A Woman of Courage Makes an Epic Journey Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and joins the work at a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper … and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
Included is the newly-written sequel, Woman of Hope, with Little Fawn’s story.
Raised as an orphan by a loving white couple, Little Fawn always felt something was missing from her life. She longs to take the news of Jesus to the Nez Perce Indians, but despite being a missionary herself, Little Fawn’s mother forbids it. Will White Wolf, her intended, support Little Fawn’s decision when she abruptly follows the tribe’s migration onto the Plains?
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Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter takes us on a journey to Dansville, New York in 1837. Amanda Pearson, a young Quaker woman, is excited to marry her fiancé, Nathan Lane the next day. Then Nathan stops by and tells Amanda that he has fallen in love with another woman and is canceling their wedding. Amanda decides to join Reverend and Mrs. Spalding on their mission in spreading Christ’s word to the Nez Perce Indians. Her father is joining her on the long, perilous journey to the Oregon Territory. Harvey Hanson is their guide for their trek with his knowledge of the wilderness and the various Indian tribes. In Wyoming Territory, Amanda becomes ill and is rescued by trapper, Buck McFadden. He takes her to Jim and Mary Breck’s cabin to recover. Mary becomes Amanda’s friend and the first Indian she converts. Jim and Buck want nothing to do with Amanda’s religion. Buck has received terrible treatment from white men who claim to be Christians and prefers his solitary existence. He is attracted to Amanda and he cannot help but overhear what she shares with Mary about God. This has been a life altering journey for Amanda and she has yet to reach her final destination. What does the future hold for Amanda? Come along for the dangerous expedition in Woman of Courage.
Woman of Courage: Collector’s Edition Continues the Story of Little Fawn has a beautiful cover. The book contains Woman of Courage plus the story of Little Fawn, an Indian child that Amanda raises. I found both stories to be well-written. The author captured the time period and the hazards of traveling west. Woman of Courage is different from Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish novels (in a good way). Amanda is strong, Quaker woman who is intent on sharing Christianity with others especially the Nez Perce Indians. She lives a Godly life and is an example to others. Amanda’s journey is difficult and there are fatalities along the way. Most women would return East when given the opportunity, but Amanda is determined to be a missionary. The authors descriptions of the scenery, the various types of lodgings, how the people lived on the frontier, the clothing worn, and the people brought the story alive for me. I could visualize Amanda’s journey. It was interesting to learn about the herbal medicines utilized during this time period. People in the west did not have access to a physician and it was important to know the healing properties of the herbs and other floral/fauna in their area. It also helped them to flavor their dishes and know what to avoid (do not want to poison anyone by adding the wrong type of mushroom to their stew). The pacing of the story varied. There were some slow sections, but it did not detract from this inspirational novel. I could tell the author did her research on the Indians based on her descriptions. I liked learning about the different tribes, how they lived and their beliefs. I appreciated that the author gave us Little Fawn’s story. It is amazing that any woman survived out west during this time period. Woman of Courage is a realistic story that will keep you reading late into the night.
Woman of Courage is a historical novel written by Wanda Brunstetter and has been rereleased as Woman of Courage – Collectors Edition.
The story centers around Amanda Pearson, the daughter of a Quaker minister, who is left alone to make this incredible journey over 3,0000 miles of rough and dangerous territory after her father and her guide dies. After being injured, Amanda finds herself at the cabin of a trapper and his Indian wife, Mary ( Yellow Bird). Mary becomes Amanda’s first convert and good friends. Amanda also meets a half-Indian trapper, who does not want anything to do with Amanda’s Bible teaching.
Included in this special edition of Woman of Courage is the sequel Woman of Hope. This sequel is about Little Fawn, who is raised by a white couple, who love her very much. Little Fawn longs to take the story of Jesus to the Nez Perce Indians. Little Fawn’s mother, who is also a missionary, forbids her from being a missionary.
I found Woman of Courage and Woman of Hope to be two incredible stories. I enjoyed the description of how a dangerous trek like this was for a woman back in 1837, when the missionaries had to travel across the rough and dangerous wilderness to teach the Indians about God.
The characters in this story are very strong and I admire both Amanda and Little Fawn to be two very strong and courageous woman.
I highly recommend that you read Woman of Courage – the Collectors Edition and read both stories of these two amazing women.
I was provided with a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and this is my honest opinion of it.
Its 1837 in New York and Amanda’s fiancé has broken their engagement the night before the wedding. With the plan of helping missionaries bring the gospel to the Nez Perce Indians, Amanda and her father head for the Oregon territory. With great detail the author takes us along on this incredible journey, with dangers I am so glad I did not experience when I travelled across the country! This prim and proper Quaker lady learned many lesssons but the most important one was that prayer changes things and God answers prayer, sometimes different than you hoped, but He answers nevertheless. She became a true Woman of Courage.
