The Heart of the Homestead: Cultivating a Spirit of Simple Living Through Homemaking, Recipes, and Family

by RuthAnn Zimmerman

Through simple stories, recipes, and reflections, RuthAnn Zimmerman shares timeless wisdom, celebrates traditional values, and gives readers a peek behind the fence at what homestead life is really like. 

Drawing from their Mennonite upbringings, RuthAnn Zimmerman and her husband, Elvin, chose early on in their marriage to build a life focused on family, hard work, and serving others. RuthAnn invites you to slow down, focus quietly, and listen closely to the heartbeat of the homestead as she offers insights on. . .

•    working together as a family
•    enjoying good food and fellowship
•    growing and preserving food                    
•    appreciating what you have
•    finding contentment by doing more with less

Along the way, you’ll enjoy some great recipes and heartwarming glimpses into RuthAnn’s everyday life as a homesteading mother of seven children. Spend some time on the farm with the Zimmermans.   
              
 

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Isabella R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Although it has an incredible amount of practically applicable information, it's enjoyable to read. Ruth Ann does an amazing job of encouraging, inspiring, and in some ways even entertaining her readers.
Whether you are looking for recipes to try, considering learning a new skill, or just want to read something interesting, I highly recommend this book to you!

[Bethany Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

RuthAnn is a delight to watch on YouTube, and this book is a treasure trove of her wisdom, knowledge, and her heart. You will find many gold nuggets contained in these pages.

[Megan DeMass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by RuthAnns approach to homesteading and how homesteading can be about so much more than the physical fruit grown but the fruit of character it can produce

[Rachel Nolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! Read the whole book from cover to cover on a Sunday Afternoon! I am not a homesteader by any means—nor do I have plans to become one. But the heart behind this book is what I feel in love with while reading the book. Raising kids who love God, have a great work ethic, and are kind to people—including their siblings—count me in on learning how to be a better parent to help raise them well.

The pictures are beautiful. The recipes look delicious. And her story on getting a pig in a trailer has proven that I am not cut out for the farm life.

Just a great read and a beautiful book!

[Traci Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, but anchored in lasting faith and livelihood traditions to which our culture would benefit from returning, at least on some scale. Zimmerman does everything on her Homestead with love and out of respect for the God who gave it to her. I’m sure it’s not sunshine and roses all the time, but her perspective on daily chores, looking after animals and children and trusted to her, even preserving the food she’s able to grow is refreshing and inspiring. It made my teeny tiny desire to start my own small Homestead grow even more. Even if you just read it for the recipes and the sage advice, it’s a good book that anyone could benefit by reading.

[Chelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a heartfelt account of a mother doing her best to live well on less and raise children of strong character. It touches on so many of my own personal values and while she uses her religious convictions to guide her and I do not - I still felt happiness and kinship in reading it. At a time when I am more worried about humanity's present and future than ever before I am really glad there is a Ruthann Zimmerman in the world.

[Christie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you follow Ruth Ann online, there won't be much "new" you learn or gain from this book. However, I enjoyed reading it. I am excited to have some recipes. Mainly, I am grateful that Ruth Ann is the same online as she is in her book. Her genuine character helps to open parenting and homesteading ideas that are realistic and attainable.

I would recommend this book to any woman with like values. Borrowing it would be great, but you may want to reference it in the future.

[Sapphire Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthann’s heart and spirit were perfectly transferred from the screen to her book. While reading, I heard Ruthann, sharing all her knowledge and wisdom, her unique way of creating a homestead that is full of guidance and love. So proud to have this book on my shelf!

[Sharon Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for someone looking to expand their knowledge in homesteading or even just looking for more efficient ways to run your current homestead. Look all the family relationship additions RuthAnn ties into her teaching.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the whole book. But my favorite chapter by far is the last one where she writes about The Art of Thriftiness. The photos in the book are wonderful. Following Ruthann for several years now it was lovely to support her by purchasing and reading her first book! Cannot wait for the next one!

[Deborah Comps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for anyone considering homesteading and good sound advice for raising a family where everyone is valued. Just love Ruth Ann Zimmerman!

[Valerie Beachy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting book to me, full of practical tips, recipes, inspiration, encouragement, and beautiful photos. It makes me so grateful for the life we get to live here on the farm, and inspired to try new things.

[Rebecca Herold · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book wasnt what I expected. I really enjoyed it. The photos are beautiful and Ruthann is so encouraging.

[Sarah Elisabeth Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen

[Debbie Gilbert]

Excellent! Lots of great information and plenty of inspiration!

[Theresa Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Ruth Ann but I feel like this just scratched the surface and I want her to write even more and go deeper into parenting on a homestead wisdom!