Plain Wisdom - Book Review

Publisher's Description:
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.

Author Bio
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.

My Review
I really enjoyed reading through Plain Wisdom by: Cindy Woodsmall & Miriam Flaud.  It was especially neat to read how these two women from totally different lifestyles were able to come together and become friends and learn from each other.  This book is loaded with practical wisdom on being a mother to many or a few children as well as so many other things.  There are several Amish recipes mixed in as well that look pretty good.  There are a few I'm going to try someday, hopefully! :)  One of my favorite quotes from this book is:

Finding peace with our imperfect world and its imperfect people isn’t always easy, but if we don’t find a way to let go of our stringent ideals of how things should be, we’ll never be free to enjoy the greatest gifts life gives us. ~ Cindy Woodsmall

Cindy is a novel writer (written many other books), wife and mother, Miriam is an Old Order Amish wife & mother.  In this book they share stories from their lives - their own childhoods, raising their children, homemaking, farming (for Miriam), and being wives.  They bring their stories back to the scriptures many times and share the things they learned from the things they did or didn't do.  I loved the easy read and it was a blessing to learn from this book.

***I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review all opinions are honestly my own.