I was so excited to be given the opportunity to read Elizabeth Wehman's new book "The Year the Stars Fall", book one in the Newburg Chronicles series.

Wehman takes us back to 1833. The story is based on real-life events. Betsy Baker Swain and her husband, Aaron make a fast decision to go with her family from Pennsylvania to Michigan territory for cheap and to make a good living. As you know the pioneering days brought had many conflicts. As you know there weren't a limited amount of trains, no cars, planes to anywhere they wanted. They dealt with rough terrain, cold temperatures, wild animals mosquitos and so much more. If they need help with anything they are screwed because they don't have neighbors nearby. They also had to worry about Native Americans, the Chipwea

The book also brings up the conflict caused by the Cass Land Agreement and the government's offer of cheap land in what's now Michigan.

The family also had to worry about communication with the Chippewa Natives Americans. Wehman reveals details about the family contribution to the settling of New Newburg and events in 1833. I learned about the Leonid Meteor shower that looked as if the sky was falling and is visible across much of the USA in November 1833. Wehman did her research and it showed. I felt like I was reading a biography book about Betsy Baker-Swain and Aaron's life journey. It is an inspiring book full of dreams, hopes, and faith. The story is centered on trusting God. It isn't a preachy story. I can't wait to read more from this series.

"Celebratelit sent me this book for my honest opinion." ( )

I love it when a story can teach me as it entertains and this is certainly true of The Year the Stars Fell, It is an excellent historical fiction novel based on the life of Hosea Baker and his family as they traveled from Pennsylvania to the Michigan Territory in 1833 to begin a new life. Author Elizabeth Wehman takes us with them as they were plagued with wild animals, rugged terrain, and their fear of Indians. They also faced extreme hardship as they settled the land and were tormented by mosquitoes. Some even fell ill from a fever that was caused by mosquito bites but through it all, Hosea continued to trust in God.

"Trusting God when things are out of our control is when He shines the brightest. I've relied on God to protect my family, but most of all," Hosea pointed toward the sky, "I've relied on Him to take away the fear that often creeps into my heart."

In her author's notes, Wehman reveals more true details about this family's contribution to the settling of New Newburg and I enjoyed learning about another event that occurred in 1833. I had never heard of the Leonid Meteor Shower that looked as if the sky was falling and was visible across much of the United States in November of 1833. Including it near the end of this book was a lovely way to tie Hosea's joy of studying the stars with his deep trust in their Maker.

The Year the Stars Fell is an inspiring story filled with hope, faith, and perseverance and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and this is my honest opinion. ( )

If there is a historical fiction book that can make the challenges and woes of 2020 seem a matter of course, it is Elizabeth Wehman’s “The Year the Stars Fell.” It is always a wonder to me to consider how the early settlers overcame the innumerable obstacles to survival. A lifelong devotee of the American frontier era, I never tire of reading about it, and while I tend to live simply, I still find myself amazed at the sacrifice and travail of the pioneers.

As quaint and peaceful as the lives of America’s settlers seem from the comfortable distance of history, in reality the truth is much more complicated. So much of what we take for granted was nonexistent for those living on the frontier, including something as simple as neighbors. As is the case when the Bakers first arrive in the Michigan Territory, they are unable to effectively communicate with the Chippewa tribes who already live there, resulting in fear. Wehman depicts the conflict caused by both the Cass land agreement and the government’s offer of inexpensive land in what is now Michigan state. Little Alexander is in some ways a product of this discord. As in most cases, it is those who are familiar with the other side who learn how to negotiate and coexist.

Some of the hardships mentioned in “The Year the Stars Fell” are not ones that ever came to the forefront of my mind before but are actually still prevalent in various forms today. This novel highlights the constant need to work almost around-the-clock just in order to survive, often without the help of nearby neighbors. I also realized the irony of spouses, despite living and working together, not having enough quality time with each other due to the long working hours and the close quarters of families. However, resiliency and faith in God turn tragedy into triumph if we learn to trust Him and rest in Him. In this regard, I always enjoyed Hosea Baker’s natural affinity for spouting Scripture in every circumstance, and his younger daughter’s nearly constant hymn singing. Wehman has written her protagonist, Betsey Baker-Swain, as a young woman who faces a plethora of trials and encounters that contribute to her fearful state, to which we can all relate in some way. Betsey gradually comes to realize that “She couldn’t concentrate on her fears. It would drive her crazy. She needed to cling to hope. To life.” Thankfully, we don’t have to live in fear either because God takes good care of His children and provides for every need: “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147: 4-5).

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

The Year the Stars Fell, by Elizabeth Wehman, is book one in the Newburg Chronicals series. This is such a powerful book that describes the struggles the early settlers went through. This story follows the real life Baker family from Pennsylvania to the unsettled Michigan territory. They were the first farming family to enter settle in the area in 1833. The story is so well written it is easy to imagine the crowded situation on the steamboat crossing Lake Erie. And then the weather while traveling by wagon and the fear while meeting the Indians. I just adore the character of Sally. The story shows the strength Sally and her daughters had to pack up only their absolute necessities, say goodbye to friends and loved ones and follow Hosea to their new home. Even though Sally does not want to move, she follows Hosea where he decides to go. And when they get there, eight people are forced to live together in a one room cabin and deal with illnesses.

This story is so well written you could almost feel the emotions as Sally sees her son, Ambrose, whom she hasn't seen since the previous year. Ambrose's story of how he survived the winter is so descriptive. I absolutely loved this story, if there is one thing that could be changed it would be the lack of communication Hosea does with his family and how he does what he wants regardless of the situation. This is an amazing story of having faith to do what you do not really want to do for the love of others. I enjoyed how the story also points out the importance music is in people's lives.

I received an e-book copy of this story from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review. ( )

Wow! Yes that is exactly how I felt as I finished the last page. The story is so captivating that I read it in one day. I couldn’t put it down and shut the world out around me. The author took me to 1833 where a family has decided to travel to Michigan Territory. I loved how readers are swept away on the adventure as the family sets out to follow their dream. The time they spent on the steamboat was most unpleasant for them. I could feel the boat as it rocked back and forth. Once they were on dry land this is where the journey really begins.
I have read many historical books, but this one really made me feel I was in the story. Their trip through rough terrain was hard at times as rain would slow them down. The dangers of wild animals at night kept the men on high alert. There was also the danger of Native Americans close by. I appreciated how the author talked about how the Native Americans knew their land was being taken from them. She acknowledges that it was rightfully theirs and it was hard for them to see it taken by settlers.
The faith element in the story is strong and is the heartbeat of the family. I loved how they trusted God during their struggles and rejoiced in His blessings. The author does an amazing job of giving readers historical facts about the family this story is based on. The mosquitos were quite the pests and it sure did cause for some uncomfortable times for the family. Wolves were a threat to the family and I enjoyed reading about an encounter one family member has with them.
I did enjoy reading how Betsey and her husband joined her family to find a better life. Betsey and Aaron are a young married couple with a bright future ahead of them. They learn to let go of fear and trust God with all their needs. My favorite character has to be Betsey’s father. His unwavering faith holds the family together as they battle illness, danger and blessings. He never once was discouraged and always knew that God was protecting them. I loved reading the Notes from the Author included at the end of the book. There are nuggets of historical facts that enhance the story and give more insight into the family as a new settlement was established. It is definitely worth reading to get a feel for this family and their historical value to the land. I am excited to know that the author is planning to write the next book in this exciting series. I can’t wait to see where our journey will take us next.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion ( )