Letters of Trust - (Friendship Letters) by Wanda E Brunstetter (Paperback)

Letters of Trust by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the beginning of The Friendship Letters. Letters of Trust is different from other Amish books that I have read. It delves into the topic of alcolhism and how it affects a person’s life as well as those close to him. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Eleanor and Vic Lapp as well as their family and friends. I admired Eleanor’s fortitude and her deep faith. She prayed often for assistance in dealing with her troubled, grief-stricken husband. The story is one that will tug at your heartstrings. It is wonderful to see how family and friends come together during the good times and the bad. Eleanor may have been reluctant to air her dirty laundry, but she had people to turn to when she needed guidance. I enjoyed the correspondence between Eleanor and her friend, Doretta. I like how Eleanor created cards. She went out of her way to make them special. It is a shame that letter writing is becoming a thing of the past. Faith is beautifully woven into the story. Eleanor will need her family, friends, and faith to get through this dark time. We get to see that God is always with us. We may not understand His ways nor what He is trying to teach us, but the challenging situations will make us stronger and wiser. I found Letters of Trust to be a compelling, emotional tale. I am looking forward to reading the next book in The Friendship Letters. Letters of Trust is a poignant tale with contented newlyweds, a dynamic dog, a deleterious driver, a devastating death, destructive deeds, and profound prayers.

Letters of Trust is book one in the Friendship Letter series. I have read Wanda Brunstetter’s books before. However, this is a very unique novel. Eleanor has recently married Vic. Her parents have some concerns about his history and his use of alcohol in the past. However, since Vic is clean and has recently joined the Amish church it should not be an issue. Leaving her home and family to join her husband upon marriage in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is new and exciting for Eleanor. However when she moves and tragic circumstances happen with Vic’s younger brother, everything changes. Will Vic and Eleanor have a happy marriage she dreamed of? Will this work out? Where is God in all of this? This is a unique book in that it deals strongly with alcoholism. I did find the novel interesting in that it did take quite a long time to build the storyline. It is a sensitive subject as the author shares in her epilogue. While not unheard of in the Amish community, it is rarely spoken about. It is a rather unique novel. I did find the novel quite interesting and I also appreciated that many of the facts and cities were accurate. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend Letters of Trust.

Wanda E. Brunstetter is best known for her books about the Amish but this may be one of the most relevant books that she's ever written! Letters of Trust tackles the topics of depression and alcoholism, two subjects that are often unseen in Amish fiction. Eleanor and Vic Lapp find themselves facing overwhelming struggles and Eleanor's comfort comes in the form of the correspondence that she shares with her best friend who lives in another town. She is able to share in her letters the thoughts that she can't tell others, and Doretta Schwartz responds with support, friendship, and prayers. The letters between these two friends truly become letters of trust! Brunstetter shares a moving story that shows how alcoholism affects the whole family. She stresses the need for understanding and compassion and reminds us that faith, prayer, and forgiveness are necessary tools for everyone! Letters of Trust is a beautiful story and a must-read for all who enjoy Amish Christian fiction. I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation or a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

The first in Wanda Brunstetter’s newest Friendship Letters series, Letters of Trust is an Amish fiction story unlike all others. This story deals gracefully with the difficult topics of alcoholism, depression, and the dead of a child. Vic and Eleanor Lapp are a newly married couple that seem to have a happy and faith filled life together until tragedy strikes and Vic chooses alcohol over his faith and the support of family to deal with his guilt and sadness. Eleanor finds herself dealing with way more than she expected in a marriage. She exchanges letters to her best friend as a way to deal with her life and find support. The story’s realistic situations make for an emotional and page turning read. I enjoyed the way Ms. Brunstetter wove faith, patience, and a realistic view of what alcoholism can be like into the story. I also appreciated the way she incorporated letter writing as a way to stay close to and find support from friends that live far away. Best of all, the book offers God’s hope and love, ultimately bringing about a satisfying ending to the book. Overall, an excellent read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I was gifted a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to leave a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Eleanor is an Amish newlywed who has left all her family and friends to live in her husband Vic's farming community. Although her parents had reservations about the marriage, Eleanor was in love, and disregarded their concerns. After the first few months of marriage, tragedy strikes Vic's family, and he feels responsible for it. Because of that, along with the constant urging of his friend, Vic begins drinking. He really likes the way alcohol makes him feel. Soon, he needs to drink more and more to get that feeling. When Eleanor finds out, he is very penitent, and promises to never drink again. Unfortunately, he does not quit for long, and Eleanor discovers it. Once more, Vic says he is sorry, and he will stop drinking for good this time. As time goes on, Vic's drinking, lying, and temper get worse. Eleanor is sure Vic is an alcoholic, and must unburden herself of it all, so writes to her friend back home for support. She also reaches out to their church bishop. Will any of these people help her? After all Eleanor has been through with Vic, should she just call it quits, and go back to her family? This-five-star book is honest and transparent about what alcohol can do to a person, along with the tragic results the family must deal with. If faced with this situation in real life, much of the advice Eleanor receives would be worth following. I recommend this story to those who like real-life tales. Thank you, Barbour Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

