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An Uncommon Grace
A moving and inspirational novel about the power of faith, family and above all, love, as a young Amish man must turn to his Englisch neighbor for help after a devastating tragedy.Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war, and keep her teenage brother out of trouble.
When Levi Troyer meets Grace, he is at his most vulnerable. His stepfather has been murdered and his mother wounded by intruders. Grace saves his mother’s life and Levi is more than thankful. However, any relationship between them is forbidden by his faith.
Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of the teachings of his ultra-conservative Amish sect. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from having contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother—who need him to survive. Grace is struggling with trying to figure out how to live her life without the man she has grown to love. Meanwhile, a murderer must be caught. Will love and justice prevail?
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2012
81 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Serena B. Miller
41 books332 followersI live only a few miles from a flourishing Amish community and am blessed to count many Old Order Amish as friends. Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio is a natural outgrowth of my on-going fascination with these valiant, flawed people who struggle to live their lives according to their interpretation of the Bible. Once, when I apologized for asking so many questions while researching this book, an Amish father told me that I could ask anything I wanted. “Nothing is forbidden,” he said. He told me that he wanted my book to be accurate. I was thrilled when his family read it and gave me their enthusiastic nod of approval.
Our family, however, also lived for many years in Michigan. My father, a sawyer, told me stories he had heard from old timber men who had cut the fabled giant pine in the Saginaw Valley. Visiting museums and reading about the years directly after the Civil War, when Michigan became the lumber capitol of the world, became a hobby. I was delighted when Revell Publishing allowed me to revisit that era by writing The Measure Of Katie Calloway.
There are many other books on their way—both Amish and historical. Please know that each one is a labor of love from me to you.
To God be all the glory, forever.
Serena
Our family, however, also lived for many years in Michigan. My father, a sawyer, told me stories he had heard from old timber men who had cut the fabled giant pine in the Saginaw Valley. Visiting museums and reading about the years directly after the Civil War, when Michigan became the lumber capitol of the world, became a hobby. I was delighted when Revell Publishing allowed me to revisit that era by writing The Measure Of Katie Calloway.
There are many other books on their way—both Amish and historical. Please know that each one is a labor of love from me to you.
To God be all the glory, forever.
Serena
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February 13, 2017
About this book:
“Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war.
Levi Troyer finds his pacifist beliefs challenged when he discovers his stepfather has been killed and his mother wounded by an unknown intruder. Levi and Grace are thrown together when she comes to his family’s rescue and saves his mother’s life. A deep attraction develops—even though a relationship between them is strictly forbidden.
Levi belongs to the most conservative and isolated of all Amish sects—the Swartzentruber Amish. Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of their teachings. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother—who need him to survive. He is torn between his love for Grace and his responsibility to his family.
Grace considers leaving her beloved farm and reenlisting rather than continuing to live near the man she loves but cannot have. Levi must confront the Bann if he pursues Grace. And a murderer must be caught. When lifelong allegiances are tested, can love and justice prevail?”
Series: It’s connected to two other books of this author’s; Goodreads calls it the “Amish” series.
Spiritual Content- Song of Solomon 2:11-12 at the dedication; Matthew 11:30 at the beginning; Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, talked about & thought over; Bible reading; Many prayers; Thanking God; Church going; Nearly all about Amish beliefs, shunnings, bishops/preachers, church members & religious orders; Talks about God, His will & Amish beliefs; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of prayers, thanking, praising & blessings over food; Many mentions of church services, churches, church going, worship & hymns/songs; Mentions of God’s will; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading & illustrated pictures; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of Heaven, Hell & believers; Mentions of martyrs; Mentions of blessings; Mentions of sins; A few mentions of a ministry;
*Note: A mention of a mullah; A mention of bowing down to Mecca; A couple mentions of religious zealots; A few mentions of bad omens about a horse named Devil Dancer (renamed Angel Dancer); Mentions of Stan & evilness.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘gosh’, a ‘shoot’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘wimp’, three forms of ‘dumb’, three ‘heck’s, and six ‘stupid’s; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Coming upon bodies, blood, bullet wounds & injuries (semi-detailed); Fighting, guns aimed & being shot at (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of bodies, deaths, blood, bullet wounds, gunshots, & a murderer (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of war zones, wars, terrorists, fighting, gunfire, bombs & injuries/wounds (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a car crash, blood, pain & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the possibility of drowning; Mentions of fighting, guns & pacifist beliefs; Mentions of jails, prisons & criminals; Mentions of drugs & users; Mentions of stealing; Mentions of throwing up & vomit; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of a cruel & mean girl; Mentions of gossip; A few mentions of robberies & break-ins; A few mentions of vandals & fires; A few mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of a bar & a drunk; A few mentions of divorces; A few mentions of spankings; A couple mentions of suicide; A couple mentions of crimes; A couple mentions of betting; A couple mentions of eye rolling; A couple mentions of a smoker; A couple mentions of manure; A mention of roadkill; A mention of passing gas;
*Note: A couple mentions of Oprah & People magazine; A few mentions of butchering & smoking meat.
Sexual Content- a hand kiss, two cheek kisses, two head/forehead kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses & two semi-detailed kisses; Touches, Warmth & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Noticing, Watching & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); two ‘harlot’s; Mentions of being intimate & an Amish sect’s tradition of bed courtship (which is supposed to be talking and lying chastely in her bed, but there are mentions of stories that weren’t so chaste); Mentions of desire, pleasure, babies that came suspiciously early & being forced to marry; Mentions of noticing; Mentions of dating, dates & boyfriends; A few mentions of porn books (no details); A few mentions of flirting & a flirt; A couple mentions of miscarriages; A mention of Levi wanting to marry someone he wouldn’t mind lying down next to in bed; A mention of dirty jokes; A mention of a married couple kissing; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a romance book with a very muscle-showing man & a woman with a top malfunction (which Grace reads); Mentions of immodest clothing (short shorts, skimpy (tank) top & a form-fitting blouse) & bare skin showing; Mentions of a girl’s modest nightgown; Mentions of breastfeeding, nursing & milk; A few mentions of underwear & panties; A mention of scantily clad bodies.
