LETTERS OF COMFORT BY WANDA E. Brunstetter 

Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiancé’s death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won’t even respond to calls from friends. William’s twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren’s friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?
 
Find out in the second book of The Friendship Letters series by New York TimesBestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

MY REVIEW

This is a beautifully written story about grief and friendship. I loved how the author develops her characters slowly while showing how they grow and overcome obstacles. Getting to know Doretta was a look at someone who is grieving a loved one. Everything was going so perfect for  her as her wedding day was fast approaching. An evening before the wedding her soon to be husband takes  her on a buggy ride. He has a big surprise for her and can’t wait to see how excited she will be. When  tragedy comes Doretta’ dreams are shattered. 

Finding out that her beloved William has died was too much for her. She missed his funeral due to being  in the hospital. Now she faces a life without him and a journey of recovering from her own injuries from the accident. Her bitterness is evident as she pushes family, friends and God away. I loved how her dear friend Eleanor continues to write letters of comfort to Doretta. Even though Doretta does not respond we can tell she slowly is allowing scriptures and encouraging words to heal her anger and broken heart. The author does an excellent job of using  different  people to speak into Doretta’s life. People react differently to grief and I could understand why Doretta was angry. Her life is forever changed  and she doesn’t feel like she has a future anymore. 

Warren is grieving the loss of his twin brother William. The entire family has been shaken by his death and it is hard to go forward at times. Warren tries so hard to keep himself busy but there are a few people who seem to bother him a little too much. His sweet  mother hovers over Warren which upsets him. In her own grieving process she tries to hold tight to her remaining son. Warren was very close to his brother and as twins they shared many things. Now he is left with a big hole in his heart. I appreciate how he reaches out to Doretta and tries to comfort her. I loved when he reminds Doretta what 2 Corinthians 5:8 says, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. “

This has been a great story that reminds us to never give up on our friends. Eleanor continued to write to Doretta even when she didn’t get a reply. Warren faces his feelings and learns to trust  God more. Doretta well that will be a surprise for readers to discover. 

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