Gathering of Sisters: A Year with My Old Order Mennonite Family

by Darla Weaver

Spend a day with sisters. Once a week Darla Weaver bundles her children into the buggy, hitches up her spirited mare, and drives six miles to the farm where she grew up. There she gathers with her four sisters and their children for a day with their mother. In Gathering of Sisters, Weaver writes about her horse-and-buggy Mennonite family and the weekly women s gatherings that keep them connected. On warm days, the children play and fish and build houses of hay in the barn. In the winter, everyone stays close to the woodstove, with puzzles and games and crocheting. No matter the weather, the Tuesday get-togethers of this Old Order Mennonite family keep them grounded and centered in their love for God and for each other,even when raising an occasional loving but knowing eyebrow at each other. The rest of the week is full of laundry, and errands, and work that never ends. But Tuesdays is about being sisters, daughters, and mothers. Hear straight from Amish and Mennonite people themselves as they write about their daily lives and deeply rooted faith in the Plainspoken series from Herald Press. Each book includes A Day in the Life of the Author and the author s answers to FAQs about the Amish and Mennonites.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Christian, Amish

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2018

About the author

Darla Weaver is a homemaker, gardener, writer, and Old Order Mennonite living in the hills of southern Ohio. Her first book, Many Lighted Windows, was published in 2016, and she has written for Family Life, Ladies Journal, Young Companion, and other magazines for Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups. Before her three children were born she also taught school. Her hobbies are gardening and writing.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book– I enjoyed reading of life in this story of an Old Order Mennonite family and its relatives with particular focus on the 5 sisters. The sisters, after they married, continued to gather at their mother’s house every Tuesday, and basically spend the day–swapping books and magazine, catching up on each other’s life from week to week, cooking and crafting together. “Gathering of Sisters” covers one year of these special Tuesdays and I fell in love with the family and the life. Darla Weaver ends each chapter with a Bible verse that struck her as pertinent to that particular week. She shares her love of gardening, kitchen foibles, the woes of getting older, and the sadness of children growing up. I would have loved to be part of this large family that shares each other’s joys and sorrows equally. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about the Amish, or even those needing a bit of encouragement, for, Amish or not, anyone can relate to what she shares.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

GATHERING OF SISTERS is a year of ordinary weekly interactions between sisters, mom, children and what occurs. It is a family working together with crafts and chores, playdates with cousins, and how horses interact with traffic. It is a memoir of sorts or a diary of the events.



There are some recipes included, one of which I want to try in my homeschool home ec class today. A GATHERING OF SISTERS is a nice quiet read in a-day-in-the-life-of a Mennonite family.



Fans of Amish and old-order Mennonite books will enjoy this book written by an old-order Mennonite woman.



I was given a copy free from the I Read With Audra publicity group and all opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming read, I wanted to join them, I could just picture the joy of going to Grandma’s on Tuesday, and sad if they had to miss.
The author has a way with words and they are so welcoming and loving, you wanted to join this family, and how they are all there for one another.
There are chuckles and tears here, and we get a real look into Old Order Mennonite life. There isn’t any fiction here, and when I finished I found myself wanting more!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Herald Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this book. I enjoyed being a part of a big family. Something I very much missed out on since I was an only child. I loved how Darla's big family made time for the family each week. Amish and Mennonites are know for this. I wished everyone including Englishers would make time for their families. Otherwise, why have them!!

My family doesn't like that I took Tv away from them. I don't even have internet anymore either. Mainly because we can't afford either. On weekends is when I like to spend whatever time I have with my family. We work such odd hours.

I especially loved that the author mentions that her horse has it's good days and bad days. They have feelings just like we do. It shows that she treats the horse as a member of the family much like we do our dogs and cats or whatever pet we have.

My dad is one of the lucky ones who came from a big family.
There were 8 in his family. I didn't get to know them very well because dad moved us to Kentucky. Which being an only child I thought that was the worst mistake he ever made. I didn't like it.
I wanted to be a part of that big family. I"m almost a 100 percent Mom didn't like it either.
My son is 5th generation of only children on my side of the family. My husband's family isn't very big either.

I laughed at some of the antics of the children. Especially the boys! Shame on them for doing mean stuff to the girls.
This reminds of when we were kids and would go outside and play all day and sometimes not bothering to check in with our parents except to tell them where we are going. I sure do miss those days.

I also liked how the story was told in 1st person. My very favorite genre. I like 1st person because I feel like I am that person telling the story. I relate much better to the characters that way.
I will go back and buy this book when I"m financially stable and reread it again.
Thank you for a wonderful reminder of my childhood days and a great story!!

I wish the Englishers would take some lessons about living in the world and not of it. I think we'd all be better off.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weaver shares the Tuesday conversations and activities the sisters share. They reflect a slower life and strong family ties. In Weaver's own words, the conversations were not of any momentous importance. (1553/2671) They were sharing daily thoughts, what they were reading, and comments about the children. Most of the conversations are of the ordinary things sisters talk about when together. Most of the activities are the ordinary things sisters do when they spend a day together, such as crafting, cooking, and washing dishes. (I hope I never have to wash silicone cupcake papers.) Many delicious (and not so delicious) foods are mentioned and a few recipes are included.

I was a little surprised at the children's behavior Weaver recorded. They consistently had trouble playing together and frequently damaged flowering plants, such as those in the greenhouses. They even made soup out of mud and grass and succulent leaves, stripping the plants in their grandmother's front garden. Discipline was never mentioned. And there was a noted lack of “please” and “thank you” kind of words from the children.

I was disappointed that there was not more information about how the Old Order Mennonites actually live. There was mention of refrigerators and freezers but not whether they were electric or gas or powered some other way. The oven, I found out, did have a pilot light so was propane. There was also mention of a lawn mower that needed to be primed. (838/2671) Does that mean it was gas powered? I was curious, since they use horses or bicycles for transportation. I would have also liked to know more about her parents' greenhouses, growing plants, and the selling of them.

Readers who would enjoy the everyday conversations and events the sisters experience will enjoy this book. Readers looking for more insights into the Old Order Mennonite lifestyle may have to look elsewhere.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through I Read With Audra. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this fast read. Makes me wish for a regular sisters' day at my mom's house too. I'm a little bothered that the sister in law wasn't included... but perhaps that was due to distance or other factors, rather than exclusion. I just think family is family and should be together, in laws or not.

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant insight into the lives of a Mennonite lady and her sisters, who gather together every Tuesday. A peaceful, albeit busy, way of life. I enjoyed the appendix, where the author explains her beliefs more substantially.

[S. Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nonfiction memoir chronicling a year in the life of the author, every Tuesday of which was spent at her mother's house with her many sisters and their young children. It gives deep insight into the everyday life of an Old Order Mennonite family, revealing the truth about how they really live and dispelling with many of the falsehoods that run rampant about them. Many people who picture an Old Order Mennonite family do not picture them subscribing to magazines, reading the newspaper, discussing Donald Trump, using processed foods like Reddi-Whip and store bought waffle cones, sending their children to school, etc. It demystifies them to the reader, and helps the reader understand their way of life much better.

I loved so much about this book. I love the simple yet poetic way the author writes. I love the many recipes the author includes in the book... I tried the recipe for German Pizza and my family loved it, and I want to try the Walnut Frosties recipe next. And I especially love the way the author glorifies the Lord on every page, and how she ends every chapter with a well-chosen KJV Bible verse. I will be going back to this book again and again. I cannot praise it or spread the word about it enough, and I wish I had the author's address so that I could send her a card thanking her for writing such a wholesome and quality book. Five well-earned stars.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plainspoken is an imprint of Herald Press which specializes in providing a place for Mennonite, Amish and Hutterite authors to tell their stories. A glance at most bookstore will show that Amish/Mennonite fiction (romance and mysteries) are popular, but as anyone with a bit of knowledge about these religious communities can tell you, the accuracy within those stories varies widely. The make up of our rural Wisconsin neighborhood changed significantly thirty years ago when many farms were bought by the Amish. Now, the area is known for its Amish produce and craftsman more than the "English" dairy farms and small businesses. Having Amish neighbors from whom we buy produce and furniture has fueled my interest in their way of life and their beliefs. A summer concert by members of a Mennonite church in a nearby town sparked my interest in all Anabaptist groups. That was fueled by the Canadian blog MENNONITE GIRLS CAN COOK. When Plainspoken published Linda Maendel's HUTTERITE DIARIES, I welcomed the chance to read and review this wonderful book which not only gave us a peak at a large Hutterite colony on the Canadian plains, but also explained the history of the group.

So when given the chance to read Darla Weaver's GATHERING OF SISTERS, I hoped that I would learn more about this Anabaptist group and how it differs from others. Darla Weaver answers some basic questions about the group at the end of the book, but mostly this book details her visits with her sisters over a year. It was a treat, a warm, welcoming read. Every Tuesday Darla, married and the mother of 3, travels to her mother's to spend the day. Her three sisters, also married and mothers of young children, do the same. Each comes with a craft or sewing project. They bring food for a shared meal and magazines and books to exchange. And of course, they bring the youngest children. And as a wooden sign in our great room says, "Grandma's house, where cousins go to become friends." When the summer months roll around and the older children are out of school, those cousin friends number over 20. What a houseful. As Darla writes about each month, you will appreciate the rhythms of the seasons and feel how they affect our daily lives. If you're caught up in the rat-race of career, over-scheduled kids' activities, and more, you may be missing those close ties to the seasons. The simpler way of living of these sisters and their families will make you remember
A new jig-saw puzzle each week, sharing in the task of making new dresses for a brother's wedding, taking turns doing the noon dishes by hand, new recipes (both successful ones and failures), holding a new niece or nephew for the first time -- all these events will never make news headlines, but they are pieces of a solid, affirming way of life.. Darla explains the importance of these Tuesday visits and talks in this way: it wasn't that our topics were of any momentous importance, It was simply a sharing of daily moments, thoughts, lessons learned or in the process of being learned. As long as we breathe there are things to learn, and sometimes we can benefit from sisters' lessons too.

Perhaps my favorite part of each Tuesday's retelling was Darla's tales of the preschoolers and their antics. Many of them reminded me of get togethers decades ago with my cousins on our farm -- playing in the mud, searching the barn for baby kittens, tricking the moms with a plastic snake, and cutting up the zucchini for canoes. No need for cartoons or i-pads. And never a dull moment!! I think this title would a lovely gift book for an older reader, someone who is recuperating from surgery, or anyone who has forgotten that the simple things in life are the important ones!!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Audra Reads. All opinions are mine.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever observed a family and wished you were part of it? The type of family where they are close, seem to do everything together and are happy - truly happy? This is how I felt as I read Gathering of Sisters. I so wanted to be a part of the gathering at Darla's mom's home. To feel a part of a family that is not only family, but are also friends. They share books, chores, creative ideas, gardening, flowers, etc. They are the epitome of love and reading this book made me greatly desire what they had. My family is gone - most have either died or moved away, so there is no one to share my later years with, the way I had always envisioned it. I believe this is the part of Amish/Mennonite life that is so attractive to us - where their society hasn't broken down the way ours has.

In Gathering of Sisters, Darla Weaver takes the reader into her childhood home and family and shares her life, feelings, relationships with her siblings, children, nieces, nephews and her mother. Her accounts are honest and she tells how she's not perfect, how she doesn't really love doing everything that we assume the Amish love to do or are superior at. She gives us the gift of making the members of the Old Order alive and real and not some fantasy from the Amish romances that have become so popular.

To say I loved this book is an understatement. It not only tells about Darla's time on Tuesdays with her siblings at her mother's house, but it also combines life with Godly messages and verses. She shares how things that happen in her life remind her about Bible verses as well as how things are incorporated in God plan. This is beautifully done and doesn't sound preachy or false - but most definitely from the heart.

Along with faith, the reader will find recipes for some of the dishes that are cooked, menus that they have and a nice question and answer at the end. This book follows a year of visits with the family and as it winds down to the month of December, there is a sadness that one knows this is the end of the visit with the family.

Make sure to add this to your reading list. It will not only warm you heart, but your soul. Highly recommended!!!

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most pleasant and relaxing books I've read. I loved how all the sisters gathered together every Tuesday and shared their recipes, laughed together and encouraged each other. The author does a great job describing the days and how each one brings blessings and new beginnings. I was so hungry reading this book because of all the wonderful meals they prepared. It was nice to have some of the recipes included in the book.

What I loved the most was the simplicity of their lives. The children enjoyed being outside, discovering things and fishing together. The women were so nice and I wanted to be part of their group. Each family contributed to the Tuesday meal and what a feast it was. You could feel how important family is by reading how close the families are to each other. Each Tuesday was a new adventure as the sisters and their children gathered together.

The gardens they had were plentiful and their tables were bountiful from their hard work. There is nothing better than to eat fresh vegetables from your own garden. I did laugh as the author admitted to her lack of cooking skills. I always thought they all were wonderful cooks and it surprised me that she was not. I am not a great cook either and my family has many funny stories about my attempts at cooking.

The book is filled with wonderful times of sharing life together and I loved how important family is to them. They may bicker or become upset, but they always find a way to forgive. This book is just what I needed to read. It reminds me of happy times with my three boys and the simple things in life are treasures to cherish. I enjoyed the question and answer section at the end. It helps readers to understand what The Old Order Mennonites believe in. I hope to find other books mentioned at the back to read because I found this book to give me a peace I haven't had in awhile.


I received a copy of this book from The Read With Audra Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

I panicked slightly as I started writing this book review -- the blog tour materials noted this is book 5 of 6 in a series. Oh, no -- I did it again! I picked up a book midway through a series! Thankfully, though, that made no difference for a change; each book stands alone here. Glory be.

I've read my share of Amish fiction (written by non-Amish folk) over the years, most notably that of Beverly Lewis. So when I received the invite to join this blog tour, my interest piqued. Non-fiction? Written by Amish? Hmm ... let's take another look at that. Gathering of Sisters presents a refreshing change in the world of Amish books. I frankly had no exposure to Amish or Mennonite life outside of the fiction realm, and this book does not disappoint!

Weaver writes thoughtfully and meaningfully; each word carries a certain weight to it. Very few "fluffy" words come into play in Gathering of Sisters; my gratefulness knows few bounds. (Too many books on my am-reading pile of late include unnecessary extra words! I have a newfound appreciation for conciseness.)

As I read Gathering of Sisters, I saw little difference between my own growing-up years and that of Weaver's children and extended family. The lack of electricity or other items I take for granted made absolutely no difference in their quality of life, and I didn't find myself missing mention of our "conveniences." (I'd just as soon do without social media sometimes ... as I sit here on my blog, double-checking that this will cross-post to Twitter. Sigh.) I often wonder, in Amish-fiction land, "how they manage" -- well, this book tells you!

A refreshing non-fiction/memoir read, with recipes scattered throughout to whet your appetite.

I received a copy of the book from Audra Jennings PR. All opinions are my own.

[Pam Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darla Weaver lives a Plain life that she enjoys with other members of her Old Order Mennonite family. A tradition that she, her mother, her four sisters, and their children hold dear is Tuesday gatherings where they share both the ordinary and the special times of their lives. In Gathering of Sisters, she takes her readers on a journey through many of the happenings of those weekly get-togethers.

Much of the book is a very simple retelling of the conversations and events that happen on those Tuesdays throughout the year, conversations and events that might not be all that different from what any group of sisters would engage in. But Darla's sharing of them provides an opportunity for readers to slow down and reflect on their own day-to-day happenings and the memorable moments in the ordinary times. Throughout her accounts, she also scatters the little lessons that come to mind as she and her family members go about their daily lives.

Gathering of Sisters moves at a very laid-back, relaxing pace, something to soak in slowly while you curl up in your favorite chair. As you read this book, you might pick up some insight into the Old Order Mennonite life but will mostly have the opportunity to just watch life play out in this close-knit family.

Thanks to Audra Jennings PR for providing a copy of this book. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

[Cathy Cermele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable and relaxing read. I loved getting to know Darla, her mother, sisters and their children and looked forward to their Tuesdays as much as they did. Ms. Weaver is honest and welcomes her readers with open arms as she shares stories of the ladies exchanging books and magazines, getting the children settled and busy, while the ladies work on sewing and crafting projects.

There has to be food, right? Of course there has to be and each sister brings something that they cook and share with each other. The author shares some of their recipes in the book which I found to be an added bonus.

No matter how busy the sisters lives are they still make time to spend every Tuesday with each other and their mother. During the school year they have fewer children at home but in the summer they have all the younger ones with them but they still get together and find time for each other. That is something that I loved about the family and how much they want to be together. No matter what the weather conditions are they still get their baskets and kids together and spend the day with those they hold dear.

With the holidays fast approaching and our lives getting more busy, this is a great book to read to remind us of to make time for the people in our lives.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Leticia Glidewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish and Mennonite life has always held a great fascination for me. I admire the simple lives they lead, the closeness of their families, their shared faith of the Almighty and most of all, how they function and live quite nicely, without all or any modern day conveniences. Most of us can't even go an hour or two without using our mobile phones. They are a people I can truly admire, they are steadfast in their faith and a true and strong dedication to their children and loved ones. A true testament of what it is to be a follower of Christ and living a simpler life.

Darla Weaver's narrative and vivid details of her daily activities, was quite inspiring. The discussions and conversations amongst the sisters, was a reminder of how close-knit they were and how much they shared of themselves. And what is so cool, kids are kids, regardless of their environment. I hope their children will continue the Tuesday gathering tradition.

I truly enjoyed this book, I must admit, it was a bit slow in some places, but chores, cooking and cleaning, etc...it's not exciting, you just have to work through it and keep going.

[victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the one of the most beautiful writing book and compelling to read with also had a great story with all about joy, love, fun, food, faith, and fear from the author of this book sharing her journey and her family come together with specially the time on Tuesday event. This is how to being a strong family, growths, help and kind with each other how to getting passed with all the fascinating thing that happening in our world. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Audra Jennings PR for this review”.
Darla Weaver is a homemaker, gardener, writer, and Old Order Mennoite living in the hills of southern Ohio. She is the author of Water My Soul and Many Lighted Windows and has written for Family Life, Ladies’ Journal, Young Companion, and other magazines for Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups. Before her three children were born she also taught school. Her hobbies are gardening and writing.

[Connie Altomare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisterhood
Did you ever want to crawl inside a book and be of the characters? Well, this is the book - "Gathering of Sisters" by Darla Weaver. Darla, her four sisters, and their children come together every Tuesday at their parents house. It is a time filled with visiting, laughter, crafting, and sharing among the sisters and their mom. The antics of the children adds to the merry mix. Darla is part of an Old Order Mennonite Family where faith is built into everyday living. To be part of this sisterhood would be a blessing. I so enjoyed not only the recipes and Bible verses but reading how the children used their imaginations during playtime inside and outside. This is refreshing and delightful read. Thank you, Darla, for sharing a year of your life! I received a complementary copy of this book from Herald Press and was under no obligation to post a review.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Plainspoken Real-life stories of Amish and Mennonite… stories read mostly by other Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites, and rarely by the larger public. I’m not certain why the groups enjoy reading these stories, but I’m pretty sure there are many other readers that are curious about the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites.

Darla Weaver shares a year in her life — and the life of her family — with interesting anecdotes and a joy many of us can only wish for. I lost myself in the stories time and again, wishing I could spend my Tuesdays with them. If you would like to get a better look into Old Order Mennonite life, check out Gathering of Sisters.

I hope these stories bless you as much as they did me.

Happy Reading!

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was a nice, sweet, heartfelt book - it was a little slower than I would have liked.I did find it interesting though and I did enjoy reading it as I always do this genre.

It was very real, right out of the mouth of the author! I loved this. She definitely made you feel like you were a part of her family. It was just kind of a "day-in -the-life" even if the day in that life was not particularly exciting or interesting - but that is real life - I have a lot of average (boring) days in my life!

This was just a nice easy going read. So if you are looking for something like this - BINGO!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Read with Audra ~ Thank You!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gathering of Sisters: A Year with My Old Order Mennonite Family is an interesting read. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of Mennonite life. I love seeing the love, support and togetherness between the sisters. They made me giggle and made me cry.
I give Gathering of Sisters: A Year with My Old Order Mennonite Family a well-deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who want to read firsthand account of Mennonite life.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looked forward each morning to curling up with this book and my cup of coffee and being immersed in the world of the Old Order Mennonite.

I enjoyed this sneak peek into the lives of these women and the flow with the seasons and seeing the changes that took place.

The writing itself wasn’t my style but I liked the overall theme and tone of the book. If you want an everyday glimpse into the Old Order Mennonite community I think you would enjoy this book.


A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet charming book about a family of Old Order Mennonites. Weaver, the author, has four sisters. Every Tuesday they gather at their mother's home and enjoy each other' company. Each chapter depicts a different month and Weavwr relates all the activities. The house teemed with children and their antics. The book offers a peek into the lives of these women and their conversations. It's very wholesome and comforting. I love the cover too. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize there were so many differences between Old Order Mennonites and Old Order Amaish. They’re still Plain, but less Plain. You will understand when you read this book.

I truly enjoyed these ladies and didn’t really want this book to end. I always wanted a sister. Now I wish I could have had Sister Tuesdays.

Thank you, Darla Weaver, for sharing your sisters with me.

***Book received without charge from Audra Jennings PR.***

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by how other people live. I know memoirs are hardly unbiased looks at someone's life, but in a way they are even better since they show how that person interprets their life at a particular time. This book gives a peek into how a Mennonite woman spends time with her sisters, mother and various children. It is an interesting mix of work and relaxation. The author also did a good job of capturing the flow of the seasons.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book. While it offers a peek inside a Mennonite family, it also just shares the love of family, period. It brought back memories of my own childhood in southeastern Ohio, spending time at my grandparents home with aunts, uncles, and cousins--sharing meals, playing, talking, and knowing everyone there truly cared about you.

Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me, and thanks to Darla Weaver for sharing her family with all of us.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the warm and inviting style of Old Order Mennonite Darla Weaver. There is a natural flow to her writing and I would certainly read more from this author. My biggest complaint with this read is I felt like I spent more time gathering with the children than I did with the sisters as the title implies.

[Audra Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright. Another book about plain living has been read--and it's wonderful! Darla Weaver spends every Tuesday with her four sisters and mom at their childhood home. The children play, a meal is shared, and all kinds of activities are enjoyed together. It's a book filled with her observations about life and how these Tuesdays shape her perspective.

[Violet James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book! Darla Weaver is an amazing story teller and I enjoyed each and every one of her stories as I became a Tuesday participant as well. I enjoyed learning about her culture, being introduced to her family and gaining a better understanding as to what it is like to live in her culture. An excellent and enjoyable read.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has a wonderful way with words - she is so descriptive you can almost see what she is describing! At times, her words are almost poetic! A nice, easy-going book and a look at an Old Order Mennonite family.

[Callista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peaceful book that transported me to their cozy weekly gatherings. I enjoyed it.