This is mostly about how it was dealing with how the Amish came to America. It really tells the story of what happens on a ocean crossing. To extent that it gives what it like when Amish and other were traveling to the New World for their freedom.

You do not go into it expecting what is to happen. It seem more historical then Amish. Though is mostly about Amish and how they come to America. Susanne tell a story about Anna and though she is with while crossing the ocean. She seem interested in the carpenter on the Charming Nancy? Who could that be? ( )

Good book, I liked it. Has some true facts in it along with a great story from the author's imagination. ( )

The fascinating story of one ship sailing to America in the late 1700's is contained in Anna's Crossing! Anna wants to go home before they even reach England from Rotterdam and the whole trip across the ocean is ahead of her. None of her family is with her but she brings her beloved rose plant with her hoping it will grow in the new land. How will she deal with the rough sea, the odors of the living quarters, and the ship's carpenter for days and weeks to come? The reality of making the trip to America for freedom is a daunting, overwhelming ordeal for the Amish and Mennonites on the Charming Nancy who are relegated to the lower deck in cramped quarters for an unknown period of time. Will their supplies last, will the weak live, will the rain continue to fill their barrels? Will their faith see them through? Will Anna come to grips with her destiny in the new land away from her beloved grandparents? Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a history filled account of these strong, fictional characters that you will grow to love. Each page leaves you anticipating their future. I highly recommend this enlightening book.

I received an e-copy of this book in return for my honest review by NetGalley. ( )

The year is 1737 and Anna is crossing the Atlantic to the New World. She is compelled to go, because she is the only one of this group of Amish who speaks English and can communicate with the crew, but she confidant that she will return to her homeland. But plans often can and do go awry. There are some twists in this tale, and the pace picks up towards the end of the story. The chemistry between Anna and the ship’s carpenter was well written, as was the dialogue. And though the author did illustrate some of the dangers of a ship’s voyage at that time in history, it was somehow lacking in its depth and description. Even the reader sounded a bit bored with much of it – maybe the reader was the problem with enjoying this audio version. ( )

1737 – Anna Konig and a group of Amish people were leaving Ixheim, Germany, going to a New World. They were leaving their peaceful and pastoral valley for a world of unknowns, and the voyage was filled with uncertainties. They sacrificed and endured so much just to own a piece of sod in America. The Peculiar people, of a peculiar sect, were headed to Penn’s Woods and their passage was secured on a vessel, the Charming Nancy.

The people were confined to the lower decks, which were pitiful, with the stale air, stench, and sickness. Life was tenuous and could be altered in an instant. They suffered delays, endured seasickness, cold, and much more.

The characters were unique with effective and realistic dialogue ---

Anna had a rare strength of character and showed much determination and compassion. She’d left her home, grandparents, church, and everything she’d loved and lived for to embark on this journey. Anna had lived in a sheltered world, not caring about earthy possessions.

Bairn had a mystique about him and was a man full of contradictions. He was a wayward soul who claimed to not believe in God, but was filled with kindness, especially towards Anna. Bairn’s title is carpenter of the Charming Nancy and is the third person in charge. He lived in a world filled with temptations, and felt a lot of turmoil in his life.

Felix, a mischievous 8 year-old, was like a brother to Anna. He is a very curious Amish boy and as a result finds himself in trouble throughout the story. His mother’s sadness affected him in a deep way.

The character of Georg Schultz is not likable at all, being shadowy, relentless, and utterly despicable.

Christian Muller – As the minister, his duty was to be sure everyone followed the straight and narrow path and conformed to what it meant to be a church member. He had a meddlesome wife, Maria, who constantly kept things stirred up.

Anna’s Crossing had an intriguing premise, with a story of expectations, despair, and faith. The author did a beautiful job with the vividly described scenes. There were some scenes that I found to be very dynamic. Unfortunately it took me to long to become engaged in the storyline and I found myself plodding through sections and losing focus.

The book is readable, but not exceptional – just lukewarm. My rating is 3.5 stars. ( )