This is a fantastic book! It has great characters who are genuine and relatable. Eleanor and Victor are struggling after a tragic loss. Eleanor turns to faith, but Victor turns to alcohol. Eleanor exudes compassion and faithfulness during troubling times. Alcoholism is a tough subject, but Wanda wrote about it with great sensitivity. A definite must read! ( )

Newlyweds Vic and Eleanor have a good and happy life. They volunteer to have Vic’s younger brother stay with them while their parents take a trip. Vic agrees to teach the young boy to swim, but never gets enough time soon enough to satisfy the child. Going to the pond alone, he drowns, and Vic blames himself. Unable to cope with the guilt. he turns to alcohol. Now, his job, his marriage, and perhaps even his life are in jeopardy. The author handles this ticklish subject with care and thoughtfulness. Never condemning but always offering help, Eleanor finds the resources she needs to help her husband. This novel, though slow moving at times with simplistic dialog, still packs a powerful message. ( )

I loved this start to a new series. I really loved Eleanor. I felt sad when she was sad and happy when she was happy. I felt it was hard to read about Eleanor and some of her troubles with her husband but everything was handled very well. I think it was very nice that Eleanor had a friend to turn to during her troubles. I heartily recommend reading this story. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

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. ( )

When Eleanor and Vic are married, they promise to stay together forever. However, neither of them could foresee the challenges that would occur to test that promise. The letters mentioned in the title of the book are written by Eleanor to her friend Doretta in which she reveals the problems she is experiencing and asks for prayer.

This was not an easy book to read, as it deals with the social problem of alcoholism and its effect upon a family. In addition to educating readers about Amish culture and practices, the author sets out to educate readers about alcoholism and ways in which families can find help. This book carries a clear and overt Christian message as well. This is the first book in a series by this well-known and experienced author of Christian 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. ( )