"A Simple Change" by Judith Miller

A Simple Change (Aug. 1, 2013) by Judith Miller.*

There’s a fast lane, even in 1881, yet Jancey Rhoder gives up her privileged life in Kansas City for a simple and humble one in the Amana Colonies in Iowa. She is torn, not to leave behind her suitor, Nathan Woodward, but to leave behind the youngsters she taught at Charity Home, an orphanage in the city. Her mother is very ill, and she wants to be in close proximity to her in order to help care for her.

            Life in the Amana Colonies brings unforeseen challenges to Jancey’s life, many of which might have been prevented if she’d made different choices. Like choosing to keep her curiosity to herself. Or choosing to stay in Kansas City. Or choosing God’s direction instead of surging ahead with her own plan. Jancey is faithful, has a good heart and means well, but sometimes her good-heartedness isn’t for the better. When things begin to go awry, who can she trust? Will she turn to Nathan? Her parents? The Amana elders? Ritter Hetrig, an Amana man around Jancey’s age?

            Jancey’s life doesn’t begin as simply as one might imagine from the setting. There’s a new way of life to adapt to, new rules to abide by and new personalities to meet. Jancey’s biggest struggle isn’t adapting to a new life, but in waiting for His answers in His time, not hers. And that probably resonates with most all of us. Knowing we want answers may be the simplest part, but the waiting can be the hardest. After all, patience isn’t a virtue because it’s easy to possess! While this historical Christian fiction novel is nice, it did seem to read slower than I would’ve liked. That said, I also think that works for the novel. Jancey’s life in the Amana Colonies is to be full of faith and honest work for the good of all (not just the individual), but at its core, it’s a simple life. Not simple as in plain and slow and boring, but in a serene way. The tone of the book matches that, though things do pick up speed in the final chapters.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly 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.”