The Heart of the Amish Book Review

Life Lessons on Peacemaking

and the Power of Forgiveness

SUMMARY:  We all have someone we need to forgive.  But sometimes it's hard to let go of our hurt and anger in order to truly forgive and move on.  For the Amish, forgiving others is woven into the very fabric of their faith.  From daily annoyances to heartbreaking tragedy, they exhibit an incredible capacity for forgiveness that often baffles us.

     Through the true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows you how the Amish are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others.  Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive any one from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines.  You'll learn how to invite God into your story, apply lessons from the Amish to your own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

REVIEW:  Forgiveness is hard.  We, as humans, want to hold onto the hurt and make sure the one who caused us so much pain suffers as much as we do.  As Christians, we are told to forgive and to love our enemies but it is NOT easy.  The Amish have made forgiveness a lifestyle, engraving it deep into their DNA, so to speak.   As Ms. Fisher shows, it's not always easy but it is necessary.  She shows us story after story of when an Amish person has been wronged, hurt, or devastated, how reliance on their faith in God helps them forgive, love their "enemy" and move forward.  It's not always easy but when the wronged reaches out to the one who wounded them in forgiveness and love, powerful healing takes place.  She also shows how we can move towards forgiveness when we are wronged in the Reflections questions at the end of each chapter. 
     This is a short book, less than 200 pages but very meaningful.  It would make a great bible study or Sunday school lesson for all ages.  Check it out!!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs, as well as many novels about the Amish, including the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting.  She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.