Mannahatta

by Sherry V. Ostroff

From award-winning author, Sherry V. Ostroff, comes the historical novel, MANNAHATTA, the sequel to CALEDONIA.

Abandoning the ship was risky. It meant Anna never returning to Scotland and reuniting with her daughter. Instead, Anna and her Highlander, Alain MacArthur, faced an uncertain future in colonial Manhattan, where they knew no one, except for an old adversary seeking revenge.

Anna’s story would have remained unknown if it were not for Hanna Duncan’s dogged pursuit of the truth about her ancient ancestor. But first, her journey will take Hanna and the man she loves through the Central American jungle, infiltrated by blood-thirsty gangs; the Scottish Highlands and a scheming family; and the glass and steel canyonlands of New York City.

MANNAHATTA continues the story of these two strong women living three-hundred years apart. They are bound by mysterious circumstances that slowly unravels an unexpected connection.

Genres: Historical Fiction

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

About the author

Sherry V. Ostroff earned a Bachelor's in education from Temple University and a Master's in history from Millersville University. She taught all levels: elementary, secondary and college. Ostroff happily devotes time to her writing, her family, and traveling around the world. She lives with her high school sweetheart in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The author's first book is THE LUCKY ONE. It is based on her mother's memoir detailing her frightening escape from Eastern Europe in the 1920's. It is available as an e-book and paperback. THE LUCKY ONE placed in the top 20 Indie Book category for 2017.
Her second book, CALEDONIA, the winner of 3 awards including finalist in the Chanticleer International Awards, is an historical novel about two women living 300 years apart but are bound by mysterious circumstances. Set in Scotland and Central America the story includes romance, adventure, and mystery.
MANNAHATTA, the Sequel, continues the story of these two strong women is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree and a Shelf Unbound 2021 Top 100 Notable.
EXPULSION, an historical novel of the Spanish Inquisition and the Expulsion of 1492 s is the winner of the B.R.A.G. Medallion and Literary Titan Five Star.
THE WALL AT THE SUGAR FACTORY, finalist in the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards, is the author's latest book: MIdwest Book Reviews, "...a thought-provoking, powerful novel of survival and social change...." Reader's Favorite, "...an exceptional book, an amazing story...."
A fifth historical novel is in the works - REMEMBER ME NOT.
Ostroff offers PowerPoint programs (in-person or zoom) for each of her books. She also meets/zooms with book clubs.
Visit the author's website at sherryvostroff.com.

Reviews

[Maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to be one of the people picked by Sherry to read an advanced copy of this book. I just finished reading it and Wow, it was fantastic!! I loved everything about the storyline and all the characters. I am positive that everyone who reads Mannahatta will enjoy the continuing story of both Anna and Hanna!!

[Susan Weintrob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy, ARC, for an honest review.
In this sequel to Caledonia, Mannahatta, author Sherry Ostroff continues her meticulously researched historical novel/romance/mystery as modern day Hanna Duncan researches a connection to her ancestry, 17th century Anna MacArthur. This fascinating story weaves through the community of hidden Jews because of the long lasting and long reach of the terror of the Spanish Inquisition. Anna in the New World’s New York can be openly Jewish. She and her Scottish husband, connected to the failed colony of Caledonia find themselves stranded in this British Colony. Hanna in the 21st century, digs through history to find out more about Anna, through libraries and archives in New York and literally in the Central American jungle that once held colony of Caledona. Anna, Hanna and their husbands meet adventure, some life threatening, some tragic and search for love that reaches through the centuries.
Sherry Ostroff kept my interest throughout the novel: its two time lines; fascinating historical details of 17th century Scotland and New York: the Spanish, Scottish and New York Jewish communities; and characters that come alive, so much that I wanted to meet them. Tragedy is in both time periods: death and destruction; loss of family; and fear and a lack of security. It reminds us that there is not any era in which these kinds of events are absent.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of Two Love Stories 300 Years Apart

Prior to reading Mannahatta, I reread Caledonia. I enjoyed both books and lbecame invested in the lives of Anna and Alien, as well as Hannah and Alex and their families. Mrs Ostroff is a talented writer of Historical Fiction and I would recommend her books to all my friends .and family. I look forward to her next book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author for a honest review. This sequel to Caledonia is magnificent. It is a haunting tale of Hanna Duncan trying to discover more information on her ancestor, Anna MacArthur. With her fiance Alec Grant, we journey between modern day to the 17th century, Scotland, Manhattan and archeological digs to find answers. The timeless love between Anna and Alain and Hanna and Alec will take you on a journey, you will never forget.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, history and ancestry make for a wonderful read.

I loved the history and interwoven lives connected by ancestry,love and traditions. Caledonia and Manhatta are both fabulous reads. We should all share more of our history for future generations to explore and find connections.

[Yamuna]

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review. I really enjoyed the continuing saga of our heroines, Anna (18th century) and Hanna (21st century). Their story lines are beautifully woven across time and oceans.

The historical research and attention to detail makes you feel like you are there - having a pint at the The Pearl, fending off advances of unwanted suitors in a young, burgeoning Manhattan, or swatting at bugs in the dangerous, current day Central American jungle.

I am drawn to this story because of the strong female characters as well as the plight of Jewish families explored in these pages. The difficulties we face as being human beings in a harsh world does not seem as changed as one might hope from one century to the next. The complicated relationships we all navigate with friends and family are developed with care. Love and loss, heartache and joy, tragedy and triumph are explored from beginning to end.

For any Outlander fans, you will enjoy the subtle nods to other characters and people you recognize - like an inside joke and you are ‘in the know’.

I enjoyed reading Caledonia and think Mannahatta is even better! Happy reading!

[Aleasha Coburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in return for an honest review. I loved this book, I think more then I loved Caledonia. I love how the author draws you into the story. I feel drawn to Anna and her struggles with family, life, and survival in 18th century New York. And, in the same token I felt myself wanting to help Hanna solve the mystery of her ancestor. She closed the story off well but I felt myself wanting more. At the end of the book I wanted to go back to hear the story about Alexandra and Sally. But I guess we end the book from Hannas point of view and with only Davinia's letters that is all that Hanna would know. If you liked Caledonia you will not be disappointed with the sequel!!!

[Heidi Slowinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel to Caledonia, we rejoin Hanna Duncan three years after the original book, pursuing her doctorate in archeology. Her studies take her to Central America where she finds herself in danger at the hands of a gang. Meanwhile, her ancestor, Anna’s story continues in the new world. She encounters danger of her own at the hands of a cook from the ship, fixated on revenge.

I have been looking forward to this book for some time now. Ostroff, once again, brilliantly weaves past and present to create wonderful parallels between the two heroines of her story. The book is thoroughly researched and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I found the references to the Jewish experience, post the Spanish Inquisition, while difficult to read, very interesting.

Ostroff has crafted a perfect sequel in Mannahatta. You won’t be able to put this one down. I would like to thank the author for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Joanne Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Sherry Ostroff's book Mannahatta, a Sequel to Caladonia. I truly loved both of these books. Mannahatta continued the story of present day Hanna, and her ancestor Anna. It was obvious that the author did extensive research of both Scotland and of pre-colonial Manhattan. The book swept me in from the beginning and I couldn't put it down! It's historical fiction and I felt throughout the book that I knew the characters personally. I was sorry to see the book end. I hope Sherry is going to be writing another historical fiction book very soon. She writes very well, keeps the reader engaged and I'm very much looking forward to her next book.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Magnetic sequel

What a brilliant story in MANNAHATTA by Sherry V. Ostroff. This story is the sequel to Caledonia, which I absolutely loved. Two women, strong and facing adversity in their own era, their stories are 300 years apart, and have this deep connection. Anna's life is several generations before Hanna and her story is told because of Hanna. Her life is relived and comes alive because of Hanna. Both of their stories are significant, and amazing, and Ostroff set the eras perfectly, with dress, distress, and life itself. Anna and Alain had to jump ship, leaving a lot behind in Scotland, and facing who knows what. The story is well written, and very detailed, and each woman's story is integral to the others. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I want to read. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This story was very unpredictable. This author not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. I hope to read more books by this author. MANNAHATTA is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Ostroff knows how to write wonderful historical romances based on facts. I was thrilled to find out what happened to the MacArthur, Alec and Hannah. As with the first book I wish I could rate this book with ten stars. I knew life was tough for immigrants coming the America's, but what Iain and Anna endured was brutal. Anna was able to connect with the Jewish community in Manhattan. The small knit group aided one another. Anna being a Jewish and Iain a Catholic they faced more obstacles. The love they shared was unbreakable. As for present time characters Hannah and Alec I worried they would not have a HEA. I was ticked off with Hannah because of her putting off marriage and Alec had to keep waiting. I highly recommend this series!!

[Angela Bigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to rejoin the intriguing characters of Caledonia in this new chapter of Anna & Hanna’s interconnected lives. Mannahatta is full of visceral landscapes, rich in history and doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and truths. I loved the adventure, mystery & romance that keep the pages turning. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and was excited to learn the answers to the unraveling mysteries. I Highly Recommend this author!!

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that MANNAHATTA by Sherry V. Ostroff has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[Beth Weiner Cohen Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous series

I liked how the author interweaving historical points with the fictional heroines. It makes them so real to me. I read both books in quick succession; two days for each book! Next up is The Lucky One!

[Megan Capuano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sequel to Caledonia. I was surprised by plot twists and exciting events. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the two woman connected by heirlooms and genes.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second part of the novel Caledonia which I reviewed last week brought a perfect conclusion to Anna's and Hanna's destinies.
Again set in two timelines, Hanna keeps on looking for her roots (national and religious). The author cleverly managed to draw parallels between both women's lives: love, family, crime and also religion which plays an essential role in both Anna and Hanna's lives though on a different level...
I tremendously enjoyed reading about Anna living in Manhattan at the onset of the 17th century. The author did an extensive historical research about the town, society with its issues about slavery which she masterfully integrated into the story.
A great, interesting and fascinating read!