Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home: Giveaway & Interview

Marlene Miller is a convert to the Amish and author of Grace Leads Me Home, a memoir of becoming Amish and her life in the 45 years since.  I read Marlene’s book a couple of months ago and quite enjoyed it.  Here is how I described my overall impression:

I liked the book.  We’ve seen a few accounts of individuals leaving the Amish lately (see Ira Wagler or Saloma Miller Furlong).  An account of joining the Amish by a person still in the faith is rarer.  I asked an Amish convert once for an interview for this site, and was politely refused, a decision I could understand.  At the same time Amish literary expression has flourished with more and more publications by Amish.  Marlene is not afraid to share her warts in this book.  If you enjoy raw first-person life stories you’ll like this one.

You can read the rest of what I wrote, including more details about the content here: Marlene Miller’s Grace Leads Me Home.

Marlene has kindly answered a few questions for us today, and also offered a copy of Grace Leads Me Home in a giveaway contest.

How to Win Grace Leads Me Home

Grace Leads Me Home Marlene C MillerThere are two ways to enter to win:

1. Leave a comment on this post.

2. “Like” the Amish America Facebook page, then leave a comment here.

You can do both, for a total of 2 chances to win.  I’ll draw and announce the winner in one week’s time, on Thursday, July 5th.

Marlene Miller Interview

Marlene’s answers are short and sweet but I think you’ll enjoy them.  Thanks Marlene!

Amish America: What aspect of Amish life has been hardest to adapt to or adopt?

Marlene Miller: Number 1 was language, number 2 sewing, number 3 farming. It was 1971 before I ever tried harnessing and hitching up our road horse.

What was the hardest thing about writing Grace Leads Me Home?

Two aspects of my life were really hard.  My childhood memories and my son’s accident, death and funeral had me constantly dripping tears on my paper.

What do you like about living in Holmes County?

We live in Tuscarawas County. But we call ourselves Holmes County Amish. Holmes County is next door. The scenery in these rolling hills are beautiful. The people are kind, laid back and very helpful when a need arises. Because the Amish drive buggies we can take the time to greet with a wave an smile.

What changes have you seen come to your community over 40-some years?

Because of the huge growth over 45 years, we’ve been divided 4 times. We only have 2 farmers in our district. They have more modern machinery. The homes shops also have more modern conveniences.

As a mother and grandmother what if any concerns do you have for the next generations?

My biggest fear for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren is that they may become slaves to our government. Our forefathers died so they and we also could have the freedom to worship Jesus Christ.

You write that certain things about being Amish have been harder to pick up than others, such as language. At this point are you treated much differently than others in your community?

I must admit our family was at times treated differently, but as the years have passed we’re treated very kindly.

What would you advise someone seeking the Amish?

Whether you’re Amish or not you need to repent, ask Jesus Christ our Savior to come and live within your heart. Read the Bible everyday and be obedient to His Word. Seek a real Bible-believing church. The Lord may want you to become an Amish Christian.  NOT Just anyone can do this.

Do you know others who have joined the Amish?

Yes, two married families who live 10 miles from us. Another man who was in his 70’s wanted to marry an Amish widow. He joined the Amish faith, married her and had a wonderful life. They have both passed away.

Can you tell us about the reception of your book? How have you promoted it? Where can we get a copy?

My book was received exceptionally well. I self-published but have sold over 6 thousand. I sent wholesale brochures to different stores in 3 states.  I have books in some resturants near my home, but the biggest resturant is in Sarasota, Florida, called Troyer’s Dutch Heritage.

My book is available on Amazon as an E-book only. A person can order from Faith View Books (Millersburg, Ohio), Gospel Book Store (Berlin, Ohio), Gospel Shop (Sugarcreek, Ohio), or direct from me at Marlene C. Miller, 9082 Cement Bridge Rd., Dundee OH 44624.

**A little more info on ordering (thanks Linda)**: If someone wants to order a book directly from Marlene Miller, the price is $14.99, plus 3.00 shipping. Ohio residents add 6 1/2% tax. She accepts check or money order, and yes, she will autograph her book for you. Her phone is 866-660-2332. Marlene said she will gladly send you a book; she will gladly send 2 books if you want!

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    197 Comments

    1. Nancee

      Marlene Miller book contest

      I have been looking for this book to purchase, and haven’t found it. I’d love to win a copy. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
      Nancee

      1. Lucretia

        Loved it.

        I am not a reader but have just finished Grace Leads Me Home. As I read Marlene’s book, I laughed, cried and sympathized with her and the family. I admire her faith in God and the love she has for Him and for her husband Johnny. Not many people experience that type of love.

        I also have read Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler. ( I think that is his name) I have read it twice. I especially loved the part where he actually prayed for himself and found peace with God.

        I bought his book at a book signing in Berlin at the gospel book store in German Village. He signed it for me. Marlene was also there but I only bought the one book. We were in Berlin in May and I found Marlene’s book at the gospel book store in the flea market. I am so glad I bought it. I loved reading it.

    2. BarbLarkin

      The AMazing Amish

      Twenty years ago I did a graduate paper on the Traditons of the Amish. I got to know an Amish family in Lancaster Pa and I respect their way of life, they way the all worked together and how they take csre of their elderly family members. I would love tp read your book. Barbara Larkin

    3. Would love a chance to win the book

      Thank you for this opportunity to win a copy of the book. This is the first I have heard of it and I am sure it would be very interesting.

