Lydia's Charm

Mar 02, 2011 Edna Tollison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love the way Wanda Brunstetter writes about the Amish, and this book will not fail to please.

Lydia King is a young woman that has a four year old son but has lost her husband, then she looses her job in Arthur, Illinois with no way to make a living for herself and little boy, she moves to Charm and into the house with her Mother and grandfather.

Lydia is a young independent woman and she and her mother does not see eye to eye, but the grandfather was disabled after having suffered a stroke so h...more

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May 25, 2012 Drebbles rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

After her husband's death, Lydia King and her young son move to Charm, Ohio to help her mother take care of her grandfather. Lydia is not sure if she is ready for love again, but she can't help noticing two men: Menno Troyer, a widower with four young sons, and Levi Stutzman, the only one in his family who is not a dwarf, devoted to his family, and afraid to marry in case he passes the dwarfism gene onto his children. Someone is leaving gifts for Lydia and her mother at the times they need them...more After her husband's death, Lydia King and her young son move to Charm, Ohio to help her mother take care of her grandfather. Lydia is not sure if she is ready for love again, but she can't help noticing two men: Menno Troyer, a widower with four young sons, and Levi Stutzman, the only one in his family who is not a dwarf, devoted to his family, and afraid to marry in case he passes the dwarfism gene onto his children. Someone is leaving gifts for Lydia and her mother at the times they need them the most and Lydia is trying to find out who it is. Before she can, tragedy strikes again, and Lydia wonders if her heart will ever heal enough for her to love again.

"Lydia's Charm" is a nicely done, if at times achingly heartbreaking, novel set in the Amish community. Author Wanda E. Brunstetter has created several memorable and realistic characters, starting with Lydia herself, who has to start her life over again several times, struggling to please her mother, suffering more than one devastating loss, and has to make a major decision regarding her future. Her mother Mae has struggled her whole life to please her father and realizes almost too late how that not only hurt Lydia, but her own happiness. Menno Troyer still mourns the loss of his wife but is willing to do what is best for his children - but does he really know what is best? Finally, Levi Stutzman often sacrifices his own needs to take care of his family and is finally realizing he needs to have his own happy life. All of these people have deep storylines, and it is interesting to watch each character grow. Although the book has several very sad moments (as in put down the book and grab a tissue) there are also some happy moments, particularly for Lydia and her mother. I loved the relationship between the Stuzman's - they are a genuinely caring family. Included in the book are some discussion questions and a few recipes. I wouldn't want to try and make it myself but I sure wish I knew someone would make Frogmore Stew so I could try it out!

"Lydia's Charm" is a nicely done novel set in the Amish community that will linger in readers minds long after they've finished reading it. (less)

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Apr 20, 2011 Michelle Robinson rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction-amish

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ok, forgive me but i find that I am not enjoying anything by this author and for the present, I'm done. The writing is not unforgivable it just seems that too much happens in such a short period of time and these people go through the motions without really having any time or thought to process what is happening.

Two deaths in the body of the book as well as two recent deaths six months before the story begins. Good Lord, that seems like a bit much for one novel but of course this is part of a se...more Ok, forgive me but i find that I am not enjoying anything by this author and for the present, I'm done. The writing is not unforgivable it just seems that too much happens in such a short period of time and these people go through the motions without really having any time or thought to process what is happening.

Two deaths in the body of the book as well as two recent deaths six months before the story begins. Good Lord, that seems like a bit much for one novel but of course this is part of a series I am sure. Even still, it is a bit much to digest. One of the deaths is of a small child, and while initially, we see the mother mourn tremendously, it feels like shortly thereafter she is able to just move on with life. I cannot imagine this being so, even for a woman of faith???? I don't know.j

One character has a deep prejudice which we see demonstrated again and again throughout the novel, however, after ONE event she is able to leave all of that behind. That certainly does not feel authentic to me. Especially for a woman who has felt this way for her whole adult life and a good portion of her childhood? I found the reason for her issue a little problematic for me. It seemed a little simple but maybe that is just because at the point in the book where we find out the cause of her prejudice I am a little outdone by the whole novel.