This Collectors Edition also tells the story of Little Fawn, Amanda’s daughter and how she became a Woman of Hope by learning to fully trust God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All impressions and opinions are my own.
Going through the difficult time our country is facing motivates me to look to the past, at “simpler” times. On thing that I learn when I look back is no matter when you look there is always some form of struggle, heartbreak, and injustice, which are also themes in Woman of Courage. Set in the west during the most primitive of times, Amanda Pearson, a Quaker, embarks on the journey of a lifetime, drawing courage from her faith, and a vow that she made to her father.
The circumstances that Amanda encounters on her journey are unfathomable, but what really drew me into the story is the incredible imagery of the journey into the untamed west. Wanda E. Brunstetter uses her pen like a paintbrush, painting the most vivid pictures. Oh to see that untainted beauty!
One of the biggest drawbacks of this novel for me was the “Quaker talk.” I understand that is how they spoke, but a lot of Amanda’s dialogue is so wrought with “thee’s” and “thou’s” that it is distracting from what she is trying to convey. As the story progresses, so does Amanda’s maturity, and she slowly adapts to the western way of speaking, but is refreshing and such a relief.
The heartbreak and struggles that befall Amanda would bring anyone to their knees, and I love how steadfast she holds to her faith. Woman of Courage is a very emotional, yet inspiring story and truly a must read.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
It took a little while to get into the story line of this book. Not as easy as a read as other Wanta Brunstetter books. That being said, once I got a little over half way through the book, I could not put it down. It was on the edge of my seat kind of story. Just when you think things will get better, nope another twist in the story line. If you like adventure, this is the story for you.
I loved this book. There is a bonus novella at the end of the book and both are excellent.With many adventures, surprises, twists and turns it is difficult to summarize how this book affected me. I felt caught up as though I was there in the shocking losses, mishaps, fears, and surprises while Amanda Pearson went on her journey across the country to be a missionary to the Nez Perce Indians in Oregon during 1837. I enjoyed knowing these extraordinary courageous women and men experiencing riveting drama.
Sometimes I imagine what it be like to travel in a covered wagon like the brave individuals in those days. But Amanda didn’t even have the luxury of a wagon! She traveled on her horse! There is a bit of romance too.
This is an excellent account of how it could be less than 200 years ago and well worth reading. I feel thankful to be living in this 21st century.
The Novella at the end of Woman of Courage, Woman of Hope is a continuation of the story and I enjoyed it just as well. A sweet young woman is taken hostage and treated cruelly by a tribe that is unfriendly to say the least. It is quite the adventure!
A Woman of Courage by Wanda Brunstetter is set (mainly) against the rugged backdrop of the rugged Rocky Mountains and tells the story of two women from completely different walks of life. As the title suggests, each of these women is “A Woman of Courage.” Amanda is a young Quaker woman, who, after a crushing disappointment, embarks with her father on a new journey, travelling out west across the country to serve as a missionary. What starts out at a great adventure soon turns into a fight for survival. Amanda’s life is saved by a young trapper named Buck, and his friend, Yellow Bird. Like Amanda, Yellow Bird’s life has been one fraught with heartache. Yellow Bird was kidnapped by a band of hostile Indians from a different tribe, and is later traded to a white man, who marries her and changes her name to Mary. Hostile Indians, hostile white men, the harshness of life during the 1800s — these women are brought together through tragedy, develop a friendship, and experience both happy and sad times together. While they may seem an unlikely pair of friends, their friendship grows stronger as they help each other through hard times and dangerous situations. In a time where men are women’s primary protectors, Amanda and Yellow Bird find their own strength as they persevere toward their goal of reaching the mission, where Yellow Bird hopes to find her parents nearby. As their friendship grows stronger, Amanda shares the Gospel with Yellow Bird. The importance of the Gospel and the redeeming love of Jesus are skillfully woven throughout this story by Ms. Brunstetter. An amazing ending to an amazing story. Well worth the read! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review.
I did not know that Wanda wrote historical fiction as well as Amish fiction. I do enjoy the story. I got the book woman of courage Collection edition. We get the full story of Woman of Courage along with Woman of Hope which is Little Fawn story.
We meet up with Amanda Person and we go along for her journey. That I really what this book is mostly about. We get a little bit more of Little Fawn’s story in the story of Woman of Hope. Wanda does a wonderful job with her writing that she does take you back in time.
Go along with Amanda as she travels you go along as she goes though some of trails and learns about where she is going. Will she find love? Will she be able to spread God word to the Indians? To find out and to read Little Fawns story you should pick up this book.
It’s not often that you get to step back and read a Wanda book that isn’t based around the Amish. She does historical fiction as well as she does Amish, just in case you weren’t aware. Now, if you have read this book before I need to caution you not to just assume you know it all already. Because. . . It’s been re-released as a Collector’s Edition with additional stuff. Specifically, well spoilers perhaps but play along, the story of Little Fawn has been carried forward. So, you have the original story ‘Woman of Courage’ but you have the bonus content of ‘Woman of Hope’. I’ve read a few fictional accounts of the Spalding Mission. Each on covers a different aspect, a different time period, and provides a different feel. Wanda approached the mission in her signature style, simple in her details and heavy with her faith. It’s something I love about her writing. It may be a simpler style but the faith is never simple.
That being said, I struggled a bit more with this book than I typically do with Wanda books. I almost feel as though it was too simple. I felt like I was missing emotion, engagement, even passion. I heard so much about what Amanda wanted to do and why she wanted to do it (go the Spalding Mission and become a missionary to the Nez Perce tribe, but I didn’t get to feel it. I was told all about it but I didn’t get to see it. Every relationship was like that for me through this book. Jim cut such a striking, almost stereotypical figure in the beginning, and as he morphed and changed I didn’t feel those changes I simply heard about them. Additionally, I feel like Amanda and Little Fawn woke up one day, decided they were going to be missionaries and then went about doing the thing. Little Fawn, more so than Amanda, missed some key elements to how that truly works. It rarely works that you just walk into a new situation, new people, what have you and proclaim the Word of God and everyone falls into line. Amanda had a great understanding, though I think it took her a moment to get there. You can’t beat people with Scripture and they find faith. You lead people to scripture and they find faith. You meet them where they are, with their own understanding, and draw them to the Lord. I think, perhaps, Little Fawn missed a memo. The final thing that truly bonkered me, and it’s more a writing style I strongly do not like and not a problem with the content, is the sound words. Bark, bark, yada, yada, yada. Onomatopeia is a writing style I personally just can’t embrace. It wasn’t everywhere in the book but it was just enough to stick with me. Nuff said.
All that aside, Wanda brings me a book of simple faith. Amanda changed so much as her story progressed, and it was for the good. She may have started out a solid young Quaker woman but along the way she lost so much that she learned how to gain more. She stumbled into her witness and was willing to adjust her mission to the people she was missioning too. It may have been rocky but it was truly life changing. I truly enjoyed this story of finding friendship, sharing faith, and stretching as God leads to true and positive growth. If you enjoy Wanda’s writing style you truly will love this book. If you have previously read ‘Woman of Courage’ this Collectors Edition is definitely worth picking up for the life of Little Fawn. There are some gaps that are filled in as well as another life that has a story to share. It’s worth sharing with her.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
This book is set on the 1800’s. Wonderfully written. Wanda brings to life hardships and how the main character overcame all her obstacles. I recommend this book to any book lover. It’s one of those books that’s hard to put down. 5 stars
Many of who love to read Amish novels, readily recognize the name of author Wanda Brunstetter. A favorite of many, Brunstetter has never failed to provide this reader with adventuresome and inspiring stories.
In Woman of Courage: Collector’s Edition Continues the Story of Little Fawn, the author focuses on a young Quaker woman named Amanda Pearson. Following the death of her mother, Amanda and her father determine to head west to a mission to the Nez Perce Indians, where she will teach young Indian children. Traveling by horseback, the three travelers including a guide, meet untold danger. Before Amanda can reach her destination she finds herself deathly ill and rescued by a gruff trapper, his Indian wife and a handsome stand-offish younger man who is also a trapper.
Once she has recovered, Amanda once again begins her trek west only this time her guide is the younger of the two trappers. Again meeting danger, the two work their way west. Upon reaching the mission, she begins befriending the natives and teaching their children.
Woman of Courage, while fraught with dangerous situations, is one of my favorite historical romance novels. I was so pleased when the author chose to continue with the story of Little Fawn, it is the icing on the cake! I highly recommend Woman of Courage: Collector’s Edition. After sharing my copy with a few friends, it will find its place on my bookshelf with some of my other favorites by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
Many of who love to read Amish novels, readily recognize the name of author Wanda Brunstetter. A favorite of many, Brunstetter has never failed to provide this reader with adventuresome and inspiring stories.
