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    The Return
    The Return
    The Return
    Audiobook9 hours

    The Return

    Written by Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Narrated by Rachel Botchan

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    As the Amish settle in America, Tessa wishes Hans would notice her. When tragedy strikes--close to home and close to her heart--she discovers the cost of true love. 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 when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her. Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa? Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateAug 1, 2017
    ISBN9781501955754
    The Return
    Author

    Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Sweet Life, The Secret to Happiness, and Love on a Whim, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at SuzanneWoodsFisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and X @SuzanneWFisher.

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    Reviews for The Return

    4.5/5

    44 ratings15 reviews

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    • 4/5
      31. The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher - Tessa has been in love with Hans for as long as she can remember. The problem, he is in love with the beautiful and kind Betsy Zook. But, when Betsy and her younger brother are kidnapped by Indians, Tessa thinks this may be her chance to win Hans. But the Hans of her dreams is far from the man in reality. How far with Tessa go to win his attention and his love? Will Hans allow himself to fall in love with Tessa, or will he continue to search for Betsy at all costs, no matter who gets hurt along the way? This was a very good book and one that is part of a series. I did not have the previous books, but that did not have any affect on this book's storyline. I would like to have read the other books, but you don't need to as this book is very good on its own. Definitely a good historical fiction book set in an early American Amish settlement. Thank you LibraryThing for a copy of this book as an early reviewer!
    • 5/5
      I have read many of Suzanne Woods Fisher's books, and this book (#3 in the Amish Beginnings series) was another excellent one!! I like historic fiction in that time period, especially when it centers around actual events. The series gave a lot of insight into the history of the Amish in Pennsylvania, and what it was like when they first came to America. Kidnapping and massacres by the Indians were still a threat in areas closer to the frontier, and there's some of both in the books. This 3rd book builds up to the Conestoga Massacre, carried out against the peaceful Conestoga Indians by group of settlers who deemed all Indians a threat, and thus a target for revenge. It makes you consider what it was like in that time period for both the Indians, and the settlers. The settling of America was such a sad & violent time, for the settlers and for the Indians.The uncertainties of the time are captured in her story line. Suzanne develops her characters in a way that you get a feel for what it was like to be there, and experience the events. Her characters seem very real... some likable, some not; some you'd like to shake some sense into, and some you admire more than others.But they all feel real. There is also some suspense as events play out. She weaves a good story line along with historic events, making for a very good read!
    • 5/5
      A wonderful read that gives great insight into the time period and what it was like to live during this time dealing with the harshness of living conditions, paired with the fear of the Indians. Betsy gets a very new perspective on things when she is taken captive during a raid. She is shown a different type of faith and love and turns more to God. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the review is entirely my own.
    • 5/5
      In the third installment in the series called An Amish Beginning the author takes us back to the late 1700s. I was so fascinated by the history in this book that I couldn't put it down. It is obvious that the author has done great in -depth research about this time period. I learned about the Amish during this time. They were God fearing people who believed that a woman should be seen and not heard. I was astounded at that. In those days the women' s duties were to cook , clean and take care of the family. The men were the only ones to have any significant place as leader in the church. In contrast the women are revered in Native American culture. I didn't know that and was quite surprised to learn how important they were to the tribe. Each character was written with clarity and I loved how the author gave us details about their daily life's. It was interesting to read about Benjamin Franklin and other well known men that became a big part of our history. I was captivated by the Native Americans and how they survived off the land. When a young woman is captured by a tribe I found their compassion for the girl to be genuine. Betsy at first was frightened but as the days and weeks came and went, the author showed us how Betsy had matured and began to love the people she was with. There was lots of danger surrounding the towns as rumors of vicious attacks were imminent. The times were heard for the town and I loved how they protected each other. I was completely engrossed in