Description:

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages inhabited by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in the community. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered and she is forced to make difficult choices about a new life and the man she left behind. Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, and when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, Berta's rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana? ### From Booklist When Berta Schumacher’s parents inform her that Main Amana is going to be their new home, she is certain that her life is over. Accustomed to the bright lights of Chicago, Berta doesn’t know if she can adapt to life in the devout village. Johanna Ilg has spent most of her life in Main Amana, but she sometimes wonders what it would be like to live somewhere else. Given the job of instructing Berta on her new duties in the kitchen, Johanna has her hands full with the headstrong newcomer, who is determined to find a way to return to her real home in Chicago. Johanna had always believed her roots were in Main Amana, but after she stumbles across a family secret, she begins to wonder exactly where she does belong. Richly imbued with fascinating details about life in the Amana colonies, the first addition to Miller’s new Daughters of Amana series is a quietly compelling tale of faith and friendship. --John Charles ### From the Back Cover Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs? Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?