Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you’ll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman’s story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams … and secrets. You’ll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the “English” way of life—and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. In the tradition of her widely popular Kauffman Amish Bakery series, author Amy Clipston tells the tale of Anna Mae McDonough who was shunned by her family four years ago when she left her Amish community in Lancaster County, PA, to marry an “Englisher” (non Amish) man and move with him to Baltimore. Now, eight months pregnant when her first child, she longs to return home for Christmas to reconcile with her family, especially her stern father, who is the religious leader for her former Amish church district.So Anne Mae writes a letter to Kathryn Beiler, her brother’s wife, to enlist her help. Kathryn asks her husband, David, if she should arrange Anna Mae’s visit. David cautions her that a visit would cause too much stress in the family and instead suggests they visit Anna Mae and her husband in the spring. However, Kathryn arranges the visit anyway, believing in her heart that it’s God’s will for the family to heal.When Anna Mae arrives in Lancaster for Christmas, the welcome she receives is nothing like what she had hoped for.A book filled with love, the pain of being separated from one’s family, and the determination to follow God’s will regardless of the outcome, A Plain and Simple Christmas is an inspiring page-turner that will keep you guessing what happens next … right to the very last page.
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"A very good book. I love Amish stories, and this one was an excellent addition to the ones I have read. It is the story of an Amish woman who left the community to marry an Englisch man, and her desire to mend fences with her family. It shows the closeness of the Amish people, while also showing how difficult it is for the people who leave. I liked the way that Kathryn stood up for herself and her desire to heal the rift between the two families. There was a lot of faith, some tears, and a happy ending -- my favorite kind of story!"
— Susan (4 out of 5 stars)
" predictable, but great for Christmas time. "
— Theresa, 2/15/2014" A very touching book about acceptance and forgiveness. Amy Clipston is an excellent story teller. She writes from her heart. Every story I have read by her has touched my heart. I hope to read many more of her books. Her books are what got me interested in reading about the Amish. "
— Melissa, 2/9/2014" This was okay. I usually enjoy reading books about the Amish and their community, but this one was not true to life, even though it is fiction. It was more of a religious book than an Amish story. This being said, I did enjoy the story. "
— Denise, 1/28/2014" Love it. I enjoyed it very much. "
— Terri, 1/24/2014" Very fast read with more engaging characters than one usually sees in this genre of stories. "
— Maggie, 1/23/2014" Warmed my heart and soul. Reminded me to keep it simple not only at Christmas, but every day. To have a family and be part of a family is a blessing. "
— Nancy, 1/22/2014" This book had a very SLOW beginning, however once you get thru the hump of fist 80 pages, it speeds up and become more action filled. Overall I liked the book, not the greatest but good. "
— Lucy, 1/20/2014" This is a very moving and easy to read !! Great story line I loved it !! "
— Wendy, 12/14/2013" Predictable storyline, but enjoyable nonetheless. I do love a happy ending. "
— Jody, 12/10/2013" Simple read but I wanted something Christmasy and this one did it. "
— Sheri, 12/1/2013" Very predictable plot and stilted dialog. But a light, sentimental read that many will probably enjoy at Christmastime. "
— Leah, 11/29/2013" This book was about Anna Mae and former Amish women who left the faith to marry her husband. Her family was very upset with her and they shunned her. With the help of her sister in law and God she returns home and tries to restore her family. I really liked this book. I would recommend this book. "
— India, 11/10/2013" Cute story! Well worth the read! "
— Ann, 11/6/2013" I enjoyed this book very much and thought it was a great read for around the holidays! "
— melody, 9/20/2013" A little too predictable but a good read non the less. "
— Eveline, 6/27/2013" The title describes the book well. An Amish tale of reconciliation. "
— Sharon, 10/8/2012" This was a cute little book that I picked up at Lifeway Christian Bookstore on Black Friday for $1.99 and it was the first time reading from this author and I really enjoyed Amy's style. I am a huge fan of Amish living so I knew I would love the book before I even started reading it. "
— Anne, 1/26/2012" An inspirational little Christmas story, set in Lancaster County, PA, about forgiveness and miracles. "
— Regina, 12/9/2011" Another great story from Amy Clipston. I think I have read all of her books and loved every one. I am looking forward to her next one. "
— Carolyn, 9/30/2011" Nice and light Chritmas read. "
— ReadingWench, 2/26/2011" predictable, but great for Christmas time. "
— Theresa, 12/23/2010" Anna Mae was shunned by her Amish family when she married an Englisher. Now expecting her first child, she longs for a reunion with her family. But will her stiff father receive her? With the help of her sister-in-law she plans a Christmas surprise. But are her expectations too high? "
— Kitty, 12/12/2010" This was a fabulously written story about family learning to accept differences and respect each other for who they are rather then focusing on who they are not. "
— Heidi-Beth, 12/10/2010" A sweet Christmas read. Definitely predictable, but it is a heartwarming read. "
— Naomi, 12/4/2010" Love it. I enjoyed it very much. "
— Terri, 11/18/2010" An inspirational little Christmas story, set in Lancaster County, PA, about forgiveness and miracles. "
— Regina, 11/1/2010" This book had a very SLOW beginning, however once you get thru the hump of fist 80 pages, it speeds up and become more action filled. Overall I liked the book, not the greatest but good. "
— Lucy, 10/21/2010Amy Clipston is the award-winning, bestselling author of many novels, including the Kauffman Amish Bakery series and the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel books. She holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kimberly Farr is an actress and winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards for narration. She has appeared on Broadway and at the New York Shakespeare Festival, the Roundabout Theatre, Playwright’s Horizons, and the American Place. She created the role of “Eve” in Arthur Miller’s first and only musical, Up from Paradise, which was directed by the author. She appeared with Vanessa Redgrave in the Broadway production of The Lady from the Sea and has acted in regional theaters across the country, including a performance in the original production of The 1940’s Radio Hour at Washington, DC’s Arena Stage.