Book One in the Friendship Letters series, Letters of Trust follows the early marriage of Vic and Eleanor Lapp. One day while the couple is watching Vic's younger brother, the boy tragically drowns in their pond. Devasted by the events and blaming himself, Vic turns to alcohol and his drinking quickly spins out of control. Although Eleanor fights to honor him, she soon learns that she can't run from the truth and must face it in order to save her marriage. Through the trials of these early years, she finds comfort in the letters she recieves from her dear friend, Doretta. But with the Lapp's future uncertain, can they find their way together again and can Vic forgive himself before it's too late? Wanda E. Brunstetter is a fairly new author to me. I've only read a few of her books. This one follows a young bride trying desperately to honor her marriage and finding herself quickly in over her head. Far from family, newly married, struggling with her own grief and still trying to help her husband, Eleanor's heartache paints an accurate picture of the reality of alcoholism. Watching this character search for answers, one could easily identify with the frustrations and desperation she felt. There were certainly parts of this book that were difficult to read as Vic treated Eleanor quite poorly at times. Still she loved him and sought to do her best in the situation. This was a tale of the dark challenges of alcoholism, but also the desperate love of families that find themselves in a similiar situation. I would recommend this title for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction *Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was a different but much needed story in my opinion. There are no perfect families. Amish and English alike have problems that have to be faced and dealt with. Vic and Eleanor are very happy newlyweds. Eleanor misses her own family as she has had to move to another state with her husband. She finds happiness and comfort in letters from home, especially those of her best friend Doretta. A tragedy that her husband blames on himself, puts him into a tailspin and things are never going to be the same again. Secrets that must be kept forms the letters of trust Eleanor sends to her friend Doretta. She needs advice from her friend and a sounding board for her own sanity. I admired Eleanor and her willingness to stand by her husband no matter what. It was a tough situation and I don’t think I would have been as strong and forgiving as she was in light of her husband’s actions. This was a great story of forgiveness and standing by your man. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review.

What a powerful, hard hitting, realistic look at depression and alcoholism after the death of a beloved family member. The introspective look into Vic and the self blame that drove him to alcohol was heart wrenching but the hope and trust that Eleanor put in the power of prayer gave the story life in the darkest of days. Ms Brunstetter has outdone herself with this one that digs deep into emotional trauma. I loved that Eleanor had a friend she could trust with the truth of what was going on in her life through letters. The written words in a letter are so special as you can pull them out and reread them as you pray for that person and their needs. A meaningful story that needs tissues but is full of hope and family. I highly recommend even if you aren’t a big fan of Amish fiction. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

5 stars, Alcoholism can affect anyone LETTERS OF TRUST [FRIENDSHIP LETTERS #1] by Wanda Brunstetter The blurb of the book leads you to believe that the book is more about Doretta and the loving friendship letters she writes to her good friend Eleanor. Upon reading the book, it is more about newlyweds Eleanor and Vic who are dealing with a familial tragedy and as a result, Vic struggles with alcoholism. The author makes it quite clear in her writing, that alcoholism not only affects the drinker but any family or friends of the drinker as well. Doretta lives in Eleanor's hometown and is far away from Eleanor when she needs the strong, positive counsel of her good friend. I liked that Eleanor wasn't afraid to go to the Bishop to discuss the issues that Eleanor and Vic were dealing with. Sometimes it can be hard to confront the problem or to share it with someone in authority who can help you. I liked how the book refreshed the act of letter writing. I am a letter writer, it is a great way to communicate. Friendship Letters Series Book #1 I am thankful to #BarbourPublishing for the complimentary copy of #LettersOfTrust I was under no obligation to post a review. #AmishFiction #Alcoholism #AA #Pensylvania #Florida #FriendshipLettersSeries #WandaBrunstetter