Called to Be Amish by Marlene Miller is a 256 page novel Amish Memoir. It was published by MennoMedia and released on February 9, 2015. To purchase your own copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.
Overview
Fewer than one hundred outsiders have joined the Old-Order Amish—and stayed—since 1950. Marlene C. Miller is one of them.
In this rare memoir, Marlene recounts her unhappy and abusive childhood, how she throws herself into cheerleading and marching band, and how she falls in love with Johnny, the gentle young Amish man who helps her lace her ice skates.
Against the wishes of both sets of parents, Marlene and Johnny get married and begin a family. Follow the author on this unusual journey to find out how God’s love called her out of bitterness and depression and into the warm embrace of her new Amish community.
Accompany her as she dons an Amish dress and prayer covering and gets baptized. Learn how she endures the strain of ten children, a hundred-acre farm, and accidents and tragedy, and find out how she comes close to walking away from it all. Turning Amish has proven to be anything but plain and simple for this former majorette. But nearly fifty years later, Marlene is still living out God’s call as an Old Order Amish woman.
My Two Cents
Called to Be Amish gives a rare glimpse into the life of the Old-Order Amish. Reading this memoir was like sitting down with a cup of coffee and talking to an old friend who you are eager to catch up with. Marlene opens up and deeply shares about her life: The good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly. The questions to the author at the end are a must read – very interesting and informative. There are yummy, must try recipes included as well.
Marlene shares and explains many of the Amish traditions in Called to Be Amish. Her writing is not polished like other authors, however, this gives the memoir authenticity. The reader feels as if they are right in the midst of Marlene’s life watching the events as the unfold. She shares her beliefs as if she was having a conversation with you; she is not preachy or trying to convert you to her way of thinking. Marlene is just sharing her story with you. It felt like a privilege to get to read her story.
What shines through in Called to Be Amish is the love of Christ shown by Marlene, her husband, and most of her husband’s family. The sacrifices Marlene made to show her love for Christ and how her life changed after her conversion really makes is inspiring and very encouraging. This book inspired me to take a hard look at my life; at what is important and what I am willing to sacrifice for Christ.
I give Called to Be Amish 5 out of 5 stars. With so many television shows and authors who are neither true to the Amish nor their culture, it was refreshing to read a book that accomplished both. You will walk away from this book knowing your life has been enriched by reading it.
Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of Called to Be Amish in return for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions stated are my own.
About the Author
Marlene C. Miller joined the Amish as an adult and has been a member of the Old Order Amish for almost 50 years. She and her husband of 48 years live on a farm in Ohio surrounded by their nine children, more than 40 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Giveaway
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