Review: Called to Be Amish

Called to Be Amish
By Marlene C. Miller
Herald Press, 2015


Summary

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 thoughts

Called to Be Amish . . . As someone who has long enjoyed Amish fiction, realizing at the same time how difficult it is for an English person join this lifestyle and faith, I am very glad to have read Marlene C. Miller's memoir. There's no shocking revelations, just a totally open and sincere account of her life's journey and day-to-day experience in an Old Order community which I found very interesting.

While Marlene's writing style might not be highly polished, it flows across the page in a conversational style, almost like she's chatting with her readers over a cup of coffee, and she writes with the authenticity of someone who has actually lived the Amish life and seen God's hand throughout - even in the dysfunctional family and abusive situation in which she grew up.

I have a deep respect for Marlene, God's calling that she felt on her life, and the depth of her faith through both good and bad times. Johnny was likeable from the beginning and I felt for his struggle between loving Marlene, yet not wanting to leave his Amish faith behind. It was fun to visualize each new experience with Marlene . . . long worship services on hard, backless benches, straight pins instead of zippers on her dresses, learning the German language. And I couldn't help but smile as Marlene described her preparation to host church for the first time:  "Spring cleaning was one thing, but getting ready for church entailed a whole lot more."

One thing that I have always admired about the Amish is their work ethic, and this book has given me a greater understanding and appreciation for that. Farm chores, gardening, canning, cooking, laundry and cleaning for ten children just boggles the imagination! And then things that would surely be overwhelming for most of us on top of all that . . . financial hardships, children's injuries, Johnny working several jobs, and daily exhaustion. I did appreciate Marlene's honesty in sharing how close she once came close to leaving, for the "other Amish wives seemed to embody an ideal of industry and kindness I could never live up to." Johnny and Marlene must not have had a lot of time for each other, yet they pulled together and their love remained strong.

There is much that I admire about the Amish, but like most things in life, we can't fully understand all that's involved until we experience it personally - and that's what Marlene brings to us in her memoir. I recommend Called to Be Amish to anyone who enjoys reading about the Amish lifestyle.

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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.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Interview + GIVEAWAY: Becky Wade

When it comes to contemporary romance, Becky Wade knows how to serve up a fascinating read with surprising depth, and I have loved each one of her books. Her latest release, A Love Like Ours, is no exception (reviewed here), and I am very glad to share this interview with Becky Wade, courtesy of Litfuse Publicity. Enjoy all the Becky has to share and enter to win a copy at the end of this post.

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An interview with Becky Wade,

Author of A Love Like Ours

Can love really conquer all? For the walking wounded who carry deep pain, a phrase like that can seem trite. Becky Wade weaves a moving tale of the hope of redemptive love in her new book, A Love Like Ours (Bethany House/May 5, 2015/ISBN: 978-0764211096/$13.99). In it she introduces us to former Marine Jake Porter, who carries scars far deeper than the one that marks his face. After serving his country in the Middle East, he returns home struggling with symptoms of PTSD. His pain causes him to live a solitary life, avoiding relationships even with his dearest loved ones.


Q: What is the overarching theme of A Love Like Ours?

Finding hope. The hero of the novel, Jake Porter, is a former Marine and Thoroughbred racehorse trainer. Eight years after returning from his final tour, Jake still struggles with PTSD. A Love Like Ours is about rediscovering hope that once was lost.


Q: Why do you think we’re so susceptible to looking for hope in sources apart from God?

Because God isn’t tangible. We can’t see, feel, hear or talk with Him in the same ways we interact with everyone and everything else. It requires effort on our part to refocus our minds and our hope on Him. Even though He’s the only source of lasting, meaningful hope, it’s sometimes easier to grasp for the things around us that seem to provide “happiness.”


Q: How would you describe your writing style?

Heartwarming. Humorous. Modern. Romantic. Jake is a brooding hero, but his heroine, Lyndie, is funny and outgoing and brave. The overall tone of A Love Like Ours is hopefully very optimistic.

Q: Why did you begin A Love Like Ours with a prologue that gives the reader a glimpse into Jake and Lyndie’s childhood?

Jake and Lyndie were best friends as children. I felt a glimpse into their past together would give the love story between them as adults sweetness and depth.


