• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher: a book review

by Chautona Havig · 15 Comments

Can I let you in on a secret?  I don’t like Amish fiction.  Yeah. I don’t.  That’s not to say I’ve never read Amish fiction that I enjoyed.  That’s not what I mean.  What I mean is that when I hear someone suggest a book and it turns out to be Amish, I tend to tune out.  Most feel like the same story, rehashed, reheated, regurgitated.  No. Thanks. Notable exceptions: things like Sarah Price’s “Amish Classics” and Mindy Stearns Clark’s Shadows of Lancaster County.  I’m sure there are more, but those stood out as a bit more original in immediate retrospect.

amish fiction

Note: links in this post are probably affiliate links which provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

So why would I sign up to read Amish fiction with CelebrateLit if I don’t like it?

Well, there are a couple of reasons.  First, I like to challenge myself.  When someone comes recommended, even if it’s not my genre, I try to be willing to be proven wrong.  Second, this was a bit different in that this book takes place in 1736 or 1737!  So, I signed up when I saw the title come up. I’ve never read anything by Suzanne Woods Fisher, and it’s the second book in the series.  So it was kind of the acid test of the idea, but I tried it.

And I loved it!

My review of The Newcomer:

The story takes place circa 1730, and because of that, you have a unique storyline.  This isn’t your hackneyed “sweet Amish girl untainted by the Englishers and pure as the wind-driven snow.”  Nope. Thank goodness.

This also isn’t yet another story about quaint Amish people in tourist Lancaster County.  These aren’t romanticized by the people in the area surrounding them.  It’s a little like a city full of Catholics and some Baptists move in. There’s a difference in theology, and they don’t want to be influenced by beliefs they don’t agree with, but they’re not so far removed from those around them that they’re considered “quaint” or a novelty.

Better yet, Ms. Fisher didn’t romanticize them in the way that much of modern Amish fiction does. These characters are sinners.  They have pride.  And they deceive.  They try to live their faith, and they fail.  Just like Christians do in every church in every town in America.  Sometimes Amish fiction can feel like that–like the sins the authors reluctantly give their characters are token sins.

 “She wanted to protest–to insist that she wouldn’t serve the mean sheriff who handcuffed the criminal and hit the man when the man tried to dive for his gun.  No!  Oh, but she must.  She must!  She must turn that other–“

Gag.  You won’t find that nonsense in this book.  Thank you, Ms. Fisher.

The Newcomer (Amish Beginnings Book #2) by [Fisher, Suzanne Woods]Add do that a well-researched book, and you have a compelling story that not once did I go, “Wait. That’s anachronous. They didn’t have wristwatches in 1736!!!”  Considering that I almost always find something, I consider this important.

Word choice. Another of the problems I tend to find in historical fiction is that often the authors use words that either are too modern for the era or feel too modern.  I think it happened a couple of times in this book because I recall having a “blip” moment where I was pulled out, but the storyline popped me right back in.  I can’t tell you what they were.  They were that minor.

However, there was one… Look, I don’t know when the old “glass half full or half empty” saying was first spoken, but it feels crazy modern.  It jerked me out of the story so fast it wasn’t even funny.  But really.  REALLY?  That’s the only thing that fully jerked me out?  It’s pretty impressive, don’t you think?

And of course, the cover.  Look at that cover.  She looks Amish. Excess makeup that makes her look like an Amish cover girl?  NOPE!  Is she wearing makeup for the photo? Probably.  But who cares?  She doesn’t LOOK like she has mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lipstick.  That’s not always the case.

But that isn’t anywhere near the best part.

In all great books, there will be a quote–one that just stands out from the rest and lingers in your heart long after you may have forgotten the details of the story. Often these quotes are life-changing in some way.  Lawanna Blackwell’s Courtship of the Vicar’s Daughter taught me how to encourage people trying to make life changes to focus on today.  Don’t try to change your life forever. Just focus on making that change today. Start over again tomorrow.  And just worry about tomorrow… well, tomorrow.

This book has one of those enduring quotes.  I wanted to share the whole paragraph because it’s that good.

But Felix had no doubt Bairn would know how to solve this problem. He could fix anything.  He was a fine leader, his brother. Even Squivvers said so. The sailor told him that the best leaders were the ones who didn’t even realize they were leaders. “Good leaders don’t try to grasp it,” Squivvers had said “They live a life worthy of being followed.”

Does that describe Jesus or WHAT?  It’s Mark 10:42-43 in 1736 or 1737 by that point?!! The quote is so good that I missed the mixed pronouns the first time or two.  And while I generally don’t care about mixed pronouns when I’m just reading for pleasure, I root them out like crazy in mine, so I’ve gotten rather obsessive about finding them and noting them.  I didn’t even see it this time.  I liked the quote so much, I made a shareable image.  Consider sharing. I’m sure the author would appreciate it. I know I do when people share mine!

amish fiction

Psst… isn’t that name, “Squivvers” AWESOME?  I swear, I’d give this book five stars just for that!

Final thoughts?

Anna's Crossing (Amish Beginnings Book #1) by [Fisher, Suzanne Woods]Suzanne Woods Fisher really created a unique story with interesting twists and turns. The first book in this series, Anna’s Crossing, is probably equally excellent, and reading this book sold me on buying that one.  Okay, the 1.99 price tag didn’t hurt either. I mean, c’mon. 1.99 for an excellent novel (as of 2/12/17). WOOT!

Usually, I’d offer this book four and a half stars.  It was interesting, it had great plot twists, it wasn’t predictable or hackneyed, and the author managed to make me care about characters I didn’t even like.  I really liked this book. I almost loved it, and Amazon’s star rating says 5 stars is for loved.

But even though I just almost loved it, I’m giving it five stars because, for Amish Fiction, I did love it. It’s the best Amish fiction I’ve ever read. I’m buying the first one. And, I’m waiting with both bated and baited (so please hurry and save my family death by halitosis, Ms. Fisher!) breath for the next. That means five stars in my book.  Actually, thinking of it that way, I’d love to give it five and a half!

 

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
81Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
81Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Ever Wonder Who Wins Giveaways with What Entries?
Next Post: When Authors Blow It (nearly, anyway) »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Comments

  1. Grace says

    June 27, 2017 at 6:50 pm

    I agree that seldom do I read Amish fiction; I live in Amish country and most of it is a bad joke. My Amish friends heartily agree. Most people want to live their spiritual lives quietly and without all the commercialization with which the Amish live daily. It would be nice if they could get a break.

    I read “Anna’s Crossing” and enjoyed it, probably because it took place in the 1700s. I will likely purchase this one because of your review. My take on the Amish book covers is that the person creating them knows nothing about the Amish, so the girls look like “covergirls” and the kapps are all wrong for the community discussed in the book.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 28, 2017 at 12:48 pm

      I agree with you on all points! Even the men’s hats vary from community to community, but they’re blended all together.I do understand the notion of keeping the covers true to the spirit of the novel, but really, Amish are so distinct, that it really can be comparable to putting a Regency gown on a Victorian woman.

      Reply
      • Grace says

        June 28, 2017 at 1:32 pm

        Off Topic: Chautona, I just thought of you a bit ago as I was enjoying a piece of See’s Candy. My oldest sister brought me a box of chocolates when she visited earlier this year. I wish they were sold here in Pa. Dutch Country. 8-(

        Reply
        • Chautona Havig says

          June 28, 2017 at 1:43 pm

          See’s is THE BEST! mmmmmmmm

          Reply
  2. Karen Morgan says

    February 14, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    I would be thrilled to win a Kindle copy of THE NEWCOMER. I got ANNA’S CROSSING on my Kindle on a good sale over a year ago. I have been waiting for a sale for THE NEWCOMER but I sure missed the 2.99 price and I rarely buy Kindle books that are more than $4 or $5 so the current 8.57 price is outta my budget. I do totally agree with most of your comments about “predictable” Amish romance stories, and have about quit reading that kind. I was greatly intrigued by ANNA’S CROSSING because in my genealogy research some of my Amish ancestors also came to America on the ship Charming Nancy, so it made me feel almost like I had a historical connection. I thought it was a great story and want to read the rest of the series.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 14, 2017 at 2:27 pm

      That is so cool that you have family who came on the Charming Nancy! I really liked the fact that we weren’t treated to yet another “W’re naive and pure. Aren’t we quaint” thing. I really think it makes the Amish out to be both less sinful (we’re all sinful somehow) and less intelligent than they are. They’re PEOPLE.

      Reply
  3. Emma Filbrun says

    February 13, 2017 at 11:02 am

    My favorite Amish novel? A series of children’s books (here are my reviews of the first three: http://learningresourcedirectory.com/?s=amish+frontier+series). Having grown up with many Amish friends, and homechurching for seven years with former Amish, I know what they are like and practically all Amish fiction makes me want to gag. If I see that kind of a picture on the cover of a book, I steer clear. You make me want to read The Newcomer, though.

    Reply
  4. Beverly Duell-Moore says

    February 13, 2017 at 8:55 am

    I love Suzanne’s books and I have “Anna’s Crossing”! I can’t wait to read< "The Newcomer"! By the way, I am personal friends (She's another author.) to someone that is a direct descendant of someone that sailed on gthe "Charming Nancy"!

    Reply
  5. Melissa W says

    February 13, 2017 at 6:20 am

    I live in Amish country and grew up visiting Amish relatives. I rarely read Amish fiction for many of the same reasons you gave. I spend the whole book cringing at inaccuracies. I did enjoy Levi’s Will by Dale Cramer because it is not the typical “Amish” storyline (and does not have a pretty Amish girl on the cover). But since I trust your recommendations I just might try this series.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 13, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      I haven’t read that one either. Shocker, right? But like I told Laura, I’m convinced that I liked this one beecause it was actually historical fiction that featured an Amish character(s) rather than because it’s “Amish” fiction.

      Reply
      • Karen Morgan says

        February 14, 2017 at 12:22 pm

        I agree that Dale Cramer is a wonderful author. Levi’s Will is one of my favorite Amish books, more accurate than most! THE DAUGHTERS OF CALEB BENDER by Cramer is also a good series of different Amish books, and based on actual facts. I thought the first one was the best, the 3rd one in the series I think was more fiction than actual fact but still interesting story line. SUTTER’S CROSS is one of the most memorable novels I think I have ever read. No Amish characters in it, but certainly challenging reading for any Christians! Chautona I think you might like it too.

        Reply
    • Karen Morgan says

      February 14, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      I agree that Dale Cramer is a wonderful author. Levi’s Will is one of my favorite Amish books, more accurate than most! THE DAUGHTERS OF CALEB BENDER by Cramer is also a good series of different Amish books, and based on actual facts. I thought the first one was the best, the 3rd one in the series I think was more fiction than actual fact but still interesting story line. SUTTER’S CROSS is one of the most memorable novels I think I have ever read. No Amish characters in it, but certainly challenging reading for any Christians! Chautona I think you might like it too.

      Reply
  6. Laura Hile says

    February 13, 2017 at 5:45 am

    Oh, sigh. I don’t care for Amish fiction either, Chautona — for just the reasons you describe. Very gatifying to know that I am not alone! This book sounds really good.

    So my favorite Amish books actually are Amish, a series of readers (Pathway Readers) that I used for my sons’ elementary English. We loved the winsome stories of rural life with wry, gentle humor.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 13, 2017 at 6:11 am

      I really think I liked this because it isn’t technically “Amish fiction” as much as historical fiction that has Amish main characters.

      Reply
      • Laura Hile says

        February 13, 2017 at 7:34 am

        Right! Humans who happen to be Amish. 🙂

        Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 163: A Chat with Naomi Craig about Ezekiel's Song
byChautona Havig

Before I began the interview with Naomi Craig about Ezekiel’s Song, I kind of went crazy and left it in to give you a chuckle. But Naomi and I chat about her upcoming release, why she chose to write about Ezekiel, and what areas she focused on. Listen in and hear her heart for the Word and for stimulating readers to love it and live it.

Oh, and that song I couldn’t remember? Well, I found it after a BUNCH of hunting on YouTube. Here you go!

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Has Ezekiel Always Confused You? How about a Little Fictional Clarity?

There’s SO much to write about in Ezekiel, but after talking to Naomi Craig, I feel like I got a pretty good grasp of where she’s taking this book without feeling like I don’t need to read it now that we chatted, and that’s always great. Naomi shows service in the temple, how Ezekiel could have had a mentorish relationship under Jeremiah, and even what kind of woman his wife might have been.

Personally, I love the “Darcy-ish” meeting where he totally insults her and accuses her of being an idolatress. Let me tell you something. I cannot wait to read that! Seriously!

God had Ezekiel do a lot of weird things, and I always wondered how he managed some of it, but Naomi brings out possibilities by focusing on this wife that we don’t know much (anything) about. How cool is that?

Naomi also gave us a couple of glimpses into what’s coming next!

She’s #TeamBlue in the Keeping Christmas novella collections, writing about Herod’s palace and the wise men’s appearance looking for “the King of the Jews.”  And… from a scribe’s perspective!  How cool is that?

Also… next up is a book about a woman in Ephriam’s lineage who built three cities. A woman credited with the building of these cities!  I cannot wait! I love how Naomi focuses on how strong Biblical women were. So often we think of them as downtrodden and little more than cattle, but God shows how much He loves His daughters in the Word, and He definitely allows them to shine. We saw that in Naomi’s debut novel Rahab’s Courage.

Ezekiel’s Song by Naomi Craig

A prophet’s heart broken, a woman’s joy gone. What does Yahweh have planned for His people?

On the brink of Jerusalem’s demise, devoted priest, Ezekiel, sees the insincerity of Judah’s worship. Despite his efforts to call the people back to true worship of Yahweh, priests, artisans, valiant warriors, and royals are exiled to Babylon. When God gives him messages of continued judgment for the people in his homeland, his heart breaks. How can he minister to the people from so far away?

The presence of the Lord is tangible when Shiriel sings in the temple, and her voice prepares the hearts of many to worship. When she is exiled to Babylon, her faith is shaken. Does the Lord’s presence extend beyond Jerusalem and His holy temple?

Ezekiel is struck mute and paralyzed as he begins his prophetic ministry, and Shiriel devises a plan to get the Lord’s message back to the unfaithful people of Judah. Shiriel struggles with discontentment as serving the Lord looks nothing like she’d imagined. Can she provide for her family and carry out her husband’s ministry when her joy is gone, and her own dreams are placed on hold?

How will Yahweh save His people from themselves? Find out in Ezekiel’s Song!

Ezekiel’s Song is available at 30% off paperback and at a discount for Kindle, too through release week, so visit Naomi’s WEBSITE for more information.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 163: A Chat with Naomi Craig about Ezekiel's Song
Episode 163: A Chat with Naomi Craig about Ezekiel's Song
August 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
August 9, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 161: A Chat with Christian Women's Fiction Robin W. Pearson
July 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 160: A Chat with Liz Johnson about The Last Way Home
July 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 159: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Mesu Andrews
July 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Stephanie Landsem
July 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 157: A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Lynn Austin
July 8, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 156: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty
July 5, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 154: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Sami A. Abrams
June 28, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Book Club Capers: July Part One
  • Has Ezekiel Always Confused You? How about a Little Fictional Clarity?
  • Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
100%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @Sarah Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @Sarah Monzon The entire Carrington Family series is on sale for only 99¢! (Free with #kindleunlimited ) 

Split-time romances with high stakes and even higher rewards! 

#splittime #romance #booksale #kindlecountdown #bookstagram #christianfiction #readmorebooks #read #books #ebooksale #boxset
If only owning a bookstore didn't mean dealing wit If only owning a bookstore didn't mean dealing with people.
Harper Brevig has two skills—picking out snarky bookish t-shirts and alienating customers. 
Oh, and racking up bills out of thin air. Make that three skills. She loves the elderly and the very 
young—except the ones who destroy her beloved books. You could say she doesn’t have a very nice 
“book-side manner.” 
Milton Coleridge and his parrotlet Atticus (not Finch) come to the rescue… but is it too late to 
save this bookstore?
Twice Sold Tales: the first full-length novel in the Bookstrings Series releases on November 2, 
2022. Link to more information is in my bio! 
#amwriting
#amreading
#bookishbooks
#bookstrings
#comingsoon
#ChristianFiction
Reposted from @mwardwellwrites A mother/son road t Reposted from @mwardwellwrites A mother/son road trip isn’t always fun, but it was a bonding experience for Liz and her son, Matt.

Finding Hope in Savannah is on Sale now through the 19th, only on Amazon.

https://amzn.to/3vZypVq

#book #firstlinefriday #savannahgeorgia #romance #Christfic #singlemother #redemption
Fascinating moon tonight. Fascinating moon tonight.
If only owning a bookstore didn't mean dealing wit If only owning a bookstore didn't mean dealing with people.
Harper Brevig has two skills—picking out snarky bookish t-shirts and alienating customers. 
Oh, and racking up bills out of thin air. Make that three skills. She loves the elderly and the very 
young—except the ones who destroy her beloved books. You could say she doesn’t have a very nice 
“book-side manner.” 
Milton Coleridge and his parrotlet Atticus (not Finch) come to the rescue… but is it too late to 
save this bookstore?
Twice Sold Tales: the first full-length novel in the Bookstrings Series releases on November 2, 
2022. Link to more information is in my bio! 
#amwriting
#amreading
#bookishbooks
#bookstrings
#comingsoon
#ChristianFiction
#becauselunch #becauselunch
While I was in Minnesota, I went to Red Wing for While I was in Minnesota,  I went to Red Wing for research,  and the shop manager of the salon I've appropriated for my bookstore in Twice Sold Tales was so encouraging and helpful.  She even gave @catheswanson a great bang trim.
#amwriting 
#christfic 
#bookstrings 
#comingsoon
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!