    4. Susan

      Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home: Giveaway & Interview

      This book would be so interesting to read! Thanks for the chance to win!

    5. Jeremy S

      Looks like an interesting book. Thank you for the giveaway.
      jjsell76 at yahoo dot com

    6. book

      Would love to read the book.

    7. Rita

      Would love to read your book – hoping to win!

    8. Joan Sheldon

      book giveaway

      I would very much like to win a copy of the book. Thanks.

    9. Karen Pollard

      Giveaway

      I would love to be registered to win. Thank you!

    10. yonie wondernose

      I would love to add this one to my library. Please if you could enter me into the drawing

    11. Cathy

      Marlene is thrilled!

      Hi, I’m Cathy, Marlene’s friend who helped her write her book,Grace leads Me Home. I just got off the phone with Marlene and she is just thrilled with all the comments from everyone on this site. It’s wonderful to her that out of her conviction that God wanted her to write down her story for her family and others to read, so many are blessed and enjoying reading about her journey. She is excited to see who will win the drawing for the books.

      1. Cathy give our thanks to Marlene, and my congrats to you on helping to craft a very nice book!

    12. Denise

      Would like to read the book. Count me in.

    13. sharon cawley

      realistically impossible for me

      I have often thought about converting but decided to stick to my own “old ways” and my own faith,

    14. OldKat

      Ahh, what the heck ...

      Count me in, too. I am just finishing up the last of the Amish books that I purchased in December. Time to reload. This looks like a good start. Thanks Marlene and Erik for doing this book giveaway.

    15. Felicia Aaron

      Love the opportunity

      Thanks so much for the opportunity to win what looks to be a wonderful book. As all of your readers here on your site, I love reading about these gracious people and the lives they lead that are to me examples of how we should strive to live. Marlene took that road that we are all fascinated by and would love to read her life journey.

    16. Ed

      Book

      Hello, I’d like to enter the book contest. And I’ll gladly buy it if I don’t win.

    17. Eugenia

      Book Giveaway

      I would love to have and read Marlene Miller’s book!

    18. Vangie Crisco

      I would love to read Marlene Miller’s book, it would be thrilling to win. When my husband was able to travel our favorite place to visit was the area where she lives

    19. Vangie Crisco

      I would love to read Marlene Miller’s book, it would be thrilling to win. When my husband was able to travel our favorite place to visit was the area where she lives.

    20. Rich Stevick

      Greetings from Colorado & include my name

      Hi,Erik, The Aden Troyers and Sam Peacheys and Polly and I are on a 13 day birding trip to Colorado. We are in NE Colorado and had our first full day of birding. So far, including the trip here, we have logged 80 species, including a couple rarities and life birds. You may want to feature the Amish as birders sometime–including why Lancaster County has almost no serious Amish birders–disgraceful 😉 Stop and see us as you are passing through. Rich

      1. Rich–I remember you mentioned this trip upcoming–have a wonderful time, sounds like loads of fun, even if I’m not officially a birder yet. How about a birding guest post, about the trip or feathered friends in general?

        Will look forward to visiting in PA!

    21. Debi

      I think I left a comment on the ‘wrong’ post so here goes again! I’d love to read this book. It sounds so interesting! Thanks.

    22. Lisa Cregan

      Comment on Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home: Giveaway & Interview

      Would love to win this book. It sounds very interesting.

    23. Great Blog!

      I read your blog every day. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to win this book.

    24. I can’t respond to everyone individually, but thanks to all who entered and shared on this thread. And of course thanks to Marlene for the giveaway.

      I hope you enjoy Marlene’s book, and you’re welcome to let us know what you thought of it here or elsewhere on the site.

    25. Joy Richard

      Comment on Marlene Miller on Grace Leads me Home: Giveaway Contest

      I loved reading about this interview and would love to win the book. I would LIKE it on Facebook but I haven’t learned how to do so on Facebook yet… too busy quilting!

      I just moved from Lancaster Pa to a larger home where my daughter and I make quilts and related items that we consign in the Mud Sales in Lancaster County area… oh, how I love the auctions… such a fun time to go to one!

      I love the Amish area and hope to visit some other Amish areas in western Pa and Ohio. If you know of any auctions coming up in Lancaster or other nearby counties in Pa/Ohio I would love to hear from you.

      Thanks! joyscience33@yahoo.com

    26. Marlene Ray

      Giveaway contest

      Thank you for the opportunity to enter to win a copy of your book. I look forward to reading it.

    27. Marlene Ray

      book giveaway

      Thank you for the opportunity to win your book. I look forward to reading it soon.

    28. Kentucky Lady 717

      I’m excited also, to see who wins this book and I do hope it is me 🙂 sounds like a wonderful book…..am looking forward to reading it….thanks for a chance 🙂

    29. Kentucky Lady 717

      Looks like this contest is over eh? In July…..oh well just saw it posted on my email, so thought I’d answer….but another day late and dollar short 🙂

    30. Garrett Kozlowski

      I would love to read this book

      I would love the opportunity,to read this book!

    31. Josephinelynn Rigle

      Would be thrilled to read!!!

      I would love the opportunity to read this book. Thank you for your wonderful article and the chance to win a copy of the book.

      1. Folks this contest happened two years ago. Check the date 🙂 You can still get Marlene’s book however online and in other places. Good read.