Mueller Sisters' Writing Adventures
Creating stories that tell our family history.
Discover Our Novels
Roses of the Valley Series
Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine
Katy of Rose Valley: A New Beginning
Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine
Drawing on the extensive documented Mennonite history, family records, and a host of other resources, Joan and Lisa present colorful characters based on their own family tree.
Travel with little Katy and her family in 1874 as they leave their Ukrainian village and journey across Europe to board a steamship and endure a perilous ocean voyage. Then follow Katy and her cousins on this exciting adventure across the United States to the unknowns of the Dakota Territory.
Click on the rose below to get a sneak peak of the book.
Katy of Rose Valley: A New Beginning
Based on actual events, this story continues with little Katherina "Katy" Mueller andher family as they begin their new life in Rose Valley of the Dakota Territory.
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After a long journey across Europe, the Mueller family arrives in the Dakota Territory where they face the harsh realities of homesteading on the barren, wind swept prairie. Living in sod houses and separated from her cousins, Katy and her family endure numerous hardships in their fist three years, includig locusts, prairie fires. drought, blizzards, and food shortages. Despite these challenges, their resilience, faith, and determination help them overcome adversity and build a new live in America.
Click on the rose below to get a sneak peak of the book.
Reviews & Testimonials
Katy: The Little Rose From Ukraine is an interesting book that I enjoyed reading. It’s a story about a family crossing the ocean to come to America. I love that it is based on a true story which makes it even more interesting. The story has many funny and some scary moments. My favorite part of the book was when clumsy Peter fell out of the apple tree. The way the story was told made me laugh out loud. I recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
Josie Herrboldt-Anderson
6th Grade Reader
Again, the Mueller Sisters did not disappoint with Katy's story. This second book brings smiles and tears as you read about Katy and
the simple ways to have fun and the disasters they faced. It is very evident it is written with love. It is so interesting to read what the children did for fun when they weren't helping with chores. It reminded me so much of growing up in the 50's and finding simple things to do outside that made our day. Chapter 8 especially tugged at my heart. Life was difficult but they found ways to stay positive. I look forward to Book #3.
Jo Preheim
From the first pages, Joan and Lisa’s young narrator, Katy, draws readers of all ages into her world and makes them feel as though they are part of the family. While providing a detailed and historically accurate account of their family’s immigration to America, Joan and Lisa allow everyone to relate to and find humor in the antics of Katy and her young sibling and cousins (I can’t wait for you all to meet “naughty Peter” as I endearingly call him!). Young Katy’s vivid description of the changing landscape and world around her allows readers to understand what it was like for a family to travel through the unknown and explore new homelands. From childhood games to uprooting of a whole family to adventures on the high seas, emphasis is never lost on the bonds and faith of a family and the roots that our modern communities are built on. Joan and Lisa have told an engaging story, approachable to all readers, based in extensive historical research—a story of a journey that many of us would not have the fortitude to take and which leads us to ask questions of our own backgrounds and familial beginnings. 5/5 roses—a must read!
Madison Anderson
Middle School Reading Teacher
Most of the history books on our shelves are from an adult point of view and they are valuable for their facts, figures, and explanations. This book is refreshingly different, as Joan and Lisa chose to write Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine through the eyes of a child. As Katy recalls the experiences of her youth, she paints a word picture that the child inside each of us can relate to and appreciate.
Katy’s story captures the innocence of children, their imagination and wonder, and their tendency sometimes to be unaware of potential consequences. It humanizes the stern faces of those we have seen in faded black-and-white images or as names on long- forgotten tombstones. These were real people, with hopes and dreams and led by their faith in God, picking up their lives and starting over in a new country, far away from the people and the places they had called home.
Marnette Hofer
Heritage Hall Museum
Especially if not even better than the first book of the series, Katy of Rose Valley: A New Beginning brings a timely reminder to the reader of what genuine success look like and sounds like in the human experience. The authentic characters exemplify what it means to grow deeper in their faith and wisdom by realizing that the strength of their identity is found in their responsibility to serve others and realize their own intrinsic joy when doing so.
Karla Rupp
Elementary Teacher
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Educational Resources
Linked below, you can find study guides for each of our novels. Find a variety of resources that can be used in school classrooms, homeschools, vacation Bible school, or Sunday school groups. Our books are perfect for studying South Dakota history, homesteading, and the immigration of Germans from Russia to the Dakota Territory in the 1870s.
Nominated by the South Dakota Library Association for a Prairie Pasque Award for the 2025 - 2026 school year!
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Click on the pasque flower below to learn more.
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Our Story
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Lisa and Joan on the family homestead by Turkey Ridge Creek
Joan and Lisa are the great-great-granddaughters of Christian Mueller and grew up on the farm Christian and his family homesteaded, Rose Valley Farm, in Turner County of South Dakota. In their youth, they played and explored the woods around Turkey Ridge Creek and the gulches mentioned in their book.
They grew up hearing stories of their ancestors from their father, Bruce. His love of history spilled over into their lives. They became intrigued with the stories of their family's history, which prompted them to dig deeper into these stories and began imagining what it would have been like living through the challenges and adversities their family members experienced. Would they have been tough enough?
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Connect With Us
Get In Touch
Questions? Comments?
Lisa's email: lisa.howard.98@gmail.com
Joan's email: joan.peters1124@gmail.com
