Homespun reads like a chat over a cup of coffee with a friend. You feel the friendship, kinship and emotion as the writers share their feelings and beliefs with the reader. While I have always appreciated the Amish way of life, prior to reading this collection I did not consider the fact that they are just like the “Englishers.” These women are daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers. They want nothing more that to have happy, healthy children and a warm, inviting home that others can enjoy. While their lives are vastly different from my fast paced, always connected world… down deep, we all want the same things. We all experience the same joys and hurts and frustrations and fundamental beliefs.

I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives and stories of these writers. It gave me a peace inside that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of life… a moment of clarity at a virtual kitchen table with a friend. I highly encourage you to step back, grab a cup of coffee, and take time to read this collection of stories and essays – slow down and savor the reality that all of us are the same, deep down – daughters of the One and sisters with each other.

I highly recommend you read this collection of personal writings – whether you love the Amish culture or you just need a reminder that love, friendship and faith transcends all walks of life. These stories provide a glimpse into the lives of these beautiful women and remind you that we truly all want the same things in our lives – a ‘gut’ life, ‘gut freinds’ and ‘liebe.’

Loved reading this book about the Amish and Mennonite women. These were short chapter in this book. I love reading anything that has to do with Amish or Mennonites. I do have to say that I was shocked by some of these stories. I recommend it to others, if you love reading about Amish and Mennonites you are going to love this book.

I wanted to meet these women! It's a collection of essays about marriage and children, joy and sorrow, family and strangers. Mentioning Scripture throughout the narratives of their own stories came naturally to these women. I could tell they had a sweet, sweet fellowship with the Lord.

I had the privilege of reading Homespun recently—what a find! Written by quite a few different authors in short articles, this book moved, inspired, and challenged me in many ways. More than just a collection of devotionals, life hacks, or encouraging family relations, this book gets down into the nitty-gritty of Christian life, and also shares the beautiful side of not always living under the condemnation of perfectionism.

It’s a hard one to encapsulate in words, because it struck so many chords with me. There’s some really deep, tough stuff in here—a child terribly sick, a faith crisis—and yet, on the other hand, there are some very light, humorous stories, too. It’s somewhat all over the place, but nearly every article had me putting away my Kindle again so I could chew over a new concept or a piece of well-given advice.

In all, I came away from this book thoroughly encouraged. It’s easy to read because the articles aren’t long, but each one is a gem of some kind that will leave you blessed and inspired. Highly recommended!

I requested a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

Stories of faith. Of family dinners. Laughter, love, and tears. Such warm, welcoming women. I’m sure we could all be friends as we are received openly into their lives.

This lovely book will give you an opportunity to slow down, pour a cup of tea, and get to know the women of Homespun. You’ll be so glad you did as your faith is restored and you realize that we are all the same on the inside.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

First of all, please understand this is not a book that I recommend reading from cover to cover in one sitting. This is written in more of a devotional format, and every story is short enough (or long enough) for the reader to receive some spiritual inspiration for the day. Every story is written with heart, soul, and honesty, not to mention, spiritual insight. Even the more humorous stories give one pause to remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength. I highly recommend getting a paperback or hardback copy of this book because, in my humble opinion, devotionals are typically better read when holding a physical copy as opposed to an ebook.

What I most appreciated about this book is that the stories were simple and relatable. Sometimes there is a warped perception of the Amish and Mennonites out there because of the times in which we live. In reading these stories, I found nothing but solid doctrine and Biblical principles that were incorporated into the daily lives of the women who chose to tell these tales. This is a book to which I could see myself returning regularly for simple truths and timely inspiration. I highly recommend this book!

Such a WONDERFUL book! Loved the essays from the Amish and Mennonite women.. It's nice to know that we have a lot in common about faith and life. I enjoyed the tidbits about life and how they spend their time and the stories of experiences with God.

Very interesting book filled with humor and stories. Lorilee brings the reader in as though they are sitting there with the ladies as they are telling there stories.

Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words is a wonderful and fascinating read. I was not sure what to expect at first but I was pleasantly surprised how the book captured my interest right from the start. I learned so many new things about the different communities involving the Amish and Mennonites. Especially, learning about how one family was emigrated from the Ukraine. I was, also, excited to see Sherry Gore as a contributor to the book. I have followed her for a long time and loved that she was part of the book.
I enjoyed reading Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words. I thought it was great and informative read. I highly recommend it for those who want to know more about and real accounts from those of the Amish and Mennonite communities. I would love to read more books like this one in the future. I give it four and a half stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Homespun is a collection of essays written by both Amish and Mennonite women. I really liked how the editor had sectioned off the themes, so the reader could find stories about certain topics quicker. Each story is unique and heartfelt from the writer with some being humorous while others are poignant. It was interesting to see glimpses into the lives of the authors. It really leaves the reader with a feeling of peace and knowing that simple hospitality and love is something we can all offer.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley.com and Herald Press in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is such a lovely book of essays written by both Amish and Mennonite women. I love the themes of home and hospitality. Some are heartwarming; some are poignant; some have dashes of humor; and all are written from the heart. I loved the glimpses into their lives. After reading this book, I came away knowing more about their homes, but I also realized we have much in common. I’ve been encouraged to practice “simple hospitality” to reach out to others.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Homespun is one fabulously - intriguing - telling - gloriously genuine stories of Amish and Mennonite women's lives. Haven't you always wondered what the true life and thoughts of Amish and Mennonites were like? I kinda did - I kinda knew already since I had a friend who lived around them herself so she shared with me a lot about them and their customs and upbringings and beliefs - so when I read their stories it just confirmed everything that she shared with me - but - there was a ton of things I did not know - for instance how adaptive they were when they moved out of their world and moved into ours - the Engliscjher's . You had one who moved into a small apartment and made the best of it - only had two drawers to keep all their stuff in - well they improvised so well - used baby food bottles to put their spices into and put them on the back of the stove - used a peg board to hang access utensils on it - and so on - and that is just one story - there is another one who wanted to reach out to international people to tell them about the LORD - well guess how they did that - they ---- I can't ruin it for you but I will tell you this - it was such a wonderful idea that I think I am going to do it myself if I the resource that they did - and that is just two stories - there is so so much more - it is incredible the stories. If you are looking to see a glimpse into the world of the Amish and Mennonite's this is just for you; I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

A collection of Amish and Mennonite stories where the women talk about everything from home to grief. Every story is filled with the love of God in their lives.

I am a huge fan of reading Amish and Mennonite fiction so to get to read true stories from this blessed community was a treat. As I read I could not help but question my relationship with God. Was mine as strong as theirs? Do I truly have as much trust in faith as them? These were great questions to be asking myself.

I read the eBook but will be looking for a real copy of the book as I have highlights every where on my Kindle and will be reading this again at least once a year. I want to be able to write my thoughts right there next to highlights and see how I've grown each year. The book is very simply written but very beautifully written.

Every woman can find a little of yourself in each story and learn how to grow more in your own faith.

One of the most profound sentences for me is from Sara Nolt's story "Overcoming Inferiority".
"The ground is level at the foot of the cross." Her story was talking about how she always compared herself to others and found herself lacking. Her mother-in-law, after listening to her story, said that simple statement and changed her life. I have found myself repeating those words multiple times to myself since reading them.

Whether you are a reader of non-fiction or just looking for something different to read, I highly recommend this collection of short stories. You may find yourself growing and changing as you read which I never think is bad.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Herald Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

This book gives a glimpse into the hearts and souls of Amish and Mennonite homes. Some stories give a look into how they create, decorate and give. Other stories show the depths of their love for God, family and one another. Heartache and pain are also shown. Recommended for anyone wanting a more in-depth view of the Amish and Mennonites.

Having grown up near Pennsylvania and honestly loved seeing the Amish out and about. This book brought back many memories from when I was growing up and I loved all the stories in the book. This is a book that you will want to keep on hand for just learning a little more about the Amish and Mennonite women and how they live. I have read this book twice now and it was hard to put down. I now know that it isn't easy being a married woman in the Amish or Mennonite Community and that they work harder than their husbands do. Through faith though they keep their heads held high and continue through their daily lives no matter what they think. Thanks for such an amazing book!

This book has short chapters with uplifting stories. I know very little about the Amish and Mennonite communities. Several things surprised me that the women talked about. I enjoyed this book and it was a quick read. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this book for my honest review.

This was a wonderful book to read. It allowed the reader into the lives of modern day Amish and Mennonite women. Each writer shared a personal memory. This is a truly a great example as to how women experience many of the same funny, frustrating, and poignant moments no matter where you live or your religious persuasion.

What a beautiful collection of uplifting stories! These stories cover topics from hospitality (even how to simplify your décor by finding conversational pieces), the value of conversation over meals, grief, joy, and just how to walk with God. Each story is written by different women coming from various Anabaptist backgrounds. I was surprised to read about podcasts in one story and music playlists in another as my impression was that at least Amish shy away from those things. The authors don’t mention whether they are Amish or Mennonite.
There is definitely a sense of meekness and humility that comes through in the writing of these women. There’s peace in what they are saying and an invitation to display similar qualities in the reader’s homes. I was impressed with one story written by a woman named Rachel (“A Side of Conversation”). She discusses the importance of conversation, debate, and learning how to ask questions so that the focus is taken off of ourselves and invites everyone to converse fostering community with your guests. It was so beautifully written and poignant, that it made me re-think how we do things outside of these communities.
I was definitely blessed through the reading of each account. There is much wisdom through these pages, and much to be learned from women who live what they “preach”.
An excellent, uplifting, wholesome read.
I received an advanced ebook copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I very much enjoyed, and actually am continuing to enjoy "Homespun". I say continuing, because this book is packed with short stories and anecdotes that make it attractive for picking up when you may not have a long time span, but at least an hour or so to read. The stories and anecdotes impress upon the reader the importance of hospitality in building community. One of the themes that I keep seeing in each story is how relationships are built, and bonds tightened, over meals together as a family and with friends. This is so very true. Although my family is not a member of a Plain community like the ones featured in this book, I grew up in a Jewish family and my husband and I are raising our daughters in a Jewish family and a strong Jewish community. The values between the Plain cultures and the Jewish community are much more similar than they are different. Especially the emphasis on family and community, and on helping others less fortunate. This is a book I would easily recommend to Jewish and Christian friends alike.

As a avid reading of Amish Romance novels I was always curios into what the real Amish woman go thru and the feeling that they have, Homespun gave me the answers I have been looking for. Lorilee Craker gave me and every other Amish Romance reader a look behind the storied and what inspires them. I was so surprised and awe struck with some of the tales in this book it made me look at the book I favor in a whole different light. Faith of course is always number one and Homespun showed that, but also showed that Amish Woman have emotions and thoughts like any other woman. A wonderful read and in depth look into the world everyone wants to know about! Amazing Read!