Q: Jake Porter, the hero of your book, is an actual hero. He served with the Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan and now struggles with PTSD from his experiences overseas. According to statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs, 11-20 percent of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. What motivated you to write this type of hero?

I’m extremely grateful to our veterans for their service. I cast Jake as my hero because I was moved by news stories I’ve seen and read throughout the years about service men and women who come home with physical injuries and/or disorders such as PTSD.


Q: Is love enough to help people overcome their PTSD symptoms?

No. Everything I read on the topic indicated there is no straight path to a “cure” for PTSD. Not even love. I certainly believe love can motivate someone to turn toward healing and toward God. However, I was careful not to portray Jake’s love for Lyndie as something that solved his issues. Toward the end of the novel, in fact, his love for her actually brings all his issues to the fore.


Q: Not only does Jake suffer with PTSD, but he isn’t a Christian, which causes stress in his relationship with Lyndie. How can a woman’s desire to “fix” a broken man come back to hurt her?

Only God can fix broken people. So whenever you or I latch on to the belief we have the power to change someone else, we’re in trouble and possibly bound for huge disappointment.


Q: There’s a subplot in A Love Like Ours about Thoroughbred horse racing. Did you learn something about horse racing you didn’t know before while doing research for the book?

        Jake is a Thoroughbred trainer, and Lyndie is an exercise jockey. I had a wonderful time researching Thoroughbred racing for this novel! I read two books by trainers from cover to cover, as well as numerous online articles. I visited our local horse track and took a tour of the backstretch. I communicated with a woman who spent the bulk of her career in the horse-racing world. I watched a season of the reality show Jockeys set at Santa Anita. And I listened to the audio book of Seabiscuit.
        Just about everything I learned was new to me! One fun fact: Great Thoroughbreds often have companion horses they stable next to, travel with and that act as their lead ponies before races. The two horses seem to form a deep and calming attachment to each other. The idea of that caught my imagination, and I immediately wrote a companion horse into the book.


Q: Has bonding with and caring for horses proven to be therapeutic for those who have experienced trauma?

Absolutely. I live in Dallas, and there’s a fabulous therapeutic riding stable here called Equest that has programs for a wide range of people, including veterans. Riding seems to empower, lessen anxiety, bolster confidence and build bonds of trust between animal and human.


Q: Lyndie’s sister has cerebral palsy and needs constant care. How did that help shape the person she became?

Life with her sister gave Lyndie a tender heart toward people who are different and who have challenges. She’s doggedly hopeful, and she’s not easily dissuaded. All qualities that come in handy in her relationship with Jake!


Q: Can you tell us about the family on which you based much of this story?

A few years back, my daughter had a pre-school teacher named Kari. Kari is the kindest, warmest, most fun and most tender-hearted woman I could have hoped for my daughter to have as her teacher. In getting to know Kari, I got to know her family. Kari has two daughters. Her oldest is a completely healthy eighth grader. Her youngest was born with severe cerebral palsy due in part to her skull being shattered at birth by the use of forceps. Kari’s younger daughter is blind and non-verbal and requires round-the-clock care. Yet, in spite of their challenges, this family blew me away with their joy and energy and positivity. I knew from the time I met them I wanted to base a fictional family on them.


Q: In what way do you hope A Love Like Ours encourages its readers?

I hope the novel reminds readers that in God, there’s always reason to hope! He has the power to redeem all things in His time.


Learn more about Becky Wade and A Love Like Ours at www.beckywade.com, on Facebook, or by following her on Twitter or Pinterest.

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for A Love Like Ours . . .

1) If you're on Facebook, please go here and share about this giveaway
2) Answer the following fun question or leave a comment for Becky:

What do you enjoy most about summer? Any trips planned?

BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing.

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Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older

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Enjoy Erma Bombeck

More humor from my favorite funny lady, Erma Bombeck . . . Does anyone remember Ann-Margaret?

Shape Up, Part 1

In the throes of a winter depression cycle, there is nothing that will set you off like a group of fashion authorities who want to know, "Is your figure ready for a bikini this summer?" I got a flash for you, Charlie. My figure wasn't ready for a bikini last summer. Very frankly, I've hit a few snags.

There was a time when I had a twenty-three-inch waist. I was ten years old at the time. As I recall, my measurements were 23-23-23. I'm no fool. Even at ten years, I knew I could never be too jolly with those figures, so I started to eat.

