This novel is feisty and sassy! I like how the authoress was able to interwoven the feelings and actions of wild-at-heart teenager into the creuel realities of the colonisation of the West.
This one is a third part of the Amish Beginnings series - the main characters from the previous installments, Anna and and Bairn, are parents of a rebellious Tessa, whose character plays the main role here. Tessa is in love with Hans, but Hans has his eyes set on Betsy Zook, who is everything that Tessa is not - namely beautiful. But then Betsy got kidnapped and Tessa might get her way to Hans´s heart, only if she did not see the yearning in his eyes!
Betsy´s life in the captivity is easied with the help of Caleb, half-Indian and Christian.
But what will become of them in the times of return?

Very interesting take on the beginnings of the Amish community! One gets very curious about how such a peaceful people could survive in such hard times of Indian raids and not less cruel (maybe even more) colonists´s killings and oppression of the Native people. My favourite ingredient of the story is Tessa´s teenage sassiness and frankness, which is very fresh. I also like how Anna and Bairn generally are very mature people, yet they stay real and relatable.
While I do think that Betsy´s captivity went very easily as she is a girl of child-bearing age, I appreciate the condemnation of the abusive behavior of colonizers towards natives.
Good read!

Books are always subjective and will fit some readers better then others. This book wasn't quite the right fit for me. I had trouble getting into the story. I think that this story is filled with the God's truth and readers can take away vaulable lessons from this story.
So while this book did not resonate with me, I encourage you to give it a try.

When I see that a new book is being released by this extremely, talented author, my curiosity kicks into high gear, as I KNOW that I will learn something new, while enjoying a fantastic read . This book is the third, the last in the series entitled, "Amish Beginnings". As historical fiction has never appealed to me, this series is certainly an exception. Every book has taught me something of which I was not previously aware. What a great teacher , Suzanne is!! I just might become a fan of this genre!

The setting of "The Return" is during a rather dark period in the history of America, in the 1700's, when the Native People and the white settlers all were struggling to make the land their's and their's alone! Both parties were angry, thus there was a general feeling of unrest and misunderstanding, causing much unnecessary violence.

All of the characters in this story quickly became very real to me, as they were described in such a deep, detailed, yet realistic fashion. Their pains and challenges became mine as I walked alongside them on their troubled journey. Both settlers and the Native Americans had good and bad characters. Neither was exempt from the evil and the innocent. I felt a deep empathy for both cultures as the good suffered through these difficult times.

The plot moved steadily, filled with twists and turns that keep a reader totally engaged from the first page until the final chapter is completed. I must admit that there were times when I just had to put the book down, and savour the moment, that is, come to terms with the loss and betrayal portrayed in this book.This novel is a great example of a "Thinking Block". It made me wonder how I can use what I have learned about the history of Pennsylvania to make my life and those around me happier and more content. Suzanne writes a story of hope, there is always hope for a better future, restoration can be made if we can only listen and wait for the Lord's plans to become clear to us. Compassion and forgiveness are an underlying theme throughout this adventure. Where would we be without it?? As the characters learned, we have to sacrifice to others in order for us to achieve the peace that we all desire.

What a magnificent conclusion to this best selling series!! Don't miss it! Suzanne gives us all a history lesson in the most enjoyable way!!

Today is RELEASE DAY!

Suzanne book the Return is a turn around for the Amish fiction that I am used to reading. The book takes you back to a time that I could not imagine.

"The Return" is the final book in the "Amish Beginnings" series. It would be best to read them in order to fully grasp the context of the story. The book flowed well and I was easily immersed in 1763 Amish country. The story was told from the viewpoint of many different characters: Betsy Zook, Tessa Bauer, Felix Bauer, Anna Bauer. I kept wishing I could read faster so I could find out was was going to happen and who ended up with who romantically! I thought it seemed wrong that Tessa had a crush on Hans. While he wasn't biologically related to her father, he was raised as his brother, so she should think of him as an uncle. I changed what I wanted to happen several times. I was surprised by what happened and saddened to read that the massacre was based on reality. I had thought of this as Tessa's story, but it is also just as much Betsy's story (especially with the title). Tessa grew in her character and became a stronger, nicer person. Betsy also had a different kind of growth. I will definitely be reading more books by Suzanne Woods Fisher.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Classic Suzanne Woods Fisher....I love her storytelling talent and writing style. Five stars.

