White Christmas Pie is the first Wanda E. Brunstetter novel I've read to date, and I hope it won't be the last. The story is set in Indiana, in an Amish Community, in the present day. Will Henderson's father left him when he was only six with an Amish couple who were unable to have children of their own. The arrangement was supposed to be temporary, but circumstances happened which changed the lives of all involved.
Sixteen years later, Will is about to be married to a lovely Amish girl named Karen, and is surprised by feelings of anger, insecurity and jealousy that are popping up in his life and relationships.
Wanda E Brunstetter carefully constructs a prism through which we can see, how, if just one thing happened differently, life as we know it would be different. How often do I wish for things to have happened differently? White Christmas Pie uses the gentle, Amish way of life to give room for readers to ponder life and the past. She also delves into the concept of how people can only see things from their personal perspective. Other perspectives exist, but because of pain or loss suffered, bitterness can take root, clouding out the life and joy we could have if only we had the antidote. That is where the soft wisdom of the ages and the truth that sets us free comes into play- because the story's not over 'til it's over!
I was surprised that in spite of the kinder and gentler life of the Amish, they too face danger, and their lives have risks attached.
It is obvious that Wanda has a love for the Amish way of life as well as an in depth knowledge of the Amish culture of today. The message that I take with me is that regrets can be transformed into renewal of mind and spirit. Joy and new beginnings can take wing!
Many thanks to Barbour for publishing this lovely book.
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