Anna's Crossing |
Anna’s Crossing: An Amish Beginnings Novel
Revell (March 3, 2015)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
Setting sail from Germany to the New World, a close-knit Amish
community crosses wild and unpredictable oceans in their quest for freedom from
oppression. The faith and character of these early Amish is profoundly tested
as they confront the most deplorable living conditions, ferocious seas, and a variety of
unscrupulous men. I felt privileged to accompany Anna König and the other
believers on this fascinating historical journey, especially in being able to
observe their responses to a harsh confinement upon a ship with ‘outsiders.’
Aboard ‘The Charming Nancy,’ a hardy, albeit old and
creaky ship, the lovely Anna serves as the translator for her group. Bairn, the
crew’s tall, commanding, top boatswain, is reluctantly but helplessly drawn to Anna.
Mutual admiration soon blossoms into forbidden, if not impossible, love. Bairn’s
grand ambitions of wealth, his lack of faith, and haunted past conflicts with
the thoughtful and serene Anna’s deep, abiding faith, causing an insurmountable
chasm between them. When Anna’s convictions threaten her very life, will it be
enough to soften Bairn’s hardened sailor’s heart and can it be possible for
their two vastly different worlds to collide?
Whether you typically read Amish or not, you will love
this engaging story and find it impossible to put down! The exceptionally
descriptive imagery ignites all the senses and will have you living
inside the pages. The characters are brilliantly crafted, their personalities
unfolding in depth and layers. Aside from the charismatic heroes of the story, the
young, red-haired Amish boy, Felix, completely captured my heart with his
inquisitive and mischievous, yet charming nature. Each page throughout this intriguing
voyage is a treat with surprising revelations, suspense, and romance. And the
takeaway theme of trusting in God no matter the circumstances creates an
altogether ‘not-to-be-missed’ read! Highly recommended!!
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GIVEAWAY: A copy of 'Anna's Crossing' - your choice of format, to one blessed commenter! (International winners - ebook only)
Looks like a great read!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Allie, and one that I just KNOW everyone will love!! Blessings!
DeleteThis is such an amazing review to go along with an equally amazing book, NOELA! You captured the very essence of this book so eloquently. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly for your very gracious words Diana! What a wonderful and compelling story this was.. And I have to say, after reading Anna's Crossing, I will read anything of Suzanne's if I get the chance to! :)
DeleteHi Noella, what a great review as always, and of course I had to have the book NOW! I'm looking forward to reading it, as I do all the books your review. Talk about igniting the senses: I could almost smell the salt air and feel the waves crashing over me. When are you going to write the novel I just know is inside you?
ReplyDeleteHugs!
What a treat to hear from one of VERY favourite authors!! Thank you SO much for your kind and encouraging words Margaret! They really do mean so much, particularly with this review as I doubted myself a lot with this one. As for 'that novel inside me'... Not really sure I can find the time when y'all keep writing so many incredible books to read and review!! ;) lol All in God's timing!
DeleteNoella, Thank you for a wonderful interview. I think this book will be great! Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
YW Melanie, we're so glad to give you that opportunity! This is an amazing story, one that I know you will love! :)
DeleteGreat review Noella, as always !!! thank you !!!! I so want to read this, you describe everything so the mind's eye can see everything. I really enjoy Suzanne's books, so I am hoping for this one.. thanks for the chance to win..
ReplyDeleteRosemary rfoley at salemstate dot edu
Rosemary!!! Great to see you and thank you so much for your kind words! I wish you all the best with your entry for this awesome book to hopefully add to your collection! :)
DeleteI would enjoy reading this book. an awesome story of faith, hope, and redemption sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeletedkstevensneAToutlookD oTcOm
It sure is Deanna, and a very inspiring and fascinating story at that!! Blessings!
DeleteI've read a lot of books by this author, and they were all fabulous! I'm sure this one will be too.
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
Trust me it IS, Susan! Unlike yourself I haven't read too many books by this author, but I sure hope to change that after reading this one! God bless!
DeleteWould love to win - it sounds like a wonderful book!
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
All the best with your entry, Betti! It really is a wonderful read and one that I know you will love Betti!! :)
DeleteLove the cover...and the book sounds great. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt really is a gorgeous cover isn't it Holly! Thanks for coming by to read about it, and all the best with your entry!
DeleteI always enjoy Amish stories. I agree about the cover.
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to enjoy Amish stories more myself Mary, especially after reading this wonderful book by Suzanne! Yes, a beautiful cover!
DeleteAs with you, Noela - I haven't read many of Suzanne's novels, however, I love the history behind "Anna's Crossing" and would love to read this one!! I'm sure it is an exciting novel, also, and the romance only adds to it.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful review, Noela, thank you!! I so agree with Margaret's, and other's, comments re: your reviews and writing gift!!
Shared post!!
Thank you Bonnie!! Absolutely, the history behind this one was so fascinating and gave great insights to how much the Amish and Mennonite's went through on their voyage to a new land and a new life! Hope you get to read it soon!
DeleteThis looks so good! Can't wait to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Tiffany!! All the best and God bless!!
DeleteThis book looks like a great book to read. Great giveaway an congrats to the books I hope it does well for you.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is a great book to read Tammy!! Blessings!
DeleteTammy Cordery, we hope you will enjoy this book. You commented on Bonnie's post and on this review and you are our second winner! congrats!
DeleteI have read several of Suzanne's books and have enjoyed them all immensely! I can't wait to read this one. :)
ReplyDeletemallori.norris@gmail.com
In that case, I'm sure you will LOVE this one Mallori! :)
DeleteThanks for this review Noela. I love Suzanne's books. She's one of the best at Amish books. I would be real happy to win this book of hers. Sure sounds good. Love to all of my OWG gals. Hugs to each of you. Thanks for the give-away.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Thanks Maxie, and much love and hugs to you too!! From what I've read so far, I have to agree with you about Suzanne's books!
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