Return

In my mind this is part of a “true” series. You need to read these books in order to get the most enjoyment out of them.

I love both Tessa Bauer and Betsy Zook. These young women are trying to figure out life when tragedy strikes and what they knew was turned upside down. I love the strong godly character that both of their fathers have displayed before them. Teaching them to hold on to the fact that God is with them no matter what happens.

All of the characters are amazingly well developed. There are so many differing personalities it was great to see how they interacted with each other. I loved seeing how those that were in the previous books have matured.

I was fascinated by the detailed descriptions given of some of the everyday aspects of life for these people. One that comes to mind is the way that metal rims were put on the wooden wagon wheels. I was also very interested in the description of training horses to pull wagons. I really enjoyed all of the information about the designing of the Conestoga wagon.

I was heartbroken over what happened to Betsy and her family. The details of how the Indians treated her and the other captives was terrifying. I really did like the fact that she kept what she had been taught by her mother and father close to her heart.

The Return is a fascinating story depicting the unrest in Pennsylvania during the 1700s between the early settlers, Amish and the Indians.

Bairn Bauer was a well known Amish Pastor in Lancaster County. He was, however, according to many of his parishioners, too liberal with the Indians. Bairn and his wife treated the Indians the same as they would treat anyone; with kindness and respect. John Elder, a Scots-Irish preacher, didn’t share Bairn Bauer’s beliefs at all, and regularly stirred up trouble.

Tessa Bauer, the preacher’s daughter was often teased about being freakishly tall and outspoken. She felt, however, that her height and impolite mannerisms were the least of her faults. Her problem was jealousy. The man she loved, had eyes only for her friend Betsy. She was beautiful, kind, and petite. Tessa often wished that her friend would just disappear. And then, to everyone’s surprise, she did.

When Betsy was taken by the Indians, Tessa was torn up with guilt. The guilt she felt however, didn’t stop her from going after Hans. Although, she loved being with Hans, Tessa knew that his heart still belonged to Betsy. Unfortunately, wishing Betsy gone, was not the worse thing, jealousy would drive Tessa to do.

Caleb, a half-breed Indian took Betsy under his wing and helped her through a difficult transition. Caleb believed himself to be a nobody, but in reality, he was the most amazing character in the book. He sacrificed and put himself in danger, to help others, again and again, and never asked for anything in return.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be my last. The writing is superb, and the story, uplifting and captivating. The book touches on many subjects, such as: love, trusting God, the danger of prejudice and jealousy, and the healing balm of forgiveness.

Thank you, Revell publishing and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. I loved it!

THE. RETURN By Suzanne Wood Fisher Amish.Beginning Book 3
Year is 1763 and the Zook family has settled on what might have been Indian land. Indian attacks, strike the Amish and Betsy is taken, a world of cruelty and hardship. The blessing was Caleb, his words to thank God in all things. When she is returned, how does one face the strictness of the Amish, the love she had for Hans, is it gone. A deep story, and Suzanne has done a good job writing, about something that did happen. Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.