Another, Character in the novel, Levi, has a deeply held (or so we are led to believe) idea about why he should not marry but after one brief conversation with his mother he decides that he was wrong and is ready to go forward and find a wife. Whew, I'm so glad a belief in God makes decision making so easy. Here I am thinking that whole I have a belief system I still struggle. Not these people, one quick talk, one quick mention of God's will and trusting God and we are off. I could see it coming but it was still a bit too much.
There is a little "mystery" in the storyline but if you can't figure it out halfway through, I would be surprised.
I am really struggling to finish this novel I really don't care about any of these people and that makes finishing hard for me. They have hard things happen to them and move forward so easily, they have supposed deep seated issues that are dismissed with no real struggle or internal process just one even can change everything instantaneously. Too hard to swallow.

I will say that I loved Rueben and I really enjoyed Levi's mother, I did not hate this novel I just was realoly frustrated by it way too much happens to these people.(less)

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Jan 08, 2011 Blackraven's Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

AJ’s Review:

Lydia’s Charm is a captivating story about faith, unconditional love, community, healing, and forgiveness. Forgiveness in each other and forgiveness in oneself. Lydia King returns to Charm, OH after losing her husband and job, but more importantly to be close to the little family that she has left. As she struggles to get along with her mother and make a home for her son, Josh who is absolutely adorable, we learn more and more about Lydia, her life, and her struggles.

I was mesmerized...more AJ’s Review:

Lydia’s Charm is a captivating story about faith, unconditional love, community, healing, and forgiveness. Forgiveness in each other and forgiveness in oneself. Lydia King returns to Charm, OH after losing her husband and job, but more importantly to be close to the little family that she has left. As she struggles to get along with her mother and make a home for her son, Josh who is absolutely adorable, we learn more and more about Lydia, her life, and her struggles.

I was mesmerized as I learned not only more about Lydia, but also about the Amish culture. This is a truly fascinating story as we gain a better understanding of the Amish culture and how they truly embrace their sense of community. The trials and tribulations that Lydia endures after she returns to Charm will simply rip your heart out and make you weep. But Lydia is a strong woman, who is a survivor. Despite everything that she’s lost, she’s still a caring, giving woman who is an inspiration to us all.

Lydia’s Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter has everything: love, humor, intense drama, and a strong sense of community. Like most small communities, everyone knows your business, but there are times that pride get in the way of each of the main characters and secondary characters in the story. But, as they learn to embrace their faith and what God has in store for them, things begin to work itself out. Menno Tyler and his four rowdy sons definitely add to this scintilating story through humor and ultimately, the importance of listening to one another. Levi Stutzman and his family are absolutley amazing as they teach us that it’s okay for people to be different. More importantly, regardless of your size, there is a lot of love to go around. But the most important lesson that this reader learns in Lydia’s Charm is about believing in one’s faith. God is good and we just have to believe that he has a bigger plan for all of us even when it may not be what we originally had in mind.

Lydia’s Charm will make you laugh, cry, and at times want to scream as these characters learn how to co-exist. This mesmerimizing story of faith will bring Joy to your heart and will make you beg for more with the turn of every page. It’s obvious that Ms. Brunstetter has done her research on the Amish culture, which I found extremely intriguing. In fact, I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Brunstetter’s stories regarding the Amish culture. Lydia’s Charm is Christian romance at it’s finest and will warm your heart.

If you’re looking for a heart-warming story that will bring tears and laughter to your heart all at the same time, where community, faith, unconditional love, and forgiveness are the key factors that makes this story so capitvating, then Lydia’s Charm is definitely the book to read. I will absolutely be picking up more of Ms. Brunstetter’s books as they are enlighting and such a joy to read. I’m completely fascinating by the Amish culture and am eager to learn more. Bravo Ms. Brunstetter for creating such a wonderful story. Just an FYI, she gives you some wonderful recipes in the back of the book as well.

Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!(less)

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Jun 24, 2010 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lydia King had only been married for 5yrs when her husband Jeremiah was tragically killed in a logging accident. Being the sole provider for her young son Josh, hasn't been easy and now its just gotten worse because she lost her job, and with no family close by, her husband had moved them to Arthur Illinois from Wisconsin she wasn't sure what she was going to do.
When Lydia gets a letter from her mom, who had moved back to Charm Ohio to take care of an ailing parent, inviting Lydia to move to Cha...more

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Oct 26, 2010 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!!!

Recommended to Molly by: Barbour Books, PTA Reviewer Rewards, CFBA

Shelves: book-review

I can never get enough Amish! I am a die hard Amish fiction fan and the first Amish novelist's work I read several years ago was Wanda Brunstetter. Since then, I have been hooked on all her work. She's a wunderbar novelist and each book she writes just gets better and better!

Lydia's Charm is a wonderful story set in Charm, Ohio. There are so many emotions throughout this novel and each of Wanda's tenderly created characters portray those emotions flawlessy. Lydia, Levi, Nona and Menno (just to...more

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Jan 27, 2011 Andrea Guy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, christian, netgalley, amish, ebook

Lydia's Charm is an Amish story that really has its roots based in real life. It was hard to fathom all the hardships that Lydia faced in this story, the loss of a husband that sends her back to Charm, then her grandfather and later her son.

It was truly heartbreaking to read at times, but Lydia was such a strong character, that even while I was wiping my eyes because things kept going wrong, I had to press on, to see which of her two suitors, Menno or Levi that she chose in the end.

The story al...more

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Dec 31, 2010 postcrdprincess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Book Description:
Lydia king not only lost her husband a year ago, and is raising their 4 year old son Josh alone, but her employer has just informed her that they must let her go from her job because of the bad economy. What is an Amish female widow with a young son to do; maybe move back home with an overly opinionated mother who is taking care of her father?

Menno Troyer is a widower with four rambunctious sons. He finds it hard to balance working at his woodshop, taking care of his sons, makin...more

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Aug 12, 2011 Raine Lampert rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am touched by the fact that although Lydia goes through some really hard situations she is still able to keep her chin up and go forward. I was surprised that that so many hard issues where touched on- a mother who is distant and judgemental, not really open to change. Death, relocation, motherhood, accepting people that are physically different, accepting charity, sadness that stops a person from being complete.
This book like alot of Wanda Brunstetter's is a good book to curl up and get lost...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lydia King decides to accept her mother's offer of moving to Charm, Ohio after losing her job because of a slow down at the restaurant where she was working. It was her only source of income as a widow with a young son, Josh. Lydia and Josh would live with Mae, her mother, and her grandfather. Mae was a widow also and had moved in with her father to care for him since her two brothers had moved.

Growing up Lydia always felt as if she couldn't do anything right, her mother always corrected everyth...more Lydia King decides to accept her mother's offer of moving to Charm, Ohio after losing her job because of a slow down at the restaurant where she was working. It was her only source of income as a widow with a young son, Josh. Lydia and Josh would live with Mae, her mother, and her grandfather. Mae was a widow also and had moved in with her father to care for him since her two brothers had moved.

Growing up Lydia always felt as if she couldn't do anything right, her mother always corrected everything she did, she hoped things would be different now that she was a mother herself. Lydia was never told that when Mae was growing up, her dad treated her the same way, she thinks it's because he lost Mae's mother when she was giving birth to Mae. Mae and her father still do not get along, and things between Lydia and Mae don't seem to have changed either.

Josh brings joy to his great-grandfather's life, the few times Josh is able to sneak into his room anyway. Mae is constantly nagging four year old Josh to be quiet, to stay away from his great-grandfather and is jealous of their relationship.

Lydia finds a job at the local restaurant and Mae babysits Josh. Mae has plans of Lydia maybe marrying Menno, a widow with four boys, but Lydia doesn't seem attracted to him in that way. Levi appeals more to Lydia but Mae hates the idea of her marrying him because, although Levi is normal height, the rest of his family are 'little people'. Mae won't even talk to Levi's family or shop in their store.

As Lydia's grandfather is passing away, he finally makes peace with Mae. A short time later Josh is killed when he runs into the road and a car coming over a hill cannot get stopped in time and hits him. Now they have medical bills and two funerals so Lydia goes back to work after burying Josh, but they also have a guardian angel who mysteriously leaves them food and money. Mae gets her hopes up regarding Lydia and Menno as they are spending more and more time together. Shy Levi finally gets up enough nerve to ask Lydia out, but it seems every time he tries Menno comes and interrupts the conversation and asks Lydia out first.

I guess you'll have to read this book to find out if Lydia marries Menno or Levi and if she stays in Illinois when she goes to be with a friend who loses her father in an accident. What happens to Mae after her father dies, does she move on with her life or continue to live in her fathers house by herself, or with Lydia? Does Mae convince Lydia to marry Menno?

I really enjoyed this book, Wanda did not disappoint. I will say this is a good investment for anyone that reads Amish stories or Wanda Brunstetter books. (less)

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Oct 27, 2010 Jodie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, net-galley, amish-fiction

Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a touching book about an Amish woman who moves to Charm, Ohio to start over. Lydia lost her husband a year ago and moves in with her mom, Mae, who is caring for her father who recently suffered a heart attack. Mae is a very demanding mother who wants quiet all the time, which is a problem for Lydia's typical ,very active, four year old son, Josh. Menno recently lost his wife, Sadie, to cancer and he knows his four boys need a female in the house. Levi, wh...more Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a touching book about an Amish woman who moves to Charm, Ohio to start over. Lydia lost her husband a year ago and moves in with her mom, Mae, who is caring for her father who recently suffered a heart attack. Mae is a very demanding mother who wants quiet all the time, which is a problem for Lydia's typical ,very active, four year old son, Josh. Menno recently lost his wife, Sadie, to cancer and he knows his four boys need a female in the house. Levi, who has sworn off getting married in order to care for his family, starts acting jealous whenever Menno and Lydia are together. Can Lydia make a fresh start in Charm, Ohio or will it be too much and just head back to Illinois where her friends are?

I really enjoyed Lydia's Charm. Most Amish love stories I've read revolve around one female and one male. You know in the end they will most likely get together. But, this one is different. Having read so many other Amish books, I've learned they are not afraid to marry for pure convenience sake at first and then learn to love. (I also remembered reading some of these same restaurant names from one of Ms. Brunstetter's other series based in Ohio.) Menno needed a wife to help care for his four, very lively boys. So was he going to ask for Lydia's hand in marriage to help raise his boys or would Levi finally learn that his family can get by on their own and ask for Lydia's hand? I was intrigued and kept trying to figure out which one Lydia would want to marry. Along the way I gasped, cried, and laughed at all the story's twists and turns. If you are a lover of Amish fiction, this is one book that you won't want to miss! Oh and I can't wait to try the Frogmore Stew recipe at the end of the book!!!

DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a free digital version of this book from Barbour Publishing in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. Lydia's Charm is now available on Amazon or at your favorite Christian bookstore.(less)

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Jul 05, 2012 Lyne rated it 1 of 5 stars

Contains Spoilers:
I have read several of Ms. Brunstetter's books and at this point I believe I am done.
I think my first problem is that any book that has the death of a child needs some kind of warning. If I had any clue I wouldn't have even started the book.
My other biggest problem is how wordly her Amsih are always portrayed. We live not far from an Amish community and visited often when I was young. I have never seen Amish eat out as much as the ones in her books do. In fact in all my years...more

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Oct 21, 2010 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-not-finish

Sometimes there are certain authors with whom you just don't connect. This is the second Wanda Brunstetter book I've read and I just didn't like it. I read White Christmas Pie and thought it was very light and fluffy, nothing special. When I saw Lydia's Charm, I figured I'd give Wanda Brunstetter another chance, because the story sounded appealing, but ultimately wasn't.

I found the characters to be one-dimensional. Menno was selfish and Lydia's mother Mae was downright horrible. The Stutzman fa...more

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Oct 26, 2010 Camille rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish-fiction, christian-fiction, religion, romance, women, teen, 5-stars, net-galley-reviews

I got this book to review from NetGalley.

Lydia has been widowed for about a year and she becomes jobless so she decides to move to her with her young son to her hometown to be with her mother and grandfather.

Being young and beautiful she is quickly noticed by Menno, a furniture store owner who is also recently widowed, and who has 4 young boys that he must care for by himself. She is also noticed by Levi, who works in his family store and is the only one in his family who is not living with dwar...more

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Nov 04, 2010 Ausjenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish

Another great book by Wanda. I have enjoyed all her books and loved this one. Lydia has had a hard time and moves back to Charm with her son Josh. Here she is living with her mother and sick grandfather. Her mother as always criticized Lydia and it continues, I don't think her mother realises it but it does cause some tension. There are two men in the community who see Lydia with interest Levi who has issues of his own albeit in his own thinking more than anything and Menno who has also lost his...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Gail rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 18, 2010 Laura de Leon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, fiction, romance, blogged

To me, this book had a serious mismatch between the tone and the content.

I was expecting a sweet, gentle romance-- and in many ways, the tone matched that. Not much emotion came through, which was particularly surprising considering the events of the book.

The book dealt with parent child relationships; the death of a grandparent; the death of a child; choosing whether to marry for convenience or live alone; unemployment; the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma, and more.

Even with all that,...more

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Feb 22, 2011 Vicki Krivak rated it 5 of 5 stars

Widowed and jobless, Lydia King moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys. Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism and has dedicated his life to caring for them. As fall colors the countryside, will anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life and romance, or wi...more

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May 19, 2011 Debbiedowner rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What can I say about this writer. She's one of the most prolific and popular (having sold more than 1 million total copies) yet I just can't for the life of me understand why. This is only the second novel I've read of hers, but I'm guessing the others won't improve. I decided to give her a second chance after reading one of the worst novels I've ever read, "A Cousin's Promise." This was a slight improvement. Simple writing styles don't bother me (James Michener had one) but her writing is amate...more

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Nov 15, 2010 Kari Anderson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lydia’s husband died in a logging accident, leaving her to raise their little boy in Amish country. When she loses her job as a waitress, she has no other choice than to move into her grandfather’s home with him and her mother. Lydia is setting up a new life in Charm, Ohio. Things start to be looking up. Her little boy is her pride and joy (and one that you grow close to and want to squeeze his little cheeks and give him a kitten), she gets a job as a waitress, she meets a couple of nice unmarri...more Lydia’s husband died in a logging accident, leaving her to raise their little boy in Amish country. When she loses her job as a waitress, she has no other choice than to move into her grandfather’s home with him and her mother. Lydia is setting up a new life in Charm, Ohio. Things start to be looking up. Her little boy is her pride and joy (and one that you grow close to and want to squeeze his little cheeks and give him a kitten), she gets a job as a waitress, she meets a couple of nice unmarried Amish men (she is Amish too). Her relationship with her mother is still rocky, but it’s nothing that prayer and faith can’t fix, or ease.

But then Lydia’s life turns tragic, for the second time in a year. She loses two people that are very close to her. She knows she needs to move on and that she can’t stay in bed forever and help comes in the form of presents at the door. Food, firewood, money, someone is lending a helping hand. But who? Is is Rueben, who has had a crush on Lydia’s mom since they were young kids? Is it Menno who wants Lydia as his wife to help raise his four young boys after the death of his wife? Or is it Levi, who is the only normal size man in a family of little people and has used that as an excuse not to marry his entire life?