-Grace Conner
-Levi Troyer, age 25
P.O.V. switches between them
338 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
If I could give a three-quarters rating to any book (I know, I know, Goodreads doesn’t even do half stars, yet, I really don’t ask for much, though, y’all! ;) ) it would be this one! I enjoyed this one—majority of the time. I really enjoyed the author’s previous Amish suspense, ‘Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio’, and thought the movie was really accurate. :)
While there were some parts I wasn’t a big fan of, I really liked the banter & debates between Grace & Levi and found was brilliantly written.
The movie of this novel came out last night on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and while, like normal, there were some changes, I did still mostly enjoy it—but the book was better. ;)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war.
Levi Troyer finds his pacifist beliefs challenged when he discovers his stepfather has been killed and his mother wounded by an unknown intruder. Levi and Grace are thrown together when she comes to his family’s rescue and saves his mother’s life. A deep attraction develops—even though a relationship between them is strictly forbidden.
Levi belongs to the most conservative and isolated of all Amish sects—the Swartzentruber Amish. Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of their teachings. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother—who need him to survive. He is torn between his love for Grace and his responsibility to his family.
Grace considers leaving her beloved farm and reenlisting rather than continuing to live near the man she loves but cannot have. Levi must confront the Bann if he pursues Grace. And a murderer must be caught. When lifelong allegiances are tested, can love and justice prevail?”
Series: It’s connected to two other books of this author’s; Goodreads calls it the “Amish” series.
Spiritual Content- Song of Solomon 2:11-12 at the dedication; Matthew 11:30 at the beginning; Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, talked about & thought over; Bible reading; Many prayers; Thanking God; Church going; Nearly all about Amish beliefs, shunnings, bishops/preachers, church members & religious orders; Talks about God, His will & Amish beliefs; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of prayers, thanking, praising & blessings over food; Many mentions of church services, churches, church going, worship & hymns/songs; Mentions of God’s will; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading & illustrated pictures; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of Heaven, Hell & believers; Mentions of martyrs; Mentions of blessings; Mentions of sins; A few mentions of a ministry;
*Note: A mention of a mullah; A mention of bowing down to Mecca; A couple mentions of religious zealots; A few mentions of bad omens about a horse named Devil Dancer (renamed Angel Dancer); Mentions of Stan & evilness.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘gosh’, a ‘shoot’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘wimp’, three forms of ‘dumb’, three ‘heck’s, and six ‘stupid’s; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Coming upon bodies, blood, bullet wounds & injuries (semi-detailed); Fighting, guns aimed & being shot at (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of bodies, deaths, blood, bullet wounds, gunshots, & a murderer (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of war zones, wars, terrorists, fighting, gunfire, bombs & injuries/wounds (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a car crash, blood, pain & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the possibility of drowning; Mentions of fighting, guns & pacifist beliefs; Mentions of jails, prisons & criminals; Mentions of drugs & users; Mentions of stealing; Mentions of throwing up & vomit; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of a cruel & mean girl; Mentions of gossip; A few mentions of robberies & break-ins; A few mentions of vandals & fires; A few mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of a bar & a drunk; A few mentions of divorces; A few mentions of spankings; A couple mentions of suicide; A couple mentions of crimes; A couple mentions of betting; A couple mentions of eye rolling; A couple mentions of a smoker; A couple mentions of manure; A mention of roadkill; A mention of passing gas;
*Note: A couple mentions of Oprah & People magazine; A few mentions of butchering & smoking meat.
Sexual Content- a hand kiss, two cheek kisses, two head/forehead kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses & two semi-detailed kisses; Touches, Warmth & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Noticing, Watching & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); two ‘harlot’s; Mentions of being intimate & an Amish sect’s tradition of bed courtship (which is supposed to be talking and lying chastely in her bed, but there are mentions of stories that weren’t so chaste); Mentions of desire, pleasure, babies that came suspiciously early & being forced to marry; Mentions of noticing; Mentions of dating, dates & boyfriends; A few mentions of porn books (no details); A few mentions of flirting & a flirt; A couple mentions of miscarriages; A mention of Levi wanting to marry someone he wouldn’t mind lying down next to in bed; A mention of dirty jokes; A mention of a married couple kissing; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a romance book with a very muscle-showing man & a woman with a top malfunction (which Grace reads); Mentions of immodest clothing (short shorts, skimpy (tank) top & a form-fitting blouse) & bare skin showing; Mentions of a girl’s modest nightgown; Mentions of breastfeeding, nursing & milk; A few mentions of underwear & panties; A mention of scantily clad bodies.
-Grace Conner
-Levi Troyer, age 25
P.O.V. switches between them
338 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
If I could give a three-quarters rating to any book (I know, I know, Goodreads doesn’t even do half stars, yet, I really don’t ask for much, though, y’all! ;) ) it would be this one! I enjoyed this one—majority of the time. I really enjoyed the author’s previous Amish suspense, ‘Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio’, and thought the movie was really accurate. :)
While there were some parts I wasn’t a big fan of, I really liked the banter & debates between Grace & Levi and found was brilliantly written.
The movie of this novel came out last night on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and while, like normal, there were some changes, I did still mostly enjoy it—but the book was better. ;)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
April 15, 2012
It’s no secret that Amish fiction is not among my favorite genres, but I am often willing to read an Amish by an author who is fairly new to me. I read another book by Serena Miller that was not Amish fiction and I absolutely loved it, so I had a pretty good idea that I would like An Uncommon Grace.
The main storyline, Amish person falling in love with a non-Amish person, has been a little overdone, but I thought it was very well written. Just saying that this book was well written is actually an understatement because I really liked this book. I really didn’t care much for the attitudes of the Amish sect that Levi belongs to. That is actually one of the things that I don’t like about Amish novels, but in this book, it fit in well with the story and created just the right amount of tension. There was enough depth to this story and excellent characters to make this book an interesting and fast read.
I like Serena Miller’s writing enough to make me want to read anything else she writes from now on whether it’s Amish fiction or not. She has a writing style that agrees with and appeals to me on so many levels. I am certainly not going to hesitate to read her next book because she is a truly gifted storyteller and I highly recommend An Uncommon Grace, even if you are like me and not a fan of Amish fiction.
The main storyline, Amish person falling in love with a non-Amish person, has been a little overdone, but I thought it was very well written. Just saying that this book was well written is actually an understatement because I really liked this book. I really didn’t care much for the attitudes of the Amish sect that Levi belongs to. That is actually one of the things that I don’t like about Amish novels, but in this book, it fit in well with the story and created just the right amount of tension. There was enough depth to this story and excellent characters to make this book an interesting and fast read.
I like Serena Miller’s writing enough to make me want to read anything else she writes from now on whether it’s Amish fiction or not. She has a writing style that agrees with and appeals to me on so many levels. I am certainly not going to hesitate to read her next book because she is a truly gifted storyteller and I highly recommend An Uncommon Grace, even if you are like me and not a fan of Amish fiction.
September 13, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RWP4ZKCH...
Review on my blog (to be posted 9/25): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
An Uncommon Grace is the third book I've read by Serena B. Miller and it was another great read! Amish novels are not my favorite genre to read, but every once in a while I enjoy reading a good one.
I loved the characters in An Uncommon Grace! Grace and Levi were great main characters. Their romance story was interesting and I liked how it wasn't a given how things were going to turn out - my initial guess was wrong and I was a little surprised by what happened in the end.
I really enjoyed the entire story and loved that there was a little bit of suspense/mystery in An Uncommon Grace.
Overall, An Uncommon Grace was an enjoyable read and I recommend it to fans of Amish fiction. I look forward to reading more of Miller's books.
*I received this book for free for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog (to be posted 9/25): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
An Uncommon Grace is the third book I've read by Serena B. Miller and it was another great read! Amish novels are not my favorite genre to read, but every once in a while I enjoy reading a good one.
I loved the characters in An Uncommon Grace! Grace and Levi were great main characters. Their romance story was interesting and I liked how it wasn't a given how things were going to turn out - my initial guess was wrong and I was a little surprised by what happened in the end.
I really enjoyed the entire story and loved that there was a little bit of suspense/mystery in An Uncommon Grace.
Overall, An Uncommon Grace was an enjoyable read and I recommend it to fans of Amish fiction. I look forward to reading more of Miller's books.
*I received this book for free for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
January 24, 2026
4.5 out of 5 stars
January 8, 2022
listen……. don’t judge me…. this book was GOOD.
November 27, 2016
three books that have a common thread written by Serena B Miller
An Uncommon Grace book#1 is about Grace
Grace moves to a rural area in Ohio hoping to heal from all she has been through as a military nurse in Afghanistan. She meets Levi Troyer an amish man who lives with his mother.
Levi comes home to find his stepfather dead on the floor and his Mother who is heavily pregnant also shot and bleeding but alive. He runs to his neighbor "Grace" for help. By the grace of God his mother "Clara" lives and also has the baby soon after reaching the hospital.
Grace is an "english woman" and now Levi and she become friends as Clara recuperates and the young baby grows.
Levi grew up under a very strict stepfather yet he loved him and was sorry that he had died in such a cruel way. Claire has a twin sister "Rose" who lives not far away but they have been estranged because she left the amish sect and moved to another causing her to be shunned. Yet now the bishop will allow her to come help while Claire heals and to help with the new baby.
I enjoyed reading this story very much....
the next book ties into this- Hidden Mercies by Serena B Miller
A terrible accident happens as Claire was to marry the brother of Tobias Troyer, He dies and Tobias leaves his community and joins the military,changing his name to Tom Miller. He stays gone for 27 yrs until an injury needing healing that has changed the way he looks drastically. He needs to go back and ask forgiveness, he has lived with this guilt long enough.
Now you will meet many of the people from earlier....Claire,Levi and Grace.
Unbeknownest to anyone Tobias had always loved Claire yet stood back when he knew his brother had fallen in love with her and was to marry her. He must tell Claire the truth.
When he comes to the home of Claire he is very week and soon collapses and Grace comes to help. He and Grace had met in the military when she flew in planes to help the wounded. time passes and he stays there to heal yet no one knows yet he is Tobias.
This story will have you feeling al kinds of emotions as Tom(Tobias) sees all the old places he knows so well and the people that are "His people" and yet they do not know him.
I am now reading the third book in this group and love meeting so many of the same characters that have grown...and a few new ones.
If you have not read Serena B Miller books -you must give them a try.
An Uncommon Grace book#1 is about Grace
Grace moves to a rural area in Ohio hoping to heal from all she has been through as a military nurse in Afghanistan. She meets Levi Troyer an amish man who lives with his mother.
