Oh these stories were so refreshing to read. Short, simple, and yet uplifting and heartwarming at the same time. I hope there is more in the future!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this amish novel. Everything about it was so heartfelt and you really connected to the characters. I would recommend this to those who love amish novels.

Eighteen excellent stories written by the Brunstetters. Heart warming. Tender. Authentic. Endearing. Five stars.

Amish Front Porch Stories are just the perfect length to squeeze in a heart warming story when you don’t have enough time to read a full novel. Before you know it, you will have enjoyed all of the stories!

Amish Front Porch Stories
by Wanda E. Brunstetter Jean Brunstetter, and Richelle Brunstetter

Amish Front Porch Stories are filled with thoughtful, encouraging, inspiration and a scripture verse, with situations that can apply daily lifestyles. This is a wonderful collection of stories; a collaboration from three-generations of Brunstetter woman, each of the stories are unrelated and are about the length of a short chapter of a novel. Amish are known to have an atmosphere of peace and quiet, love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit; these stories all share just that. Sit for a while as you enjoy this book of their stories of love, joy, and the peace found in Amish country, and atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting or while at the bedside of a family member.

Ms. Brunstetter was the first Amish author I ever read, and I have enjoyed reading her work, she has a simple and peaceful way of discussing the context of her stories, with love, gentleness, and moderation; a message to share with her readers. Ms. Wanda E Brunstetter has become one of my favorite Amish authors, I enjoy reading and becoming inspired by her books. I feel that these ladies and their stories are a blessing to the readers and will receive a 4-star rating due to some errors.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary pre-published copy of Amish Front Porch Stories from Barbour Publishing; thank you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.” I am under no obligation to post a review or to give a rating.

Some of the stories I liked, some were confusing, some I had questions. I am a fan of Wanda Brunstetter, I always liked here books, however I can’t say I ever read anything from the other authors. The book was a little disappointing, some stories ended suddenly, I went back looking thinking I must’ve missed something, I wished I could have given it more stars but for the reasons stated above I couldn’t.

This collection contains stories from everyday life amid the Amish characters portrayed. Most come across as quite simple and ordinary, but a few are more memorable. I prefer longer stories with more plot, but these do highlight some interesting characters. The people in the stories seem realistic but their conversations sometimes sound contrived rather than smooth flowing. We don’t need so much “told” in dialogue. I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Amish Front Porch Stories

by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Richelle Brunstetter

What are the fruits of the Spirit? Galatians 5:22-23 in the New Testament of the Bible states that they are love, joy, peace, longsuffering (a willingness to stick with things), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith, meekness (not needing to force our way in life), and temperance (self-control). These are certainly admirable qualities for anyone, but do you ever ponder how these play out in the life of a Christian?

Amish Front Porch Stories is a collection of tales by Wanda E. Brunstetter and two other writers from her family. These stories demonstrate the challenges for those trying to live in such a way that the fruits of the Spirit are evident in their lives to the people around them. It is not always easy to submit your will to God to try to be like Jesus. In each story, the main character faces a dilemma, and she learns to recognize a problem in her life like pride or resentment, often with the help of a friend, mentor, or family member. She confesses to God and asks for the Holy Spirit’s power in overcoming the problem.

None of the short stories have overly complicated plots, but they address real issues people face, whether they are Amish or not. I enjoyed reading this as I prepared to go to sleep in the evenings. It was relaxing and helped me focus on positive things rather than worries. Each story ended with a Bible verse that relates to the specific focus of the story.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Christian, General Fiction (Adult)

Publication: November 1, 2019—Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press)

Memorable Lines:

“But the most important thing you can do to bring joy back into your life is to think about and quote some Bible verses out loud.”

If your day is hemmed with prayer, it is less likely to unravel.

“Kindness is a good thing. It can heal ourselves and others too.” “I agree with you. It’s not always easy, but it is worth doing.”

This book left me contented and inspired to be more understanding of those around me. My plan was to read a story a day but once I started reading I could not put it down. A few stories left me wanting more just because I fell in love with the characters. My favorite was how each chapter ended in a bible verse.

