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
There 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!
Question for Marlene
What an interesting interview! I was wondering though: What 3 things does Marlene miss about being English?-if she misses anything at all.
This book sounds interesting!
I would love to read this book, I think it sounds very interesting! I admire anyone who is so attracted to a particular faith that they are willing to do whatever it takes to follow what they feel they are called to do. Thank you so much for sharing this interview and giving us a chance to win a copy of the book!
Like the interview. Would love to win a copy of Grace Leads Me Home. It has been on my wish list for some time and I just didn’t get around to ordering a copy. I really want to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
very interesting!
I also wonder what she may have missed, at least at first, from the English life. And how the rest of her family reacted.
Great Friend
We live in North Dakota but John and Marlene are great friends. I would encourage each of you to get her book and read it. It is such a personal view of she and Johns’ life since she became a part of the Amish community. We have such a good time when we visit their home and their family. Thanks Marlene for writing your book. It brought laughter and tears as I read it. Knowing Marlene and John even makes it better.
Grace Leads Me Home
As I already have the book, please don’t enter my name in the draw. It is an interesting book, I must say, and I put all of my other reading material aside, just to read this book. After having read your book, Marlene, I feel much more appreciation and love, for our Lord Jesus, without whom I could never get by, in this world of ours.
God Bless you Marlene.
I bought this book through Amazon, using a Kindle app (I don’t own a Kindle, but do own a Sony Reader—this book isn’t available for Sony) so that I could download and read it on my laptop.
I’m about halfway through, and have found myself amazed at all you’ve been through, Marlene, in order to become and remain Amish. Right now, I’m at the point in the book where your doctor told you that you might want to consider not having more children (you’d had 6 by then), and your comment that you went on to have 4 more! I feel myself aching along with you in your story. What more can I say but “Wow!”
If I win, I’ll donate the book to the library where I work. (Fingers crossed!)
Thank you for this opportunity to win, and thank you, Marlene, for putting your story down in black and white.
Alice Mary
How interesting!
Would LOVE to have this book! If I don’t win it, I’d like to know the cost!
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this book. I’d really love to win a copy. Please enter me in your contest, and thank you very much for offering this giveaway!
Nancee
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Would love to read this book. And learn even more about the Amish way of live. Where can this book be purchased and what is the cost of it?
For all that are asking, I didn’t realize we left out the cost… this is from Marlene: My book is 14.99+3.00 shipping & handling Ohio residents must pay tax.
The methods of ordering are listed at the end of the post above, we’ll repeat it next week when the winner is announced.
My comment is “Why, when so much modern technology is rejected by the Amish, would you only make the book available for people who accept modern technology, or am I missing something here?
Carol if I may on behalf of Marlene the book is in fact available in hard-copy form, I believe there were some issues with selling it in that version via Amazon though which is why it’s not available there. The various ways you can order the hard-copy are listed by Marlene in the last question in the interview above.
Sure why not enter me in this contest as well. Richard http://www.Amishstories.net
I am always interested to know what a person must go through to become amish. by birth is one way but to change from english to amish is so drastic. it takes a special dedication to this faith to complete the things one must do to convert. God Bless You
I love reading books about the Amish. This one sounds really wonderful for me to read.
I have always had an interest in all aspects of the Amish and love to visit Lancaster area as much as I can. Thanks for the chance to win.
I also like on FB – amhengst
Comment on Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home: Giveaway & Interview
Please do enter me in the contest. I would love to read this book. Thank you
A book that I’ve been looking forward to reading.
Then I’ll probably have some questions! Thank you,
Erik, have some more give-aways!
I’d love to Loretta–just need the books to do it 🙂
I know a couple of people who have joined the Amish from the outside and it also depends on whether they marry in, or join single or with their family. For our friends, language has surely been the most difficult aspect. I look forward to reading the book.
One entry please.
Thank you.
interesting
I had a woman live with me for a while who was transitioning into becoming Beachy Amish. She was allowed to attend college, as she was above marriage age. I also have another friend who decided to become Amish, and transitioned while in high school. It is a complete committment, a reversal of daily life, a complete surrender of self to the greater body of the Amish community. I envy their decisions to a certain degree, but know that for me, I don’t have the requisite personality.
Please add my name to the giveaway. This book sounds very interesting and different from those I’ve read about who left the Amish. Thank you.
I recently bought a copy of the book at Sunnydale Dry Goods,
an Old Order Mennonite store near Alta Vista, Iowa. I would think
the book is available at other Amish and Mennonite stores.
I read the book and found it very interesting. I hope that
there are other such books written. I would really like to
read a book written by a life-long Amish person on the theme
of positive aspects of Amish life and why they remain Amish.
I don’t wish to be in the drawing since I already have the book.
Please accept my entry in the giveaway of Marlene Miller’s book. Sounds very interesting. Thank you.
Salvation
I am thankful that Marlene shared the importance of having a relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ !
Book Giveaway
There’s a big part of me that desires to have your experience. I’d like to have the opportunity to hear you in your book. Thanks for entering me in the contest. Juan Carlos Villanueva
Would love to read this book!
Grace Leads Me Home
I have recently finished reading an Amish novel by Wanda Brunstetter called Plain and Fancy, where an English woman converted and joined the Amish church, married and raised a family. The book dealt with some of the changes that she faced in making that decision. I would love to read this book and compare that to a real life decision!
Grace leads me home comp
Well I would really love to win this book as well.
Please enter me too.
It sounds very inspirational.
I enjoyed reading the interview. Thanks Eric.
Julie (Australia)
Marlene Miller'sGrace LeadsMe Home.
My husband and I have visited, for the past 15 yrs, Amish settlements in many states.
It seems, as time goes on, the public has become more interested in the Amish lifestyle.
Do you think it is because it displays the simplicity of life they embrace. We English have let ‘modern’ technology control our daily lives until we are actually harried most of the time to the point of frustation.
I believe we would all like the family life they experience.
Loretta I think there are probably a number of reasons but what you say is definitely part of it.
enter me
Hi thanks for nice interview. I would love to win the book. Thanks
Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
Grace Leads Me Home
I enjoyed reading the interview and would love to win the book!
Grace Leads Me Home
I like Amish America on Facebook, too!
Is this giveaway open internationally? If so, I would love to enter. I love reading books about the Amish. 🙂
Grace Leads Me Home
Please count me in! I will also like on fb. So looking forward to reading it whether by winning or purchasing! Just from what I have read so far, I really admire her strength and committment. Thanks Erik! this is one site/email/etc that I have stuck with and I so enjoy it.
I would love to read this book. Please enter me in your giveaway. I’ve liked Amish America on Facebook too.
Sounds like a very interesting read.
Thanks for the chance,
Connie
After reading a bit about this book and two interviews with Marlene, I really would like to have this book to learn more about her experience. I’ve enjoyed learning about others such as Soloma, and Ira with their books and interviews.
Please enter me for this book! If I don’t win it, I will try to buy it. Couldn’t get it from Amazon when you mentioned before Erik.
Thanks for mentioning again.
I would love to read this book!
Thanks for the giveaway, Erik!
my paternal grandparents lived in lancaster, pa. growing up my sister and i would spend some of our summer vacation there..i have always been interested in the amish and would love to read this book…thanks jackey
I liked the facebook page on this interview. Please give me the two chances for the book.
Ira Wagler and Saloma Furlong have written great books! Really interested in reading Marlene’s book. As I mentioned before, I never got the chance to order it through Amazon when you mentioned the book and interview a couple of months or so ago.
Erik, keep up the interviews and allow us to learn more about those entering the Amish way of life and those leaving and their experiences. It helps us all to become better people.
Hello Erik,
I would love to have my name entered for the drawing. This sounds like an interesting read… someone taking a journey in the opposite direction from what I took.
Lee Ann, thank you very much for your compliment. I appreciate this very much.
Erik, thanks for the interview and the giveaway.
Saloma
Good Morning! I really would love to win and read this book. Wish the library carried it but they don’t carry too many Amish type books nor Christian fiction. Thank you for a lovely interview and the giveaway.
Book
I’d love to win a copy of this book to add to my collection!
The contest has just doubled! More to come… 😉
Marlene's Book/Contest
This book sounds wonderful. It takes a special person to do what she did with her life. Thanks for entering me in the contest!
Include me please
It would be very interesting to read about another convert to the plain community, especially to hear the ways her family adjusted to their daughter being plain.
Terry Berger
i came upon your site about the Amish quite by accident while searching for a recipe. i am truly enjoying what i have read so far. i have always found the Amish to be very interesting people and enjoy reading about them. i thank you for the opportunity to participate in the book giveaway.
Would love to have her book in my library!
This book sounjds wonderful and i would love a chance to read it, thank you so much for the chance and the interview
This book sounds so interesting. I would love to read it….I have always been taken by the Amish lifestyle.
would love to win this book.As my husband and I are concidering joining the Amish in Michigan,
I liked the facebook page and re-shared it.
I love the area Marlene Miller lives in, visiting it as often as possible, and would love a chance to win her book. Thanks!