Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women [Paperback]

Cindy Woodsmall (Author), Miriam Flaud (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 15, 2011

Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish, one Englischer—share the truths that bring them together.
 
Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to facing life with strength and grace. Whether enduring financial setbacks, celebrating new babies and times of prosperity, grieving the crushing losses in the deaths of family and friends, or facing disappointments with their respective communities—through it all they find guidance for each day by looking to God. 
 
With poignant recollections, unexpected insights, and humorous tales, the two women welcome you into their unique friendship.  You’ll also gain a rare glimpse into the traditions and ways of the Amish as Miriam recalls special occasions and shares family recipes throughout the book.
 
Plain Wisdom is a heartwarming celebration of God, womanhood, and the search for beauty that unites us all. So grab your cup and your quilt and settle in for a soul-comforting read with Plain Wisdom.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Plain Wisdom
 
“A treasure chest, for sure… The wisdom in these stories is time-tested and true—plain and simple.”
—Karen Kingsbury, New York Times best-selling author of Unlocked and Shades of Blue
 
“A fascinating comparison between two starkly different ways of life.”
—Donald B. Kraybill, author of The Riddle of Amish Culture
 
“A beautiful weaving of the lives of two very different women drawn together through their bond of faith and love of family. Their intertwining stories offer both timeless wisdom and sincere encouragement to inspire all women to learn from one another’s experiences. You will enjoy their honesty, their humor, and their life lessons as well as some of their delicious recipes! Cindy and Miriam bring us back to the place where our hearts long to go—a place of simplicity and truth.”
—Karol Ladd, author of The Power of a Positive Woman
 
“Plain Wisdom provides a beautiful glimpse into the lives of my longtime friend Cindy Woodsmall and her Amish friend Miriam Flaud. Though separated by the modern world and Old Order Amish customs, they have a living faith that bonds them and invites us to embrace our experiences with greater hope, delight, and laughter.”
—Dr. Alan Weatherly, senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church, Madison, Alabama
 
“Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud have the unique ability to marry two very different lifestyles in a masterful way by focusing on their similarities in faith and in daily life. Their chapters are easily digested in short pages designed for busy women—be they Amish or English. I loved savoring the wisdom in this book as well as the mouth-watering recipes. Written with the true insight of women who have been there, Plain Wisdom is a serious guide to life that doesn’t take itself too seriously…and offers something for every woman.”
—Ellie Kay, author of The 60-Minute Money Workout

About the Author

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author of six novels whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
 
Miriam Flaud is an Old Order Amish woman who has lived within one of the most structured societies in the United States. She’s experienced the abundant joys of that lifestyle as well as troubled times. She and her husband have six children and five grandchildren.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307459349
• ISBN-13: 978-0307459343
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written a dozen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.

She's a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.

If you'd like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Blessing! March 28, 2011

By C. Janes VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Let me just say that I enjoyed this book way more than I ever expected to! When I first started reading it, I would read a couple of pages here, a couple there, and I didn't invest a lot of time with it in the very beginning. I finally decided to pick it up again a couple of days ago, and really allowed myself to enjoy it fully.

Well....the rest was history! In no time flat, it became nearly impossible to put down! I soaked up each chapter, and the wisdom contained within. Some chapters spoke to me more than others, and some had morsels of wisdom that I would go back and read again.

Even though Miriam and Cindy are from two completely different worlds, they share how similar they really are. Whether it was the daily tasks of being a mother, their commitments to their husbands, or their devotion to their friends, their goals were the same. They've trusted God to lead and direct their lives, and let Him shine through them to bless others.

I think that anyone that reads this book will have something that speaks to them. My moment came almost at the very end in the chapter called "Opportunity for the Taking." Now, I have been a procrastinator all my life, and no, it's not something that I'm proud of. I've missed deadlines, had to eat some crow on a few occasions where I didn't step up to the plate like I should have, and missed opportunities for all sorts of things that I would've enjoyed being a part of, whether it was a benefit to me or a benefit to someone else. Well, this one little statement that Miriam made in this chapter brought it all into perspective for me--"One little deed done in time is worth more than a thousand good intentions." I had to stop right there and say a little prayer that God would help me take action quicker on the things that are important, and to focus my time on things that are meaningful.

This book was such a blessing to me, and I have no doubt that it will be to so many people. For folks that are fans of Amish fiction (like me), this book provides a handful of insights into the daily routines of the Amish. It's a very quick read with short chapters, and there's even a few tasty recipes scattered throughout. I hope you'll take the time to read Plain Wisdom, and I pray it will be a blessing to you as it was to me.

5 Stars

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This was an excellent Book! November 24, 2012

By lisa Wightman

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read this book in record time for me excellent book and in great condition. Happy reading to those all others.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amish book Plain Wisdom August 12, 2011

By D. Rieger

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book. Having been raised and spent most of my life near Lancaster, PA
have always been interested in the Amish and learning more about their way of life.
Would certainly recommend this book