Prayers of a Stranger: a Christmas Journey by Davis Bunn Review

 Hello Friends :)

I pray you've all been doing well, and I want to thank you all for joining me for another book review.

Welcome to the second day of Christmas in July book reviews here on The Preppy Book Princess.

I have to say I've been feeling a little disheartened with the book world lately. Even Christian publishing isn't staying as clean as it once was, and I'm saddened by some of the content that's making it's way into so many different books nowadays. I especially can't stand the way that romance and the like is being pushed on young kids in their medias, and can we honestly not just let kids be kids.

The book I'm going to share with you all today I actually picked up because the synopsis sounded like it was going to be a lot about the Lord working in the couple's life, and I was looking forward to reading something that put more emphasis on the faith element for a change.

There's been a lot of negativity in my life lately, and I figured this heartwarming story was the perfect choice during this time. Keep reading to see if it lived up to my expectations.

Prayers of a Stranger: a Christmas Journey by Davis Bunn:

Source: Libby App

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: September 10th, 2012

Genre: Christian Fiction/Christmas Romance

Synopsis:

While visiting the Holy Land, Amanda answers the prayers of a stranger . . . and begins an amazing Christmas journey.

Amanda Vance is ambivalent about her husband’s idea for a big family holiday up north. Last year she planned a special Christmas in their own home, carefully preparing a nursery and the keepsake ornaments for their newborn. Now that room stands as empty as her heart.

Then a neighbor’s mishap turns into a last-minute chance for Amanda to take a much-needed vacation to tour the Holy Land.

An extraordinary turn of events allows Amanda to help answer a young mother’s plea for healing. Then, filled with a sense of awe, Amanda visits the place of Jesus’ birth. There she discovers anew the miracle of the Christ child—God incarnate as a tiny, vulnerable baby.

Her return to Florida marks a momentous shift in her soul and in her marriage as she begins to realize that her journey didn’t end in the Holy Land. And that God doesn’t just answer prayers of strangers . . . but also those of her own heart.

(synopsis from goodreads)

My Review:

I'd never read any of Davis Bunn's other books before picking this one, but the synopsis greatly appealed to me. I was in the mood for a sweet, Christ centered Christmas story, and this one sounded like it would fit that description. I really did end up enjoying this one, but certain parts of it weren't quite what I was expecting and left me with a little bit different overall opinion than I was initially expecting.

Amanda and Chris have been through a tragedy, and both have had to come to terms with the fact that healing looks different for everyone. I loved the compassion they try to show to each other, even when their family refuses to recognize or acknowledge what they're going through. When Amanda is given a sudden opportunity to travel to Israel with their neighbor, she's hesitant, but also looking forward to seeing the place of Jesus' birth and ministry. However, neither Amanda or Chris are prepared for just how much this trip will affect Amanda, and how much her absence will cause a change in the day to day happenings of Chris' life back in Florida. 

I loved how much of this story takes place in the Holy Land, and I loved the descriptions of the many significant places from the Bible, and how all these places influenced Emily and Amanda's own faith journeys in such different ways. I loved how Amanda is able to find healing in a place and person she never could have expected, and I loved how authentic and emotional this entire process is presented to the reader. Likewise, I loved how the time apart causes Amanda and Chris to see their marriage in a different light, and how they strive to truly understand what the other is going through.

While I really did enjoy the overall message of this story, I was bothered by two main issues that kept it from being a five star read for me. Firstly, there were a couple of content issues that I wasn't expecting, and kind of hindered my enjoyment. They probably wouldn't be a big deal for most readers, but they stuck out enough to bother me. Secondly, several of the plot points never really seemed resolved. I enjoyed the story in its entirety, but I thought the ending fell flat, and I was still left with questions that were never really answered.

Overall, this was a pretty sweet Christmas story that highlights the grace of our Heavenly Father, and showcases the miracles that happen around us every single day. However, I don't foresee it being a reread for me, but I might look into some of this author's other books in the future.

Final Rating: 3/5.

Thanks so much for reading guys! Have a great rest of your day :)

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The photo does not belong to me, and all rights to the respective owner. 

Thanks so much for joining me for day two of Christmas in July on The Preppy Book Princess.

I'll see you all tomorrow for day three, and until then, May the Lord work in all our lives in amazing ways and may we be prepared to let Him! :)