Water My Soul by Darla Weaver

If you're looking for a daily devotional book that is geared toward women, mothers in particular, this may be one to pick up. Darla Weaver is a wife, mother, Christian, and just happens to be Old Order Mennonite. Weaver brings aspects of her culture into her writing and many of her devotion and are also focused around a gardening theme (ie "Joy Requires Tending" and "Powerful Pruning").

I would venture to say that every devotional book is as deep as the time and energy you put into it. This book is no different. If you want these devotionals to touch your soul and challenge you, they will. But if you just skim through it quickly in 5 minutes every morning, it will do little more than serve as a quick reminder of the things of God. It's up to you. I would encourage you to take the time though.

Weaver's Mennonite culture lends a different flavour to these devotionals. I really appreciated it. There is also a "day in the life of the author" section at the beginning and also a FAQ about Old Order Mennonites section at the end. These are great inclusions.

If you are looking for a quick devotional book for three months (90 meditations), and enjoy the simple things in life (cooking, gardening, raising children), this could be a good option. As I said before, it will be as deep as you take it. It won't plunge you into the deep end but give it a chance and it can serve up some important reminders and examinations for your life.

Anything But Simple by Lucinda J. Miller

Anything But Simple is the story of one Mennonite woman's walk through doubt, appearances, and coming to embrace her Mennonite roots. Miller shares how her worldview - and theology - was stretched as she stepped into the outside world through unlikely friendships and writing classes and saw that there were more ways to see and experience God than just how her community did. How does one balance what they've always been taught, what they see in others, and what they feel inside?

While I have Mennonite roots myself, and could understand many of the cultural nuances Miller mentioned, this book is not just for the Mennonite community. What Miller shares can be relevant and thought-provoking for anyone. Miller has a way with words and her book was a joy to read. It was easy to follow her train of thought and understand what she was communicating. With themes of faith, family, and friendship, this is an excellent read if you are interested in culture and understanding how and why people of a certain culture think and act the way they do. Our God is big enough to be trusted with every dream and to accept all who seek to find him.

The Essential Amish Cookbook by Lovina Eicher

Lovina Eicher's The Essential Amish Cookbook is a beautiful book. It is filled with gorgeous photography, showing various parts of the cooking process and the Amish community. The book has the standard categories one would expect in a cookbook (breads, soups and salads, meats and main dishes, etc) and also has some fun other categories like Amish Wedding Meals and Amish Church Meals. It was very interesting to look through when I first got it!

Now, some cookbooks are fun to look at but the real question is whether or not they will actually be pulled off the shelf and used in day to day life! I can honestly say that this cookbook will be used in my kitchen. The ingredients are ones that I already have in my kitchen or pantry, unlike so many cookbooks that have interesting recipes but require a trip to the grocery store before I can start cooking. The recipes in this cookbook are basic and simple but look so very delicious!

The recipes are clearly laid out and are easy to follow. Measurements are in cups, tbsp, tsp, etc. If you're looking for a new cookbook with recipes that your whole family will eat and enjoy, this is it!