Product Description
SCANDAL ROCKS AMISH CLAN:MURDER, SEXUAL DEPRAVITY.Forget the images of 19th century farmers, close-knit families, and hard-working craftsmen immune to the stresses of our modern times.The Amish find themselves facing ever-greater scrutiny as reports of polio outbreaks, child abuse, rape, incest, and bestiality grab the headlines. Once the symbol of better, simpler times, the closeted world of the Amish is now in the spotlight and at the center of growing controversies.Chris Burkholder, the son of an Amish bishop, has shattered the silence. At the cost of being excommunicated and ostracized by his own father, Chris reveals what it is like to grow up in a world where brainwashing, terrifying violence and sexual depravity are commonplace. In Amish Confidential: The Bishop’s Son Shatters the Silence, Chris Burkholder shares his harrowing tale of abuse and reasons that compelled him to leave his family and faith in search of a new life among the ‘sinful and condemned world’ of the rest of us Americans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Graffic Account of Child Abuse
Yes, I agree this book is graffic and I had a hard time reading certain parts and needed to put the book down.But it addresses a serious epidemic we as a society need to be aware of and address and that is Child Abuse.The author experienced traumatic experiences no human being deserves and I applaud the author for coming forward and more for changing his life when he became an adult.He is reaching out and trying to create awareness which is a good thing!I thought the book was well laid out and written and would of given 5 stars if it had not been for the graffic nature.I wish this Author well and hope he achieves his mission with this book.

Makes me sick!!
Aside from the fact that this book is very poorly written, the author tells us of the abuse that he inflicted on others (human and animals). He doesn't give the reader any indication that he was ever sorry.The account of drowning the kitten made me have to stop reading.I can't imagine that this book has a happy ending.

Amish Confidential--Horrible Read--Save Your Money
Although the author doesn't admit to being a writer, let's suffice it to say, he should never try and become one.This book was so poorly written, and even more poorly laid out.The title itself lends to accusing an entire group of people for the sins of only some.Come on Mr. Burkholder, due to the sins of some Catholic priests, does that mean all Catholic priests are bad, better yet, that we should be as vengeful as you?It's too bad that the Amish don't use conventional medicine and treatment that often, as you have clearly suffered from ADHD, and quite possibly are OCD.
While growing up, we had several animals.It was also more back then common to spank unruly children.When I misbehaved or was perceived to have misbehaved and was punished, I NEVER, EVER IN A MILLION YEARS, would have even considered retaliation, let alone abusing innocent animals.When the author describes how his uncle tortured and killed a dog, OVER SOMETHING THE AUTHOR HIMSELF HAD DONE, BUT WAS TOO COWARDLY TO ADMIT, I immediately recognized the sadistic streak as well as the utmost in selfish behavior, that appears to be part of the authors being.The author, drowned an innocent kitten, simply for being in the same barn with him.At the time he was mid to late teens, and he was clueless as to right and wrong?Twice he had sex with a calf in the barn?Again, he didn't know this was wrong?Frightening that he is now a parent.
While I admit that the beatings that the author CLAIMS to have endured, seemed extreme, there were no instances where this happens, that the author did not in some way misbehave and MOST of his behavior was very much out of line.Depraved sex, deliberate disobedience, stealing, abusing animals, and moving your bowels in the bath tub for your brother to deal with during his bath?Mr. Burkholder, is an extremely sick man, and a cry baby, who wants to walk around and do as he pleases, without regard for other life forms.He blames his father for his issues, but if you read the book, you'll see he takes NO responsibility for ANY of his actions.If he doesn't get his way, the neighborhood better hide their pets, their personal belongings, and their children.

Don't waste your time
The book was poorly written and repeatedly informed the reader of "doing it" with farm animals and beatings by his father. More details about daily life beyond sneaking out, getting drunk, and brawling would have been more interesting.

Amish Confidential
This author's Amish background was nothing short of brutal, abusive, and perverse. It makes anyone who is enamored with the Plain life rethink the idea.The cruelity shown in equal measure to both children & animals is shocking. There is little room for respect of women among the Amish either in this story.This book gives a look on the flip-side of Amish life that is not all about whoopie pies, quilts, or horse & buggies.A disconcerting read to be sure, but worthwhile to know how the author fares despite his harsh upbringing.I hope there is a sequel. ... Read more

Book Description
Presents the deep and rich hertiage of the Amish people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book
Timely shipment and in great condition.I was very pleased with order.

An Intelligent Overview
I read this book prior to a long weekend trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country.The book is very clearly written (I almost finished it on a flight from Amsterdam to New York) but it presents all the key facts and concepts - in a sympathetic but unbiased way.Having read this book prior to my visit, I could have conversations with locals and feel closer to them thanks to the information and concepts picked up from this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who plans to visit the Amish part of the country and look a little deeper than horse-driven carts and beards without moustaches.

a reliable guide
to a topic that would not be considered terribly exciting by most people. Here in plain English, with no bias whatsoever, is the history of one of the most unfamiliar peoples residing in the United States. You have here a detailed but fast-paced account not only of the Amish's origin in Switzerland, Saxony, and the Netherlands in the 16th century, but also of their trials and tribulations in their eventual settling in the New World. Of particular interest to me personally was the historical origins of, and divergence between the Amish and the Mennonites with regard to the question of technology. This book has clarified for me the historical and religious reasons why the Amish have come to choose the way of life they have. I came away from reading this book not only with a deeper understanding of how and why of the Amish (and the Mennonites), but also with a much deeper respect for the genuine humility and modesty the Amish practice in their everyday lives through their work, emphasis on community, and manner of dwelling in harmony with nature. Having lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio for many years, I always believed the Amish to be the only realistic model of a non-monastic community that could convincingly claim to strictly follow the Christian ethos of non-violence and neighborly love. Happily, this book has done much to substantiate much of my own observations about the Amish. But this book is not just about the Amish's past-- in allowing us to to know more about the way the Amish live, and their reasons for it, this short history may give us pause and allow us to re-examine the empty rhetoric of "community" and "empowerment" that fills the double-speak of modern politics and many a special-interest group's battle cries. Definitely recommended to anyone interested in a highly successful form of communal living -- one that is not based on a childish rebellion against the modern world, but one based on a childlike acceptance of man's fundamentally naked condition regardless of his technological progress. ... Read more

Product Description
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great Comfort
I find this book to be such a great help to me in my daily life, I recently lost my 18 year old grandson in a car wreck, it's a great lost to our whole family, but Wanda's devotional has really helped me in many ways. I recommend this book to anyone, it can only inprove their spititual life.

The Simple Life - Devotional thoughts from Amish Country
I love this devotional! It helps me to slow down and enjoy life and all God has given to me. I have gone through the book once already, and now I am reading it again, but this time I'm sharing it with my husband. He is also enjoying it.The recipes at the end of each devotional are a nice addition. I have even tried a few!

A Jam Packed Gem by Wanda Brunstetter
This is a delightful book that helps me to start my day "simply" every day.The stories are a gentle reminder to appreciate God's gifts in every moment.And the recipes are just wonderful.I have made the melt in your mouth biscuits so often that my book is permanently creased in that spot! And my kids love the haystacks and double treat cookies.This books is really jam packed with recipes and inspiration. Thank you Wanda Brunstetter! :)

Breaths of fresh air
I loved this devotional.Each day I take the time to have that breath of fresh air of thoughts and appreciation for the life I have.This book has helped to ground me and make me mindful of what I take for granted.Great read!

The Simple Life
Awesome!! Just getting back to asking Christ back into my life and in the process of getting my husband to accept Christ as his savor, this has been a most inspiring book.It just puts life in the simple form, one you can relate to on a day to day basis.Sometimes we just get lost in the scripture but this has really been refreshing to have scripture along with real life circumstances.Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful gift of writing with the world and please continue.

... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great and speedy service
My order came in great condition and in the utmost timely fashion. Great job!! ... Read more

Book Description
This deluxe, authoritative work by a leading expert on Amish quilts has become a classic. The text is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject ever published. Topics include the origin and beliefs of the Amish, historical development of the Amish quilt, and choices of fabric in Old Order quilting. Throughout the book, color photos of the quilts burst from the pages. Truly beautiful! The Amish Quilt draws together the body of available information about the Amish and their textile traditions. Much of what is presented here comes from interviews and conversations with Amish families and with people whose lives have touched the Amish community. Research in county courthouse records and public libraries provided other valuable data and insight. Finally, there is the information based on seeing these quilts in Amish homes, watching them come out of blanket chests or off beds. When women were asked about the age or history of their quilts they had much to say. By listening to their stories, handling thousands of quilts, examining fabrics and comparing quilts made in different communities, we can begin to develop a larger sense of the Amish and their quilts. - Eve Wheatcroft Granick ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The best on the subject
I've bought, read, or browsed through many books on this subject. Granick's book on Amish quilts is the most comprehensive and fascinating I've seen.A delight to read. A delight to the eyes. I recommend it highly.

A 5 star read
I highly reccommend this book to anyone interested in Amish quilts.The pictures are gorgeous and the historical text is fascinating. I bought an antique quilt 2 years ago and was told it came from a farm auction in an Amish community in Iowa.As it is a double wedding ring pattern with a multitude of small print calicos and pink backing I dismissed the idea that it was of Amish origin.However, after reading about quilts from Iowa and their use of patterned fabrics I am thrilled to think that it probably is Amish.

A wonderful book!

A great history!
Not ony does Eve Wheatcroft Granick walk through the evolution of the Amish quilt, she also helps the reader grasp Amish heritage and culture.I would highly recommend this book!

The best on the topic of Amish quilts
As a serious collector of Amish quilts, and a textiles professor who also does research on the topic, I am so glad that this book is in print. So many of the others on Amish quilts show the quilts without the culturalcontext.The cultural and religious context is briefly presented in thisbook, which is a departure from most of the others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A very interesting book!!!!
I thought this was one of the most interesting books I've read all school year. I've always wondered about the amish society, but until I finished this book this afternoon, I didn't have any clue as to what the amish believed.
Joseph Yoder makes it possible for people like me to really enjoy a school book.
I really think that if you have any questions about the amish to go straight to this book and read it.

Interesting take on the Amish lifestyle!!!
While this book may not be for everybody, and it might not include all the aspects that a reader might expect - kind of a one stop shopping to tell everything that is necessary to understand this sect - it nevertheless tells you what the Amish are really like and why they wear the unusual clothes they do, as well as preach against the "worldly wisdom."You get to follow Rosanna through her childhood, youth, courtship, and marriage, and child-rearing.Not only that, you see how her Amish life will differ from that of her Catholic friends, especially when they visit from their Philadelphia home.

While this is not a modern day presentation, it is really useful as a historical piece.Just don't get bogged down by expecting a thorough intellectual examination of the Amish.The book is not intended for that.It is written as a honest, sympathetic and straightforward reflection of these folks from a religious, social, and economic snapshot.The traditions of the Amish are celebrated, and it's done very nicely.Recommended!!!

Wonderful insight into Amish Life.
I loved this book....and was sorry to see it end.The author (son of Rosanna) wrote a beautiful yet simple and compelling biography on the life of his mother, and the people closest in her life.I felt privileged reading this story - almost as if I were a member of this close-knit community.This story of honor and simple values would be wonderful today as it was then.Probably the most surprising statements which helped me to put it in perspective were comments made about Lincoln.....while I would prefer to believe this was a modern day story - stage coaches were in use and Lincoln was the President of the day.I highly recommend this book as an insight into the wisdom of how people should hold respect for one another, how families could work together for each other's good......and how communities can thrive without the aid of much of the electronic gadgetry of our modern times.This is a book of simple wisdom and peaceable lives.I am so grateful to son Joseph for his writing.There is even a very few pages at the end of the book, telling a bit about him......I highly recommend this book and hope you find value in it as I certainly did.

a son's story about his mother, interesting!`
The author is the son of the main character, Rosanna. Rosanna is the daughter of an Irish immigrant who is born around 1840 (my estimate as it is never given in the book). Rosanna's mother dies following Rosanna's birth. She is given to an Amish family on a temporary basis. When her father dies some months later, she ends up being permanently adopted and rasied by this old order Amish woman who later marries and bears more children.

The author tells this interesting story, all the while weaving information about the lives of the old order Amish. I found this an interesting read. Explanations for why the Amish do things the way they do are given. There are details about their religious services, weddings, and funerals. Why they refuse to buy medical or fire insurance, why they refuse government aide, and why they refuse to fight in American wars is all explained.

The author ends up going to college and later leaves the old order Amish to become a Mennonite. The old order Amish don't allow attending college as the author chose to do, to further his formal training as a teacher, so he had to change religious affiliations.

What is missing from this book is a true spirit for Rosanna as a woman. Specifically, there is not much emotion or thoughts about certain things such as what it is like to mother children. There was virtually nothing about the experience of pregnancy, childbirth from her point of view, or how she could balance all that work and rearing so many children. The emotional aspect of losing her only daughter when she was just a toddler was not really elaborated on. I understand that it may be the custom to not verbally express emotions but I refuse to believe that emotions are not experienced...then again, if she was quiet about expressing her emotions I guess she would not have told her son therefore making these thoughts impossible for him to know and write about. Also missing was an explanation for what an Amish childhood is like, how much do they play and work? How much do they contribute to the laborious farm work the families accomplish? How does a busy Amish mother have time to pamper and enjoy her newborn baby? Also I'd like some parenting information such as common philosophies such as "is corporal punishment used"?

Something else that I would have appreciated is a bit of an overview of the differences between the different orders and about the differences with the Mennonites. A better explanation of when and why people are ex-communicated, banned or shunned would put things more in perspective. There is nothing about this except a couple of sentences of inferred information. To get that information will take further research and reading.

The account of the old order Amish is tastefully and respectfully written about in this book. I think this would make a great read aloud book for young children or as a book for a young person to read to themselves, perhaps if learning about American history or just to satisfy a curiosity about the Amish. There is nothing in here that is controversial such as sexual content. Since they live such a clean and virtuous life, there is nothing that needs censoring here for young children.

The old order Amish are portrayed as a content, happy, and peaceful people. If we each changed a few things we non-Amish do to follow in their footsteps we'd be all the better for it.

Fascinating
I remember my mother reading this book to the family when I was a child so when I found it in the bookstore I had to pick it up.
I found the book interesting and the Amish a fascinating group of people.The book tells about the Amish and about growing up Amish.The Amish live a totally different type of lifestyle than most of us are used to and this book explains some of their reasons for why that is.In living close to them I was able to compare what the book said with what I saw them doing.
If you ever find this book I recommend reading it. ... Read more

Book Description
The lives and love of Philip Bradley and Rachel Yoder captivate readers again in this 3-in-1 edition of the popular series featuring The Postcard, The Crossroad, and Sanctuary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Just Introduced to Beverly Lewis novels
I received this book as a gift some time ago & put off reading it, thinking it was geared more toward female readers than male readers. I suppose that's true, but it doesn't matter much. I started reading The Postcard & finished within a few days. Now I have started reading The Crossroads at first to see what happens to the main characters next. This book is a good read, not even close to what I imagined it would be!

What A Book!
This was another one of her terrific books.She always writes in such a way that you can't wait to read the next one. Nadia Rehmani-writer of Sharper Than A Two Edged Sword-that can be found right her also on Amazon. ... Read more

Book Description
Widower Luke Brand is a leader in the peaceful Amish community of Maplecreek. But now his people are under attack from unknown assailants -- and the main target appears to be the children. Although the community is reluctant to turn to the outside world for help, a particularly vicious assault leads Luke to the local police.

Policewoman Kat Lindley is running from the big-city job that nearly got her killed, and from the memories of the abused boy she failed to save. Now she agrees to undertake a dangerous masquerade within the Amish community, desperate to save Maplecreek's children.

Together Luke and Kat are determined to bring justice to the perpetrators, while struggling to suppress the unspoken and forbidden feelings growing between them. But when the case takes a deadly turn, Kat must race to uncover the menace that threatens the people she has grown to deeply respect -- before Luke becomes the next target. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Love Karen harper
I love Karen Harper.She provides a great story and wonderful character interaction...she is also one of the few authors I can safely give to my mom to read. :)

A must read!!!!
I just finished this book, the second one in the Maplecreek Trilogy.I CAN'T wait to start the next (and unfortunately the last) "Dark Angel".These books are so great.I couldn't put either one of them down once I started to read them.I just love Karen Harper as a writer.I wish she would write more about the amazing "Plain People" of Maplecreek.I felt like one of them while reading the first two books...

Suspense and love between 2 worlds
Set in Amish country, the little town of Maplecreek is having all too many hate crimes and no one can seem to solve anything until..... an outsider comes in, disguised as Amish and uses her cop experience to the fullest.

