Fiction - Amana Colonies, Iowa
If you've never read a Judith Miller novel, you've missed a great read. Judy has yet again woven a story that once you pick up her book, you’re hooked. You won’t want to put it down until you’ve consumed the whole thing! Remember the coffee commercial … good to the last drop? Well, this book is MORE than good! It’s soooooo good! Once again, her history is impeccably researched, her story extremely well-written, and her descriptions make you feel as if the book is literally unfolding before your very eyes and you’re there. Once you start this book, you’ll want to read continuously until the very last drop. Oops… I mean page.
I’ve never been to nor was I familiar with the Amana Colonies in Iowa
I really enjoy historical fiction, especially during the 1800’s and early 1900’s, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even if historical fiction is not the first shelf you seek out at the bookstore, you will enjoy this book. Don’t think for a moment that a story about a place and time of a plain people with a simple lifestyle, routine ways, cooperative living, and faithful service to God will be less than exciting or predictable. Au contraire! Get ready for some wonderful “I did NOT see that coming” moments.
Somewhere to Belong is the first in Judy’s Daughters of Amana series and I can’t wait to read the second. Alas, it’s not scheduled to release until September of 2010. But I’ll be waiting. In the meantime, get your hands on this book and be prepared to sit a spell because you will be enthralled. And don’t forget to mark your calendars so you can be sure and be first in line to get the second of her books in the Daughters of Amana series entitled More Than Words.
One last note, every time a Judith Miller book comes into our house, my 14 year old daughter is eyeing it like a lion eyes fresh meat. But it was MY turn to read Judy’s book first this time. Once I finished it, I handed it to her and said, “You can read it now.” Swoop! It was out of my hand in a heartbeat. She’s devouring it and saying, “This is soooooooo good.” My response? “I KNOW!”
ABOUT THE BOOK
Despite living her entire twenty-one years in Main Amana, Johanna Ilg has always been intrigued by and wanted to see the outside world. However, she has continued to stay in Amana believing that Amana is where she must belong. That is, until a secret is revealed that changes everything about the world she thought she knew. Where does she truly belong? She must confront her family and find out the answers to her questions. Will she break her mother’s heart to seek these answers?
Intertwined, is a story of the newest member of Main Amana, Berta Schumacher, a worldly girl with parents who desire a simpler life in Amana, for reasons she can’t fathom. Berta does not share this desire to live such a life as her family and she makes that clear as she openly rebels against the ways of Amana and its people. Will her heart ever soften to the ways of these plain people or will she continue to live a life of rebellion and discontent?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, many of her novels have appeared on the CBA bestseller lists. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka , KS
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Everyone who leaves a comment on this blog post will be automatically entered in my give-away of Somewhere to Belong. If you're a follower of my blog and leave a comment, as a thank you for following, your name will be entered twice. I will draw a name on March 10th, so be sure and check back to see who will receive a copy of this fabulous book.
Blessings and Happy Reading!
Susan
17 comments:
Hi, Susie Q!!! I've always liked the books you've recommended....so please enter my name in the give away!!!
Thank you so much!!!
I love you, lots....
Thanks, Bonnie! You're entered -- twice -- since you're a follower!
The book sounds wonderful - great review, Susan! And I LOVE the new look of your blog!
Thanks, Delia! Appreciate the kind words.
Susie, good review. It does sound like a really good book.
Thanks, Sally! I appreciate your kind words. It IS a really good book. Judy is one of my faves!
I really want to read this book! You see, I was born in Amana and lived there until I left at age 21. My great-great grandparents were born there. You know I will be critical. I have lived this story all of my life. Surprises me that someone who has not lived there can write a novel about Amana.
Hi,Susan! I'm so glad you stopped by. You grew up Amana .... wow! That's incredible!
Judy is an amazing writer and I've always found her to be very accurate in her attention to detail and historical research. I hope you get a chance to read this book, as well as the other two following in the series upon their release.
I've got you in the drawing, Susan. Welcome! I hope you'll visit again soon.
Susan, thank you for commenting on my posting. I have received an email from Judy Miller which surprised me. Now more than anxious to read this book. Thanks for entering me in the drawing.
Susan,
You are most welcome! How nice of Judy to e-mail you. She is a wonderful Christian woman as well as a gifted writer.
Blessings,
Susan
well-written review, Susie! I love that your daughter competes with you for the books. LOL!
The cover art is lovely. And I don't say that about too many. I'm fussy about covers. Looks like a good read.
Awww...thanks for the kind words, Kathy. It's a great read. I found myself thinking about the story while I was doing other things. I love the cover too. Very nice! It's actual authentic Amana clothing that the model is wearing. Isn't that cool!
My daughter always competes for Judy's books with me. She's been devouring the book. She's used every spare minute she's had to read it and has taken the book everywhere with her if we leave to go anywhere. You never know when you might get a spare moment to read. She LOVE, LOVE, LOVES Judy's books.
I've got you entered in the drawing!
To Judy ~
Thanks so much for letting me feature your book, the gorgeous cover, and your picture on my blog. I really enjoyed writing this review because I loved the book so much!
As long as you keep writing books, we Hollaway girls will keep reading them. Bring 'em on, Judy!
Godspeed and blessings with your writing ministry.
Susie
Thanks so much, Susie. It was most kind of you to feature Somewhere to Belong on your blog. I've loved reading the comments from folks. And I take great pleasure in knowing both you and Em enjoy my books. :) And I hope your family will have an opportunity to visit the Amana Colonies in the future. Blessings, Judy
Thanks for stopping by, Judy. I appreciate it! I, too, hope we can visit the Amana Colonies in the future. I know we'd love it.
Just stopping in to say what a great review. When I went to the bookstore last week I was completely overwhelmed by all of Judy's books. There are so many!
Thanks, Renee! Judy DOES have a lot of books, doesn't she? She's an incredible writer; God has blessed her with a special gift. And in blessing her with that talent, we reap blessings too -- we get to read them! Woo-hoo!
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