this book because it was so well written with historical events and how people survived during attacks on their families. There is so much to this story that had me on pins and needles. I have to mention Caleb because he was my favorite character. He was called a half breed and not really accepted anywhere. His heart was full of God and he never forget his mother bringing him up as a Christian. He will be a very important part of the story but I won't give it away. One thing that someone said in the book really stuck with me. One of the characters said," The worst thing to do is to assume all people belong under a defining label." That one statement really sums up the story for me. There was much prejudice in the story as people assumed since you were a Native American you were a savage. It struck me as what we do today. We label people because we think because of their color, religion or their ancestors make them something that is perceived and not always true. In the story people would say that all Native Americans were savage and needed to be killed. There were some bloody scenes but I thought the author did an amazing job of describing them in a delicate way. I found this story to be very powerful and true to the time period. I look forward to the next book in the series. It promises to be just as powerful and filled with historical facts that define our nation.I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing Group. The review is my own opinion.
    • 5/5
      Tuesday, August 15, 2017The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher, © 2017Amish Beginnings series, Book 3My Review:I enjoyed this novel very much because it was true to historical events we might not be aware of in detail. So well written, the days opened and closed awaiting the next day. The story surrounds three brothers and their families continuing from the first two books. This may be read as a standalone, but you will enjoy the background in Suzanne Woods Fisher's Anna's Crossing, of Amish coming to the New World, and settling in Penn's Woods in The Newcomer.The beginnings of Stoney Ridge. I especially liked how each character's skill fit into the daily life of the whole. Community. Revolving around each other and fulfilled, because they did not stand alone. They were aided by Indian families nearby when they came; learning about the Three Sisters ~ beans, corn, and squash and the merging of their qualities.The beans fed the soil for the corn, and the squash vines provided shade for the roots of the corn.The Return, 241I think of corn as a main staple for its many uses. All three interwoven to protect and nourish the whole.Very synonymous with our lives. We need each other. Not separate, merging skills and prayers.(1762-1764.) This story begins twenty-five years later than the last book in the series. There is encroaching into the Indians' hunting lands set aside by treaty early in the 1700s designating borders for settler lands.With the ensuing dangers brought on by both sides, threatened existence caused changed lives. Though taken as an exchange, Betsy Zook finds she is cared for in place of another. Revolts continued as those ensuring peace come against agitators proclaiming warring forces.***Thank you to Revell Reads for sending a print copy of Suzanne Woods Fisher's The Return. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
    • 5/5
      As I turned the final page of this three-book sage, I reflected on how things had changed and how the people we have come to know and love have matured and some have died, and others are just beginning their lives.What a journey the author has brought us on, and one that will linger for a long time, but alas it is saying goodbye, but with love at new lives starting and hope for the future. As sad as some of the things that happen in this story, and the fact that they are based on truth, if we could only change history, but we hope we learn from events, but somehow some things keep getting repeated.There are a few chuckles here, and some past perceptions are no longer viable, and we sure get to see some of the changes that have happened in the people that we have come to know.These books are not the ordinary Amish stories, of romance and mystery, but a look into how they arrived in American, and where they settled, and how they were able to cling to their beliefs and survive here.I will miss this family, as I feel I have become a part of, and can see the future in where we left off. I thank the author for the wonderful journey and a glimpse into the past.I received this book through Revell Publishing Book Bloggers tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      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.(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      Life on the Pennsylvania frontier is not easy. It is even harder if you are,like Tessa Bauer's family, Amish pacifists surrounded by Indian raids and hot-headed whites who would destroy all Indians.When Betsy Zook's family is the victim of an Indian raid, Bairn Bauer,Tessa's father, and his brother Felix must lead the community through a tumultuous time,yet seek to safely recover the missing family members.Jealousy, greed, prejudice and unforgiveness struggle mightily against love, peace, and forebearance. A much darker book than I had expected, but true to its time.Helpful additions to the book were many. There was an index in the front of various characters and their relationships. At the back, the author sorts the fact from fiction in the book. Also included are discussion questions good for solo use or a book club.An eye-opener, for sure!!
    • 5/5
      Suzanne Woods Fisher’s newest book, The Return, centers around the Amish in Beacon Hollow, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1763 and is inspired by real events.Betsy Zook and her little brother Johnny are captured by Indians and forced to march on a long, arduous journey, only to be separated at the end.Ms. Fisher draws you into the story and doesn’t let you go. Even after the story is over, you relive the events.I greatly enjoyed this story. The extensive research was very evident, and the story heart-rending and spellbinding. However, there were a few scenes (due to PTSD) that were deeply disturbing. Nonetheless, they were authentic to the circumstances. This is not your typical Amish tale. Intrigue, heartache, betrayal and revenge factor into the account along with redemption, forgiveness, love and hope.The Return is book three of the Amish Beginnings by Suzanne Woods Fisher. However, I have not read the other two books, and I seriously doubt I would love Betsy or enjoy the book more had I read the other two stories first.If you are looking for a fascinating story of early America with Amish as the protagonists, you need look no further.I received this book from LibraryThing. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
    • 5/5
      I believe this was my favorite book in this series. I did not want to put this down. This had a lot of characters in the story but I never got confused about who anyone was . This is a fantastic Amish historical novel. This is one of my favorite time periods(1763). Betsy and Caleb were my favorite characters. I also really liked Tessa. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit and Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 3/5
      This is my very first book from this author and I would say it was pretty motivating. It was a good christian fiction. It talks about hope, courage, and family. It teaches about being faithful and hopeful in Him.
    • 5/5
      One of the best books I have read so far this year. I loved everything about it. It had romance, excitement, faith, hope and even some tears were shed. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Ms. Fishers books. I need to go back and read more of her novels.
    • 5/5
      This is the first book I have read by this author and was very pleased. It takes you on a journey through love, loss and new beginnings. The setting in is the times of Indians and settlers colliding. It shows the savage sides and beautiful sides to both worlds and how greed and anger can fuel evil. The best part of the book was how it showed that through Christ we can endue and grow from even the toughest of times. The main character Betsy shows remarkable courage from keeping her faith. The return keeps you wanting to read more and more. I'm definitely going to read more from this author.
    • 4/5
      Book 3 of the Amish Beginnings series. The Zook family has built their home on what is suppose to be Indian land, as agreed upon by William Penn. Now the Shawnee have attacked and murdered the parents and captured Betsy and her younger brother, Johnny. Only Willie has escaped. The Amish believe that God will take care of Betsy and Johnny, all that is except Hans, her fiancé. He is bitter and angry and agrees that something must be done about the Indians-all Indians.As always, the author writes as if she actually experienced life in the mid-1700s. Very well researched. I suffered along with Betsy as she and Johnny were marched north for days. I felt Hans' anger and worry and even became angry over his hatred. It is not a quick read but I enjoyed the book. I did not read the first two books in the series but this could be read as a stand alone book. I didn't feel as if I walked into the middle of something. I highly recommend this book!
    • 4/5
      *Special Note: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for a review*

      First off, Suzanne Woods Fisher does not disappoint in this book. Her writing is excellent as always. But I will say that this is not going to be an "easy read" or a "fluffy novel." I took my time reading this as I wanted to understand this period of unrest.

      The setting is 1763 in Pennsylvania, so this would be the early days of Amish settlement in the American colonies. This is not an easy time for Amish families as the relations between them and the Native American tribes are tense. While some settlers have cordial relations with their native friends, other settlers have unfairly declared all the tribes as troublemakers.

      Tessa is one of the leading characters who has her heart set on a very handsome young man named Hans, but he is head over heels in love with a beautiful girl named Betsy. Tessa wishes Betsy gone, so she can get Hans to look at her. It sounds like a typical love triangle until Betsy is kidnapped and carried off by a band of Indians.

      Naturally, this creates a great sense of dread and fear with the settlers. The scalpings, kidnappings, and desire for revenge all threaten to tear apart the Amish community. But sometimes, one must go through the fire to come out a stronger person, as we see with Betsy Zook. Another makes a mistake that results in unpleasant consequences.

      Even in all the turmoil, love and forgiveness prevail.