If I had to tally all the most common questions I have been asked over my time here in New Zealand, probably one of the highest-scoring ones would be the question of whether I’m Amish or Mennonite. Unfortunately, I’m neither, so that leaves people rather stumped. However, I love the ex-Amish and Mennonites that I’ve been blessed to know over the years, and really appreciate the cultures they come from. So when I saw Homespun come up for review recently, I thought it would be a great read. And I ended up loving it!
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About the Book:
Straight from the pens of Amish and Mennonite women . . .
Ever wish you could visit with a group of Amish or Mennonite women over a cup of coffee? In the pages of Homespun, Amish and Plain Mennonite women swap stories and spin yarns while we listen in. Lorilee Craker, bestselling author of Money Secrets of the Amish, collects these personal writings about hospitality, home, grief, joy, and walks with God. Hear from one woman who struggles with feeling inferior to her sister, from another about her longing for a baby, and from a third who accidentally bought stretchy material to sew her husband’s pants. Each woman’s story is a testament to the grace of God and the blessings of community.
Behind Amish romance novels and tourist spots and television shows stand real people, with longings and loves just like the rest of us. Every Amish and Mennonite woman has a story. In Homespun, you get to hear some of them.
My Thoughts:
I don’t read many non-fiction books, and when I do, they’re usually biographies or autobiographies. I struggle with anything not story-related. So I wasn’t sure what I’d think when I saw Homespun come across my review opportunities email. The synopsis was intriguing, but I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get into it enough to do it justice. Wow, I was wrong!
While this book has been a slow read for me, I feel like I’ve learned a lot. Each woman is a gifted writer, and I feel like I’m visiting across the kitchen table with them as I read their thoughts. The topics vary as much as those around many tables—from humorous short stories of cherished memories, to more in-depth ones of family’s sorrow and learning to trust again.
When I found out I had read the last article in this book this afternoon, I felt pretty disappointed. This was the kind of book—a mix of physical and spiritual encouragement—that I love reading. There’s something about it that I find truly filling, a reflection of Jesus in other people’s lives. Even if I didn’t have time to do much reading at any one time, I knew I would find something to chew on for a while anyway. This book has been a rich reading experience for me the last couple weeks, and I’m thankful to have had the chance to read it. I’m hoping I’ll be able to get a print version of this book next time I have a chance!
I requested a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
About the Editor:
Editor Lorilee Craker is the author of thirteen books, including Money Secrets of the Amish; Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me; My Journey to Heaven with Marv Besteman; and the New York Times bestseller Through the Story with Lynne Spears. Connect with her at LorileeCraker.com.
Let’s discuss: What was the last book about Amish or Mennonites that you read? What did you learn from it?
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