Prayers of a Stranger by Davis Bunn

Amanda 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.

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

Prayers of a Stranger by Davis Bunn was a sweet and captivating novel that resonated with my own heart. I know someone who went through a similar journey after a loss. She came back from the Holy Land with a deeper relationship with God, a renewed spirit, and even more happiness less than a year later. This novel parallels my friend's journey and shows the mercy and love of our Heavenly Father in all circumstances.

The plot of Prayers of a Stranger is simple yet powerful. The story has unexpected twists, convicting scenes, and incredible revelations. The tone of the novel follows the storyline and the characters' journeys beautifully.

The characters of Prayers of a Stranger are well developed and realistic as well. Amanda is a flawed character that clearly struggles with her faith, relationships, and other issues. She has her strengths, but she is overwhelmed by her own weakness. The other characters are developed realistically as well and support Amanda on her journey to a new heart and spirit.

Overall, I felt that Prayers of a Stranger was a beautifully crafted and highly convicting novel that displayed anew the glory of our Savor's birth and its impact in all of our lives.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.