The Return is the third installment in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s historical Amish Beginnings series. Set about twenty years after the small Amish church has settled in Pennsylvania, the novel features beloved characters from previous books and characters new to the series. The small church has become a small, but influential voice, but peace is not always easy to achieve. Fisher has done her homework, even to the smallest of details, to bring to life the early days of the Pennsylvania colony, highlighting the influx of European settlers and the Native Americans whose life is rapidly changing. If you like either (or both!) historical or Amish fiction, The Return is a good choice for you.

The Return, like many of Fisher’s novels, has an ensemble cast that tells the story from a community’s viewpoint. The predominate perspectives are Tessa Bauer, 16 year old daughter of Anna and Bairn, Betsy Zook, 17 year old daughter of settlers on the edge of the Pennsylvania wilderness, and a now grown up Felix Bauer, a farmer, widower, and father to twin 9 year old boys. I liked that the reader gets a well-formed view of unfolding events, as well as the community as a whole. There is a dark side to The Return as it explores the human heart behind the tragic circumstances inspired by real life events. However, Fisher’s trademark humor is added to lighten and soften the hard aspects of the narrative. I appreciated that — life often is a contrast between times of joy and grief. Fisher also examines both sides of the story — the brutality of the Indian raids and the equally brutal reprisals of settlers. As one of the characters notes: “Don’t we all have a darkness within?”

In contemporary Amish books, the emphasis on the separateness of the community often takes the form of no cars, no electricity, no overt contact with the English. But in 1760s Pennsylvania, everyone lives pretty much the same and in close contact with neighbors of all faiths. I liked that the emphasis on separateness for this Amish community was the commitment to live a life of peace with others and to resist the temptation to judge and exact vengeance. The community’s relationship with God is the focus, not the established rules of the church. The Return serves as a good lesson in the ideals of the Amish church and its reason to relocate to the New World.

Fisher always provides a good story, and The Return is no exception. I loved the depth of this novel and hope that there is another book soon to come. I just have to find out what happens in the infant community of Stoney Ridge!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

The Return, third and final book in the Amish Beginnings series by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is an amazing finish to a wonderful story. I think the book could be read as a stand-alone novel as the story is well written without leaving the reader with a lot of questions as to the background of the characters. But reading all three books has been such a rich experience and readers wouldn't want to miss that experience. Watching the characters develop and mature, not only in their personalities but in their faith in a God who hears and answers prayers. The author seems to have done her research with the history and setting of the novels, pre-Revolutionary Pennsylvania. She has written lots of nuggets of information regarding the Native Americans of the area, the political unrest as segments of the population felt the government was not restraining the Indians well enough, the pacifist argument regarding vengeance, the building of the Conestoga wagon and facets of everyday life during this time period. This is not a light book to read as there are hardships and tragic scenes but the overall message is one of faith, hope, and love...faith in a never failing God, hope in a better future and love of family and friends. I am looking forward to reading more from this expert storyteller!

This was probably the most captivating of all three novels in the series, for me. I was hooked from the start. I also love stories inspired by true events. Those events included killing of both Indian and White men, capture of children by the Indians, much conflict and devastation, some quite gruesome stuff. The portrayal of friction on both sides and the call for government intervention, as well as, the refusal of some to bear arms makes for a very intriguing story.

I enjoyed reading about the wild stallion and Tessa's fascination with it, as well as, her ability to get close to it. Kind of reminded me of the movies that are out about the girls who seem to be able to tame the wild horses. I also enjoyed the growth of the characters including both Tessa and Betsy. Both these girls are in love with the same fellow, but he is not the man either one thinks him to be. His handsome outward appearance might be a bit deceiving. I also enjoyed the continuation of the series with other characters who were in previous books, including some humorous events. I think this book could be read as a stand alone, but having the background information helps make it more interesting. I would recommend starting at the beginning if possible, but you could always go back and catch what happened.

Suzanne has a knack for story telling. She incorporated tolerance, compassion, love, and forgiveness, and doing our best to live at peace with all men. The faith aspect leaves much food for thought. I would definitely recommend both the book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the Publisher to read. I was not required to write a positive review.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of the best Amish fiction writers I've come across. The Return is but another book in this genre. Not that it's "just another," but it's a high quality read that embraces the reader and holds on until the final page. The way Suzanne has written this book, she's got two choices to make--either leave it as is, or write a sequel.

Included in this narrative are hatred, racism, violence, and unrequited love.

Betsy's family is decimated by an Indian raid on their village, and Betsy and her brother, Johnny, are taken captive. Betsy's other brother, Willie, escapes but is mute because of the devastation he's seen.

Tessa's family takes in Willie to try to help him heal. Tessa has always been in love with Hans but Hans is in love with Betsy. The other thing about Hans is he's bent on revenge for what Betsy and her family went through. His actions cause a raid on a friendly tribe and eventually wipes them out.

Woven throughout this story is the history of a new Amish settlement in the pre-Revolutionary days and the history of the Indian relationships in the New World. This is a five-star book with two thumbs up, and a daring rescue from an Indian camp.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book .

Suzanne Woods Fisher has created another stirring and memorable Amish tale. Heart-wrenching yet sweet and compassionate. There is also an underlying theme of the subject of change – change is assured, oftentimes unsettling, sometimes surprising but absolutely inevitable.

The main belief of the Amish that “God is sovereign over all things” carries through this poignant and well-written novel. The Return wraps up beautifully yet leaves room for the story to continue as the characters’ lives advance.

The author does a fine job of compelling the reader to consider the deeper themes of the story. This story also offers the reader an opportunity to learn about a significant part of Native American, Amish, and Mennonite history and to realize that there is perhaps more than one previously understood.

Another assured five-stars for this accomplished author. Her works are many and consistently captivating.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

Faith, struggle, and history set the tone for this series!

Several years have passed since Bairn and Anna were wed and they now have a fifteen year old daughter, Tessa. Tessa is smitten with Bairn’s adopted brother Hans, but he is taken by lovely Betsy Zook. Things drastically change when colony that Betsy’s family lives in is massacred by the local Indians. Betsy’s parents are murdered and she is taken captive to an Indian family who lost a daughter the same age as her. As she struggles to adjust to her captive lifestyle, she meets a half blood Indian named Caleb who inspires her to look beyond her struggles and make the most of her life. Meanwhile, Hans burns with revenge to destroy those who took Betsy, but must subside his anger due to his church’s passiveness. He finds comfort in Tessa, who helps him through this tough time. But what would happen if Betsy were returned to their colony?

There was plenty of conflict throughout this book sprinkled with historical characters. This is what has made this series so interesting. Set in Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War, notable characters from history continue to make their appearance including Benjamin Franklin and John Elder. It is like living through a history lesson through an Amish looking glass. And to throw in the development of the Conestoga wagon made it even more fun to read. The author did a great job on her research in both this book and the series. If you are interested in this time period, this is a must read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Suzanne Woods Fisher always writes books worth reading, but this one covers a hard subject -
even harder, when it is based on an actual story. I have read nearly everything she has published,
& this is the first time I have been reluctant to keep on reading - not that the writing isn't well done,
rather that I didn't want to know what might happen... It is important that we learn about history, in
order to understand the present - & also to avoid making the same mistakes. I just wasn't expecting
the heavy topic, having read the earlier two books in the series. It has definitely left me sobered.
I appreciated that things weren't neatly wrapped up in a hurry to finish the book : as in real life, there
is no cut-off point - the stories will keep on going.

In my opinion, the Amish romance genre is becoming almost cliché and certainly overdone. However, this book takes a decidedly different turn from the mainstream in that it chronicles the lives of some of the early Amish settlers to America. In it, the reader gains a broad understanding of the incredible hardships endured by the early settlers as well as their interactions with the indigenous people of the area.

To say I “enjoyed” the book would not be entirely accurate. It was riveting and overall hard to put down, but at times, it was very difficult to read of the hardships and heartbreaks of the characters. The characters are clearly drawn and engaging. The plot line is not unique, but it is not trite or cliché, either. Well researched historical fact is woven throughout the complex storyline. The author did a great job of presenting both the settlers and the indigenous people’s viewpoints. Through it all, the characters exhibited tolerance, compassion, and forgiveness, and strove to do their best to live at peace with all men. The faith-in-action of the characters provides the readers with much to think about.

Overall, a very satisfying read, one that will stay in my mind for quite a while.

I gratefully received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

The Return (Amish Beginnings)
The book is historical fiction with the American Revolution war still yet to be fought. This book is filled with differing viewpoints, and multiple characters that need to have their stories shared. There is romance and the struggle with Native Americans.

The main characters are mostly German Americans, Amish and live peacefully among the Native Americans and other settlers. Other settlers, not so much. They want to push the Native Americans from their home and take their lands. The Native Americans are a divided people, too. Some want to live peacefully with the settlers and others are angry and want to fight back. Betsy feels the anguish and despair of seeing her family murdered and then being adopted into a family, where they treat her with loving kindness. Hans, her fiance, cannot see the Native Americans as a peaceful group and is determined to rid them from the territory.

And, there are two love triangles to figure out: one involving a Native American man and Betsy and the other Hans and Tessa. Complicated at best.

How will this get resolved? Will it be like today's struggle between races, where we are to repeat our mistakes over and over? Will Hans be able to see that goodness can reside in all people?

The book's plots are all over the place and sometimes difficult to follow, but it is still a wonderful book full of the things that I love to see in a historical fiction romance. A piece about how the Conestoga Wagon was invented was a fun thread in the book.

The Return is the third book in this wonderful series, Amish Beginnings. For a full understanding of this book, readers need to read the first two before reading The Return. This story is so rich in history of the first Amish and their settlements. I love that many of the characters were in fact real people as the author's note explains. Highly recommended!

Betsy Zook's family is attacked by Indians, she and a brother are adopted by Indians. She eventually returned to her former home, but things are not the same....the love she had held for Hans is not as strong as it was. She does not see the world the same. Will it ever become what it once was?

This was a great read! I would love to read more from this author, she did not disappoint in her writing.

The return is the third book in Amish Beginnings Series. It was well written series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Love the interesting historical facts. This story has characters from the other two books plus new ones. It tells the story of Betsy Zook and how her family were attacked by Indians and her parents were killed. Her brother William escaped and hit. She and another brother were taken hostages. It is a beautiful written story of Amish immigrants . I would love to see another book written in this series to find out what happen to Caleb?

If you want a book that is filled with timeless plot lines, amazing characters, and rich historical detail, then I suggest you look at the truly talented, Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books. She has been a long time favorite of mine, and each book she writes brings something different and unique to the table for the reader. This book, The Return, is her third book in the Amish Beginnings novels and I am just as fascinated by it as I was the first two. She is a wonderfully talented author and never fails to hook me into the story instantly! 

When we think of Amish, we think simple and easy life. And that, for the most part now a days, is true. But, Ms. Fisher takes the readers on a journey to long ago, when the Amish was first settling into the heart of Lancaster County, Pennyslvania and the Indians weren’t happy. Betsy, and all she had to endure from the Indians, was a wonderfully chiseled character. My heart felt for her so many times! I can’t imagine leaving the one I loved behind for anything and she had to go through that hardship, when she had to leave Hans, the man she was intended to be with, and live among the Indians. And sweet, sweet Caleb. I can’t forget him! Oh how he stole my heart! 

I definitely want to go on with my review but fear spoiling this third book for you! I will stop there and tell you that if you want an Amish book filled with the rich characters, and emotional feels, then this is a book you don’t want to miss. I do recommend reading the books in order as I’m stickler for that often, but this book is easily read as a stand alone. Ms. Fisher adds faith, hope and forgiveness, love and heartache in this tender new Amish novel. It is beautifully written and definitely gets a 5 star hats off from me! Well done, Ms. Fisher!