The Newcomer (Amish Beginnings Book #2)

This is part of a “true” series. You need to read book one before reading this one to get the full enjoyment out of it. I loved the characters in this book. They are extremely well developed. I connected with Anna Konig in the first book and thoroughly enjoyed seeing her growth and maturity in this book. The different personalities of the members of the little group from Ixheim, Germany are so realistic. I can see people I know represented by each of them. I was fascinated with the detail presented about the early Amish settling in America. The fact that some of the legal requirements for immigrants had to be adjusted was totally new to me. I am looking forward to finding out what happens for this community in the next book. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion. Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the second book in An Amish Beginnings Novel series. The Charming Nancy has arrived at Port Philadelphia on October 15, 1737. The group is happy to arrive after ten long weeks at sea. Jacob Bauer, the bishop and founder of their new settlement, is there to meet them. Jacob and his wife, Dorothea are happy to reunite with his long, lost son Bairn, the ship’s carpenter. Jacob’s land is the farthest he could purchase under British rule with his land warrants (and you have to get through the Indians first). Jacob wants to make sure that they are truly separate from others who do not share their Amish beliefs. Jacob gets tired of waiting for the group to be able to depart for their new home and sets out ahead with Dorothea. The men on the ship cannot travel until they swear allegiance to the British crown. This is problematic for these religious men. Bairn finds a way to help the men, but he starts having doubts about becoming a farmer after marrying Anna Konig. Bairn is offered an opportunity as first mate on a ship, and he jumps at it. One final journey and then he will settle down with Anna (he assures her). But is Anna willing to wait for Bairn? Will Bairn ever be happy away from the sea? Henrik Newman arrives in Port Philadelphia and wishes to join the group on their journey to their new settlement. Henrik is charming and outgoing (opposite of Bairn). He becomes indispensable to the group. Will Henrik also win Anna’s affections while Bairn is away? The Amish’s journey to their new settlement will not be easy nor will Bairn’s on the ship especially after he finds a stowaway. To see how they fare, start reading The Newcomer. The Newcomer is a different take on an Amish novel. We are taken back in time to when the Amish first came to America (to have religious freedom). In Anna’s Crossing (the first book in An Amish Beginnings Novel series) we experience their trip on the Charming Nancy. In The Newcomer we get to see how different life is in America for this group. The Newcomer is well-written and has good characters. My favorite character is Felix. I like his curious nature (he is also entertaining). I appreciated Ms. Woods writing style. I also liked the time-period and felt that Suzanne Woods Fisher did a very good job at capturing it. I was especially entertained with her addition of Benjamin Franklin. I give The Newcomer 4 out of 5 stars. I did feel, though, that the pace of the book was a little slow in a couple of sections and there is a little predictability (regarding Henrik, Felix—the little rascal, and the romance between Anna and Bairn). The Newcomer can be read alone. The author summarizes what occurred in Anna’s Crossing (I do recommend reading it, though, because it is such a lovely novel). I look forward to reading The Return (the conclusion to the series) when it releases this summer.

THE NEWCOMER by Suzanne Wood Fisher. The second book in AMISH BEGINNINGS series. Having read most of her books, looking forward to this one, This start with the reunion of Bairn with his family, in Philadelphia , but it wasn't a joyous one.. The strict, dominating father, who wouldn't listen to others. The only highlight for him was the growing love for Anna. He writes her grandparents to come. They do and was blessed with a calm crossing. What of the newcomer Henrik, is he who he says he is, as the Amish make their way to the new frontier. Story mostly about Bairn, and the hardship and what he was going through. Could he become Amish. Suzanne gave us a beautiful description of the Amish and what they went through to settle in America. Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and given my honest opinion.