Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Plain and Simple Christmas summary
Amy Clipston
Brief summary
A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming story set in Amish country. It follows the journey of an Englischer woman who finds love and acceptance in the most unexpected place.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Plain and Simple Christmas
Summary of key ideas
Unexpected Reunion and Turmoil
In A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston, we are introduced to Anna Mae McDonough, who left her Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, four years ago to marry an Englisher, and is now eight months pregnant. She longs to reconcile with her family and seeks help from her sister-in-law, Kathryn Beiler. Despite her husband's reservations, Kathryn arranges Anna Mae's visit for Christmas, believing that it is God's will for the family to heal.
When Anna Mae arrives, she receives a cold welcome from her family, especially from her father, who is the religious leader for her former Amish church district. Her brothers and sisters are also distant, and Anna Mae's world begins to fall apart. Her husband, David, tries to support her, but Anna Mae feels increasingly isolated and questions her place in her family and her faith in God.
Struggles and Heartache
As the story progresses, we witness Anna Mae's emotional turmoil. She struggles with her past decisions and the consequences of leaving her Amish community. Her mother, who is kind to her, is caught in the middle, trying to keep the peace in the family. Anna Mae also faces judgment and criticism from the Amish community for her choices, making her feel like an outsider in both worlds.
Despite the initial difficulties, Anna Mae tries to make the most of her time back home. She spends time with her siblings, helps her mother in the kitchen, and even finds solace in her father's barn, where she used to spend time with her horse. However, the tension continues to escalate, and Anna Mae's hope for reconciliation begins to fade.
Unexpected Blessings and Forgiveness
In the midst of the turmoil, Anna Mae goes into labor earlier than expected. Her family rushes her to the hospital, and in a moment of crisis, they put their differences aside and come together to support her. Anna Mae gives birth to a healthy baby boy, and in that moment, they all realize the importance of family and forgiveness.
After the birth, Anna Mae's father finally opens up about his feelings, expressing his disappointment and hurt over her leaving. Anna Mae acknowledges her mistakes and apologizes, and in a heartwarming scene, they reconcile. The community also shows unexpected kindness, accepting Anna Mae's English husband and welcoming the new baby.
Reconciliation and New Beginnings
As the story concludes, we witness a beautiful reconciliation. Anna Mae's family and the Amish community embrace her and her new family, acknowledging that forgiveness is a fundamental part of their faith. Anna Mae realizes that while her life may not be plain and simple, she can still find peace and acceptance within her Amish roots.
In the end, Anna Mae makes a difficult decision to move back to Lancaster County, understanding that it is where she truly belongs. The story ends with a sense of new beginnings and a renewed faith in the power of forgiveness and family. A Plain and Simple Christmas is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the enduring strength of family and faith.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Plain and Simple Christmas about?
A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming tale set in an Amish community. When a young widow and her son move in with her parents, they all struggle to adjust to their new family dynamic. As they navigate their differences and find common ground, they learn the true meaning of love and forgiveness during the holiday season.
A Plain and Simple Christmas Review
A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston (2010) is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Its authentic portrayal of family dynamics and traditions creates a cozy atmosphere that resonates with readers looking for a festive escape.
- The sweet romance that unfolds amidst the holiday preparations adds a touch of warmth and emotion to the narrative.
- With themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances, the story offers a compelling blend of feel-good moments and emotional depth that keep boredom at bay.
Who should read A Plain and Simple Christmas?
Readers who enjoy heartwarming holiday stories
Those interested in exploring the Amish culture and traditions
Individuals who appreciate stories of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances
Categories with A Plain and Simple Christmas
Book summaries like A Plain and Simple Christmas
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Plain and Simple Christmas FAQs
What is the main message of A Plain and Simple Christmas?
The main message of A Plain and Simple Christmas is about finding joy and love during the holiday season.
How long does it take to read A Plain and Simple Christmas?
Reading A Plain and Simple Christmas takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is A Plain and Simple Christmas a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Plain and Simple Christmas is worth reading for its heartwarming story and festive spirit.
Who is the author of A Plain and Simple Christmas?
The author of A Plain and Simple Christmas is Amy Clipston.
What to read after A Plain and Simple Christmas?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Plain and Simple Christmas, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan