Overview: s the rest of the nation is embroiled in the Civil War, the Amana
Colonies have remained at peace—until now. Amalie Wiese arrives in the
newly built village of Amana in 1863 only to find that her fiancé,
Friedrich, has left to fight for the Union army.Amalie fears for his safety even as she struggles with his decision to abandon the colony's peace-loving beliefs. She hopes that working alongside Friedrich's best friend will provide some comfort, but instead of offering support, Matthias is abrupt and cold. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies to the soldiers, war wages inside Amalie. Who will claim victory for her heart?
ISBN-13: 9781609361358
Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 6/1/2011
Series: Love Finds You Series
Pages: 320
Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 6/1/2011
Series: Love Finds You Series
Pages: 320
My Review: When I first started this story, I was a little....well....nervous as to how I would like it. It starts of kind of slow, but right around the middle of the novel, it picks up the pace and doesn't relent until the end. The events of the story are heart-wrenching for this peaceful community, and for me. I almost cried several times towards the end. It has a happy ending, which I am thankful for, and nothing felt forced or rushed. The description of the Inspirationalists community gave me a better understanding of their ways and customs. I envy their sense of community and selflessness.
The characters are complex and well-written. I loved that the novel encompassed Friedrich, Matthias, and Amelie's points of view. It provided more depth to the story, as well as the characters. Reading Friedrich's point of view from the front line of battle almost places you back in time during the Civil War and the horrors our soldiers on both sides had to face. Reading Matthias' struggle to keep his thoughts and actions towards his best friend's fiancé made me sympathetic toward his otherwise cold demeanor. Reading Amelie's background with her parents and separation from her fiancé for three years had me rooting for her after tragedy strikes and she is left to pick up the pieces.
The author really drives home one main point, in my opinion. God speaks to everyone in different ways. It is not our job to judge others or understand what God has called them to do. We are called to support, uplift, and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter the decisions they make. Our path will be made clear, when God is ready for us to know it.
Overall, I enjoyed visiting the Amana Kolonie and look forward to reading more by Melanie Dobson.
The characters are complex and well-written. I loved that the novel encompassed Friedrich, Matthias, and Amelie's points of view. It provided more depth to the story, as well as the characters. Reading Friedrich's point of view from the front line of battle almost places you back in time during the Civil War and the horrors our soldiers on both sides had to face. Reading Matthias' struggle to keep his thoughts and actions towards his best friend's fiancé made me sympathetic toward his otherwise cold demeanor. Reading Amelie's background with her parents and separation from her fiancé for three years had me rooting for her after tragedy strikes and she is left to pick up the pieces.
The author really drives home one main point, in my opinion. God speaks to everyone in different ways. It is not our job to judge others or understand what God has called them to do. We are called to support, uplift, and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter the decisions they make. Our path will be made clear, when God is ready for us to know it.
Overall, I enjoyed visiting the Amana Kolonie and look forward to reading more by Melanie Dobson.
About the Author: MELANIE DOBSON is the author of 5 novels including Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and has a background in publicity and journalism. She grew up in a small Ohio town but now lives with her husband and two daughters in Oregon. Read more at www.melaniedobson.com.
Thanks for the great review.mi am currently reading this .
ReplyDelete