Lydia’s Charm had a lot of great things mixed in. There was the reality that anything can happen to anyone at any time. Lydia goes through a number of hard times, devastation and death. But she never gives up. She is proof that it will hurt, and it will hurt hard, but you have to push through it.

I have been aware of the Amish culture my entire life. That may have sounded like a strange statement, but let me explain. There are Amish in the county where I grew up and my mom’s family grew up at the edge of Amish country. I’ve never really had a one-on-one with the Amish, but we always see them in Walmart and even had a little accident when our car spooked a horse a few years ago. Fortunately no one was hurt, unfortunately the thousands of dollars worth of furniture were destroyed when the buggy tipped over off the side of the road. So, needles to say, I’ve always had an interest in the people who have lived on the outskirts of our towns, but I’ve never really known. I’ve watched a few movies and tv specials, but always have more questions. This book answered some of those questions, but always made me want to learn more.

One of the things I liked most about this book was how Pennsylvania Dutch was woven through the text. I feel like I’ve started learning a new language after finishing this book and even caught myself telling my husband that I was hungerwich (hungry) and wrote danki (thank you) on Twitter this week. I didn’t know that the Amish taught Pennsylvania Dutch to their little ones. Brunstetter made the mixture of the two languages work really well but using a Pennsylvania Dutch word in one sentence, then reiterate what was said in English. Very creative.

I will say that towards the end of the book, it was very predictable. There were a few curveballs that threw me for a loop, but by the time it was getting time to reveal who the secret admirer was, I had the ending already worked out and I sure was right.

I give Lydia’s Charm 4 bookmarks.

(less)

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Feb 26, 2013 Georgiann Hennelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Suddenly a widow Lydia King moves herself and her son to Charm Ohio, to be close to her mother and grandfather. Menno Troyer is also recntly widowed and the father of four boys and a furniture store owner. Is Lydia's heart ready for romance when gifts begin appearing on her porch.Menno doesn't think he's ready to love again but his son's need a mother. Than you have Levi Stutzman another new comer to the area, he is the only one in his family not handicapped by Dwarfism, and he has dedicated his...more

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Nov 07, 2010 *Babs* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes Amish romance

Shelves: arc-asked-to-review, amish, romance, favorites

I am enjoying the Amish books and this is no exception. This is the second book by this author I have read, and find it just as good as the other. Once I started reading I instantly felt for Lydia as she lost her husband a year ago and then she just recently lost her job. Her mom asked her to move to Ohio to move with her and her grandfather. Lydia's relationship with her mom is not a good one and hopes to mend it while she is there. More heartache happens, but will Lydia and her mom find happin...more

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Nov 30, 2011 Mayda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish, christian, romance

In Lydia’s Charm, Wanda Brunstetter explores several issues. Unexpected death, tragedy, dwarfism, prejudice, and financial ruin are but a few of the problems that are faced by the protagonists of the story. It is through faith, charity, hard work, enlightenment, perseverance and understanding that they are able survive the unsurvivable. In this well written novel, you will come to know and like the characters as they struggle in their day-to-day lives to do what is right in their faith. Although...more

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Apr 10, 2011 Ariel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Plot: I didn't like that she was going back and forth between two men. However, it made for an interesting storyline and was fairly enjoyable throughout.

Characters: Some of the characters were a little arrogant for my taste. I felt that the many deaths that occurred were also unnecessary and only added to the high conflict between the other characters.

Setting: I love Amish stories and towns, so I loved reading about the quaint shops!

Overall: I really did like this book, despite the small flaws I...more

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Oct 03, 2010 Lorie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish-fiction

Lydia’s Charm by Wanda Brunstetter is the story of Lydia King. At the beginning of the book Lydia finds herself trying to survive and care for her child after the death of her husband and the loss of her job. She tries to figure out what she is going to do when her mother sends her a letter and tells Lydia to come and live with her and her father. Lydia’s mom cares for her ill father and she tells Lydia that she would watch her son if she found a job. Lydia did not have a good relationship with...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Katie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, christian-fiction

Oh gosh, where to start with this book.

