The Simple Life

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, author of the best-selling Amish-themed novel The Storekeeper's Daughter, offers sixty intriguing and encouraging lessons in her new 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, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Devotional

191 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

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

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda E. Brunstetter states, in the introduction of this book, that she wanted to give readers a glimpse of the Amish culture and allow them a chance to experience the joy and peace that comes from living a simple life. Well, she's certainly succeeded...the sixty devotionals in this book definitely show the benefits of living such a life!

Brunstetter is a favorite author of Amish fiction fans but her non-fiction books are popular also. The Simple Life is a wonderful devotional filled with delicious recipes, Amish sayings, and funny anecdotes that inspire and entertain and it's written so that each of the devotionals follow the same format: a beginning Bible scripture, a short story/essay, Food for Thought, and Food for the Body. My budget doesn't allow me to purchase every book that I want but I did buy this as a digital copy and I recommend it to all who enjoy devotionals and recipe collections!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely devotional and stories. A book that you may want to have in your library.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy devotional books a lot and have been reading a lot of Amish fiction lately. I was happy to see my library had this in their stacks and just finished it this morning. I was able to buy the second one on amazon.com for a penny! The stories are short and sweet with a biblical lesson tied in, along with a scripture reference.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional, there were excellent stories in this book. There were sixty Amish stories. It gave me a better insight into the Amish culture. I highly recommend this devotional you will love it.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this devotional. I liked how she started out with a scripture, then presented a fictional vignette teaching a principle found in the verse for the day. Each day's reading ended with a 'food for thought' kind of challenge to help us apply the scriptural principle in our lives. (There was also an Amish recipe for each day's reading as well.)

[Genice Fisher]

I the book The Simple Life, Wanda gives the reader a look into the Amish lifestyle. She has written 60 short stories that shows one aspect of the Amish lifestyle, a spiritual lesson, a bible verse and either a Amish recipe or witticism. This is a great book for learn about the Amish culture with the added bonus of a bible verse. It makes a an enjoyable read and for some great recipes!

[Sarah Arnold]

I loved this book and it ended too quickly to me! I love Wanda Brunstetter and the Amish way of life. I used this book as a daily devotional and spending time with God. It is not well published; if you can get your hands on it read it today.

[Vickie Madrigal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read through this devotional at least 3 times now. I love the simple lessons and recipes. I've even given out a copy as a Christmas gift. I really love this book!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda's books are so good! This is another one of her lovely books about the Amish. This one is a devotional.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet devotional. I love that each devotion ends with a recipe.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Simple Life" Devotional by author Wanda Brunstetter is a delightful paperback that contains sixty devotions or two months of daily reading. The book comes with a tear-out bookmark. The devotions consisted of scripture, an Amish story, and then a recipe. Everything ties together for inspiration and encouragement.

I loved this little 192 page devotional. It was a nice was to begin my day. Author Brunstetter knows her way around Amish Country and her gift for writing is obvious. This book is evidence of both. If you need a devotional gift for Mother's Day, Christmss, or a Birthday or simply want some encouragement for yourself, I would highly recommend this lovely devotional. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Karen Korb · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts On The Book: Loved! Loved! Loved it! This book is a wonderful mixture of scripture, quotes, Amish stories, and wonderful Amish recipes. I cannot wait to try the recipes out. No matter what religion you may be this is a refreshing book to uplift your spirit. A must have and it would be a great gift for a dear friend.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Netgalley Publicity Group as part of their Book Review Blogger Programs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very refreshing book. I enjoyed the stories of the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle and I felt their strong faith in the provision of God no matter what the situation may be.

I bought this book a few years ago while visiting Amish country in Kidron, OH. I liked that there were devotionals and Amish recipes, but it took me a while to start reading it. I started it a few weeks before Lent this year so I made it a part of my Lenten discipline, reading a passage a day. I finished the book a week or two after Lent. In a time where the church focuses on waiting I found that one aspect of waiting is to think simply, trusting in God.

Now I need to try the recipes!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little book of simple devotional thoughts. Very inspiring. It made me sit and think about my everyday life and to sit back and enjoy what I have, to learn to live with the things that happens in my everyday life and the people around me.
I enjoyed some of the recipes that are in the book also.
Wanda Brunstetter is an excellent author and the few books I have read from her have made her a favorite of mine. So far, her books have not disappoint me.

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda E. Brunstetter's view of the Amish way of life is touching, understanding, and interesting. The Amish do not live as we do; they work without the use of electricity and technology, the way they believe life should be: simple, hence the title of the book. This collection of down-to-Earth stories that represent the simple life makes this a definite to-read for everyone.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommending this book before I even finished reading, so yeah...I liked it. The gift edition is indeed lovely, and would make nice addition to one's bookshelf. The way the bible verses played out in the stories was enjoyable and relate-able. Recipes are simple home cooking (not necessarily health conscious), but some are quite yummy.

[7jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.5, but I got more out of Fisher's "Amish Peace", and the recipes included here were mostly not something I'd make, but that's just my taste. So: simple stories with a small good message, and a recipe at the end(s). More of a companion to other Amish books, not a 'just a one book to own on this subject'. Anyway, not a bad book. :)

[Rhonnie Cough · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a sweet little book, really really simple and basic, but it's nice to read before bed because it does manage to take you out to Amish country which seems so peaceful and beautiful. Plus there are recipes in there which sound really yummy.

[Dorothy A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable reading. Good thoughts for all of us.

[Sylvia Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Wanda Brunstetter is awesome!!!!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

i ve this book. Wanda always writes good books.

[Carol & Russell]

could not put it down. sometime funny. love reading it.