More Than Words

Daughters of Amana #2

by Judith McCoy Miller

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?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Amish

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

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.

Reviews

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not my usual genre, this was fun! I got this in the Amana Colonies with my best friends, so it will always be special to me.

This book accomplished the Herbology prompt for the OWLs readathon - Mimbulus Mimbletonia, read a book that starts with the letter M!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good historical fiction book about life in the Amana colonies, but it was too predictable for me. I lost interest, and actually did NOT finish reading it. Judith Miller is a good author, though, I've enjoyed her other books.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Words took me on a delightful journey through the Amana Colonies in 1885, and Judith Miller captured my attention from the very first page. I had no idea that I would experience such unique characters and cultures all in one book! I gained knowledge about the Amana Colonies, as well as learned what the Gypsies were like at that point in history.

For those that don't know, Amana members are often mistaken for Amish, when in fact, they are not connected at all. The Amana members have no issues with using electricity, for example, and are always looking for ways to improve their quality of work as well as the speed in which it is accomplished. They have a communal society where no one owns their own home, and each person has very few possessions. This allows them to focus their time on God and His Word because they are not tied down to things or worldly desires.

The Gypsies, on the other hand, were very interesting, too. I had no idea that they frequently kidnapped young children, and brought them into their society. That tidbit was quite disturbing, but it was an important secondary part of the story. I did know that they used Tarot cards and conjured up spells and such, but thankfully, those things were not mentioned much at all.

I found that I related very well with Gretchen, the main female character. She had a desire for reading and learning that was enormous. I couldn't imagine if I had to watch what I read in such a strict society, but I understood why they had their rules in place. Thankfully, she had a very understanding father (most of the time), in addition to a very nosy brother. She also had a very dreamy beau who was very patient and understanding....reminded me of my hubby. :o)

More Than Words is book 2 in the Daughters of Amana series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I had not read the first book prior to this one, and never felt like I had missed any back story. For someone who is a fan of bonnet fiction, I enjoyed learning more about another society that wasn't Amish. Their lifestyle is simple, but interesting, and I imagine most fans of Amish fiction would find the Amana society to be a nice diversion in their reading fare. My rating is 4 Stars.

[Mayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gretchen desire to be a better writer lands her in hot water with just about everyone in this closed community. Trusting a traveling salesman was just one of her mistakes. She also must deal with her grandmother’s growing dementia, her younger brother boyish enthusiasm (not always expressed in an acceptable way), and a strict father, still grieving for his deceased wife. Throw in a band of roving gypsies, and you have all the ingredients needed for an intriguing tale. Though part of a trilogy, this tale is really works as a stand-alone since none of the characters carry over from the first book.

[Marilyn]

A book with empathy for the elderly and dementia. Keeping the senior in their own home at night with safety precautions. During the day the senior with children at a day care with workers trained for the elderly. The senior teaching the young ones different skills (hobbies- knitting, sewing, woodwork, painting).

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Words was another adventure in the Amana colonies. It was interesting simply because of the unique nature of Amana. Adding in the Gypsies gave us a wider look at the world during this time along with another unique culture. There was always a lot going on to ho your interest. I knew the salesman was trouble from the start, but the trouble did not play out in a way that was expected. There were a lot of heartfelt solutions to problems in the book really showing the example of Joseph’s story and God using bad for good. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. It is the story of Gretchen who is a member of the Amana communities. She works for her father in his store keeping his books. Secretly she loves to write poetry and stories about their lives. Everything is fine until Mr. Finley comes to town and happens to read one of her poems and wants to take it to a "friend" to evaluate it for her. Also, her grandmother is having spells of dementia and Gretchen is trying to hide it from her father.

[Jan St Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the series!

I fell in love with the Amana colonies during the first book, and the love for this group continues in this book!
I am excited to read book 3 and also the Return to Amana series. These books so far have kept me interested from page one until the ending!! Easily 5 stars!!

[Catherine Richmond]

Gretchen trusts a traveling salesman with her stories and poetry, and gets burned in the worst way. She's suspicious of the Gypsies camped near Amana, but they behave better than expected.

I enjoy novels that teach me something new. Judith Miller's stories bring the customs and history of the Amana Colony to life.

[Harvey DeFries · Rating 4 out of 5]

very intresting and informative

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not a favorite read, this one has a decent storyline. There were parts of the book I liked more that others and overall it was an okay read for me.

[Susan Hollaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretchen Kohler loves her family and her Amana Colony, but dreams of more than working in the general store with her father and keeping an eye on her younger brother and grandmother. Her grandmother suffers from dementia and is harder to watch after than her little brother. If that isn’t enough to keep her busy, a traveling band of gypsies that camp outside of town bring more trouble than she imagines. With all the things pulling at her in her life, she doesn’t have the time she’d like for writing. She knows that her Amana village would not approve of her creative pursuits and so she confines her poetry and stories to writing in her journals. Only a close friend or two has been given the privilege of reading them.

When Allen Finley, a young man from Chicago, comes into the general store and visits with her, she is tempted by the world outside her colony. She desires to know if she has any writing talent at all and she trusts him and his promises. Despite the continued warnings from friends and her own grandmother, she chooses to believe the young man is earnest. Thinking he shares her passion for the written word and has her best interest at heart, she shares some of her poetry and stories with him, and hopes she hasn't misplaced her trust.

Will her family forgive her? Will her beau understand and forgive her as well? What will the elders think of Mr. Finley’s betrayal and her disobedience? What does her future in Homestead hold for her?

Gretchen learns many lessons about people, including they are not always what they seem. But even in the most difficult of circumstances, she learns that God can work all things together for good. I invite you to travel back in time and be a part of the lives of the people of the Amana colonies.

This is the second book in the Daughters of Amana series by Judith Miller. I love the way Judy brings to life the history in the stories she writes. Her research and accuracy is impeccable. Not only will you be privy to a wonderful story when reading her books, but a wonderful history lesson as well. She creates a fictional story with an historical backdrop woven in. You’ll find yourself living in a time and place that comes alive in your mind, making you feel as if you’re there. This book is written in first person and you will feel you “are” Gretchen Kohler. There are three books in this series, but can be read in any order as each is written as a stand-alone. My daughter and I can’t wait for the third book to come out in February, 2011.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Words by Judith Miller is the second book in the Daughters of Amana series. Gretchen Kohler is mostly content working in the town store, although she misses her father's affection and attention that has waned since the death of her mother. He often leaves her in charge of the stores and of younger brother Stefan, which creates trouble when the Gypsies come to town and Stefan just can't seem to stay away. Gretchen loses herself writing in her journal. She composes poems and essays until Allan Finley arrives in the small community claiming a desire to joining them and shows an interest in Gretchen that no one but barber and childhood sweetheart Conrad has been giving her. Although Gretchen is often angry at Stefan for breaking the strict rules of their community, she's just as guilty, but it's easy for her to rationalize away her own actions until her pride causes damage to the entire community in a way she didn't see coming, and it just may cause her to lose her standing within the village and the love of Conrad. It's not necessary to have read the first book in the series because I didn't notice any reference to the characters from the first novel. I would have liked to see just a glimpse of them though. Gretchen is completely likable is impulsive young woman that readers will alternately want to hug and shake silly. I felt that Conrad was a bit too bland for Gretchen, although he did prove himself true, I understood her attraction for Allan. There's a strong message here about not judging a group by a single representative of it. I don't feel that this was as strong as the first book in the series, but it's still an enjoyable read.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although she lives in one of the villages of the Amana colonies, Gretchen Kohler dreams of being an author. A dear friend supplies her with notebooks in which to record her thoughts, but this friend is the only person who seems to care about her writing.
Her father has been distant and stern since her mother died, and her childhood sweetheart, Conrad, is a pragmatic man who doesn’t pay attention to the person Gretchen really is. To top things off, she’s saddled with the care of her senile grandmother, who often mistakes Conrad for her deceased husband.
One day a salesman comes to the store where Gretchen works, and notices her writing in a journal. He’s impressed by what he sees, and his interest leads Gretchen down a path she’d never have imagined. The consequences impact the entire colony.
In More Than Words, Miller follows her initial volume in the Daughters of Amana series, Somewhere to Belong, with further fascinating glimpses into the early Amana colonies. This novel was enjoyable on many levels. I recommend it to readers who enjoy family-friendly stories set around lifestyles different than our own.
My thanks to Bethany House for providing my review copy.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently posted a review of the first book in the Daughters of Amana, Somewhere to Belong, and I really enjoyed it. I was really looking forward to reading this next book, More than Words. Once again, Judith Miller has not let me down. I really like the portrayal of the Amana Colonies in these books and I had never heard of them before reading these books, so this has been an interesting history lesson as well.

The one disappointment I did have about More than Words was I was hoping to see some of the characters from Somewhere to Belong, but the characters in this book were just as enjoyable and the more I read the book, the less I missed the characters in the last book. I was simply delighted with Judith’s writing style that I have become so fond of the more I read her work.

Somewhere to Belong is an interesting story. There are a few storylines to follow throughout the book that all tie in together nicely in the end. I found this book unique and charming with a warm and cozy feel. The end was satisfying, perfect actually. I don’t think there will ever be a Judith Miller book in the future that I will be able to pass up. Her books have found a way into my heart.

[Janna Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so entranced by Judith Miller's Daughter's of the Amana Colonies books. Living in Nebraska I am very aware that the Amana Colonies are in Iowa but I've never been there. Now that I have read the first two in this series I can not wait to make a trip there and see them in person! Judith absolutely brought the colonies to life for me and I learned so much about the colonies and how they work. I realized that while many people (like myself) tend to lump the Amish, Mennonites and people of the Amana Colonies all under the Amish label, there are really a lot of differences between them and Judith highlights a lot of the ways that the people living in the Amana Colonies are different. I found it fascinating. Then she creates this group of characters that are just wonderful and there is even some mystery woven into the story with the band of gypsies camped outside town and who started the fire and why things are disappearing. I don't think I could have been more pleased with this book.

[Janalyn Voigt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretchen Kohler likes to write in her journal. She never imagines her words will travel further than her home in the Amana Colonies, at least not until a traveling salesman takes an interest in her writing. With a jealous childhood sweetheart, a wandering grandmother, a younger brother drawn to visiting gypsies, and a father changed for the worse since her mother's death, Gretchen has her hands full. She finds it difficult to bear the weight of a guilty conscience, too. Should she confess her secrets and risk losing her job, her reputation and the respect of the man she loves?

More Than Words by Judith Miller, book two in the Daughters of Amana series, delivers a sweet and entertaining love story for those who enjoy reading about life in communal colonies.

©2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book, provided for purposes of review.

[A J Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretchen Kohler is discontent with aspects of her life in the Amana colony, which is all that she has ever known. But she hungers for more of a way to express herself than is allowed. So she writes her secret journals that she fills with her stories and poems. She only wants to know if her writing is worthy and when a traveling salesman offers to find out for her, she goes against the rules of the community. With the support of her childhood sweetheart, she must find the path of contentment within the confines of the world she lives in.
Judith Miller has spun a story with action, suspense and emotion that is just right for a lazy evening of reading. It is also a great read-aloud book for mothers and daughters. I recommend this book for age 13 and up.

[Michelle Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and interesting. Gretchen was an inteesting charachter it was bothersome to me that she almost always chose some level of deceit over honesty. Hiding things from others was her major character flaw. I f Ound the major conflict too easily resolved.

However this is absatsfying read and Gretchen is a chrachter that I can easily identify with. Her greNdmother's senility or possibly Alzheimer's is too familiar, as I had a family member who had been afflicted with it. It is a fearful disease and I felt Miller's handling of Oma rang true.

The end of the novel made me really smole even though it was obvious where Loyco had gone.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I liked it more than the first book in the series, although I was disappointed that the characters from the first book weren't involved in this book. It was really interesting to me that Gypsies were included in this story too. I realized I don't know a whole lot about gypsies and if they were actually common in Iowa in the 1880s. Would be interesting to find out more. I felt like I did learn more about the Amana Colonies reading this book compared to the first one.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy books like this and this one was no exception. It takes place in the Amana Colonies of Iowa which was fun because that is just 15 miles down the road. I always thought that the settlers of Amana were Amish but according to this book, that is not necessarily so. I may have to investigate that further with some non-fiction reading. After the last book I read, this was a very pleasant, calming story that makes your heart warm.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book lacked character development as well as plot progression. I felt like I read the same chapter 31 times. If the main characters's grandmother went "missing" one more time I was going to throw up! Gretchen's character never gained any wisdom or individuality from her experiences. The lifestyle of the Amana Colonies was interesting to learn about and I liked that it was clean. I just realized this is the second book in this series. oops.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice sweet clean story. Main character annoying with her total disregard for all rules governing her life since she was born, not very believable. Also frustrating situation with grandmother, it could have been very dangerous and still she is stubborn about it. Liked Conrad of course, he should have dumped Gretchen!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Words, by Judith Miller, is the second book in the Daughters of Amana series.

This was a quick, simple read. I was not very familiar with the Amana Colonies community, so I enjoyed learning more about the beliefs and customs of these people. Overall, an enjoyable series for those who like Christian historical fiction.

[Amy Allred · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple, light read- nice for a vacation book.
I enjoyed the respectful way the author dealt with Grandma's dementia in the book- a source of humor and love and respect.
The characters are interesting. The setting is unique and made the book more appealing.
The story-line was a bit silly but overall a nice enough read.

[Karen Leggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, clean, wholesome story!

Good story line. Clean. Wholesome. Drama in a light sense, not dark or cold. The only thing I was disappointed in- the series does not carry the characters, only the Amana lifestyle. Would like to follow the characters, even if only mentioned. Good read, though. Would recommend.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although you might expect characters to continue in this book from the first book in the series, they do not. I was not as happy with this book of the series as I was with the first. Over all a quick read. Easy to follow and resume if you must stop in mid read.

[LadyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written. I actually was in the story at some parts..screaming at the main character and getting emotional about the outcomes. the culture is interesting to read about although not ideal (lol, for me)

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this one as well as the first (for some reason I thought the sequel would follow the same characters, it does not), but I didn't dislike it, and I will definitely be reading the third book in the series.

[Marnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite, but I will read the 3rd one in the series that is coming out Spring 2011. I liked the 1st one in the series better.