Amish Nonfiction

Between work and keeping his little brothers out of trouble, Austin Petersheim barely has time to think, much less court the most popular maiden in town. But if he can establish a local market to direct-sell his family's goods, he'll stand out as a potential husband. He's so grateful for the help of his longtime friend, Hannah Yutzy, who has such practical ideas—and is so easy to talk to....

Come and sit awhile as you enjoy 18 fictional short stories of love, joy, and the peace found in Amish country. Amish Country is known for an atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting with a good book. Join New York Times best-selling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as they share 18 heartwarming stories from Amish Country. These fictional short stories include journeys we can all relate to as we seek how to live led by love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit.

Bridget is devastated when her boyfriend, Amos, breaks up with her, realizing that he had lied to her throughout their relationship. As her despair deepens, her worried parents arrange for her to spend time with her aunt in Ohio, hoping a change of scenery will lessen her heartbreak. As Bridget prays her heart will mend, she meets Isaac and feels her sadness melting away. As feelings grow, an unwanted visitor from her past reappears, begging forgiveness. As old feelings resurface for Bridget, she has a choice to make - go back to a life of lies or stay with a man who mended her heart.

Quiet and soft-spoken, Kate Zook is the responsible eldest daughter in an Amish family and prides herself on fulfilling her role. Then, one fateful snowy night, she uncharacteristically speaks her mind - and unwittingly plays a part in a horrible accident.

When Abigail's family fall on hard times and is set to lose their farm, her family makes a heart-wrenching decision which turns Abigail's world upside down. Her heart once belonged to Caleb, but when he left their community without saying good-bye, she vowed to forget him. But Caleb is back, now a cold-hearted man with a deep and painful secret. When an arrangement is made between Abigail and Caleb, she is secretly thrilled, as her heart still yearns for him. But when she confesses to Caleb that she knows his secret, a shocked Caleb pushes her away.

Four sweet and funny Amish love stories, spanning four different generations. Love comes at all times and for all ages.

Joshua Bowman is ready to go home. After spending time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s putting everything behind him and reconciling with his fractured family. When a devastating tornado throws him unexpectedly into the path of Mary Kaufman and her daughter, Hannah, he feels the first spark of life after months. But Mary’s adoptive dad is the Englisch sheriff—and he’d never trust her care to a man with Joshua’s past. Plus the lovely single mom has a secret of her own, one that she’s spent years running from.

The apple harvest is drawing to a close as the Bruner/Baker family get ready for more babies to arrive. But they’re not too busy to work on the quilt for Hope’s wedding. As usual, nothing goes to plan. The chaos steps up when Levi reluctantly agrees to taking on yet another houseguest. Meanwhile, Ada’s nephew is trying to help out, but is he doing more harm than good?

Annie Fisher has a curious and restless spirit and longs to experience life outside of her Amish community. When a handsome Englischer, Jake, comes into the candle shop Annie works at, her heart stills. She dreams of rumspringa in New York City with Jake and longs to make her dreams a reality, even if it means alienating her family. Daniel, the Amish boy that Annie likes, tries hard to persuade her to stay in Lancaster - until he sees her with Jake one day. As Annie begs him not to tell her parents, her heart tears in two.

Dorothy Hartzler, a restless young Amish woman, dreams of something more than the traditional Amish life. With her mother ill and her fear of being alone increasing, Dorothy is forced to make decisions. When she is thrown into Saul Beachey’s company, she questions her reluctance to open her heart.

Eleanor longs to escape her Amish life in Indiana - until she meets handsome Simon, a man she feels instantly attracted to. There is something very familiar about Simon that brings Eleanor great peace, and Simon feels the same way. But when Eleanor's boyfriend, Abe, sees her talking to Simon, his jealousy is unleashed, and he warns her to stay away from Simon. Eleanor refuses, planning to break up with Abe - until an emergency changes her plan.

When Ashley Emma was a small child, she knew she wanted to become an author. When she was 20, she decided to stay with Amish families to do research for her writing. This journal captures her unique experience and the friendships she made with the Amish in Unity, Maine, who opened their homes and their hearts to this curious, young author. (PLEASE NOTE: The writing style of this research project will reflect the age of the author at that time and is very different from her USA Today Bestselling Amish novels.) Ever wondered what it would be like to stay inside an Amish home, make Amish ...

Sarah loves socializing but isn't ready to court anyone, much to the disappointment of her parents. As the oldest, her parents expect her to set a good example for her younger siblings. But the free spirit in Sarah refuses to be reined in - until she meets handsome Noah. Sarah is intrigued but appears standoffish, causing Noah to mistake her shyness for disinterest. A heartbroken Sarah turns to her friend, Aaron, who has always had an interest in Sarah. As their feelings for each other grow, Sarah can't get Noah out of her heart.

In Broken Roads, Ira Wagler uses his singular voice to unapologetically, but compassionately, illuminate the inner world of the Amish community through his story of life after leaving, what feels like his inevitable return to his Amish father, and how they might mend the relationship between them before it's too late.

Isla and Benjamin left the Amish long ago. After they decided to get married, they planned to go back home and raise their children in the safety of the Amish community. Weeks before their wedding, a tragic accident caused Isla to return to the Amish alone. Through the help of her family, she plans a new life, struggling with the guilt that the accident was her fault. When Isla learns she is pregnant with Benjamin's child, she is further upset that nothing has turned out how she planned.

Anna longs to escape her life in Lancaster County where she takes care of her ailing father and works in the family's small store. She has a crush on handsome Seth, but he never notices her. Anna dreams of rumspringa where she imagines having a fun and carefree life. When she finds herself stranded on a lonely country road and a storm springs up, she is rescued by handsome police officer Robert. As feelings between Anna and Robert grow, Seth finally notices Anna, and Anna finds herself torn between the two men.

Obsessed with books from childhood, Miriam answered her life's calling by working in the towns local bookshop. Although the shops owner is in a difficult situation she respected this hard working Amish girl...A girl who fought to save her life...to no avail. Just as the police arrive...Lucas, the towns newly trained lawyer could be her last hope...Her only friend...Her only chance...Her love of books could mean a final turn of the page. This is the authors favorite of all her books. She hopes you enjoy it also.

Following an attack on her Amish community, Esther is hospitalized for a serious injury. Her hospital stay is lengthy, and during her time there, she meets Dr. Sterling Jamison. He is more than a doctor; he becomes a friend. He asks her many questions about her community. When Esther returns to her community, she needs to adapt to the lifelong effects of her injury. But that isn't the only thing that Esther will have to get used to. Several other people were injured in the attack. Some were even killed, including Esther's love match, Marcus. Esther's sister Annie kept this from her during ...

Eva couldn't quite understand why this quiet outsider was so mysterious. Why did he leave the Englischer life behind? Why did the townsfolk talk about him in hushed tones as he walked by? Eva convinced her friends to accept the stranger, to help him find Gott and heal his soul.... Then Hannah went missing.... The townsfolk searched and found her lifeless soul...hidden deep in the woods. Was it the stranger? Is she in danger? Despite her fear, she knows that she, like all of us, must face the stranger inside....

Emma did not know what she did to make her Husband Noah So angry...So violent...But the fear of divorce, was more painful than the abuse she received. Her friend Amos, begged her to leave...Could it be as simple as a New Heart = New Start? Amos so disgusted by her injuries, helps Emma to a hospital away from the village, away from the questions. When she returns, her husband is dead. And with no one to vouch for her and the secret of his abuse to hide. She becomes the prime suspect. But is "the accused amish widow" really guilty?