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Home to Amana #2
A Simple Change
Joining the communal society of the Amana Colonies isn't what Jancey Rhoder planned for her future, but when unforeseen circumstances force her family to make some difficult decisions, she chooses to give up her teaching position in a Kansas City orphanage and move with her parents to Iowa.
Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodward, isn't at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn't sure what she's gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she'll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages of the Amana Colonies--and decide to make this unique place her forever home?
Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodward, isn't at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn't sure what she's gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she'll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages of the Amana Colonies--and decide to make this unique place her forever home?
350 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
54 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Judith McCoy Miller
65 books632 followersJudith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 15, 2017
Late last year, I won a copy of Judith Miller’s book, A Simple Change. This past week, I gave it a read. Even though the title hinted at it, the beautiful simplicity of the tale took me by surprise. That’s not to say there weren’t twists and turns along the way. I wouldn’t like it if those elements were absent. They were there, and boy were they wonderful!
In A Simple Change, Jancey Rhoder’s world gets tipped on its axis when her parents declare they’re moving back to Middle Amana, the colonies they grew up in. Deciding to move with them, 22-year-old Jancey leaves behind a suitor and the life she’s always known. As she wonders if she’ll find a place to belong in this new-to-her world, she uncovers secrets that may threaten the entire village. Will she figure out who she can trust? Or will she let a slip of the tongue destroy her hopes of remaining with her ill mother?
This book reads quite like a memoir or diary, especially since it’s written in the first person. Though a bit unusual, the singular point of view created an intimacy difficult to pull off in other vantage points. Also, it brought a tenderness to the characters that I really enjoyed. If this is what Judith Miller brings to the table, I’ll gladly read more of her novels … and recommend them to you! I’m sure you’ll be just as delighted with this tale as I was. It’s a charming tale of trust and devotion, two things difficult to come by in a technology crazed world. So, turn off your cell phones, iPads, and other gadgets and take a step back in time to Middle Amana. You might be surprised at how little you miss your technology once you submerge yourself into Jancey Rhoder’s new world.
In A Simple Change, Jancey Rhoder’s world gets tipped on its axis when her parents declare they’re moving back to Middle Amana, the colonies they grew up in. Deciding to move with them, 22-year-old Jancey leaves behind a suitor and the life she’s always known. As she wonders if she’ll find a place to belong in this new-to-her world, she uncovers secrets that may threaten the entire village. Will she figure out who she can trust? Or will she let a slip of the tongue destroy her hopes of remaining with her ill mother?
This book reads quite like a memoir or diary, especially since it’s written in the first person. Though a bit unusual, the singular point of view created an intimacy difficult to pull off in other vantage points. Also, it brought a tenderness to the characters that I really enjoyed. If this is what Judith Miller brings to the table, I’ll gladly read more of her novels … and recommend them to you! I’m sure you’ll be just as delighted with this tale as I was. It’s a charming tale of trust and devotion, two things difficult to come by in a technology crazed world. So, turn off your cell phones, iPads, and other gadgets and take a step back in time to Middle Amana. You might be surprised at how little you miss your technology once you submerge yourself into Jancey Rhoder’s new world.
August 31, 2018
This is a nice story of change, faith and acceptance, with a dash of mystery. My rating 3.75.
Jancey loves teaching the young orphan children even though her position is voluntary. But her mother’s health is failing and her parents want to move back to the Amana Community where mother was raised. Jancey’s beau, Nathan, wants her to stay in Kansas City; to marry him and maybe he can take over her father’s construction business. Jancey finds it hard to leave her current circumstance but she thinks it is more important to be with her mother during her illness.
Jancey finds the transition to the communal living requires following some strict rules for the safety and integrity of the members. One of these rules means not having contact with the outsiders, especially the young men who work at the wool mill. But Jancey met one of the boys while cleaning the men’s dormitory. He thinks she can help him find his sister who was placed in the Kansas City orphanage years before.
Meanwhile her hosts son is showing interest in Jancey. He is cautious though to protect his heart because it isn’t clear if Jancey will remain in the Community if her mother passes. Jancey is conflicted and even more confused when Nathan decides to move to the Community hoping to win her heart and hand.
The story is set in 1881 and shows the difference in lifestyles from city life to the simple life of the Community. The details of daily living and sharing were interesting. The simple faith was shown in the lifestyle of the members without being preached to the reader.
I didn’t really feel invested in the characters, so the read was a little slow for me. There is a little bit of mystery blended with the history and coming of age elements. The story ends in an appropriate spot but still leaves open the opportunity for more growth for Jancey in the next books. The other ladies in Book Club thought it read a bit slowly too but they were interested in the mystery and history. I had not read Ms. Miller before but several others said they enjoy her faith based stories. I recommend this to readers who like historical, faith based stories.
Jancey loves teaching the young orphan children even though her position is voluntary. But her mother’s health is failing and her parents want to move back to the Amana Community where mother was raised. Jancey’s beau, Nathan, wants her to stay in Kansas City; to marry him and maybe he can take over her father’s construction business. Jancey finds it hard to leave her current circumstance but she thinks it is more important to be with her mother during her illness.
Jancey finds the transition to the communal living requires following some strict rules for the safety and integrity of the members. One of these rules means not having contact with the outsiders, especially the young men who work at the wool mill. But Jancey met one of the boys while cleaning the men’s dormitory. He thinks she can help him find his sister who was placed in the Kansas City orphanage years before.
Meanwhile her hosts son is showing interest in Jancey. He is cautious though to protect his heart because it isn’t clear if Jancey will remain in the Community if her mother passes. Jancey is conflicted and even more confused when Nathan decides to move to the Community hoping to win her heart and hand.
The story is set in 1881 and shows the difference in lifestyles from city life to the simple life of the Community. The details of daily living and sharing were interesting. The simple faith was shown in the lifestyle of the members without being preached to the reader.
I didn’t really feel invested in the characters, so the read was a little slow for me. There is a little bit of mystery blended with the history and coming of age elements. The story ends in an appropriate spot but still leaves open the opportunity for more growth for Jancey in the next books. The other ladies in Book Club thought it read a bit slowly too but they were interested in the mystery and history. I had not read Ms. Miller before but several others said they enjoy her faith based stories. I recommend this to readers who like historical, faith based stories.
December 17, 2019
After reading this book, I wouldn't necessarily call this a series. This was a stand-alone taking place in a different Amana Village, so none of the characters were the same as book #1. It followed the same formula as the first: outsider female moves to Amana and has to choose between outsider male and Amana male. I needn't tell you which one wins.
Quick, light read.
Quick, light read.
December 9, 2013
I began reading this book during the end of a semester of graduate school. Usually when I am reading a really good book, I cannot put it down and I will read it instead of focus on what I really need to get done. I guess I should be thankful that was not the case with this book. It was boring and it was easy to not read it every day. With that said, this was my first Amish book. I wanted to give it a chance and I read it with an open mind. However, it was not for me. I found it really simple, as the title states, and dull. It did not catch my interest and it is a story that I will quickly forget. First of all, I didn’t care for the main character Jancey. She actually annoyed me many times. She would make so many dumb choices and as a reader it would aggravate me. For some reason the way that Ritt was introduced made me view him as a teenager/young boy, not a man that could be a potential for Jancey. So after that it was weird reading about them having feelings for each other. I just didn’t believe the relationship.
There were a few things in the book that I did not like at all. I understand that the Amana Colony is a community of Amish people, but their lifestyle seemed very cult like and that bothered me. I do not like the fact that everyone has to follow all these strict rules. For example, there is a bell that rings constantly telling people when to eat and go to sleep. They also are not allowed to talk in the dining halls and men and women cannot sit together. I do not agree with these rules and I do not like reading about it. It would make me angry and it took away from the book. I also was angry when I read that Jancey could not be a teacher in the village because that is a job that men had. The people in Amana also had to ask the elders in the community for permission for many things and again this is something I do not agree with.
I am feeling generous with giving the book 3 stars. Technically I would say it is more 2.5 stars, but it wasn’t a horrible book. It was just boring and I didn’t agree with a few parts of it. Overall it was somewhat well written. If you love Amish books, you might enjoy it. If you do not read Amish novels, then I would not recommend it to you.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.
There were a few things in the book that I did not like at all. I understand that the Amana Colony is a community of Amish people, but their lifestyle seemed very cult like and that bothered me. I do not like the fact that everyone has to follow all these strict rules. For example, there is a bell that rings constantly telling people when to eat and go to sleep. They also are not allowed to talk in the dining halls and men and women cannot sit together. I do not agree with these rules and I do not like reading about it. It would make me angry and it took away from the book. I also was angry when I read that Jancey could not be a teacher in the village because that is a job that men had. The people in Amana also had to ask the elders in the community for permission for many things and again this is something I do not agree with.
I am feeling generous with giving the book 3 stars. Technically I would say it is more 2.5 stars, but it wasn’t a horrible book. It was just boring and I didn’t agree with a few parts of it. Overall it was somewhat well written. If you love Amish books, you might enjoy it. If you do not read Amish novels, then I would not recommend it to you.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.
August 19, 2013
Faced with her mother's failing health, Jancey's parents have decided to leave Kansas City and return home to the Amana Colonies where they were raised. Because she is an adult, they do not require Jancey to return with them, but she wishes to remain with them and care for her mother, even though she must leave her job as a teacher at the orphanage. The move also separates Jancey from her suitor, Nathan Woodward, but she hopes that the separation will be a chance for her to see her true feelings for him. Will Jancey return to Kansas City to be with Nathan, or will she find her faith and true love in Amana?
A Simple Change is the second in Judith Miller's "Home to Amana" series. Set in 1880s Iowa, the stories center around the Amana Colonies settled in 1855. Although this book works well enough as a stand-alone novel, more history and back story would be helpful to the reader. Having never heard of the Amana Colonies, I was forced to "Google" the subject in order to understand the communal lifestyle and rules referenced in the story.
The characters are solidly crafted, with real attributes and conflicts that make them believable. This also kept me guessing as to the motives of one or two characters until near the end. While the outcome was somewhat predictable, there was enough suspense to make it forgivable.
While the Amana Colonies are not the same as the Amish, this series should appeal to fans of that genre.
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
A Simple Change is the second in Judith Miller's "Home to Amana" series. Set in 1880s Iowa, the stories center around the Amana Colonies settled in 1855. Although this book works well enough as a stand-alone novel, more history and back story would be helpful to the reader. Having never heard of the Amana Colonies, I was forced to "Google" the subject in order to understand the communal lifestyle and rules referenced in the story.
The characters are solidly crafted, with real attributes and conflicts that make them believable. This also kept me guessing as to the motives of one or two characters until near the end. While the outcome was somewhat predictable, there was enough suspense to make it forgivable.
While the Amana Colonies are not the same as the Amish, this series should appeal to fans of that genre.
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 11, 2013
have read many of Judith Miller books as well as many books on Amish Life; I was surprised at the twist in this story. I had never heard of Amana villages and communities before this story.
Set in the late 1880's, the story is of a family who belong to a group of separatists called Amanians. Often mistaken for Amish, Amanians have similar ideologies and beliefs; living in communal villages, keeping separate and being self-sustaining. The story begins in Kansas City where the Rhoder family lives a very affluent but humble life. Jancey Rhoder, the daughter of a well known business man, has a comfortable life-volunteering at the local orphanage but her mother and father choose to move back to a simpler lifestyle in the Amana village, where they were married and started their family. Jancey doesn't know whether she should remain in Kansas City and continue teaching in the orphanage or move with her parents in order to care for her ailing mother. It doesn't help that a suitor of Jancey's is pressuring her to remain; are his reasons purely selfish or do they have a future? Jancey chooses to stay with her parents and wonders if she will find happiness in this new life. Time proves that a simpler life can be better and a certain friend in the community makes that choice easier. There are twists and turns to this story that make it intriguing. I found many similarities between the Amish and these colonists. Judith has done another great job keeping us spellbound until the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing, provided this book to me for my honest review; I did not receive any compensation.
Set in the late 1880's, the story is of a family who belong to a group of separatists called Amanians. Often mistaken for Amish, Amanians have similar ideologies and beliefs; living in communal villages, keeping separate and being self-sustaining. The story begins in Kansas City where the Rhoder family lives a very affluent but humble life. Jancey Rhoder, the daughter of a well known business man, has a comfortable life-volunteering at the local orphanage but her mother and father choose to move back to a simpler lifestyle in the Amana village, where they were married and started their family. Jancey doesn't know whether she should remain in Kansas City and continue teaching in the orphanage or move with her parents in order to care for her ailing mother. It doesn't help that a suitor of Jancey's is pressuring her to remain; are his reasons purely selfish or do they have a future? Jancey chooses to stay with her parents and wonders if she will find happiness in this new life. Time proves that a simpler life can be better and a certain friend in the community makes that choice easier. There are twists and turns to this story that make it intriguing. I found many similarities between the Amish and these colonists. Judith has done another great job keeping us spellbound until the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing, provided this book to me for my honest review; I did not receive any compensation.
May 31, 2023
I love reading about Amish settlements. The Amana Colony was interesting in that everyone worked but the money all went to the colony and if you needed anything, the colony would give you money. But Jancey had hard work to do. Working in the men's dormitory scrubbing floors and changing beds and washing sheets and clothes for the men left little time for anything else. Course her mother's health kept her close to home. Nathan was an interesting character - especially when he shows up at the Colony to work and be close to Jancey. I fell in love with Ritt the moment he met Jancey. The plot about the stolen money and if Thomas was a bank robber got very interesting when Nathan stole the money for himself. Captured they became and Jancey's heart was free to choose whether she wanted to stay in Amana and who she gave her heart to.
February 3, 2020
It enjoyable Read
Judith Miller really does her homework before she sits down to write her books. She develops believable characters and then weaves them into here fictional but researched history. I highly recommend her books to anyone who loves historical novels.
Judith Miller really does her homework before she sits down to write her books. She develops believable characters and then weaves them into here fictional but researched history. I highly recommend her books to anyone who loves historical novels.
Read
October 18, 2020Jancey has to abandon her beloved teaching to return to Amana Colonies with her family. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, especially seeing how the Amana rallied around the family when her mother's health worsened.
June 23, 2018
Ok story. Well written. Just not my type.
July 13, 2020
A well written story that centers on Amana colony Iowa. An only child who loves to teach at orphanage travels with her parents and finds a mystery and love.
August 1, 2022
An enjoyable read.
August 20, 2022
Could not get over my dislike of the main character thru the whole book. She was self-centered and foolish.
November 12, 2022
beautiful love story showing what matters most
July 30, 2013
Story Description:
Baker Publishing Group|August 1, 2013|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-1001-3
Judith Miller’s Novels Offer a Fascinating Look inside the Amana Colonies.
Joining the communal society of the Amana Colonies isn’t what Jancey Rhoder planned for her future but when unforeseen circumstances force her family to make some difficult decisions, she chooses to give up her teaching position in a Kansas City orphanage and move with her parents to Iowa.
Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodwoard, isn’t at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn’t sure what she’s gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she’ll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages on the Amana Colonies – and decide to make this unique place her forever home?
My Review:
Jancey Rhoder was very happy with her volunteer job teaching the children; six boys and four girls, ranging in age from five to ten years. All the children loved Jancey as much as she loved them. All the children were orphans of the Kansas City Charity Home.
During her off time, Jancey dated Nathan Woodward - he hoped to marry her one day in the near future. She still lived at home with her parents but her mother was very unwell and dying. Jancey helped her father with caring for her as best she could.
One evening father said that he and mother needed to speak to Jancey about something and it sounded serious. He started off by saying that they’d already made a number of changes to the house in order to accommodate her mother’s declining health. The current sitting room had once been a guest bedroom, and they’d even moved the dining table to one end of the room in order to eat their meals together when Mother couldn’t navigate the stairs. At this point, Jancey was wondering what else her father could possibly say, then he dropped a bomb – they were moving to Iowa!!!! Jancey’s mother wanted to move back to the Amana Colonies where she had roots from years before. To say the least, Jancey was shocked – what did this mean for her? Will she stay in Kansas and continue to teach? Where would she live? How would she support herself? What about Nathan? Should she go to the Amana Colonies with her parents? What about her mother’s declining health, could father care for her on his own without her? Oh dear, Jancey had so, so many questions to answer but answer them she does.
A Simple Change was a most interesting read.
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Baker Publishing Group|August 1, 2013|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-1001-3
Judith Miller’s Novels Offer a Fascinating Look inside the Amana Colonies.
Joining the communal society of the Amana Colonies isn’t what Jancey Rhoder planned for her future but when unforeseen circumstances force her family to make some difficult decisions, she chooses to give up her teaching position in a Kansas City orphanage and move with her parents to Iowa.
Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodwoard, isn’t at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn’t sure what she’s gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she’ll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages on the Amana Colonies – and decide to make this unique place her forever home?
My Review:
Jancey Rhoder was very happy with her volunteer job teaching the children; six boys and four girls, ranging in age from five to ten years. All the children loved Jancey as much as she loved them. All the children were orphans of the Kansas City Charity Home.
During her off time, Jancey dated Nathan Woodward - he hoped to marry her one day in the near future. She still lived at home with her parents but her mother was very unwell and dying. Jancey helped her father with caring for her as best she could.
One evening father said that he and mother needed to speak to Jancey about something and it sounded serious. He started off by saying that they’d already made a number of changes to the house in order to accommodate her mother’s declining health. The current sitting room had once been a guest bedroom, and they’d even moved the dining table to one end of the room in order to eat their meals together when Mother couldn’t navigate the stairs. At this point, Jancey was wondering what else her father could possibly say, then he dropped a bomb – they were moving to Iowa!!!! Jancey’s mother wanted to move back to the Amana Colonies where she had roots from years before. To say the least, Jancey was shocked – what did this mean for her? Will she stay in Kansas and continue to teach? Where would she live? How would she support herself? What about Nathan? Should she go to the Amana Colonies with her parents? What about her mother’s declining health, could father care for her on his own without her? Oh dear, Jancey had so, so many questions to answer but answer them she does.
A Simple Change was a most interesting read.
