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New Augsburg: Book 3
"Just because something can't be undone doesn't mean it can't be redeemed."
The year is 2122, and Zachary Barrett has made a habit of running from the disgrace of his family legacy. When offered the opportunity to regain a leadership role and restore his sullied reputation back home in New Augsburg, the temptation is too great to resist. But forces conspire against him. The stain of his own misdeeds, his father’s unexpected release from federal prison, and once-in-a-generation natural disasters threaten to interfere with his dreams of a fresh start.
Nearly four years into married life, Lydia Schaeffer thought she’d learned to trust God’s timing, but the unfulfilled desire to start a family leaves an ache in her heart. When her former nemesis returns to town and begins to spend time with one of Lydia’s dearest friends, past wounds and unforgiveness threaten to compound her grief.
As the residents of New Augsburg reckon with the sins of generations past and present, the challenges of a hostile government, and the unpredictable forces of nature, they must extend Christ-like grace to one another, facing the consequences of the past no matter the cost to the future.
The year is 2122, and Zachary Barrett has made a habit of running from the disgrace of his family legacy. When offered the opportunity to regain a leadership role and restore his sullied reputation back home in New Augsburg, the temptation is too great to resist. But forces conspire against him. The stain of his own misdeeds, his father’s unexpected release from federal prison, and once-in-a-generation natural disasters threaten to interfere with his dreams of a fresh start.
Nearly four years into married life, Lydia Schaeffer thought she’d learned to trust God’s timing, but the unfulfilled desire to start a family leaves an ache in her heart. When her former nemesis returns to town and begins to spend time with one of Lydia’s dearest friends, past wounds and unforgiveness threaten to compound her grief.
As the residents of New Augsburg reckon with the sins of generations past and present, the challenges of a hostile government, and the unpredictable forces of nature, they must extend Christ-like grace to one another, facing the consequences of the past no matter the cost to the future.
- GenresChristian Fiction
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
About the author
Christa Petzold
8 books58 followersChrista 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.
Find her on Instagram @christa.petzold and at christapetzold.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 20, 2025
Spoilers below.
What an end to the trilogy!! I cried. I cried a lot. Christa Petzold gave us a redemption story for the ages, reminding us that NO ONE is perfect, we are all sinners, and it is through Jesus alone that we are delivered. This final installment in the New Augsburg trilogy had the most overt theological conversations out of the three, and not a single one felt forced or out of place. Elizabeth's earnestness was infectious as Zach wrestled with who he came from and who he thought he could never be. Only through CHRIST can we be made new! I got choked up when Zach talked about his own baptism and his deep conviction of its effect on his life.
Christa Petzold yet again managed to shift the genre of her writing, this time outlining a natural disaster and its aftermath in stunning clarity. The pervasive unease and despair that the town residents felt as their homes were destroyed, followed by their anger directed at the council felt very human. While Caleb was painted as a villain for a time, his viewpoint made sense given the information he had.
The disaster aside, this book also dealt directly with abuse and how it disrupts and shatters families, shaping members into people disgusted with themselves. It's raw and powerful without being graphic.
Lydia's arc about letting go and giving God her burdens was masterfully done, and I was thoroughly pleased with the ending. The choice to have Elizabeth fight a round against infertility offscreen and subsequently have children would speak to women rejoicing in their answered prayers, while Lydia herself, like women to whom God answered "no" would see the strength that only He can provide in living in a sinful, broken world. We cast our sorrows on Christ and hope for the ressurection to come.
And the final line?? "I forgive you"??? I was a sobbing mess. I hated Zachary Barrett's guts before, but it seems I have forgiven him, too.
THANK YOU to Christa Petzold for writing and sharing this trilogy with us!
What an end to the trilogy!! I cried. I cried a lot. Christa Petzold gave us a redemption story for the ages, reminding us that NO ONE is perfect, we are all sinners, and it is through Jesus alone that we are delivered. This final installment in the New Augsburg trilogy had the most overt theological conversations out of the three, and not a single one felt forced or out of place. Elizabeth's earnestness was infectious as Zach wrestled with who he came from and who he thought he could never be. Only through CHRIST can we be made new! I got choked up when Zach talked about his own baptism and his deep conviction of its effect on his life.
