A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter Review

Hello Everyone :)

I hope you're all doing well, and I want to thank you for joining me for another book review here on The Preppy Book Princess.

I've been spending a lot of time lately on the remodel of our home library, but I've been trying to still make lots of time for reading fantastic books.

For quite a few years, Wanda E. Brunstetter has been a favorite author of mine, and I was excited to learn that her publishing house is re releasing her very first published novels in a gorgeous new bindup. 

I was pleasantly surprised to get to have the opportunity to review these three new to me stories, and today I'm looking forward to sharing with you all what I ended up thinking about them

A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter:

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Barbour 

Publication Date: July 1st, 2020

Genre: Christian Fiction/Women's Fiction

Synopsis:

Brunstetter’s First Published Novels Brought Back to Print
 Enjoy a collectible volume of three early novels by New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter. Meet three couples from Washington state who are who are surprised by love.
 
Clowning Around
Always a fun-loving prankster even when not personifying Slow-Joe the Clown, Joe Richey tries to win the heart of always steady and serious Lois Johnson.
 
The Neighborly Thing
Glen Olsen is rather fascinated by his new neighbor, Sinda Shull, who keeps herself shut away, working at a home business. But Glen’s daughter is trying to prove that Sinda is up to no good.
 
Talking for Two
Despite stuttering, Tabby enrolls in a class on ventriloquism, but guidance from handsome professional Seth Byers could destroy the little self-confidence she has.

(synopsis from goodreads)

My Review:

As someone who has long been a fan of Wanda E. Brunstetter's books, it was a fun treat getting to read her earliest published novels that were all new to me reads. Each story focuses around a romance developing between a couple who have to learn to overcome insecurities, let go and let God, and learn to use their talents given by Him to honor Him.

I loved how all three of these novels reminded me of simpler times and showcased a focus on what is truly important in life. It was definitely different reading contemporary books set in a time where technology wasn't readily available, and I really enjoyed it. The couples have to rely on answering machines messages and face to face visits to try and stay in touch, and it was definitely something different from the romances coming out on the market today.

Of the three stories, my favorite ended up being The Neighborly Thing. While I enjoyed all three, I liked Glen and Sinda as characters the best, especially the way that Glen is so patient with everything that Sinda's been through, and is determined to shine a light for Jesus towards her. There was also a focus throughout all three stories on the idea that accepting Jesus doesn't guarantee a perfect life, but it does guarantee that He will walk with you through every obstacle and I loved that. 

All in all, I wouldn't say these are my favorite of Wanda's beloved novels, but I highly enjoyed them and would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to read a clean, faith based romance that's set during simpler times.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Barbour and NetGalley for allowing me to advance read this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Thanks so much for reading everyone :) I hope you all have a great rest of your day!