New Augsburg: Book 2

by Christa Petzold

Every decision of Callie Foster’s adult life has led to this moment—her chance to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. Every move has been calculated, except for one. She never counted on falling for Micah Klein. Their relationship threatens her campaign, but Callie is determined to have the best of both the career she’s always dreamed of and the unconditional love of a good man.

Micah Klein’s unique New Augsburg upbringing has left him disillusioned with organized religion and with more questions than answers. As he struggles to sort out the truth of his father’s mysterious disappearance and carve out a future independent of his birthright, only one thing stands out with Callie Foster is the best thing to have ever happened to him. Their wedding day cannot come soon enough.

As a volatile political campaign amidst a series of terrorist attacks throw Micah and Callie’s relationship and their Christian faith into the national spotlight, their future teeters in the balance. Will their choices drive them apart or draw them together?

Genres: Novels, Dystopia, Christian Fiction

342 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2024

About the author

Christa Petzold is a pastor’s wife and stay-at-home mother of four. Her passion is writing fiction and nonfiction that highlights the love of Christ for His Bride, the Church. She holds a master’s degree in Theology from Concordia University Irvine, a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Lutheran Secondary Education from Concordia University Wisconsin, and is currently pursuing a PhD in History of Exegesis through Concordia Seminary. She lives with her family in Antioch, Illinois, and spends her time homeschooling, writing, reading, and studying church history.
Find her on Instagram @christa.petzold and at christapetzold.com.

Reviews

[Jennifer Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second New Augsburg story started off with such a different feel than the first that I was a bit startled, but in a good way. Rather than the safe, idyllic world of New Augsburg, we are thrust into America 100 years in the future, which feels like a scarily accurate progression from the America of 2024.

Callie has spent her life dreaming of making a difference through politics. She genuinely loves the Constitution and the vision of our Founders and wants to make a positive difference. But in order to get into a position of influence, she is required to make compromise after compromise. When her fiancé Micah’s strong Christian beliefs are exposed by the rabid media, it threatens to bring down Callie’s whole campaign.

This book is a timely read, especially in a crazier-than-ever election year. It was a powerful reminder of where our hope and trust must rest. If you feel weary and heavy over current events, let me recommend Callie and Micah’s story as the encouragement you need!

[J E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers below.


Christa Petzold does it again!! After finishing the first book, I was immediately ready to jump in and enjoy more about New Augsburg. What I wasn’t expecting (but was immediately hooked by) was the huge tonal shift from the first book as I was flung headlong into the political climate of the diatant future. The issues Callie was facing in her political career were unsettlingly grounded. The pledge, the human enhancement center, domestic terrorists...all of it seemed like things that could happen if the ruling body gets pushed a little farther from where it is now. It was disturbing, and although the book did not end with the US returning to Constitutional rights, it did end with hope and the blessings of being surrounded by a community of believers.


The initial struggle between Callie and Micah, where Callie was focusing on her career and Micah just wanted to be married already could have been a mirror for my own life. I wish I had fiction like this when I was a teenager. I'm glad this story explored that the job Callie had dreaned of her whole life didn’t bring her happiness. I'm glad that she realized she had to prioritize her relationship with God and receive forgiveness and reconciliation for her actions. I'm glad that she found a niche where she could use her gifts to support Micah and that she now has joy in being an "unemployed housewife." I reiterate, I wish I had this book when I was a teenager. I wish I had more reassurance that a career isn't everything and that motherhood and homemaking is a sacred calling. It warms my heart that Callie was able to leave what she built up at the foot of the cross.


Micah's side of the story was just as engaging, and after the seeds of his father's disappearance were sown in the first book, I was eager to hear the conclusion. I appreciate that this book didn’t shy away from the town council's unscrupulous actions, both the elder Mr. Barrett's in the past and the lack of formal guidelines for disputes in the present.


I pray for all the Brooklyns of this world-that they meet people to take care of them and their Sophies.


(I roll up my sleeves.) I've read the Amazon description for book 3, Mister Zachary Barrett!! I'm coming for you next!! You may have infuriated me in this book also, but I have the utmost faith in Mrs. Petzold's storytelling!!


I am so glad this book was written, and I can't wait to start book 3!!!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 is finally here!!! Book 1 follows Lydia in the secluded, Christian community of new Augsburg set apart from the rest of the world for generations, essentially hidden from a world that is decidedly against them. Book 2 has a different feel as it explores that modern world in contrast to new Augsburg through the eyes of Lydia’s brother Micah and his politically-minded fiancee Callie. As they navigate a political campaign the question arises: is new Augsburg an extremist cult? Or is it a group of people exercising their religious freedom? Is there a difference in this dystopian world?

This book fills in many of the holes from the first part of the trilogy and has two major plot hooks within the first chapter. Very fast paced and keeps the reader hooked. Some parts are somewhat reminiscent of covid era America.

Just like the first book the romance has a will they/wont they feel reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. At times I found my self rooting for the relationship to make it through the hardship and at others a breakup seemed inevitable. You’ll have to read to find out what happens!

Ultimately this book is a coming of age story with lots of good morals and squeaky clean content while addressing real life issues like forgiveness, gender roles within a relationship, and doing what honors God even when it could cost you everything. Solid biblical values are interwoven with a fascinating cast of complex characters.

So many more questions about what will happen with these characters next! Can’t wait for book 3!

Content Warning:
For parents with teens: topics of sex outside of marriage, pregnancy out of wedlock, abortion, and suicide are briefly mentioned, handled from a pro-Life perspective in a non-explicit way. As a parent myself I am sensitive to how these types of topics are addressed and am very particular about what my kids ready but this author handles the subject matter appropriately for teen readers.

[Elaine Pszczolkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

NA2 continues the saga following different characters with a different set of challenges and different priorities. What remains the same? God. God and His love and His devotion to us. Whether you are reading Christa's nonfiction works or NA, God and his love is always the same. So in NA, no matter what turmoil or temptations or walls that come crashing down around the characters, God remains the same, and Christa expertly communicates this point through all her books. NA does so in a lighthearted romance which everyone needs in a well-rounded reading diet now and again. If you haven't picked up the first novel, you are never too late to begin.

[Christine Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book two, we see what the world is like outside of New Augsburg. The main characters, Micah and Callie, have to navigate an eerily realistic future where there is no space for lukewarm Christianity. In this world, each of them is confronted with the question: What do I fear, love, and trust above all things?

The author has written these characters in a way that we as readers truly care about them as they face persecution, trials, and temptations. We can weep with them and rejoice with them, for they are very much like the brothers and sisters in Christ that we know and love.

Thank you, Christa, for creating an intriguing world with rich characters that addresses the struggles and questions of the Christian life. Bravo!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even more than the first! Masterful storytelling rooted in the truth of Christ. Callie's storyline feels familiar and relatable, as she struggles to balance staying true to her faith while living in an America that is openly anti-Christian. The dystopian feel in this book is much stronger and it seems so likely a possibility that it had me feeling on edge. Again, wonderful character development - I feel like Callie and Lydia (among others) are my friends, I know them so well! I especially loved Brooklyn's story in this book.

[Debbie Petzold · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Augsburg 2 is the second book in the Augsburg Trilogy by Christa Petzold. The setting remains - in the 22nd century, beginning in the year 2119. New Augsburg 2 focuses on two background characters from Augsburg 1 - Micah and Callie. Because it's family, readers will still get to see Micah's sister Lydia, in Augsburg 2 as she and Pastor David begin their married life.

Micah and Callie are engaged and should be planning the wedding they've always wanted. But political unrest and personal threats tangle with professional consequences and vocational opportunities for both Micah and Callie. They both end up making choices they didn't see coming.

As a result of difficult circumstances, Micah finds himself where he thought he'd never end up - in the "bubble world" of New Augsburg, which is his hometown, and where he couldn't wait to leave. While taking refuge in New Augsburg, Micah stumbles upon the truth of his and Lydia's dad's mysterious disappearance from when they were teens.

In this "bubble world" of New Augsburg, Callie's best friend, Brooklyn experiences love and support from a faith community while single and pregnant But, is that support enough to change her hostile view of Christians? Will Zachary Bennet entice Brooklyn to stay in New Augsburg and give up her political dream job in D.C.? And finally, in New Augsburg, visiting Callie will find out if she wins her campaign run for Congress. Micah let Callie know he won't be following her to D.C. if she wins. Can she reconcile the outcome, one way or another?

In Augsburg 2, you can't help but see the parallels of modern day issues being played out in a futuristic society with Micah, Callie and Brooklyn. Politics and faith, friendship and loyalty, romance and integrity are all tested in this twisting plot. Each choice these three make comes at a cost - personal and professional, and the consequences are life changing.

Augsburg 2 will challenge the reader to examine deeply held convictions - where are the lines of compromise drawn? Do choices align with faith? Augsburg 2 takes the reader on a front-seat journey into the world of conflict, mystery, political unrest, romance and faith. How Christa is able to craft a riveting story that connects all these themes and do it in such a way that you can't put the book down is a feat on its own. This sequel only whets our appetite for New Augsburg 3.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Augsburg 2 is a thoughtful, moving exploration of life in a post-Christian (even anti-Christian) society of 22nd century America. While Book 1 focused on Lydia's story and her life in New Augsburg, Book 2 takes us out into the secular world as we pick up with Micah and Callie's story in 2119. What does it mean to live a faithful life of witness in a world that seeks to undermine and silence the Gospel? Tensions run high as Callie's political campaign creates conflict within her own heart and in her many relationships. Micah must grapple with the consequences of his choices and decide where his priorities lie, and I especially enjoyed how he grew in his faith and integrity. While New Augsburg, Wisconsin remains a sanctuary to her people, she is not immune from the conflicts and tensions that plague the rest of the world. Readers will continue to see many parallels to life today within these pages, and I found this book especially encouraging for those who also find themselves balancing secular expectations and living out their faith in their daily life. Themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, gender roles in relationship, and sanctification are woven throughout the plot in different ways, always pointing back to Christ and His redemptive work.

New Augsburg continues to be a gift to the Church, encouraging readers to remain faithful in their various vocations.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

I always feel like the mark of a good dystopian story is whether it could genuinely happen. This story makes you really question what a society looks like when it starts removing religious liberty and paints all Christians as "zealots" and "terrorists." We view these tough ideas through Callie, who is running for political office on a religious freedom platform and her fiance, Micah, who grew up in the religious community of New Augsburg.

We got to struggle along with the characters who had to determine how to stand up for what they believe in and how to stand against what they didn't. The excellent narration once again of Sarah Kramer brought the turmoil of these characters to life. As Callie and Micah's relationship is tested, Sarah's emotive performance made the hard subject matter even more challenging and compelling to me as the listener.

I highly recommend giving this audiobook a listen!

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to listen to and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Elizabeth Koehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I enjoyed New Augsburg 1 (which was a lot!), New Augsburg 2 was even better! I read way later into the night than I should have most evenings, but I just couldn’t put it down. Now to wait for the release of the third book. As soon as a preorder goes up, I’ll have my order in!

[Rebekah Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Augsburg 2 has just about everything I love in a sequel! We’re back in the now familiar world of New Augsburg… except this time the we follow Callie and Micah in the “real world” outside of the New Augsburg bubble. If, like me, you loved the vibe of the anachronistic small town that feels old fashioned yet is set in the future, don’t worry! The story takes us in and out of New Augsburg. I love enjoying characters and places from the first book—that’s the warmth of the familiarity of a sequel where you’re not starting at square one with everyone—but we also get to see so much more of Micah and Callie and meet some new characters from the outside world! (My personal favorite is Pastor Alfonso—a Klein Press fan who mischievously asks Micah to re-shelve his theology volumes in chronological order—closely followed by the ernest, inquisitive “outside” reporter Tenton Milas.)

If you read book 1 and were left wanting to know more about the fictitious world of 22nd century and how New Augsburg works in that world, this book answers so many questions… and because much of the book is set outside of New Augsburg, it feels more real and relatable (sometimes in unnerving ways) to what we experience in an increasingly progressive and post-Christian America today. And yet, there is hope: hope for Micah and Callie as they each sort out their role in the world and in their relationship, hope for the Church which struggles yet survives in an increasingly hostile environment, and hope for those who don’t know Christ and yet are greatly loved by Him.

New Augsburg 1 is a sweet love story in a curious, futuristic setting with undercurrents of theological truth about Christ and His Church masterfully woven throughout. New Augsburg 2 takes readers to the next level. Relational drama is heightened and characters face real dilemmas about how to live out their faith. What does it mean to be faithful to someone you love? What does it mean to be faithful to Christ? What happens when the Christian fails? Where and how do we find find forgiveness? (I’m pleased to say, it all “works out” in the end… but you’ll want read New Augsburg 2 yourself to find out how!)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christa Petzold has an intriguing dystopian series with her "New Augsburg Trilogy". This second installment shows a political future that doesn't seem too far off of what could be happening 100 years in the future. Americans in the future refer to conservative Christians as cultists and judgmental. All 'true" Americans take an oath to put America and equality first or they face few opportunities. Freedom of religion is anything but free. This book is so timely with many of the things we are seeing in today's society.

In this installment the main characters Callie and Micah both struggle with the political ideologies of the age. Micah is much stronger in his faith, however Callie, who aspires to political office, is more easily swayed by her ambition. As these two learn more about themselves and each other the listener is left wondering if their differences will pull them apart or eventually they will learn what's most important in life.

It was great to see Micah's sister Lydia in this book. She is featured in the first book and appears in this story in an impactful way. This book continues a mystery of what happened to Lydia and Micah's father.

This book is very faith filled and contains references to traditional Lutheran writings and theology. Non-Lutheran readers may need to do a bit of research on the things mentioned specific to Lutheran faith doctrine however I don't feel this detracts from the story in any way. Lutherans will likely appreciate these special mentions.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious which characters Christa would focus on in this sequel. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was Micah and Callie! I struggled a little with their relationship in book one because I wanted to know more about why Micah loves Callie the way he does. This sequel digs into that relationship more and we are also given a glimpse into what the world outside of New Augsburg is like.

New Augsburg is a (mostly) quiet, not-so-dramatic town. The community's foundation is in Christ. It is very evident and this is especially shown to us in book one. Although there are trials and tribulations, this community is set apart from the rest of the world. Book two shows the world outside of New Augsburg and how far from Christ so many people are. We are also shown, though, how all hope isn't lost. Christ and His love is still at work in this 'outside' world. Through this book, this futuristic story that all too well parallels so many issues in today's society, we get to see Christ's redeeming love and God at work in many lives.

Christa did an excellent job writing about the difficulties that many Christians and non-Christians face. She makes the characters so real, their relationships so believable, and we are left wanting to know more about their story. We are taken through the journey of the highs and lows of another romance. I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for all the characters!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. This book jumps right in to things. The future dystopia depicted is unsettling in its plausibility. As I listened to the audiobook (which is very well done) I found myself feeling anxious and disturbed. The future depicted is one I can see the USA devolving into fairly quickly if things don’t change. It’s scary listening to these characters try to navigate such a hostile world, bent on twisting the faith of and demonizing Christians to such an extent. And the most disturbing thing about this book is that we already see such things happening today, perhaps just not on the same scale.
In the midst of this crazy world are two humans trying to balance living in this world without compromising faithfulness. Lydia, from book 1, shows up as a side character as the main male character is her big brother, Micah. It’s good to see Lydia again, happily married, and supporting Micah as he is tested and tries to find his way.
The story is masterfully woven and hard to put down. I felt what the characters felt.
The ending is encouraging and cathartic as it serves to remind us that, though life in this world isn’t perfect, God’s promises and forgiveness are.

Once I catch my breath, I plan to read the third book in the series. I look forward to learning how this trilogy concludes.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being transported back to the future, where New Augsburg remains as a secluded pocket of religious freedom in a world continuously pushing to annihilate religious affiliations, book two focuses on the lives of those in the broader world and the political context they find themselves navigating. While the world if the future appeared pretty close to the one we already live in as far as technology and whatnot there were definitely elements of a much tighter level of government control being exerted over citizens. A fascinating take on the potential future of the church in a harsh political climate.

[Olivia Kratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that I was a bit nervous when this book started so different from the first book, but I’m so glad I kept reading. I fell right back into the whole world. Getting to know these other characters in depth was wonderful! I really enjoy relating to characters through faith and how God is working in their lives through the fictional story. I really enjoyed it.

[Shana R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the right amount of romance, mystery, and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and may have stayed up too late reading multiple nights. Christa did a great job developing the main characters; and I particularly liked seeing how Micah grew throughout the story.

[Elizabeth Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow-up to the first book of the series, this book highlights the Lutheran struggle of being in the world but not of the world. And of course, there's a romance! It's also wonderfully pro-life. Amazing read once again!

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book number 2 was just as good as the first, if not better. I felt like I was right there with the characters going through what they were going through. Christa is an amazing writer and I can’t wait to read book 3!!

[Jessie Wyrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning. I had so many emotions while reading this book. It depicts a future that I could see happening in America. A must read!

This was the second time I read it and it was even better the second time! I see myself listening to this series over and over.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so well written that you don't know what will actually happen until it does! Christa did a wonderful job making the solutions to the problems open ended that I thought things could end either way! I can't wait to listen to book #3!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second book in this series. I liked the political connections that were in it, too. very good! Can't wait for book 3!

[Sara Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

While we had a idyllic community in the first New Augsburg book, this installment focuses more on the state of the nation and society outside of New Augsburg. It seems like so far in the future when this trilogy takes place, yet it really isn't. It is sobering to think the restrictions on religious liberty could happen in my lifetime.

I really wish this series had better covers because I know people will enjoy this trilogy. Please give it a chance and read it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the feeling of opening a book and being reunited with characters and places that have been living in my memory. Christa totally delivered with the second book in this trilogy! The story draws you in and keeps you invested until the very last page. I can’t wait for the last installment!