Somewhere to Belong

Daughters of Amana

Somewhere to Belong is a story of two young ladies who were raised in extremely different settings.  One,  Berta, the somewhat pampered, spoiled daughter of a Doctor living in Chicago.  The other, Johanna, lived a very plain life growing up in one of the seven villages of the Amana Colonies of Iowa.  

The two meet when Berta’s parents decide to leave their life in Chicago to live the simple life of Amana Colony.  Berta isn’t too happy with this decision and makes terrible choices.  She’s not willing to give up her old life and conform to the new life her parents want.  Johanna, on the other hand, has always wanted to see the finer things in life, but has always known, in the end, she belongs in the Amana Colonies, living the life she is used to.  Unfortunately, after secrets are revealed, both girls are wondering where they fit in, what they are to do with their lives, and in the end, both desire God’s direction.

I really enjoyed this book.  I don’t know much about the Amana Colony, but it seems similar to the Amish lifestyle without the Amish beliefs.  They turn to God for direction and live a life trying to please him.  The story of these two girls was full of twists and turns, and up and downs.  These girls learn to love each other and depend on each other even though they don’t always agree.  They learn to accept the other one flaws and all.  This was the first book I have read by Judith Miller, Somewhere to Belong was an easy read and I will look forward to reading a sequel.

I was blessed with a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Counting it all Joy!!

Angel