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!
Marlene's book
It is so very refreshing to read about someone coming into the Amish faith. As there are two sides to each story, the one being publicized the most is about those leaving – many young people, mine included, are hearing one side and that is sad.
Thanks for your book
negative and positive media
I recently caught an episode of “Amish out of order” on the national geographic channel which chronicles expriences of persons who have left the order. I was astounded by the negativity throughout the episode and think a positive message can only be good to keep things in balance.
Helen
This looks like a fascinating book. I would love to win a copy as neither of our local libraries carry the book.
Betsy Thompson
Like so many others, I have long been fascinated by the Amish. I think it must be hard to leave your former life and join a whole new life style. I respect the choice and wonder if I would have been able to do it. I would love to read your book and plan to add it to my TBR list. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy. Best wishes with your book.
Appreciate that someone wrote their experiences
I would love to read this book. We have a large Amish population and their spiritual and simpler life appeals to me so much. I would love to read someone’s experience on how they were able to convert to see if it is something that I would be able to do as well. Just knowing what someone else had to go through would help so much in my decision. So glad that there is a book out there like this, thank you so much for writing it!
Thank you for being willing to share your life so openly, Marlene. It’s always edifying to read about people who are satisfied with their lives and gives us an understanding of your Amish life, making a change from the people who leave and are very negative about it.
Recommended
I read this book last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a change from the “why I left the Amish” genre that is in vogue these days. I grew up in the same area as the authoress, so I related to the place names mentioned. Fascinating reading.
Marlene Miller, Grace Leads Me Home
I don’t know if I could totally live the Amish life, but I am appreciative of the values that I see them giving to the world.
I have several friends who are Mennonite and I know that they have problems also, but I get a sense of peacefulness whenever I visit or am in contact with them.
Erik, I like your style in keeping up this blog and look forward to reading it daily.
Thank you Leon, I like to get something up every day (M-F). I try not to be too boring…It’s nice to run someone else’s words like Marlene’s here to keep things fresh 🙂
Interesting
I think you story and life is very interesting. I can’t wait to read your book. I think the hardest thing for me would be no a/c. I can’t stand heat of any kind.
I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the interesting interview.
Comment on Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home: Giveaway and Interview
What an interesting story….converting to Amish. I’m looking forward to reading this book. I would love to win it but regardless it will be something I plan to read soon. I am an avid reader and very fascinated with the Amish way of life and certainly very interested in what Marlene has written. I wonder how many people could actually step away from what they know to such a different way of life.
I want to thank Marlene for sharing her life and experiences in her book. We all have so much we can learn from each other. I would imagine that one must feel a certain amount of vulnerability when they share such personal feelings and events in literary form. I have not read this book as of yet, but thanks Erik for this post and reminding us all about the book. Thanks again Marlene. God Bless.
Grace Leads Me Home
I would love to win this book and read it I heard about it but being on a very small pension I can’t afford to buy it. But what I read on Amish America I do belevie it is a wonderful book. But I guess so many want to win my chances are slim to none.
I would love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Joining the Amish
I left the horse and buggy Mennonites because I wasn’t a horseman and wanted the ease of transportation the car provides. So in a sense, I have gone the other way, even though I still consider myself Old Order. One important thing to remember is that any time we become members of a body, we need to accept that bodies’ standards for our own. The important thing is not that we agree with everything, but that we agree to follow those standards regardless of out own thoughts. Please emter me in the draw.
Grace Leads me Home
I have already liked Amish America on facebook and would love to read Marlene Miller’s Story. Thank you for the chance.
I really enjoyed Marlene’s interview and would love to read her book. I am always very interested in the Amish.
I think that Marlene Miller’s book sounds very interesting. I think that we have alot to learn from the Amish. I would love to read this book.
Very interesting. I would love to win a copy of the book. Thanks for the opportunity.
As an Amish America fan I would love to receive a copy of this book! Have not yet read any of Marlene’s writings.
Book
I sure would love to read this book. I am sure it would give me insight to some issues I wonder about.
Please emter me in the draw, too.
Grace Leads ME Home
With novels and TV mostly about people leaving the Amish, I would leave to read this book about someone who entered and stayed in the Amish.
Thank you for Sharing
Thank you for sharing your story. We hear about those that look at what the world offers and leave for that. There is much of the Amish faith that we learn from including separation of the world. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy. Blessings.
Best Question;
What would you advise someone seeking the Amish?
Agreed, it’s the Lord’s choice. He makes the change, you don’t.
The first question about the most difficult change;
Matthew 6:33 Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Thanks Marlene
Interesting life story
This is a rare Amish story, I have read very few Amish ‘stories’ about people joining and would love to read a true life story about ‘changing worlds’, so to speak.
I have never done this before and am having a hardtime leaving a comment on facebook. I put on a comment, but all shows is my picture. I am an old lady and can’t figure out this facebook. I hope I did it right.
That’s OK Marilyn, the investors can’t figure it out either.
I was at a shop in Jamesport, MO, and they had one copy left of Marlene’s book so I picked it up. Don’t enter me in the contest so someone else has a chance to get ~ I can’t wait to read it. It sounds really good.
Please enter me. I would love to win this.
I have already liked the page on Facebook. Also, I have already bought and read the e-book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to have a copy of the book to read again and share with others. Thank you!
Thank you so much for a peak interview into what assures to be a wonderful book of grace, acceptance and trust in an amazing Savior. I would love to win a copy, but even if I don’t, I plan on buying this book. Thanks for the opportunity!!
I am looking forward to reading the book. Would like to know, how much would the book be, plus shipping if purchased directly from Mrs. Marlene Miller? Thank you.
Would lovelovelove to read teh book!
Would love love love to read the book!
Interview with Marlene Miller
This book sounds so fascinating, I would love to read it! I wonder if we order directly from Marlene if she would sign it and what is the cost of the book, shipping,etc..?
Book cost
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!
I would also love to read Marlene’s book.
Marlene Miller's book
I would love to read this book. I appreciate the opportunity to win one.
This book has been on my ever-expanding reading list since I first heard of it through this website. The viewpoint is so rare and my interest in the Amish of so long a duration that I am moving it to the top of said list. Eric, hoping you pick me in your giveaway! Thank you for bringing this to our attention!
Glad you liked it Lucie, random.org is the official picker, so I can’t help too much, but I wish you luck!
Wow
I would love to read Mrs. Miller’s book “Grace Leads Me Home.” Thank you for this generous opportunity.
An unusual book written by somebody with a unique viewpoint. I will read this book, whether I win the draw or purchase it. Thanks.
How much?
Erik, thank you, but I would not be interested in the contest, however, I would like to know how much money for shipping and handling to mail to Marlene. Thank you.
I’ve already read her book so there is no need to enter me in the drawing. Let someone who has not read it yet have a chance to win. It was a really interesting book – to see how much her life has changed, how life adjusting to being Amish was, etc. I did have some questions when I was done reading the book. I won’t ask them here as I am afraid they would be spoilers if I did.
Good luck everyone! I wish you could all win a copy. 🙂
This is a generous giveaway. Having grown up in a farming community where there were Amish, I often found myself feeling envious that they maintained life without the so called 20th century luxuries. I have always believed that the Lord and hard work is bliss.
Again, thank you for this opportunity of this giveaway.
Looks a wonderful read. This is a new author for me. Please accept my entry.
Grace Leads Me Home Giveaway
I read Amish books all the time. They are very relaxing and soothing to read. They live very simple, but hard lives and I believe we could all learn from them. I would love to win a copy of this book!!!
Great interview! I can’t wait to read the book. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home:Giveaway & Interview
First let me thank you for your newsletter. Having lived near a very small Amish community in PA then only an hour away from the Holmes County Ohio Amish community I love reading everything I can from fact to fiction about the Amish. Now I live in Texas and there are no Amish in my area. I miss them, I miss interacting with the ladies at the local grocery store or Walmart as I did in Ohio and PA.
I went to facebook and liked the Amish America page there. I am looking forward to reading this book whether I win the free copy or buy my own.
Marlene Miller on Grace Leads Me Home: Giveaway & Interview
Please enter me in the giveaway contest for Grace Leads Me Home. Thank you.
A very interesting interview.I have been very interested in information on the Amish and have visited Lancaster, PA. several times. I am very impressed by their way of life. I would love to win a copy of the book.
I was just thinking recently about a book giveaway and now you did it. Sign me on. 🙂
I would so love to win a copy of this book…..I am always looking for additional reading involving the Amish:)