The Quiet Soldier: A Secrets of Sugarcreek Novel

by Serena B. Miller

When ghostwriter Amy Stanton races back to Ohio after a devastating phone call, she finds her quiet life in Amish country shattered and the man she cares about fighting for his life.
As Amy keeps vigil beside Lucas Hershberger's hospital bed, she uncovers a decades-old secret that threatens to destroy the peaceful community she's come to love. When a ruthless podcaster arrives determined to expose buried truths, Amy must decide how far she'll go to protect people who've become her family—and the man who's captured her heart. Caught between two worlds and facing impossible choices, Amy discovers that some battles are worth fighting, even when victory could cost her everything she holds dear. After all, sometimes the greatest courage is found in the quietest hearts that refuse to give up.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2025

About the author

I 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

Reviews

[Tina A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. I haven't read the first two books so a lot of the background information is confusing. I suggest reading the first two books before reading this one. If I had read the first two books then I would have understood the first half of the book and the interpersonal relationships. The end of the book seemed rushed to wrap up relationships. I felt the relationships must have been developed in previous books and needed to be wrapped up quickly at the end. I also didn't understand Lucas's struggle with his faith.

There was little dialogue in the first half of the book. It was mostly narrative. Once the “bridle” becomes part of the story, then the interactions and book began to feel like a traditional novel.

I wish I had read the first two books first so I understood this book better. After reading this book, I don't plan to go back and read them to understand this one.

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok first I’ll say it would benefit you if you read this series in order as with each book you will gain backstory that will help with the next book. As for this book I found myself excited to flip the next page and at the end of the night I was anxious for the next day to see where the storyline would go.
This author Serena B. Miller knows how to craft a story with characters that quickly become lifelike and hold your attention, although I really loved each book I have to say this one, The Quiet Soldier was my favorite in the series as if is packed with history, faith and the strength it takes to stand up, walk your path, and withstand the consequences of those choices, and although often its well past one’s life’s end It’s then future generations see the impact their life had.
This is one book I will be thinking about for awhile and I hope we see more of these characters and storyline. Happy Reading

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I think this is Serena’s best book ever! I was so into all the twists and turns and then the drama trying to be brought up from Elmer’s past. There was a statement in the storyline that really spoke to what was written. A historical novel but grounded in fact. I can’t wait to read a book recommend by Serena that puts the historical facts to Elmer’s earlier life as a teenager. I enjoyed watching Lucas and Amy becoming closer in their relationship. I can’t help to wonder if there is a fourth book on the horizon. I sure hope so.

I learn so much about the Amish when I read books from great authors who do their homework. One quote that I shared from the book to Facebook: “Englisch medicine is good for fixing what’s broken,” she said. “But Amish medicine is for helping the body remember how to heal itself.” Good food for thought.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some secrets are meant to stay secret. Ghostwriter Amy Stanton rushes back to Ohio to help her Amish friend Lucas Hershberger, who is fighting for his life. As she holds vigil beside Lucas’ hospital bed, she uncovers a secret that could destroy the quiet community she has grown to love. Amy realizes decisions must be made and some battles are just worth fighting. Will she find the courage to do the right thing? I loved the story and appreciated the author’s meticulous research.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story

I love stories by Serena Miller. I know without even reading the blurb that it is going to be good. I was not wrong with this story either. The quiet love between Amy and Lucas and how it came together in the end was warm and lovely. Plus this book was very educational with the story of Bishop Yoder and his role in WWII. Really fascinating. I highly recommend this whole series.