Monday, May 18, 2015

Anna's Crossing (An Amish Beginnings #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

ISBN13: 9780800723194
Paperback $15.99
About the book: When Anna Konig first meets Bairn, the Scottish ship carpenter of the "Charming Nancy," their encounter is anything but pleasant. Anna is on the ship only to ensure the safe arrival of her loved ones to the New World. Hardened by years of living at sea, Bairn resents toting these naive farmers--dubbed "Peculiars" by deckhands--across the ocean. As delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions afflict crew and passengers alike, Bairn finds himself drawn to Anna's serene nature. For her part, Anna can't seem to stay below deck and far away from the aloof ship's carpenter, despite warnings.

When an act of sacrifice leaves Anna in a perilous situation, Bairn discovers he may not have left his faith as firmly in the past as he thought. But has the revelation come too late?

Amish fiction favorite Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her fans back to the beginning of Amish life in America with this fascinating glimpse into the first ocean crossing as seen through the eyes of a devout young woman and an irreverent man. Blending the worlds of Amish and historical fiction, Fisher is sure to delight her longtime fans even as she attracts new ones with her superb and always surprise-filled writing.

My thoughts: Typically when Suzanne Woods Fisher develops her Amish stories for the Christian publishing market, they are centered around the simple farming communities of Amish folk in America. She weaves lovely stories fleshing out real folks dressed in Amish clothes and steeped in Amish faith and traditions. She veers from her norm in undertaking another look into the history and life of the Amish by traveling with them from the Old World to the New World and life in America.

The story begins in a small village from which the Amish Peculiar folk leave to go to Rotterdam boarding the Charming Nancy to voyage to the New World and a new life. It is 1737 and travel by tall ships with mighty sails is harsh, unfriendly, nasty, devoid of comforts, and rampant with dangers unfathomable.

The book dwells in length on terms of the 1737 ships at sea and life aboard the Charming Nancy.The discomfort. The filthy smell. The lack of water. This was somewhat tedious, but still good reading. History of sailing during those times was replete with harshness and yes, even death.

There is danger afoot from the two-footed creatures as well as from elements and illnesses. But there is also a story of redemption. A sweet romance between Anna and Bairn.  And a delightful young boy who falls in love with life on the ship and who finds adventure and trouble at every turn.

Different from previous Woods-Fisher reads, but interesting and enlightening in revealing some of the hardships people of faith endured to worship according to the dictates of their heart and to have the freedom of land ownership.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the author, Suzanne Woods Fisher, to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for the review.

2 comments:

  1. Loved reading your descriptions, Vera. You brought out the most important parts of the story--the realities of a ship's journey in the 18th century, and the redemption that was going on in hearts. Thanks for taking time to read my book and share it with your readers. Warmly, Suzanne

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review your book. It is always a pleasure. Especially thank you for taking the time to stop by here and visit us on Chat With Vera!

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