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Fields of Grace: Faith, Friendship, and the Day I Nearly Lost Everything
A remarkable true story of hope, survival, and faith lost and found . . .
On May 11, 2012, a small plane carrying five young adults en route to a Christian youth rally plummeted into a Kansas field. Only two survived the crash: twenty-seven-year-old ex-marine Austin Anderson, who would die the next morning from extensive burns, and his friend Hannah Luce, the twenty-two-year-old daughter of the renowned youth evangelist Ron Luce, cofounder and CEO of Teen Mania Ministries. In the moments after the crash, Hannah was injured and frightened, but together, she and Austin, who appeared miraculously out of the rubble, managed to reach a deserted road, where a passing driver found them and called for help.
For the first time, Hannah tells her story, not just of what happened in the plane that day and of her long road to recovery, but of how the crash changed everything she thought she knew about friendship, family, and faith.
On the surface, Hannah was the dutiful daughter of Evangelical royalty, with a degree from Oral Roberts University and a staff position in her father's ministry. Yet, in the years leading up to the crash, she had begun to investigate and question her early religious convictions. How much of what she'd been taught was really true? Did she still believe any of it? But as Hannah recounts the transformative aftermath of the crash, Austin's strength as he took care of her even as his own body failed, the miracle of the stranger who rescued them, and memories of her beloved friend Garrett, who died in the crash, she sees reasons to hope in the most unlikely places.
On that day marked by fire and pain and tragedy, Hannah was shaken to her core and soon realized she had to find a way to deal with her scars, inside and out. From out of the darkness, she discovered a new kind of faith, one that allowed her to embrace a life of purpose and possibility while honoring the memory of those she loved most.
On May 11, 2012, a small plane carrying five young adults en route to a Christian youth rally plummeted into a Kansas field. Only two survived the crash: twenty-seven-year-old ex-marine Austin Anderson, who would die the next morning from extensive burns, and his friend Hannah Luce, the twenty-two-year-old daughter of the renowned youth evangelist Ron Luce, cofounder and CEO of Teen Mania Ministries. In the moments after the crash, Hannah was injured and frightened, but together, she and Austin, who appeared miraculously out of the rubble, managed to reach a deserted road, where a passing driver found them and called for help.
For the first time, Hannah tells her story, not just of what happened in the plane that day and of her long road to recovery, but of how the crash changed everything she thought she knew about friendship, family, and faith.
On the surface, Hannah was the dutiful daughter of Evangelical royalty, with a degree from Oral Roberts University and a staff position in her father's ministry. Yet, in the years leading up to the crash, she had begun to investigate and question her early religious convictions. How much of what she'd been taught was really true? Did she still believe any of it? But as Hannah recounts the transformative aftermath of the crash, Austin's strength as he took care of her even as his own body failed, the miracle of the stranger who rescued them, and memories of her beloved friend Garrett, who died in the crash, she sees reasons to hope in the most unlikely places.
On that day marked by fire and pain and tragedy, Hannah was shaken to her core and soon realized she had to find a way to deal with her scars, inside and out. From out of the darkness, she discovered a new kind of faith, one that allowed her to embrace a life of purpose and possibility while honoring the memory of those she loved most.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 7, 2016
This book read like my biography, from the opening page to the evocative conclusion. I was raised in a very traditional setting, most of what I been taught were rules and legalism. Growing up, I was taught to fear God and depart from evil (any trace of it, whether it be cussing, watched R rated movies, being holy in every manner of conversation, etc.). Basically I had to "DO" in order to "Get" As a result, I questioned how God felt about me every moment. I did not see Him as a loving God that cared about me, but a bipolar god that wanted my money in churches and my willpower to please Him. Thankfully my perception of God has changed drastically, now I see Him in a different light.
Hannah's story about her plane crash and how she came to know God was deeply emotional. I empathized with her, especially when her father talked more about saving people from hell than Jesus. I can relate to her being questioned of how any people she got saved at her school, why she should always travel and talk about Jesus..EVERY opportunity, etc. I can relate to her feeling so isolated from a god that she suppose to love and adore. All of the lessons that she were taught, it really triggered my heart.
I hope wherever she is that her doubts about Christianity will lead her to the truth. God is not about religion or rules, but about an intimate relationship with His creation. Whether you are an unbeliever or not, you are loved!
Hannah's story about her plane crash and how she came to know God was deeply emotional. I empathized with her, especially when her father talked more about saving people from hell than Jesus. I can relate to her being questioned of how any people she got saved at her school, why she should always travel and talk about Jesus..EVERY opportunity, etc. I can relate to her feeling so isolated from a god that she suppose to love and adore. All of the lessons that she were taught, it really triggered my heart.
I hope wherever she is that her doubts about Christianity will lead her to the truth. God is not about religion or rules, but about an intimate relationship with His creation. Whether you are an unbeliever or not, you are loved!
September 4, 2014
I started reading this book at the local library. I was interested because of the title, and I thought it might be an interesting read. I was right about it being interesting.
As I read though the book, I could identify with Hannah, her not hearing the voice of the Lord and being a little jaded by people "acting out their faith." I came away feeling more sorry for her, because in the end she still does not seem to understand faith. She seems to embrace the modern "buffet Christianity." Don't like this, don't take any; I do like this so I will add a lot of that.
She seems to be preaching a gospel of anything except Christ crucified. That is why I feel sorry for her, and anyone that falls into the same teachings. There will be a day when we are all judged. Sin is sin, one is not better or worse than another. I just think about the teaching where Jesus said, "anyone who teaches one of these little ones to sin, it would be better to have a millstone tied around their neck and to be tossed into the sea."
Just thinking we all need a lot more Jesus, and a whole lot less "tolerance."
As I read though the book, I could identify with Hannah, her not hearing the voice of the Lord and being a little jaded by people "acting out their faith." I came away feeling more sorry for her, because in the end she still does not seem to understand faith. She seems to embrace the modern "buffet Christianity." Don't like this, don't take any; I do like this so I will add a lot of that.
She seems to be preaching a gospel of anything except Christ crucified. That is why I feel sorry for her, and anyone that falls into the same teachings. There will be a day when we are all judged. Sin is sin, one is not better or worse than another. I just think about the teaching where Jesus said, "anyone who teaches one of these little ones to sin, it would be better to have a millstone tied around their neck and to be tossed into the sea."
Just thinking we all need a lot more Jesus, and a whole lot less "tolerance."
February 20, 2014
A customer came into B&N asking for this book because he knew Austin Anderson. He had served in Iraq with him. I located the book for him and he told me a little bit about the book and showed me a picture of Austin. Now that I know this customer,(well somewhat) I feel a connection to Austin and need to read the book.
I had never heard of "Teen Mania" or Hannah Luce but the story takes place at Oral Roberts University and on a plane ride to Council Bluffs, Iowa for a Christian "Teen Mania" rally.
I absolutely love the ending of the book and think if Hannah hadn't written the book so soon after the crash she would have greater perspective into a lot more of what she was/is feeling.
Sometimes when I get done reading a book, I like it more and more a few days later after I think more about it. I hope that happens with this book since I love her ending so much.
I had never heard of "Teen Mania" or Hannah Luce but the story takes place at Oral Roberts University and on a plane ride to Council Bluffs, Iowa for a Christian "Teen Mania" rally.
I absolutely love the ending of the book and think if Hannah hadn't written the book so soon after the crash she would have greater perspective into a lot more of what she was/is feeling.
Sometimes when I get done reading a book, I like it more and more a few days later after I think more about it. I hope that happens with this book since I love her ending so much.
October 28, 2013
I've said this often and I'll say it again, I'm always hesitant to read memoirs and I really have to want to read about the person or the subject matter. I'd never heard of Hannah Luce but I have been following another airplane crash survivor, Stephanie Nielsen, as she has healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I wanted to hear Hannah's story.
See the rest of this review: http://amusingreviews.blogspot.com/20...
See the rest of this review: http://amusingreviews.blogspot.com/20...
December 29, 2015
Definitely not the book for me. I don't mind books on faith even though I'm not religious because I find it super interesting. However, this is not well written, and it lacks style and substance. While the writer has gone through some stuff with surviving a plane crash, at the end of the day she comes across as whiny and unlikeable. I also didn't really feel like the story had anything to do with faith other than she grew up in a teen ministry family.
Would not recommend.
Would not recommend.
May 20, 2014
Not a great testimony.
February 11, 2021
Wow, this was an impactful book. This truly is a story of faith and friendship and fighting to get through hard times. Hannah is strong, and I'm amazed at how she went through such terrible experiences but came out stronger than she went in. That is the grace of God.
Hannah Luce grew up in a strong Christian family. But as she grew older, she started to question the beliefs of her parents. She didn't really know where she was in life. Then one day a plane she was in crashed, and she was the only one who survived. She was scarred, inside and out. She didn't know how she could go on with life - she was overcome with guilt at her friends' deaths and she couldn't even look at her own body without feeling revulsion. But she realized that she needed to move on, to be strong and honor her friends' memories. She found her faith again and it helped to bring her through, to give her a life of purpose again.
Hannah's story is inspiring; it's terribly sad, yet amazingly uplifting. She shows me how I can come out of terrible experiences for the better; how, even when everything seems like it's falling apart, God is always watching, always caring. God has a plan, and I know that it's for our good.
Hannah Luce grew up in a strong Christian family. But as she grew older, she started to question the beliefs of her parents. She didn't really know where she was in life. Then one day a plane she was in crashed, and she was the only one who survived. She was scarred, inside and out. She didn't know how she could go on with life - she was overcome with guilt at her friends' deaths and she couldn't even look at her own body without feeling revulsion. But she realized that she needed to move on, to be strong and honor her friends' memories. She found her faith again and it helped to bring her through, to give her a life of purpose again.
Hannah's story is inspiring; it's terribly sad, yet amazingly uplifting. She shows me how I can come out of terrible experiences for the better; how, even when everything seems like it's falling apart, God is always watching, always caring. God has a plan, and I know that it's for our good.
October 14, 2013
"Why God? Why I am the only one left?"
These would be the same questions Hannah Luce would ask herself over and over as she began the slow road to recovery and healing being the only one to survive the plane crash that killed four of her closest friends and ones who were just beginning their lives working for Teen Mania Ministries. What Hannah shares in Fields of Grace, the book that chronicles not only what happened that fateful day that would forever change her life in more ways than she could remember but also shares how difficult her own road to discovery and faith has been being the daughter of a well known youth evangelist, Ron Luce, cofounder and CEO of Teen Mania Ministries.
This is the perfect book for anyone who is just beginning their spiritual walk or questioning where God is at in their dry moments when you wonder is this all there is in your faith walk. Hannah tells a very honest and compelling look at how she was raised and how she began at some point to wonder where God was at in all of it. She struggles with prayer and wondering why God doesn't answer her like she believes He should. She questions everything she has been raised to believe and wonders if there is something more out there than just what her dad has been teaching her.
She introduces us to Austin Anderson, the young man she meets while attending Oral Roberts University who is adored and charmed by countless women but has the most amazing friendship with Hannah because she is unlike anyone he has ever met since returning from two tours in Iraq and has been struggling to come to terms with his faith and seeing the horror of war. He and Hannah find themselves as true soulmates in every sense of the word even though they are not romantically interested in one another. It will be that same relationship that will be tested in the truest sense when their plane crashes.
Hannah tells how difficult it has been trying to find ways to reconnect with not only Austin but with Garrett Coble, the man that she believes was joining the flight that day to ask her to become part of his life, something that was shared between them but never honestly discussed until the day that would forever seal their fates and Hannah would never be able to tell Garrett her true feelings for him. She fondly remembers Austin's favorite quote from the movie Braveheart, "Every man dies, not every man really lives," and that is just how Garrett lived every moment of his life, a true hero to the end.
I received Fields of Grace by Hannah Luce and Robin Gaby Fisher compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars because I truly believe in all of our hearts, we have all had moments of doubt and wonder where God is in the midst of personal trials, struggles or losses we can not explain. This book helps cast aside those doubts and helps us to realize that most of the time God is simply waiting to be invited in, and not asked to prove His existence in our lives. This book is a love story about three friends whose bond cannot be broken by death.
Hannah Luce has decided to donate all proceeds of the sale of Fields of Grace to the nonprofit organization she formed Mirror Tree to aid in the research and to create opportunities for people in the United States to help rehabilitate and reintegrate female refugees and others suffering from the aftereffects of rape, genocide and the loss of identity. This was a dream Austin had and she wants to do all she can to see this dream become a reality and as a tribute to him and the work he had hoped to achieve.
These would be the same questions Hannah Luce would ask herself over and over as she began the slow road to recovery and healing being the only one to survive the plane crash that killed four of her closest friends and ones who were just beginning their lives working for Teen Mania Ministries. What Hannah shares in Fields of Grace, the book that chronicles not only what happened that fateful day that would forever change her life in more ways than she could remember but also shares how difficult her own road to discovery and faith has been being the daughter of a well known youth evangelist, Ron Luce, cofounder and CEO of Teen Mania Ministries.
This is the perfect book for anyone who is just beginning their spiritual walk or questioning where God is at in their dry moments when you wonder is this all there is in your faith walk. Hannah tells a very honest and compelling look at how she was raised and how she began at some point to wonder where God was at in all of it. She struggles with prayer and wondering why God doesn't answer her like she believes He should. She questions everything she has been raised to believe and wonders if there is something more out there than just what her dad has been teaching her.
She introduces us to Austin Anderson, the young man she meets while attending Oral Roberts University who is adored and charmed by countless women but has the most amazing friendship with Hannah because she is unlike anyone he has ever met since returning from two tours in Iraq and has been struggling to come to terms with his faith and seeing the horror of war. He and Hannah find themselves as true soulmates in every sense of the word even though they are not romantically interested in one another. It will be that same relationship that will be tested in the truest sense when their plane crashes.
Hannah tells how difficult it has been trying to find ways to reconnect with not only Austin but with Garrett Coble, the man that she believes was joining the flight that day to ask her to become part of his life, something that was shared between them but never honestly discussed until the day that would forever seal their fates and Hannah would never be able to tell Garrett her true feelings for him. She fondly remembers Austin's favorite quote from the movie Braveheart, "Every man dies, not every man really lives," and that is just how Garrett lived every moment of his life, a true hero to the end.
I received Fields of Grace by Hannah Luce and Robin Gaby Fisher compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars because I truly believe in all of our hearts, we have all had moments of doubt and wonder where God is in the midst of personal trials, struggles or losses we can not explain. This book helps cast aside those doubts and helps us to realize that most of the time God is simply waiting to be invited in, and not asked to prove His existence in our lives. This book is a love story about three friends whose bond cannot be broken by death.
Hannah Luce has decided to donate all proceeds of the sale of Fields of Grace to the nonprofit organization she formed Mirror Tree to aid in the research and to create opportunities for people in the United States to help rehabilitate and reintegrate female refugees and others suffering from the aftereffects of rape, genocide and the loss of identity. This was a dream Austin had and she wants to do all she can to see this dream become a reality and as a tribute to him and the work he had hoped to achieve.
February 13, 2014
"Field of Grace" by Hannah Luce which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is the most inspiring story of a young woman's journey of faith that I have read in a long time. Raised in a devote Christian family, the daughter of Ron Luce a renowned youth evangelist and co-founder of Teen Mania Ministries, Hannah feels disconnected from God but after suffering the traumatic effects of a plane crash, a tragic loss and a painful recuperation, she discovers her faith renewed and a strong determination to continue the work of her dearest friends. This is a story of faith, of a belief that even in our darkest hours God is near, and that if we open our eyes we can see the work of his divine presence all around us.
The plot is honest and straightforward as Hannah Luce recounts her life from a faithful, unquestioning child devoted to the work of her kind and compassionate father,to seeking answers as she grows older when she feels God no longer seems a tangible force in her life. With candid openness she reveals her feeling of being split between two people; one the Hannah obedient to her parents' strong religious beliefs, and the other stumbling in her journey to find God in her own way.
With love and understanding Hannah draws a clear picture of the people in life, their personalities, weaknesses and strengths. Garrett, so very masculine in his likes and dislikes struggles for stability in his life, agonizing over his unrequited love for Hannah. He's ambitious and critical at times but warm-hearted and compassionate. Austin, a man who has seen a lot of pain and suffering during his two tours of duty finds his faith strained, but through friendship and love finds it renewed. He's dedicated,loyal and sincere, with a strong loving heart. Ron Luce, Hannah's father is a man of unshakeable faith, wanting his daughter to follow his lead and anxious about the path she's following. Like her mother, they show unconditional love, relinquishing her into God's hands as Hannah perseveres through her mental and physical recuperation and searches for her faith.
This is a journey, of survival, of tragedy, of loss, of suffering and pain, but interwoven into all the adversity are woven elements of courage, perseverance, renewal, unquenchable faith and great love. My review cannot begin to do justice to this heartwarming, poignant story that should be read by young and old alike, and by those with faith or searching for it. I enjoyed this book immensely and pray others will take the time to read it to.
The plot is honest and straightforward as Hannah Luce recounts her life from a faithful, unquestioning child devoted to the work of her kind and compassionate father,to seeking answers as she grows older when she feels God no longer seems a tangible force in her life. With candid openness she reveals her feeling of being split between two people; one the Hannah obedient to her parents' strong religious beliefs, and the other stumbling in her journey to find God in her own way.
With love and understanding Hannah draws a clear picture of the people in life, their personalities, weaknesses and strengths. Garrett, so very masculine in his likes and dislikes struggles for stability in his life, agonizing over his unrequited love for Hannah. He's ambitious and critical at times but warm-hearted and compassionate. Austin, a man who has seen a lot of pain and suffering during his two tours of duty finds his faith strained, but through friendship and love finds it renewed. He's dedicated,loyal and sincere, with a strong loving heart. Ron Luce, Hannah's father is a man of unshakeable faith, wanting his daughter to follow his lead and anxious about the path she's following. Like her mother, they show unconditional love, relinquishing her into God's hands as Hannah perseveres through her mental and physical recuperation and searches for her faith.
This is a journey, of survival, of tragedy, of loss, of suffering and pain, but interwoven into all the adversity are woven elements of courage, perseverance, renewal, unquenchable faith and great love. My review cannot begin to do justice to this heartwarming, poignant story that should be read by young and old alike, and by those with faith or searching for it. I enjoyed this book immensely and pray others will take the time to read it to.
January 16, 2014
As I was reading this, I thought it would be very easy to review. Now having finished it, I'm at a bit of a loss. I really identified with Hannah's journey, except my plane was a car, the boys were my aunt, and my scars are not from burns. I understand the compulsion to document it, and the frustration that the world continues on, ignoring or not understanding that things will never be the same. The PTSD struggles are all too familiar and I know that Hannah's healing process will have many more ups and downs for years to come. I could sense when she held back on something, but understand that certain parts of such an intimate experience will always be kept private. I imagine that this would be lost on the majority of readers. I shared her frustration with the religious platitudes that people offered, and the staunch church atmosphere that continues to stifle so many people when they are searching for answers.
So many times I would be reading and think, "I remember thinking that":
So far, all I have felt is the torrid guilt of being alive when my friends are dead, and the acid torment of my thoughts. What am I supposed to do now that you're not here? I don't even know how to live without suffering anymore. Part of me doesn't want to stop suffering because I'm afraid if I do, a piece of you will be gone. The other part of me can't live with this kind of pain much longer. I can't explain the feeling of powerlessness, of utter fear. There were times that the hallucinations blended with reality. It seemed as if he hit every bump in the pavement, which caused me excruciating pain. You'd be a terrible nurse! There's nowhere to go to hide from myself. I hate my skin because it reminds me. I search my mind again and again for things I could have done differently. Would I ever heal? Would I ever enjoy my life again? Would I ever be able to look at my own body without feeling disgusted? The sight of my skin sickened me, and I continued to feel the emptiness of the hole in my heart where my friends had once been.
I still can't decide if this book served to dredge up the pain or actually help a bit with the healing process, but I do really appreciate it. I appreciate it because now I have something to which I can refer people. This may be Hannah's journey, but she has spoken volumes for others.
PS - I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. Kinda feels like it was meant to be.
So many times I would be reading and think, "I remember thinking that":
So far, all I have felt is the torrid guilt of being alive when my friends are dead, and the acid torment of my thoughts. What am I supposed to do now that you're not here? I don't even know how to live without suffering anymore. Part of me doesn't want to stop suffering because I'm afraid if I do, a piece of you will be gone. The other part of me can't live with this kind of pain much longer. I can't explain the feeling of powerlessness, of utter fear. There were times that the hallucinations blended with reality. It seemed as if he hit every bump in the pavement, which caused me excruciating pain. You'd be a terrible nurse! There's nowhere to go to hide from myself. I hate my skin because it reminds me. I search my mind again and again for things I could have done differently. Would I ever heal? Would I ever enjoy my life again? Would I ever be able to look at my own body without feeling disgusted? The sight of my skin sickened me, and I continued to feel the emptiness of the hole in my heart where my friends had once been.
I still can't decide if this book served to dredge up the pain or actually help a bit with the healing process, but I do really appreciate it. I appreciate it because now I have something to which I can refer people. This may be Hannah's journey, but she has spoken volumes for others.
PS - I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. Kinda feels like it was meant to be.
May 29, 2016
Not only is this story "of hope, survival, and faith lost and found" but also about finding ones self.
The book begins as Hannah is walking towards where her plane had crashed 6 months ago. As she is walking towards where the wreckage was she tells her story...
Hannah's father is Ron Luce, cofounder and CEO of Teen Mania Ministries, who raised his children to believe in his God and to save others. At first Hannah is compliant and does all she can from ministry work to creating a website for pre-teen girls but as she gets older she starts to struggle with her faith, as most do at some point in their life. She is afraid to tell her parents so she lives a lie for several years even following her to a Christian college in Oklahoma where she meets Austin and Garrett who are strong in their faith.
Austin is the typical country boy from Texas fresh from the marines. He sees Hannah is different right away and basically forces her to become one of his best friends. He then introduces her to Garrett who has always been a fan of Hannah's dad. They have an instant connection but never actually have an official relationship outside of friendship.
On May 11, 2012 a plane crash took place in SE Kansas which took the lives of many heading to a teen evangelist event including Austin, Garret and two others. Hannah tells her side of the story along with others who witnessed that day and the struggles that came after.
Normally I am not a fan of non-fiction or autobiographies but this was very well written with a great pace and a fantastic insight as to the author got from one place in her life to another.
This is a great book about finding your own beliefs and being who you really are.
The book begins as Hannah is walking towards where her plane had crashed 6 months ago. As she is walking towards where the wreckage was she tells her story...
Hannah's father is Ron Luce, cofounder and CEO of Teen Mania Ministries, who raised his children to believe in his God and to save others. At first Hannah is compliant and does all she can from ministry work to creating a website for pre-teen girls but as she gets older she starts to struggle with her faith, as most do at some point in their life. She is afraid to tell her parents so she lives a lie for several years even following her to a Christian college in Oklahoma where she meets Austin and Garrett who are strong in their faith.
Austin is the typical country boy from Texas fresh from the marines. He sees Hannah is different right away and basically forces her to become one of his best friends. He then introduces her to Garrett who has always been a fan of Hannah's dad. They have an instant connection but never actually have an official relationship outside of friendship.
On May 11, 2012 a plane crash took place in SE Kansas which took the lives of many heading to a teen evangelist event including Austin, Garret and two others. Hannah tells her side of the story along with others who witnessed that day and the struggles that came after.
Normally I am not a fan of non-fiction or autobiographies but this was very well written with a great pace and a fantastic insight as to the author got from one place in her life to another.
This is a great book about finding your own beliefs and being who you really are.
February 22, 2014
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway.
While I follow the news quite closely I do not remember having heard of the plane crash involving Hannah Luce. Hannah Luce is the daughter of minister Ron Luce, who is also the founder of Teen Mania which is where she was heading with her friends when the plane they were aboard crashed. This is the story of Hannah's life thus far, as well as the plane crash she survived last year which took the life of four of her close friends.
The reason I gave this review 4 stars, it was written so soon after the plane crash. This didn't allow Hannah to reflect on how it changed her beyond the immediate loss of her friends and the extensive burns she suffered. This mad the ending of the book feel quite rushed as it lacked much reflection.
This book is good for anyone who may be questioning their faith as in the novel Hannah certainly questions hers. Having known friends who were the sole survivors of accident and sat there often wondering, why me, why am I the one who survived, I think Hannah's story would be told much better in a few years. I wonder as well what her relationship is with her parents today.
While I follow the news quite closely I do not remember having heard of the plane crash involving Hannah Luce. Hannah Luce is the daughter of minister Ron Luce, who is also the founder of Teen Mania which is where she was heading with her friends when the plane they were aboard crashed. This is the story of Hannah's life thus far, as well as the plane crash she survived last year which took the life of four of her close friends.
The reason I gave this review 4 stars, it was written so soon after the plane crash. This didn't allow Hannah to reflect on how it changed her beyond the immediate loss of her friends and the extensive burns she suffered. This mad the ending of the book feel quite rushed as it lacked much reflection.
This book is good for anyone who may be questioning their faith as in the novel Hannah certainly questions hers. Having known friends who were the sole survivors of accident and sat there often wondering, why me, why am I the one who survived, I think Hannah's story would be told much better in a few years. I wonder as well what her relationship is with her parents today.
July 20, 2016
Fields of Grace is a memoir about Hannah's experience growing up with her Evangelizing Christian parents, especially her Father who founded Teen Mania, a Christian teen camp. She starts to doubt and question her parents fundamental Christian faith in her teenage years, and goes through a lot of hard times with this. I can say I understood a bit of how she feels. The last third of the book is about a plan crash she was in, and what she went through with that in coming to terms with her faith and the feelings of being the only survivor. She's still quite young (early 20s) and so there's going to be a lot more of her life to figure things out, but I thought it was a good story, and I always credit people for sharing their personal experiences. 3.5 stars because the writing was pretty straight forward, and it wasn't as inspiring to me as Stephanie Nielson's plane crash experience in her book. I did love her quotes at the beginning of each chapter, and I love that she's found her own way to make a difference in the world with non profit organization, of which she says that the proceeds of this book will go to that.
October 21, 2014
This book intrigued me on many levels and to be very frank, the plane crash was not the most interesting part to me.
I could relate to Hannah's feelings about her father Ron Luce's evangelical faith and reaching a point in her own life when she began to question if he was missing the point, if faith was meant to be so exclusive, so black and white. I have experienced the same realizations regarding faith versus man-made religion. This caused a rift between them and left Hannah floundering as she tried to figure out her own beliefs and how to have them while maintaining a relationship with her parents.
The plane crash itself was utterly horrifying.
I feel for Hannah, being the sole survivor of the crash and losing her friends. Survivor guilt is a powerful and horrible thing. I admire her for writing the book and even more for donating the full proceeds of the book to a nonprofit charity that she created in her friend's memory. The grit and compassion that she has will carry her far in her life. I think we will be hearing more from this young lady in the future.
I wrote this honest review in exchange for reading an ARC from Netgalley.
April 15, 2016
I didn't expect to become so captivated by this book, but once I got going with Hannah's story, I couldn't put it down (I literally read the majority of it over one morning). Hannah is so honest in her perceptions and writes in such a genuine way; you really feel she is opening up to the reader without trying to manipulate their perception of her. She communicates her faith and beliefs without being preachy, and I found her open-mindedness and curiosity refreshing and inspiring. You can't argue the enormity of the trauma she faces as a result of her plane crash, but the sense of purpose she eventually finds cannot be argued with, and encouraged me to reflect upon my own path in life. Her warmth towards her father despite their difference in beliefs is also worth noting; you can tell Hannah really loves and cares for her father (and for all those a part of her story). Overall, I found this a remarkable read - engaging, thought-provoking and full of warmth. A fitting tribute to the friends she wishes to honour and to her family.
October 11, 2013
Hannah Luce is the daughter of Ron Luce, the founder of Teen Mania. This is the story of her life as the daughter of a very public ministry figure as well as the plane crash she survived last year which took the life of four of her friends. Hannah’s story was familiar to me–one of the chapters was titled “Growing Up Evangelical” and I remember attending a Teen Mania event once–but it was written so soon after the plane crash that there wasn’t really a lot of time to reflect on how it changed her beyond the immediate loss of her friends and the extensive burns she suffered. She spent quite a bit of the book expressing ambivalence (at best) about her father’s ministry without discussing what her relationship with her parents is now, which felt like a gaping hole. An interesting and compelling story marred by a rushed ending without a lot of resolution. Recommended for: former teen maniacs.
September 9, 2016
I received a copy of Hannah Luce's personal memoir: Field's of Grace via Goodreads First-reads giveaway. I was emotionally moved by her story. It is one of strength, courage and love. Hannah Luce experienced tragic loss in an event that changed her life forever. The love that she holds for her friends who lost their lives, and the trauma that she endured is overwhelming. Hannah was raised in a home where faith in God was at the forefront and she continued to be challenged by the beliefs held by her loved ones. Her independent thinking and search for answers allowed her to grow and mature and find personal happiness only to have this stolen they day the plane crashed and her world fell apart around her. Hannah shares her raw emotions, her pain and her resiliency. This is a true story about love, strength and faith. I commend Hannah Luce for allowing readers to be part of her journey in her path to recovery.
December 12, 2013
What a beautifully , inspirational love story on so many levels. Hannah it truly was my honour to be allowed to step into your life. You truly have an "old soul wisdom" beyond your years. Thank you for allowing us as readers into what may have begun as your pain & anguish but is now continuing on in your strength & courage. Bless you for being so honest about everything that you thought & went through spiritually, physically & emotionally. I felt like we have been sister's sharing much of the same road at times together and that your experience shows that we are all headed down our paths together where we will become as one in the vision of our Lord. Many blessings to you and to all of your family & friends. And I am eagerly awaiting to hear about the next phase of your journey as you travel with wings lifted upon the winds of Austin & Garrett's inspirational love for you & humanity.
May 15, 2014
The author, Hannah Luce, is the daughter of evangelist Ron Luce who founded Teen Mania, a world renowned ministry to teens. Growing up in that atmosphere left Hannah searching for a faith that was real, that she could embrace. This story tells of how, in the face of a great tragedy that almost took her life, Hannah confronts her guilt, pain, and fears, and in her darkest hour finds the faith she had been searching for and the strength to go on. I found myself very much able to identify with her struggles to make sense of a God who sometimes seems to be so silent and distant. This is an emotional tale that really got to me. The last couple of chapters were hard to read through the snot and tears. Her faith was hard won and is all the more genuine than what she had been spoon fed as a child growing up in that environment. This one surprised me.
May 30, 2016
This is the story of Hannah Luce, daughter of well-known evangelist Ron Luce, and also the lone survivor of a plane crash that killed 2 of her best friends. She tells of her struggles - emotionally, physically, and spiritually - as she deals with the aftermath of the crash and the decision to not only survive, but to begin living.
One of my favorite quotes in the book is a Kurt Vonnegut quote from the Player Piano that states, "And a step backward, after making a wrong turn, is a step in the right direction."
One of my favorite quotes in the book is a Kurt Vonnegut quote from the Player Piano that states, "And a step backward, after making a wrong turn, is a step in the right direction."
October 18, 2013
This is a very honest account of a young woman, the daughter of a well known teen evangelist, who questioned the confines of her parents' specific beliefs. She learned to fake her spiritual life. Then surviving the plane crash and the struggles that followed: psychological, physical and spiritual. returning to the crash sight, she began to experience healing in soul and spirit. See my full review at http://bit.ly/15Oi9EE.
June 12, 2014
I really enjoyed the beginning of his book. Learning what led to a crisis of faith in a teenage girl and how she dealt with is while growing up in an evangelical home. Everything up to the plane crash was really good, however, afterward we heard about her physical recovery and her addiction recovery but very little about how she recovered her faith and what her new found faith meant to her. This made for a disappointing end to me.
January 22, 2014
Written by the daughter of Ron Luce with the assistance Robin Gaby Fisher, FIELDS OF GRACE, is the story growing up in the Teen Mania culture, going to college at Oral Roberts University, and Hannah’s near death experience in a plane crash in a Kansas field. She tells her story well, expressing her doubts about some of her father’s religious stands, but admiring his qualities as a Christ follower and as a father.
Recommended for public libraries.
November 19, 2013
I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. I couldn't put it down... Hannah Luce is truly an inspiring young woman, who lived a traumatic experience. She relates it honestly, with the ups and downs that she encountered, and that is what makes the story so beautiful and inspiring. The ending brought me to tears... I absolutely recommend it.
July 22, 2016
I feel bad giving this a low rating because this is her story - whatever she wants to tell is up to her. But as the reader I was kind of bored and then confused. Most of the story is about her crisis of faith and then a quick disjointed summary of the actual plane crash and then not really sure where she stands faith-wise in the end.
December 10, 2014
I love this book because it's a true story about a girl who is trying to find her face again after a tragic airplane accident with two of her best friends.Garrett died right on the spot and Austin died later in the hospital.She was left with tragic burns and had to learn how to walk again. I recommend this book because it shows that even when the worst happens you can still be your best.
September 22, 2016
this book was relly good it teaches you.How to have hope in the bad time and good.Even
when you lost the people you loved so much. And The past you shod never be afraid of doing what's
right and whats rong. and to all ways throust the people who care about you. and your religion dose not relly mater. the rest of the book i did not finish. Because i was not intrested.
when you lost the people you loved so much. And The past you shod never be afraid of doing what's
right and whats rong. and to all ways throust the people who care about you. and your religion dose not relly mater. the rest of the book i did not finish. Because i was not intrested.
November 1, 2013
Living lives with deceased loved ones in heart is reponsibilty of being alive.Learning to live for others too is Gem of a learning.May be we do not realise this from where we are.But that is way to realy become truely happy.
January 25, 2014
Such a beautiful but tragic experience Hannah endured!! She is amazing and I feel this book deserves way more recognition! God bless and remember that God is always around even when you think he doesn't listen to you..
November 20, 2014
Very, very good! If it was hard for me to read her struggles, I KNOW it was even harder for her to go through it. Her journey of faith is very similar to what mine has been the last few years. Really great book!
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