The Heart of the Homestead: Cultivating a Spirit of Simple Living Through Homemaking, Recipes, and Family

by RuthAnn Zimmerman

Overview

Through simple stories, recipes, and reflections, RuthAnn Zimmerman shares timeless wisdom, celebrates traditional values, and gives readers a peek behind the fence at what homestead life is really like. 

Drawing from their Mennonite upbringings, RuthAnn Zimmerman and her husband, Elvin, chose early on in their marriage to build a life focused on family, hard work, and serving others. RuthAnn invites you to slow down, focus quietly, and listen closely to the heartbeat of the homestead as she offers insights on. . .

•    working together as a family
•    enjoying good food and fellowship
•    growing and preserving food                    
•    appreciating what you have
•    finding contentment by doing more with less

Along the way, you’ll enjoy some great recipes and heartwarming glimpses into RuthAnn’s everyday life as a homesteading mother of seven children. Spend some time on the farm with the Zimmermans.   
              
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736989770
Publisher:	Harvest House Publishers
Publication date:	09/09/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224

About the Author

RuthAnn Zimmerman lives on a 22-acre homestead in northeast Iowa with her husband, Elvin, and their five children. RuthAnn and Elvin also have two adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and one grandson. Ruth’s writing has appeared in several print and online publications, including Homesteaders of America, Homestead Mamas, and The Homegrown Sourcebook. On her popular social platforms, she shares about homesteading, parenting, and cooking.  

Editorial Reviews

I have a prediction; this will be the first of at least a dozen books RuthAnn Zimmerman writes. As the world becomes more complex, we will need her refreshing wisdom, deep-hearted parenting, and beautiful honesty. I’ve often sent her Instagram reels to friends with notes like, ‘This is such a good approach to building a family’ and ‘I hope she writes a book someday!’ The good news for both of us is that that day has finally arrived. Here’s to the first of many books that will powerfully encourage and equip you.” 
—Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Soundtracks 

 

“A road map. Those words kept coming to mind while reading this book. There are many paths we can take to pursue a homestead lifestyle. Some are more tried and tested than others. My favorite path is the faith-based and built country road that you’ll find between these pages. From experienced guidance on child raising to growing the food your family loves, you’ll feel encouraged. The rich selection of recipes will inspire you too. Reading the book is like a sweet mentorship in homestead life. Enjoy The Heart of the Homestead with your favorite beverage, and whatever you do, don’t miss the final chapter. The blessings lie in the journey, and you will find many following this book’s road map.” 
—Janet Garman, homesteader of Timber Creek Farm, author, speaker, entrepreneur 

 

“RuthAnn is a rare gem with a lifelong homesteading experience and the talent for tangibly sharing her experience and knowledge. In The Heart of the Homestead, she reminds us of the deeper meanings behind growing our own food while offering countless practical tips for turning farm chores into honorable obligations—building a better life for ourselves and our families.” 
—Justin Rhodes, bestselling author, speaker, and blogger 

 

“In a technological world with endless conveniences and advancements growing at breakneck speed, RuthAnn Zimmerman builds a bridge and encourages a generation to embrace a simpler way of living. The Heart of the Homestead embodies everything about RuthAnn’s voice—it's encouraging, inspiring, and full of practical instruction. Her recipes are tried and true, just like the way she models homesteading and homemaking. This book will truly aid many in feeding their families well, both physically and spiritually.” 
—Jess Sowards, founder of Roots and Refuge 

 

“RuthAnn’s voice is so needed amid the me-focused clamor of our current culture. Her balanced approach—incorporating ‘the old ways’ without idolizing them, teaching bygone skills with approachable grace and humor, and coming alongside the frazzled modern mom with an arm around her shoulder saying, ‘Take a deep breath. You don't have to know it all. I’ll help you’—offers a much-needed reset for anxious hearts. I’m grateful to call her a friend, and I know this book will bless everyone who cracks its spine.” 
—Abbie Halberstadt, bestselling author of M Is for Mama 

 

“Many people know a good bit about what they write about, but RuthAnn has the even more important gift of writing about what she knows. The Heart of the Homestead is a must-read, but even more so, a must-put-into-practice for all of us!” 
—Rory Feek, world-class storyteller, musician, filmmaker, and New York Times bestselling author 

 

From the Publisher