I loved this wonderful Amish fiction filled with romance, love and abuse. I loved how this story based around a young mother who had been abused as a child is handled. I enjoyed getting to know Irma and her husband LaVern. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

This is book three in The Friendship Letters series and I must say it is my favorite. The author handles the subject of abuse with finesse and tenderness. It is heartbreaking at times and made me weep, but with admitting you need help and prayer healing can come. I love how letters between friends in this series is so helpful and shows what genuine friendship means. I was thankful Irma had an understanding and loving husband. I loved the characters and felt extreme empathy for Irma. It was wonderful to watch the journey to forgiveness and healing. Even if you aren’t a big fan of Amish fiction I suggest giving this a try as it is well done and captures your heart. It shows how abuse has a ripple effect even to ones who are not the target of the abuse. I was saddened to see the author actually experienced abuse and wrote this from firsthand knowledge. I was blessed to read this.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

This series has been very enjoyable but this book will always be my favorite. The author tackles a sensitive subject with compassion and opens the doors for healing from those who have been through a similar situation. I appreciate the candid look at child abuse and how it affects many. It was particularly emotional for me as I was a victim like Irma.

Irma was so easy to relate to because we have similar childhoods. Her abuse came from her stepfather but mine was from my father and older brother. Irma still has memories from what she endured but when she marries and moves away she almost feels free for the first time. Lingering deep in her heart is pain, bitterness and unforgiveness. She has carried this secret for awhile. Like Irma’s mother, mine stood silently by and did nothing. The pain of not feeling safe and protected by her mother is hard to understand at times. Irma can’t understand why her mother allowed this to happen to her and never once step in to stop it.

Irma’s husband LaVern is away from home a lot due to his job. He has no idea that Irma is feeling stress around the children. He is gentle and loving with his wife but he has no idea of the secrets she has been hiding. When a death in the family sends Irma back home there was definite tension between her and her mother. Irma’s mother feels guilty for what happened to her oldest daughter at the hands of her second husband. She tried to stop him but his anger turned to her. She hid bruises from everyone and I understand her feeling of helplessness. My mother did not step in at all for me and for a very long time in my life I was angry with her.

The story shows how Irma is becoming more angry towards her children and begins to abuse them. This broke my heart. I wanted to sit next to Irma and tell her that she needs to seek help right away. Her bitterness is destroying her life and causing her children to be afraid of her. I’m so thankful that her dear friend continued to send letters to Irma and encourage her to seek help. I will leave the ending of this story for readers to see what the outcome is.

As I end my review I will share a few personal thoughts. For many years I suffered through physical and emotional abuse by my father and oldest brother. For years I cut ties to my family. I was angry that the two people who should have kept me safe didn’t. They let me know that I was not loved by them and had never wanted me. As I finished reading Irma’s story I am thankful for the author for sharing this story. Abuse happens everyday. But there is freedom when we forgive and are forgiven. Please make sure you read the Dear Reader section at the end of the book. It will help you understand why this story is so personal to the author. I’m grateful for the author being transparent and helping me continue to forgive my parents and oldest brother everyday.

“Bitterness blocks healing and prevents the goodness of God from shining through in our life.”

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. The review is my own opinion. ( )

This third book in The Friendship Letters series is a memorable way to end the series. Letters are still being exchanged between three longtime friends but Irma's letters to Doretta have become cries for help. Memories of the physical and emotional abuse that she'd hidden since childhood threaten to destroy the life she's built with her husband and three young children. How does an Amish woman admit that she's repeating the same abusive actions that have haunted her for years?

Letters of Wisdom is an enlightening story about the long-lasting effects endured by the victims of abuse. I realize that it could be an emotional trigger for some readers, but author Wanda E. Brunstetter is never graphic in her depiction of these actions. She reminds us that abuse can be passed from generation to generation and that counseling is often needed to break the cycle. Irma's story illustrates that hurt and resentment can turn to hatred if allowed to fester, and it reinforces the need for compassion, forgiveness, and healing that can only come through faith and prayer. I was deeply touched by this story, and I applaud Brunstetter for her willingness to tackle this subject!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review ( )

Letters of Wisdom is the third book in the Friendship Letters series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. This wonderful Amish series does follow through as the series progresses, so it is best to read in order. The author does a nice job of giving background information, so this book is also a good stand alone story. This series follows three friends that go through personal struggles and reach out to each other for support through letters. This story focuses on Irma and her family. The story is so realistic and covers the topic of abuse. The author has delicately written a story that shows the struggles Irma has as she feels overwhelmed with being a mother, facing her estranged family after her abuser/stepfather passes away. With hopes of putting her past behind her and moving forward, Irma finds herself in an even darker place.

This story contains wonderful yet hurting characters. I enjoyed the way the author has written such an easy to read story as it touches on hard topics. The story is well written and easy to imagine. I appreciate the way Irma’s husband steps up to make sure she gets the help she needs and the family heals from this situation. I like how her mother and siblings come together after her stepfathers death and try to help each other. I admire her stepsister for trying to reach out to her to help her understand their mother better.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review. ( )