More Than Words

Gretchen Kohler lives in a traditional Amana village, similar in some ways to the Amish but there are differences in their Old Ways. Gretchen's mother has passed away for quite some time, so the responsibility for managing the home has fallen on her shoulders. Her grandmother or Oma is facing the effects of alzheimer's and at times, resorts to her child like ways of her former days when she was a young girl and can no longer remember how old she is.

To pass the time, Gretchen journals her thoughts in notebook along with stories and poems. She wishes to someday share them with somebody other than her friends and even her Vater or father knows of her writing but has never read her work. One day a salesman from Chicago comes to her family store selling the latest in lace and trim which her father is interested in purchasing, but Mr. Finley seems to have other motives on his mind besides just selling his wares.

I received this amazing new novel, More Than Words, by Judith Miller compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was captivated by Gretchen's character. Being a writer myself I love how she uses her journal to capture her feelings and the lives of the people she is with in words. This is a great book on judging a book by it's cover too early and thus avoiding what lies beneath. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars just for the historical content contained within the pages of another unique lifestyle of the 1800's!

For more information on this book, the author and a first chapter glimpse, please read on:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

More than WordsBethany 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.