Review of "Woman of Courage"

Review of Woman of Courage

by Wanda Brunstetter

Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and enters the work of a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Timesbestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

MY REVIEW:  "While Papa received no pay for his service as a Quaker minister back home, he'd worked as a cabinet maker for a good many years and had saved up some money.  Since they didn't know if or when they would return to New York, he'd sold their home, his business, and all their belongings except for the few things they would need for this trip.  Using some of the money, Papa had secured passage for him and Amanda on a steamboat, which took them to Cincinnati. From there, they'd boarded another steamboat to St. Louis, and then a third boat to Liberty, Missouri.  Continuing on their journey, they rode in wagons with some fur traders, following the Platte River to Fort Laramie, where they met the man who would guide them to the mission.  Harvey had said the rest of the journey would be best made on horseback without taking any wagons over the mountains."   

        Woman of Courage reminds me of the video game where players plan a trip by wagon to the west.   Life is certainly filled with danger and difficulty as Amanda, her Papa and their guide make their way by horseback to the mission.   Amanda likely never expected to have to stop for a long while and stay with an Indian woman and her husband.   I am sure that she never expected to meet a half-Indian trapper who aggravates her at every turn.  Will she survive to make it to the mission?  This book is different from Wanda Brunstetter's normal Amish fiction. Amanda and her Papa are Quakers and they seek to minister to Indians.   I loved this book.  It kept me wanting to sit and turn the pages.   5 Stars and I hope there is a sequel to this book as I would love to know what happens for the characters in the future.   

I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley and a print copy from the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review.   

About the Author:

Descended from Anabaptists herself, Wanda E. Brunstetter enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life.  Wanda's interest in the Amish and other Plain communities began when she married her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania. Wanda and Richard have made numerous trips to Amish country and have many Amish friends, living in several communities.  Wanda hopes her readers will learn to love the wonderful Amish people as much as she does.   They have two grown children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson.  In her spare time, Wanda enjoys beachcombing, ventriloquism, gardening, photography,  knitting, and having fun with her family.