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
September 10, 2013
A Simple Change by Judith Miller is a well written wonderful story that begins in 1881 in Kansas City, Missouri but most of the story takes place in the Middle Amana Colony in Iowa. Jancey Rhoder is very happy teaching the orphans at the Kansas City Charity Home and is more or less comfortable with her suitor, Nathan Woodward. Her mother is quite ill and the doctors cannot determine exactly what is wrong with her and can offer no hope for recovery. Her mother and father lived in the Amana Colony until they married and moved to Kansas City. Now her mother wants to return to Amana to spend her last days, and her father is agreeable to the move. Jancey is torn because she wants to spend as much of her time as possible with her mother but she does not want to leave the children she teaches. Nathan definitely does not want Jancey to move but she is not too concerned about how he feels. The family moves to Amana and Jancey finds it a very different kind of life but she is not unhappy and fits in quite well with the women in the Colony. She cannot teach in Amana for women are not allowed to teach school but she is able to help a couple of the young girls with their reading skills which helps her adjust to not being able to teach at a school. Ritt is the son of the family that owns the house where Jancey and her parents live and since he and his family live upstairs, they have many occasions to meet and they quickly become friends and find that they are attracted to each other.. Nathan shows up for an unexpected and unwelcome visit and sparks start to fly in more ways than one.
The author did an excellent job developing the characters, plot,dialogue, and all other elements of the story. The characters simply came alive on the pages of the book and by the time I finished reading, I felt as if they were friends, or at least some of them were friends. It was evident that the author did her research on the Amana Colony and it was very interesting to read about the daily life of the people living in the Colony. A very enjoyable way to have a history lesson. Descriptions of scenes in the book were very well done and with each I felt as if I were living and working in the Colony right long with the characters. The fire scene was so real that I could almost feel the heat from the flames.
I highly recommend this book to everyone that appreciates a great story with a happy ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The author did an excellent job developing the characters, plot,dialogue, and all other elements of the story. The characters simply came alive on the pages of the book and by the time I finished reading, I felt as if they were friends, or at least some of them were friends. It was evident that the author did her research on the Amana Colony and it was very interesting to read about the daily life of the people living in the Colony. A very enjoyable way to have a history lesson. Descriptions of scenes in the book were very well done and with each I felt as if I were living and working in the Colony right long with the characters. The fire scene was so real that I could almost feel the heat from the flames.
I highly recommend this book to everyone that appreciates a great story with a happy ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
October 7, 2013
"A Simple Change" leads to a world of new experiences for one young woman in Book Two of author Judith Miller's "Home to Amana" series. Jancey Rhoder is happy living with her parents, Almina and Jurgen, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Rhoders want for nothing due to success in business, and Jancey is devoted to the children at the charity home where she volunteers as a teacher. However, the failing health of her mother brings about a life-changing decision for the Rhoder family. Her parents decide to sell their business and return to their homeplace of the Amana Colonies. They will sell their house unless Jancey wants to stay in Kansas City. Jancey is torn--should she leave her beloved teaching job and go with her parents? What of her beau, Nathan Woodward? Nathan, who works for her father, is a persistent suitor, but Jancey has been unsure of her own feelings. Jancey follows her heart, unwilling to leave her mother while she is ill, and makes the journey with her parents to Middle Amana. Life in the communal society is quite an adjustment. Women are not allowed to teach, and work is assigned by the village elders. Jancey is given the job of cleaning the boarding house for the outside workers. The Rhoders share a house with the Hertig family, having their own apartment on the lower floor. The Hertigs make them welcome, and their son Ritter, known as Ritt, takes an immediate interest in Jancey. As time passes, and Jancey spends more time around Ritt, her feelings for Nathan become even more unsure. Through his letters, Nathan continues to press Jancey to return to Kansas City. Eventually, he surprises Jancey by coming to Middle Amana to work in the local mill. The differences between Ritt and Nathan quickly become obvious, and Jancey is now sure that she was right in not agreeing to marry Nathan. Complicating matters even further is photograph that Jancey found while cleaning the men's quarters. The photo is of a young girl standing in front of the very charity home where Jancey used to teach in Kansas City. Soon, Jancey is involved in more than one mystery, and not everyone is whom they first appeared to be. Will the secrets Jancey discovers bring harm to the community, and will those same secrets destroy her chance for a happy future with Ritt? "A Simple Change" is an intriguing look at a completely unique chapter of American history, with added elements of suspense and romance.
Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
September 16, 2013
This book centers around one of the most interesting historical religious groups I have found, the Amana colonies. Jancey Rhoder is a young, privileged, very happy young woman. The time is 1881, and although she was privileged to receive a very good education, she is content to teach at an orphanage in Kansas City Missouri. The only child of wealthy parents, she has stylish clothes, a beautiful home and a handsome young beau who wants to marry her.
Her perfect world is turned upside down when mother whose health is very bad, takes a turn for the worse. Her parents decide they want to return their home and roots at the Amana Colony in Iowa where they both were raised. She becomes torn between staying with the children and job she loves or going to be with her dying mother. Nathan Woodward, her boyfriend adds to her confusion by trying to pressure into marrying him and staying. The new development in their relationship reveals a selfish, darker side of him that Jancey had not seen before.
Her heart wins out and she moves to the Amana Colony with her parents. While it is very normal and comfortable to them, their daughter must learn to live not only in severe simplicity but with a multitude of rules and conduct guidelines. Though it is a bit of a social shock she works hard at adapting and accepting a new way of life. She is caught totally off guard when she finds herself falling in love with a young man in the colony that is everything Nathan isn’t.
Trying to live the Amana life but making decisions based on her old way of life puts Jancey in some very difficult and even dangerous situations. To complicate matters Nathan shows up to work with the Amana men and to try and convince her to marry him. Living in the colonies away from all the trappings the world she had once enjoyed, Jancey finds herself renewing her relationship with God and turning to Him for the answers she needs. I loved learning more about life in the colonies and how peaceful it was. This book has suspense, romance, mystery, and surprises! A book you WILL want to read!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Her perfect world is turned upside down when mother whose health is very bad, takes a turn for the worse. Her parents decide they want to return their home and roots at the Amana Colony in Iowa where they both were raised. She becomes torn between staying with the children and job she loves or going to be with her dying mother. Nathan Woodward, her boyfriend adds to her confusion by trying to pressure into marrying him and staying. The new development in their relationship reveals a selfish, darker side of him that Jancey had not seen before.
Her heart wins out and she moves to the Amana Colony with her parents. While it is very normal and comfortable to them, their daughter must learn to live not only in severe simplicity but with a multitude of rules and conduct guidelines. Though it is a bit of a social shock she works hard at adapting and accepting a new way of life. She is caught totally off guard when she finds herself falling in love with a young man in the colony that is everything Nathan isn’t.
Trying to live the Amana life but making decisions based on her old way of life puts Jancey in some very difficult and even dangerous situations. To complicate matters Nathan shows up to work with the Amana men and to try and convince her to marry him. Living in the colonies away from all the trappings the world she had once enjoyed, Jancey finds herself renewing her relationship with God and turning to Him for the answers she needs. I loved learning more about life in the colonies and how peaceful it was. This book has suspense, romance, mystery, and surprises! A book you WILL want to read!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 8, 2013
About the Book:
Joining the communal society of the Amana Colonies isn't what Jancey Rhoder planned for her future, but when unforeseen circumstances force her family to make some difficult decisions, she chooses to give up her teaching position in a Kansas City orphanage and move with her parents to Iowa.
Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodward, isn't at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn't sure what she's gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she'll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages of the Amana Colonies--and decide to make this unique place her forever home?
About the Author:
Judith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.
My Review:
Jancey Rhoder is perfectly happy with her simple existence alongside her father and ailing mother. She teaches the children at the town orphanage. They delight in her care and affection for them. A delight that is mutually felt by her also. She comes home one day to find that her carefree life is coming to a bend in the road and they must make a change for the health of her mother.
Living in Kansas City , she lived alot differently than she has come to know in the Amana Colonies. She will soon learn that it is going to get some getting use to. In the colonies things are done differently. Jobs are assigned to you which is something that you can tell rubs her the wrong way. Its not long before Jancey realizes that such a change will be a long arduous one for her.
The author did a lovely job with the story line. The book has some very strong characters that really drive the dialogue to new heights. So much so that I could imagine the conversations contained therein right in front of me.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.
Joining the communal society of the Amana Colonies isn't what Jancey Rhoder planned for her future, but when unforeseen circumstances force her family to make some difficult decisions, she chooses to give up her teaching position in a Kansas City orphanage and move with her parents to Iowa.
Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodward, isn't at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn't sure what she's gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she'll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages of the Amana Colonies--and decide to make this unique place her forever home?
About the Author:
Judith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.
My Review:
Jancey Rhoder is perfectly happy with her simple existence alongside her father and ailing mother. She teaches the children at the town orphanage. They delight in her care and affection for them. A delight that is mutually felt by her also. She comes home one day to find that her carefree life is coming to a bend in the road and they must make a change for the health of her mother.
Living in Kansas City , she lived alot differently than she has come to know in the Amana Colonies. She will soon learn that it is going to get some getting use to. In the colonies things are done differently. Jobs are assigned to you which is something that you can tell rubs her the wrong way. Its not long before Jancey realizes that such a change will be a long arduous one for her.
The author did a lovely job with the story line. The book has some very strong characters that really drive the dialogue to new heights. So much so that I could imagine the conversations contained therein right in front of me.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.
January 16, 2016
REVIEW:
How could a simple change be so complicated? The setting is Middle Amana, Iowa in 1881. Jancey Rhoder has a difficult decision to make. Should she give up her teaching and her freedom in Kansas City to go with her parents to the Amana Colonies? She has a beau, Nathan Woodward, who doesn't want her to leave but Jancey wants to give this new beginning a chance. She must also think about her ailing mother. She may not have her much longer in her life. She wonders if this move will end her her relationship with Nathan.
Jancey and her parents move to the Amana Colonies and Jancey fits right in, doing her daily chores and trying her best to live by the Colony's rules.
Will Jancey decide to move back to the city when things become challenging? Will this be her home for ever?This book is the second in a 3 part series. It is easily a stand alone novel. Jancey has the job of cleaning the outsider men's dormitory. During her chore, she discovers some secrets that end on a path of deception and destruction. I would love to see Jancey and Ritt in book three so I could learn more about their life as they live in the colony. This book is easily a stand alone book even though it is part of a series. I felt for Jancey when her father and Nathan seem to be pushing her towards marriage . I just wanted her to be with Ritt so much. It seemed like they belonged together from the start. The Amana Colonies are not Amish but if you like Amish reads I'm sure you'll like the Amana Colonies also.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially if you like Amish and Historical reads. I really enjoyed it. It has a slowing down effect on you. You somehow can relax a little and we all need that. The author, Judith Miller did a marvelous job of presenting the Amana Colonies and describing their ways. Thanks for t he great book.
I would give this book 4 STARS.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, A SIMPLE CHANGE, by Judith Miller from the publisher, Bethany House for this unbiased review.
How could a simple change be so complicated? The setting is Middle Amana, Iowa in 1881. Jancey Rhoder has a difficult decision to make. Should she give up her teaching and her freedom in Kansas City to go with her parents to the Amana Colonies? She has a beau, Nathan Woodward, who doesn't want her to leave but Jancey wants to give this new beginning a chance. She must also think about her ailing mother. She may not have her much longer in her life. She wonders if this move will end her her relationship with Nathan.
Jancey and her parents move to the Amana Colonies and Jancey fits right in, doing her daily chores and trying her best to live by the Colony's rules.
Will Jancey decide to move back to the city when things become challenging? Will this be her home for ever?This book is the second in a 3 part series. It is easily a stand alone novel. Jancey has the job of cleaning the outsider men's dormitory. During her chore, she discovers some secrets that end on a path of deception and destruction. I would love to see Jancey and Ritt in book three so I could learn more about their life as they live in the colony. This book is easily a stand alone book even though it is part of a series. I felt for Jancey when her father and Nathan seem to be pushing her towards marriage . I just wanted her to be with Ritt so much. It seemed like they belonged together from the start. The Amana Colonies are not Amish but if you like Amish reads I'm sure you'll like the Amana Colonies also.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially if you like Amish and Historical reads. I really enjoyed it. It has a slowing down effect on you. You somehow can relax a little and we all need that. The author, Judith Miller did a marvelous job of presenting the Amana Colonies and describing their ways. Thanks for t he great book.
I would give this book 4 STARS.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, A SIMPLE CHANGE, by Judith Miller from the publisher, Bethany House for this unbiased review.
September 17, 2013
Jancey Rhoder’s life is turned upside down when her parents tell her that they are returning to the Amana Colonies in Iowa. With Jancey’s mother being ill, Jancey makes the decision to go with them. What lies ahead of her in the Amana Colonies? Will she miss the children of the orphanage that she works at in Kansas City so much that she will return? Does true love await her in the Amana Colonies or has she left her heart behind in Kansas City?
What I Liked
Jancey: Throughout the book, you watch Jancey go from a young woman who struggles to trust God and His timing to a young woman who learns to place her trust in Him and other people.
The Middle Amana Colony: While I know that I personally wouldn’t enjoy living a life like those of the citizens of Amana, I found Ms. Miller’s depiction of life in the Amana Colonies interesting. I found myself drawn to different aspects such as the way that they worked and lived closely together and how money was not used except by outsiders. The lifestyle is similar to many of the Amish and Mennonite communities that I have visited with the church owning the property and the strict rules about dress, etc., but one of the major differences that I saw between them was that anyone was welcome and that people were not shunned for not agreeing to live the way they chose to live.
Ritt: Ritt is a man who is strong in faith and walks closely with the Lord. He was raised in the Amana Colonies and knows that they are where he wants to stay. He is patient with Jancey and yet works to guard his heart as he waits for her to decide if life in Amana is truly what she wants.
What I Didn’t Like
There really wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about the book. If I had to pick something, I would say that Jancey’s relationship with her parents bothered me at different times throughout the book. Although they were close, it seemed at times as if they had difficulty communicating with each other. Her parents frequently questioned her about her decision to move, and she doesn't always share information with them when she should.
What I Liked
Jancey: Throughout the book, you watch Jancey go from a young woman who struggles to trust God and His timing to a young woman who learns to place her trust in Him and other people.
The Middle Amana Colony: While I know that I personally wouldn’t enjoy living a life like those of the citizens of Amana, I found Ms. Miller’s depiction of life in the Amana Colonies interesting. I found myself drawn to different aspects such as the way that they worked and lived closely together and how money was not used except by outsiders. The lifestyle is similar to many of the Amish and Mennonite communities that I have visited with the church owning the property and the strict rules about dress, etc., but one of the major differences that I saw between them was that anyone was welcome and that people were not shunned for not agreeing to live the way they chose to live.
Ritt: Ritt is a man who is strong in faith and walks closely with the Lord. He was raised in the Amana Colonies and knows that they are where he wants to stay. He is patient with Jancey and yet works to guard his heart as he waits for her to decide if life in Amana is truly what she wants.
What I Didn’t Like
There really wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about the book. If I had to pick something, I would say that Jancey’s relationship with her parents bothered me at different times throughout the book. Although they were close, it seemed at times as if they had difficulty communicating with each other. Her parents frequently questioned her about her decision to move, and she doesn't always share information with them when she should.
August 28, 2013
This is the story of Jancey Rhoder who's world is turned upside down when her parents decide to return to their childhood roots of Amana colonies. Jancey knows that she needs to follow her parents to this unknown world to take care of her ailing mother, but her heart longs to teach the orphans. She also walks away from a possible marriage to go to the Amana colonies. There she learns about a different life of hard work and lots of faith. She meets friends and finds conflict in her attraction to another young man named Ritt when she still does not know what to do with her former beau, Nathan who manages to complicate things by showing up in the Amana Colonies to woo her back to her former life.
Jancey's life gets more complicated as mistakes are made and trust is given to the wrong person. She finds herself a keeper of secrets and her ability to find a solution harder to find. Jancey finds the peace and love she craves in the end.
I must admit that this is the first book I have read that deals with the Amana colonies so that kept my interest to learn the nature of how they survive with the simplicity of life. I thought that the author was very knowledgeable on this subject. The plot itself is what I struggled with. I admire Jancey sacrificing all to go with her parents to take care of her mother. I had a hard time with Jancey and Nathan's relationship. She felt that a time of separation would tell whether things would work out between them, but later on she felt in her relationship with Ritt that separation would break their chance of a relationship. To me the plot was predictable. Also her relationship with her parents seemed to be so important to her that I found it odd that she would not confide in her parents or seek their advice until near the end of the story. I felt the story could have had a bit more romance in it as well.
It was a one time read for me. I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House for my honest opinion.
Jancey's life gets more complicated as mistakes are made and trust is given to the wrong person. She finds herself a keeper of secrets and her ability to find a solution harder to find. Jancey finds the peace and love she craves in the end.
I must admit that this is the first book I have read that deals with the Amana colonies so that kept my interest to learn the nature of how they survive with the simplicity of life. I thought that the author was very knowledgeable on this subject. The plot itself is what I struggled with. I admire Jancey sacrificing all to go with her parents to take care of her mother. I had a hard time with Jancey and Nathan's relationship. She felt that a time of separation would tell whether things would work out between them, but later on she felt in her relationship with Ritt that separation would break their chance of a relationship. To me the plot was predictable. Also her relationship with her parents seemed to be so important to her that I found it odd that she would not confide in her parents or seek their advice until near the end of the story. I felt the story could have had a bit more romance in it as well.
It was a one time read for me. I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House for my honest opinion.
August 25, 2013
This was the first book that I have read by Judith Miller. With this being the second book in the series I was a little worried that I was going to be lost with not knowing what happened in the first book. However, that didn't happen because this book could stand alone in the series because even though the first books characters were in this one you would not need to know it The main character Jancey has always lived in the modern time in Kansas City splitting her time between the orphanage and spending time with her family and suitor Nathan Woodward. However, that all changes when her parents tell her that they are going back to the simple life in the Amana Colonies to live out their rest of their lives. Jancey is shocked and doesn't want to leave her children at the Orphanage but she doesn't want to miss the last couple months/year with her mother. So she leaves everything behind to move there with her parents.
As you continue to read the book you will find that Judith Miller does a fantastic job of describing how the people in the Amana Colonies live and how it is different from what the modern people in Kansas City lived. I really liked in addition how she showed the struggles that Jancey faced well trying to fit in to the colonies. Lastly I really liked to the romance story she had included between Jancey and Ritt who is one of the colonies citizens and her relationship between Nathan and her. I felt like I was in the 1880's and experiencing what Jancey and her family were going through.
Having been my first read by Judith's I really liked it and I am very interesting to read other books in this series and by this author. I would not only recommend this book to Christian readers but also by readers who love history and romance as it has all three of those genres in them.
As you continue to read the book you will find that Judith Miller does a fantastic job of describing how the people in the Amana Colonies live and how it is different from what the modern people in Kansas City lived. I really liked in addition how she showed the struggles that Jancey faced well trying to fit in to the colonies. Lastly I really liked to the romance story she had included between Jancey and Ritt who is one of the colonies citizens and her relationship between Nathan and her. I felt like I was in the 1880's and experiencing what Jancey and her family were going through.
Having been my first read by Judith's I really liked it and I am very interesting to read other books in this series and by this author. I would not only recommend this book to Christian readers but also by readers who love history and romance as it has all three of those genres in them.
September 19, 2013
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.
August 8, 2013
I have to admit, when I initially selected this book I was along the thoughts that this was another Amish story, never delving into wonder what the Amana's were. Now I do. This story more than anything has made me want to research and understand this particular group of people. It made me all the more curious as to what was going to happen. I believe the story satisfied my curiosity to a certain degree, but also made me yearn to know more. But, that's just based on the Amana colonies. Overall, the book was good.
It had me in a cross between boredom to fascination, and I realize that does not make a lick of sense. But it intrigued me, because I wasn't really sure what was going on. Again, it goes back to situation that I had no idea who the Amana people were. I felt that the book informed me, but only on a need to know basis in relation to the story as to where it was in the plot. For once, I wanted to know more.
Jancey is in a quandry as to what to do. Her parents are returning back to their home in the colonies, and have invited Jancey to come along also. Problem is Jancey has a love interest, who at this time, has more of an interest in her than vice versa. She does end up moving to the colonies, and in turn must make a huge adjustment to their ways. She learns and learns to love the simplicity, while making friends and a new interest in love. Meanwhile, her love interest from her old home comes to the colonies, determined to win Jancey. Unfortunately problems arise that neither one of them anticipated.
All in all, I finished the book and would most definitely recommend reading it.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers to provide an honest review.
It had me in a cross between boredom to fascination, and I realize that does not make a lick of sense. But it intrigued me, because I wasn't really sure what was going on. Again, it goes back to situation that I had no idea who the Amana people were. I felt that the book informed me, but only on a need to know basis in relation to the story as to where it was in the plot. For once, I wanted to know more.
Jancey is in a quandry as to what to do. Her parents are returning back to their home in the colonies, and have invited Jancey to come along also. Problem is Jancey has a love interest, who at this time, has more of an interest in her than vice versa. She does end up moving to the colonies, and in turn must make a huge adjustment to their ways. She learns and learns to love the simplicity, while making friends and a new interest in love. Meanwhile, her love interest from her old home comes to the colonies, determined to win Jancey. Unfortunately problems arise that neither one of them anticipated.
All in all, I finished the book and would most definitely recommend reading it.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers to provide an honest review.
September 24, 2013
When I first received the book “A Simple Change” by Judith Miller, I thought it was going to be another story about the Amish life but I was mistaken. It instead tells of life in the Amana Colonies of Iowa which is a communal settlement where everyone shares everything they have with one another.
The author tells a tale of Jancey Rhoder, a school teacher in an orphanage in Kansas City. When her parents decide to move back to the Amana Colonies where they were born, Jancey must make one of the most difficult decisions of her life. She can stay in Kansas City, continue working with the orphans and marry her beau, or leave it all behind and take care of her mother during her last days.
Nathan doesn’t want her to leave, but Jancey feels that she needs to be with her mother during her last days. She makes the difficult choice to leave everything she knows for the simplicity of life in Amana.
When Jancey discovers secrets that wreck havoc with those around her she must make a choice to move back to the city or embrace life in Amana.
“A Simple Change” is the second book in the Home to Amana series. It can be read and enjoyed on it’s own merits. Ms. Miller uses simple language to write an engaging story about a life in the colonies. The books shows that there is power in prayer and to trust God in all circumstances and he will lead you through all your troubles.
While reading this book you immerse yourself in Jancey’s life and feet her joys, heartaches and the love she has for her parents by always putting them first. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
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.
The author tells a tale of Jancey Rhoder, a school teacher in an orphanage in Kansas City. When her parents decide to move back to the Amana Colonies where they were born, Jancey must make one of the most difficult decisions of her life. She can stay in Kansas City, continue working with the orphans and marry her beau, or leave it all behind and take care of her mother during her last days.
Nathan doesn’t want her to leave, but Jancey feels that she needs to be with her mother during her last days. She makes the difficult choice to leave everything she knows for the simplicity of life in Amana.
When Jancey discovers secrets that wreck havoc with those around her she must make a choice to move back to the city or embrace life in Amana.
“A Simple Change” is the second book in the Home to Amana series. It can be read and enjoyed on it’s own merits. Ms. Miller uses simple language to write an engaging story about a life in the colonies. The books shows that there is power in prayer and to trust God in all circumstances and he will lead you through all your troubles.
While reading this book you immerse yourself in Jancey’s life and feet her joys, heartaches and the love she has for her parents by always putting them first. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
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.
April 1, 2014
I have to admit, when I initially selected this book I was along the thoughts that this was another Amish story, never delving into wonder what the Amana’s were. Now I do. This story more than anything has made me want to research and understand this particular group of people. It made me all the more curious as to what was going to happen. I believe the story satisfied my curiosity to a certain degree, but also made me yearn to know more. But, that’s just based on the Amana colonies. Overall, the book was good.
It had me in a cross between boredom to fascination, and I realize that does not make a lick of sense. But it intrigued me, because I wasn’t really sure what was going on. Again, it goes back to situation that I had no idea who the Amana people were. I felt that the book informed me, but only on a need to know basis in relation to the story as to where it was in the plot. For once, I wanted to know more.
Jancey is in a quandry as to what to do. Her parents are returning back to their home in the colonies, and have invited Jancey to come along also. Problem is Jancey has a love interest, who at this time, has more of an interest in her than vice versa. She does end up moving to the colonies, and in turn must make a huge adjustment to their ways. She learns and learns to love the simplicity, while making friends and a new interest in love. Meanwhile, her love interest from her old home comes to the colonies, determined to win Jancey. Unfortunately problems arise that neither one of them anticipated.
All in all, I finished the book and would most definitely recommend reading it.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers to provide an honest review.
It had me in a cross between boredom to fascination, and I realize that does not make a lick of sense. But it intrigued me, because I wasn’t really sure what was going on. Again, it goes back to situation that I had no idea who the Amana people were. I felt that the book informed me, but only on a need to know basis in relation to the story as to where it was in the plot. For once, I wanted to know more.
Jancey is in a quandry as to what to do. Her parents are returning back to their home in the colonies, and have invited Jancey to come along also. Problem is Jancey has a love interest, who at this time, has more of an interest in her than vice versa. She does end up moving to the colonies, and in turn must make a huge adjustment to their ways. She learns and learns to love the simplicity, while making friends and a new interest in love. Meanwhile, her love interest from her old home comes to the colonies, determined to win Jancey. Unfortunately problems arise that neither one of them anticipated.
All in all, I finished the book and would most definitely recommend reading it.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers to provide an honest review.
August 10, 2013
Historical Fiction
published by BethanyHouse
345 pages
The setting is in 1881
Jancey Rhoder loves her job, volunteering at the Kansas City Charity Home for Orphans and teaching the younger children their lessons. But, when her parents decide to move back to Middle Amana Colony, because of her mother's health, Jancey gives up her volunteer position, and moves with them. She knows her mother is dying, and wants to spend as much time as she can, with her. Her suiter, Nathan Woodward is very upset when she leaves.
Even though her parents had tried to prepare her for the big change that she would be facing, it was still a shock to know she couldn't teach in Middle Amana, and she would be assigned a job by the elders. Because of her mother's illness, she is assigned a job helping clean the 'outsiders' dormitory, which is near their home. The outsiders are hired to work in the mill, and supplied a place to live, and food, as part of their pay.
Will Jancey stay in Middle Amana when her mother passes? When Nathan shows up, will she return to Kansas City with him?
This is a very good book, although I cannot imagine living and working in a colony where the pay is food and shelter, and everyone is expected to follow the rules set by others. I enjoyed learning more about other ways of life and, since this is set in a time period that I would 'love to visit' I really want to learn more about the Amana Colonies.
I was given a copy of this book to read and review. No other compensation was given. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
published by BethanyHouse
345 pages
The setting is in 1881
Jancey Rhoder loves her job, volunteering at the Kansas City Charity Home for Orphans and teaching the younger children their lessons. But, when her parents decide to move back to Middle Amana Colony, because of her mother's health, Jancey gives up her volunteer position, and moves with them. She knows her mother is dying, and wants to spend as much time as she can, with her. Her suiter, Nathan Woodward is very upset when she leaves.
Even though her parents had tried to prepare her for the big change that she would be facing, it was still a shock to know she couldn't teach in Middle Amana, and she would be assigned a job by the elders. Because of her mother's illness, she is assigned a job helping clean the 'outsiders' dormitory, which is near their home. The outsiders are hired to work in the mill, and supplied a place to live, and food, as part of their pay.
Will Jancey stay in Middle Amana when her mother passes? When Nathan shows up, will she return to Kansas City with him?
This is a very good book, although I cannot imagine living and working in a colony where the pay is food and shelter, and everyone is expected to follow the rules set by others. I enjoyed learning more about other ways of life and, since this is set in a time period that I would 'love to visit' I really want to learn more about the Amana Colonies.
I was given a copy of this book to read and review. No other compensation was given. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
July 27, 2013
A Simple Change by Judith Miller is the second book in the Home to Amana series. It's a well written story, but I found myself bored with the same ole story line the author has been using for her last few Amana books. Why do the main characters always go against the rules and then be all stressed out about it?! The first time I was fine with it, but now I just want something different.... The one redeeming feature is that the author writes really well so even though it is the same basic story she does make it interesting. :-)
Jancey Rhoder is a volunteer teacher at an orphanage. She loves her job and can't imagine not teaching, but when her father tells her that they have requested to move back to the Amana colonies Jancey is shocked. She quickly decides to give up everything she has ever known so that she can still be with her sick mother. Her boyfriend, Nathan Woodward, isn't so pleased about her leaving. Jancey isn't sure that she loves him and thinks time away would prove beneficial for them both.
Once at the Amana Colonies, Jancey settles in and tries to remember all the rules in her new life. She misses teaching but tutoring her neighbor's daughter helps her adjust especially since Ritt Hetrig sits in on the lessons. Jancey is attracted to Ritt, but he is worried she won't want to stay in Middle Amana permanently.
If you like Amish books you will probably like this series. :-)
I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
Jancey Rhoder is a volunteer teacher at an orphanage. She loves her job and can't imagine not teaching, but when her father tells her that they have requested to move back to the Amana colonies Jancey is shocked. She quickly decides to give up everything she has ever known so that she can still be with her sick mother. Her boyfriend, Nathan Woodward, isn't so pleased about her leaving. Jancey isn't sure that she loves him and thinks time away would prove beneficial for them both.
Once at the Amana Colonies, Jancey settles in and tries to remember all the rules in her new life. She misses teaching but tutoring her neighbor's daughter helps her adjust especially since Ritt Hetrig sits in on the lessons. Jancey is attracted to Ritt, but he is worried she won't want to stay in Middle Amana permanently.
If you like Amish books you will probably like this series. :-)
I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2013
This is an interesting story about a young woman who gives up life in the big city to move to the Amana Colonies with her parents. Jancey Rhoder has a suitor, Nathan, and a job she loves teaching children at the orphanage in Kansas City. However, her mother is dying and her parents have decided to move back to the Amana Colonies where they grew up. They give Jancey the choice to stay in Kansas City or join them, since they expect that she will soon marry and they know their way of life will be drastically changed from what they have now. She chooses to go and believes the separation will be good for her and Nathan and will reveal whether they should marry. When she arrives, she must adjust to a completely different way of life. She also lets her curiosity and impulsiveness get her into trouble. Will she marry Nathan or will another man catch her eye? Can she learn to give up control and wait on God for answers?
I knew nothing about the Amana Colonies, so it was interesting to see how this community functioned. I can't imagine what a change it would have been to move from a city to this rural community, with their strict rules and different way of doing things. I admired some things about Jancey, but was very frustrated with her indecisiveness and some of the decisions she did make. This felt very much like a stand-alone, though it is book two. I liked the focus on prayer and trusting God. I am interested in reading more of Miller's books about the Amana Colonies.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I knew nothing about the Amana Colonies, so it was interesting to see how this community functioned. I can't imagine what a change it would have been to move from a city to this rural community, with their strict rules and different way of doing things. I admired some things about Jancey, but was very frustrated with her indecisiveness and some of the decisions she did make. This felt very much like a stand-alone, though it is book two. I liked the focus on prayer and trusting God. I am interested in reading more of Miller's books about the Amana Colonies.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
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