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, Nonfiction

193 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[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. 🖤

[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

[Deann Doolittle · Rating 2 out of 5]

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