Böcker av E N Klinginsmith

Cultural upheaval was nothing new to the Mueller family. Although Herman's ancestors left the Rhineland to seek a more prosperous life as early as 1783, Herman and Johanna Mueller could never have guessed that in 1939 they would be forced to move, leaving behind all semblance of the comfortable family life they had built. Their prosperous future was thrown aside for the political and cultural debacle that resulted from Hitler's Nazi regime. This is the story of the Mueller family's journey through Central Europe at a time of war, of heart-wrenching events and ever-changing living situations, of Herman's unthinkable conscription to fight in the German army, and of gentle, generous Johanna's finding the strength to keep her family together at a time when so many things, not the least of which were cultural and gender biases made those tasks difficult. At last, an end of their turmoil was in sight with the difficult decision to venture to America where the opportunity for a new and prosperous life awaited.

Twenty-five-year-old Dale Barnhart moved to Philly to find himself after he graduated from college at the University of Missouri. Originally he planned to complete his Masters there, but discovers he is burned out on school and withdraws to find gainful employment. He feels independent and successful in his banking job and in the friendships he has developed. Then, after three years, his job goes sour, and his girlfriend chooses nursing school over him. Tragedy strikes in his hometown in Missouri, and Dale must attend the funeral of his best friend from high school who has left behind a young widow and son. On the flight, his seatmate engages him in conversation, and he learns of a good job opportunity he might qualify for, one that would be an hour from his hometown. Connecting with family and friends from childhood at the funeral influences his decision to pursue the job, and to make the move to be closer to his family. Within a short time, he finds himself back in Missouri to stay.The job he accepted as lead man in the mortgage and development firm takes a twist when his boss brings a family member into the company, which significantly changes Dale's duties and potential for advancement. In addition to Dale's uncomfortable situation at work, an unexpected rivalry with his younger brother arises over the woman he cares about and hopes to marry. While Dale struggles to find a personally satisfying solution for himself and still hold the family together, he finds a connection from Philly may hold the key to what he should have been reaching for all along.