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Amish Beginnings #1
Anna's Crossing
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.
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.
330 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2015
629 people are currently reading
1962 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Woods Fisher
73 books3,966 followersSuzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
July 23, 2017
Why are there so many excellent books in this life waiting for me to read and I don't see it ever changing. I'm not going to just become a nonbook lover/addict and stop adding books to my to read list! I had to wait over two years since it's release to read this book, sigh!
I just love the plots in Suzanne Woods Fisher's books! This is book one in the Amish Beginnings series. I have the third and last book on my kindle waiting for me so I had to read books one and better start book two so I can know the complete story :)
In 1737 in Rotterdam,Anna Konig reluctantly leaves her home country of Germany with many other fellow Amish believers. She sadly leaves behind her grandparents and other friends but feels she must go since she is the only one in her community speaking English.The ocean crossing is to take 2 months on the Charming Nancy. The conditions are horrid and many children die on the ocean voyage. The stench is gag worthy and the Amish and Mennonites are crammed into the lower deck of the Charming Nancy. There is one bunk per family no matter if there are two family members or ten. Can you even imagine, and in the heat too? Delays,ocean storms,dwindling provisions, especially water and diseases. They encounter them all.An unexpected romance brews between Anna and the ship's carpenter. There is a reveal in this book that really took me by surprise. It wasn't something I expected at all but it was wonderful to see. I need to now read book two to read more about this reveal and the repercussions.
Thank you to http://washcolibrary.org/ my local library for a copy of this book.
I just love the plots in Suzanne Woods Fisher's books! This is book one in the Amish Beginnings series. I have the third and last book on my kindle waiting for me so I had to read books one and better start book two so I can know the complete story :)
In 1737 in Rotterdam,Anna Konig reluctantly leaves her home country of Germany with many other fellow Amish believers. She sadly leaves behind her grandparents and other friends but feels she must go since she is the only one in her community speaking English.The ocean crossing is to take 2 months on the Charming Nancy. The conditions are horrid and many children die on the ocean voyage. The stench is gag worthy and the Amish and Mennonites are crammed into the lower deck of the Charming Nancy. There is one bunk per family no matter if there are two family members or ten. Can you even imagine, and in the heat too? Delays,ocean storms,dwindling provisions, especially water and diseases. They encounter them all.An unexpected romance brews between Anna and the ship's carpenter. There is a reveal in this book that really took me by surprise. It wasn't something I expected at all but it was wonderful to see. I need to now read book two to read more about this reveal and the repercussions.
Thank you to http://washcolibrary.org/ my local library for a copy of this book.
January 3, 2020
4.5 stars // When I first started this book, I wasn't sure what to think of it because it was going pretty slow and (quite honestly) I was bored at times. But I pushed through and I'm soooo glad I did.
"The sea can't love you back." <3
"The sea can't love you back." <3
February 5, 2016
About this book:
“Some endings are really beginnings...
On a hot day in 1737 in Rotterdam, Anna Konig reluctantly sets foot on the Charming Nancy, a merchant ship that will carry her and her fellow Amish believers across the Atlantic to start a new life. As the only one in her community who can speak English, she feels compelled to go. But Anna is determined to complete this journey and return home—assuming she survives. She’s heard horrific tales of ocean crossings and worse ones of what lay ahead in the New World. But fearfulness is something Anna has never known.
Ship’s carpenter Bairn resents the somber people—dubbed Peculiars by the deckhands—who fill the lower deck of the Charming Nancy. All Bairn wants to do is to put his lonely past behind him, but that irksome and lovely lass Anna and her people keep intruding on him,
Delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions test the mettle and patience of everyone on board. When Anna is caught in a life-threatening situation, Bairn makes a discovery that shakes his entire foundation. But has the revelation come too late?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Amish Beginnings” series.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Scriptures are quoted and mentioned; Mentions of Church, Church going & bishops; Church going; Talks about God & His Will; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Witnessing, Forgiving & Trusting; “Judas Iscariot!” is called profanity and is said once; Anna has a very strong Faith; Bairn does not believe in God and his life goal is to be rich (he also tells God to stay away);
*Note: Anna is called a witch; Many mentions of bad luck, superstitions and Braucher beliefs; “H*ll has taken up residence on earth.”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘shut up’, a “dash it all!”, two “blast it all!” and three ‘stupid’s; Curses are said but not written; Teasing & being picked on; Mentions of drinking; Mentions of killing animals for food; Funerals & Death (goes up to semi-detailed, also about sharks eating those thrown in); Slavery (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a ‘wanton’ and a ‘wench’; two semi-detailed kisses and a detailed kiss; Staring & Noticing; Nearness & Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Georg stares at Anna’s figure & chest; Georg watches Anna bathe and dress (her behind a curtain); Georg basically tries to attack/rape Anna and touches her, but thankfully she’s saved and nothing sexual happens (barely-above-not-detailed); Bairn has a tattoo of a girl on his arm; It could be read into about Bairn saying he “knew” girls; A mention that a man is whittling a naked woman; A baby was conceived before the parents were married; A baby is born (semi-detailed); Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Anna Konig
-“Bairn”
P.O.V. switches between them & Felix
Set in 1737
319 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I think this is the oldest book I’ve reviewed on here. Meaning about the year it’s set in, not the publishing date. Normally, I would stay away from books set so long ago. I picked this book because I don’t know much about the Amish coming from Germany and the history there. I have mixed feelings about this book through. I really liked Anna’s strong Faith and Felix was just so cute. (Plus I saw the plot twist coming so yay! to the author for thinking how I think. ;) ) But the almost rape, a major doubting faith & some gruesome deaths made me lower all the ratings.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell Publishers) for this review.
“Some endings are really beginnings...
On a hot day in 1737 in Rotterdam, Anna Konig reluctantly sets foot on the Charming Nancy, a merchant ship that will carry her and her fellow Amish believers across the Atlantic to start a new life. As the only one in her community who can speak English, she feels compelled to go. But Anna is determined to complete this journey and return home—assuming she survives. She’s heard horrific tales of ocean crossings and worse ones of what lay ahead in the New World. But fearfulness is something Anna has never known.
Ship’s carpenter Bairn resents the somber people—dubbed Peculiars by the deckhands—who fill the lower deck of the Charming Nancy. All Bairn wants to do is to put his lonely past behind him, but that irksome and lovely lass Anna and her people keep intruding on him,
Delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions test the mettle and patience of everyone on board. When Anna is caught in a life-threatening situation, Bairn makes a discovery that shakes his entire foundation. But has the revelation come too late?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Amish Beginnings” series.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Scriptures are quoted and mentioned; Mentions of Church, Church going & bishops; Church going; Talks about God & His Will; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Witnessing, Forgiving & Trusting; “Judas Iscariot!” is called profanity and is said once; Anna has a very strong Faith; Bairn does not believe in God and his life goal is to be rich (he also tells God to stay away);
*Note: Anna is called a witch; Many mentions of bad luck, superstitions and Braucher beliefs; “H*ll has taken up residence on earth.”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘shut up’, a “dash it all!”, two “blast it all!” and three ‘stupid’s; Curses are said but not written; Teasing & being picked on; Mentions of drinking; Mentions of killing animals for food; Funerals & Death (goes up to semi-detailed, also about sharks eating those thrown in); Slavery (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a ‘wanton’ and a ‘wench’; two semi-detailed kisses and a detailed kiss; Staring & Noticing; Nearness & Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Georg stares at Anna’s figure & chest; Georg watches Anna bathe and dress (her behind a curtain); Georg basically tries to attack/rape Anna and touches her, but thankfully she’s saved and nothing sexual happens (barely-above-not-detailed); Bairn has a tattoo of a girl on his arm; It could be read into about Bairn saying he “knew” girls; A mention that a man is whittling a naked woman; A baby was conceived before the parents were married; A baby is born (semi-detailed); Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Anna Konig
-“Bairn”
P.O.V. switches between them & Felix
Set in 1737
319 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I think this is the oldest book I’ve reviewed on here. Meaning about the year it’s set in, not the publishing date. Normally, I would stay away from books set so long ago. I picked this book because I don’t know much about the Amish coming from Germany and the history there. I have mixed feelings about this book through. I really liked Anna’s strong Faith and Felix was just so cute. (Plus I saw the plot twist coming so yay! to the author for thinking how I think. ;) ) But the almost rape, a major doubting faith & some gruesome deaths made me lower all the ratings.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell Publishers) for this review.
March 8, 2015
Anna's Crossing to the New World was anything but a vacation cruise across the ocean. As numerous Mennonites and Amish sought land and freedom to worship in the New World, none knew what awaited them on the ship, Charming Nancy. Atrocities that are unimaginable were what these people faced through months of sea travel. Seasickness and a shortage of water are only a couple of the abominations that these passengers encountered.
Suzanne Woods Fisher has created a brilliant story of early 1700s sea travel in all its putrefaction and unpleasantness as travelers were packed into the lower deck of a ship just above the bilge of the ship. This is not an ordinary tale of Amish fiction. It is a historic representation that has been well researched by the author.
I was swept into the story immediately, and found it difficult to take breaks from reading. There is no room for boredom in this well-written book. The author is well known for her expertise in writing Amish fiction. This is a masterpiece in history.
I highly recommend "Anna's Crossing!" I learned a great deal from the descriptive elements throughout the book, and was entertained by a mischievous young boy and Anna's relationships with other passengers on the ship, particularly the ship's carpenter. Grab a copy of this book and prepare yourself to become engrossed in an historic tale of faith and redemption!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Suzanne Woods Fisher has created a brilliant story of early 1700s sea travel in all its putrefaction and unpleasantness as travelers were packed into the lower deck of a ship just above the bilge of the ship. This is not an ordinary tale of Amish fiction. It is a historic representation that has been well researched by the author.
I was swept into the story immediately, and found it difficult to take breaks from reading. There is no room for boredom in this well-written book. The author is well known for her expertise in writing Amish fiction. This is a masterpiece in history.
I highly recommend "Anna's Crossing!" I learned a great deal from the descriptive elements throughout the book, and was entertained by a mischievous young boy and Anna's relationships with other passengers on the ship, particularly the ship's carpenter. Grab a copy of this book and prepare yourself to become engrossed in an historic tale of faith and redemption!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
March 7, 2015
Love, love, love this book! It's one of those ones you start without much expectation and by the end you are blown away. The setting is vividly depicted without overdrawn descriptions, the characters are just as vivid. There is a feeling of anticipation throughout the novel being on such a harrowing journey with a people used to being discriminated against. Anna is a heroine to admire for sure, humble and yet with an assertive personality. Her compassion for others, even those who persecute her, is something that especially catches Bairn's notice as they begin to interact with each other. Bairn is strong and intelligent, but the misfortune of his past torments him in the quiet hours. His secrets are slowly revealed to the readers as events and circumstances on the ship draw him closer to the God he believes abandoned him. The stories of the characters weave together and the end is so satisfying that I spent the next few days pondering all that I had read. Highly recommend, especially to fans of Amish fiction.
(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
July 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I went into this book wanting to learn more about how the Amish came to America and I believe I got what I asked for.
I loved Anna as a character very much. She is just what I aspire to be, Christ filled, humble, obedient, grace filled and faith filled. I really liked the alternate storyline with Bairn and his family. Felix was fun too!
I thought that Bairn's "conversion" or "coming back to God was very quick and I didn't really care for that. Otherwise, this book is great and I definitely recommend you read it!
I loved Anna as a character very much. She is just what I aspire to be, Christ filled, humble, obedient, grace filled and faith filled. I really liked the alternate storyline with Bairn and his family. Felix was fun too!
I thought that Bairn's "conversion" or "coming back to God was very quick and I didn't really care for that. Otherwise, this book is great and I definitely recommend you read it!
July 8, 2015
I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that swept me into the middle of the seas and placed me on the Charming Nancy ship headed to America April 15th, 1737. The passengers were Mennonites fleeing Germany heading to a New World, with the promise of owning their own land and having the freedom to worship God as they pleased.
I discovered through the eyes of the main character Anna how hard it was to leave everything behind, put your faith in God and forge ahead into the unknown to then deal with the hardest part; never seeing her grandparents again.
Anna thought as tears filled her eyes, as she looked around one last time, “This little valley that hugged the Rhine River was supposed to be their home for good, for always. Here they had tried to live in peace, keeping to themselves in secluded hills and valleys where they could farm the land and their sheep could graze and they could go about their daily life of work and worship without worry or hassle.” All that changed in an instant. Her grandparents reminded her, “Everything changes. That’s the way of life.”
This brave young woman leaves at her grandparents’ insistence and embarks on a journey she’d rather not take. The sea voyage is brutal on so many levels; but especially difficult for the woman that was pregnant. They all hoped that they’d make it to shore by the time the little one arrived. The Mennonites clung to their faith as they faced unforeseen trials. They encourage one another and the crew in small ways. They would make it with Gods help. No matter what things looked like.
I liked reading about this courageous bunch who risked everything they had for freedom to worship as they saw fit and for a chance at a new beginning for their families to own their own land.
I liked that this author included notes to the reader about facts she discovered in her research. She said, “I wanted to tell a story of what this 1737 crossing might have been like, to show the grit and determination – and heart - of these people. And God’s loving protection.”
I think this author accomplished that in Anna’s Crossing. I felt for Anna as she journeyed into the uncharted waters. I also connected with Bairn the ships carpenter. Both had issues of the heart to contend with as they wrestled with surviving the dreadful storms at sea and those inside their hearts.
“After the initial shock of being at sea;….Anna started to realize that the Charming Nancy had a language of her own: constant talking murmuring, whispering. Soft, gentle, soothing sounds, unlike the harsh noises made up above by cursing seamen. Timbers groaned, bells rang, masts creaked, sails flapped, as if the ship was an enormous living creature. It was all an epiphany for Anna, to feel connected, protective even, of this aging old vessel that was doing her best to see the little church over the deep waters.”
As you've read above this author does a great job of bring the situation and characters to life, she puts readers on the ship heading to the new world battling nature and the unruly crew on board. There are 16 discussion questions in the back of the book that will help your book club dig deeper into the story. It will also help generate lively interaction as there is co much to talk about. I found this novel to be an enlightening, memorable read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network Blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
I discovered through the eyes of the main character Anna how hard it was to leave everything behind, put your faith in God and forge ahead into the unknown to then deal with the hardest part; never seeing her grandparents again.
Anna thought as tears filled her eyes, as she looked around one last time, “This little valley that hugged the Rhine River was supposed to be their home for good, for always. Here they had tried to live in peace, keeping to themselves in secluded hills and valleys where they could farm the land and their sheep could graze and they could go about their daily life of work and worship without worry or hassle.” All that changed in an instant. Her grandparents reminded her, “Everything changes. That’s the way of life.”
This brave young woman leaves at her grandparents’ insistence and embarks on a journey she’d rather not take. The sea voyage is brutal on so many levels; but especially difficult for the woman that was pregnant. They all hoped that they’d make it to shore by the time the little one arrived. The Mennonites clung to their faith as they faced unforeseen trials. They encourage one another and the crew in small ways. They would make it with Gods help. No matter what things looked like.
I liked reading about this courageous bunch who risked everything they had for freedom to worship as they saw fit and for a chance at a new beginning for their families to own their own land.
I liked that this author included notes to the reader about facts she discovered in her research. She said, “I wanted to tell a story of what this 1737 crossing might have been like, to show the grit and determination – and heart - of these people. And God’s loving protection.”
I think this author accomplished that in Anna’s Crossing. I felt for Anna as she journeyed into the uncharted waters. I also connected with Bairn the ships carpenter. Both had issues of the heart to contend with as they wrestled with surviving the dreadful storms at sea and those inside their hearts.
“After the initial shock of being at sea;….Anna started to realize that the Charming Nancy had a language of her own: constant talking murmuring, whispering. Soft, gentle, soothing sounds, unlike the harsh noises made up above by cursing seamen. Timbers groaned, bells rang, masts creaked, sails flapped, as if the ship was an enormous living creature. It was all an epiphany for Anna, to feel connected, protective even, of this aging old vessel that was doing her best to see the little church over the deep waters.”
As you've read above this author does a great job of bring the situation and characters to life, she puts readers on the ship heading to the new world battling nature and the unruly crew on board. There are 16 discussion questions in the back of the book that will help your book club dig deeper into the story. It will also help generate lively interaction as there is co much to talk about. I found this novel to be an enlightening, memorable read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network Blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
March 9, 2015
One word: excellent!
July 9, 2019
I read very little Amish Fiction, but have found that I enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's writing style. In Anna's Crossing the author brings to life the actual crossing of Amish from Rotterdam to current day Pennsylvania on a ship called Charming Nancy in 1737. Passengers faced a number of trials but held strong to their faith in God's sustenance in their lives. The storyline of passengers Anna and Bairn was well done. My favorite character though was young Felix and his never ending wonder and large heart. My favorite scene was when he served as an interpreter between Bairn and Anna's minister.
I look forward to continuing the story in the second novel of the series.
I look forward to continuing the story in the second novel of the series.
March 10, 2015
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://tinyurl.com/kodlfdc
Anna's Crossing, a story about the first Atlantic crossing for the Amish in 1737, is such an impressive novel on many levels - character driven with flowing prose and a moving storyline that engages the emotions. Fascinating historical depth forms the backdrop for a story that not only entertained and informed, but left me with much upon which to reflect.
One thing I've always admired about Suzanne's stories is the interaction between Amish and English as the Amish live out their faith, and that's exactly what she does here. Pulled away from the peaceful rural settings we've come to expect in Amish fiction, most of the action takes place on board the Charming Nancy as it sails for Port Philadelphia - but the ship's name is a little deceptive because there wasn't much "charm" about the situation on board. I appreciate Suzanne's desire to research this period of Amish history and flesh out a story around their sacrifice and commitment to reach an unknown land where they could worship in peace.
Anna and Bairn are memorable characters that readers can't help but be drawn to. Anna is a wholesome and humble, yet with a spark of assertiveness that serves everyone around her well. With a faith that never wavered during rough times, she is an inspiration to us all. Bairn is a more complicated character - kind and tenderhearted toward Anna and young Felix, yet past experiences led to disillusionment with God and all that remained was a drive to work hard in order to grow rich.
Roses play a beautiful and important part in Anna's Crossing, which is actually the back story to the recently-published Christmas at Rose Hill Farm that centers around a "lost" rose. Anna reflects that the survival of her grandmother's roses "was a testament to her people's story: roots that adapted to whatever soil they were transplanted into, thorns that bespoke of the pain they bore, blossoms each spring that declared God's power to bring new life from death. As long as the roses survived, her grandmother said, so would our people."
One of the strengths of this story is that is shows how, while being out of their comfort zone and in an unfriendly environment, they were still effective witnesses through their sacrifice, putting needs of others ahead of themselves, and completely trusting in God's provision - and that has to speak to us today. Anna's Crossing vividly reminds me of the fact that our lives are but one thread in God's tapestry - and that, although we can't see the whole tapestry and might question why certain things are happening, God never leaves our side. As Anna so beautifully expressed, "Even in the midst of great gales, they could know peace."
There's a lovely twist toward the end that gave me chills because it was such a beautiful visual of how God is always working to orchestrate things for our good - and it made me pause to reflect on the many things I've experienced for which there could be no explanation but God. To say I'm eager to read the next book in this series is putting it mildly!
Anna's Crossing is a story that I believe will appeal to all readers. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Anna's Crossing, a story about the first Atlantic crossing for the Amish in 1737, is such an impressive novel on many levels - character driven with flowing prose and a moving storyline that engages the emotions. Fascinating historical depth forms the backdrop for a story that not only entertained and informed, but left me with much upon which to reflect.
One thing I've always admired about Suzanne's stories is the interaction between Amish and English as the Amish live out their faith, and that's exactly what she does here. Pulled away from the peaceful rural settings we've come to expect in Amish fiction, most of the action takes place on board the Charming Nancy as it sails for Port Philadelphia - but the ship's name is a little deceptive because there wasn't much "charm" about the situation on board. I appreciate Suzanne's desire to research this period of Amish history and flesh out a story around their sacrifice and commitment to reach an unknown land where they could worship in peace.
Anna and Bairn are memorable characters that readers can't help but be drawn to. Anna is a wholesome and humble, yet with a spark of assertiveness that serves everyone around her well. With a faith that never wavered during rough times, she is an inspiration to us all. Bairn is a more complicated character - kind and tenderhearted toward Anna and young Felix, yet past experiences led to disillusionment with God and all that remained was a drive to work hard in order to grow rich.
Roses play a beautiful and important part in Anna's Crossing, which is actually the back story to the recently-published Christmas at Rose Hill Farm that centers around a "lost" rose. Anna reflects that the survival of her grandmother's roses "was a testament to her people's story: roots that adapted to whatever soil they were transplanted into, thorns that bespoke of the pain they bore, blossoms each spring that declared God's power to bring new life from death. As long as the roses survived, her grandmother said, so would our people."
One of the strengths of this story is that is shows how, while being out of their comfort zone and in an unfriendly environment, they were still effective witnesses through their sacrifice, putting needs of others ahead of themselves, and completely trusting in God's provision - and that has to speak to us today. Anna's Crossing vividly reminds me of the fact that our lives are but one thread in God's tapestry - and that, although we can't see the whole tapestry and might question why certain things are happening, God never leaves our side. As Anna so beautifully expressed, "Even in the midst of great gales, they could know peace."
There's a lovely twist toward the end that gave me chills because it was such a beautiful visual of how God is always working to orchestrate things for our good - and it made me pause to reflect on the many things I've experienced for which there could be no explanation but God. To say I'm eager to read the next book in this series is putting it mildly!
Anna's Crossing is a story that I believe will appeal to all readers. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2015
Oh my goodness - what can I say about this AMAZING book!
This is the first historical by Suzanne that I've read and I truly hope there are many more to come because I LOVED it! Not every single second mind you... the ocean crossing was notorious for being fraught with danger and death and it certainly was not a voyage for the faint of heart.
Suzanne has not left these hard truths out (the book could not be as amazing as it is if she had) - but has not presented them in such a way that they're too hard for her readers to take, instead showing the harsh realities through the eyes of faith - which is amazing all on it's own!
Do NOT miss this book! It is a superior read!
This is the first historical by Suzanne that I've read and I truly hope there are many more to come because I LOVED it! Not every single second mind you... the ocean crossing was notorious for being fraught with danger and death and it certainly was not a voyage for the faint of heart.
Suzanne has not left these hard truths out (the book could not be as amazing as it is if she had) - but has not presented them in such a way that they're too hard for her readers to take, instead showing the harsh realities through the eyes of faith - which is amazing all on it's own!
Do NOT miss this book! It is a superior read!
February 10, 2017
Audio Book
I really enjoyed this book detailing the beginning of Amish life crossing into America. Some of the things they went through on the ship were heart wrenching but they still kept strong in their faith. Even though Anna was the main character, I really loved Felix and everything he managed to get into.
I really enjoyed this book detailing the beginning of Amish life crossing into America. Some of the things they went through on the ship were heart wrenching but they still kept strong in their faith. Even though Anna was the main character, I really loved Felix and everything he managed to get into.
May 27, 2017
What a wonderful story! If you ever wondered why the Amish left Europe and what they endured on their journey to Penn's Woods, you won't want to miss this book. I was fascinated by the details of life on board a ship in the eighteenth century and savored each page of this remarkable story.
June 11, 2023
I loved this story! It drew me in and I read it almost straight through without a break. My ancestors were German Mennonites who emigrated from Russia, so it was very interesting to me for that reason also, although the author paints the Mennonites with a darker brush than the Amish.
Anna Konig doesn't want to leave Germany for the New World, but her Amish fellowship is emigrating and she is the only one who speaks English well enough to translate, so they insist that she go. The sailors and deckhands are not happy to have these Peculiar people aboard, and make life for them even harder than it would be otherwise. Only Bairn, the ship's carpenter, who is drawn to Anna's beauty and serenity, gives her grudging respect. The voyage is fraught with difficulties, from endless delays that use up precious resources, to the filthy stench of the lower deck, overcrowding, a poor diet, and foul weather. Felix, the young son of a woman traveling to meet her husband, who is a bishop already in Pennsylvania, is both a delight and a terror to everyone on board. His irrepressible energy and curiosity put him in danger, but also provide comic relief in many instances.
This was a heartbreaking look at the hardships of crossing the ocean for emigrants. The details are vivid and unsparing, but the growth of the characters softens the story. Faith and trust play a big part. The author deftly wove in several plot twists I didn't see coming. Highly recommended for Christian historical fiction fans, especially if you also enjoy Amish/Mennonite history.
Anna Konig doesn't want to leave Germany for the New World, but her Amish fellowship is emigrating and she is the only one who speaks English well enough to translate, so they insist that she go. The sailors and deckhands are not happy to have these Peculiar people aboard, and make life for them even harder than it would be otherwise. Only Bairn, the ship's carpenter, who is drawn to Anna's beauty and serenity, gives her grudging respect. The voyage is fraught with difficulties, from endless delays that use up precious resources, to the filthy stench of the lower deck, overcrowding, a poor diet, and foul weather. Felix, the young son of a woman traveling to meet her husband, who is a bishop already in Pennsylvania, is both a delight and a terror to everyone on board. His irrepressible energy and curiosity put him in danger, but also provide comic relief in many instances.
This was a heartbreaking look at the hardships of crossing the ocean for emigrants. The details are vivid and unsparing, but the growth of the characters softens the story. Faith and trust play a big part. The author deftly wove in several plot twists I didn't see coming. Highly recommended for Christian historical fiction fans, especially if you also enjoy Amish/Mennonite history.
January 15, 2020
Across the Ocean
Anna is an Amish girl in the 1700s leaving Europe for America. She meets Bairn, the ship's carpenter and they fall in love. At the end she discovers something surprising about him.
Anna is an Amish girl in the 1700s leaving Europe for America. She meets Bairn, the ship's carpenter and they fall in love. At the end she discovers something surprising about him.
September 19, 2017
Loved this book! My favorite Amish book yet!
March 9, 2015
"Anna's Crossing" is a historical fiction book about how some of the Amish first came to America. It shows some of the hardships that the Amish and Mennonites would have faced when they traveled by ship and made the difficult journey to America in the 1700s.
The story in "Anna's Crossing" is told from three different characters' perspectives: Anna's - a young Amish woman who is reluctantly traveling with other Amish from her hometown to America; Bairn's - the carpenter of the Charming Nancy ship who hopes to someday be captain of his own ship and who would rather be transporting cargo than people; and Felix's - a curious and sometimes troublemaking Amish boy who is interested in everything there is to know about sailing a ship. I really liked that Felix's perspective was included in addition to the two main adult characters' perspectives as I enjoyed reading about his character and seeing what mischief he would get into next.
I liked Anna's character. She has a strong faith in God throughout the story and she trusts in Him even during the most difficult times during their journey. She also shows compassion for others, even when it's hard to or when some don't deserve it.
I did not, however, care for Georg Schultz's character. He gave me the creeps from the beginning with the way he acted towards Anna, and I was extremely unhappy when he made a reappearance at one point in the story. Just a warning that at one point he does basically attempt to sexually assault Anna, but thankfully she is saved before he can do anything to her. By the end of the book I understood why he was written into the story, but I wish his character had been handled differently and I wish the parts with him being a creep towards Anna had been left out.
I don't typically read Amish fiction, but I love to read historical fiction and this book sounded interesting. It was interesting to read about how some of the Amish first came to America and to see what they would have gone through on their journey. An Author's Note is also included at the end of the novel where the author wrote about what parts of her novel are factual and which parts are based off of assumptions or made up.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. There were some things I did like about it and I did learn some new things about history and the Amish. However, I can't say I particularly enjoyed this book, mainly due to Georg's character.
*I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
The story in "Anna's Crossing" is told from three different characters' perspectives: Anna's - a young Amish woman who is reluctantly traveling with other Amish from her hometown to America; Bairn's - the carpenter of the Charming Nancy ship who hopes to someday be captain of his own ship and who would rather be transporting cargo than people; and Felix's - a curious and sometimes troublemaking Amish boy who is interested in everything there is to know about sailing a ship. I really liked that Felix's perspective was included in addition to the two main adult characters' perspectives as I enjoyed reading about his character and seeing what mischief he would get into next.
I liked Anna's character. She has a strong faith in God throughout the story and she trusts in Him even during the most difficult times during their journey. She also shows compassion for others, even when it's hard to or when some don't deserve it.
I did not, however, care for Georg Schultz's character. He gave me the creeps from the beginning with the way he acted towards Anna, and I was extremely unhappy when he made a reappearance at one point in the story. Just a warning that at one point he does basically attempt to sexually assault Anna, but thankfully she is saved before he can do anything to her. By the end of the book I understood why he was written into the story, but I wish his character had been handled differently and I wish the parts with him being a creep towards Anna had been left out.
I don't typically read Amish fiction, but I love to read historical fiction and this book sounded interesting. It was interesting to read about how some of the Amish first came to America and to see what they would have gone through on their journey. An Author's Note is also included at the end of the novel where the author wrote about what parts of her novel are factual and which parts are based off of assumptions or made up.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. There were some things I did like about it and I did learn some new things about history and the Amish. However, I can't say I particularly enjoyed this book, mainly due to Georg's character.
*I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
March 4, 2015
I typically don't look twice at an Amish novel, not because I have anything against Amish, but because I find Amish fiction to all have the same story with only different characters by different authors, but Anna's Crossing enticed me because of the immigrant crossing from Germany to America. I absolutely love books where the story is set on a ship on the high seas battling storms, sicknesses, and sailors full of mischief, books like this will almost always please my hunger for adventure! So, I had to give Anna's Crossing a chance for this purpose alone, and I was completely impressed with it!
The characters were extremely well made and the scenes so detailed that I felt as if I was aboard the Charming Nancy through every flip of a page. The ship was explained throughout the story so you knew how it was laid-out and I could visually see it's majestic form! The plot was refreshing for an Amish fiction novel and I loved how Anna portrayed her beliefs through actions rather than simply announcing her beliefs for all to hear and then rebelling against them in her actions. I also loved Felix, he was by far the best character in this story and I was so glad that the author wrote a few chapters in his point of view, it made the book lighter and gave it some humor!
Even with all of the above, I did find myself skipping sections because the detail and explanations for how characters felt overrode the story and became mundane. Bairn's revelation/past was also extremely predictable, I would have enjoyed the book much more if the author would have hidden his past better and shocked the reader to speechlessness! But, I still rate Anna's Crossing 4 out of 5 stars and though I cannot promise to read more Amish fiction by this author, I do look forward to reading more sea-fairing adventures should Suzanne Fisher decided to write more!
"I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
You can read this review, as well as others, on my blog at http://acceleratethejesusmovement.wor...
The characters were extremely well made and the scenes so detailed that I felt as if I was aboard the Charming Nancy through every flip of a page. The ship was explained throughout the story so you knew how it was laid-out and I could visually see it's majestic form! The plot was refreshing for an Amish fiction novel and I loved how Anna portrayed her beliefs through actions rather than simply announcing her beliefs for all to hear and then rebelling against them in her actions. I also loved Felix, he was by far the best character in this story and I was so glad that the author wrote a few chapters in his point of view, it made the book lighter and gave it some humor!
Even with all of the above, I did find myself skipping sections because the detail and explanations for how characters felt overrode the story and became mundane. Bairn's revelation/past was also extremely predictable, I would have enjoyed the book much more if the author would have hidden his past better and shocked the reader to speechlessness! But, I still rate Anna's Crossing 4 out of 5 stars and though I cannot promise to read more Amish fiction by this author, I do look forward to reading more sea-fairing adventures should Suzanne Fisher decided to write more!
"I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
You can read this review, as well as others, on my blog at http://acceleratethejesusmovement.wor...
August 11, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
I have enjoyed every Suzanne Woods Fisher book I have read, but I think I particularly enjoyed this newest one, Anna’s Crossing, due to the change in setting. Anna’s Crossing takes place in the eighteenth century, aboard the Charming Nancy. As the characters set out from Germany and head for the New World, they encounter numerous challenges in circumstances and relationships, and I loved joining them for the journey. This story is riveting and satisfying, filled with adventure and romance, and I would recommend it for fans of Amish and/or historical fiction. It is an entertaining read that has made me eager to read more from Suzanne Woods Fisher.
Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of Anna’s Crossing and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I have enjoyed every Suzanne Woods Fisher book I have read, but I think I particularly enjoyed this newest one, Anna’s Crossing, due to the change in setting. Anna’s Crossing takes place in the eighteenth century, aboard the Charming Nancy. As the characters set out from Germany and head for the New World, they encounter numerous challenges in circumstances and relationships, and I loved joining them for the journey. This story is riveting and satisfying, filled with adventure and romance, and I would recommend it for fans of Amish and/or historical fiction. It is an entertaining read that has made me eager to read more from Suzanne Woods Fisher.
Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of Anna’s Crossing and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 21, 2017
If you enjoy the Amish genre you will want to read Anna's Crossing. This story has a different twist to it than what you've been used to reading in the past. If you love historical fiction you won't want to miss this book.
Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to readers this well researched story of how the early Amish faced the unknown to come to America. They suffered persecution daily in their home country. Willing to brave any danger these courageous men , women and children faced sickness , life threatening situations, and even death in order to gain the freedom of worship across the ocean.
I rated this story with 5 stars because as I mentioned earlier I thought it was very well researched. The author made me feel I was right there on The Charming Nancy . I could almost smell the sea air and feel the wind in my hair. Very well written and an excellent read. I highly recommend it.
Read
February 25, 2015Beautifully written!
Fisher outdid herself with this raw, amazing tale of the Amish sailing to the New World. You'll follow Anna from her home in Germany to her departure in Penn.
From the moment you read this book you feel like your right there with Anna; the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions will keep you turning the pages.
Don't miss out on reading this book! You'll fall in love with Anna and the rest of the people.
Fisher outdid herself with this raw, amazing tale of the Amish sailing to the New World. You'll follow Anna from her home in Germany to her departure in Penn.
From the moment you read this book you feel like your right there with Anna; the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions will keep you turning the pages.
Don't miss out on reading this book! You'll fall in love with Anna and the rest of the people.
March 8, 2015
I loved the characters. I liked Anna and Bairn but I loved Felix.. I really hope there will be more about Felix as he gets older. It was interesting to have the whole story on the ship. I don't think I could have handled the crossing. People then we're very brave. I received this book from Revellreads for a fair and honest opinion.
May 15, 2017
This book starts in April of 1737 and has to do with the horrors and trials of crossing the ocean to the New World. The book is well written, much researched, and full of faith. I'm so thankful that I wasn't forced to endure such hardships. I thought the book was well done with the very severe conditions. It is handled well and I'm sure you are going love this book.
Anna Koneg was forced to leave Germany and her precious grandparents with her Amish community. She had no desire to leave everything she loved only to spend months to reach a New World filled with horrors of natives and starvation. There was no future for them in Germany and there lives were in danger. Anna is the only one in her community that can speak English so she must translate for her people. They left their village in April.
June 29th they finally boarded the ship. They would go on to Plymouth before they could cross the ocean. Seasickness soon had everyone under the weather except for a young boy Felix who was like a little brother to Anna. His father had already gone to the New World to purchase land for them. This young boy was her responsibility since her mother is still grieving from the death of her second son. Felix had a cast iron stomach and was able to explore all he wanted while are were ill.
Bairn is the Carpenter of the ship which makes him third in command. His is upset by the fact that the ship is overcrowded and they are not prepared for so many people. Hundred of people were force to live in terrible circumstances in the below deck. The deck hands called the Amish and the Mennonites the "Peculiars." and had little use for them. July they finally got to Plymouth. Bairn was disappointed he was unable to go ashore but would have to deal with these people. He is somehow drawn to this Amish community especially the beautiful Anna. July 17th they finally head out to Philadelphia. October they were finally able to leave the ship. A voyage of twists an turns that turn their wold upside down.
This is a journey of trials and tribulations of survival through horrendous adversities. God has a plan for this little community. A plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. God has a plan for you too. Surrender your heart to Him and watch Him work in your life.
Anna Koneg was forced to leave Germany and her precious grandparents with her Amish community. She had no desire to leave everything she loved only to spend months to reach a New World filled with horrors of natives and starvation. There was no future for them in Germany and there lives were in danger. Anna is the only one in her community that can speak English so she must translate for her people. They left their village in April.
June 29th they finally boarded the ship. They would go on to Plymouth before they could cross the ocean. Seasickness soon had everyone under the weather except for a young boy Felix who was like a little brother to Anna. His father had already gone to the New World to purchase land for them. This young boy was her responsibility since her mother is still grieving from the death of her second son. Felix had a cast iron stomach and was able to explore all he wanted while are were ill.
Bairn is the Carpenter of the ship which makes him third in command. His is upset by the fact that the ship is overcrowded and they are not prepared for so many people. Hundred of people were force to live in terrible circumstances in the below deck. The deck hands called the Amish and the Mennonites the "Peculiars." and had little use for them. July they finally got to Plymouth. Bairn was disappointed he was unable to go ashore but would have to deal with these people. He is somehow drawn to this Amish community especially the beautiful Anna. July 17th they finally head out to Philadelphia. October they were finally able to leave the ship. A voyage of twists an turns that turn their wold upside down.
This is a journey of trials and tribulations of survival through horrendous adversities. God has a plan for this little community. A plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. God has a plan for you too. Surrender your heart to Him and watch Him work in your life.
September 15, 2017
In the timeline of history I love reading books on virtually unknown pieces of the past. Which is exactly what Anna's Crossing is. Given the opportunity to review book 3 in this series (Amish Beginnings) I decided to go back to the beginning and I boy I sure glad I did. The year is 1737 and a sect of Germans are making the long voyage to begin a new life in America. I even can't begin to fathom what that voyage was like but the author does a great deal of painting a picture with not just the sights but the smells as well.
Told from the perspective of not just Anna and Bairn but also Felix, he added that spark and entertainment to this book, there were many times I couldn't help but smile at his antics. I liked Anna, she was naïve in some instances but she was determined and compassionate in stark contrast to Bairn who had a chip on his shoulder especially for this sect of passengers. Anna didn't hold back about her faith, believing God would provide and see them through the rough times, which further infuriated Bairn.
This is the first time reading this author and I am quite impressed. Based on an actual ship named the Charming Nancy, captained by Charles Stedman, departing from Rotterdam heading to Philadelphia with a mix of Amish and Mennonite family's. They were seeking freedom to worship in the new land but none were prepared for toil the months at sea would take.
There were some wonderful pages of authors notes where Suzanne Woods Fisher described her research, what she included, what she omitted and why, further piquing my interest in the Anabaptist/Amish community. This whole book deals with the crossing and I'm glad I had read it first, the next book in the series is called The Newcomer and book 3 is The Return both of which I will be reviewing in the next few weeks.
This book was from my personal library, where I can see myself collecting more from this author.
This and other reviews can be found at justonemorechapter.com
Told from the perspective of not just Anna and Bairn but also Felix, he added that spark and entertainment to this book, there were many times I couldn't help but smile at his antics. I liked Anna, she was naïve in some instances but she was determined and compassionate in stark contrast to Bairn who had a chip on his shoulder especially for this sect of passengers. Anna didn't hold back about her faith, believing God would provide and see them through the rough times, which further infuriated Bairn.
This is the first time reading this author and I am quite impressed. Based on an actual ship named the Charming Nancy, captained by Charles Stedman, departing from Rotterdam heading to Philadelphia with a mix of Amish and Mennonite family's. They were seeking freedom to worship in the new land but none were prepared for toil the months at sea would take.
There were some wonderful pages of authors notes where Suzanne Woods Fisher described her research, what she included, what she omitted and why, further piquing my interest in the Anabaptist/Amish community. This whole book deals with the crossing and I'm glad I had read it first, the next book in the series is called The Newcomer and book 3 is The Return both of which I will be reviewing in the next few weeks.
This book was from my personal library, where I can see myself collecting more from this author.
This and other reviews can be found at justonemorechapter.com
April 1, 2020
One of the best Amish books I have ever read!!
Read
June 21, 2025Great story about Amish and Mennonites who leave Germany in the 1700’s in search of a better life for their families. Their journey on an overcrowded merchant ship is perilous and memorable.
March 1, 2024
Super slow in the beginning. I almost completely quit the book even though I was listening on audibles, but I pushed through and listened during boring times at work or before bed. By the last few chapters it got so good I listened to the whole series.
June 24, 2017
The ending was predictable, but I still very much enjoyed reading this story. Anna was a good main character, someone you could root for. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books set in this time period.
March 3, 2015
Anna’s Crossing is a run-of-the-mill Christian historical fiction, with virtually nothing to separate it from any other novel like it. I do admit, however, that I have little experience with Christian historical fiction, especially of the Amish variation (of which there are many). I do like the “beginnings” approach that Fisher took, rather than the standard “once upon a time in the Amish community,” and that aspect, I think, is different than others. The romance, however, is mediocre at best and I took issues with the way Fisher approached the historicity aspect.
The problem with the romance was that it could have been much more intriguing if Bairn had stayed the “outsider” character rather than the entirely too convenient character that he became. I do like how Fisher does not try to either excuse or castigate Bairn for some of his previous choices; she could have heavily hammered in a moral but she handles it lightly instead and lets it flow with both the setting and what Bairn learns throughout the book. But besides that, the romance is unremarkable and predictable to the point of boredom.
My other issue is with the historicity of the novel; more exactly, the way Fisher softens history to fit her story. She has an extended note in the back of the book where she discusses the actual trip and what we know about it from letters, etc. and then basically states that she could not include all that in the book. Only one person dies during this supposedly perilous ocean crossing, and besides some uncomfortable seasickness and dehydration, there is no point where I ever thought that any of the characters (even the side characters) were close to death. I don’t know whether Fisher just doesn’t want to write about children and others dying, or if she thought her readers wouldn’t want to read it, but the way she softened down the crossing made it seem unrealistic. If Dear America, a series aimed at middle schoolers, can have two-year-olds dying of hemlock poisoning and main characters experiencing hangings and amputations and the horrors of the Holocaust, then novels aimed for adults should have just as much, if not more, of the same. I understand why Fisher wanted to leave the harsher things out, but it negatively affected the setting and historicity of the book as a result.
Anna’s Crossing is interesting for its look at the roots of the Amish, but the mediocre romance, the build-up of the perilous ocean crossing that is unfulfilled by the relatively tame conditions, and the predictability of plot means that it’s neither a stand-out nor even a particularly good book.
The problem with the romance was that it could have been much more intriguing if Bairn had stayed the “outsider” character rather than the entirely too convenient character that he became. I do like how Fisher does not try to either excuse or castigate Bairn for some of his previous choices; she could have heavily hammered in a moral but she handles it lightly instead and lets it flow with both the setting and what Bairn learns throughout the book. But besides that, the romance is unremarkable and predictable to the point of boredom.
My other issue is with the historicity of the novel; more exactly, the way Fisher softens history to fit her story. She has an extended note in the back of the book where she discusses the actual trip and what we know about it from letters, etc. and then basically states that she could not include all that in the book. Only one person dies during this supposedly perilous ocean crossing, and besides some uncomfortable seasickness and dehydration, there is no point where I ever thought that any of the characters (even the side characters) were close to death. I don’t know whether Fisher just doesn’t want to write about children and others dying, or if she thought her readers wouldn’t want to read it, but the way she softened down the crossing made it seem unrealistic. If Dear America, a series aimed at middle schoolers, can have two-year-olds dying of hemlock poisoning and main characters experiencing hangings and amputations and the horrors of the Holocaust, then novels aimed for adults should have just as much, if not more, of the same. I understand why Fisher wanted to leave the harsher things out, but it negatively affected the setting and historicity of the book as a result.
Anna’s Crossing is interesting for its look at the roots of the Amish, but the mediocre romance, the build-up of the perilous ocean crossing that is unfulfilled by the relatively tame conditions, and the predictability of plot means that it’s neither a stand-out nor even a particularly good book.
January 11, 2018
Check out this review on my blog!
https://sydneyelaineblog.wordpress.co...
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~*Minor Spoilers Ahead - Read Ahead At Your Own Risk*~
I absolutely adored this book. It is so different from all the other Amish books I've read, which is definitely a refreshing change from the shunnings or running around and unsure of where they fit it but always choose their faith type stories.
Postive Elements: It's very faith based, but doesn't feel preachy. The romance between Barin and Anna was gradual and sweet. Anna is great character. She spoke of God un-preachy, it felt very natural when people spoke of God. Sometimes when characters in faith based books sound unnatural when they speak of God, almost overthought, but the characters in this book didn't.
Spiritual Content - Being an Amish book, there is a steady mention of God throughout the book. Nothing offensive in terms of God/Heaven/Hell is mentioned, really.
Sexual Content - Both Anna and Barin share a mutual attraction to each other, but there are no inappropriate thoughts from either character. The two share a few kisses, though they aren't explicitly described.
Violent Content - One character dies from a blow to the head, is thrown into the sea but it late seen again when his bottom half is sticking out the mouth of a shark caught by the crew. A young woman dies after childbirth, and we read a brief description of her dead body being attacked by sharks. There is mention of a slave ship and a nasty stench coming from it, and once again a brief un-detailed description of how horrible the future slaves are treated aboard the boat. Barin wallops a character trying to take advantage of Anna.
Don't be scared by this section of the review... this is a much more explicate description than it actually is in the book.
Crude or Profane Language - None, other than something along the lines of "muttered a curse word", if that.
Drug and Alcohol Content - Barin offers a beer to Anna when she and her fellow Amish run out of water.
Other Negative Elements - One character is inappropriate toward Anna on several occasions. There are many mentions of people being sea sick and passing away when water runs short.
Conclusion - I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's bored of the other Amish books. It's definitely one I can see myself reading again.
https://sydneyelaineblog.wordpress.co...
~~~~~~
~*Minor Spoilers Ahead - Read Ahead At Your Own Risk*~
I absolutely adored this book. It is so different from all the other Amish books I've read, which is definitely a refreshing change from the shunnings or running around and unsure of where they fit it but always choose their faith type stories.
Postive Elements: It's very faith based, but doesn't feel preachy. The romance between Barin and Anna was gradual and sweet. Anna is great character. She spoke of God un-preachy, it felt very natural when people spoke of God. Sometimes when characters in faith based books sound unnatural when they speak of God, almost overthought, but the characters in this book didn't.
Spiritual Content - Being an Amish book, there is a steady mention of God throughout the book. Nothing offensive in terms of God/Heaven/Hell is mentioned, really.
Sexual Content - Both Anna and Barin share a mutual attraction to each other, but there are no inappropriate thoughts from either character. The two share a few kisses, though they aren't explicitly described.
Violent Content - One character dies from a blow to the head, is thrown into the sea but it late seen again when his bottom half is sticking out the mouth of a shark caught by the crew. A young woman dies after childbirth, and we read a brief description of her dead body being attacked by sharks. There is mention of a slave ship and a nasty stench coming from it, and once again a brief un-detailed description of how horrible the future slaves are treated aboard the boat. Barin wallops a character trying to take advantage of Anna.
Don't be scared by this section of the review... this is a much more explicate description than it actually is in the book.
Crude or Profane Language - None, other than something along the lines of "muttered a curse word", if that.
Drug and Alcohol Content - Barin offers a beer to Anna when she and her fellow Amish run out of water.
Other Negative Elements - One character is inappropriate toward Anna on several occasions. There are many mentions of people being sea sick and passing away when water runs short.
Conclusion - I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's bored of the other Amish books. It's definitely one I can see myself reading again.
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