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Indiana Cousins #2
A Cousin's Prayer
Kumme to Amish country, where the simple ways of life lead to hope and healing. Katie Miler is traumatized after her boyfriend is killed in a van in which she was also a passenger. How will she find her way out of the valley of her depression? Freeman Bontrager will make any excuse to be near to Katie, hoping to win her love. But how far will he go to gain her trust. . .and her heart? What will bring this girl out of the shadows of fear, and open her heart to life—and love?
296 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
182 books2,365 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
October 15, 2020
A Cousin's Prayer is a beautiful story of learning to pray, live, and love again. It's a faith-filled story that fans of Amish fiction or fans of a great inspirational novel will enjoy to the very last page!
June 24, 2017
I'm so in love with this series! It proves that even the Amish go through hardships and medical issues. Well written and truly amazing. One more book to go! I can't wait!
August 13, 2015
Really enjoy the Amish books.
April 22, 2026
I really liked this story. I liked it because, I had read book one and this expanded on the lovable characters, except for Eunice who was overbearing and a malicious gossip, justified only in her mind so she could secure her place as Freeman’s future wife. One character accepted Jesus as her Savior, and there were many meaningful scriptures. We never found out if the real mother was found who left her baby on Katie’s porch!
October 24, 2021
Katie is at an emotional stand-still after the death of her fiancé in a car accident. She isn't interested in another relationship and is sure she will forever remain unwed. Another young lady in the community starts rumours questioning Katie's moral behaviour. What appears to be a no-win situation for Katie turns into a life changing opportunity for her future happiness. a good read.
October 21, 2020
This book was very good. I loved the development of Katie and Freeman. It was a very sweet romance. I can't wait to see how Ella and Jolene will find their husbands and how their love story happens.
August 7, 2017
"Breathe deeply..move through the anxiety..float with it.. get mad at it.. do whatever it takes."
It has been a year since Katie was in an accident that killed three people, an accident that she thinks she caused. With the guilt of this weighing on her heavily mixed in with the fear and sadness as well Katie isn't dealing with things well. She has developed anxiety over time and instead of dealing with has run from everything. Now her parents want her back at home instead of in Florida with her grandparents. This sends Katie into a tailspin of emotions for quite awhile until someone finally starts helping her in the way she needs it.
Overall I thought this book was okay. I can't remember if I've read the first book or not at this point as I have had this on my shelf for a very long time. I found it very interesting to see what the Amish might think of anxiety and how they deal with it. I think this is the first Amish book I have ever read where it was even mentioned let alone the main topic of the book. Brunsetter did a wonderful job of not only helping us connect to Katie, but to Freeman as well. There were some characters a.k.a Eunice that needed to take a chill pill and stop jumping to conclusions all the time. I know it was to create conflict, but it felt unnecessary the more she kept on. The ending while expected did make me a little sad, because of how Katie just gave up her wants to be with someone.
This is one of the better Amish fiction, and I love how easy I can read these.
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It has been a year since Katie was in an accident that killed three people, an accident that she thinks she caused. With the guilt of this weighing on her heavily mixed in with the fear and sadness as well Katie isn't dealing with things well. She has developed anxiety over time and instead of dealing with has run from everything. Now her parents want her back at home instead of in Florida with her grandparents. This sends Katie into a tailspin of emotions for quite awhile until someone finally starts helping her in the way she needs it.
Overall I thought this book was okay. I can't remember if I've read the first book or not at this point as I have had this on my shelf for a very long time. I found it very interesting to see what the Amish might think of anxiety and how they deal with it. I think this is the first Amish book I have ever read where it was even mentioned let alone the main topic of the book. Brunsetter did a wonderful job of not only helping us connect to Katie, but to Freeman as well. There were some characters a.k.a Eunice that needed to take a chill pill and stop jumping to conclusions all the time. I know it was to create conflict, but it felt unnecessary the more she kept on. The ending while expected did make me a little sad, because of how Katie just gave up her wants to be with someone.
This is one of the better Amish fiction, and I love how easy I can read these.
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February 12, 2021
Every time I read a book from Mrs Wanda, I love it more and more. This story "A Cousin's Prayer" had me in every feeling possible. I felt sad for what was happening to Katie, have had a panic attack myself I knew what she was feeling and going through. At the same time I did more than once want to shake Eunice. There probably hasn't been a story where I truly did not like a character as much as I did not like Eunice.
But this story is one that will navigate you through a "emotional" feeling that you hardly read in books and well explained as Panic attacks. I truly liked how Mrs Wanda explained the feelings Katie felt and went through. Along she molded a great story of love and Faith and Trust. Trust and Faith in God and in oneself to move forward.
As all this is happening, Mrs Wanda brought Eunice into the story to spice it up a little with all the doubts, selfish and envy someone can have. Not only that but how people can be cruel when not knowing facts base rumors, and lies about someone.
Katie was left with an emotional state right after friends, family and her boyfriend Timothy are in a fatal accident. Blaming herself for the cause of the accident she runs from everything that reminds her of the happy life she had. Emerged into being alone she feels safe. Until her cousin's wedding brings her back to the place she ran from and to the only friend that has loved her since their younger days.
At the end Love conquers everything. Love and Faith in God and in one self.
This book is one of my favorites now of Mrs Wanda. Love the story, the characters and highly recommend it to everyone. It had me until late at night reading to see what the next page hold.
But this story is one that will navigate you through a "emotional" feeling that you hardly read in books and well explained as Panic attacks. I truly liked how Mrs Wanda explained the feelings Katie felt and went through. Along she molded a great story of love and Faith and Trust. Trust and Faith in God and in oneself to move forward.
As all this is happening, Mrs Wanda brought Eunice into the story to spice it up a little with all the doubts, selfish and envy someone can have. Not only that but how people can be cruel when not knowing facts base rumors, and lies about someone.
Katie was left with an emotional state right after friends, family and her boyfriend Timothy are in a fatal accident. Blaming herself for the cause of the accident she runs from everything that reminds her of the happy life she had. Emerged into being alone she feels safe. Until her cousin's wedding brings her back to the place she ran from and to the only friend that has loved her since their younger days.
At the end Love conquers everything. Love and Faith in God and in one self.
This book is one of my favorites now of Mrs Wanda. Love the story, the characters and highly recommend it to everyone. It had me until late at night reading to see what the next page hold.
July 4, 2016
A Cousin's Prayer is book 2 in the Indiana Cousins Series.
Once again, the author delivers a sweet and enjoyable story. Very different from book 1, in which Loraine is conflicted between the promise she made to one man and the love she once felt for another, Katie's story in book 2 is more of a slow-growing romance and a tale of overcoming grief and fear.
The many inconsistencies regarding time really bugged me in this book. More than once, the author says some time has passed between two chapters and then refers to the events of the previous chapter as having happened the day before. This was very confusing for me as I like to pay attention to the details of the settings and timeline of a book when I read it.
Another thing I disliked about the book is how the author seemed to stuff certain passages with information found in research. Although I enjoy a well researched story and accurate information, I found some of the information had no link to the events of the book and didn't move the plot forward.
Also, similar to book 1, the resolution doesn't come until the last few chapters, feeling kind of rushed and with not much leading up to it... It felt like the most part of the book is just a series of events and mishaps that don't really lead to the ending of the story.
Nevertheless, the great story and characters make up for the drawbacks of this book and I would still recommend it to Amish fiction fans. I'm also looking forward to book 3 in the series.
Once again, the author delivers a sweet and enjoyable story. Very different from book 1, in which Loraine is conflicted between the promise she made to one man and the love she once felt for another, Katie's story in book 2 is more of a slow-growing romance and a tale of overcoming grief and fear.
The many inconsistencies regarding time really bugged me in this book. More than once, the author says some time has passed between two chapters and then refers to the events of the previous chapter as having happened the day before. This was very confusing for me as I like to pay attention to the details of the settings and timeline of a book when I read it.
Another thing I disliked about the book is how the author seemed to stuff certain passages with information found in research. Although I enjoy a well researched story and accurate information, I found some of the information had no link to the events of the book and didn't move the plot forward.
Also, similar to book 1, the resolution doesn't come until the last few chapters, feeling kind of rushed and with not much leading up to it... It felt like the most part of the book is just a series of events and mishaps that don't really lead to the ending of the story.
Nevertheless, the great story and characters make up for the drawbacks of this book and I would still recommend it to Amish fiction fans. I'm also looking forward to book 3 in the series.
May 12, 2017
A COUSIN'S PRAYER ( BOOK 2 INDIANA COUSINS) WANDA BRUNSTETTER
It has been about eight months since Katie's MIller's boyfriend was killed in a tragic accident, in which Katie was a passenger in the van.
After the accident, Katie moved to Florida to live with her grandparents to overcome some of the emotional trauma, that she suffered from the accident.
Katie and her grandparents return to Indiana, so that Katie can be an attendant at the wedding of her cousin Lorraine, to Wayne Lambright. Since being back in Indiana and around people that were also in the van at the time of the accident, Katie realizes that she is still depressed and still has emotional scars from Timothy's death. She starts having bad panic attacks .
Freeman Bontanger has know Katie most of her life, and when Katie confesses to Freeman about the panic attacks. Freeman wants to help Katie overcome her demons. Freeman starts to draw closer to Katie; but Eunice Byler has her eyes set on Freeman and will do anything to win his heart, even ruin Katie's reputation with gossip.
Will Katie be able to overcome her demons by seeing a therapist, who works with the Amish community or will she move back to Florida and make a new life there. Also, who will Freeman choose Katie or Eunice.
It has been about eight months since Katie's MIller's boyfriend was killed in a tragic accident, in which Katie was a passenger in the van.
After the accident, Katie moved to Florida to live with her grandparents to overcome some of the emotional trauma, that she suffered from the accident.
Katie and her grandparents return to Indiana, so that Katie can be an attendant at the wedding of her cousin Lorraine, to Wayne Lambright. Since being back in Indiana and around people that were also in the van at the time of the accident, Katie realizes that she is still depressed and still has emotional scars from Timothy's death. She starts having bad panic attacks .
Freeman Bontanger has know Katie most of her life, and when Katie confesses to Freeman about the panic attacks. Freeman wants to help Katie overcome her demons. Freeman starts to draw closer to Katie; but Eunice Byler has her eyes set on Freeman and will do anything to win his heart, even ruin Katie's reputation with gossip.
Will Katie be able to overcome her demons by seeing a therapist, who works with the Amish community or will she move back to Florida and make a new life there. Also, who will Freeman choose Katie or Eunice.
June 26, 2013
Katie Yoder's life changed drastically the day her boyfriend was killed in a van accident. Despite the change of scenery in Florida, she finds herself suffering from anxiety attacks and depression. No matter how much she tries, she just can't forget about the accident that took Timothy away from her. As she struggles to move on with her life, she slowly becomes aware of something she hasn't felt in a long time.
Freeman Bontrager has been attracted to Katie since they were in grade school. But while the fears that assail her do not deter him from being her friend, the beautiful Eunice Byler just might. Will Katie ever be able to face her fears and love again? Or will the demons keep her from living a normal live continue to plague her?
This novel brought to light how people with trauma in their past might deal with the tragedy. I was struck by how little I knew of the topic, and how it feels from that point of view. The characters varied from supportive to judgmental, and there was plenty to be learned by all. The author explored the topic with compassion and understanding, and despite the heartache Katie faced, God is ultimately the "peace that passeth all understanding."
Freeman Bontrager has been attracted to Katie since they were in grade school. But while the fears that assail her do not deter him from being her friend, the beautiful Eunice Byler just might. Will Katie ever be able to face her fears and love again? Or will the demons keep her from living a normal live continue to plague her?
This novel brought to light how people with trauma in their past might deal with the tragedy. I was struck by how little I knew of the topic, and how it feels from that point of view. The characters varied from supportive to judgmental, and there was plenty to be learned by all. The author explored the topic with compassion and understanding, and despite the heartache Katie faced, God is ultimately the "peace that passeth all understanding."
October 18, 2012
This is book two of the Indiana Cousin's series.
After losing her boyfriend in a horrific accident, Katie Miller went to Florida to stay with the grandparents, to try to heal from her loss. A year later, she returns to her Amish community in Indiana, struggling with depression and anxiety attacks.
Freeman Bontrager has been interested in Katie ever since they were in school. Now that Katie is home, Freeman finds excuses to spend time at the Miller home. Is there a future for him with the emotionally scarred Katie, or should he give Eunice Byler a chance, a pretty flirt who has her eye on Freeman?
When a mysterious package appears on Katie's doorstep, his loyalty is tested. Will he win Katie's trust only to lose his standing with her parents?
This was a good read, and I could relate to Katie with the anxiety attacks, as I have experienced those myself. Not to the degree that Katie did, but I had the same emotional feelings; the author really captured what it is like to go through them. This book also continues Loraine's story from the first book.
After losing her boyfriend in a horrific accident, Katie Miller went to Florida to stay with the grandparents, to try to heal from her loss. A year later, she returns to her Amish community in Indiana, struggling with depression and anxiety attacks.
Freeman Bontrager has been interested in Katie ever since they were in school. Now that Katie is home, Freeman finds excuses to spend time at the Miller home. Is there a future for him with the emotionally scarred Katie, or should he give Eunice Byler a chance, a pretty flirt who has her eye on Freeman?
When a mysterious package appears on Katie's doorstep, his loyalty is tested. Will he win Katie's trust only to lose his standing with her parents?
This was a good read, and I could relate to Katie with the anxiety attacks, as I have experienced those myself. Not to the degree that Katie did, but I had the same emotional feelings; the author really captured what it is like to go through them. This book also continues Loraine's story from the first book.
February 9, 2022
Katie travels from the Amish community in Florida where she lives with her grandparents to her Amish hometown community in Indiana for her cousin, Loraine's wedding after the tragic accident that took the life of her fiance, Timothy. Freeman and his family have moved from Ohio back to their Amish community in Indiana where he finds that he has a crush on Katie, but also on newcomer, Eunice, who is the town gossip. Eunice starts a rumor that Katie is pregnant and that Freeman is the father so it doesn't look good when a teenage girl drops her daughter, Susan, off on the Miller's porch in a basket. Later on, Eunice spreads a rumor that the paper boy, Mike, is Katie's new boyfriend, but Katie has a crush on Freeman. Freeman tells Katie's cousin, Ella, about her panic attacks and survivor's guilt. I liked the way this story played out and learning more about the Amish community. I can't wait to see the rest of Katie's story unfold in the last book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
A Cousin's Prayer is the second amazing book written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Indiana Cousins series. I enjoyed this storyline and all the characters. I was engaged in this book all the way through.
The characters are very likeable and realistic. I enjoyed reading Katie's story. She is strong, independent and loving. Freeman Bontrager is interested in Katie but there are things testing his feelings. When something unexpected appears at Katies door will she be able to deal with it?
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy.
The characters are very likeable and realistic. I enjoyed reading Katie's story. She is strong, independent and loving. Freeman Bontrager is interested in Katie but there are things testing his feelings. When something unexpected appears at Katies door will she be able to deal with it?
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy.
October 4, 2009
I received this book for free on the condition that I would read and review it. I've always been fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, so I figured it would be at least interesting... But I'm having trouble getting through it. I've read the first 2 chapters, and I really had to force myself through every page. I will finish the book because I promised to do so... But It may take some time. It's not necessarily poorly written; it's not full of grammatical errors or annoyingly overused clichés like Twilight. It's the plot that's the problem. I can grit my teeth and get through a great story that's in dire need of an editor. But even C.S. Lewis himself can't make a good read out of a boring plot.
...Perhaps the story will pick up in a few chapters?
...Perhaps the story will pick up in a few chapters?
September 23, 2015
The reason I feel A Cousin's Prayer deserves 5 stars is because A Cousin's Prayer is the heart felt story of Katie Miller, a young Amish girl whose boyfriend, herself and friends are involved in a car accident on their way to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Katie moves to Florida for a while with her grandparents so she can get past her boyfriend's death. She comes back to Indiana when her cousin, Loraine get married. Katie struggles with panic attacks and depression. She eventually befriends Freeman Bontrager, who also suffered from panic attacks.
For a while Katie felt like God wasn't with her while she suffered from panic attacks. She re-devoted her life to God and fell in love with Freeman. I would highly recommend the series of Indiana Cousins by Wanda E. Brunsetter.
For a while Katie felt like God wasn't with her while she suffered from panic attacks. She re-devoted her life to God and fell in love with Freeman. I would highly recommend the series of Indiana Cousins by Wanda E. Brunsetter.
April 13, 2022
Despite the fact that this one had a love triangle, I listened to it in one sitting. I just couldn't stop.
Although it is very uncommon in most Amish-centered novels, but this one discussed anxiety and panic attacks.
Also, I really wish that we knew what happened to the child that Katie found. Once she went to the police, the situation wasn't really ever mentioned again, leaving no closure.
I really liked how there was not much of a romance plot as much as a deep friendship plot.
Tropes: love-triangle, friends to more
Content: mentions of an accident that took the life of Katie's boyfriend, infant abondenment, anxiety
5 Stars
Although it is very uncommon in most Amish-centered novels, but this one discussed anxiety and panic attacks.
Also, I really wish that we knew what happened to the child that Katie found. Once she went to the police, the situation wasn't really ever mentioned again, leaving no closure.
I really liked how there was not much of a romance plot as much as a deep friendship plot.
Tropes: love-triangle, friends to more
Content: mentions of an accident that took the life of Katie's boyfriend, infant abondenment, anxiety
5 Stars
August 9, 2009
This was a very good book. As most of her books are this book shows how we are to always keep God active in our lives, not just put on a shelf in our heart. He wants to be active in all parts of our life. He is always there when we need Him, all we have to do is call His name. We can go to church all we want, but if we don't ask God into our heart and life and confess our sins and recognize that He died for us on the cross, then he will not be able to answer us. He sees us but he does not know us.
July 14, 2023
A great continuation in The Indiana Cousins trilogy! This story focuses on Katie, one of the cousins who was involved in the same accident that changed the lives of each of the characters in this series. Katie’s struggles are more emotional than physical, which is something that many people can relate to. Helping her navigate her struggles proves to be a challenge for both her family and friends…but they never give up on her. A heartwarming story that leaves the reader ready for book #3 in the trilogy!
September 27, 2024
I have always loved W. Brunstetter books, however A cousins prayer has been so annoying. The main characters are supposed to be older teens however their dialogue and actions are more like a middle schooler. The lead up to Katie getting mental health help was like beating a dead horse. Over and over it described what a panic attack was and was very redundant. I have never been disappointed with her books but this one is nails on a chalkboard bad.
January 18, 2021
I started this book last September and put it down. I just couldn't get into it. But, then I started reading it again in November and Couldn't put the book down. It is fabulous!! I think this series was the best Amish fiction series that I have read. I am now spoiled. It is about a group of young cousins that survive a car accident and how it affected their lives. Great Christian reading. YOU SHOULD READ THESE IN ORDER.
June 19, 2015
Ella makes this book fun to read. She's so sweet and she seems real because of her struggles.
Freeman is a generic male. I like him enough but he just wasn't intriguing to me until the middle/end.
All in all, I think I like this one better than the first. So if your on the first book keep reading. It gets better
Freeman is a generic male. I like him enough but he just wasn't intriguing to me until the middle/end.
All in all, I think I like this one better than the first. So if your on the first book keep reading. It gets better
July 10, 2017
Once again another great book. This one gives insight on panic attacks, how they can effect lives and how one woman works to overcome them with the help of a friend. So much research must be done by Wanda as her books truly bring you into the lives in the book. Thanks you too for the banana bread recipe, Its in the oven now and starting to smell great.
October 17, 2012
I just thought the book dragged too much - first one in the series was better. This was too much focus on Katie and her depression and panic attacks. Also, thought it was more like a petty high school jealousy book about who's going to get the boyfriend.
April 3, 2013
It was a really good book. I was surprised that one of the Amish girls started a bunch of rumors about another one. I didn't think Amish did things like that.I loved hearing about Katie and glad all things turned out great for her in the end.
August 8, 2019
An enjoyable romance and drama. I especially liked how Wanda Brunstetter wrote about the character suffering from anxiety attacks and how she dealt with them. As always, the author wrote about real life situations and the characters were believable.
May 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Learned a lot about panic attacks, there causes and ways to recover.
August 19, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Wanda Brunstetter is an excellent author. As always her books captivate me.
September 12, 2017
This was a really sweet book. I love Wanda's books and this was an easy read in a day book. It teaches kindness, perseverance and overcoming trials.
March 13, 2018
A good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews