From the Bohemian Hills (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798218549350)

It's 1859, and Josef's family suffers as most Bohemian families suffered for generations under the heavy thumb of the Habsburgs. Will Josef fight to survive, or will he finally give up and take his own life putting an end to his suffering? Josef decides to persevere, but he soon has regrets as he is conscripted into the Austrian Army to fight in Italia.

Injured in battle, he struggles to get home only to find his wife, Frantiska, is now dreaming of a new life in America. But saving the money for such a venture is difficult when they can barely put food on the table. Finally, after much sacrifice, Josef and his friend, Vaclav, pool their resources to secure passage for their families on a sailing ship to America.

But America presents its own difficulties, and the two families settle in eastern Iowa with no money reserves. A preacher arrives one day seeking donations for his planned church construction, and Josef chases him off. But soon, Josef and the preacher find their lives intersecting in curious ways, pitting Josef's anti-religious ideas against the preacher's strong faith.

Their relationship is soon tested when Josef becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a local thug. Will the preacher stand by him, believing in Josef's innocence? Or will he decide that Josef is a lost soul incapable of redemption?

FROM THE BOHEMIAN HILLS is a multi-generational saga about desperate people searching for a new life on a new continent. It is a saga not unlike the story of many of your ancestors who defied the dangers of such a venture. This book will bring you closer to your ancestors who took those risks and may even instill in you an understanding and sense of pride in your family story.