It seems the Bishops are prime targets as are the children. It is very suspenseful and intriguing to watch this story unfold and with it a sweet, sweet love story as well.

I happened to read book three first, and this is book two, but they can be read alone or in series.

Exceedingly dull
A policewoman goes undercover in an Amish community to try and discover who is terrorising them. She quickly falls in love with the Amish lifestyle, and puts herself into practically suicidal situations to uncover the truth.

This book took me a long time to finish - I read about three other books in the time it took me to reach the end of this exercise in tedium. You know you're in trouble when you can pick up a book after a week and continue straight on without having to refresh your memory. Dark Harvest is very tame, and the crimes committed against the Amish wouldn't make a seasoned pre-teen R.L. Stine reader blink. Harper mostly seems interested in telling us, over and over and over again, how wonderful the Amish are and how dedicated Kat is in regards to capturing the evil culprit causing them grief. I get the picture! Stop talking about it already and go find the guy!

MIRA needs to find some crime writers more along the lines of Alex Kava. She's certainly had her share of duds, but she can at least strike a good balance between crime and romance, and isn't afraid to delve into darker territory.

Surprisingly Good!!
I usually don't read "romantic mysteries" because they can be too much sweetness and not enough suspense.This book had plenty of suspense, which made me keep reading into the wee hours of the morning. I especially enjoyed reading about the Amish, as I have had several opportunities to visit places around the country where they live.I really enjoyed Kat Lindley, and I hope we find out more about her future life in the Amish community.If you liked this book, also read PLAIN TRUTH by Jodi Picoult.This is a mystery set in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good book but not what I thought
I ordered this book as part of my mother's Christmas present. In all fairness, the information about the book did not indicate that it included templates, so I really couldn't deduct any stars for that. I just presumed it included the templates. The pictures are truly beautiful as are the quilts. Mom's pretty smart, so she'll figure out the pattens. I read Beverly Lewis's novels about the Amish, so seeing some of the patterns she has mentioned in her books was great.I even learned what Shoo-fly pie is.

What a BEAUTIFUL American Craft Treasure-Trove!
For the color photos alone, this book is a work of art!

WOW!What a collection!It's great even as a "coffee table book" or art book, much more for those who are interested or involved in actual quilt-making or collecting.

Some of the patterns are striking!It's even better than the Antiques Roadshow to be able to find all these quilts/photos in one handy reference.Amish values have a lot to teach the rest of us, and this amazing craftmanship is one of them!

The chapters (found nowhere else!):Color Among the Amish, Quilts in the Life Cycle, Excerpts from a Grandmother's Diary, A Quilting, Contentment Within Limitations, Readings and Sources, Index. ... Read more

Product Description
An inside look at the Amish in Illinois ... from how they live and work to what they believe and the importance of family. Featuring 16 full-color photo pages.Anyone who has ever driven through the rural Amish community surrounding Arthur and Arcola has probably struggled to understand why these people have chosen to live without electricity, vehicles, or modern technology like televisions, radios and computers. Visitors hear the clip-clop of the horses pulling buggies and see the children walking in their straw hats and little white bonnets to one-room country schools. They see farmers cutting their hayfields with horse-drawn mowers, and women tending huge gardens to feed their families all year long.What they don't see is the deep commitment these people have to their Christian faith and in keeping their families strong and close. The Amish do not live the way they do because they have a fascination with the past. They live that way to keep their world small and their focus on their faith and their families.ABOUT THE AUTHORRegional editor Rebecca Mabry began writing for newspapers as an area correspondent. As a married mother of two sons, she finished her degree in journalism at the University of Illinois and in 1981 began working full-time for The News-Gazette.In 1989, she spent three months researching the Amish in the Arthur-Arcola areas and wrote a three-part series called "Be Ye Separate," which was produced and sold as a reprint. She worked as a feature writer and columnist at The News-Gazette until 1995. She returned to The News-Gazette in 2005 and began researching the Amish community once more. She spent 15 or more months traveling to Arthur-Arcola-Sullivan, conducted more than 100 interviews and attended scores of events in the Amish community. She also visited Amish families in the winter community at Sarasota, Fla. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A personal look

This book takes you straight to Amish country and into the homes and hearts of the people who live there. Chances are, anything you ever wanted to know about the Amish - weddings, funerals, religious beliefs, schooling, clothing and much more - are included in "The Amish of Illinois' Heartland."
Breathtaking photos illustrate just how different the Amish are from what they call the "English" - but show they're thriving as a separate society.
By the end of this easy-to-read book, you'll feel like you know the Amish personally.

Fantastic, Up-to-Date Info on the Amish
Wow!Rebecca Mabry has taken time to study the CURRENT Amish community and smashes many of the widely held beliefs.For example, no longer do most Amish depend on farm income to support their families; instead, they are woodworkers.Sensitive to cultural issues, tender in portraying individuals, and comprehensive in its approach, this is the best book on the Amish culture that I've seen in the last decade. Add to that Mabry's fine writing and this is the new standard on the topic. Stunning photos.
If you want to know what the Twenty-First century Amish are like (instead of the Twentieth century Amish), read this book.Recommended for middle grade and high school classrooms, as well as a great read for any adult.

The treasures of Amish life
In a world overrun with technology, stress and a search for meaning,
thousands of families and individuals have chosen a simpler, quieter,
faith-filled life. They are the Amish of East Central Illinois, the ninth
largest such settlement in North America.
Living, working, growing up and praying together in some of the richest
farmland of America's heartland, the Amish have cast side many of the
trimmings of modern life. It frees them to better worship God, to share,
to care and to love one another.
While the Amish have been an integral part of the central Illinois community for decades, the world of the Amish remains a mystery to many
people.
Scores of those mysteries and treasures are lovingly chronicled in an
incredible new book, "The Amish of Illinois' Heartland."
Author and award-winning journalist Rebecca Marby presents a breathtaking
portrait of everyday Amish life that will amaze you, educate you, inspire
you and lift up your spirits.
For more than a year Mabry immersed herself in the world of the Amish,
spending hundreds of hours with the wonderful people who make the Amish
settlement of the Douglas County area so special.
Rebecca Mabry is a loving, caring, gentle soul, and the tapestry of the
Amish world comes alive like never before through the powerful prose of
this descriptive and groundbreaking book.
Through its pages, readers become acquainted with the men, women and
children of the Amish world.
"The Amish of Illinois' Heartland" helps the reader experience the sights, sounds and smells of every day Amish life never before shared with the outside world. What's more, Mabry does it with the respect and honor that the Amish people so richly deserve.
What is it like to attend an Amish church service or school? What is it
like to travel by horse and buggy? What do the Amish believe, and what
careers do they pursue? What is an Amish wedding like? What is it like for an Amish wife to oversee the household and garden? What do Amish children do for fun? What is an Amish funeral like?
To answer these questions, Mabry introduces us to fascinating people.
Their experiences from womb to tomb will leave you breathless.
Illustrating the Amish way of life has always been difficult, since the
members tend to shun photography. Photojournalist Vanda Bidwell worked
with the Amish to provide a remedy with tasteful, beautiful and memorable
photos that capture the pride and simplicity of the community's
faith-filled lives.
You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll smile. You'll be amazed. Most of all, you will come away from "The Amish of Illinois' Heartland" with a greater
appreciation of this special group of people.
... Read more

Book Description
• Thirteen projects—five innovative quilts and eight done-in-a-flash "fragments"
• Piece O' Cake books and patterns have sold more than 100,000 copies since 2002

The Piece O' Cake ladies are back! This time they've added their special zing to thirteen Amish-inspired projects. Beginners and advanced quilters alike will be enchanted by the five large quilts and eight small projects, "fragments" that capture the spirit of the larger quilts in a fraction of the time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

not my favorite piece o cake
i ordered this volume because i love the others. it does have the usual superb directions, photos and diagrams. but, aside from two impressive small quilts, the patterns in this book really did not attract me, and i am returning it.

amish quilts are formal, 'serious' and still extremely traditional quilts. whimsy is definitely not an amish quilting trait. i think the patterns in this book are not only below the usual level of this team's output, but even somewhat insulting to the supposed inspiration of the amish quilts.

however, tastes differ. anything these women write will be useful and informative to nearly every quilter. but i would recommend one of their other titles to a quilter who isn't familiar with piece o cake.

Great choice to try applique
This is my first Piece O'Cake book, and I've really enjoyed it. It's also the first time I've tried applique, and the directions are easy to follow. ... Read more

Book Description
Amish and Mennonite cooking feeds the soul as well as the body. The delicious, traditional recipes in this very popular collection produce dishes that are sturdy and basic, yet full of flavor, affection, and warm memories. Here are easy-to-follow, from-scratch recipes for breads, soups, salads, vegetables, meats and main dishes, casseroles, pies, cakes, cookies, and desserts, as well as jams, jellies, and relishes, candies, beverages, and snacks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Classic Home Cooking
This is a great cookbook.It reminds me of the home-style cooking in my mother's1950's Betty Crocker cookbook.The recipes are not fancy and stylish...they are homey and comforting.

Great Recipes, Great Cookbook
I love this cookbook! It has simple, delicious recipes presented in an easy to read format. A plethora of hearty dishes awaits you, including a great section on soups. There is even a recipe for homeade root beer! I would recommend this cook book for anyone who likes classic American dishes and desserts made with easy to find ingredients.

Hearty recipes
Down-to-earth recipes, with easy to follow directions, have made this cookbook one of my favorites.No fancy names or haute cusine -- just good home cooking.Perfect for those who have a "meat and potatoes" family like mine.

Simplythe BEST Cookbook!
We have found so many tasty and easy recipes in this collection.From the Meatloaf, to the Potato Soup, to the Whoppie Pies...We could go on and on.All the ingredients you will generally have on hand. Simply the BEST.

Tasty and Easy - A busy cook's favorite!
Have enjoyed the easy to follow, tasty recipes repeatedly over the past 5 years.Especially like the soups!If you're seeking a good all-around basic 'down home' cookbook...this is a good one! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Fantastic, Captivating Read!
I could hardly put this book down! I read it entirely in two evenings and enjoyed it immensely. This author knows all the details of the Amish lifesyle and has a way of putting it into words that can really peak your interest! Get you hands on it as soon as you can...you won't be sorry!

Will the prodigal son return home?
Although I enjoyed the premise of the story (Amish Bishop Eli Miller's son, Jonah, disappeared 10 years from when the story is being told and now Jonah's son, Jeremiah, has been taken... the bishop has the Amish community's support to approach Pastor Cal Troyer, who highly recommends Professor Branden - then the story of the search for Jonah and Jeremiah unfolds), I was disappointed to not hear Jonah's voice at all in the story. I got to know and like the professor and his wife, the sheriff and his deputy, and somewhat Bishop Miller himself (I thought the author did a good job of portraying how private and humble these people are - you don't get as familiar with or "close" to any of the Amish characters as you did the English) - but everything I learned about the prodigal son was from others - I wanted to hear part of the story from Jonah's point of view. This may have helped the conclusion flow more smoothly without losing any of its surprises. Also, Jeremiah's voice begins the story, but is cut off abruptly - which makes sense considering the circumstances... however, I would have enjoyed hearing his thoughts, his perspective, his feelings more throughout the story - but maybe the author chose not to let either Jonah's voice or Jeremiah's voice (beyond the story's introduction) be heard because it would make the Amish seem less private, as if they blended in more with the English, and the story seemed to want to illustrate how Amish people, though trying to trust and get along with the English, don't want to be seen as "the same" as the English - they want to be the same as other Amish in their community, but their sameness is very different from the English.

Great Debut Novel
As someone who grew up just outside of Amish country it is nice to readabout home.The characters are believable and I have little doubt thatthey will have staying power.

The story takes a very unexpected twistnear the end and it was almost too much of a change for it's own good (thisis my only criticism).

Gaus captures the enigma of the Amish without"selling them out." Certainly you will learn more about ourtechnologically challenged neighbors, their culture, language and eventheir food and you will walk away from the book asking yourself how youwould survive without email, television and cordless phones.

Enthralling!
P.L. Gaus is quite a storyteller, and his first novel is a page-turner! He has a way of moving the action along and seamlessly blending in bits oflocal color and culture that compel the reader to stay with the book, justfor the sheer pleasure of watching the story unfold. His first novel is afascinating look at the Old Order Amish and their coexistence with dieHochen, their non-Amish or "English" neighbors.

I grew up inthe area where the book takes place, and it was fun to read the veryaccurate descriptions of the region (particularly the weather!). Gauspaints a vivid picture of the rolling hills and farms of east central Ohio.My only request is that the next book be set during Autumn, so I canvicariously relive the cider-and-pumpkin days of my youth!

However, if Icould, I'd give this book 4.5 stars rather than 5, for a couple of reasons.One is that the book suffers a bit from First Novel Syndrome, or perhapsit's just Small Press Syndrome. That is, it wants for a bit of editing.Some parts of the book just don't flow well, and I found myself having tore-read some passages to link up pronouns with their subjects. Theresolution of the mystery, while satisfying enough to keep me fromcondemning the book altogether, was a wee bit flimsy. What I thought was aglaring error in editing turned out to be a pivotal clue in solving themystery, and while the lead character was trying to puzzle it out, Icouldn't help shaking my head and thinking that only an idiot could havemissed it. There also were a few loose ends left untied at the end of thebook, and a few things that I thought deserved a more thorough explanation.And the most unforgivable sin of all: Gaus presents a rather inaccurate,derogatory view of Texans. I can't just let a thing like that slide, nowcan I? ;)

All in all, these minor flaws take very little away from theenjoyment of this fine book. The story is captivating, the characters, witha few minor exceptions, are multi-dimensional and "real", andGaus' flair for establishing atmosphere is top notch. I'm very much lookingforward to reading the next Dr. Michael Branden mystery!

What a great way to learn~~
I read this book purely for a nice read about my neighbors down the road about 15 miles.How intrigued I became and how much I learned about the Amish from this novel. I'm looking forward to the next case. ... Read more

Product Description
More than 5 million people visit Lancaster County every year to experience the culture of the oldest Amish community in the world. This book by the leading scholar of the Amish in North America explains the uncommon lifestyle of these simple-living people who intrigue so many visitors. Mini essays on all aspects of Amish life, from spirituality and dress to horse-and-buggy transport, are accompanied by beautiful full-color photographs. The author also discusses myths about the Amish, their selective use of technology, the current media attention to Rumspringa, and the tragedy at the Nickel Mines school. ... Read more

Product Description
The entire Annie's People collection along with the Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook with over 200 favorite time-tested recipes collected by the author. This book set makes a great gift!.....and four titles with only 1 shipping charge! ... Read more

Book Description
"I had an obsession with the Amish. Plan and simple. Objectively it made no sense. I, who worked hard at being special, fell in love with a people who valued being ordinary."

So begins Sue Bender's story, the captivating and inspiring true story of a harried urban Californian moved by the beauty of a display of quilts to seek out and live with the Amish. Discovering lives shaped by unfamiliar yet comforting ideas about time, work, and community, Bender is gently coaxed to consider, "Is there another way to lead a good life?"

Her journey begins in a New York men's clothing store. There she is spellbound by the vibrant colors and stunning geometric simplicity of the Amish quilts "spoke directly to me," writes Bender. Somehow, "they went straight to my heart."

Heeding a persistent inner voice, Bender searches for Amish families willing to allow her to visit and share in there daily lives. Plain and Simple vividly recounts sojourns with two Amish families, visits during which Bender enters a world without television, telephone, electric light, or refrigerators; a world where clutter and hurry are replaced with inner quiet and calm ritual; a world where a sunny kitchen "glows" and "no distinction was made between the sacred and the everyday."

In nine interrelated chapters--as simple and elegant as a classic nine-patch Amish quilt--Bender shares the quiet power she found reflected in lives of joyful simplicity, humanity, and clarity. The fast-paced, opinionated, often frazzled Bender returns home and reworks her "crazy-quilt" life, integrating the soul-soothing qualities she has observed in the Amish, and celebrating the patterns in the Amish, and celebrating the patterns formed by the distinctive "patches" of her own life.

Charmingly illustrated and refreshingly spare, Plain and Simple speaks to the seeker in each of us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

Absorbing read
I received this wonderful book as a surprise gift.Knowing very, very little about the Amish and certainly never having read about them before, I was fascinated by the glimpses of their lives offered by the author.
I believe that the title is incorrect or at least, misleading.From the first pages of the book, I was under the impression that the book was about quilts and the journey with the quilt not a book about the Amish or women in general.
I am surprised that so many reviewers were annoyed by Ms Bender. Even though I did not always like what she wrote, I appreciate her frank and honest comments, which at times read like a private diary.
Is it necessary to love the personality of an author, or more to the point, may we simply enjoy writing for writing's sake and overlook the personality of the author?

Tedious Book-Tedious Author
After Sue Bender forcefully insinuates herself into an Amish home, she proceeds to criticize and judge the family. She comments on their "bad choices" - chief among them in my view is their decision to let her into their home. She is rude, condescending, preachy and shrill. She eats the family's food and then criticizes both the food and the woman who prepares it for her. She demands fabric for a "craft project" and then kvetches when her host doesn't respond. She proceeds to purchase 1/8 of a yard from 25 bolts of fabric from a polite storekeeper. I looked up halfway into this book and told my husband "God, I hate this woman". I hated this book too. The book mostly focuses on the author, not the Amish community that she invades. We learn that the author is self-absorbed and shallow with a healthy sense of entitlement. The author's fixation on the Amish "faceless" dolls is telling - they represent her void of self-awareness. More disturbing than the book is the biography listing the author as a "therapist".

We could all use a little plain and simple in our lives.
I bought this book because it was mentioned in another book I was reading.I have always had an interest in the Amish from an anthropological point of view and this was not a disappointment at all.Sue Bender runs across antique Amish quilts and is fascinated by their unique simple designs and bold colors.For years she has her contacts on the look out for more examples of this beautiful "art" that is so functional.Then she discovers the "faceless" dolls that Amish mothers make for their daughters.The dolls have no facial features because the Amish proscribe to the "no graven image" commandment very strictly.She was delighted with the doll sent to her by an Amish woman with whom she started a correspondence.She then decided she wanted to live among the Amish for a time.She was told they would not take her in; however, a small ad in an Amish paper elicited a response from a family willing to have her live with them for a time.So her journey began.Her impressions did not always fit with her romantic illusions of the "simple" life and she learned much.After several weeks, she goes home to digest what she has learned.Then, she decides to go back and try the experiment again with a different (very different) family.She learns even more.All stereotypes are mostly shattered as she lives with a midwife, her large family and her chiropractor sister and she leaves much richer (emotionally) than when she arrived.

I enjoyed this volume very much.It had an excellent layout and is a fast read.The impressions are honest and introspective and Ms. Bender is kind enough to wrap the most important lessons learned into a nine-patch quilt for us at the end.There are many fine ideas we can take with us at the conclusion of the story not the least of which is how much we have in common with the Amish as opposed to how different we are.It's a book I will return to again and again for insight.

Plain and Simple
I felt this was an extremely well written and moving little book, and I have recommended it to many friends.In fact, I bought copies and sent them out. It made you stop and think about your own life and how we complicate and prioritize.

Less About the Amish...
This book is a very fast read but perhaps a bit misleading in its intentions.Or perhaps it's more that I felt misled about the contents.Either way, this book wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it is still a nice, quiet little book that discusses the Amish lifestyle and its effect on the author.

Sue Bender became fascinated with the Amish way of life during the 1980s and eventually found her way into the homes of two separate Amish families in order to experience more of their culture.She spends a good deal of time explaining how her journey is an analogy for the Amish quilts she admires.While the premise of the book is interesting, Bender lets us know as we read that her fascination is also a personal spiritual journey into more meaning for her own chaotic life.Expecting to find more on the day to day life of the Amish, I was let down when Bender chose to focus more on herself.However, the parts that do describe the Amish lifestyle are objective and well-done, and Bender shares her surprise at the many things the Amish actually can do within their community.Her visits do sound delightful, and she did seem to receive the peace she was looking for.

If you are hoping for a book that delves into the Amish community and allows us as outsiders to see and understand the inner workings, this book only partially does that.However, overall it's an interesting little book that is heavy on personal feeling and light on the Amish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Rather too basic to be really useful
Although the Amish and Old Order Mennonites are remarkably fascinating for their simplicity, peacefulness and deep emotional ties that modern industrial society lacks so much, this book, which I originally found in a bargain bookshop near my home in Carlton, unfortunately does not offer a great deal that curious people (like myself) ought to know about these groups.

The first book in the "People's Place" series, the book answers many crucial question about these groups but does so in a rather shallow and stereotyped manner that is unlikely to help the reader deeply understand and make his or her own judgments about the qualities typical of these groups. Whilst they explain clearly many quesitons like why the Amish reject higher education or why they dress as they do, there is very little effort to relate them together in a coherent fashion to the lifestyle they lead. As a person with a great interest in what motivates people and societies, I cannot consider this a good thing.

The "People's Place" series may not have had a good start, but the much more detailed later books therein show it had much more potential than shown on this first title.

Take A Good Look
Take a good look at them. I'm an Anabaptist, it means rebaptizer, the born again Christian sect that says it's for adults when they're of age. For every hundred dollars you spend, they go that much in the whole. They come from third world countries where American society is a big deal. Some of the most prejudice people who ever lived. It's totally 50s, one of those totally 90s things where cheeseburgers where a huge deal to them. I mean, who would want tio steal your cheeeseburger? If they would put some common sense into this, like having themselves popular, but instead they refuse to grow up and are totally 50s. This book stinks but check out People's Place Book 10 that abolutely rules for traditional Amish. A nabaptist- it's for adults only.

A little too general, may be confusing
I would think most people buying this book are interested in conservative Amish and Mennonite groups, not the liberal/mainstream Mennonites. However, this book seems to make a point of explaining the liberal/mainstream views on issues without necessarily saying it is their stance and is contrary to conservative Mennonite/Amish views. Of course, this may be because the authors are mainstream Mennonite and feel just as much "Mennonite" as the ones in buggies. While I won't dabble with that topic in this review, I'm not so much opposed to them identifying mainstream Mennonite views so much as them not clearly identifying them as such and as a contrast. A bit of history of the conservative vs. mainstream movements during the 20th century would have gone a long ways, even if just a couple paragraphs, to explain why there are pictures on one page of a Beachy Amish congregation with segregated seating a plain dress, and then a woman with a short skirt smoking a cigarette on the other. "You mean, they're both Amish/Mennonite groups? How is that?" a reader may ask.

But, the book does cover some basic questions readers may have about conservative Amish and Mennonites. Perhaps the less publicized book by Stephen Scott, Introduction to Old Order and Conservative Mennonite Groups (People's Place Book 12), by the same publisher would be a good introduction to conservative Mennonite groups. Scott is with a plain church and is a professor at Elizabethtown College, I believe.

Anything by Donald Kraybill is usually a good place to start with the Old Order Amish, but he must be taken with a grain of salt; after all, he is a sociologist not an Amish theologian, so you miss a component of the culture and practice there.

And you won't find much of anything on rumsprunga in this book. That's because it's an overpublicized media entertainment stunt that is far from portraying universal practice. There are many Amish groups that do not practice rumsprunga, and many more that have only a moderate form of it. The media's practice is like taking a run-down inner city school and portraying it like it represents all US schools.

Interesting, but somewhat general and some answers incomplete
I found this book to be a quite readable overview of the Amish and Mennonite, although out of necessity it has to be quite general in order to be such a slim volume.My only complaint it that some of the "questions" are not answered satisfactoraly, namely that about the problems that the Amish currently have to contend with.Also, some of the photos (all in the book are black and white) are fairly dark, something which could easily have been avoided.

Buy it!
This book is the first in the People's Place Booklet series on the Amish and other Old Order Anabaptists. This particular book goes into 20 top questions on the Amish and Mennonites, ranging from "What is the difference between the Amish and the Mennonites?" to "What, in fact, holds them together?" Along the way, the reader is treated to many black-and-white pictures, and a lot of information on the Amish and the Old Order Mennonites.

Now, it must be said that this book focuses primarily on the Amish and Old Order Mennonites, and only occasionally talks about other groups, using them for comparisons rather than as subjects for discussion. But, that said, it is a goldmine of information on the Old Order Anabaptists, telling the reader who they are, where they came from, and what they believe. I found this to be a highly informative book, and highly recommend it to you.

If you are interested in the Amish and other Old Order groups, then I cannot recommend this book to you enough. Buy it! ... Read more

Book Description
A distinctive American subculture responds to the forces of social change. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great look at a fascinating group
This fascinating text was written to explore various facets of Amish culture and how these help and/or hinder the existence of this group of the modern world.There are two main authors, Kraybill and Olshan, however this book is a collection of essays about different topics.These articles are carefully organized to build the reader a base of Amish culture and then introduce some of the major conflicts within their society.It is concluded by theoretical pieces summarizing the effects of the issues already explored.Although this book is comprised of separate works, it is clear that three basic questions are approached in the course of reading the collection.The first question is dealing with the what and the why.It discusses the premises and doctrines of Amish religion and why the people hold these beliefs.The most basic core of the belief structure is simply the Bible and their practices all stem from their interpretation of that.The book delves into those interpretations with such items as the appropriate usage of telephones, the dangers of pneumatic tires, and sources of approved energy.The second aspect dealt with in depth is the outside world's reaction to them.Once again we get a vast array of information from the tourist who reserves a special Amish cooked meal to the feminist who critiques the submission of Amish women.More importantly the unfair stigmas we put on these people are brought out into the open, even the most seemingly harmless are questioned.Finally, as the title tells, the struggle is related in the best detail possible without getting overly exhaustive and without being Amish oneself.The struggles entailed in the life of the Amish are due to the pressures of living within a "progressive" nation.Amish have been forced to recreate boundaries in practices when the education, economic security and organization of their commune are threatened by modernity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It a fun quilt
I will make several sizes of this quilt before I'm done with this book. I am going to use many differnt color ways with this pattern. It a great book. It has quilts for the beginner as well as intermidate and advanced quilters. Get this book and have fun quilting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

There's plenty of time for chores before breakfast
Bob Ottum, the editor of this book asked over 100 Amish to record a single day in their lives (Monday, October 4, 1993) and sent out cameras so that the willing volunteers could take photos to enhance their written diaries.The result is very appealing.I enjoyed my day with the Amish, astounded by the amount of work they achieved, and charmed by the gentle humor with which they accomplished their daily chores.

The one-day diaries were recorded during the peak of the harvest and canning season, and Monday was also wash day in most of the Amish households.From Wyoming to New York, the wash went out onto clotheslines, cows were milked and fed while Orion and the Moon were still bright in the sky, one family--with plenty of help from friends and relatives--was preparing for 500 wedding guests, and of course, children all over the country were bundled off to one-room school-houses on foot, by buggy or school bus.

One Amish lady who runs a bulk grocery store in Minnesota sold flour, yeast, oatmeal and a 60-pound pail of corn syrup to another woman who was having "church next Sunday and needs to do a lot of baking."This book lovingly details the breakfasts, dinners, and suppers eaten by the diarists on October 4, 1993 and by the end of the book I was extremely hungry.One family had 60 guests for a supper that included "scalloped potatoes with ham, dressing, ham and cheese sandwiches, vegetable pizza, Jell-O apple salad, cream cheese pudding, cherry and raspberry pie and ice cream."Plain food you might say, but abundant and home-cooked.

Of all the books I've read about the Amish, 'A Day in the Life' is the most interesting and enjoyable.It is the only book, the editor is proud to announce, with a map that shows locations in America where the Amish have formed communities.The largest concentrations of Amish are found in the Great Lakes states, but there are also settlements in the far northwestern corner of Montana, and the southern plains of Texas.In all, 22 states and one Canadian province are home to these industrious, plain-dealing folks.
... Read more