It's Time To Read Mamaw: Iowa

About Book

The kind people of Amana have been her guiding light, but her greatest trial is yet to come...
West Amana, Iowa, 1890

After Andrea Wilson receives the devastating news that her husband has been lost at sea, she returns home to Iowa with her young son, Lukas. But what she finds there causes more heartache: The family farm has burned and her father has died, leaving Andrea with nothing.

Andrea must rely on the kindness of the people from the nearby Amana village who invite her to stay with them for a time. She discovers much generosity and contentment among the Amanans--especially from the tinsmith, Dirk Knefler, who takes her son under his wing. But is the simple, cloistered life in Amana what Andrea wants for Lukas's future? Is she willing to give up the comforts and freedom of the outside world? And when yet another round of shocking news comes her way, will Andrea ever be able to find the serenity and hope that have eluded her for so long?

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About Author

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas. Visit her website at www.judithmccoymiller.com.

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My Thoughts

Andrea Wilson is anxious to return to her father's home after receiving news of the death of her husband at sea. She can now ask her father's forgiveness for marrying without his blessings or permission. Andrea and her son Lukas's lives have been nothing short of starvation. poverty and abuse at the hands of her husband. Now she can give her son a better life living with her father in Iowa. But when she arrives at her father's farm her hopes for a better life seem out of her reach.

She is offered help by the elders of a local village of Amanans. She finds herself at their mercy. They give her and Lucas much more than food and shelter, they find peace and an abundance of love.

Lucas finds a mentor in Dirk Knefler as he learns the values and ways of the Amanans. This is does not go unnoticed by Andrea as she finds many good qualities in this kind man.

The village receives a surprise visitor that could end any hope or happiness for Andrea and Lukas's future in Amana.

I found this story heart wrenching. This woman felt that for lack of better judgement in men she had caused her and her son to suffer. Women did not have many if any rights back in the day. The life offered to her in Amana was God send bringing them into the fold of his loving and faithful people of Amana. I love the character of Dirk with his patience and tender love for the boy and his mother. Also Dirk's trust in God's plan for his life.

The author has captured me with this series. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Baker Publishers/Bethany House for an honest review.

About Janet

Janet Dean grew up in a family who cherished the past and had a strong creative streak. Her father recounted fascinating stories, like his father before him. The tales they told instilled in Janet a love of history and the desire to write.

She married her college sweetheart and taught first grade before leaving to rear two daughters, but Janet never lost interest in American history and the accounts of strong men and women of faith who built this country.

With her daughters grown, she eagerly turned to Inspirational historical romance. Today Janet enjoys spinning stories for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical.

When she isn’t writing, Janet stamps greeting cards, plays golf and is never without a book to read. The Deans love to travel and spend time with family.

Website http://janetdean.blogspot.com/

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About Book

His family destroyed hers. But Wade Cummings's job offer— to care for his recuperating father—is impossible to decline. Schoolteacher Abigail Wilson can swallow her pride for the sake of a summer paycheck that will help her sister. And when Abigail's employment ends, old loyalties will separate the feuding families once more.

If there's anyone in town stubborn enough to deal with Wade's cantankerous father, it's Abigail. It's just a business arrangement—and a temporary one, at that. Her good opinion shouldn't matter a lick to Wade. Yet their different backgrounds belie a surprising kinship. Perhaps unexpected love will be their reward for the summer's inconvenient match.

My Thoughts

When Wade Cummings offers a job to Abigail Wilson she had to think long and hard. How can she possibly take the job caring for the very man that was responsible for the eventual death of her father? Wade's father George Cummings destroyed her families future. The two families have been feuding for years. Now he is injured and needs someone to care for him while Wade is at work.

Maybe if she looked at it as if the Cummings owed her family this job. Abigail works as a school teacher and is on summer break. So that means her family is without any income. She has expunged all of her sources for employment. Wade promised a good wage if she takes the job. She feels as if she will be able to handle Wade's old grouch of a father. After all she ruled over some pretty rowdy boys in the high school classroom.

One thing she isn't sure of is, can she deal with the attraction she has for Wade her old beau. Not to mention the advances he keeps making towards her. Any kind of future with him is impossible not just because of the feud but because they are from two completely different social classes.

Is it possible Abigail and Wade have more in common than either of them realize? Could it be that God has his own plans? Is it wrong for her to blame Wade for something his father did? She feels God didn't help her when her family lost everything and He let her father die. Why would God help her now?

The author has written an endearing story of repentance, forgiveness, faith, hope and love. Love of neighbor and the healing of not just a fire damaged town but that of the body and soul of the people that live in New Harmony, Iowa.

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I won a copy of this book provided by the author. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.