Book Review: Prayers of a Stranger

Title:  Prayers of a Stranger
Author:  Davis Bunn
Where I got it:  From NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review

Amazon Summary:

While visiting the Holy Land, Amanda answers the prayers of a stranger . . . and begins an amazing Christmas journey.

Amanda Vance is ambivalent about her husband’s idea for a big family holiday up north. Last year she planned a special Christmas in their own home, carefully preparing a nursery and the keepsake ornaments for their newborn. Now that room stands as empty as her heart.

Then a neighbor’s mishap turns into a last-minute chance for Amanda to take a much-needed vacation to tour the Holy Land.

An extraordinary turn of events allows Amanda to help answer a young mother’s plea for healing. Then, filled with a sense of awe, Amanda visits the place of Jesus’ birth. There she discovers anew the miracle of the Christ child—God incarnate as a tiny, vulnerable baby.

Her return to Florida marks a momentous shift in her soul and in her marriage as she begins to realize that her journey didn’t end in the Holy Land. And that God doesn’t just answer prayers of strangers . . . but also those of her own heart.

“A great story filled with emotion, depth, and spiritual beauty.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Best-selling Author

My Thoughts:
It’s only October, so I wasn’t really sold on the idea of starting a Christmas book yet, but this one was definitely worth a read early in the season.  First, it’s not super Christmassy – definitely a plus, considering I usually wait until Thanksgiving to bust out the holiday books.  Plus, it’s a great story with an awesome spiritual premise that isn’t overbearing and keeps the reader completely engaged.

Amanda and her husband have been struggling ever since the loss of their child, a year ago this holiday season.  Chris is struggling with his job, and Amanda is struggling to keep herself together on a daily basis.  Their relationship and their personal lives have definitely suffered, and neither is excited for the holidays.  So when Amanda has the opportunity to visit the Holy Land with a neighbor, she jumps on it.

While she’s there, she has the opportunity to revisit her past as a nurse to help a sick child, and re-discovers her faith, and her family.

I was super intrigued about the premise of visiting the Holy Land – it’s not something I’ve ever seriously considered, but the idea is interesting, and not something I know much about.  The atmosphere and descriptions are beautiful, and the relationships that grow between the two main couples in the novel are charming and sweet.  I was definitely glad that I gave this book a chance, it was a nice, inspiring read that I kept hoping would work out well in the end.