Anneke Jans in the New World: A Novel

by Sandra Freels

Timed perfectly to publish just as New York celebrates its 400th birthday, a riveting story of a spirited young mother who faces the unknowns of seventeenth-century New Amsterdam after fleeing the Old World in search of a better life.

It’s 1630, and Anneke Jans has just arrived in the fledgling colony of New Netherland with her husband, Roelof, and their two young daughters to create a new life for herself and her family. One of very few women in the colony, Anneke quickly realizes that she will need to make her own rules if she is to survive.

When Roelof dies, Anneke marries Everardus Bogardus, the flamboyant minister of the Dutch Reformed Church. With this marriage, Anneke joins the elites of the colony—but when the colony’s new director provokes war with the region’s American Indians and her new husband emerges as the head of the anti-war opposition, she also finds herself in the midst of political turmoil. As difficulties mount, she must rely more than ever on her quick wits to protect herself and her growing family.

Based on real events, Anneke Jans in the New World tells the story of an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life.

Genres: Historical Fiction

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anneke Jans in the New World is a historical fictiob novel that takes place in the sixteenth century in the New World settlement of New Amsterdam. I will say that there were a lot of interesting events that happened in the book despite the fact that it wasn't very long. However, if you are looking for a five star read that is quick this is a story you should definitely check out. It is amazing how these settlers we able to settle in a new place they were not familiar with and able to overcome any obstacles.

Anneke Jans our main protagonist is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She knows that it will take a lot of courage and hard work to be able to thrive in this new environment. Overtime she manages to become a very strong and influential figure to the other women settlers.

[Anna (Literaria Luminaria) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a family historian myself, I really admire Anneke Jans in the New World as a sincere and valiant attempt to bring real ancestors to life on the page. The premise immediately intrigued me, even if the execution felt a bit simple at times. I did occasionally struggle with the sheer number of characters—many with very similar names—and, understandably given the time and place, the frequency of deaths throughout the book. Alongside that, there are quite a few terms and references that could have benefited from more clarification for readers unfamiliar with Dutch history or culture. If you have a Dutch background or a solid grounding in that world, this likely won’t be much of an issue.

I also found the continuity somewhat uneven, particularly between chapters or the different “eras” of Anneke’s life. That said, I grew more engaged as the book went on, especially once I shifted my expectations and approached it less as a traditional novel and more as a journal or chronological record of a life unfolding. Viewed through that lens, the latter portion of the book worked especially well for me.

Overall—and unfortunately, given the United States' painful history with Native Americans—I found the depiction of life in the 17th-century “New World” to feel largely accurate and unflinching. While not without its flaws, this book stands as a thoughtful and earnest contribution to historical and genealogical storytelling.

Thanks to BookSparks for the gifted copy for review.

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[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ thank you to NetGalley and Spark Point Studio for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book - it was very matter of fact with a direct writing style that could feel abrupt to some, but for me kept the tale moving at a clip that never sagged. This was a thought provoking fictionalized account of real events following the immigration of Dutch immigrant Anneke to the area now known as New York. I always love a woman’s perspective on historical events and this did not disappoint. From the miscommunications that come with living across an ocean from family members, the politics of building new settlements, to the tensions with native tribes and the introduction of slavery, this account of life in the 1600s never dulls. The author doesn’t spoon feed the reader their agenda either - it’s up to the reader to consider, compare, draw connections and conclusions. I very much enjoyed this quick read and recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction especially with female POV

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anneke's story is really interesting. I always enjoy reading about strong women who lived in the past, and even though Anneke definitely was not the only woman who had to struggle, I think her story is worth reading about. However, the novel feels written in a rushed way: too much telling as opposed to showing; some passages from one period to the next one sometimes also felt too abrupt. The novel could have been longer, focusing more about the psychological development of the characters. The writing style was good, lively and vivid. Definitely a promising writer!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Dana K · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

Thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.

One of my favorite eras to read about is colonial America, I can trace my ancestors back to 1750 in America so I love reading about that time and earlier. This story takes place in 1630 as our protagonist arrives in America she is a young Dutch woman hoping to find success and stability in the 'new world.' She is faced with a rough settlement of mostly men that are often skirmishing with the natives. She is a model of survival and stability as she suffers unimaginable losses and choices which in today's eyes feel very difficult. As her life progresses she experiences all of the losses you'd expect but fights a lot of fights you would not. As the author goes on to tell us, her land centuries later is still frequently in dispute.

This is very much a book of facts and events with not as much character development and emotion. It gives you a nice flavor of all of the events of a life in this time without a particular plot. We get detailed accounts of certain events or periods and then large periods of time are skipped over to progress the story through her whole life. It doesn't have the pounding pulse of Frozen River or the charm of Outlander but it gave me a new perspective on this time period as most of the accounts I've read have been from the English, French or indigenous points of view. It was interesting to see the Dutch journey and way of life.

[Erica (Cheekymama2) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but what I got was a story about a strong willed woman - Anneke Jans! This book is based on historical events that took place during 1630-1663. This was the time that settlers were first coming to America from Europe.

Although the book is written in chronological order, it doesn't flow like most historical fiction stories. Instead, it is more like a diary with stories/events that took place during that time.

I learned a lot about what happened between the indigenous people and the new settlers. Some was heartbreaking while other stories were hopeful. There were good people then too! This will be a book I will reread again in November as we reminder of our countries history.

As a side note, the names were similar so it was easy to get characters confused. I wish the author had provided a key similar to the way she did with the locations in the book.

Thank you BookSparks for my copy. I greatly appreciate it! 🫶🏻

[Davida Chazan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 Stars. Well, it isn't often you get to read a biographical, historical, women's fiction book about someone who lived in New York back when it was known as New Netherland! But here you go, and Anneke is a surprisingly modern woman for someone who lived in the 17th Century! I was also surprised to see that this is Freels debut novel. Brava to her for this one. I hope she writes more (maybe a sequel?)!

My full review can be found on my blog here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2026/01/0...

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Based on real events, Anneke Jans in the New World tells the story of an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life."

Stepping back in time ,1930, and there we meet Anneke Jans. Such explosive writing from Sandra Freels. I found places and experiences very interesting and , needed to know more NOW.
Bravery and grit looks different in every era, must read .

[Emily Jania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anneke Jans in the New World is a great historical fiction novel telling part of the story of early colonization.

Anneke Jans is a strong female character clearly written by a female. In this world, relationships are currency and Anneke Jans is better than everyone (maybe other than her mother Tryn) at using them in powerful ways.

Favorite quote: “How foolish she had been, how naive to think she could have made all the right choices even if she had known the rules!”

[Martha W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many a former New York Middle Schooler, I was treated to a term of the state’s history. I think that I would have absorbed just as many facts and gained a deeper sympathy for and understanding of the challenges facing its earliest immigrants if I’d just been able to read this imaginative retelling of the life of Anneke Jans. Its an authentic and convincing portrait, as much in the every-day moments it captures as for noted events it refracts. The author tells the story in a way that is well-matched to the plain-spoken and sensible, sober yet warm-hearted woman who as a colonist you could have wished for a neighbor, or might be the stoic great aunt you now want to know still more about. A great read!

[Kathy Cudlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began to read Anneke Jans in the New World with the expectation of reading the introduction and first chapter before bed, just to launch myself into it. Instead I was up well past my bedtime reading over half the novel, eagerly turning pages to see what happened next! That alone makes a novel worthwhile, but in this instance it is much richer in so many ways.

I already knew something about the history of the Dutch in early Manhattan—with a rather abstract understanding. However, this beautiful novel brings it all to life, as seen through the eyes of a brave, very smart, intuitive, and courageous Dutch woman who is unfailingly supportive of her family: her two very different husbands over time, her children and grandchildren, and who makes the best decisions possible in a new world in which the leaders of the community are not always as wise as she in their views, especially in their treatment of the indigenous people.

I appreciated the author’s notes on names at the beginning, especially those explaining locations in modern New York, and I felt her use of Dutch words for foods and customs were woven in quite well and never distracting.

One reviewer described the pacing as “brisk,” and I felt that was good, contributing to my own eagerness to keep turning pages. It is, after all, a sweeping narrative that takes Anneke from a young wife in a new world to her later years. Someone wished for more insight into Anneke’s thinking, perhaps, but I believe that is a different type of novel entirely, one that would be based on much greater speculation, while this is a very well-researched and factual account as far as was possible. Nevertheless, I felt I was somehow “with” Anneke every single step of the way, admiring her role as a woman who is caring, but also, when the last chapter was read and the book closed, admiring her amazing strength as a survivor, making her own decisions as her life continues, triumphing over every twist and turn of a truly remarkable life.

I should add I think that it would be a perfect choice for many book clubs—accessible, under 200 pages, and offers an intriguing story of a woman’s life as woven into the history of Dutch Manhattan in the 1600s. It provides many opportunities to discuss society’s expectations of Anneke and to ponder her choices.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anneke Jans in the New World by Sandra Freels.
She Writes Press, thank you for the gifted ARC and thank you to NetGalley.

I settled in with this book fully expecting a quiet historical stroll, and instead found myself clutching my tea like Anneke might burst into my living room and ask where we keep the salted cod. Sandra Freels builds seventeenth century New Amsterdam with enough grit and personality to make me forget my thermostat was on high. The pacing moves fast, sometimes with the energy of a woman who has no time for nonsense because survival is on the to-do list. Honestly, I respect it.

Anneke herself is a sharp, stubborn spark. She arrives in the New World ready to start fresh, finds out fresh also means rattling politics, questionable leadership, and a husband with a short lifespan. My favorite line from the book says it all: “A woman alone must know her own mind, even if she is the only one who listens.” That hit like a historical selfie caption.

Freels keeps the tone crisp. There were moments I wished the narrative lingered longer, mostly because I wanted more time with Anneke’s inner world. Still, watching her adjust, adapt, and occasionally outsmart the very structures meant to contain her gave the story a satisfying pulse. The clash between ambition, faith, and colonial chaos adds tension without drowning the human moments. The political unrest, the complicated alliances, the cultural collisions, the quiet griefs that slip between scenes, all of it blends into a story that feels grounded even when it sprints.

If you like historical fiction centered on women who have to figure it out the hard way, Anneke Jans in the New World is worth the read. It hits the balance of informative and entertaining while keeping its edges a little rough, the way life probably felt back then. Cozy? In the way that wool blankets were cozy in 1630. Witty? Occasionally. Sarcastic? Oh, Anneke and I understood each other.

Rating: 4 stars.

#AnnekeJansintheNewWorld #SandraFreels #SheWritesPress #HistoricalFiction #WomensFiction #BookReview #ARCReview #NetGalley #NewAmsterdamHistory #BookstagramReady #ReadingCommunity

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anneke Jans (c. 1605–1663) stands as one of the most resilient and legendary figures of New Netherland, her life a bridge between the Dutch Republic and the American frontier.

​Early Life and Origins
​Born in Fleckerøy, Norway, Anneke was the daughter of Johan and Tryntje Jonas. Her mother was a professional midwife, a respected role she later brought to the colony. While legends once falsely linked Anneke to Dutch royalty (the "William the Silent" myth), her true heritage was that of a hardworking Scandinavian immigrant.

​Marriages and New Horizons
​In 1623, Anneke married Roelof Janszen in Amsterdam. In 1630, they sailed aboard the Eendracht to Rensselaerswyck (near Albany), where Roelof served as a farm superintendent. By 1636, they moved to New Amsterdam (Manhattan), securing a 62-acre land grant. After Roelof’s death in 1637, Anneke remarried to Dominie Everardus Bogardus, the colony’s second minister. This union elevated her social standing but brought legal and political turmoil due to Dominie's frequent clashes with the colonial government.

​Challenges and Conflict
​Anneke’s life was defined by survival. She endured the premature deaths of several children, including her firstborn Lijntje and son Jan. Beyond personal grief, she faced the terrors of Kieft’s War (1643–1645). As tensions with local Algonquian tribes turned into bloody skirmishes, the Bogardus family was forced to flee their lands for the safety of Fort Amsterdam. In 1647, tragedy struck again when the shipwreck of the Princess Amelia killed Bogardus. Widowed twice with nine children, Anneke managed her vast properties alone with immense grit.

​Anneke raised a large, blended family:
​With Roelof: Lijntje, Sara, Trijntje, Sytje, Jan, and Annetje.
​With Bogardus: Willem, Cornelis, Jonas, and Pieter

​Death and Legacy
​Anneke died in 1663 in Beverwijck(Albany). Her Manhattan farm was later sold to the British Crown and granted to Trinity Church, sparking 200 years of lawsuits by her descendants. Today, her lineage includes thousands, including notable figures like the Fonda family (Henry, Jane, and Peter Fonda), and the pioneering architect James Bogardus.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book. Growing up in the shadow of New York City — or rather, Dutch New Amsterdam — and surrounded by Dutch Colonial brownstone farmhouses across Lower New York State and Northern New Jersey, I knew this story would resonate. Freels transported me 400 years into the past, to a time when Upper Manhattan and The Bronx were true frontier. Her research and understanding of both the human condition and the emotional disorientation of the New World are remarkable. You feel the tension between Old World expectations and the daily challenges of a land that refuses to conform. The strict hierarchies of Europe cling desperately to relevance, even as the landscape demands reinvention. Despite the centuries between us, I found Anneke’s struggle deeply relatable.

So why isn’t this a five‑star read for me? The pacing and flow often felt more like a historical document or personal journal than a fully realized novel. The narrative keeps a tight focus on Anneke, which is compelling, but the structure sometimes limits the emotional and thematic expansion the story hints at. It hit the same place for me that the Pleasant Company’s American Girl books did — and anyone who grew up with Samantha, Felicity, or Kirsten will feel right at home here.

At just under 200 pages, this would be an excellent older YA or early NA pick for readers who loved those stories. Freels captures the wonder and discovery of the New World while consistently acknowledging the presence, experiences, and humanity of the early Enslaved and Indigenous peoples — an approach that invites meaningful discussion and connection to our world today.

There is so much here to admire, and Anneke Jans is a character who will stay with me. With a bit more narrative depth and structural refinement, this could have been extraordinary. As it stands, it’s a memorable, thoughtful, and beautifully grounded read.

[Chelsie Potter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I love learning about a period in time that helped advance the world into the place I live in and experience today. Putting myself in the shoes of the characters I read helps me feel connected to a time and place I'll never be able to visit, and causes me to appreciate all the things I take for granted. Anneke Jans in the New World sounded like it was going to be an interesting look at a time in history I haven't explored much of, and knowing it's based on true events increased my interest.

The story takes place from 1630 to 1663, beginning with Anneke's arrival in New Amsterdam after leaving Europe with her husband Roelof, and their two young daughters as part of the Dutch West India Company's effort to exploit the resources in the area. The first few chapters were interesting, as they navigated a new landscape and interacted with the American Indians; however, it soon became evident that the story was progressing too quickly to become invested in the characters.

The book is sectioned into short chapters, each covering a few years at a time. It's hard to keep track of all the characters introduced, and harder to care about what's happening to them. The story continues in an "and then, and then, and then" sort of cadence, as though I'm reading a history lesson instead of a novel. The story had so much promise, but it fell short in conveying the emotions behind major life-altering events. Had the author focused more on how the characters felt as they experienced tragic, painful, difficult circumstances, it would have been a much better story.

At under 200 pages, it's a short read, but I had to push myself to finish. Whereas, if it were the same timeline but full of emotion and 400 pages long, I likely would have devoured it.

Big thank you to Book Sparks for sending me a copy of this novel!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about a story based on a real life that hits differently, especially when that life involves as much resilience and grit as Anneke’s did. 🤱✨

From the very first pages, I knew Anneke Jans in the New World by Sandra Freels was going to be one of those historical novels that quietly grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. I was completely immersed in 1630s New Amsterdam, a place that feels raw, uncertain, and brimming with both possibility and danger.

Anneke quickly became someone I deeply admired. As a young mother arriving in a male-dominated colony, she refuses to fade into the background, and I loved watching her learn when to bend the rules and when to break them entirely. When tragedy strikes and she is forced to rebuild her life yet again, her resilience feels both heartbreaking and inspiring.

This wasn’t a glossy, romanticized version of colonial life; it was messy, political, and often brutal. That honesty made the story feel so real, seamlessly blending Anneke's personal struggles with historical events like political tensions and religious power plays. Knowing she truly lived this extraordinary life made her fight to protect her family and feel even more urgent.

By the end, I felt like I’d spent time with a woman who deserves far more recognition in history than she often receives. If you love historical fiction centered on strong, resourceful women who shape the world around them, this one is absolutely worth your time.

⚡️Thank you, Book Sparks and Sandra Freels, for sharing Anneke Jans in the New World with me!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
As a genealogy researcher myself, I was delighted to read Sandra Freel’s novel inspired by her own ancestry and historical research. I have often thought about how to ‘fill in the blanks’, understanding the real lives of people behind the history.

Freels takes readers back to 1630 when Anneke Jans and her husband immigrate to New Amsterdam to start a new life, following Anneke’s life to 1663 and her death.

This setting caught my interest. The West Dutch Indies Company established New Netherland to exploit the natural resources. It was a diverse society with multinational Europeans, Africans, and local Algonquin and Iroquois.

It is a story of hardship and endurance and of shifting governance and alliances.

Anneke was one of the few women in the colony. Her children are befriended by the Indigenous children, their older sibling helping to teach Anneke as she starts her garden and adjusts to the New World. But this early idyllic dynamic changes over the decades as the colonist leadership wages war against the natives.

Anneke suffers loss of two husbands, children, and grandchildren. She ingeniously starts a trading businesses with the natives to support herself. She has courage and strength.

The story is told in a basic way and I missed a deeper insight into the character’s inner lives. But the steady action makes this a good read for YA readers.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

[Crystal books_inthewild · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this novel through Booksparks.

This would typically be a novel I would enjoy- I love reading books about strong-willed women, and I love historical fiction that focuses on early settlers/homesteaders. However, this one didn’t quite work for me.

What I liked:
Our main character is strong and no-nonsense. She works through so much adversity without skipping a beat.
I loved seeing the children rise above hardship too, and how resilient & flexible they can be!
I really liked the setting & time period- I’ve read a lot of books set in Canada with early settlers, but not in this area of present-day New York.

What didn’t work for me:
I felt that it read too much like a textbook. This happened, then this happened, then that happened. There wasn’t a strong voice or “story telling” writing style, and so I found it didn’t hold my attention.

I found the conversations between the European children & the local indigenous children to be very far-fetched- yes children learn language quickly, and definitely would have found ways to communicate with new found friends! BUT, they would not have spoken in such full sentences with such advanced vocabulary. That threw me off, and I wished the author showed a more stilted/basic approach to their conversations.

Overall, I’m glad to have learned about this amazing woman & story!

[Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Review of Advanced Copy

Anneke Jans in the New World is a historical fiction based upon the author's own genealogical records. While this is a novella the telling writing style reads more like a personal journal than a work of fiction. I found the essence of it similar to Lucy Crawford's History of the White Mountains, the published journal of Lucy herself.

Anneke's narrative spans from her arrival in New Amsterdam (modern day New York) in 1630 up to 1663, the year of her death. The hardships of early colonial life were plentiful and these are well described, conveying a true sense of the era and what her life amongst the largely male population was like. The lack of sensory details throughout the book did leave everything a bit emotionally flat, however. I would've liked feeling as if I were experiencing Anneke's life, instead of simply reading about it.

Overall it's a fascinating read with accurate historical details and a strong sense of the struggles of life in New Amsterdam. Perfect for fans of early colonial life, New York history, and historical novellas with a feminine focus.

I received a complimentary copy from Book Sparks. All opinions are my own and freely given.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about true people coming to the colony of New Netherland to start a new life in a very unknown land. Anneke Jans was quite formidable and lived a hard but somewhat rewarding life for being one of the only women in a new colony. Not long after they arrived, her husband died and with having children she didn't take too long to remarry the minister of the Dutch Reformed Church. Although he treated her well and they also had children together, hid decisions and preachings were not always welcomed so when the colony's new director arrives the two don't see eye to eye. War breaks out and Anneke just wants to go back and live quietly on land she had when she and her family had first arrived here. Anneke often tried to friend the Indian's with learning their ways for planting as well as often giving and receiving gifts with them. She also taught her children to be kind and giving as well. I did enjoy reading about life during this time, in what is now New York. I enjoyed all of the history that was wound through out, however I wish the second half of the story would have been a little more focused on Anneke and the rest of her life. Thank you to BookSparks, the publisher and author for the complementary novel. This review was of my own opinion and accord.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! I felt completely immersed in a time culture not my own, and was inspired by the main character.

Anneke’s life in the new world is frought with turmoil and alight with hope as she survives by her own resourcefulness. Definitely a women-centric family saga, the secondary men are fantastically complex too. The world is vivid, immersive, and rich in historical context. I loved the positive depictions of “the Wilden”and that both the strengths and faults of all the different people were present.

There were so many moments of joy, and several of profound grief. Interspersed throughout were bits of levity - my favorite was an interaction between a husband and wife. The husband may have done something quite admirable and when the wife gives him a questioning look “he winked and said, ‘I just love a good miracle, don’t you?’” Overall I left this book feeling inspired, joyful, and contemplating the generational impact of a woman like Anneke. It also made wonder about my own!


True to life characters and with excellent research, this is a solid and engaging historical fiction!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work of fiction is very well done, giving us in the format of a novel all the historical, relevant, and chronological events that made Anneke Jans one of the most prominent pioneer women in the history of what is now known as New York. Her land would have been located close to today's Broadway, and from an illiterate woman who depended on her first husband, she survived and became one who had documents drafted to secure the future of her daughters and land (becoming, after her death, one of the most famous litigation cases still referenced).
The book is easy to read, with short chapters, scenes and bursts rather than long exposition. It's more focused on informing than building dramatic plotlines with plot twists. It's historical fiction that gives us a good insight and pays homage to a great historical figure whom I had never heard of until now. The author took great care with in-depth research, and the book is very accessible even to younger readers, making it a great educational tool.

[Emily Malek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book from SparkPoint Studio in exchange for an honest review.

During the daytime, I’m an archivist. I help people find research material for their projects, especially about their ancestors. There are some people who have discovered so much about their families that they have written genealogy books based on what they know about their dead relatives. They are usually nonfiction as they focus on retelling the facts in a narrative format. However, there are some that are told as historical fiction novels. Author Sandra Freels found so much about her ancestors that she wrote a fictionalized tale based on the resources she came across called "Anneke Jans in the New World." While it’s an inspiring tale, I wish the story and characters were more fleshed out.

To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Book Sparks, for the gift of a free advanced reader copy.
This historical fiction novel, based on real events, captured the immigration journey of a Dutch woman’s family from Amsterdam to North America (lower Manhattan) during the 1600s. The hardships of life in the new world are expressed through one woman’s story of survival in the new world. Staying alive and attempting to prosper in a patriarchal society was her triumph.

The descriptive prose capitalizes the challenging environment in which they lived along with the resilience required to endure. Anneke Jans in the New World serves as a reminder of the many ethnicities that immigrated from Europe to America, including African servants and slaves, which reflect the diversity that exists today.

[Oma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I really enjoyed following Anneke’s story and getting a peek into 17th-century New Amsterdam. The pacing was a bit all over the place and there were a lot of characters to keep track of, but I still found myself invested in her journey.

[J R · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book with some fantastic plotting. the story is quite interesting. i would definitely recommend this one. 4 stars. tysm for the arc

[Jen Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect with this book and I liked it. Interesting to note that it’s based on the life of a real immigrant.