In high school I used to reward myself with after-school snacks for (a) not stepping on a crack in the sidewalk, (b) spelling Ohio backwards, (c) remembering my locker combination.

After marriage, I added thirty pounds in nine months, which seemed to indicate I was either pregnant or going a little heavy on the gravy. It was the former. I am listed in the medical records as the only woman who ever gained weight during delivery.

My husband, of course, used to try to shame me by pasting a picture of Ann-Margaret on the refrigerator door with a terse note, "Count Calories." He hasn't tried that routine, however, since our trip to the shopping center last spring that coincided with a personal appearance by Mr. Universe.

Ann-Margaret
Mid 1960s

"I thought we came here to look at a bedroom rug," he snapped. "You see one muscle, you've seen them all."

"I've been married eighteen years and I've yet to see my first one," I said, standing on my tiptoes. "Did you ever see so many muscles in your life?" I gasped. "That T-shirt is living on borrowed time. And listen to that. He says it just takes a few minutes a day to build a body like his. Hey, now he's touching his ear to his knees. Can you touch your ear to your knee?"

"What in heaven's name for?" he signed. "There's nothing to hear down there."

"You're really sensitive about all this, aren't you?"

"I certainly am not," he said emphatically. "Are we going to look at that bedroom rug or aren't we?"

"Not until you admit that you can't kick seven feet high, throw a football seventy-five yards and jump over an arrow you're holding in both hands."

"Okay, so I'm not Mr. Universe."

"Then you'll take that picture of Ann-Margaret off my refrigerator door?"

"Yes. You know, in my day I used to have a set of pretty good arm muscles. Here, look at this. I'm flexing. Hurry up! See it? How's that for muscle?"

Personally, I've seen bigger lumps in my cheese sauce, but when you've won a war, why mess around with a small skirmish?

Erma Bombeck, At Wit's End, Nelson Doubleday, Inc., 1965

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Review: The Heart of the Amish

The Heart of the Amish
By Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell, 2015


Summary

Everyone has been hurt. Everyone experiences conflict, great and small. Everyone has someone to forgive. But sometimes we just can’t bring ourselves to forgive someone who has wronged us or we don’t take the need to forgive seriously—not like the Amish do. Forgiving others in order to live at peace is woven into the very fabric of their faith. To the Amish way of thinking, “You can’t love the stream without knowing the source. ” We must forgive others, they believe, because God forgave us.

The Heart of the Amish invites readers into the world of a people renowned for their ability to forgive. Through true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher illustrates how they are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others. Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive anyone from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines. Readers will learn how to invite God into their stories, apply lessons from the Amish to their own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.


My thoughts

Wow, where do I even begin? I'll just go ahead and say it right up front . . . This is a book that convicts. Well written, moving, thought provoking, relevant, important - and convicting. Most of us are familiar with Christ's words . . .

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive

others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

We may know this intellectually, realize it's a command with both promise & warning, and even think we're pretty good at following through, but these stories and testimonies from the Amish take it to a much deeper level.  Even those not familiar with the Amish are probably aware of their emphasis on forgiveness - and the unprecedented speed with which they seem to grant it. These stories, along with Suzanne's thoughtful application, give us a glimpse into the Amish heart - their strong belief contrasted with the same doubt and struggles that we face. I've always felt that there is a lot we can learn from this peaceful group of people, things that shouldn't be unique to the Amish, and forgiveness is one of the most important.

Suzanne writes in the Introduction that this book's goal is "to help you make a habit of forgiving," and that will certainly be the effect for all who immerse themselves in these stories with humble hearts. The Heart of the Amish could be read straight through, but I recommend using it as a devotional resource . . . the only problem being that you might find yourself needing to spend more than one day on each chapter! There are approximately 25 fairly short chapters, borrowing examples from the Amish and other Anabaptist groups. Section 1 contains stories of forgiveness in day-to-day life, while section 2 features profound stories that will definitely stick with you long after reading the book. Each chapter ends with some very thought-provoking questions posed by Suzanne, "Reflections on Peacemaking."

The importance of instilling forgiveness at a young age . . . the idea of community, being inside a ring of protection . . . knowing how to get healing from the inside . . . how difficult it is for us to give up our right for justification or revenge . . . These are just a few thoughts that gave me much upon which to reflect. Suzanne ends with a quote from John Stott - "Our calling is not to conformity to the world around us but to a radical nonconformity" - and then asks, What, truly, could be a more radical nonconformity than displaying authentic forgiveness in our daily life?

The Heart of the Amish is a book with much insight, personal application, and takeaway value. Highly recommended.

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Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Connect with Suzanne online at suzannewoodsfisher.com, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest

Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: A Love Like Ours

A Love Like Ours
By Becky Wade
The Porter Family, #3
Bethany House, 2015


Summary

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?


My thoughts

Becky Wade has an enjoyable writing style that is lyrical, romantic, heartwarming, with delightful elements of humor thrown in at just the right moment. I don't think I'll ever come across one of Becky's books that doesn't touch me in some way, but I found A Love Like Ours especially moving, even to the point of tears at times - and that's rare for me. The cover beautifully captures the essence of Jake and Lyndie's personalities, but there are hidden depths to this story, both spiritual and emotional. While their love story is the backbone of the novel, many other elements are cleverly woven throughout - PTSD, survivor's guilt, physical disabilities, trusting God when life makes no sense, the dignity and value of all life. A Love Like Ours is, in essence, a story about rediscovering hope that once was lost - and that's something that will speak to just about every reader.

This is Becky's first series, and while it must be somewhat difficult to keep up with and advance characters' stories, I have totally embraced the Porter family and Lyndie's as well in this story. Becky says on her website that she writes "about imperfect, flawed people who are nonetheless loved by a perfect God" - and that's what makes her stories easily connect with readers.

"Twelve-year-old Jake Porter never felt a hundred percent right

unless Lyndie James was beside him."

A beautiful, rare relationship, that of soulmates, simply stated in these opening words. And one that eventually comes full circle, capturing this reader's heart and emotions in the process.

Rich characterization is one of this book's strengths, evidenced not only by Jake and Lyndie, but several secondary characters as well. Jake - affectionately described as "Tall, Dark, and Brooding" by Lyndie - is a Thoroughbred horse trainer, eight years removed from military service in Iraq, but carrying the invisible scars of PTSD. His social behavior reflects just that - hidden walls to protect from feeling, disconnected from people, a disbelief in the goodness of God. Going into this book, I knew a good bit about PTSD on paper, but being privy to Jake's torturous thoughts and nightmares made it real. I was immediately drawn to Jake, understanding the reasons for his brusqueness, and he became one of my favorite characters of all time.

Lyndie is just as strongly drawn - compassionate, captivating, imaginative, determined and plain out adorable. She has a natural way with animals and I loved the way she was able to unlock the mystery of why the Thoroughbred, Silver Leaf, wouldn't run. But what drew me to Lyndie most was that, rather than allowing Jake to intimidate her, she desired to help and was determined that the powers of his dark world would not overtake him.

But the character who touched me most couldn't even see, and that was Mollie, Lyndie's 27-year-old sister who had cerebral palsy. While Becky is quick to point out that it is always God who heals, we know that God works in mysterious ways, and it was moving to think that He might have used this precious lady at times - especially with her ability to draw Jake out and make him feel.

Also woven throughout are spiritual messages that I needed to hear - that loving someone is about acceptance of their weakness and flaws in addition to all that's good, and that we need to trust God with the things we can't control.

I don't know what Becky has planned next, but I certainly hope there will be a fourth book, because I have enjoyed reconnecting with the Porter family and am not ready to let them go - but then, will I ever?! However, I'm intrigued by the younger sister, Dru, and felt the stage was being set for her story. And there are some questions I'd love to see answered . . . For instance, will Bo and Meg ever be able to have a child? Does Silver Leaf go on to be a true champion? Do Amber and Will find happiness together?

I thoroughly enjoyed A Love Like Ours and hated to reach the final page. Highly recommended.

I also wanted to mention something very special that Becky is doing to honor our military, through a wonderful organization that provides therapy for both physical and mental health conditions. Becky writes on her website . . .

"I’m so pleased on announce that Jake Porter, the hero of A Love Like Ours, will be doing his part to raise awareness and support for our real-life heroes: the members of our military! I’ll be giving a percentage of my earnings on every copy of A Love Like Ours sold between now and May 17th to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. I encourage you to pre-order the novel or pick up your copy in stores or online prior to May 17th!"

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Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky’s work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.

Connect with Becky online at beckywade.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Litfuse Landing Page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwade