Böcker av Stephanie Schwartz

Phoebe is overwhelmed with infant twins, while Faith cannot yet contemplate the idea of re-marrying after being widowed. Leah longs to have children but it doesn't seem likely; even adoption is a remote possibility. Susanna travels throughout the Midwest, offering her nursing skills, but Hilda is sent much, much further away on a mission with her new husband. Join each of these courageous women as they are engaged in the chores that make up their days, from cooking on wood stoves, sewing, baking, canning, and caring for others. And always praying for guidance. Readers who are curious about people who live without "modern conveniences" will learn that their lives are rich and full, not lacking for love or community.

Plain communities of Amish, Mennonite, and Hutterite settlements have populated the Midwestern US for hundreds of years and continue to grow today. Meet some of the people who live within these communities trying to live holy lives while in the world but not of it. Susanna and Levi are about to be married. Phoebe and Stephan are married and starting a family. Faith and Noah thought their life together would be everything they'd hoped for until tragedy hits their tranquil existence. Ben and Leah have overcome obstacles most couples will never face in their lifetime. Are their trials over? Will they ever be? Will Sarabeth overcome her struggles and ever find peace and love? Does the budding friendship between Hilda and Ivan survive the long months apart? Stories born out of the author's own life and experience will draw you into this world. * * Schwartz has expertly captured the very essence of the faith and values of the Plain churches today. She will take you into another world and shares story after story with both wisdom and tenderness. A great author who keeps us all rivetted at the edge of our chairs while reading her words. Keep up with the plain and simple ways you portray this life so different from our own. -Mary Selinger McKibben

This sweeping reinterpretation of Walker Evans reveals how the photographer's work for hire during and after the Great Depression forces us to reconsider American documentary and its histories.