In Woman of Courage: Collector’s Edition Continues the Story of Little Fawn, the author focuses on a young Quaker woman named Amanda Pearson. Following the death of her mother, Amanda and her father determine to head west to a mission to the Nez Perce Indians, where she will teach young Indian children. Traveling by horseback, the three travelers including a guide, meet untold danger. Before Amanda can reach her destination she finds herself deathly ill and rescued by a gruff trapper, his Indian wife and a handsome stand-offish younger man who is also a trapper.
Once she has recovered, Amanda once again begins her trek west only this time her guide is the younger of the two trappers. Again meeting danger, the two work their way west. Upon reaching the mission, she begins befriending the natives and teaching their children.
Woman of Courage, while fraught with dangerous situations, is one of my favorite historical romance novels. I was so pleased when the author chose to continue with the story of Little Fawn, it is the icing on the cake! I highly recommend Woman of Courage: Collector’s Edition. After sharing my copy with a few friends, it will find its place on my bookshelf with some of my other favorites by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
What a story of hope, courage, faith, perseverance, struggle, and blessings! This Collector’s Edition goes on at the end to continue the story of one of the characters, and you’ll want to read it!
Following the story of young Amanda, the reader will experience life in 1854: the hardships, the simplicity, the danger, the relationships, the heartbreak, and the joy. As Amanda grows in her faith and matures in her relationships, she faces new obstacles to overcome in this trying and rugged season of life. One thing is certain: Amanda, her friend Yellow Bird, and her adopted daughter Little Fawn all have one thing in common: they are certainly women of courage, and the way they overcome hardships is encouraging. This story keeps the reader engaged all the way until the end, and the bonus ending in the Collector’s Edition is not to be missed! This book was provided to me by Barbour Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive (or any) review. Opinions and ideas expressed in this review are my own.
Wanda Brunstetter may be known for her Amish books, but this historical Christian fiction is penned with brilliant research. Amanda Pearson’s journey to a Quaker mission across the wilderness in 1837 brought insight into her journey. Her first convert Mary enlighten her with many traditions of her Indian heritage that she had been sold from. Woman of Courage had plenty of action along with ups and downs with unexpected twists of turns that kept the pages turning. Woman of Courage was filled with Biblical references as Amanda shared her faith openly. This is a powerful story for readers to glean the past in America along with Native American history. The special addition in this Collector’s Edition is the novella tale of Woman of Hope, which is the story of Little Fawn. This is a very worthwhile book to read and relish in the beauty when the last page is read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publisher and the author. I was not required to write a positive review, but I have expressed my sincere thoughts. I would like to see Brunstetter pen another sequel for Woman of Courage or Hope.
Wonderful series! This book dealt with a Quaker woman’s strong faith and her perseverance to travel to the west coast to assist missionaries there to spread the Gospel to the Indians. She endured unbelievable hardship on her journey and never gave up. Wanda Brunstetter is known for her Amish novels, but her vast knowledge of American history and her deep roots of faith allow her to write about any period of time. She is truly an inspirational writer!
So different from the Amish books that are typical of author Wanda Brunsetter, this book is bursting with adventure and resilient faith as our heroine travels west to minister to the Native Americans. Filled with danger, excitement, and life changes, this story doesn’t lag at all. And of course there’s romance.
With both strongly written personalities and great descriptions of that part of the country, you’ll feel like you traveled along with Amanda and Little Fawn. All the characters come across as very real.
A wonderful historical novel, with Christ and salvation threading though out the book, I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
In 1837 Amanda Pearson believed that she was about to marry the man of her dreams but instead she was faced with the shame of being jilted the night before her wedding. What follows is the story of a young Quaker woman who faces danger and near-death so that she can fulfill her dream of becoming a missionary to the Indians. She leaves New York with her father and a hired trail guide to travel to the Oregon Territory but her father dies and she is left to travel alone with a guide who is often irritated by her Quaker language and the use of thee and thou; more than once he warns her to use the English word “you” when speaking to him. Soon, a tragic accident takes his life and Amanda must become a Woman of Courage if she is ever able to reach her destination and fulfill her dream.
This young Quaker woman is strong and determined and truly believes that God intended for her to teach His Word to Native Americans. Her friendship with an Indian woman is hindered by the differences of their language and culture but Mary Yellow Bird saves Amanda’s life and eventually Amanda is able to lead Mary to Christ. Her mission however, isn’t as easy with Mary’s husband Jim and several others who have been hurt by organized religion and want nothing to do with learning more about God. One of them especially resists Amanda’s efforts. He wonders “Was it possible that she really was a Christian, who lived by the Bible and not her own selfish ways? Well, even if she was, Buck had no desire to have religion crammed down his throat”. It appears doubtful that Amanda will ever change Buck McFadden’s mind.
Wanda E. Brustetter is best known for writing Amish stories but this book shows that she is more than capable of writing historical fiction. She offers us a view of the hardships that were endured by the people making those westward journeys and she creates several memorable characters to enhance her story. I’m sure that some poetic license may have been take with some of the events shared but I was especially intrigued with her telling of twin baby girls born to an Indian family and their belief that only one baby deserved to live. The decision that Amanda makes concerning this child plays an important part in her life. There is also romance but the main focus of Woman of Courage is the work of the missionaries who were brave enough to offer salvation to the Nez Perce Indians. This is a heartwarming story and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction. There is also included in this Collector’s edition a short sequel that is set eighteen years later. Woman of Hope is the continued story of Little Fawn, one of the characters from Woman of Courage, and it relates her own desire to be a missionary to the Nez Perce Indians.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher but my review is voluntary. These are my honest opinions.
Previously released as a single novel the Woman of Courage continues as a Collector’s Edition with a newly written story of Little Fawn at the age of seventeen, titled Woman of Hope. The adventure begins in 1837 with a three-thousand-mile journey that is not for the faint-of-heart. Author Wanda Brunstetter writes with attention to detail that helps the reader to understand the historical time period better. It must have been fun and imaginative coming up with all the various Indian names and tribes. The women in this story are very courageous and it is a book filled with hope and faith. If you enjoy historical romance, you will delight in this book. If you’ve previously read Woman of Courage, I encourage you to reread it in this collection to find out what happens to Little Fawn. She’s a feisty girl just like her mother! Enjoy!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. The opinions are my own.
Woman of Courage is one of Wanda Brunstetter’s best works yet! The story has ups and downs, heartache and triumph, love and the Word of God.
The cover of the new collector’s edition is beautifully designed. I also love the fact that Wanda has written a novella about Little Fawn at the end of the original book. It is a joy to get to delve deeper into her life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This book has me conflicted. There are so many reviews out there where people are in absolute love with the book and the story, then just a few who find it okay.
The book cover first off, is interesting. It is a paperback and yet, it has flaps on the front and back as you would find with a hardcover book. For me, it was used as a handy bookmark. But beyond that I couldn’t really understand it’s purpose on this book.
The story starts off with Amanda Pearson being jilted by her fiancé, which is done very matter of fact. It happened and it was done. Then, we move on to her move west with her father, with their determination to help out with the New Percé Indians and introducing them to Christianity.
The story plot was good however, for me, the flow of the words were there to create a story, but it lacked a good flow. For me, words have to almost create music with the ebbs and the flow of words. This one in many areas, I felt as though it was geared towards a young adult. There were some names for the Indians, such as Basket Woman which made me wonder, was there really an Indian with that name? Couldn’t it have been She Who Weaves Baskets. It just seemed trite.
I struggled to finish and truly enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I’ve long been a fan of Wanda’s Amish fiction so I was definitely looking forward to a novel featuring a Quaker main character! I don’t know much about them and have only read a book or two highlighting them. I’d have to rate this as her best yet! I’ve also since learned “Woman of Courage” had already been written, but what I read is a Collector’s Edition so there is an added story at the end entitled “The Story of Little Fawn”. Both are a delightful historical read.
Amada Pearson‘s heart is to bring the gospel to the Nez Pierce Indians. I especially enjoyed this particular historical fiction because I live in a close proximity to the modern day Lapwai Valley in Oregon. Amanda and her papa set out with their guide to travel from New York to the Western wilderness to help minister alongside the Rev. and Mrs. Spalding. However, the trail is strewn with heartache and many devastating losses. When Amanda finds herself injured in an unfamiliar cabin tended by a kind Indian woman, her life takes on a completely different turn. I admire how she clings to her strong faith to make it through the tough days ahead. She also befriends the Indian woman named Mary “Yellow Bird” and learns much of what she needs to know about the Nez Pierce. It’s as if the Lord has placed her exactly where she needs to be at exactly the right time! She also meets Buck, who is a good friend of Mary’s husband Jim…who also wants nothing to do with the Gospel due to a cruel father. I loved seeing how the Lord changed his heart at the end and all the various things that happened in the story, there’s so much packed into it! Brunstetter knows how to spin a tale to keep you wanting more and invested in her characters & storyline. It only took me two days to read this because I didn’t want to put it down! I think anyone who is a fan of this writer, loves history, enjoys a strong faith thread, adventure, and a hard won happily-ever-after at the end will enjoy this one. I loved journeying alongside Amanda, Mary, and Buck as they travel to bring the good news to the Nez Pierce Indians.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *