Happy Book Release Day! Some of the novels that debuted today are Fever in the Dark by Ellen Hart; The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher; Ava's Place by Emily Beck Cogburn; Murder Go Round by Carol J. Perry; Murder Wears White by Stephanie Blackmoore; Unpunished by Lisa Black; A Death at the Yoga Cafe by Michelle Kelly; and Two Suitors for Anna by Molly Jebber.
The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher
is the second book in An Amish Beginnings Novel series. The Charming Nancy has arrived at Port Philadelphia
on October 15, 1737. The group is happy
to arrive after ten long weeks at sea. Jacob
Bauer, the bishop and founder of their new settlement, is there to meet
them. Jacob and his wife, Dorothea are happy
to reunite with his long, lost son Bairn, the ship’s carpenter. Jacob’s land is the farthest he could
purchase under British rule with his land warrants (and you have to get through
the Indians first). Jacob wants to make
sure that they are truly separate from others who do not share their Amish
beliefs. Jacob gets tired of waiting for
the group to be able to depart for their new home and sets out ahead with
Dorothea. The men on the ship cannot
travel until they swear allegiance to the British crown. This is problematic for these religious
men. Bairn finds a way to help the men,
but he starts having doubts about becoming a farmer after marrying Anna
Konig. Bairn is offered an opportunity
as first mate on a ship, and he jumps at it.
One final journey and then he will settle down with Anna (he assures
her). But is Anna willing to wait for
Bairn? Will Bairn ever be happy away
from the sea? Henrik Newman arrives in
Port Philadelphia and wishes to join the group on their journey to their new
settlement. Henrik is charming and outgoing
(opposite of Bairn). He becomes indispensable to the group. Will Henrik also win Anna’s affections while
Bairn is away? The Amish’s journey to
their new settlement will not be easy nor will Bairn’s on the ship especially
after he finds a stowaway. To see how
they fare, start reading The Newcomer.
The Newcomer is a different take
on an Amish novel. We are taken back in
time to when the Amish first came to America (to have religious freedom). In Anna’s Crossing (the first book in An Amish Beginnings Novel series) we experience their trip on the Charming
Nancy. In The Newcomer we get to see how
different life is in America for this group.
The Newcomer is well-written and has good characters. My favorite character is Felix. I like his curious nature (he is also
entertaining). I appreciated Ms. Woods
writing style. I also liked the time-period
and felt that Suzanne Woods Fisher did a very good job at capturing it. I was especially entertained with her
addition of Benjamin Franklin. I give
The Newcomer 4 out of 5 stars. I did
feel, though, that the pace of the book was a little slow in a couple of
sections and there is a little predictability (regarding Henrik, Felix—the little
rascal, and the romance between Anna and Bairn). The Newcomer can be read alone. The author summarizes what occurred in Anna’s Crossing (I do recommend reading it, though, because it is such a lovely
novel). I look forward to reading The Return (the conclusion to the series) when it releases on August 1.
I hope you had a good day and that you have an even better night. I am currently reading An Amish Home (four novellas) by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Ruth Reid. I will see you tomorrow when I review another new novel. Take care and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
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