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Hidden Mercies
At seventeen, Tobias Miller smashed his cousin’s car into a tree, killing his brother only four hours before he was scheduled to marry Claire Shetler. Unable to live with his father’s bottomless grief and anger, Tobias left the Amish church and ran away to join the Marines. Twenty-seven years later, Tobias, now called Tom, returns to Mt. Hope, Ohio, a wounded, decorated Marine helicopter pilot, and rents an apartment over Claire’s workshop.
A widowed Amish midwife, Claire is struggling to support her family. When Tom rents her room she does not recognize the disfigured soldier as the boy she once knew. She only sees the money as a godsend, though she is nervous about having a strange man so close by. Claire never dreams that she will end up falling in love with a battle-scarred soldier.
As Claire and Tom fight their way through the traumas of the past, they discover the tender mercies God has hidden along the way—including a loving father who has been praying for his prodigal son to come home and a God who makes all things new.
A widowed Amish midwife, Claire is struggling to support her family. When Tom rents her room she does not recognize the disfigured soldier as the boy she once knew. She only sees the money as a godsend, though she is nervous about having a strange man so close by. Claire never dreams that she will end up falling in love with a battle-scarred soldier.
As Claire and Tom fight their way through the traumas of the past, they discover the tender mercies God has hidden along the way—including a loving father who has been praying for his prodigal son to come home and a God who makes all things new.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
57 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Serena B. Miller
41 books330 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 11, 2013
Even though Hidden Mercies is not labeled as a series we are once again in Mt. Hope, Ohio, with some old familiar characters from An Uncommon Grace (a good book!) as well as some new faces. Each character, Amish and Englisch alike, struggle with their pasts. Claire, with the sudden death of her young fiance that changed her life forever and Tom, the one who believes he was responsible for causing the accident that took his older brother's life. After decades of grief, despite leading two very different lives, Claire as an Amish midwife and Tom as a helicopter pilot for the Marines they come full circle and are once again brought together.
My favorite thing about this story was the authentic feel that it had. Grace and her husband from the first book set in Mt. Hope play a part in this story as well and I absolutely loved that everything wasn't bright and sunny 100% of the time for them. Where some books tend to gloss over what struggles very different people face when they marry or have a serious relationship, this book doesn't do that. I think there was more headbutting in this book between those two than there are cowboys at a rodeo! I don't mean to overlook Claire and Toms's story. That in and of itself made this book hard to put down but I just loved to get to read what happened next to two of the very likeable Amish fiction characters from An Uncommon Grace.
Hidden Mercies is a great combination of real-life strife along with a sweet love story and a HEA that makes any romance just about perfect! Serena Miller writes good historical fiction stories but I think Amish fiction is her sweet spot. I look forward to hopefully reading more about Mt. Hope and its residents. Hopefully Becky, Grace's sister, will make an appearance soon!
~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
My favorite thing about this story was the authentic feel that it had. Grace and her husband from the first book set in Mt. Hope play a part in this story as well and I absolutely loved that everything wasn't bright and sunny 100% of the time for them. Where some books tend to gloss over what struggles very different people face when they marry or have a serious relationship, this book doesn't do that. I think there was more headbutting in this book between those two than there are cowboys at a rodeo! I don't mean to overlook Claire and Toms's story. That in and of itself made this book hard to put down but I just loved to get to read what happened next to two of the very likeable Amish fiction characters from An Uncommon Grace.
Hidden Mercies is a great combination of real-life strife along with a sweet love story and a HEA that makes any romance just about perfect! Serena Miller writes good historical fiction stories but I think Amish fiction is her sweet spot. I look forward to hopefully reading more about Mt. Hope and its residents. Hopefully Becky, Grace's sister, will make an appearance soon!
~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
July 16, 2016
Beautiful story of overcoming the shame of past sin, a story of forgiveness - from God, for others, and ultimately for ourselves, a story about love - unconditional, resilient love, and finally a story about a prodigal, like the prodigal in all of us, coming home.
October 15, 2022
Hidden Mercies was such a good read! I'm not usually a reader of Amish fiction; but, every once in a while I'll pick one up. As with An Uncommon Grace by this author, I thoroughly enjoyed this story...it hooked me from the first chapter!
I was invested in the characters and their journey towards healing from tragedy. Part of the book was so sad and yet other moments were sweet. :)
All in all, I recommend Hidden Mercies to fans of the genre.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I was invested in the characters and their journey towards healing from tragedy. Part of the book was so sad and yet other moments were sweet. :)
All in all, I recommend Hidden Mercies to fans of the genre.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
March 27, 2013
An amazing book, that I didn't want to end. The first book in this series was An Uncommon Grace, this story is a continuation. That being said, you can read this as a stand alone, but Serena B. Miller is such an awesome author, you don't want to miss it.
We are now following Claire Shetler, whom we met previously, when her husband was brutally murdered, and Grace, now Levi's wife, saved her life. Grace also saved two year old Daniel.
Joining Claire's family also are her two nieces, Mandy and Amy. That makes for a busy life for any woman. Claire is also a dedicated Midwife, and is trying to support her family by doing that.
Returning after twenty seven years is Tom Miller, he has been badly injured in Afghanistan. He is a decorated Marine Helicopter pilot. He had a different name when he lived in this Ohio Amish Community, and he doesn't know how he will be received.
We find a great deal of compassion on all sides, and some very surprising happenings. There is a bit of Romance, and young ones getting into trouble, also Satan taking advantage of a faithful man's weakness...not unusual. Will this community be able to give forgiveness?
Your in for a really great read, and you won't be able to put this one down!
I received this book from Howard Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
We are now following Claire Shetler, whom we met previously, when her husband was brutally murdered, and Grace, now Levi's wife, saved her life. Grace also saved two year old Daniel.
Joining Claire's family also are her two nieces, Mandy and Amy. That makes for a busy life for any woman. Claire is also a dedicated Midwife, and is trying to support her family by doing that.
Returning after twenty seven years is Tom Miller, he has been badly injured in Afghanistan. He is a decorated Marine Helicopter pilot. He had a different name when he lived in this Ohio Amish Community, and he doesn't know how he will be received.
We find a great deal of compassion on all sides, and some very surprising happenings. There is a bit of Romance, and young ones getting into trouble, also Satan taking advantage of a faithful man's weakness...not unusual. Will this community be able to give forgiveness?
Your in for a really great read, and you won't be able to put this one down!
I received this book from Howard Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 8, 2013
There were times I had a love hate relationship with this book. However, when it's all said and done, it was an awesome story!
So, let's start with what I didn't like about the book: (1) someone did a horrible job of proofing or editing. There were so many mistakes with character names - Clair called Grace, Troyer changed to Yoder in one scene, etc - grammar, and characters in two places at the same time, it became amusing. Mistakes happen, but this was more than I've seen in any other book, and (2) the turmoil between Levi and Grace from book one in the series, An Uncommon Grace. When we left them in book one, it was a happily-ever-after ending. Not so much by the time we got to book two. Sure, they're married, but it's an uphill battle to overcome their differences. Maybe that's more along the lines of real life, but I prefer the happily-ever-after side of things in my books.
The things that I did like about the book: (1) Tom, the hero of this book, undying love for Clair - even after 27 years, (2) Clair's love for her family and friends. It was a very sweet story of the prodigal son returning home.
Favorite line: "Everything is going to be okay, Daed. Tobias just came home."
Looking forward to book three in the series, Fearless Hope. I'm hopeful that we'll see more from Levi and Grace - all problems resolved - and Tom and Clair - married, in love, and problem free!
So, let's start with what I didn't like about the book: (1) someone did a horrible job of proofing or editing. There were so many mistakes with character names - Clair called Grace, Troyer changed to Yoder in one scene, etc - grammar, and characters in two places at the same time, it became amusing. Mistakes happen, but this was more than I've seen in any other book, and (2) the turmoil between Levi and Grace from book one in the series, An Uncommon Grace. When we left them in book one, it was a happily-ever-after ending. Not so much by the time we got to book two. Sure, they're married, but it's an uphill battle to overcome their differences. Maybe that's more along the lines of real life, but I prefer the happily-ever-after side of things in my books.
The things that I did like about the book: (1) Tom, the hero of this book, undying love for Clair - even after 27 years, (2) Clair's love for her family and friends. It was a very sweet story of the prodigal son returning home.
Favorite line: "Everything is going to be okay, Daed. Tobias just came home."
Looking forward to book three in the series, Fearless Hope. I'm hopeful that we'll see more from Levi and Grace - all problems resolved - and Tom and Clair - married, in love, and problem free!
July 3, 2016
Claire is left at the alter when her fiance is killed in a bizarre car crash. The incident changes the lives of several people. Tobias, the fiance's brother, leaves the community in shame. Claire suddenly finds herself an unwed mother, something not really accepted in an Amish community.
Years later, the two meet under unusual circumstances. Can forgiveness bring healing to them both?
The author is very gifted, so the story was engaging and flowed smoothly. When I finished the book I felt more knowledgeable about the Amish and felt I'd spent a pleasant afternoon with a good book. I did, however, feel there were some negative things for me in the plot. I enjoyed the reality and Christian aspects that were infused throughout the story. But I didn't like the conclusion or the way the author resolved the issues with Tobias and how he handled his career. But since I'm not Amish, this might have played a part in my desire for a different conclusion. It just felt very unrealistic for me. But overall, it was an enjoyable story that I had fun reading.
I received this book free of charge from Pure Publicity in exchange for my honest review.
Years later, the two meet under unusual circumstances. Can forgiveness bring healing to them both?
The author is very gifted, so the story was engaging and flowed smoothly. When I finished the book I felt more knowledgeable about the Amish and felt I'd spent a pleasant afternoon with a good book. I did, however, feel there were some negative things for me in the plot. I enjoyed the reality and Christian aspects that were infused throughout the story. But I didn't like the conclusion or the way the author resolved the issues with Tobias and how he handled his career. But since I'm not Amish, this might have played a part in my desire for a different conclusion. It just felt very unrealistic for me. But overall, it was an enjoyable story that I had fun reading.
I received this book free of charge from Pure Publicity in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2016
this review is part of one done for Uncommon Grace
two together...now reading the third one.
two together...now reading the third one.
June 16, 2020
I read this a couple of weeks after I finished An Uncommon Grace which I really, really loved. I was interested to find out more about the characters I had met there and so I snatched up book 2 in the series.
For some reason, however, this story didn't grip me the way I had expected. It is not badly written and the characters are believable and likeable, too, but the story of Tobias/Tom and Claire didn't touch me above the surface. I did like the ending because I had not seen it coming - I had hoped it would somehow end like this but I hadn't really believed it.
The part I liked most, though, was to see how Levi and Grace were getting on. It's not that I enjoyed seeing them at odds with each other but I liked the realistic take on their relationship. Of course it would be difficult for Levi to adjust, and for Grace, too - but despite their ongoing fights and discussions I have no doubt they will find the way back to each other because they clearly love each other so.
And it's their story that will make me read the third installment, too. Plus, I like Ms Miller's storytelling. She's a good writer and the two novels I've read so far gave me a fascinating glimpse into a world that is utterly foreign to me. I knew next to nothing about the Amish before Uncommon Grace and now I find myself returning to learn more!
And despite the fact that I'm giving only 3 stars to this book, I have added Ms Miller on my list of authors to look out for, and am looking forward to exploring more of her stories.
For some reason, however, this story didn't grip me the way I had expected. It is not badly written and the characters are believable and likeable, too, but the story of Tobias/Tom and Claire didn't touch me above the surface. I did like the ending because I had not seen it coming - I had hoped it would somehow end like this but I hadn't really believed it.
The part I liked most, though, was to see how Levi and Grace were getting on. It's not that I enjoyed seeing them at odds with each other but I liked the realistic take on their relationship. Of course it would be difficult for Levi to adjust, and for Grace, too - but despite their ongoing fights and discussions I have no doubt they will find the way back to each other because they clearly love each other so.
And it's their story that will make me read the third installment, too. Plus, I like Ms Miller's storytelling. She's a good writer and the two novels I've read so far gave me a fascinating glimpse into a world that is utterly foreign to me. I knew next to nothing about the Amish before Uncommon Grace and now I find myself returning to learn more!
And despite the fact that I'm giving only 3 stars to this book, I have added Ms Miller on my list of authors to look out for, and am looking forward to exploring more of her stories.
July 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book with its heartwarming tone. I liked the two main characters, Tom and Claire. And I also enjoyed the Prodigal Son theme. I notice I've been drawn to this theme in the recent books I've been reading. However, there was one sub-plot about one of Claire's maternity patients which I felt was unnesessary and added too many pages to this novel. Also, there were some glaring proof-reading errors and/or editing errors, using Grace's name instead of Claire's really stood out. That comes across as sloppy. I would have to re-read sentences because I didn't understand them. Lastly, throughout the book, and in one paragraph in particular, the author over-uses the word "that."
April 11, 2021
I couldn't stop reading "An uncommon Grace". It was addictive! Once I finished it, I checked for "Hidden Mercies", but I must admit I was not too excited about it. I wanted to read much more about Levi and Grace, not about Levi's mom, therefore it took me many months to start reading "Hidden Mercies". Now, I couldn't feel happier about having read it! For those of you who loved Levi and Grace, no worries, there's more about them! And for the rest o you, just read it, it's a wonderful story, super worth it! To end with, I have the feeling that the magic of these books lays on Serena B Miller's skills as a writer. Her writing is kind, respectful, cheerful. She could write a book about a cow munching grass and I would probably still be addicted to the story.
Cristi
Cristi
January 14, 2019
A wonderful story of love and loss and how people from different cultures within society handle the situation.
Tobias was in an accident in his teens that involved his brother and cousin. His brother was going to marry a girl named Claire doesn't survive.
Tobias runs away and changes his name and joins the army.
He decides after surviving a suicide bomber to come home. Then the personal journeys of everyone that was affected begins.
You will be drawn in to their stories without even knowing it. You will enjoy this book!
Tobias was in an accident in his teens that involved his brother and cousin. His brother was going to marry a girl named Claire doesn't survive.
Tobias runs away and changes his name and joins the army.
He decides after surviving a suicide bomber to come home. Then the personal journeys of everyone that was affected begins.
You will be drawn in to their stories without even knowing it. You will enjoy this book!
December 12, 2019
I loved this book. I very much liked both of the main characters and their lives and interactions. The subplots of Levi's and Rose's marital issues were interesting as well. (I didn't know until after I'd finished that the author had written Levi and Grace's story - I'll have to read that as well). I finished this book 2 days before I was scheduled to do so because I just HAD to find out how the seemingly insurmountably different lifestyles of Claire and Tom would be reconciled for the romance happily-ever-after.
October 5, 2024
Hidden Mercies: A Novel
This is a wonderful story that kept me on my chair reading it through cover to cover. Tom and Claire many years, tears and heart ache brought them together through the Grace of God. Claire’s struggles, raising a son out of wedlock, banned by her church and community and forced to seek another community that could be compassionate to her led her too a work position that ultimately was required and needed by everyone - midwife.
This is a wonderful story that kept me on my chair reading it through cover to cover. Tom and Claire many years, tears and heart ache brought them together through the Grace of God. Claire’s struggles, raising a son out of wedlock, banned by her church and community and forced to seek another community that could be compassionate to her led her too a work position that ultimately was required and needed by everyone - midwife.
August 29, 2022
This may be one of the best Amish stories I’ve read. I’ve read A LOT! I loved that this story had more of the problems they share while living their (not so Simple) lives in this modern world. I also enjoyed the
interactions between the Amish and their English neighbors.
God first, then family. As far as I’m concerned, that is the way it should be.
interactions between the Amish and their English neighbors.
God first, then family. As far as I’m concerned, that is the way it should be.
September 29, 2024
Hidden Mercies
There is nothing in this book that I disliked. In fact, this is the best book that I’ve thoroughly and loved in quite some time. The characters were so fully developed that I didn’t want this book to end. I plan to recommend this to my sister who lives near Lancaster, PA. I will also recommend it to my two good reader friends. Thank you, Ms Miller.
There is nothing in this book that I disliked. In fact, this is the best book that I’ve thoroughly and loved in quite some time. The characters were so fully developed that I didn’t want this book to end. I plan to recommend this to my sister who lives near Lancaster, PA. I will also recommend it to my two good reader friends. Thank you, Ms Miller.
July 22, 2017
Thought provoking and inspirational
I love how the characters in the book are brought to life while living their life. I read the book in one evening and I am eager for the next book.
I love how the characters in the book are brought to life while living their life. I read the book in one evening and I am eager for the next book.
September 18, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but won’t be the last. I throughly enjoyed it from start to finish and felt it was one of the best Amish books I’ve read. I loved the interaction between the characters, Amish and English. I didn’t realize until reading other reviews that this was a series, so I’ll have to read the other books.
January 9, 2019
I'm really surprised how good this was! Well, not really though... it was Serena Miller, and I've liked all the books I've read from her. I didn't realize this was the 2nd in a series of 3.. guess I look forward to reading the rest in this series.
August 26, 2019
I read Miller’s book on Amish parenting and really liked it, but at first I was disappointed with Hidden Mercies. It’s simple and predictable, but gradually there’s a warmth and kindness growing through it that is quite moving.
February 24, 2020
Long lost family
This book is fantastic. Takes you through 3 different Amish sects. Loved it, couldn't put it down. Yelled at some of the characters when I got totally involved in the book
This book is fantastic. Takes you through 3 different Amish sects. Loved it, couldn't put it down. Yelled at some of the characters when I got totally involved in the book
March 1, 2020
Not so predictable!
Serena Miller always throws a monkey wrench in a predictable story which makes you catch your breath and pray there is still a happy ending coming. I love her stories about the Amish and wish to learn more.
Serena Miller always throws a monkey wrench in a predictable story which makes you catch your breath and pray there is still a happy ending coming. I love her stories about the Amish and wish to learn more.
May 29, 2023
Hidden Mercies
This was a wonderful good book! I laughed and I cried. I cried while I laughed and I laughed while I cried. Totally clean. Appropriate for anyone over 13. I absolutely recommend this story of love, mercy and grace.
This was a wonderful good book! I laughed and I cried. I cried while I laughed and I laughed while I cried. Totally clean. Appropriate for anyone over 13. I absolutely recommend this story of love, mercy and grace.
June 20, 2017
Chose to read this one since the cover said "RITA award winning, as well as its storyline of a mid wife in an Amish setting. Reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book or Hallmark TV movie.
August 11, 2017
Enjoyed reading about the different Amish cultures and beliefs.
July 27, 2019
Rich characters, intriguing plot, and a wonderfully written story that kept me coming back.
June 9, 2021
Sweet book! Highly recommend.
September 20, 2021
A very nice read.
Read
April 24, 2022recommender a fun quick read - glad I'm not amish.
May 9, 2022
Loads more typos in this one. Too many of Grace handing things, or speaking, to Grace. Still. A lovely story, without preaching.
May 16, 2022
Love this book, great characters ,great story line and just a nice sweet story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews