Wanda Brunstetter - Guest Post AND Giveaway

I am thrilled to welcome Wanda Brunstetter to A Bookworm's World today. For those of you unfamiliar with this award winning author, she writes of the world of the Amish. (Over 50 books to date!) This genre of books is becoming more and more popular at the library and Wanda is an author I regularly recommend. I asked Wanda to tell us more about her experiences with the Amish....

     "One of the things I most admire about our Amish friends is their dedication to keeping true to their faith. The Amish way of life offers us many ideas on how to live a slower-paced, satisfying life, with less dependence on modern things and more emphasis on God, family, and friends.

     My husband and I have had many experiences while visiting our Amish friends in several communities around the country. We have learned a lot of things we’ve been able to incorporate into our own lives as well. One of the things we try to do as often as we can is to spend more time with our children and grandchildren, who are so special to us.

     Another thing we do is spend time outdoors, where we can enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. It gives me a sense of joy and peace when I hear birds chirping in our backyard, or listen to the sound of the fountains bubbling in the small ponds in our garden oasis. Visiting with friends and helping out when needed is another thing we’ve been doing more of since we became acquainted with so many Amish people.

     By their example, our Amish friends have also taught us about humility, acceptance, commitment, forgiveness, contentment, trust, responsibility, patience, and so much more. Learning about the Amish way of life by spending time among the Amish is what helps me to be able to portray their lifestyle as accurately as possible in my novels.

     A sense of peace and joy comes over me whenever we are in the company of our Amish friends. Whether it’s attending church with them, taking a ride with their horse and buggy, sharing a meal together, or just sitting on the porch, visiting and listening to the sounds of nature, I always feel that deep-in-the-heart sense of peace. And every time we must leave our Amish friends and head for home, I come away with a heart full of joy and a renewed understanding of what the Amish way of life is all about.

     During one of our visits with Amish friends in Pennsylvania, I observed their children playing happily together. They weren’t bored and didn’t complain because there was nothing to do. They found enjoyment in simple things like reading, playing a game of ball, petting their dog, riding their scooters, swinging, and swimming in the pond. The children didn’t need computers or electronic games to keep them occupied. They laughed and talked together and didn’t send text messages or e-mails in order to communicate.

     In our fast-paced electronic age, many of us “Englishers” don’t take the time to enjoy the simple things life has to offer. We rush from place to place, hurry to complete our tasks, and find that our busy lives are full of stress and worry. We’ve become exhausted and discontented because we don’t rest enough or spend quality time with our family and friends.

     When I look around at the beauty of nature, and find joy in being with those I love, I experience the same sense of peace that so many of my dear Amish friends have found. I find there is a celebration in the simple life!"

I have to say I agree Wanda! Thanks so much for stopping by. And to celebrate the launch of Wanda's new series "Kentucky Brothers" I have three of the first book "Journey" to giveaway. Open to US and Canada. Simply leave a comment to be entered. Ends Sat. Sept 3rd at 6 pm EST.

From the author's website:

"Discover along with Titus Fisher how life can begin anew in Christian County, Kentucky. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving a broken romance behind is the best decision Titus ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets two women: one who seems perfectly suited for any Amish man and one who challenges long held ideas of the woman’s role. Who will Titus choose, and will it be the right choice?" Get a head start - read chapter one of the Journey.