I look forward to buying this book as a gift for several readers in my life.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Shiloh Run Press, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

this is a collection of 18 short stories of faith and wisdom, set in amish villages.
As says Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law", the book is divided into 9 chapters, which are the fruits.
Well written, the authors make the readers think about important topics, with simple stories.
The stories are inspirational, God and family centered, lovely. I enjoyed very much reading them.

It was my please to read these 18 short stories by New author to me. I have always enjoyed Amish stories so I was very excited to receive this ARC copy. I found the writing style to be to my liking with the speed of the stories it had you reading wanting to more, so straight away off to the next one I went.

The topics of each story were very relevant to any culture as we all face different circumstances in our lives with or without faith and belief. Sitting on the front porch enjoying these tales of the Amish is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

Some of the stories I wanted more but some were just perfectly written to give you total enjoyments for a short time.

Absolutely love the stories in the book. Each character show us that they deal with the same issues as we do but faith, love and respect bring joy to each story.

These stories were fabulous! They were so heartwarming and “feel good”.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book by Wanda Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law and her granddaughter. It was a collection of 18 short stories, and each was easy to read in just a few minutes. Perfect for a nightly reading before bed. Each short story also had a great lesson, featuring a character quality like patience, self-control, meekness and many other “fruits of the Spirit”. It was a good reminder to me to put God first in all things and to strive after those character qualities myself in my own live. Overall a good read.

I thought this was a nice collection of short stories by Wanda Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter. At the end of each story there is a bible verse added which I thought was a nice touch.
It made me reflect on both the story, the lesson characters took away from their encounters with difficult people, difficult situations and how I might apply those lessons it in my life.

The simple yet lovely cover reflects the simple life of the Amish people the authors wrote about in this novel. I liked that I could put his book down after having read a few chapters and could go back to it when I had some time to relax with short but well written stories.

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

These short stories were written by three women who have mastered Amish fiction. Each story focuses on a dilemma or a concern in the life of an Amish person, offers subtle solutions, and ends with a Bible verse. The unique and versatile stories can be read as daily devotions, as book club discussion points, or as entertainingly brief fiction. Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC.

I've always enjoy reading Wanda Brunstetter's books and as an added bonus this one actually has a few of her family members contributing stories to this collection as well.
This is an Amish collection of short encouraging stories faith themed that will give you an emotional boost as you read. Need a pick me up read this book, you will feel encouraged and happy. Bible verses included to make it easier for your further bible reading.
I recommend this book!

Pub Date 01 Nov 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a sweet collection of very simple, encouraging stories. The characters (mostly women) are facing everyday difficulties and finding inspiration in their faith, friends, and family. As the stories are very short it’s easy to read several at a time and step into the simple ways of the Amish.

Wanda E. Brunstetter is a bestselling author of many Amish fiction novels and a founder of the genre. She has teamed up with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter to bring us a collection of stories centered around the biblical Fruit of the Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22–23
Amish Front Porch Stories: 18 Short Tales of Simple Faith and Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter is the result of the creative efforts of a trio of women with a definite talent for the written word.

Love
Simple Actions by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Anna Hostettler is a wife frustrated by her neighbor’s constant complaining. Anna has been taught to act in a Christian manner, but her neighbor has led her to act in a non-Christian manner, until an unexpected event reminds her that God charges us to love each other.

Love Isn’t Painless by Richelle Brunstetter
Charles Smucker is a widower who believes his inattention has caused trauma to the ones he loves the most. Charles comes to realize the necessity of devotion and faith.

Joy
Cardinal at the Window by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Esther Stutzman is the stressed mother of seven children. She is depressed and has lost the will to enjoy the good in her life. Her children help her to remember that there is joy in even the simple things in life.

Unexpected Joy by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Susanna Riehl is a wife and mother of three with one more on the way. She’s recently suffered a devastating personal loss that she finds difficult to get past. Ultimately she is reminded that joy can triumph if only we recognize it when we see it.

Peace
Nina’s Struggle by Richelle Brunstetter
Nina Miller is a young woman living with her mother but never knew her father. She is bothered by the lack of information from her mother. She just wants to know who her father is. Will her mother ever tell her what she needs to know in order to have peace in her life?

Tranquility by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Ruby Weaver is an overwhelmed mother of seven, three of whom aren’t school aged yet. Ruby’s days are hectic and she never has time for herself. A friend reminds her that she must slow down and maybe then she can find the peace and tranquility she seeks.

Longsuffering
Miriam’s Care by Jean Brunstetter
Miriam is caring for her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. The constant monitoring of her mother is draining her. Family and friends compliment her on the care she gives her mother while managing her household. She is appreciative of the praise, but she is still under stress. Can a talk with her best friend change her viewpoint?

Laura’s Choice by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Laura Herschberger is a wife who wants nothing more than to be a mother. She thinks she’ll never be complete without children. She’s prayed but feels her prayers aren’t being answered. She wonders how long will she have to wait and suffer?

Gentleness
A Change of Heart by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Stephen Yoder has become fascinated by the tales of the great fishing and hunting in Rexford, Montana and convinces his wife, Salome, that they should move. Salome Yoder agrees to move because that’s what good wives do, but she longs to go home to Kalona, Iowa. She must change her attitude in order to restore the relationship she had with her husband and with God.

Kari’s Joy by Jean Brunstetter
Kari Lambright is much older than her five-year-old brother, Samuel, and her three-year-old sister, Anna, who are very energetic and at times overwhelm Kari. Kari has even lost her temper with her young siblings, especially Anna. Will she ever realize that gentleness comes from love, and we all need to be loved?

Goodness
Taunted by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Alice Lapp is an Amish wife with four children. Her English neighbor is very unfriendly. When Alice finds out why her neighbor is so unfriendly she is disturbed. One of her children wants to get revenge, but Alice explains why they can’t respond to negativity with more negativity.

Pam’s Friend by Jean Brunstetter
Mary Troyer is an Amish wife living next door to an Englisher, Pam Hayward. She’s concerned about her neighbor’s behavior. Pam is mean to both man and beast but claims to be a Christian. Mary approaches Pam with goodness hoping it will inspire her neighbor to make a change.

Faith
Hiding Place by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Sharon Raber is young woman, vacationing in Sarasota, FL, where many Amish and Mennonites vacation. Sharon is having trouble dealing with the death of a loved one. She runs into a woman from her hometown, Iva Esh. Iva tries to lift Sharon’s spirits, but Sharon may not be ready to let go of the past.

Betty’s Dog by Jean Brunstetter
Betty is a ten-year-old girl. Her dog, Jack, has gone missing and she’s devastated. Betty immediately takes action. She makes flyers and with her parents help hangs them everywhere, and she prays constantly for God to send her dog home. She has faith that God will return Jack to her, even though her parents are starting to have some doubt.

Meekness
Receive With Meekness by Richelle Brunstetter
Marlene Bontrager is a twenty-year-old on her rumspringa, a time of “running around” for Amish youths before they make the commitment to join the church. Marlene’s Amish friends and family are upset by the influence her English friends have over her. What will it take for Marlene to make a decision between the world she knows and the allure of English life?

The Beautiful Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Nora Bontrager is an Amish wife and mother who loves making quilts. Her quilts are beautiful, and she knows it. Nora is convicted by her perceived pride over her talent. For the Amish pride in oneself is a sin. Will pride be her ultimate downfall?

Temperance
Breaking Down by Richelle Brunstetter
Aaron Yoder was hired as a horse trainer but spends more time tending and exercising horses than training them. Aaron finds himself losing his temper both at home and at work. He’s a control freak with no self-control. His family and friends are doing their best to get him to change his attitude and practice temperance.

Tempted by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Martha Yoder has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, she’s advised to change her diet and get more exercise, neither of which fits with her plan. Martha’s family and friends encourage her to make the change. She listens, but does she hear?

The Brunstetter women explore multiple themes in these stories. I appreciated that the authors worked the translation of the Pennsylvania Dutch into the dialogue rather than using a glossary. I also liked that each story ended with an appropriate Bible verse.

The Brunstetter women have once again penned an excellent collaboration. I enjoyed each of the stories and give this collection 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to fans of Christian fiction, especially Amish fiction.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

Here is another wonderful book by Wanda Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Richelle Brunstetter. This book contains eighteen wonderful stories by these amazing authors. I loved reading the stories and couldn't put it down. There wasn't a story I didn't like, that's how good they were.