The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher Book Review

In a wild country, the true cost of love may be more than they can bear

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family’s rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans—but then she never had to. Not until the night she’s taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. Facing brutality and hardship, Betsy finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the feelings she’s developing for a native man who encourages her to see God in all circumstances.

Greatly anguished by Betsy’s captivity, Hans turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. She responds eagerly, overlooking troubling signs of Hans’s hunger for revenge. But if Betsy is ever restored to the Amish, will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far?

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of pre-revolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

My Thoughts:

This is the third book in the, “An Amish Beginnings” series. The setting of this story is around 25 years after the other books. I thought the distant of years was fun as you get reacquainted with some of the characters in the other books.

This particular story weaves in many stories within the pages beautifully. The main characters or plot just intertwine within the other plots nicely. That being said you won’t have to worry about who the characters are as the front of the book has a, Cast of Characters if you need it. I just looked it over in the beginning it wasn’t hard to keep track of the many characters.

The characters are well developed along with the surroundings of pre-colonial Pennsylvania, on the outskirts of Lancaster County. You could close your eyes and picture it in your mind. There are a few descriptions that talked about the Indian massacres but, it was tasteful but, I realize some readers don’t like reading things like that.

Betsy Zook was one of my favorite characters. She comes to learn much about the Indians that capture her. I loved her strength and faith. Then there is Tessa Bauer and her character grows through the difficult time that she goes through. Both young women have strong Godly characters to sustain them through difficult times.

I loved the historical side of the story as it based off of similar events in history.

I’m not one to give away to many spoilers. I think this has been one of my favorite stories that I have read this year.

I received a free copy of this product from Revell in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information accordance with the FTC Regulations.