The Rescue

Christian Heritage: The Salem Years 1690-1692 #1

by Nancy N. Rue

Josiah and Hope, two young Puritans living in Salem Village in 1689, befriend a Quaker woman and a Wampanoag Indian who are not accepted members of the community

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical

187 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Nancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).

Reviews

[Kate Willis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the final message of this book, and the widow was a pretty cool character. 🤍

It was pretty triggering to read though because of the church conflict, and some other aspects of the story were outdated or cliche. And while I understand the sentiment, the idea that a bad pastor is still a man of God could veer into dangerous waters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story held my interest, about children in Salem Village (as opposed to Salem Town) in the early 1690's, their relationships with the other people in the village, & the animosity between the Puritans & Quakers! How fear ruled their lives in the name of religion

[James Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago, I was given the first set of Christian Heritage Series books by...Maryanne? Laura? One of them, at any rate. And so they've been sitting on my shelf and I always said I would re-read them, so perhaps now is the time? I may write more about this series later, but...this series - Christian Heritage Series by Nancy Rue - was surely one of the favourite and most formative set of books for us when we were growing up. I've read these books so many times...but it has been a while and so I thought I'd see how they held up. And yes, surely, they are childrens' books. But? They have remarkably mature themes and I heartily enjoyed reading this introduction to Josiah and Hope, et. al. So many lines in this book triggered memories of reading this book oh so many years ago and I couldn't help but smiling or laughing at various parts. Set in 1690s Salem, Massachusetts. A lifetime away perhaps. But reading these books as kids helped us identify with others who were attempting to grow up and honour God and honour parents. Life is messy and grey and not always easy. And these books were a remarkable history primer while also having great characters and while also imparting some pretty important lessons. Not at all sad I started re-reading this series. On to book 2. Oh one more thing? I love love love that this series talks about adult topics (i.e...why did the Hutchinsons have to leave their church? The children are exposed to harsh truths of human relationships and witness the strength of their parents' convictions...and as I read through these when I was a boy, surely it was a comfort to be able to compare to my own life, my own family, my own church...and see that some things really don't change that much over the years). Really I love this series so. And remember it far too well. How many times did I read it when young? Apparently a lot. Again. On to book 2!!

[Hannah Potantus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would have LOVED these books when I was in grade school (around 3rd grade). They are still a cute, quick read in my twenties, but I definitely don’t qualify as the “target audience”.

[Jeanette DeHaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and a quick read.

[Sofia Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Josiah takes what seems to be his last breath, two strong hands bring him out of the water. So begins a warm relationship between a ten-year-old Puritan, an Indian boy, and an old woman. Even after Josiah learns that the woman, widow Faith Hooker, is an outcast because of her religious beliefs, he still stays friends with her. Then his sister becomes very ill and Josiah knows the exact person who can save her: the widow. But will his father let an outcast in his home?

Genres: historical, adventure, Puritan life. For boys 14 and under. Issues dealt with: family relationships, different Christian denominations

The Rescue is based on a Puritan’s life in 1689. God is discussed a lot. Also the right to serve Him in more than one way is brought up constantly. The characters find themselves in between two different Christian denominations’ values and beliefs. This is book 1 of the Christian Heritage Series: The Salem Years.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23 (NIV)

[Esther LeeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this author, becuase she wrote the Lily Series, but this book was a little slow.

[Renée Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I've read every single book in the series many times since I was a child and now I'm so excited to be reading them aloud to my children. I love the characters, each with relatable flaws, the family relationships, siblings and friends, and historical accuracy. Such a good series.

[M-girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grammy's book.

I liked it because, Hope, Josiah's sister, gets sick and the widow Hooker comes over to help her and Hope gets well. The widow Hooker gets the sickness and dies, which is sad.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Christian heritage series as a kid, had so many of the box sets and read and reread them over and over again. These books helped me so much in learning American history because they have me a point of reference

[Cws]

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[Junessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a boy who comes to realize he can contribute to his family. Strong characters and a glimpse into Puritan life in the early days of Massachusetts.

[Jalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series when I was younger (maybe 12 or 13) and devoured every book as fast as I could! they were amazing!

[Tovala Olmstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Janae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!