussions seem a bit forced especially with Wayne, fans will appreciate Ms. Brunstetter's opening Indiana Amish contemporary romance.

Harriet Klausner

There is more than enough drama and suspense in this old world for me. It took me a while to get used to Wanda's style of writing but I have come to enjoy it. I enjoy the simplicity of her books though I don't always enjoy the repetitiveness.
When I read a book I want something calming and Wanda's books never dissappoint me. I read some reviews written by others that were derogatory but this is just her style. I have all of her books except the children's sets so I know what I am buying when I purchase her writings. I enjoyed this one as I did most of the others.
Thanks Wanda for keeping with your style. I am on my way to read A Cousin's Prayer and looking forward to it. God bless, BJ

i very much like the way Wanda E. Brunstetter writes. it goes really deep and yet everything is given in a simple, clear way. i think her writing is the easiest to read, it flows like shining, transparent water.
this book, of course, has a bit of sadness in it, since there is the accident in which people die. but then again, life is never without its sadness and what i like in this author is that when you close the book, it is with renewed hope and adoration and gladness in the Lord.
also, i especially connected with this book, as one of its main characters is an invalid. it was very realistic and very true, the way he was thinking about himself and it helped me so much to see that God can get you out of this pitt emotionally and even physically.
last, but not least, i wanted to say that this book contains one of the most romantic scenes i have ever read (and i've read a lot). i thank God for inspiring this wonderful author and for bringing her book my way.

This book is like a patch in a colorful, Amish patchwork quilt. Just as each unique patch of the quilt draws you near with it's very own story to tell, A Cousin's Promise has the same effect. You can't put this book down! You realize in this book that Amish people are just that, people! While they live a simple, less complicated life, they face the same depressions, struggles, and worries
that we "English" do. They are no stranger to tragedy. The difference is how they handle it by putting their faith in God first and relying on one another in their community. We could all learn a lesson. This book is absolutely fantastic!!

This is a book you want to keep reading to the end. You do not want to put it down. It is a very inspirational story. You can really relate to the characters, their situations and their feelings. I like how the author puts in various Bible verses that are used by the characters throughout the book. I am anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. I am a newer reader to her books. They are very easy reading books.If you like reading about the Amish way of life this is a good story.

A Cousin's Promise (Indiana Cousins, Book 1) I love this story! It is so beautifully written as all her books are! Wanda brings you into the story ! From the begining of the trip to hershey park and the accident, to the days that followed with wayne and Loriane. I hardly could put the book down. I was a lil nervous I must say reading the part when lorianes first love came back (Jake beechy) came back into to her life after reading about the accident. For awhile there I thought they might get to together untill the tornado had hit. I am so glad they are back together and I cannot wait to see what has become of her cousin that went to florida after the accident and what will Jake beechy do now that wayne and loraine have got back together! I hope the second book will be coming out soon.