Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller* a review

ABOUT THE BOOK
Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages inhabited 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 the community. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered and she is forced to make difficult choices about a new life and the man she left behind. Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, and when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, Berta's rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?


Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House; Original edition (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764206427
ISBN-13: 978-0764206429
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judith Miller is a award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, many of which have appeared on the CBA bestseller lists. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.
http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/


My Review:
Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller is a good book, but not one of my favorites. The book is written from each girls' standpoint, which I find interesting.
This story is about two girls who have very different lives, but who find themselves thrown together. Each takes a different path, but they end up finding out that secrets hurt everyone involved.
Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller is the first book in the Daughters of Amana series. I like the cover as it shows the dress of the Amana people.
Johanna grew up in a very religious community, almost like the Amish. She has always wanted to see what lies beyond their community. Berta moves to Amana, when she is 17, she's the spoiled daughter of a Chicago doctor and his wife. She wants anything but to be here in this quiet, silly community. Johanna has the job of teaching and training Berta on all of the rules and ways of her people.
Berta is very unruly, disrespectful and hard to get along with, but Johanna becomes her friend.
There is a love interest for both girls, but I find it unlikely that a young girl like Johanna at first doesn’t think about boys or marriage. She thinks it’s best to be single.
The first part of the book was very slow and it took some getting into, but it was an enjoyable read that is if you like this kind of lifestyle you would like the book. I don’t like a group of Christians telling you how you have to live and work or you’re not living your life right. A nice book for a rainy day when you have nothing else to do.

This book was sent to me by Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review program. I was sent a free copy of this book to review.

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