Monday, April 24, 2017

The Newcomer

GIVEAWAY

FISHER, SUZANNE WOODS
THE NEWCOMER

A fresh start in the New World will test Anna's resolve...and her heart.

In 1737, Anna Konig staggers oof a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. It's a time of new beginnings, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom.

But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasos the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World, his enthusiasm evaporates. When a ship captain offere him a first mate position, he grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him?

As a newcomver joins the church, Anna is torn. This man is everything Bairn is not -- bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And he is here. Bairn is not.

Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves the lives of Bairn, Anna and the newcomer together. When the secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?

My Review:

While this is a sequel to Anna's Crossing, I think it could be read as a standalone, though you'll have a clearer understand of Anna and Bairn's relationship if you've read the first book. Still, the author does a great job of catching new readers up to speed.

I love the mix of Amish and Historical. Such a fascinating time in America's history. So many immigrants arriving with hopes and dreams for a better future for a variety of reasons. It was interesting to learn more about how the Amish settled into their new land. The author has done her research and based her story on facts though she does also take some literary license. Love the scenes with Benjamin Franklin! And the details on the Ephrata Cloister (which I have never heard of) was intriguing. So I learned a lot while being entertained. Love history lessons that come in a novel!

Told from multiple points of view, Fisher weaves a compelling tale of heartache and loss and tremendous courage. She creates such vivid characters that I'd be hard pressed to label any of them as secondary. Young Felix Bauer is one of my favourites. He's such an adventurous scamp, getting into one scrape after another and driving all the adults to distraction. He provides comic relief while highlighting aspects of the colonies we'd never get to see otherwise.

There's romance and danger and even a bit of intrigue as these Amish immigrants learn to place their trust wholeheartedly in the Lord and the enduring hope of a future in their very own chosen land.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Newcomer please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

37 comments:

  1. I have a copy of Anna's Crossing & I look forward to adding this one soon. I love learning my history lessons in the pages of a well-researched fiction book, this would certainly fit the bill! Especially learning more about the Amish settlers, which I was not aware of until now :-) Thanks for the chance, Suzanne is a wonderful writer!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. It's really interesting -- and there's such a mix of immigrants fleeing religious persecution -- Mennonites, Dunkers (which I know nothing about except I assume by their name that they believe in baptism by immersion.) Good luck, Trixi!

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  2. Sounds like a must read novel! Thank you for the chance to win. :)

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  3. The story sounds wonderful; thanks for the chance :)
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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  4. I love Suzanne Woods Fisher books. I love reading Amish book and hers are always so well written.
    I've not had the chance to read THE NEWCOMER.

    Your information and review just make me want to read it all the more. It really sounds like a great read.

    Thank you for this amazing chance to win a copy!

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    1. Sorry forgot to add 2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    2. I love Suzanne Woods Fisher too. I try to read all her books. She's a must read author for me. Good luck, Kay.

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  5. This sounds really good. I find historical Amish novels very interesting (plus my sister loves books by this author 😉)
    Elly -Indiana-

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  6. This is a great series. Good luck to all.

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    1. Isn't it though? And so unusual for the Amish genre. Thanks for chiming in, Lucy.

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  7. I'm super excited to read this series so thanks for the chance to win this book, Kav!

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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  8. Suzanne Woods Fisher's books always look great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. 😀 I have definitely been hearing about this book.
    iamabho at gmail dot com

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  9. I own the first book, but haven't read it yet. When I found out she was extending it to a series, I held off read the first book until the whole series is out. Although I have a pretty good memory, I don't like going longer than 6 months between books in a series. Especially if the characters are ongoing. ------ tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh, you have such fortitude, Terrill!!! I have to gobble 'em up the second they enter my house. LOL Good luck, Terrill.

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  10. I haven't read much Amish historical books and would love to read this.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. There aren't many authors writing them. I love the mix though. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  11. I love Suzanne's books, thank you for the chance to get her second book in this series!!!

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  12. Replies
    1. We're riding the same reading karma wave it seems. :-)

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    2. Seems like it. Thanks goodness for libraries.

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  13. One of the reasons I love to read historical novels is that I feel I am learning something as I am enjoying myself. I find many little details stick with me when I read them in a novel!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Yes -- wouldn't it have been wonderful if we we'd had Historical Romance 101 in school instead of plain old history? LOL Good luck, Patty.

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  14. Thank you, Kav, for taking the time to read and review my book! So pleased you enjoyed it. Revell even created a graphic from one of your remarks! Grateful to you for sharing my book (s) with your blog readers. Warmly, Suzanne

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    1. Well how cool is that? Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne, and for writing such spellbinding stories.

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  15. What a great sounding book. mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  16. I love to read historical books as well as Amish fiction! History was not my favorite subject in school but I enjoy reading about it in novels. Thanks for the review and giveaway. This series sounds like a great one! d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. It's a great combination -- this mix of Amish and Historical. Good luck, Donna.

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  17. We have Suzanne's books in the church library. I have met her in person and enjoyed listening to her speak at a local library. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. How exciting!!!! What a great author visit for that library. I'm jealous! LOL Good luck, Janet.

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