Amish Life
My husband grew up in a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania. Getting to know my Mennonite relatives gave me a sense of yearning for the simpler life. When one of our Mennonite friends introduced us to an Amish man he worked with, my desire went deeper. When I discovered that my great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith, I realized why I had such a deep yearning to know the Plain People. It wasn’t long after that and we began making friends with many Amish families in several communities across the country.
Back in 1996, I decided to write Amish-themed novels so my readers would have a better understanding of the Amish people and their way of life. What have you learned about the Amish from reading my novels, devotionals, and cookbooks? Have you put any of the Amish ways into practice in your own life?
We lived in and near the plain folks in Perry Co TN on and off since 2008. We Dressed Plain and lived the lifestyle and still today use many ways of the Plain folks. We miss being there since we came home to NY but we always try to use those ways in life and it truly is $ saving and gives peace of mind. We have many of the same beliefs as they do and Enjoy the fellowship as Christians.
I have a Penn Dutch Family heritage myself and a deep longing to not follow after the world, but live for the Lord God !
I was raised on Penn Dutch Cooking ! and love the cookbooks and story’s !
I just recently found out that we had menonites in our family. I really love to read your books.
Linda Krug
Wanda, your books have inspired me in so many ways. Your authenticity is so admirable, and the truth of the Amish life is evident in all of your books. I have read every single one, and will continue reading whatever you write. Your books have inspired me to learn how grow closer to God, to simplify and keep family close to me. Those lessons are valuable gems.. Keep on blessing us with your writing. I learn something new in every story. God bless you and Richard. I think of you so often, and look forward to visiting with you again in the future! Sending love and prayers your way!
I’ve learned that even though the Amish dress and live differently than we live doesn’t mean that they don’t have their share of trials and tribulations. They are very much aware of what goes on in the world around them. They chose to live a different life style than we do. A simpler lifestyle. They are not weighed down by trying to keep up with the latest trends or fashion styles.
Your books have answered a lot of questions I’ve had about the Amish people and how they live their lives. I feel we are blessed to have them live amongst us.Thanks for sharing with your readers your knowledge about these lovely people.
I thoroughly enjoy your books and have learned so much from them. I have read all of your books and am waiting patiently for others. Through the books I found that my family has several amish ways in our life. My family came from Strousbourgh PA by covered wagon to Kansas where I grew up We were all farmers and I can see that we had amish ways a lot in our family. I grew up on Pennsylvania dutch oookingg and still passing down those recipies to my daughters and granddaughters also. I miss the old ways and quiet lives, but your books bring it back to life again
I love reading these books about the Almish/Mennonites and thier lives and stories. I look forward to each and every book that comes out. Thank you for your hard work and the way you care about your characters and thier lives.
Love your knowledge and books!
I have enjoyed reading your books and learning more about the Amish. Their ways are different from mine. However, I think they are like me in many ways. Their life and mine is full of twists and turns some happy and some sad. What matters is how we react to the events in our life.
Wanda,
I have enjoyed reading your books and found it enlightening that each district is ruled by a bishop and thus has different rules. Prior to reading your books, I had believed that all districts were the same. I love that you have met many Amish families throughout our country and share the differences in your books. Your firsthand knowledge creates better books than many others out there!! Thank you!
I have loved your books since my husband bought me the discovery saga and I couldn’t put it down! its by far my favorite! I have seen alot of Mennonite families ever since I was a small child and I always remember asking my parents why they dressed different than we did, and my parents would always reply “it’s what they believe in, and we shouldn’t never stare because they are people just like us” so I think from then on I’ve always been fascinated by their way of life, I knew of the amish people because I live in Pa and have seen them in their plain clothes and buggys, I recently last October took a trip to lancaster and saw alot of amish and went on tours to see there way of life up close, even got to ride in a buggy! it was one the best trips I have been on. I try everyday to incorporate their way of life into mine. I mostly love your books and the amish lifestyle because of their never wavering faith in God. Please keep writing your beautiful stories, I’ll keep reading!
I have so enjoyed reading your books. For a couple years now all I read are Amish stories. Except for my Bible, of course. It’s so refreshing to not only read these stories but to know it’s actually the way people live. Some ways I agree with, some I don’t. But it’s refreshing. As soon as I finish one book, I’m ready for the next. You make these people so real, I feel like they are my friends and it’s sad when they come to an end. God Bless you!
I’ve learned that although they are a simple people, everything that they do revolves around their faith, and that is what gives them their drive to do the best that they can, and be the best people that they can be. Even though they don’t have modern conveniences, underneath it all, God provides what they truly need, and every day they are thankful for what they have. I’ve learned that their talents are gifts which are carried down through the generations, such as their quilt patterns which represent different families. Their baking skills are above the norm, and their cooking and baking skills are amazing, considering they only use the basics to make them. Perhaps that’s the secret as well. I’ve tried to pattern my life after them in small ways, for I really admire these people in general, and the more I read about them, the more I admire them!!
We try to live a simpler life. A nurse was here for my husband and seemed very surprised that we like living way out in the country without nearby restaurants, stores and entertainments. I admit I like a balance between technology and simplicity.
I love the simpler way of life that the Amish live. I try to honor God in all that I do and trust in God as the Amish do.
I love all of your books. I love the Amish life. In today world things are so hard everything is about money etc.. there are always days I wish we lived the plain life where family is more important then money and things. I love reading all of your stories. Thank you for bring forward the plain lifestyle and words of wisdom of God to our life.
I love the simple life of the Amish. I grew up on a small farm with my mom and grandparents. My grandfather worked full time for case company, but farmed part of our farm for a hobby. He made enough to pay the farm taxes. For several years we used draft animals for part of the farming. Never used chemicals, just did crop rotation. We had no running water until I was in the 3rd grade. I still remember the great refreshment of a cold drink of water out of the water pump. When our lights went out we would use kerosene lanterns and heated the house by wood stove and kerosene stove. I miss those days. I still love ❤ to use candlelight to help me relax.
Wanda, I have read all your books. They are very inspiring. I try to live a loving and healthy life. I try to help other people in need and think twice before I accuse anyone of wrong doing. Can’t wait for your new book this week
Hi Wanda, My husband and I try to get out to Lancaster,Penna. as often as we can.My husband always
tells me that he wishes he had grown up on a farm,when he talks he sounds like he is Amish.My husband
and I are both part german and part Pa. dutch.I did purchase some quilt’s and would have no problem
living like the Amish,the english do not realize how spoiled we really are.I met you once out in Lancaster
and you signed one of my books in which I will treasury all my life.
I’ve learned through reading your books that the Amish, even though they lead a simpler life, they still have problems and situations just like us, the English.
I enjoy the quiet in my house where I can sit and read with no distractions. That’s true of being outside too. Just sitting in my swing and enjoying the sounds of nature all around me. At times it encourages me to bust out in the song of a favorite hymn, but I make sure no neighbors are around. Don’t want them to suffer!
While I was married my former husband used to drive through some Amish and Mennonite farming land to get back “home”. I asked him time and again to stop but he never wanted to. So, since I never had the opportunity to stop then I’ve taken a liking to visiting Lancaster County, PA since reading your books. Thank you for taking me to a simpler life. I say simpler life, but I guess I really want to say quieter life. When reading your books and then visiting Lancaster County I can see how true-to-life you write. Thank you for leading me to the wonderful Amish cooking (my 3 oldest grandsons love Amish cooking). Thankfully we even have 2 “Amish Markets” within 20 minutes of my house in Maryland so it’s not always necessary to visit Lancaster County to get a taste of good Amish cooking.
Love, love, love your books, your website and your friendship of the Amish which shows through in your writing. Can’t wait for the next book and the next book …
I love reading your books. I have learned so much from the Amish. Some of the things I have learned are the simple way of life, having less is better and they really have a strong devotion to God. Also, they are hard working and their love for their family.
I so enjoy reading your books. They just seem to bring me to a quiet place. I enjoy the simple, yet strong faith of the Amish. Sometimes, I wish I could join an Amish/Mennonite group. I just purchased the Kindle version of your new book, The Restoration. It’s supposed to be delivered tomorrow from Amazon. Thank you for sharing your God-given gift of writing with us.
My journey through your books and a blessing for me. As I have married a man, who has no faith in God, no interest in the Church, no religious life at all. He resents my faith and my interest in the Amish life. I brought up all our children in the Catholic Church….amazing that I was able to accomplish that! Your books take me out of my present day existence into a more peaceful time. They relax me, they give me the faith to go on, they let me pretend (if only for a little while) I am there in the setting. Don’t get me wrong Wanda, I do love my husband, he has been a wonderful provider for our children and our grandchildren. But when it comes to God and the church…..he is just not there. So to make a long story short….would I love one of your signed copies of your book….Absolutely!! You did send me a couple of signed bookmarks at one time. I treasure them.
I have learned that I really wish I had been born into an Amish family… They know good, honest work, they have such strong work ethics and best of all they have a family cohesiveness that I have always longed for. Thank you Wanda for blessing us with the gift God has blessed you with. ?
Enjoy reading your books & learning about the Amish. Continue writing your interesting books.
I always enjoy reading one of your books and I enjoyed meeting you with my friend Anita when you were in Arthur, Ill., last year.
I love and respect the Amish, and I applaud them for strongly sticking to their beliefs in this modern day world.
Wanda your books have really help me to learn more about the Amish. Ever since I started reading your books I am a amazed at how strong they are. How hard they work and still have family time. And that they have worship every night with the family. And how they come together when one of there own needs help. Thank you for the wonderful stories. Can’t wait for the next book.
I lived near Kalona, Iowa so I enjoyed the company of many Amish &Mennonite friends. I love their cooking, so I most enjoy your recipes in your books. They always fit the story.
I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life. I really enjoy your books and the opportunity to meet you and Richard. God bless.
I love to read the Amish books. I think the way the Christian lifestyle is brought out makes them so enjoyable.
From the time I was born we lived a plainer life. We lived on a farm in Larslan, Montana. We raised most of our food, chickens, and farm animals. We lived a long way from a larger town and it was an all day trip to shop for anything. When I was four years old we moved to Washington state and still lived on a farm where we raised our food, chickens, cattle, and pigeons. We made trips to Toppenish from our farm for church, shopping, and to delivery the cream to the creamery. I have really enjoyed reading about the Amish-plain people, learning new words; which are very similar to the German I was raised speaking. I have used the recipes in the cook books and find them very nutritious and enjoyable.
We visit Berlin Ohio about every 6-8 weeks. I love the slower pace of life, the quietness that I find when I visit.
I just read your last book in the prairie state friends and i do mean the last 1 due out Thursday Feb 4 th .Loved it. Thank you for all your great writeing.
I have visited the Amish and have tried their foods. I love to read about them, their lives and watch TV shows about them. I respect them for their beliefs and their love for God.
When my husband and I first got married, he lost his job within 3 months. I had just started reading your books. I feel that if I had not been reading those books our lives would have been much harder. I saw myself in the amish wives. I stood beside him and helped him with whatever was needed. I have collected many amish cookbooks and actually cook from them often. Thank you Wanda for giving me a way to escape the rushing days of my life and just sit back and read very uplifting books.
I love to read Amish novels, yours and others too. They give me a sense of peace becasue of the way the Amish people handle situations and always see everything as the will of God and just are so accpeting of that. Thank you so much muich for using this gift God has given you to bless others.
Love reading your books …. reminds me to enjoy the simple things in life. Also, good to see how the Amish also experience many of our same trials/tribulations, and how they deal with the situation. Many life lessons learned!
Our son and family also taught us some of the same things. Our son, wife and young son live on a sailboat, where they don’t have room for lots of “stuff” … and their mantra is “invest in experiences, not things”. We really don’t need or even use all the “stuff” we have. Much more important to focus on God’s Blessings!
Growing up in York County (and still living here), we love our unique foods that others are not familiar with. Good eats! Need to try some more of your recipes!
I have learned alot about the Amish from your books that everything they do is simple. I mean that it is the family way and follow your faith and everything they do is the simple way no or not alot of electricity. Also that family i needed to say is the number one. Most important is stay true to your faith and apply it to your life in every way. I also learned that from your husband beautiful photos in his book of pictures and also from the cards that i got from him. I use them all the time and when i am down i come into the office and just look at a few of them to relax or take a min to pull myself together.
Because I thoroughly enjoy reading your books, I took a trip a few years ago to Lancaster County with my my sister. Once we’d checked into our guest cottage, we explored the area and immediately sensed the peace and calm of the Amish countryside. I would return in a heartbeat!
I have been impressed with the Amish acceptance of God’s will – even with death. It meant much to me five years ago when our 23-year-old son drowned. It was tragic and heart-rending; however, accepting this time in our lives as God’s will and something we had no control over…knowing the Lord had allowed it…helped us through our grief peacefully. Do I miss him and shed tears? Of course! I am a mother! BUT, God’s peace assures me that nothing happens without His approval.
I very much enjoy reading about the Amish. I have learned a lot about them through your books.
I have read your books, love them. The way the Amish live is not easy, in fact it sounds hard. The men and women work very hard to support their families. Their children going to school plus working with families give them strong guidance. This is true when they see Englishers way of life. To not give into status, money, clothes and having the new and best. What I’ve learn to take pride in what you can achieve, help others to reach their goals. That teenagers in different cultures are the same. It is hot parents treat them that make a difference.
I’m impressed with the Amish people’s deep commitment to God, family, and their faith community. They have focused on the most important things. In addition, they do their work as if unto the Lord, which renders their work of excellent quality.
I love reading how Amish people live, the family values they hold and the deep love and faith they have. I enjoy reading your books and learn something new with each book and I love the Bible verses in every book.
I love reading your books about the Amish. While reading your books I realize that my Grandparents lived the “simple” life just like the Amish. Although they had electric in their house they still raised & canned their own food, had 2 pot belly stoves to heat the house with wood and coal, washed clothes in a wringer washer and yes had an out-house. They attended church on a regular basis only missing when the weather was bad. I truly believe by living the “simple” life it allowed them to live until they were in their 90’s.
I have been with people in resturaunts that have made fun of the Amish and I believe it is just because they don’t understand their way of life. It is a beautiful community life, and I keep reminding myself that we are to be in the world and not of it. It is a very difficult life, and I don’t know many “Englishers” that could keep up with the Amish way of life. Thank you so much for teaching us so much so we can enjoy the beauty of their lives, and the love they show to their fellow Amish.
I love reading your books about the Amish. While reading your books I realize that my Grandparents lived the “simple” life just like the Amish. Although they had electric in their house they still raised & canned their own food, had 2 pot belly stoves to heat the house with wood and coal, washed clothes in a wringer washer and yes had an out-house. They attended church on a regular basis only missing when the weather was bad. I truly believe by living the “simple” life it allowed them to live until they were in their 90’s.
I learned from a Webinar with Wanda that some real life experiences of Amish are included in her books which they notice when reading her books. I’ve also learned about cooking from her recipes.
Hi Wanda,
I love reading your books on Amish life..I want to get more when I can..I love reading..We have Amish country here in Ohio, which I love to visit when I can..I love reading how the Amish live and their way of living and your books help me out a lot..I have been and still am trying some of the Amish ways in my home..I love to cook and want to get your cookbooks too..Thank you for your work you do and the beautiful books you write..And reading your journals is great too..Have a great week..;}
From reading your books I have learned that the Amish people are very honest, very hard-working people. For them to be able to maintain their plain lifestyle in this day and age is amazing. They make do with what they have, they evidently are excellent cooks, can make beautiful quilts, and in general are very self sufficient.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your books on the Amish. We visit Ohio’s Sugarcreek, Walnut Creek and other towns in that area that have many Amish people, shops, farmland, etc., that we look forward to seeing. We are able to talk to many Amish people and find them to be hard workers, pleasant, honest, and are captivated by their beliefs. I am trying to simplify my life and take hints from what I have seen, and read. I love the Amish cooking!
I have read every single one of your books! I love reading about the Amish. The Amish fascinate me in many ways, as I know they do many other people. I grew up on a farm. So a lot that I read in your books, I have done at some point in my life. There are some things we can learn from their lifestyle. One thing I like is, Their baptismal vows make them accountable to the Church for their lives. If they stray from the Church, they face shunning. However, if they leave the community before baptism, they will generally not be shunned because the Amish respect the voluntary decision to join the church. (I learned that from your books! 😉 Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge of these humble people.
I love to read about the amish. They have a strong sense of family. Having their elders living with them strengthens their relations with the past and future. Their church services keeps strong ties with God and the community. The quilting groups weaves the ladies together. Sharing meals at a large table with many dishes to pass. I feel like I’m there sharing the warmth. More than all, it shows these people turning to a sovereign God, who is capable of carrying their burdens.
I have read most of your books and am know reading Amish White Christmas pie. Most of the time I borrow the books from the library and have bought some and then donated to my local library to spread the word about your wonderful books. Your books are easy to read unlike some who use a lot of Pennsylvania Dutch with no explanation what the words mean. i like you put in the next sentence the meaning leaving no doubt the meaning. May God continue to bless you as you continue to write clean Christian books.
I love reading about a simpler life style and nice change from the quick paced life so many of us live. I love your writing and the relationship you have with the community. I have Penn Dutch roots with my great grandparents, and great great grands being Friends.