Christa Petzold yet again managed to shift the genre of her writing, this time outlining a natural disaster and its aftermath in stunning clarity. The pervasive unease and despair that the town residents felt as their homes were destroyed, followed by their anger directed at the council felt very human. While Caleb was painted as a villain for a time, his viewpoint made sense given the information he had.
The disaster aside, this book also dealt directly with abuse and how it disrupts and shatters families, shaping members into people disgusted with themselves. It's raw and powerful without being graphic.
Lydia's arc about letting go and giving God her burdens was masterfully done, and I was thoroughly pleased with the ending. The choice to have Elizabeth fight a round against infertility offscreen and subsequently have children would speak to women rejoicing in their answered prayers, while Lydia herself, like women to whom God answered "no" would see the strength that only He can provide in living in a sinful, broken world. We cast our sorrows on Christ and hope for the ressurection to come.
And the final line?? "I forgive you"??? I was a sobbing mess. I hated Zachary Barrett's guts before, but it seems I have forgiven him, too.
THANK YOU to Christa Petzold for writing and sharing this trilogy with us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
A great story of redemption for one of the people of New Augsburg you wouldn't expect to hear about. Very well written and, once again, I loved getting to hear (listened on audible) the various parts of LCMS doctrines and beliefs woven throughout. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a non-smut romance!
May 28, 2025
The final book of the New Augsburg trilogy is here—and it does not disappoint! It’s the kind of novel that makes me laugh and cry (even after the third read). And, like the first two books, it’s thought provoking and deals with the struggles of the Christian faith—and life in general—in a way that is tender yet wise.
This book centers around Zachary Barrett—the “villain” of book one. I remember chatting with Christa after reading one of the earlier drafts of Book 1 and complaining about how horrible Zach was. (This was before the trilogy was fully conceptualized.) After I expressed my frustration, she commented that he wasn’t really the bad guy, and there might be a redemption arc in the future for him. I was hesitant at first, but I came around pretty quickly because really, we can’t afford to let a handsome guy who knows his way around the dance floor like Zach remain on the dark side. Book 3 does what I originally thought unimaginable. It brings the jerk of Book 1 to us in a new and vulnerable way, and long before the final chapters, he became one of my favorite New Augsburg characters.
Those who have been keeping up to speed with the New Augsburg trilogy will love the finale. Our old favorites are back, but still learning and growing and they and their beloved town go through unanticipated trials. If you haven’t started the trilogy yet, the third book itself would make it worth the read (though each of the first two are excellent as well)! I would say don’t wait… but I have to caution you that I read Book 3 in about 36 hour (usually this length of book would be a week or so for me), so you might want to wait until your schedule allows you to tackle this page-turner responsibly. I don’t think you’ll want to put it down!
This book centers around Zachary Barrett—the “villain” of book one. I remember chatting with Christa after reading one of the earlier drafts of Book 1 and complaining about how horrible Zach was. (This was before the trilogy was fully conceptualized.) After I expressed my frustration, she commented that he wasn’t really the bad guy, and there might be a redemption arc in the future for him. I was hesitant at first, but I came around pretty quickly because really, we can’t afford to let a handsome guy who knows his way around the dance floor like Zach remain on the dark side. Book 3 does what I originally thought unimaginable. It brings the jerk of Book 1 to us in a new and vulnerable way, and long before the final chapters, he became one of my favorite New Augsburg characters.
Those who have been keeping up to speed with the New Augsburg trilogy will love the finale. Our old favorites are back, but still learning and growing and they and their beloved town go through unanticipated trials. If you haven’t started the trilogy yet, the third book itself would make it worth the read (though each of the first two are excellent as well)! I would say don’t wait… but I have to caution you that I read Book 3 in about 36 hour (usually this length of book would be a week or so for me), so you might want to wait until your schedule allows you to tackle this page-turner responsibly. I don’t think you’ll want to put it down!
May 21, 2025
A wonderfully spun tale of redemption and forgiveness. It was so fun to travel back to New Augsburg, to rejoin the lives of the Kleins, Schaeffers, Zachary, and the rest of the town.
New Augsburg 3 was nearly impossible for me to put down, quickly becoming my favorite book of the year. The story of Zachary's redemption was full of hope, a reminder that no one is truly "too far gone" from the love and grace found in Christ. From page 1, I knew that this would be my favorite of the series.
From the slow-burn feel of Elizabeth and Zachary's romance to the struggles and suffering of Lydia and David, every piece of the story was wrapped in a neat bow. I found myself in tears several times as I read the second half of the book, overcome with emotion at the repentance, forgiveness, and love that was so masterfully written.
The best part was Zachary's total forgiveness of his father - a beautiful reminder that no one is too far from the love of Christ and His redeeming work.
New Augsburg 3 was nearly impossible for me to put down, quickly becoming my favorite book of the year. The story of Zachary's redemption was full of hope, a reminder that no one is truly "too far gone" from the love and grace found in Christ. From page 1, I knew that this would be my favorite of the series.
From the slow-burn feel of Elizabeth and Zachary's romance to the struggles and suffering of Lydia and David, every piece of the story was wrapped in a neat bow. I found myself in tears several times as I read the second half of the book, overcome with emotion at the repentance, forgiveness, and love that was so masterfully written.
The best part was Zachary's total forgiveness of his father - a beautiful reminder that no one is too far from the love of Christ and His redeeming work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 1, 2025This conclusion blew me away! Highly recommend reading books 1 & 2 first, but this one is my new favorite. I wanted to hate Zach who’s been such a pain for two books. I tried my best, but Petzold broke me down quickly and had me in tears multiple times with this beautiful story of hope and redemption. For anyone who’s ever been disillusioned by hypocritical church leaders or crushed by disappointment with God’s plan, yet still longs to find peace and confidence in what you believe, this story is for you.
October 4, 2025
I had mixed emotions reading this final book in the trilogy: I wanted to finish quickly to see how everything was resolved, but I didn’t want to finish because that meant leaving the beloved characters of New Augsburg behind. A true reader’s dilemma. I have truly enjoyed this trilogy and this final installment not only wrapped up the stories nicely, but was also a wonderful illustration of redemption and its power. I can’t wait for whatever new stories Christa has up her sleeve.
February 16, 2026
I loved each book increasingly
A character I thought I'd never liked I grew to love. The best parts were every act of love and forgiveness. As a lifetime Lutheran I really appreciated that precious, deep, and rich meaning throughout the series. Thank you, Christa, for your work on these books.
A character I thought I'd never liked I grew to love. The best parts were every act of love and forgiveness. As a lifetime Lutheran I really appreciated that precious, deep, and rich meaning throughout the series. Thank you, Christa, for your work on these books.
August 29, 2025
This book was so good that it left me speechless. It is so much more than a romance. Christa tackles many topics in the world today and somehow put them into a love story flawlessly. I highly recommend the New Augsberg series. I look forward to reading the series over and over!
May 25, 2025
This book was an incredible conclusion to a wonderful series. The characters were so relatable with real world struggles, to which the truth of God's Word speaks to them and to the reader as well. Christ redeems even the worst of villains and gives hope to those who can't see past the darkness. It was so much fun to share in the stories of the characters in New Augsburg!
May 21, 2025
This might be my favorite book of the series!!! It has the romance and humor of the first two, but more emotional depth and even more insight into the complicated realities of life as a Christian. I loved seeing my favorite characters again, and definitely did not expect how much I’d grow to love new characters (#TeamGran). Somehow this book manages to address some pretty heavy topics and still be a page turner. I really wanted to know what would happen, and while I loved the ending, I was sad to reach it. So… who says trilogies can only be three books? I want a fourth!
