Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Simple Life Devotional: Devotional Thoughts from Amish Country

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Millions visit "Amish country" each year to enjoy the relaxed family atmosphere of this unique culture. What can we as "English" (non-Amish) people learn from this lifestyle? Wanda Brunstetter, New York Times bestselling author of Amish-themed novels, offers sixty intriguing and encouraging lessons in her devotional The Simple Life. Each reading features a brief story of the Amish, providing a "behind the scenes" insight into their culture; a spiritual lesson, accompanied by scripture, drawn from the story; and a "bonus" of an Amish witticism or recipe. Now readers can enjoy the peace and quiet of Amish country anytime, anywhere.

Genres: Amish, Devotional, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Reviews

[Tracy Fredrychowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have gone through this book of devotionals a couple of times now and each time I find something new to encourage and inspire me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda E Brunstetter's The Simple Life Devotional: Devotional Thoughts from Amish Country is a must have. I thought it is so uplifting for an everyday devotion. It is small and easy to hold and easy to carry with you wherever you go.
In this devotional, you will find sixty daily devotions with an Introduction and Final thought from Wanda E Brunstetter. Each devotion is really short, only about 3-4 pagees long and include:
A Bible Verse
A Short Story with an Amish theme
A Food For Thought section that has an Amish Proverb
A Food For The Body section that has an Amish Recipe.
In the back, there are two indexes; one for the Scriptures and one for the Recipes. There is even a bookmark included.
I really like this devotional. All of the devotions are really easy to read and short, giving your time to do your daily devotions.
I highly recommend this devotional!
5 stars.

[Staci Kinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being a lover of Amish fiction for many years, I picked up this devotional from our local Christian bookstore just recently. This 60-day devotional is perfect to pick up and begin at any point in the year. I often feel overwhelmed with the complications and distractions of our world. Each day's reading is focused on faith, family, and friendship - which I find to be encouraging, peaceful, and uplifting. It's perfect to leave by my chair in the living room...I find myself reaching for it instead of my phone when I sit down to relax for a bit. It would make a great gift for just about anyone, or a nice pick-me-up for yourself! The tear-out bookmark that is included is a nice touch, too, and works perfectly for keeping your spot. I highly recommend!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I have read several times before and I am sure that I will read it again and again over the coming years. I enjoy Brunstetter's Amish stories and have been to Lancaster, PA several times. When I read this devotional I find myself transported there and truly appreciate the values of the simple life. The delicious recipes included are a bonus that I enjoy as well. I have given copies of this book as gifts to several friends.

[Kim Shope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! I enjoyed the easy to read stories about the simplicity of Amish life and how they focus on God and family. I loved how there was a recipe after each story and I can’t wait to try some of them in my own kitchen.

[Chele Denney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet little book that is a true inspiration for living a more grateful and simple, and slower paced life that is far deeper in love and devotion to God, family and friends. 🖤

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda E. Brunstetter has compiled a beautiful collection of stories of life with the Amish as a devotional. I love the sweet stories based on the simple life of the Amish that is featured in this devotional. There are delightful stories involving families collecting eggs from the chickens, mishaps of daily life, baking and working together, and more. Each page has a story of Amish life, a scripture verse, and a Bible lesson based on the story and scripture. Then to make this book even more exciting, each page features an Amish proverb and a recipe from an Amish cook. There is even a pullout bookmark . The bookmark shows an Amish buggy and Psalm 42: 5-6, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." and a "Remedy for Discouragement": "Reach up as far as you can, and God will reach down the rest of the way." What beautiful words to lift readers up and encourage them.
I particularly appreciate this Amish proverb, shown as "Food for thought": "God does not shield us from life's storms; He shelters us in life's storms." The recipes are listed as "Food for the body". Some of the recipes you may want to try include: Bread and Butter Pickles, Chicken Corn Soup, Date pudding, No-Peek Stew, Plate Salad, Rhubarb Cream Delight, Tangy Vegetable Dip, and Woodchopper's Hash and OF COURSE, there is a recipe for Whoopie Pies, a traditional Amish dessert. I rate this devotional 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers. It would make a lovely gift.
Thank you to Barbour Publishing, Inc, and Wanda E. Brunstetter for my copy of this book.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda E. Brunstetter has an abundance of knowledge regarding the Amish culture, beliefs and customs. She and her husband, Richard, share numerous Amish friendships throughout the Amish communities around the country. This devotional is beautifully crafted. Each entry begins with scripture and a daily lesson gleaned from an Amish friend, followed by "Food for Thought," an Amish recipe to enjoy. These lessons are intended to assist in slowing down our lives in order to enjoy the simpler way of life.

This book also features beautiful photography of the Amish countryside all across the country. These photographs were taken by Wanda's husband, Richard, who possesses a wonderful penchant for the beauty throughout these Amish communities. This very special devotional would make a lovely gift for a family member or friend. The contents are filled with enjoyable lessons about Amish life, and mouth-watering recipes you're sure to enjoy.

Also included on the back cover of this book is a lovely bookmark to be used with this devotional or any book you happen to be reading. I cherish this book, and highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Devotional Book Worth Keeping!


Devotional thoughts from Amish Country.

When I received this devotional in the mail I was thrilled. This one I will keep to read over and over.

The photographs in this book are breathtaking. Love them!

The devotions are heartfelt. I love the message in the devotions I have read so far. I have a couple of devotional books that I read each morning, I saved this devotional to read at night. Soul soothing!

Included after each devotional is a meaningful saying called, Food For Thought. I also love this. It definitely causes you to stop and ponder.

After Food For Thought, comes Food For The Body, this includes a special recipe!

I can’t forget to tell you that there is also an inspirational tear-off bookmark!

After four days of nightly reading, I know this is a devotional book that I want to keep.

This devotional would make a great Christmas gift. Don’t forget to get one for yourself too!

My thanks to Barbour Publishing and Author Wanda Brunstetter for allowing me to read and review this devotional. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic devotional for anyone. The “plain people, “have a lot of insights and wisdom that we can learn from and this book provides biblical scriptures and principles to back up each application. While Mrs. Brunstetter is not Amish herself, her interest in the Amish began when she married into a family with a Pennsylvania Dutch history.

Her writing has been the result of many years of research and personal friendships that she has forged with Amish families and many of the Amish have applauded her for her portrayals of their culture. So, you really get a great resource of “plain wisdom,” to feed your soul and encourage your walk with Christ.

Each chapter begins with an Amish recipe and I have to say—I’ve already tried a few and they were delicious! This would be a perfect gift for a young woman who is just marrying, a mother, or really—anyone. Any woman who is looking to further her walk with Christ and will heed the spiritual wisdom of others will enjoy this book

See all of my reviews

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Simple Life Devotional and can only say, Wanda has crafted a meaningful, wonderful and inspiring book of Devotional thoughts. The book follows a pattern with a short story telling of some Amish experiences and then a section called "Food for Thought" containing an uplifting thought followed by a section called "Food for the body". Food for the body includes a wonderful recipe. Some looked so tempting I couldn't wait to try them.

The 60 devotional stories are proceeded by a scripture pertaining to the story. The devotionals are all based on experiences of her Amish friends with each giving you an uplifting feeling. I read every devotional and saw many that I wanted to apply to my own life.

Wanda is such a good writer and I feel really happy and blessed to have been able to read this excellent book! I highly recommend it.
5 stars for Wanda's new book!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Simple Life Devotional by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a cute little book. This small book is packed with wisdom and recipes. On each simple 2 page devotional Wanda includes a verse with some words of wisdom and a short example from the Amish life style. Between each devotional is a delicious sounding recipe. I can't wait to try most of the recipes. The 60 devotionals included are perfect for a short daily read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say enough about this book! Charming, facinating, heart warming devotional stories of the wonderful Amish people and their way of life and faith. This book will make your heart feel good and bring you back to what life is really supposed to be about. Many great recipes are also included. Will cherish this book always.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't exactly what I was looking for but it was okay. The devotions read a little more like mini fiction stories and I was looking for something along the line of non-fiction. The light illustrations are nice in this book; but I must have purchased a most unfortunate copy because every time I turned the page it came out! Glad it was on sale

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice little devotional book! It is so handy to carry with me. I love the short stories that stir up good thoughts while I'm reading about true events. I've even tried a couple recipes including Shoofly cake that turned out really good. I like this book!

[Deann Doolittle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love my Amish books but I was not thrilled with this devotional. Liked the recipes though.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant to be read slowly, one day at a time. Do not rush through it but meditate on the messages.