Levi comes home to find his stepfather dead on the floor and his Mother who is heavily pregnant also shot and bleeding but alive. He runs to his neighbor "Grace" for help. By the grace of God his mother "Clara" lives and also has the baby soon after reaching the hospital.
Grace is an "english woman" and now Levi and she become friends as Clara recuperates and the young baby grows.
Levi grew up under a very strict stepfather yet he loved him and was sorry that he had died in such a cruel way. Claire has a twin sister "Rose" who lives not far away but they have been estranged because she left the amish sect and moved to another causing her to be shunned. Yet now the bishop will allow her to come help while Claire heals and to help with the new baby.
I enjoyed reading this story very much....
the next book ties into this- Hidden Mercies by Serena B Miller
A terrible accident happens as Claire was to marry the brother of Tobias Troyer, He dies and Tobias leaves his community and joins the military,changing his name to Tom Miller. He stays gone for 27 yrs until an injury needing healing that has changed the way he looks drastically. He needs to go back and ask forgiveness, he has lived with this guilt long enough.
Now you will meet many of the people from earlier....Claire,Levi and Grace.
Unbeknownest to anyone Tobias had always loved Claire yet stood back when he knew his brother had fallen in love with her and was to marry her. He must tell Claire the truth.
When he comes to the home of Claire he is very week and soon collapses and Grace comes to help. He and Grace had met in the military when she flew in planes to help the wounded. time passes and he stays there to heal yet no one knows yet he is Tobias.
This story will have you feeling al kinds of emotions as Tom(Tobias) sees all the old places he knows so well and the people that are "His people" and yet they do not know him.
I am now reading the third book in this group and love meeting so many of the same characters that have grown...and a few new ones.
If you have not read Serena B Miller books -you must give them a try.
April 9, 2012
~3.5 stars~
Having read Serena's historical fiction, The Measure of Katie Calloway, I was interested to see what this author would do with contemporary/Amish fiction and I have to admit that I liked it! While it wasn't the best book I've ever read I found it to be a rather compulsive read and I couldn't stop flipping the pages. When reading this type of book, like all romances, things got rather predictable and I kind of did see the end coming but the characters themselves were very interesting.
You learn something new everyday when you read (which is why I recommend that you all do it). I can definitely say I picked up some tidbits about the Amish that I never knew before including that the Swartzentruber sect is one of the most conservative Amish groups. I don't know about you but I couldn't imagine taking a bath just once a week! I didn't know people still did that in this day and age. I have to say that would definitely make for some interesting neighbors and would affect how "close" you got to a person in all senses of the word.
The author definitely paints a vivid picture of life on a conservative Amish farm as well as life for a modern military nurse suffering from PTSD and physical injuries from her life overseas. Grace Connor felt a pull to return to her career as a military nurse but once she got home to those she loved, things changed. This story wasn't just about Grace and her neighbors but the changes she had to face stateside and within her own family. I especially enjoyed the story of Grace's younger sister, Becky and her friend Owen. I definitely hope we can read more about Becky in the future books of this series. An Uncommon Grace was a good book and I hope the author gives us a little more time with the Troyers and the Conners.
3.5 stars
*I received my complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest thoughts on the book for this review.*
Having read Serena's historical fiction, The Measure of Katie Calloway, I was interested to see what this author would do with contemporary/Amish fiction and I have to admit that I liked it! While it wasn't the best book I've ever read I found it to be a rather compulsive read and I couldn't stop flipping the pages. When reading this type of book, like all romances, things got rather predictable and I kind of did see the end coming but the characters themselves were very interesting.
You learn something new everyday when you read (which is why I recommend that you all do it). I can definitely say I picked up some tidbits about the Amish that I never knew before including that the Swartzentruber sect is one of the most conservative Amish groups. I don't know about you but I couldn't imagine taking a bath just once a week! I didn't know people still did that in this day and age. I have to say that would definitely make for some interesting neighbors and would affect how "close" you got to a person in all senses of the word.
The author definitely paints a vivid picture of life on a conservative Amish farm as well as life for a modern military nurse suffering from PTSD and physical injuries from her life overseas. Grace Connor felt a pull to return to her career as a military nurse but once she got home to those she loved, things changed. This story wasn't just about Grace and her neighbors but the changes she had to face stateside and within her own family. I especially enjoyed the story of Grace's younger sister, Becky and her friend Owen. I definitely hope we can read more about Becky in the future books of this series. An Uncommon Grace was a good book and I hope the author gives us a little more time with the Troyers and the Conners.
3.5 stars
*I received my complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest thoughts on the book for this review.*
January 2, 2013
Title: AN UNCOMMON GRACE
Author: Serena B. Miller
Publisher: Howard Books
April 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4516-6030-2
Genre: Amish
Grace Connor served overseas as a nurse in Afghanistan. But when her grandma suffered a heart attack, she heads home to care for her. She is wondering what she will do with her life, maybe serve as a nurse in the United States rather the military, but that decision will be made after Grandma heals.
Levi Troyer is running errands. His mother has started laundry when he left, but when he returns home the laundry is unfinished and no one answers his frantic calls. He finds his step-father dead in the front room, murdered in cold blood, and his mother is bleeding out upstairs, and going into labor with the new little one she’s expecting.
Levi runs for help, next door, to Grace’s grandma’s house. Grace is quick to help, getting the mother to the hospital before she dies, finding care for the younger children and taking Levi to the children’s hospital to visit the newborn baby once it’s delivered by c-section. But as Levi and Grace continue to be forced together they develop feelings—ones that could cost one of them everything.
AN UNCOMMON GRACE is a sweet Amish romance about the most conservative of all Amish – the Swartzentruber Amish. Even though most Amish fiction is written about Old-Order, this group is even more conservative. They don’t allow a lot of things that even most Old-Order allows. It was fascinating getting to know Levi Troyer and Grace Connor and I was curious about how this book would play out. 4 stars. $15.00. 351 pages.
Author: Serena B. Miller
Publisher: Howard Books
April 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4516-6030-2
Genre: Amish
Grace Connor served overseas as a nurse in Afghanistan. But when her grandma suffered a heart attack, she heads home to care for her. She is wondering what she will do with her life, maybe serve as a nurse in the United States rather the military, but that decision will be made after Grandma heals.
Levi Troyer is running errands. His mother has started laundry when he left, but when he returns home the laundry is unfinished and no one answers his frantic calls. He finds his step-father dead in the front room, murdered in cold blood, and his mother is bleeding out upstairs, and going into labor with the new little one she’s expecting.
Levi runs for help, next door, to Grace’s grandma’s house. Grace is quick to help, getting the mother to the hospital before she dies, finding care for the younger children and taking Levi to the children’s hospital to visit the newborn baby once it’s delivered by c-section. But as Levi and Grace continue to be forced together they develop feelings—ones that could cost one of them everything.
AN UNCOMMON GRACE is a sweet Amish romance about the most conservative of all Amish – the Swartzentruber Amish. Even though most Amish fiction is written about Old-Order, this group is even more conservative. They don’t allow a lot of things that even most Old-Order allows. It was fascinating getting to know Levi Troyer and Grace Connor and I was curious about how this book would play out. 4 stars. $15.00. 351 pages.
October 19, 2013
While I try to keep up with and read the works of Amish fiction authors, Serena Miller was a new one for me. I never know what to expect from an author that's new to me, so imagine my surprise when I began reading the Author's Note at the beginning of the book and was immediately hooked. When I moved on to the Prologue, that just sealed the deal. An Uncommon Grace is a blend of faith, romance, mystery, and humor, and the author has done an amazing job of blending them. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat one minute and busting out laughing the next. I got teary eyed in some parts and was blessed and encouraged in my faith by other parts.
One thing that captured me was that the story includes characters from the Swartzentruber Amish. It is clear that the author did her homework on the Swartzentrubers, which I'm sure was no easy feat. An Uncommon Grace is the first book I've read which has quite a few characters from the Swartzentruber Amish. The author includes some of their beliefs and practices in the story, but she does it in a way that doesn't distract the reader or make the story tedious.
An Uncommon Grace is a great read, which I highly recommend. You definitely will not be disappointed.
One thing that captured me was that the story includes characters from the Swartzentruber Amish. It is clear that the author did her homework on the Swartzentrubers, which I'm sure was no easy feat. An Uncommon Grace is the first book I've read which has quite a few characters from the Swartzentruber Amish. The author includes some of their beliefs and practices in the story, but she does it in a way that doesn't distract the reader or make the story tedious.
An Uncommon Grace is a great read, which I highly recommend. You definitely will not be disappointed.
February 28, 2012
What a really great informative story. We begin in Afghanistan with Grace Connor, a Nurse Practitioner, and was beginning to wonder what the Military had to do with an Amish Story.
She has to return home when her Grandmother has a heart attack, and help Becky, her High School, Sister.
She no sooner returns when the neighbors, members of the Swartzentruber Amish, have been shot. She goes to give help, but the father is already gone, and the Mom has been hit and is in labor. What a sad and hard turn of events for the Troyer family.
Levi who is the oldest son, becomes infatuated with Grace, and she likewise. A relationship that is doomed! This sect of Amish is so strict that that Claire is forbidden to have a relationship with her sister Rose, who has joined the Old Order Amish. You will be amazed at the facts we think we know about the Amish, but are so differed with the Swartzentrubers.
I Loved how God's hand is in the lives of these people, his Children. How the "Light" comes on! Don't miss this different and riveting story! Excellent!!
I received this book from the Publisher Simon and Schuster, Inc., and was not required to give a positive review.
She has to return home when her Grandmother has a heart attack, and help Becky, her High School, Sister.
She no sooner returns when the neighbors, members of the Swartzentruber Amish, have been shot. She goes to give help, but the father is already gone, and the Mom has been hit and is in labor. What a sad and hard turn of events for the Troyer family.
Levi who is the oldest son, becomes infatuated with Grace, and she likewise. A relationship that is doomed! This sect of Amish is so strict that that Claire is forbidden to have a relationship with her sister Rose, who has joined the Old Order Amish. You will be amazed at the facts we think we know about the Amish, but are so differed with the Swartzentrubers.
I Loved how God's hand is in the lives of these people, his Children. How the "Light" comes on! Don't miss this different and riveting story! Excellent!!
I received this book from the Publisher Simon and Schuster, Inc., and was not required to give a positive review.
April 23, 2012
Grace has a decision to make, she is up for reenlistment and not sure whether to reenlist or not so she asks God for a sign, that sign comes in the form of an email from her sister Becky who tells her that her grandmother is ill and that she needs to come home. No sooner does she arrive than the Amish family across the way who her grandmother Elizabeth is close with, suffers a break in and murder. The father is killed and wife who is pregnant is injured and the baby survives yet needs close medical care. Grace's training comes into play at the time of the incident and after. Levi has to take care of his younger siblings, and the farm; Grace comes over to help his mother Claire with the baby, and there is a strong attraction. The problem is that she is an Englischer and he is Amish. The romance tension is so real you feel it between the pages, and you want so desperately for Levi and Grace to get together! Serena has written a vivid book, so rich in detail that you don't want to miss it! This is not your average Amish story. I highly recommend it!!! Go and grab your copy today!