May 14, 2025
This was by far my favorite book of the New Augsburg series. I found the characters and their struggles far more relatable in this book than in the previous ones, and I really enjoyed seeing Zack’s character arc developing. The struggles Lydia faces were also a lot more raw and thought provoking than her more naive reactions in the first book, and I really appreciated seeing her grow in her understanding of life and the nature of suffering. A very compelling way to wrap up this series.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the authors. All thoughts are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the authors. All thoughts are my own.
June 24, 2025
NEW BOOK THIS MONTH - New Augsburg 3 by Christa Petzold!!
Three weeks ago this week, New Augsburg 3 released, the third installment in the New Augsburg Trilogy by Christa Petzold. This definitely should be on your summer read list! Even though New Augsburg 3 is part of a trilogy, it's a stand alone story. For a quick summary, Book 1 focused on Lydia Klein, Book 2 focused on Lydia's brother Micah and his fiance Callie, and Book 3 features Zachary Barrett, the "villian" from book one.
Christa's gift of writing once again is displayed in NA3. Readers will delight in the pacing of the story, the emotional twists and turns, and unexpectedly cheering for Zachary as his full story comes to light in this third book. Maybe the "villian" isn't such a "villian" after all when you learn more about them??? A good life lesson!!!
New Augsburg 3 also addresses some heavy topics that will cause some of us to revisit our own thoughts and feelings as we turn each page. Life can be challenging when we write our story one way, and God has a different scenario for us. The same is true for some of the NA3 characters - not everything is neat and tidy and wrapped up in a bow, but we see God's grace, faithfulness and love ever present.
I didn't want this series to end, and even put off finishing the book. I did not want to say goodbye to the Kleins and the Schaeffers - I felt like they were family! I hated seeing the epilogue at the end - so many years past the main story. I didn't want the fast ending - I wanted more story and not the big jump so many years ahead - after all, Little House has 9 books, lol!!
I think Christa should continue writing more fiction as her fan base continues to grow!
Three weeks ago this week, New Augsburg 3 released, the third installment in the New Augsburg Trilogy by Christa Petzold. This definitely should be on your summer read list! Even though New Augsburg 3 is part of a trilogy, it's a stand alone story. For a quick summary, Book 1 focused on Lydia Klein, Book 2 focused on Lydia's brother Micah and his fiance Callie, and Book 3 features Zachary Barrett, the "villian" from book one.
Christa's gift of writing once again is displayed in NA3. Readers will delight in the pacing of the story, the emotional twists and turns, and unexpectedly cheering for Zachary as his full story comes to light in this third book. Maybe the "villian" isn't such a "villian" after all when you learn more about them??? A good life lesson!!!
New Augsburg 3 also addresses some heavy topics that will cause some of us to revisit our own thoughts and feelings as we turn each page. Life can be challenging when we write our story one way, and God has a different scenario for us. The same is true for some of the NA3 characters - not everything is neat and tidy and wrapped up in a bow, but we see God's grace, faithfulness and love ever present.
I didn't want this series to end, and even put off finishing the book. I did not want to say goodbye to the Kleins and the Schaeffers - I felt like they were family! I hated seeing the epilogue at the end - so many years past the main story. I didn't want the fast ending - I wanted more story and not the big jump so many years ahead - after all, Little House has 9 books, lol!!
I think Christa should continue writing more fiction as her fan base continues to grow!
May 28, 2025
After reading the first two books in this trilogy I had a bit of an unhealthy grudge against Zach (which may or may not be irrationally tied to events in my own life, so take that for what it's worth). I knew that this book would be focusing on his story, and I was both anxious for it and sort of leary of the anticipated emotional journey. It was wonderfully cathartic, and such a beautiful emotional and spiritual journey - even for those who aren't starting out with strong feelings about the antagonist from Book 1.
This beautifully written book walks us through the challenges of struggling to forgive, struggling to accept forgiveness, suffering through unanswered prayers, trying to figure out what in the world is going on in our own hearts and minds, and so much more! There were so many conversations and internal dialogues that felt like they could have been pulled from my own life (though some are certainly more eloquent than mine would have been) and others that gave me a better picture of what friends and family members might be feeling as they face challenges that I have never experienced.
Through all of the ups and downs that these characters face, we are constantly re-grounded in the foundation of God's Word, and His continued work in our lives through the beautiful gifts of Word and Sacrament and the blessing of a community of faith.
This beautifully written book walks us through the challenges of struggling to forgive, struggling to accept forgiveness, suffering through unanswered prayers, trying to figure out what in the world is going on in our own hearts and minds, and so much more! There were so many conversations and internal dialogues that felt like they could have been pulled from my own life (though some are certainly more eloquent than mine would have been) and others that gave me a better picture of what friends and family members might be feeling as they face challenges that I have never experienced.
Through all of the ups and downs that these characters face, we are constantly re-grounded in the foundation of God's Word, and His continued work in our lives through the beautiful gifts of Word and Sacrament and the blessing of a community of faith.
July 3, 2025
After reading the first two books in this trilogy I had a bit of an unhealthy grudge against Zach (which may or may not be irrationally tied to events in my own life, so take that for what it's worth). I knew that this book would be focusing on his story, and I was both anxious for it and sort of leary of the anticipated emotional journey. It was wonderfully cathartic, and such a beautiful emotional and spiritual journey - even for those who aren't starting out with strong feelings about the antagonist from Book 1.
This beautifully written book walks us through the challenges of struggling to forgive, struggling to accept forgiveness, suffering through unanswered prayers, trying to figure out what in the world is going on in our own hearts and minds, and so much more! There were so many conversations and internal dialogues that felt like they could have been pulled from my own life (though some are certainly more eloquent than mine would have been) and others that gave me a better picture of what friends and family members might be feeling as they face challenges that I have never experienced.
Through all of the ups and downs that these characters face, we are constantly re-grounded in the foundation of God's Word, and His continued work in our lives through the beautiful gifts of Word and Sacrament and the blessing of a community of faith.
This beautifully written book walks us through the challenges of struggling to forgive, struggling to accept forgiveness, suffering through unanswered prayers, trying to figure out what in the world is going on in our own hearts and minds, and so much more! There were so many conversations and internal dialogues that felt like they could have been pulled from my own life (though some are certainly more eloquent than mine would have been) and others that gave me a better picture of what friends and family members might be feeling as they face challenges that I have never experienced.
Through all of the ups and downs that these characters face, we are constantly re-grounded in the foundation of God's Word, and His continued work in our lives through the beautiful gifts of Word and Sacrament and the blessing of a community of faith.
May 28, 2025
This book was a wonderful end to the trilogy! When I first started the series, I figured each book would continue on with Lydia's story. I was pleasantly surprised to find book two focused on Micah and Callie and book three focuses on Zach's story. I didn't think a book written about a character like Zach could move me to tears, but it did! Christ's redeeming love is a theme through out this book as many of the characters are facing trials of many kinds.
The end to the trilogy was full of suspense, redemption, forgiveness, and romance. I haven't experienced all of the events and issues the characters had to work through, yet they still felt completely relatable. Christa writes in a way that allows the reader to feel the struggle when a character is facing trials and celebrate as the characters experience joyful times. Christa tackled some really hard subjects and it helped me understand what it would be like to be faced with all of those trials and blessings. The characters have already been so well developed in the first two books and this book digs even deeper into their complex lives, personalities, and relationships.
This was my favorite of the three books! I couldn't put the book down, especially in the second half. I highly recommend it.
The end to the trilogy was full of suspense, redemption, forgiveness, and romance. I haven't experienced all of the events and issues the characters had to work through, yet they still felt completely relatable. Christa writes in a way that allows the reader to feel the struggle when a character is facing trials and celebrate as the characters experience joyful times. Christa tackled some really hard subjects and it helped me understand what it would be like to be faced with all of those trials and blessings. The characters have already been so well developed in the first two books and this book digs even deeper into their complex lives, personalities, and relationships.
This was my favorite of the three books! I couldn't put the book down, especially in the second half. I highly recommend it.
June 5, 2025
What's one of the most REAL EXPERIENCES of being human in this sinful world?
Forgiveness.
How do you forgive someone who's hurt you? How do you forgive someone who deserted you? How do you forgive someone who was supposed to be the safest person in your life, and they ended up as the most conniving, untrustworthy acquaintance you have?
Of course, the answer is God, trusting Him and praying for the change of heart.
The final book in Christa Petzold's New Augsburg Trilogy enthralls readers with Zachary Barrett's story. How did he end up the way he did? Who hurt him? Was his action justified?
As a Christian, everyone deserves forgiveness. Just as Jesus forgave yours and my sins, every single one, there is no sin too big for his love and redemption.
Come read the New Augsburg series and experience God's love and grace in Petzold's beautiful story of God working in our lives and making us into His creation for His purpose.
Forgiveness.
How do you forgive someone who's hurt you? How do you forgive someone who deserted you? How do you forgive someone who was supposed to be the safest person in your life, and they ended up as the most conniving, untrustworthy acquaintance you have?
Of course, the answer is God, trusting Him and praying for the change of heart.
The final book in Christa Petzold's New Augsburg Trilogy enthralls readers with Zachary Barrett's story. How did he end up the way he did? Who hurt him? Was his action justified?
As a Christian, everyone deserves forgiveness. Just as Jesus forgave yours and my sins, every single one, there is no sin too big for his love and redemption.
Come read the New Augsburg series and experience God's love and grace in Petzold's beautiful story of God working in our lives and making us into His creation for His purpose.
June 30, 2025
Ahhhh New Augsburg, a town I fell in love with at first paragraph. This is the kind of Christian fiction I really enjoy-- a captivating plot, winsome characters, memorable setting, and layer upon layer of meaning and symbolism. Zachary Barrett has been the guy everyone loves to hate throughout the New Augsburg trilogy, and now it's finally his turn to share his story. I absolutely loved the way Petzold crafted his character, because we come to find out that Zachary Barrett is not the villain we have all come to hate, at least not completely. The supporting characters in this book brought such a lovely contrast to his brooding, conflicted self. I also love that we get to revisit all the previous characters' lives and see how much things have changed for them and New Augsburg. This is such a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness, change, and community. A satisfying ending to a moving and thoughtful trilogy that should be on everyone's shelf!
August 26, 2025
I just finished listening to the audiobook and wow. The other two books were great but this was an amazing closing to a fantastic series. The beautiful themes of redemption and forgiveness are masterfully woven in a stunning and captivating way. And the authentic way that Lydia and David’s infertility were discussed brought tears to my eyes. Having gone through 5+ years of infertility myself, I heard my experiences echoed in Lydia’s. Zach and Elizabeth’s story was inspiring. To see how, though his parents only acted the part, Zach was taught the faith and it made all the difference in the end. All in all, a beautiful story that soothes the world-weary mind and soul and remind us to look to Jesus for all love, meaning and purpose. Finishing this story felt like a warm embrace. I cannot adequately put into words how wonderful this story is. I would be remise if I forgot to mention what a wonderful reader Sarah Kramer is. She truly brought these characters to life.
May 11, 2026
A lovely conclusion to the New Augsburg trilogy! I was not sure how I’d feel about the (male) MC but I think she handled the switch quite beautifully and faithfully, and there was plenty of opportunity to explore forgiveness.
I loved this series, as I am partial to dystopian type fiction, and this was solidly Lutheran along the way, without being groany.
If you like Katie Scheurmann, the Mitford series, and futuristic/dystopian America, you’ll like this series.
NB: I also listened to part of this in audiobook form from audible. NOT a fan of the narrator. She liked to narrate in quite a robotic sounding voice, although dialog was decent. Usually I don’t keep on with narrators I don’t like, but I really enjoyed cross-stitching while I listened, so I kept with it. But I’d recommend reading your own print/digital version.
I loved this series, as I am partial to dystopian type fiction, and this was solidly Lutheran along the way, without being groany.
If you like Katie Scheurmann, the Mitford series, and futuristic/dystopian America, you’ll like this series.
NB: I also listened to part of this in audiobook form from audible. NOT a fan of the narrator. She liked to narrate in quite a robotic sounding voice, although dialog was decent. Usually I don’t keep on with narrators I don’t like, but I really enjoyed cross-stitching while I listened, so I kept with it. But I’d recommend reading your own print/digital version.
May 29, 2025
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The best book of the trilogy for sure! I'm so sad this series is over, but I'm so glad I read this final installment! There are twists and turns that I never expected, and I loved the slow build of the relationship between Zachary and Elizabeth. I wasn't expecting a redemption arc for Zachary, but here we are, and I'm so glad it happened. I also have a deep soft spot for Lydia and David in their struggles, and the subject of infertility was handled so delicately yet without sugarcoating how hard it is.
Mrs. Petzold is a master with words, and this last book in the trilogy does not disapoint. This is the Lutheran dystopian series that I have yearned after for years, and I hope this trend continues now that the bar has been set.
The best book of the trilogy for sure! I'm so sad this series is over, but I'm so glad I read this final installment! There are twists and turns that I never expected, and I loved the slow build of the relationship between Zachary and Elizabeth. I wasn't expecting a redemption arc for Zachary, but here we are, and I'm so glad it happened. I also have a deep soft spot for Lydia and David in their struggles, and the subject of infertility was handled so delicately yet without sugarcoating how hard it is.
Mrs. Petzold is a master with words, and this last book in the trilogy does not disapoint. This is the Lutheran dystopian series that I have yearned after for years, and I hope this trend continues now that the bar has been set.
June 17, 2025
Truly amazing. Book 1 & 2 were fabulous. I didn’t think it could get better but this is probably my favorite. The characters drew you in from the very beginning. I felt like I was right there with each character and going through the same things they were. I love how through each of the books you gain more insight into each character but can also read each as a separate entity. I would love for there to be more to this story… I’m sad for it to end. I devoured each of these books and couldn’t put them down. Christa is an amazing writer, and really knows how to pull in the reader so they feel that they are part of the town.
May 30, 2025
New Augsburg 3 has to be my favorite in the trilogy. I love how the characters are wrapped up. I savored this book over a couple of weeks to just sit linger with the townsfolk just a bit longer. “Just because something can’t be undone doesn’t mean it can’t be redeemed.” This has to be one of my favorite phrases in the book.
Christa Petzold. New Augsburg Book 3 (p. 73). (Function). Kindle Edition.
Christa Petzold. New Augsburg Book 3 (p. 73). (Function). Kindle Edition.
June 16, 2025
What a perfect ending to the New Augsburg Trilogy. I really didn't like Zach in the previous books, but he grew on me. I think the thing I loved most about this installment of the trilogy was how conflicted the characters were with forgiveness. It isn't easy to forgive someone, especially someone who doesn't show any remorse. I think Petzold did a wonderful job with this struggle. I just wished for a little bit more in the epilogue because I have grown to love these characters!
May 28, 2025
I loved the way Christa wrapped up this series and brought the story full circle while continuing the themes of love, repentance and forgiveness. It was my favorite book in the series. Very well written! Worth reading!
October 2, 2025
A wonderful story of forgiveness and redemption, and a beautiful end to this trilogy. I'm so sad I won't share in the lives of these characters anymore!
October 23, 2025
Wonderful conclusion to the trilogy!
May 1, 2026
I wasn't sure I wanted to read a book about Zachary Barrett, but I'm so glad I did! This has been a fun trilogy to read from beginning to end.
May 11, 2026
Congratulations, world. I feel like a woman.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews