Journey inside the picturesque villages of the Amana Colonies, 1877
Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?
Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?
Reviews
"Miller ... creates two heroines who are on the surface opposite numbers, but have more in common than is apparent. Johanna Ilg has lived her young life in Amana, but feels the pull of the outside world, particularly because her brother Wilhelm has left the villages to marry and live in big-city Chicago. Berta Schumacher and her family arrive from Chicago to live a simpler life, and rebellious teenage Berta has trouble adjusting, to put it mildly. Family secrets and misunderstandings drive the plot. Miller creates likable heroines, has done her historical homework, and develops credible tension because her characters are so flawed. The Amana lifestyle is also sufficiently different (starting with the bonnets) that bonnet fiction fans will be pleased by this variation on the theme of simple living and lots of gut food." --
Publishers Weekly
"Miller's exciting new historical series, Daughters of Amana, is historical romance at its best. The characters are determined to find where they belong, sometimes with unanticipated results." --Patsy Glans, Romantic Times Book Reviews
"For a 'bonnet book,' this one might surprise you. Johanna Ilg’s world becomes complicated when a rebellious young girl, Berta Schumacher, is unwillingly forced to join the Amana Colonies, where Johanna has lived all her life, and Johanna is given the responsibility of training her. Johanna must help this wild child see the beauty in sameness, hard work, and dedication to the Lord, while she deals with her own desires to see the outside world and uncovers her own parents' painful secret. This book is a sweet lesson in humility and love for your Christian community. It even has a touch of romance--just the right amount--for 'tis the season!" --Maura Oprisko, HopeForWomenMag.com
