Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller ~ 4 stars

Somewhere to Belong
Judith Miller
Daughters of Amana series #1
Bethany House
About the book:
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?

My review:
I really enjoyed this book. But, in my opinion, the writing was good, not great. I just wasn’t wowed by it. It IS a good book, and I loved the characters and seeing them grow and change. I also really liked the message or theme of secrets. I liked how the author portrayed how secrets can potentially destroy relationships and how wonderful it feels to just get everything out in the open. I would recommend this, just not highly.

Thanks to Bethany House for my review copy of this book.

8 comments:

misskallie2000 said...

Great review. Thanks for being honest in your review. I love amish books but will wait and ck this out at library.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Carman said...

Thanks. I always feel bad when I don't sing a book's praises, but I do want to be honest and not misslead people. :/ Thanks for commenting!

Trinity Rose said...

I just read and reviewed this book also. I feel the same way. It's a good book, but not great.
Have a great day,
Trinity Rose

Carman said...

trinity rose~ I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to feel that way. :) Sad that the book isn't so great, though. :/

apple blossom said...

I too am reading this book right now. I think I have to agree with you it is an ok book I'd give it a 3 & 1/2 stars

Carman said...

apple blossom~ Yeah, it's sad but true. :/ Thanks for commenting!

Kristina said...

1877? Interesting. I've never really read amish fiction, so I definitely would have to pick this one up to read. Also, don't feel bad about not "singing a book's praises". I prefer an honest review of a work so that I don't get my hopes up based on that review. I'm sure a lot of other people feel the same way. :)

Carman said...

Kristina~ Thanks for that! That was just what I needed to hear. Glad to know that you're still going to give the book a chance. I hope you enjoy it more that I did. :)