There's only one Christian Fiction book that I have absolutely adored - Redeeming Love. This is a genre that, to be honest, doesn't really hold a candle to General Fiction. It's hard to write good dramatic stories when morals and principles have to be involved. Sounds terrible, but it's the truth. This is why my expectations for Christian novels are low - like really low. That being said, this book was absolutely terrible, so much so that I need to rant ab...more Oh gosh, where to start with this book.

There's only one Christian Fiction book that I have absolutely adored - Redeeming Love. This is a genre that, to be honest, doesn't really hold a candle to General Fiction. It's hard to write good dramatic stories when morals and principles have to be involved. Sounds terrible, but it's the truth. This is why my expectations for Christian novels are low - like really low. That being said, this book was absolutely terrible, so much so that I need to rant about it.

First things first. This author needs to get a new editor. I found so many errors in this book it's ridiculous. Every now and then you find a misspelled word or grammatical mishap in a book, and it kind of makes you laugh because obviously someone didn't scour the pages enough before sending it to the printer. I'll admit, I didn't see any spelling errors. I saw words printed out of order so that the sentence didn't make sense, and I saw extra words. Which in my opinion, is worse than a spelling error. Moving on to the the next soap box.

Too much was going on. And not enough detail was given. The chapters - all 56 of them (plus an epilogue)- were only a few pages long and it seems that a dramatic turn was presented in each, sometimes multiple big things happened! If this author had actually gone into normal detail about the plot and character development in each chapter, the book could easily have been twice as long. The main character's Grandfather and son dies. She has two men in her life, and eventually both of them are competing for her. But in one fell swoop (aka one small chapter) one suitor just decides to move out of town to be with his family because it's better for his boys and he doesn't want to marry her anymore. And in that same chapter the other suitor decides he's ready to be in a relationship and all of a sudden he and the main character are courting. What happened in that chapter is enough to be a book in itself. People get injured or sick left and right. There's a "side story" where a mystery person is leaving the main character and her mom presents on their porch (which I had figured out way before the end). Ugh... I'm not even going to go on about everything else that happens.

The lack of details reminded me why I could never be a writer. This author wrote everything like a technical person (aka I) would. It's very straightforward and matter of fact - no extraneous details. Short, sweet, and to the point. The entire book is filled with an exact account of what the characters were physically doing and actually thinking. I'm sorry, but I can't take 300 pages of what you had for dinner, what errands you ran in town, how you cleaned your house, what you did at work, and all the obvious thoughts that come with it. I want to see plot development. Give me details about what the characters are doing and what it means for them. Don't tell me exactly what they're thinking and feeling (except this book totally lacked feeling), write so that I figure it out for myself or so I can develop my own thoughts. Like I said, had this book been written in a normal fashion, it could have easily been twice as long. The main character has two suitors and two people close to her die. Do I ever get a feeling that she's hurting or see how she's affected? Nope. She just deals with it. Because I was told that, not that I was led to believe that.

This story had so much potential, hence the two stars. It's a shame that it was poorly written. Needless to say, I won't ever be reading a book by this author again.(less)

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Apr 24, 2012 Audrey Grant rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

I did something new with this book. I checked it out from my local library online!! I was able to download the e-book to my iPod and read it! It is a wonderful program! I have missed my local library so very much being stuck at home the last three years. I can't count the times I have looked in my purse at my library card with longing!
Now,that being said! The book...
I LOVE Wanda's books! I love her style of writing, her depth of characters, descriptions of everything from the food, to the emotio...more I did something new with this book. I checked it out from my local library online!! I was able to download the e-book to my iPod and read it! It is a wonderful program! I have missed my local library so very much being stuck at home the last three years. I can't count the times I have looked in my purse at my library card with longing!
Now,that being said! The book...
I LOVE Wanda's books! I love her style of writing, her depth of characters, descriptions of everything from the food, to the emotions and facial expressions.
But this was not my favorite book of hers. I felt like everyone kept dying. *SPOILERS ALERT* I know that life can be very rough and one person, or family, can seem to have what seems like more than their fair share of trouble at times in their life. (In fact I have lived this) But at the same time. When you have so many widows and widowers in such a short period of time in such a small community and then they are pairing up together it just seemed to not flow as naturally as most of her books.
The other thing I struggled with is the main character seeming to heal and accept the loss of her son and move on so quick! Trying to go back to work after a week. Going visiting and to supper with people withing a few weeks of her son dying, thinking about the possibility of remarriage and raising someone else's sons and having more of her own with another man when her her son has been dead a month or two and her husband a year!!
I have friends who lost their 4 year old son and 6month old daughter this past winter in a car accident. They are still deeply hurt and there was no quick bounce back. Even with God there holding them every step of the way. The loneliness and quiet is enough to make this a long process.
I may be being too hard on this book because it hit so close to home and hit such a sore and tender spot in my heart. It is a great book and as always, Wanda's writing is impeccable! I just felt rushed and a bit overwhelmed with the deaths. Of course, if a book doesn't stir up feelings and emotions of some kind for me...why read it?(less)

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May 03, 2012 Abbie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amish-fiction, 2011, blog-reviewed

Lydia moves back to Charm Ohio with her young son to live with her mother. Lydia’s husband has died a year ago and she has lost her job. She has a strained relationship with her mother and she is hoping by moving in with her mother and helping her take care of her ailing grandfather they will build a better relationship. She soon catches the eye of two Amish men. Menno who is a widow with 4 active boys and Levi who’s whole family has dwarfism except him. Tragedy soon strikes Lydia. Will she be a...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Mandy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books, blog-reviews, mandys-reads, read-in-2010

MY REVIEW:

Some say Amish Fiction books all blend together - but I say this one stands apart! I loved listening to this wonderfully read audio version of Wanda Brunstetter's Lydia's Charm.

The story overall was a great mix of "classic love story" with unexpected twists. Some of these twists were wonderful surprises and others were so shocking that I was in tears as I listened. I felt connected to all the characters in one way or another and even fell in love with the "unlovable" ones.

Not only was...more MY REVIEW:

Some say Amish Fiction books all blend together - but I say this one stands apart! I loved listening to this wonderfully read audio version of Wanda Brunstetter's Lydia's Charm.

The story overall was a great mix of "classic love story" with unexpected twists. Some of these twists were wonderful surprises and others were so shocking that I was in tears as I listened. I felt connected to all the characters in one way or another and even fell in love with the "unlovable" ones.

Not only was the story deep and real - beyond a feel-good romance - but it also dealt with such probing topics such as grief and prejudice. It was a longer book but with short, easy-reading (or easy-listening) chapters that kept you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what was next.

I would highly recommend this book in print form or audio version. The audio version was smooth to listen to and I enjoyed hearing the dutch words rather then attempting to read them myself! If you are looking for a heart-warming novel that will also challenge your soul while making you both cry and laugh - Lydia's Charm is the perfect book!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Lydia King is suddenly a widow and moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. But is her heart ready for romance when gifts begin appearing on her porch from a mysterious source? Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys. He has come to realize that, though he doesn’t think he’s ready to love again, his sons need a mother. Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism, and he has dedicated his life to caring for them. Though determined never to marry, he is always willing to be of help to others. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life? And when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver
be there to support her?

* * * * *

This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the opinion expressed is that of my own. You can buy your own copy of this great book at OasisAudio.com.(less)

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Oct 05, 2010 Wendi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Lydia King moves to Charm, Ohio to live with her mother and grandfather after loosing her job in a down economy. Widowed and the mother of a four year old boy, Lydia hopes to find work and lend a hand to her exhausted mother who is the sole caregiver to her disabled grandfather. Her mother hopes Lydia will soon re-marry so she will be taken care of financially and materially without the need to continue working. Lydia however; being pursued by one man, is attracted to another who is emotionally...more

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