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Into the Promised Land
As a child Andy Troyer longs for a brighter future, one free from the desperate shadow of hunger and loss. When his father becomes a minister it lifts the family out of poverty, but the newfound improvement in circumstances does nothing to quell the desires in Andy’s heart. Can the peaceful life his Amish community offers provide the answers he seeks, or will his heart carve its own path? In the neighboring district, Sylvia grows up in a world painted with love and privilege. An unexpected tragedy throws her life into turmoil, plunging her into a world of darkness. One night, a dream ignites a profound transformation within her, unfolding a journey infused with faith, redemption, and changing the trajectory of those around her forever. When Andy and Sylvia’s paths converge, they find in each other a shared spirit and an undeniable connection. Their lives become intertwined as they fall in love with each other and Jesus. As they reckon with the repercussions of embracing their new beliefs, they must find the courage to follow their hearts. Inspired by a true story, "Into the Promised Land" is an old-fashioned tale of love and loss, courage and forgiveness, and the reminder that the irresistible call of God isn’t always easy but following Him changes lives for eternity. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sarah Heatwole is a writer of Mennonite heritage from Hartville, Ohio. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she holds a BS degree in Social Work. Her short stories have been published in "Clean Fiction Magazine," and her debut, "Into the Promised Land" was a semi-finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. She lives in Smyrna, Tennessee, with her husband, and three children.
- GenresAmish
308 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2025
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Heatwole
1 book9 followersSarah Heatwole is a wife, mom, senior living professional, and author. She’s recently published her debut, Into the Promised Land, a historical Christian novel inspired by her grandparents’ courageous journey of leaving the Amish church after encountering the transforming love of Jesus. You can find Sarah’s short stories and recent blog posts on the homepage.
Sarah hold’s a Bachelor of Social Work from The Ohio State University, and her love for storytelling began in childhood, nurtured by her mother reading her the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. In 2022, she began writing with the goal of preserving her family history—and discovered a deep passion for the craft. Writing has become a powerful way for her to express thoughts, emotions, and faith.
She lives in Smyrna, Tennessee with her husband and three children. In the early morning hours, she writes; during the day, she serve families as a regional sales manager, helping advisors navigate care solutions for the elderly. She’s especially grateful to her local CHARIS writing group, whose encouragement and guidance have helped shape her growth as a writer over the past three years.
Above all, her heart’s desire is that her stories draw people closer to Jesus and bring glory to His name.
Sarah hold’s a Bachelor of Social Work from The Ohio State University, and her love for storytelling began in childhood, nurtured by her mother reading her the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. In 2022, she began writing with the goal of preserving her family history—and discovered a deep passion for the craft. Writing has become a powerful way for her to express thoughts, emotions, and faith.
She lives in Smyrna, Tennessee with her husband and three children. In the early morning hours, she writes; during the day, she serve families as a regional sales manager, helping advisors navigate care solutions for the elderly. She’s especially grateful to her local CHARIS writing group, whose encouragement and guidance have helped shape her growth as a writer over the past three years.
Above all, her heart’s desire is that her stories draw people closer to Jesus and bring glory to His name.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 17, 2025
Andy Troyer’s Amish childhood during the Great Depression was far from the peaceful, devout life often depicted in stories about the Amish. He and his siblings experienced hunger, hardship, and insecurity as their family moved from place to place. Andy secretly questioned his father’s faith and the church rules. Eventually, Andy met Sylvia Slabaugh and married her.
In Sylvia’s Amish community, Andy found loving relationships and began studying the life of Jesus. Andy and Sylvia attended a tent revival meeting and accepted the message of salvation and grace through faith, which brought them the inner peace they longed for. Andy and Sylvia learned that salvation comes from faith in Jesus, not by good works or strict rule-following.
Sarah Heatwole does an exceptional job of sharing her grandparents’ story from both historical and Christian perspectives. I appreciated how a leader in Andy’s circle used the Dordrecht Confession (an early Anabaptist document still recognized by the Amish) to refute the false doctrine that had entered the Amish community. Because of their newfound faith, Andy and Sylvia’s family were placed under the bann and had limited contact with Andy’s relatives for the rest of their lives.
Andy and Sylvia Troyer’s life is a testament to courage and resilience, despite personal hardship and unfair condemnation. Into the Promised Land will be an encouragement to those recovering from religious trauma and an inspiration to those who have moved from their childhood faith to one that better fits their adult understanding of scripture.
In Sylvia’s Amish community, Andy found loving relationships and began studying the life of Jesus. Andy and Sylvia attended a tent revival meeting and accepted the message of salvation and grace through faith, which brought them the inner peace they longed for. Andy and Sylvia learned that salvation comes from faith in Jesus, not by good works or strict rule-following.
Sarah Heatwole does an exceptional job of sharing her grandparents’ story from both historical and Christian perspectives. I appreciated how a leader in Andy’s circle used the Dordrecht Confession (an early Anabaptist document still recognized by the Amish) to refute the false doctrine that had entered the Amish community. Because of their newfound faith, Andy and Sylvia’s family were placed under the bann and had limited contact with Andy’s relatives for the rest of their lives.
Andy and Sylvia Troyer’s life is a testament to courage and resilience, despite personal hardship and unfair condemnation. Into the Promised Land will be an encouragement to those recovering from religious trauma and an inspiration to those who have moved from their childhood faith to one that better fits their adult understanding of scripture.
December 26, 2025
From the very beginning, Sarah Heatwole draws you into the lives of her characters, allowing you to feel their trauma, insecurity, and growth in a deeply personal way. Knowing this story is based on her real family makes it even more impactful.
Into the Promised Land is a beautiful reminder of how God aligns our lives according to His will — often in ways we can’t see while we’re living through them. It shows how the Lord uses the good, the hard, and everything in between, always working things together for good. A powerful and faith-filled story of trust, perspective, and hope.
Into the Promised Land is a beautiful reminder of how God aligns our lives according to His will — often in ways we can’t see while we’re living through them. It shows how the Lord uses the good, the hard, and everything in between, always working things together for good. A powerful and faith-filled story of trust, perspective, and hope.
February 8, 2026
Beautiful story of love, loss, regret, and most of all forgiveness.
Sarah Heatwole tells the beautiful story of her grandparents lives. From lowly beginnings in an Amish community during the Great Depression, to moving on to the Mennonite Church in Hartville, Ohio, Andy and Sylvia Troyer lived a life of service to the Lord. Their testament to His faithfulness is one that will remain with me.
As a childhood friend of the author, this story struck a chord with me. Growing up in Hartville, Ohio, my grandparents had a similar upbringing. My maternal grandfather was raised Amish as the youngest of 10 children. He, like Andy, never joined the church. Instead, he grew up to become a lifelong member of First Mennonite Church in Canton, Ohio. He drove a semi truck for Lawson’s Dairy. I can only imagine the internal struggle he must also have faced when making those life changing decisions, just like Andy.
I am truly thankful for this novel. It has pulled at my heartstrings and made me even more proud of my family’s Amish and Mennonite history.
Thank you for this beautiful story, Sarah!
Sarah Heatwole tells the beautiful story of her grandparents lives. From lowly beginnings in an Amish community during the Great Depression, to moving on to the Mennonite Church in Hartville, Ohio, Andy and Sylvia Troyer lived a life of service to the Lord. Their testament to His faithfulness is one that will remain with me.
As a childhood friend of the author, this story struck a chord with me. Growing up in Hartville, Ohio, my grandparents had a similar upbringing. My maternal grandfather was raised Amish as the youngest of 10 children. He, like Andy, never joined the church. Instead, he grew up to become a lifelong member of First Mennonite Church in Canton, Ohio. He drove a semi truck for Lawson’s Dairy. I can only imagine the internal struggle he must also have faced when making those life changing decisions, just like Andy.
I am truly thankful for this novel. It has pulled at my heartstrings and made me even more proud of my family’s Amish and Mennonite history.
Thank you for this beautiful story, Sarah!
February 13, 2026
Heatwole has knocked it out of the park with her debut novel inspired by her own grandparents. Readers who enjoy historical fiction or Amish fiction will adore this story. It brings to life real events in a way that is both historically fascinating and entirely compelling. And with a story so steeped in the reminder that God loves each and every one of us and is chasing us, it settles in the heart and grows. I’m known for not being a fan of crying, and this story brought me to tears, but it also lifted me up, reminded me of who lives in my heart, and encouraged me to stand firm even if the world might reject me. I highly recommend this novel.
December 31, 2025
As a great grandchild of Andy and Sylvia this story held so many emotions for me. I didn’t know them well, since my grandfather (Ray) moved to MS to start his family before I was born. I do remember occasional visits to Hartville and cherish them now.
It was a very well written story and I loved how Sarah weaved truth and fiction to give an intimate insight into my great grandparents lives.
This book will hold a special place in my home and I thank Sarah for bringing their story to life. Well done.
It was a very well written story and I loved how Sarah weaved truth and fiction to give an intimate insight into my great grandparents lives.
This book will hold a special place in my home and I thank Sarah for bringing their story to life. Well done.
January 11, 2026
This story was told about the Amish community where i grew up. It was well written and gave me a glimpse into what my parents also experienced. They were born Amish and also left the Amish church ofter
The realization that it was by grace and dedication to Jesus that you obtained your salvation. It gave me insights into the Amish beliefs.
The realization that it was by grace and dedication to Jesus that you obtained your salvation. It gave me insights into the Amish beliefs.
January 30, 2026
4.5 stars
This was a beautiful told story. I think it makes it even stronger to know it was based on real lives. Definitely not your typical Amish tale. Full of hope, faith, family, and discovering that it's always worth it to leave the past behind and follow Jesus.
This was a beautiful told story. I think it makes it even stronger to know it was based on real lives. Definitely not your typical Amish tale. Full of hope, faith, family, and discovering that it's always worth it to leave the past behind and follow Jesus.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews