A Heartwarming Romance Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter contains three sweet Christian romances set in Washington. They are well-written with characters who have strong Christian values. They are quick and easy to read. The characters are realistic with their strong points and their flaws. It was interesting learning about ventriloquism and clowns as well as chalk art. I liked how the characters used their gifts as a ministry to share their love of Christ. We get to see how our characters overcome obstacles to find love and deepen their faith as well. Bullying, overcoming the past, and insecurities are themes present in the stories. I was a little disappointed that the third story did not contain the theme of the first two. I was hoping we would get Donna Hartley’s story (a chalk artist). I just did not feel that The Neighborly Thing fit in with the other two tales. I had not read these early works by Wanda Brunstetter, so I found it a nice treat. This author always provides sweet, refreshing stories. They remind us to focus on what is truly important in our lives and to rely on Him. A Heartwarming Romance Collection are three inspiring Christian tales with a cute canine, a passionate puppeteer, a crazy clown, doll drama, an anxious adolescent, and curious Christians. ( )

There are three books in this new collection and even though the characters are all different, they all share the common setting of Washington and the central theme of love and friendship. Wanda E. Brunstetter tells the stories of: a young woman who hopes to learn ventriloquism, despite her stuttering problem; a young girl who is determined to prove that a neighbor is up to no good; and a serious young woman who receives attention from a guy who loves jokes and pranks. All of these people are searching for reassurance and acceptance but perhaps, along the way, they can find friendship and even...love!

These contemporary romance books were written before Brunstetter achieved her great success in writing Amish fiction and I consider them to be entertaining reads, even though they may not appeal to her most ardent Amish fans. Brunstetter's deep Christian faith is evident in all three stories and they are all books that I would gladly share with others. They certainly deserve to be in "A Heartwarming Romance Collection"!

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review and these are my honest thoughts. ( )

This is a collection of three early romances that Wanda E. Brunstetter wrote. The first two are related and the third has completely different characters. They are all related in that they are inspirational and the characters learn to trust in God again. My favorite of the three was the last one even though I am not fond of the daughter. These are all very good romances. I received a copy of this book from Barbour for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

A Heartwarming Romance Collection contains three of Wanda E. Brunstetter's early novels. Each of the stories focus on a particular couple from Washington state.
Talking for Two focuses on ventriloquist and dummy maker/seller Seth Byers and very insecure child care worker Tabby, who meet at a class Seth teaches.
Clowning Around focuses on Joe Richey, Slow-Joe the Clown, and Lois Johnson a church secretary.
The Neighborly Thing focuses on doll repair person Sinda Shull and her neighbor, single father, Glen Olsen.

These are all great fun stories to read. The first two are stories about sisters Tabby and Lois. When younger sister Lois was born, her father devoted all his time towards her, ignoring Tabby. As a result Tabby became very insecure and started stuttering. As adults Lois was engaged to a wealthy man and Tabby was destined to be single. I really liked these two stories that showed how the sisters changed and matured as they became Christians and reached out in missionary work with Seth and Joe.
In The Neighborly This we see how Sinda has been affected by her childhood as well and the family secrets she finds out after the death of her father. We also see how Glen, as a single father, has his hands full with his daughter who is always on watch for a mystery to solve.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is nice to travel back to read some of one of my favorite authors first stories. I received an e-book copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review. ( )

"A Heartwarming Romance Collection" presents readers with three stories, describing the lives of three different couples. Members of each couple are involved with physical "props," including ventriloquism, clowning, and doll repair. Although these are sweet and clean romances, each plot includes characters who struggle with family issues from their pasts that impact their present lives. The Christian message is overt and forms an integral part of each story, creating a thread that ties the stories together.

Some of the same characters are found in two of the three stories, allowing continuity between them. Seth and Tabby come together over a shared interest in ventriloquism. Lois and Joe both enjoy Christian ministry, and Lois' quiet and steady nature forms a perfect foil for Joe's clowning. Tabby and Seth also reappear in this second story. In the third tale, Sinda the "doll doctor" repairs antique dolls, and meets her neighbor Glen through his snoopy and mischievous daughter. All three stories have happy endings, although not without struggles, tears, and personal growth along the way.

Readers seeking clean and sweet, well-written romance short stories will find this to be a welcome addition to their summer reading selections. Those who appreciate a strong Christian influence will not be disappointed by these selection by a favorite author of Christian fiction novels.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )