This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
More than Words
Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)
by
Judith Miller
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Most readers want to know how authors ‘got started’ writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history….
With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series. Please check those out on the “My Books” page on my website.
God’s design on the lives of His people never ceases to amaze me! Because I am eternally grateful for my own forgiveness and salvation, I strive to share God’s desire to pull us from the mire of sin and set us free to live exciting lives for Him. Through His abundant grace and love, God gifts and equips each of us to share the story of salvation and eternal life. Won’t you share His story using the special gifts He has given you?
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Journey to the charming villages of the Amana Colonies, 1885
Gretchen Kohler is an Amana storekeeper’s daughter with a secret passion for writing. But artistic pursuits are frowned upon in her conservative Amana village, so she confines her poems and stories to her journals, letting only close friends read them.
When a young reporter comes into her store, she believes she’s found a kindred spirit. She shares a few of her stories with him–only to have her trust betrayed in the worst of ways, resulting in trouble for her entire community.
The scandal is made even worse by the fact that gypsies have camped nearby and seem to be preying upon the Amanans’ compassionate, pacifist nature. Will Gretchen lose her job, her reputation, and the love of her childhood beau all because of one bad decision?
Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.
If you would like to read the first chapter of More than Words, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
More than Words is just another example of why I enjoy Judith Miller’s books. This time she has written an intriguing story about Gretchen Kohler, a young woman who helps her father keep the store in one of the Amana colony towns. The book was apparently very well researched and a wealth of historical facts about the Amana colonies are woven throughout. Gretchen is a realistically flawed character who tries to balance care for a grandmother suffering dementia, a wayward younger brother who is determined to spend his time at the gypsy camp, and a father who has never recovered from her mother’s death. When Gretchen disobeys colony rules, her secrets develop into major problems.
Gretchen, her family, and the community learn that God is in control and can create blessings from mistakes. They also find that people are not always what they seem in more than one instance during the course of the narrative. I would recommend More than Words to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.
