The Shining Light, Home to Amana Series, Book #3 by Judith Miller

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?

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

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.

Resources

• Book AnnouncementDownload PDF
• Author Q & ADownload PDF

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.

A SIMPLE CHANGE, HOME TO AMANA, book 2 by JUDITH MILLER ~ A BETHANY HOUSE REVIEW

About Book:

She never imagined a simple change could be so complicated...

Middle Amana, Iowa, 1881

When her parents decide to sell their home  and  move  to  the   Amana  Colonies, Jancey Rhoder must make a difficult decision. Should she give up her beloved teaching job and her carefree life in Kansas City to go with them? 

Her suitor, Nathan Woodward, doesn't want her to go, but Jancey feels she must give this new life a try. Her mother is sick, and these next few months may be the last Jancey gets to spend with her. But will this move spell the end of her relationship with Nathan? And when life in Amana is far more mysterious and challenging than Jancey expected, will she choose to return to the city, or will she make this unique place her forever home?

• ISBN-13: 9780764210013
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group/Bethany House
• Publication date: 8/1/2013
• Series: Home to Amana Series , #2
• Pages: 352

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

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 Web site at www.judithmccoymiller.com.

Books  1 & 2

My Thoughts:

Jancey Rhoder is leaving a life of leisure in Kansas City and following her parents to the Amana Colonies in Middle Amana, Iowa to live the simple life.  Her mother's wish is to return to her birthplace to live out the short time she has left.  Jancey can't fathom not being by her mother's side.

Jancey's father tried to convince her to stay and marry Nathan Woodard one of his business associates. She is not so sure she is ready to marry and informs Nathan she will be moving away with her parents.  He tries to talk her into staying but her mind is made up.  Is the old saying, "Out of sight out of mind.",  really true?

Will Jancey be able to adjust to the simple life? She is determined  to learn all the rules and follow them.  Yet she pushed the rules almost beyond the limit.   She is appointed a job of doing housekeeping at the mill workers dorm. Housekeeping was something she had never done before, but was willing to learn. In Kansas City she had been a volunteer at an orphanage where she was an accredited teacher. She loved teaching.the children. 

This author writes of a strong willed young woman wanting to to fit in to the simple life.  The lessons in this story are many which are meekness, love, hope, trust and faith in God's.  

There is a villain and a hero. The story will keep you guessing until the very end as to whether Jancey goes back to Kansas City or stays in Middle Amana.  

I have enjoyed this series and ready to read more of Home To Amana.  Judith Miller is undoubtedly one of my favorite authors.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.