Thursday, May 27, 2010

Book Review & 100 Followers Preview

Book Review
 
Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller
Daughters of Amana Book One
Bethany House Publishers





Johanna Ilg was raised in the Amana Colonies. Why wouldn't she belong there? It's a peaceful life in 1877, where a community of Christian believers work and worship together. She and her parents embrace the doctrine and cooperative style of living. Johanna expects to remain in Amana, perhaps even marry and raise a family.

In contrast, seventeen year old Berta Schumacher came to Amana thinking she was only visiting. Upon finding out that she and her parents will stay and not return to Chicago, Berta knows that she doesn't belong in Amana. She wastes no time throwing a fit, revealing her temper and spoiled nature.

Johanna is assigned to teach and monitor Berta at work in the Kuche, or community kitchen. Unaccustomed to work of any kind, Berta is not only slow to learn, but very uncooperative. This unlikely pairing tests Johanna's mettle as interesting situations unfold. Will Berta ever settle down? Can Johanna's faith survive her unruly charge?

Meanwhile, Johanna's parents think that it might be time for her to settle down and get married, now that she's reached her 21st birthday. Does Carl Froehlich, a newcomer from a neighboring Amana settlement, have anything to do with this plan? How does Wilhelm, Johanna's older brother who left  the colony to live in Chicago; factor into all of this? Johanna thinks she belongs in Amana, but does she really?

Miller's story unfolds in an entertaining and amusing way. I never knew what Berta might try next and how Johanna and the Amana community would react. I was pleasantly surprised at the layers of secrets that came to life through the course of the book. If you want to find out who really belongs in Amana, you will need to pick up this book. It's a good read for any day, rain, shine, or in between.


*This book was provided for review purposes from Bethany House Publishers. No compensation was received.

One Hundred Followers Preview

I passed the 100 followers mark quietly a bit ago, and I thought it called for a celebration. Watch for a special One Hundred Followers Giveaway next week. Many thanks to those of you who follow my blog. You are a blessing!

Elana Johnson's Book!

Hop over to Elana's blog to read the details of her upcoming book and to celebrate with her with a fabulous giveaway. Congratulations, Elana!

Happy reading and writing.

Blessings!

Karen


29 comments :

  1. Great review! I always love characters who are a little spoiled and wild. *grin* Congrats on the followers!

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  2. Congratulations on the followers!!

    That book sounds like one I'd like to read. I appreciate the review.

    Rachel

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  3. I love your book reviews. And congrats on the followers -- and thank you for the congrats! You are too kind. :)

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  4. YEAHHHHHH Karen...100 followers! That is wonderful. Will look forward to news of the giveaway.Thanks for the book review. Sincerely, Susan

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  5. Yes, great review--makes me want to read it! And I add my congrats to your blogging milestone, too. Lots of good stuff here :-)

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  6. Jessica,
    Thank you! Yes, these characters make great conflict, don't they?

    Rachel,
    Glad you enjoyed the review; I did enjoy reading it. Thanks too, for the congrats:)

    Elana,
    Thanks so much! Am excited for you! :)

    Susan,
    You are welcome. Am excited about the giveaway. Stay tuned!

    Kenda,
    Thank you:) I think you might enjoy the book. Appreciate your encouragement.

    Thanks and blessings to all of you,
    Karen

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  7. Karen: This sounds like a great story.

    Congrats to you, and Elana! I'm on my way to her blog now. Thanks for the heads up.

    Love
    Jen

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  8. Hi Karen -

    Thanks for reviewing this book. I've seen it around, but didn't hear much buzz or details.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  9. Hey Karen! Great review and congrats on the 100 Followers!! I recently celebrated 50! I don't know why I haven't been noticing your new posts lately, because I have you on my blog list...I think!! I better go back and check! Congrats again and can't wait to hear about the contest!

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  10. Jen,
    You are welcome! :) Hope you enjoy Elana's blog.

    Susan,
    You're welcome. I enjoyed the book; you just might too:)

    Becky,
    Thank you so much. Details about the contest will follow soon.

    Thanks and blessings to all of you,
    Karen

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  11. I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come over to my blog when you get a chance and check it out. God bless, Lloyd

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  12. Good review. Congrats on all the followers. I met Susan J. Reinhardt the other day and she had only the nicest of things to say about you. :O)

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  13. Lloyd,
    Thank you! I just hopped over to your blog; actually it is one I follow. Sorry that I haven't commented more often; it is a worthy stop. Will have to make the effort to get over there. So many blogs, I need more hours in my day! lol

    Diane,
    I heard that you had a wonderful visit with Susan. I'm so glad for the two of you. What fun! I got to meet Heather Sunseri from Balance With Purpose the other day and that was a treat.

    Thanks and blessings to both of you,
    Karen

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  14. Great book review! I'm very interesting in reading the book, not to mention I have a connection with the Amana Colonies since for years I lived so close, how cool!

    Happy 100+ followers! How exciting!

    Elana rocks and I'm so happy for her! She shared her query over on Matthew's blog today and it was brilliant!

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  15. Thanks for the review!
    And have a great weekend!

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  16. Great review! I love historicals, and this one looks great.

    Have a great weekend!

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  17. Jen,
    Thanks! You just might enjoy this one; you'll have to let me know how it compares to your thoughts on Amana. Thanks for the heads up on her query. Will check it out.

    Jennifer,
    You are welcome. You have a great weekend too!:)

    Lydia,
    Thank you! I love historical too, and really enjoyed this one. Happy weekend to you.

    Thanks and blessings to all of you,
    Karen

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  18. Congrats on the followers and thanks for the review!

    Have a great weekend!

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  19. Congratulations on passing the 100 follower milestone.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  20. Shannon,
    Thank you, and you are welcome for the review. It was a pleasure!

    Lee,
    Thanks! Appreciate you stopping by.

    Have a great weekend!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  21. Thanks for the book review! And congrats on the followers!

    BTW - the seminar yesterday was awesome. I'm glad I have people like you and my husband to push me to do things.

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  22. I like this review! I really do like bonnet books. I was brought in slowly but now I'm addicted! HUGE congrats on the followers!

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  23. Heather,
    You are welcome, and thanks! Glad the seminar was great. I thought it might be:) I'll be wanting details, you know!

    Anne,
    I'm glad you enjoyed the review. I think you just might enjoy this one. Thanks for the congrats!

    Thanks and blessings to both of you. Have a great weekend,
    Karen

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  24. Congratulations on your 100 follower milestone! Have a blessed weekend!

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  25. Tyrean,
    Thanks! Hope you are having a good weekend too.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  26. Another great teaser, Karen! Thank you. Congratulations on your 100 followers. Also thank you for your comments on my writing AND photography spots.

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  27. Lynn,
    Thanks! Enjoy stopping at your blogs; sorry I don't make every post but I try:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  28. Congrats on breaking 100! Quite a feat!

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!