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Sisters in Time #1
Sarah's New World: The Mayflower Adventure (1620)
Time 1620 Oct.-Nov . Imagine leaving the land you know and the friends you hold dear-and you'll begin to understand the whirlwind of emotion that awaits ten-year-old Sarah Smythe. This fictional Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower is moving from Holland to the New World-America-in the vanguard of a new nation of free people. Especially for girls ages eight to twelve, this fascinating story shares the hopes and fears of a girl distant in time but close in spirit, while at the same time teaching important lessons of Christian faith and American history. "Sarah's New World" is perfect for recreational reading or homeschooling.
138 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2004
17 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Colleen L. Reece
244 books36 followersCOLLEEN L. REECE writes under the pen name Connie Loraine and is one of Heartsong's most popular authors. Colleen learned to read beneath the rays of a kerosene lamp. The kitchen, dining room, and her bedroom in her home near the small logging town of Darrington, Washington, were once a one-room schoolhouse where her mother taught all eight grades! An abundance of love for God outweighed the lack of electricity or running water and provided the basis for many of Colleen's 140+ books.
Her rigid "refuse to compromise" stance has helped sell more than 6 million copies that help spread the good news of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation through Christ. Colleen helped launch Barbour Publishing's Romance Reader flip books, the American Adventure series, and her own Juli Scott Super Sleuth Christian teen mystery series. In 1998 Colleen was inducted into the HeartSong Hall of Fame in recognition for her contribution to Heartsong's success.
Her rigid "refuse to compromise" stance has helped sell more than 6 million copies that help spread the good news of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation through Christ. Colleen helped launch Barbour Publishing's Romance Reader flip books, the American Adventure series, and her own Juli Scott Super Sleuth Christian teen mystery series. In 1998 Colleen was inducted into the HeartSong Hall of Fame in recognition for her contribution to Heartsong's success.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 10, 2018
First sentence: Twelve-year-old John Smythe lay flat on the floor of the dark hallway. His right ear was pressed against the crack under the door to the parlor. He strained to make out what his parents' low voices were saying.
Premise/plot: Sarah and John Smythe are two of the children aboard the Mayflower. The Smythe family is excited to be going to the New World, a place where they can worship freely without threat of persecution. But the journey to America will not be an easy one. The voyage will be difficult for both Pilgrims and Strangers alike.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I may not love, love, love the cover. But books should not be judged by their covers in the first place, right?! I will add that this is more John's story than Sarah's story. He is two years older. He is the one who likes to eavesdrop. He's the one who is often sharing news--even gossip--with his family. He is the one who is more adventurous and active on board the Mayflower. Sarah is definitely more of a passive heroine. She listens. She scolds. She obeys. She encourages.
The book blends fictional characters in with historical figures--men, women and children who actually sailed on the Mayflower. The book does a good job of providing context. Part of this comes through info dumps--sections of text where a LOT of information is shared via dialogue for the benefit of young readers. Faith is central to the family and there is discussion of what religious freedom is and why it's important.
Premise/plot: Sarah and John Smythe are two of the children aboard the Mayflower. The Smythe family is excited to be going to the New World, a place where they can worship freely without threat of persecution. But the journey to America will not be an easy one. The voyage will be difficult for both Pilgrims and Strangers alike.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I may not love, love, love the cover. But books should not be judged by their covers in the first place, right?! I will add that this is more John's story than Sarah's story. He is two years older. He is the one who likes to eavesdrop. He's the one who is often sharing news--even gossip--with his family. He is the one who is more adventurous and active on board the Mayflower. Sarah is definitely more of a passive heroine. She listens. She scolds. She obeys. She encourages.
The book blends fictional characters in with historical figures--men, women and children who actually sailed on the Mayflower. The book does a good job of providing context. Part of this comes through info dumps--sections of text where a LOT of information is shared via dialogue for the benefit of young readers. Faith is central to the family and there is discussion of what religious freedom is and why it's important.
September 20, 2025
As a total history geek, I really enjoyed these series. I am always looking out for good, Christian historical fiction. Most importantly, I appreciate the faith content that is embedded all throughout the series. The characters are relatable and engaging. I may have not always enjoyed the plot or the writing, but really appreciated the authors’ approach and execution to capturing the beauty of history. If I were to ever read these again, it would be to my little sister or I would simply read them for historical research.
November 27, 2022
I wanted to love it. I love stories of the Pilgrims. But “Sarah’s story” was told almost primarily from the POV of her older brother. Sarah herself was a passive character who didn’t inspire my sympathy. There were many info dumps which weren’t helpful for a children’s book. The Dear America Journey to the New World was so much better.
March 8, 2021
A great family read-aloud.
I read this book aloud to my 3 children, aged 5, 8 and 10. We all found the story involving and they usually wanted several chapters in one go. The characters have depth and the story is great for understanding the historical setting better. I felt like I was one the Mayflower with them at times! I think the title is a poor choice as Sarah and her brother John are both main characters, and there is nothing to exclude boys from enjoying this story as much as girls. Other than that, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a real feel for that time in history.
I read this book aloud to my 3 children, aged 5, 8 and 10. We all found the story involving and they usually wanted several chapters in one go. The characters have depth and the story is great for understanding the historical setting better. I felt like I was one the Mayflower with them at times! I think the title is a poor choice as Sarah and her brother John are both main characters, and there is nothing to exclude boys from enjoying this story as much as girls. Other than that, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a real feel for that time in history.
July 25, 2023
Such a fun story about sailing on the Mayflower. I enjoyed reading this book with my youngest daughter.
May 15, 2019
Book one in: American Dream: The New World, Colonial Times, and Hints of Revolution
I'm reading this series with my 9 & 11 y.o. They are consistently decent. ;) I have this historical series on our shelves along with the Dear America/My Name Is America series to have for extra topical free reading in our history studies.
Although it says "Sisters in Time" this definitely is a book that that would appeal to both boys and girls. John and his sister Sarah board the Mayflower. Their adventure starts in Holland and ends as the Mayflower reaches the New World. The author was good about including the good, the bad and the ugly and doesn't sugar coat.
There is an underlying Christian theme throughout this book, but its not over the top. Great book to go along with the study of Pilgrims.
I'm reading this series with my 9 & 11 y.o. They are consistently decent. ;) I have this historical series on our shelves along with the Dear America/My Name Is America series to have for extra topical free reading in our history studies.
Although it says "Sisters in Time" this definitely is a book that that would appeal to both boys and girls. John and his sister Sarah board the Mayflower. Their adventure starts in Holland and ends as the Mayflower reaches the New World. The author was good about including the good, the bad and the ugly and doesn't sugar coat.
There is an underlying Christian theme throughout this book, but its not over the top. Great book to go along with the study of Pilgrims.
November 26, 2019
Two main reasons that I give it one star. 1. The titled character is not the main character of the book - her brother John is. (expectations crushed) 2. John asks his god to smite King James. While the family rebukes John's words, John's father's body language approves of John's sentiment. Bonus reason I don't like this book - Sarah is the meek, good little girl while her brother, John is a mischievous, spying, defiant brat. He gets the starring role in the book as well as the title "future preacher". Um yeah not good on any moral level.
July 7, 2025
A family that is looking for religious freedom from a King that the parents already left their hometown for. We look at the preparation and more of the reason behind the dangerous journey before even starting on the Mayflower. Then the dangers and hardships they faced at sea. I liked the focus of their faith and more of a feel of what this might have been like from a child’s POV. My issue with the book is it follows her brother John not her.
August 4, 2020
Great book for grade school and up. My daughter read it first and really enjoyed it. I learned new details about the mayflower voyage, and I enjoyed reading it.
I hope my daughter reads more of this Christian series. So nice to have a historical fiction series for young girls with good morals.
I hope my daughter reads more of this Christian series. So nice to have a historical fiction series for young girls with good morals.
November 12, 2017
Sarah Smythe and her parents and older brother John deal with loss, sadness, uncertainty, fear, and anticipation as they leave their home in Holland and travel to the New World for religious freedom. Thank you, Superreader200, for introducing The Sisters in Time series to me.
October 18, 2017
Unashamed account to tell it like it was - spiritually speaking, especially.
July 21, 2020
Amazing wish i had a brother that amazing no offense to him but the brother in the book was soooooo sweet
May 4, 2022
2.75 stars
April 26, 2023
I had to read these as a child I never really liked them
September 18, 2015
{Welcome to Pre-Teen Week! Every quarter we’re going to try to do a full week dedicated to finding great Christian books for girls ages 8/9-12 every week day! This is the last day of this quarters’!} {Day 1 Here!} {Day 2 Here!} {Day 3 Here!} {Day 4 Here!}
About this book:
“Time Period: 1620 Oct.-Nov. Imagine leaving the land you know and the friends you hold dear-and you'll begin to understand the whirlwind of emotion that awaits ten-year-old Sarah Smythe. This fictional Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower is moving from Holland to the New World-America-in the vanguard of a new nation of free people. Especially for girls ages eight to twelve, this fascinating story shares the hopes and fears of a girl distant in time but close in spirit, while at the same time teaching important lessons of Christian faith and American history. “Sarah's New World” is perfect for recreational reading or homeschooling.”
Series: Book #1 in “Sisters in Time” series.
Spiritual Content- Strong Faiths; Many Scriptures are quoted or mentioned; Talks about God & worshiping; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many Prayers & mentions of Prayers; Mentions of those in the Bible & discussing them; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of church & strict churches; Many Mentions of worshiping & not being able to worship;
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three ‘stupid’s; A mention of a string of words that “might be curses.”; A mention of boxed ears; A mention of hanging; Mentions of hunting; Mentions of scalping & Indians; Mentions of killing Indians; Mentions of pirates; Mentions of seasickness & throwing up; Mentions of illnesses & death; Mentions of drownings & beatings (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- A couple mentions of a young couple staring & blushing at each other.
-Sarah Smythe, age 10
-John Smythe, age 12
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1620
138 pages (also available in a collection with three other Sisters in Time books.)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Five Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Good historical book with string faiths! The only thing that bothered me was that the name is “Sarah’s New World”, but it seemed more like John’s New World, due to having his POV much more than his sister’s POV.
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.
About this book:
“Time Period: 1620 Oct.-Nov. Imagine leaving the land you know and the friends you hold dear-and you'll begin to understand the whirlwind of emotion that awaits ten-year-old Sarah Smythe. This fictional Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower is moving from Holland to the New World-America-in the vanguard of a new nation of free people. Especially for girls ages eight to twelve, this fascinating story shares the hopes and fears of a girl distant in time but close in spirit, while at the same time teaching important lessons of Christian faith and American history. “Sarah's New World” is perfect for recreational reading or homeschooling.”
Series: Book #1 in “Sisters in Time” series.
Spiritual Content- Strong Faiths; Many Scriptures are quoted or mentioned; Talks about God & worshiping; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many Prayers & mentions of Prayers; Mentions of those in the Bible & discussing them; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of church & strict churches; Many Mentions of worshiping & not being able to worship;
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three ‘stupid’s; A mention of a string of words that “might be curses.”; A mention of boxed ears; A mention of hanging; Mentions of hunting; Mentions of scalping & Indians; Mentions of killing Indians; Mentions of pirates; Mentions of seasickness & throwing up; Mentions of illnesses & death; Mentions of drownings & beatings (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- A couple mentions of a young couple staring & blushing at each other.
-Sarah Smythe, age 10
-John Smythe, age 12
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1620
138 pages (also available in a collection with three other Sisters in Time books.)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Five Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Good historical book with string faiths! The only thing that bothered me was that the name is “Sarah’s New World”, but it seemed more like John’s New World, due to having his POV much more than his sister’s POV.
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.
November 2, 2009
This is a really great book. My daughter and I learned a lot about the Pilgrams from this book. My only trouble was that it should be called John's New World, not Sarah's because the book was more about her brother then her (which was disappointing, but I will save it and read it to my son in a few years).
August 10, 2010
During the time of the pilgrims, 10 year old Sarah Smythe boards the Mayflower with her parents and her brother John. Once aboard the Mayflower, the family along with everyone else aboard, suffer hardships. Food supplies run out, people get sick, two men die. Will Sarah learn to trust GOD through all hardship? To find out, read "Sarah's New World".
March 24, 2022
Bugs in the food, severe storms, sickness, near-starvation, crowded conditions, and surly sailors were a few of the harsh conditions suffered by the Pilgrims as they crossed the Atlantic for a better life and religious freedom in the new world. Sarah's New World explores this journey from the point of view of siblings, Sarah and John Smythe. Exciting historical fiction--
April 7, 2008
really good.
December 1, 2012
A nice historical glimpse into what the Plymouth pilgrims could and would have endured during their long trip on the Mayflower to the new world.
August 19, 2013
A very sweet Christian fiction book based on historical events. My daughter and I really enjoyed reading this together.
March 9, 2022
I enjoy these stories, although they are not true, they a based on events that have happened and give an insight on how people could have reacted to the situation. Looking forward to reading more.
March 18, 2016
Loved it
March 14, 2016
An exciting, if brief, historical adventure!
August 17, 2008
Not the best book but then again it is geared for 8-11 year olds. But overall it was a good story
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews