MY REVIEW:
“Anna’s Crossing” is entirely different from any other Amish novel I have encountered while reviewing many of them over the past several years. As a lover of historical fiction, I found it to fit easily into that genre rather than the typical Amish romance I expected.
A narrative describing the voyage of a group of Amish and Mennonite settlers who hope for a better life without persecution in the New World, the novel features Anna König, a young Amish woman who has reluctantly agreed to accompany her fellow believers on the voyage and Bairn, the ship’s carpenter. Despite their vast differences in lifestyle and beliefs, Anna and Bairn’s encounters lead to a friendship that could lead to an even stronger attachment.
This book is filled with excellent historical details that I believe accurately illustrate the conditions experienced by the people on board the Charming Nancy as well as their reactions to their circumstances. Complete with drama, danger, romance, and even some humor courtesy of young Felix, “Anna’s Crossing” held my attention throughout. I especially enjoyed the revelation of a surprise or two that are in store for the reader.
If you are a lover of Amish fiction, “Anna’s Crossing” is a must read to learn some of the early history of these believers but even those who do not normally enjoy Amish fiction may find it captivating. I enthusiastically recommend this novel.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Some endings are really beginnings . . .
On a hot day in 1737 in Rotterdam, Anna König reluctantly sets foot on the Charming Nancy, a merchant ship that will carry her and her fellow Amish believers across the Atlantic to start a new life. As the only one in her community who can speak English, she feels compelled to go. But Anna is determined to complete this journey and return home–assuming she survives. She’s heard horrific tales of ocean crossings and worse ones of what lay ahead in the New World. But fearfulness is something Anna has never known.
Ship’s carpenter Bairn resents the somber people–dubbed Peculiars by the deckhands–who fill the lower deck of the Charming Nancy. All Bairn wants to do is to put his lonely past behind him, but that irksome and lovely lass Anna and her people keep intruding on him.
Delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions test the mettle and patience of everyone on board. When Anna is caught in a life-threatening situation, Bairn makes a discovery that shakes his entire foundation. But has the revelation come too late?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the beginning of Amish life in America with this fascinating glimpse into the first ocean crossing–and the lives of two intrepid people who braved it.
Read an excerpt from “Anna’s Crossing” HERE.
Endorsements:
“I found Anna’s Crossing to be everything I love in a novel, especially in a historical novel! Fast paced, character driven, filled with rich descriptions and enjoyable dialogue. It was a pleasure to read, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to endorse it.”–Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
“This novel is a winner.”–Publishers Weekly
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