I have read all your books I then share with our local library after sharing with elderly Aunt and some I gave to her church to share with young ladies At Christmas I look forward to ever new on thanks you have me wanting to go to Amish country I am 64 so hope can go soon want to get granddaughter a doll thanks
I love reading any kind of Amish book, because it shows me how life is when there is no electricity to help you, therefore you have to do everything by hand. I am only 14, and I think that I have a ton of responsibility, and that my jobs are super duper hard, but reading about the Amish life gives me a renewed sense of appreciation for all that I have in the “modern world”.
I learned that you can have a full rich life by keeping things simple. A lesson in life that we should all heed I think.
I just love learning about the ways of the Mennonites and did not know your husband was raised as one. I think you have truly given your fans such wonderful to enjoy and we are so glad you decided to write in 1996 just don’t stop
Learning about the Amish through your books is so very interesting. I find that their way of life is so peaceful and they still have problems as we do but they give it much to their faith to get them through.
I love reading your books, I am always hooked on the story from page 1, your books are hard to put down. We visit the Lancaster, PA area as often as we can. I love the Amish, I like their lifestyle, the love they show one another, they are hard workers and great bakers. I am not Amish but I can relate to some of their lifestyle. While growing up our home was heated by a wood stove, we had no central heat, so I know what it is like to get up on a cold winter morning, your feet hit that cold floor you wake up in a hurry, you can see your breath inside the house and see the ice on the window panes. Once the wood stove gets hot it warm the house and kept it warm till it was time for bed. We had an electric stove but my grandmother and mother mainly cooked on the wood stove. I learn so much about the Amish life through your books. They have a peaceful life and their faith is so powerful and gets them through problems. I admire the Amish, whenever in PA we find the area to be so peaceful and the Amish are friendly, a place my husband and I would like to live.
I’ve read most of your books. Once I begin I cannot put it down. Your bring everyday life of the Amish into your books. Your way of telling the story lets us know the Amish face problems and solve them just as most people do. Their faith plays an important role in everyday life and we could all learn from that. My family and friends have benefited from many Amish recipes I have tried.
I am fascinated about reading about the Amish lifestyle. It is so different from the mad, hectic city I live in. I so often think how much happier everyone would be if they slowed down and took things in a more relaxed manner. Your books should be read and appreciated even more than they are. Thanks so much for writing them.
I actual feel that I am apart of their lives. It is easy to feel that they are in someway just the way I grew up. My grandmother was rised like the Amish did. She had a hard time. You are so interesting that I can never put the book down. I can read them and still curling and read them again and again. Looking forward to the new ones to come out. Would to have one sign by you and your husband. You both make the Amish world come to live in our books. I also enjoy a lot of the cookbook as well. I have used a lot of them to cook some meals. My husband goes to our local library to get me copies.
I began reading Ms. Brunstetter’s books Feb. 2009, recovering from surgery. That was the best investment of my time; I literally have not stopped reading them. I have, during my reading, have come to truly enjoy all that I have been blessed to have and not to worry about what I do not have. With that said, I resumed my sewing and hand quilting, taught to me by my Grandmother and Mother.
I love your works. I enjoy reading about the Amish simple way of life.
I have learned of a deeper commitment to God, and accepting things more quickly instead of striving against outcomes I can’t change. I also have learned that how I act, think, and speak does affect other people around me more than I used to believe it did,. So I have tried to change my behavior and mot insist on having my own way, and being more flexible and easier to get along with.
I love reading all your books. I am now reading The Daughters of Lancaster County. I love the sole way of life that the Amish live. I was born and grew up very near an Amish community in Ethridge Tennessee. They are wonderful people and extremely good cooks, very hard working and God fearing individuals. Thank you for all your wonderful stories.
I just finished reading your book about Elaine, Edna and Jonah in Arthur, Illinois. Like all your books, I couldn’t put it down. However this one was especially dear to me because in the late 90’s and up until 2002 when I retired, I was in charge of taking the Seniors from our church on day trips. At least once a year we went to Arthur Illinois. I’ve been in the drug store and fabric store you describe. We always topped our trip off eating lunch in an Amish home. I could really relate and picture what you were talking about. Keep up with your writing these books!
I’ve been reading and reviewing your books for a long time now. I think this series sounds amazing and certainly look forward to them. It is so sad about the horrible tornadoes in Lancaster County and the destruction. Thank you for writing such wonderful books!
Hello Wanda,
Our family thanks you for all your posts. Since starting reading them our family has changed alot. For one no more T.V. We now use that time for activites instead of staring at the tube.
Thanks again, and have a blesssed day!!