Amish Front Porch Stories: 18 Short Tales of Simple Faith and Wisdom

Wanda E. Brunstetter · Jean Brunstetter · Richelle Brunstetter

Nov 2019 · Barbour Publishing

About this ebook

Come and sit awhile as you enjoy 18 fictional short stories of love, joy, and the peace found in Amish country.

Amish Country is known for an atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting with a good book. Join New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as they share 18 heartwarming stories from Amish Country. These fictional short stories include journeys we can all relate to as we seek how to live led by love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit. Meet Anna, who struggles to show love to a cantankerous neighbor; Laura, who endures infertility; Nora, whose pride threatens to consume her life; and other women who walk in their faith each day.

Ratings and reviews

This is a thoughtful, encouraging collection of eighteen short stories of Amish people living in various states. Each is a standalone story. There are two stories for each fruit of the Spirit that present characters re-learning about the fruit in a gentle, manner. I found each to be compelling even if at times convicting! They are also the perfect length to read during a lunch break or time of devotions and include at least one corresponding scripture. The families in each story are facing different circumstances that are part of many people’s lives. Whether or not I was in that specific situation, I could have empathy with the primary character even while seeing myself and my behaviors. From mothers overwhelmed with children, to a wife grieving her childless state, one grieving the death of her husband, to a teen in her “running around” years, I enjoyed not only seeing more of Amish life and faith. My personal favorite is Betty’s Dog, a reminder of my own experience when an indoor cat got out and was gone for weeks. One that especially spoke to me was Breaking Down, about the root of a controlling mindset and what Proverbs says about having lack of self-control. While it was convicting, it is also a blessing to see that it can be changed through the Lord’s help. As in most short stories, resolutions seem to come quickly compared to the misbehavior, so I missed seeing each person’s growth over time. Each story, however, includes all the necessary elements to show how prayer, studying and meditating on scripture, and help from our loved ones can lead us toward our goal of allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be seen in our lives. Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter write the stories in this collection. They include Amish faith and heritage in their unique styles, with delightful characters who have the same flaws every Christian does. We learn more about the Amish and how their faith in the Lord directs their daily lives and lifestyles. These short stories are well worth reading and re-reading and sharing with others. I highly recommend this to fans of the author and of Amish Christian writings, those who like short stories of encouragement and faith, and anyone who has challenges with reflecting the fruit of the Spirit in daily lives. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter & Richelle Brunstetter contains eighteen short tales of simple faith and wisdom. These short stories take us to Amish country where each woman is going through a struggle. I like that each story teaches us a life lesson. Simple Actions takes us to Berlin, Ohio where Anna Hostettler lives next to Lucy who is a chronic complainer. What is the best way to handle Lucy? Cardinal at the Window in Seymour, Missouri has Esther Stutzman struggling with depression while being overwhelmed with raising her seven children. How can Esther find joy once again? Nina’s Struggle has Nina Miller uncovering the truth about her father. I enjoyed each of these uplifting stories. We get to see these Amish women have problems just like us. Just because they choose to live differently, does not mean they do not have struggles. Depression, loneliness, pride, feeling awkward, lacking confidence are problems all of us face. These stories allow us to learn a new way to overcome these various issues. There is a scripture that go along with each story. I found myself writing down many of them to contemplate later. I feel that Amish Front Porch Stories would make a lovely gift especially to an individual who has trouble overcoming depression. Finding joy in a humdrum life can be hard, but there were some great tips provided. You can read one, two or all eighteen of the short tales in Amish Front Porch Stories. I enjoyed these well-written, heartwarming tales. This is one of those books that I will be find myself visiting often.

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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 more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's 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.

Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach. Visit Jean's website at www.jeanbrunstetter.com.

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.