February 10, 2017
I Read this on the kindle
This is a good read it gives different views of how a very strict Amish sect can be & how someone can struggle with different parts of the beliefs
Levi is the young man who struggles after his stepfather is murdered & his pregnant mother is left fighting for her & the unborn child life
To add in a Nurse (Grace) who has come back from Afghanistan & help save Levi's mother's life & how he is drawn to her
Then you have the Bishop's daughter accusing Levi of getting her pregnant he denies this & refuses to marry her & so he gets a banned/shunned
There is a 2nd book which does tell more about Levi & Grace 's families I did read book 2 without knowing about book one so I did read it in reverse order but this did not spoil the enjoyment knowing part of the story but would be better if you read in order
This is a good read it gives different views of how a very strict Amish sect can be & how someone can struggle with different parts of the beliefs
Levi is the young man who struggles after his stepfather is murdered & his pregnant mother is left fighting for her & the unborn child life
To add in a Nurse (Grace) who has come back from Afghanistan & help save Levi's mother's life & how he is drawn to her
Then you have the Bishop's daughter accusing Levi of getting her pregnant he denies this & refuses to marry her & so he gets a banned/shunned
There is a 2nd book which does tell more about Levi & Grace 's families I did read book 2 without knowing about book one so I did read it in reverse order but this did not spoil the enjoyment knowing part of the story but would be better if you read in order
June 15, 2021
Great story. Loved the characters of Levi and Grace. Quite different from how they where depicted in the movie that was made of the book. Glad I read the book the story is so much more richer
December 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I read it almost all in one day, then I took another day to reread some of the really good parts where the characters got to know each other.
I added this to my to-read shelf after I watched the Hallmark movie. The book was pretty much the same but it was nice to get a bit more of the characters. I really liked it.
Grace comes back from Afghanistan to help to take care of her grandmother. She is taking a break from being a military nurse. One day Levi comes to their farm to get help from his parents being shot. Grace as a combat nurse is his best hope for his mother who is the only one who remains alive.
Levi and Grace are thrown together for many different situations where they try to get to know each other and their ways of life. Maybe something else will come from them getting to know each other?
Quotes
“'Would you take him?’ she asked. ‘I need to go back home.’
‘You are coming back?’
His voice actually sounded hopeful. It was truly amazing what quieting a screaming child could do to raise a woman’s value in a man’s eyes.
‘I’m coming back.’”(p. 104).
“He patted Daniel’s tiny bottom, careful to keep the infant upright over his shoulder. ‘Women are a blessing from God, Daniel. But some of them can be a sore trial’
The baby squirmed and passed gas-loudly.
‘Oh!’ Levi laughed out loud. ‘Is that your opinion of the whole thing, is it? Then you and I are going to be great friends, little Bruder.’”(p. 106).
“'I am so sorry that Abraham was killed. And I would give anything if your mother had not been wounded. There is great evil in the world, and sometimes, no matter how careful we are, of how well we treat our neighbors, that evil will hurt us.’ She looked deep into his eyes. ‘But remember that God will somehow manage to turn evil into good for those who love Him. Satan can hurt us, but he cannot destroy us.’”(p. 126).
“'The Lord I read about is not cruel, Levi. He came specifically to help us carry our burdens, not load us up with so many rules and regulations that we stagger beneath the load, always living in terror of breaking even one. When you truly understand this, everything changes- the yoke becomes so much easier, and the burden becomes so very light’”(p. 314-315).
I added this to my to-read shelf after I watched the Hallmark movie. The book was pretty much the same but it was nice to get a bit more of the characters. I really liked it.
Grace comes back from Afghanistan to help to take care of her grandmother. She is taking a break from being a military nurse. One day Levi comes to their farm to get help from his parents being shot. Grace as a combat nurse is his best hope for his mother who is the only one who remains alive.
Levi and Grace are thrown together for many different situations where they try to get to know each other and their ways of life. Maybe something else will come from them getting to know each other?
Quotes
“'Would you take him?’ she asked. ‘I need to go back home.’
‘You are coming back?’
His voice actually sounded hopeful. It was truly amazing what quieting a screaming child could do to raise a woman’s value in a man’s eyes.
‘I’m coming back.’”(p. 104).
“He patted Daniel’s tiny bottom, careful to keep the infant upright over his shoulder. ‘Women are a blessing from God, Daniel. But some of them can be a sore trial’
The baby squirmed and passed gas-loudly.
‘Oh!’ Levi laughed out loud. ‘Is that your opinion of the whole thing, is it? Then you and I are going to be great friends, little Bruder.’”(p. 106).
“'I am so sorry that Abraham was killed. And I would give anything if your mother had not been wounded. There is great evil in the world, and sometimes, no matter how careful we are, of how well we treat our neighbors, that evil will hurt us.’ She looked deep into his eyes. ‘But remember that God will somehow manage to turn evil into good for those who love Him. Satan can hurt us, but he cannot destroy us.’”(p. 126).
“'The Lord I read about is not cruel, Levi. He came specifically to help us carry our burdens, not load us up with so many rules and regulations that we stagger beneath the load, always living in terror of breaking even one. When you truly understand this, everything changes- the yoke becomes so much easier, and the burden becomes so very light’”(p. 314-315).
May 25, 2020
I stumbled across the film and absolutely loved it. Found out it was based on a book so went ahead and downloaded it... loved it even more!
I'm not familiar at all with the Amish, I only knew they have their roots in Germany, speak some kind of German and live a life according to yesteryear's ways. That's it. That's all I knew. The world in which this story is placed is about as strange as any galaxy far far away but I got so sucked into the story that I've done some researching in the meantime.
I much enjoyed reading a "clean" love story for a change. Mind you, I love my steamy romances, but every now and then it's nice to read something with less skin and more dialogue. I especially appreciated how the religious aspects were handled here, i.e. the questions of faith and its everyday occurrence. It's there but it's not in-your-face. I respect people's faith but I'm not deeply religious myself, so if the author had handled less delicately as she has, I probably wouldn't have finished the book. As it were, I couldn't put it down and have volumes 2+3 waiting to be downloaded.
On a personal note, I had much fun finding out the origin of the "Pennsylvania Dutch" that is spoken amongst the Amish. There's a number of deutsch/deitsch/Dutch phrases all over the book but I couldn't figure how to pronounce them. It's not the German spelling that we use, it doesn't even resemble older German spelling. It was only when I started reading the sentences aloud that I realised that it's actually very similar to my own home dialect and if I pronounce it like we do at home, it all makes perfect sense - and that made me go and research the Amish. Even though I'm not a deeply religious person (see above), it's through a shared language that I feel a connection, however remote.
This was a surprise discovery and a highly enjoyable read.
5/5 stars.
I'm not familiar at all with the Amish, I only knew they have their roots in Germany, speak some kind of German and live a life according to yesteryear's ways. That's it. That's all I knew. The world in which this story is placed is about as strange as any galaxy far far away but I got so sucked into the story that I've done some researching in the meantime.
I much enjoyed reading a "clean" love story for a change. Mind you, I love my steamy romances, but every now and then it's nice to read something with less skin and more dialogue. I especially appreciated how the religious aspects were handled here, i.e. the questions of faith and its everyday occurrence. It's there but it's not in-your-face. I respect people's faith but I'm not deeply religious myself, so if the author had handled less delicately as she has, I probably wouldn't have finished the book. As it were, I couldn't put it down and have volumes 2+3 waiting to be downloaded.
On a personal note, I had much fun finding out the origin of the "Pennsylvania Dutch" that is spoken amongst the Amish. There's a number of deutsch/deitsch/Dutch phrases all over the book but I couldn't figure how to pronounce them. It's not the German spelling that we use, it doesn't even resemble older German spelling. It was only when I started reading the sentences aloud that I realised that it's actually very similar to my own home dialect and if I pronounce it like we do at home, it all makes perfect sense - and that made me go and research the Amish. Even though I'm not a deeply religious person (see above), it's through a shared language that I feel a connection, however remote.
This was a surprise discovery and a highly enjoyable read.
5/5 stars.
August 28, 2024
Captivating from the very first page, An Uncommon Grace made me think as much as it entertained.
First things first — you have to get past the misleading cover. I’ve never seen such a misrepresentation of a book before! Who is that woman looking off into the distance and why is she on the cover of Grace and Levi’s story? LOL. Grace is obviously not Amish and this book is just as much about Grace and her family as it is about Levi’s and his. In fact, if you aren’t into Amish fiction, I’d wager that you’d still find this a compelling read on so many levels.
One of the most fascinating part of this book is the glimpse Miller gives us into the strict Swartzentruber Amish order. The story is peppered with so many interesting facts and comparisons with the Old Order Amish that is usually featured in fiction.
The addition of a murder mystery along with the complicated relationship that slowly develops between Levi and Grace makes this the kind of read you just won’t want to put down. Miller’s characters become living, breathing people with minds and hearts of their own. Grace’s grandmother is an incredible rock for both of them — a genteel lady with a quick sense of humour and deep understanding of the Savior’s love.
As Levi struggles to make sense of the sudden upheaval in his life, Grace finds herself drawn into a chaos of her own. Both ardently support their families, willing to sacrifice anything for those they love. In a perfect world, they would be perfect for each other — but perfection doesn’t come in this life and their journey isn’t an easy one. Miller has spun an emotional tale that I soon won’t forget…and hopefully you won’t either because you’re sure to want to read it now too, right?
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/08/28/a...
First things first — you have to get past the misleading cover. I’ve never seen such a misrepresentation of a book before! Who is that woman looking off into the distance and why is she on the cover of Grace and Levi’s story? LOL. Grace is obviously not Amish and this book is just as much about Grace and her family as it is about Levi’s and his. In fact, if you aren’t into Amish fiction, I’d wager that you’d still find this a compelling read on so many levels.
One of the most fascinating part of this book is the glimpse Miller gives us into the strict Swartzentruber Amish order. The story is peppered with so many interesting facts and comparisons with the Old Order Amish that is usually featured in fiction.
The addition of a murder mystery along with the complicated relationship that slowly develops between Levi and Grace makes this the kind of read you just won’t want to put down. Miller’s characters become living, breathing people with minds and hearts of their own. Grace’s grandmother is an incredible rock for both of them — a genteel lady with a quick sense of humour and deep understanding of the Savior’s love.
As Levi struggles to make sense of the sudden upheaval in his life, Grace finds herself drawn into a chaos of her own. Both ardently support their families, willing to sacrifice anything for those they love. In a perfect world, they would be perfect for each other — but perfection doesn’t come in this life and their journey isn’t an easy one. Miller has spun an emotional tale that I soon won’t forget…and hopefully you won’t either because you’re sure to want to read it now too, right?
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/08/28/a...
July 20, 2020
I absolutely loved this book.
This is the first of Serena Miller's books that I have read BUT I will surely be looking to read more.
I saw the Hallmark Movie, An Uncommon Grace, and knew I had to read the book. I love Amish stories and this one is now included in my list.
The Amish are such an interesting group of people. While they love the God that created and provides for us, and live their lives trying to please him...they do not know the peace and grace of God.
In this book Levi Troyer is a young man searching to learn about all he can... all that is forbidden by his church... the Swartzentruber Amish... and all about the one true God of the Bible. He meets Grace Connor, a military nurse home from Afghanistan while living with her grandmother and sister. His peaceful family is torn apart by the terrible deeds of an English intruder...and Grace comes to his family's rescue over and over again. It is no wonder that they find themselves attracted to each other as more than 'friends'.
This is the first of Serena Miller's books that I have read BUT I will surely be looking to read more.
I saw the Hallmark Movie, An Uncommon Grace, and knew I had to read the book. I love Amish stories and this one is now included in my list.
The Amish are such an interesting group of people. While they love the God that created and provides for us, and live their lives trying to please him...they do not know the peace and grace of God.
In this book Levi Troyer is a young man searching to learn about all he can... all that is forbidden by his church... the Swartzentruber Amish... and all about the one true God of the Bible. He meets Grace Connor, a military nurse home from Afghanistan while living with her grandmother and sister. His peaceful family is torn apart by the terrible deeds of an English intruder...and Grace comes to his family's rescue over and over again. It is no wonder that they find themselves attracted to each other as more than 'friends'.
September 26, 2021
Normalerweise würde ich ein christliches Buch nicht unbedingt lesen, ich gehe ja auch fast nie in die Kirche, aber das musste ich irgendwie haben und lesen. Und es hat mir gefallen. Natürlich darf man sich nicht an der Erwähnung von Gott, Gottesdiensten und so generell von Bibelstellen aufhängen, sonst bekommt man hier ein Problem. Und natürlich passiert, außer ein paar Küssen, auch nichts, man sieht eben zwei Menschen zu, die sich langsam ineinander verlieben. Ich mochte die Charaktere und wie sie beschrieben waren sehr gerne, sie kamen mir wie echte Menschen vor, die irgendwo in der USA leben. Außerdem war ich neugierig auf die Amish-Thematik, die in dem Buch auch vorkommt. Wenn man sich ein bisschen anstrengt kann man sogar ihr Pennsylvania-German verstehen, jedenfalls wenn man das Buch wie ich auf Englisch liest.
Es ist meiner Meinung nach so ein Feelgood-Buch, das man ja ab und an dann doch einmal braucht. Auf jeden Fall war ich positiv überrascht.
Es ist meiner Meinung nach so ein Feelgood-Buch, das man ja ab und an dann doch einmal braucht. Auf jeden Fall war ich positiv überrascht.
September 15, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Military nurse Grace Connor returns home when her grandmother becomes ill. She hopes to recover from her time in Afghanistan while helping her grandmother get her health back. She becomes involved with the Amish neighbors when Levi Troyer shows up need help as his mother and stepfather have been shot. Grace hurries to his house to help. What happened? Why were they shot? and who could have done it? Will Levi be able to deal with his feeling over this situation? and will the sheriff be able to figure out what is going on before someone else get hurt!
May 29, 2017
Levi's family is from a very strict Amish family. It isolates them from even some of the other Amish Groups. So went Grace helps his family when his stepfather is killed and Mother injured, see no way him and Grace can even be friends.
Enjoyed the book very much. If give me more understanding of the different Amish Groups.
Would recommend to others.
Enjoyed the book very much. If give me more understanding of the different Amish Groups.
Would recommend to others.
November 24, 2018
2.5 stars
I learned a lot about the Swartzentruber Amish Sect., That's what I enjoyed the most as you can tell it was well researched.
Yet there were some cringeworthy moments here and there for me , but it stood on its own.
I liked all the characters to a certain degree but Elizabeth and Rebeca the most.
I don't know if I will continue the trilogy though...
I learned a lot about the Swartzentruber Amish Sect., That's what I enjoyed the most as you can tell it was well researched.
Yet there were some cringeworthy moments here and there for me , but it stood on its own.
I liked all the characters to a certain degree but Elizabeth and Rebeca the most.
I don't know if I will continue the trilogy though...
January 25, 2019
This was the first in this series, but I read it 2nd, out of order. It didn't completely ruin the story for me, as it was still interesting to see how the characters I read about in the next book had started out. It was enjoyable enough, just not stellar and not my usual genre.
October 4, 2020
Five stars are not enough
My review joins hundreds in praising the story. The depth of the characters. It's like there is a real Grace. A real Levi. Claire.Elizabeth. Rose. I could not stop until the end. A blessing received. Thank you.
My review joins hundreds in praising the story. The depth of the characters. It's like there is a real Grace. A real Levi. Claire.Elizabeth. Rose. I could not stop until the end. A blessing received. Thank you.
March 27, 2025
I have so many good things to say about this book but zero energy to finish writing my review of it. So just know that I loved every minute of this and I recommend it highly. Maybe I’ll post my full review later.
June 7, 2017
Great read!
I loved this story! It was greatly researched and I learned a lot about Amish culture along the way. Definitely recommend!
I loved this story! It was greatly researched and I learned a lot about Amish culture along the way. Definitely recommend!
November 8, 2017
I always enjoy reading about the living experiences of the Amish and their ups and downs, so different at times from what we live every day.
January 8, 2018
This was a very different "Amish story".
The characters were very well written in this story. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more stories written by Serena Miller.
The characters were very well written in this story. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more stories written by Serena Miller.
July 4, 2018
A really unexpected read for me, but I enjoyed it immensely. I learned a lot about the Amish from this book, I am glad Miller did her research.
May 29, 2021
A very good read.
June 14, 2021
Very sweet book!
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