More Than Words

I recently posted a review of the first book in the Daughters of Amana, Somewhere to Belong, and I really enjoyed it. I was really looking forward to reading this next book, More than Words. Once again, Judith Miller has not let me down. I really like the portrayal of the Amana Colonies in these books and I had never heard of them before reading these books, so this has been an interesting history lesson as well. The one disappointment I did have about More than Words was I was hoping to see some of the characters from Somewhere to Belong, but the characters in this book were just as enjoyable and the more I read the book, the less I missed the characters in the last book. I was simply delighted with Judith's writing style that I have become so fond of the more I read her work. Somewhere to Belong is an interesting story. There are a few storylines to follow throughout the book that all tie in together nicely in the end. I found this book unique and charming with a warm and cozy feel. The end was satisfying, perfect actually. I don't think there will ever be a Judith Miller book in the future that I will be able to pass up. Her books have found a way into my heart.

More Than Words by Judith Miller is the second book in the Daughters of Amana series. Gretchen Kohler is mostly content working in the town store, although she misses her father's affection and attention that has waned since the death of her mother. He often leaves her in charge of the stores and of younger brother Stefan, which creates trouble when the Gypsies come to town and Stefan just can't seem to stay away. Gretchen loses herself writing in her journal. She composes poems and essays until Allan Finley arrives in the small community claiming a desire to joining them and shows an interest in Gretchen that no one but barber and childhood sweetheart Conrad has been giving her. Although Gretchen is often angry at Stefan for breaking the strict rules of their community, she's just as guilty, but it's easy for her to rationalize away her own actions until her pride causes damage to the entire community in a way she didn't see coming, and it just may cause her to lose her standing within the village and the love of Conrad. It's not necessary to have read the first book in the series because I didn't notice any reference to the characters from the first novel. I would have liked to see just a glimpse of them though. Gretchen is completely likable is impulsive young woman that readers will alternately want to hug and shake silly. I felt that Conrad was a bit too bland for Gretchen, although he did prove himself true, I understood her attraction for Allan. There's a strong message here about not judging a group by a single representative of it. I don't feel that this was as strong as the first book in the series, but it's still an enjoyable read.

Gretchen Kohler loves her family and her Amana Colony, but dreams of more than working in the general store with her father and keeping an eye on her younger brother and grandmother. Her grandmother suffers from dementia and is harder to watch after than her little brother. If that isn't enough to keep her busy, a traveling band of gypsies that camp outside of town bring more trouble than she imagines. With all the things pulling at her in her life, she doesn't have the time she'd like for writing. She knows that her Amana village would not approve of her creative pursuits and so she confines her poetry and stories to writing in her journals. Only a close friend or two has been given the privilege of reading them. When Allen Finley, a young man from Chicago, comes into the general store and visits with her, she is tempted by the world outside her colony. She desires to know if she has any writing talent at all and she trusts him and his promises. Despite the continued warnings from friends and her own grandmother, she chooses to believe the young man is earnest. Thinking he shares her passion for the written word and has her best interest at heart, she shares some of her poetry and stories with him, and hopes she hasn't misplaced her trust. Will her family forgive her? Will her beau understand and forgive her as well? What will the elders think of Mr. Finley's betrayal and her disobedience? What does her future in Homestead hold for her? Gretchen learns many lessons about people, including they are not always what they seem. But even in the most difficult of circumstances, she learns that God can work all things together for good. I invite you to travel back in time and be a part of the lives of the people of the Amana colonies. This is the second book in the Daughters of Amana series by Judith Miller. I love the way Judy brings to life the history in the stories she writes. Her research and accuracy is impeccable. Not only will you be privy to a wonderful story when reading her books, but a wonderful history lesson as well. She creates a fictional story with an historical backdrop woven in. You'll find yourself living in a time and place that comes alive in your mind, making you feel as if you're there. This book is written in first person and you will feel you "are" Gretchen Kohler. There are three books in this series, but can be read in any order as each is written as a stand-alone. My daughter and I can't wait for the third book to come out in February, 2011.

Gretchen Kohler wouldn't think of living anywhere but in her beloved Amana colony, where she works hard to keep the rules and fulfill her destiny. Her mother died, leaving her with a younger brother and a senile grandmother, along with a grieving father who depends upon her to help run the dry goods store. Her childhood sweetheart is obviously thinking marriage, but there's that creative urge within that refuses to be stilled. Gretchen's only outlet is her secret journals, where she writes her stories and poems. Along comes a young, attractive reporter with a kindred spirit--or so she thinks. Sharing her stories leads to his betrayal in the worst way. Will she lose her job, her reputation, and her beau because of one unfortunate decision? Once again Miller has spun a wonderful tale for family reading. Lots of action, suspense and emotion, but no unpleasant surprises. I highly recommend the book. Review by Audrey Hebbert, author of Green Light Red Light

Judy Miller proves her research skills with her best novel yet. Her heroine is wonderfully flawed and real, her hero a treasure. The historical setting in the Amana colonies of Iowa is a wealth of intricately woven detail. Her plot and subplots flow with surprises that kept me reading far into the night. When a young woman of Amana shares her private writings with someone she trusts, things change in her life, causing her to question her beliefs and way of life. She faces new challenges, which teach her that people aren't always what they seem, and that the strength of community can overcome individual weaknesses. Highly recommended.