Life is so unfair at times. Heidi had helped one of her cooking students when she was young, pregnant and alone as her own family had turned their back on her. Their solution they came up with was going to bring joy to both of them. Now, on a visit from Kendra, she told Heidi that many things had changed. Heidi realizes it is for the good, but her heart is breaking.

Heid knows she can't let disappointment rule her emotion rule her actions despite the heartache. Her situation, her husband Lyle suggests that maybe if she organizes another cooking class, that might help them with the challenges they face. Would more students come to learn Amish cooking?

Written by the very renowned and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter, THE BLESSING is the second book in her latest series entitled Amish Cooking Class about Heidi and her circumstances in Ohio. In addition. THE BLESSING also contains many personal stories about the struggles facing Kendra as she attempts to reconnect with her parents as well as that of the other non-Amish students who are taking the cooking class for their own reasons -- some for gain, distraction, and joy. Nicely seasoning out these stories, there is some romance, some shifting of long-held attitudes and unexpected relationships as they all gain from Heidi's wisdom and Biblical quotes.

There are many excellent writers who base their stories around the Amish, their customs, beliefs and their interactions with their non-Amish neighbours and Wanda Brunstetter has certainly earned a premier place among them. Brunstetter is considered a founder of the Amish fiction genre and is one of the most prolific writers of Amish related stories with well over 100 books and stories published. THE BLESSING can also equally be enjoyed as a standalone read. This series differs from other Amish stories as the focus is more on the problems, challenges and concerns of the non-Amish participants in her class.

As in her previous books, Brunstetter nicely integrates into her storyline various ways for her characters to discern God's will in their lives. Key themes in this story are family love, forgiveness and reconciliation. If reading about all the wonderful food being prepared also makes you hungry, THE BLESSING also comes complete with recipes and study guide, so you can try some of the wonderful recipes in the book. So, be part of the cooking class and savour the flavour!