The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher {Book Review}

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~ Description 

In 1737, Anna Konig and her fellow church members stagger off a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. On the docks of Port Philadelphia waits bishop Jacob Bauer, founder of the settlement and father to ship carpenter Bairn. It's a time of new beginnings for the reunited Bauer family, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom. 
But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasps the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World--isolated, rigid with expectations, under the thumb of his domineering father--his enthusiasm evaporates. When a sea captain offers the chance to cross the ocean one more time, Bairn grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him? 
When Henrik Newman joins the church just as it makes its way to the frontier, Anna is torn. He seems to be everything Bairn is not--bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And the most dramatic difference? He is here; Bairn is not. 
Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves together the lives of Bairn, Anna, and Henrik. When a secret is revealed, which true love will emerge? 


~ My Rating 
4 stars 


~ My Review 

Eeps! What a lovely story of an Amish community in 1730s America! The romance was sweet, the descriptions poetic, and the mystery well-done. I am definitely enjoying the Amish Beginnings series. :D 

**Minor spoilers to follow, particularly for those who haven't read book one, Anna's Crossing.** 

Felix and Bairn were probably my favorites in this book. Bairn's journey to discovering who he is and what really matters to him was sweetly told and realistic. Felix can be a bit of a menace at times (okay, most of the time ;)), but he's cute and boyish. I really loved seeing the brothers' relationship grow and strengthen in this book! 

The whole storyline of the newcomer made me fume, gag, and shake my head in utter confusion. I can't say much without giving it all away, but let's just say, if you're planning to read this book, you're in for quite the ride. ;) And Jacob and Dorothea and all THAT... just, ahhh!! xD 

I became a bit annoyed for some things Anna did (or didn't do) towards the end, and ended up knocking of a star for that reason. I mean, I understand that she had been betrayed. But he wasn't the one who betrayed her! **spoilers ahead** I didn't feel like she was treating Bairn right in those chapters, and not being very understanding. But it turned out well, so I'm happy. :) **end of spoiler** 

Another thing that bothered me was the Ephrata Community/Cloister and their ways. Some things they believed sounded cult-like to me. Although their practices weren't shown as right, the ones I disagreed with weren't exactly shown as wrong either. 


All in all, a good book and a satisfying read. I will definitely be reading book three, The Return, come summer! :D 


**I received a free copy of this book from the Revell Reads program in exchange for my honest review.** 

Comments

  1. Karyssa NortonFebruary 28, 2017 at 4:41 PM

    Great review, Faith! This looks like a good book. Would you recommend it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faith P.February 28, 2017 at 9:30 PM

      Thank you, Karyssa! :) It is! Yes, I would recommend it, though I would suggest reading book-one (Anna's Crossing) first. You wouldn't have to though. ;)

      Delete
  2. DiwakarMarch 2, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    Hello Faith. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, india. So good to go through your review of the book The Newcommer. It is in deed a great review. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you specially as a Pastor's kid. I too am a PK. I get encouraged to know about the other Pastor's kid like me. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 37 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live, We reachout to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. we also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have you come with your other friends to work with us during your vacation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends. Also wishing you a blessed and a Christ centered rest of the year 2017.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RebekahAshleighApril 14, 2017 at 3:54 PM

    Hey, Faith! I just finished reading "The Newcomer" and loved it! :) I loved reading your review and I agree with practically all you said! :D I'm so looking forward to "The Return" too!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faith P.April 17, 2017 at 11:08 AM

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Rebekah!! I'm looking forward to book three too!! ^_^

      Thanks for hopping back over to comment! :)

      Delete

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