The Samaritan

“You don’t understand!” she cried. “They are much more dangerous than we ever dreamed, Josiah!”

Book: The Samaritan by Nancy Rue, Focus on the Family Publishing, 1996

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Love for one another, accepting differences in people

Summary: Something has Hope running not just scared, but terrified. No more meetings of the Merry Band, no mischief, no twinkle in her eye, just plain fear. Soon Josiah understands. The Putnams have upped the war. It’s no longer just empty threats and a war with words. Suddenly guns and knives are being pulled and everyone is truly in danger, especially anyone who dares to be a good Samaritan and show love to outcasts.

Notes: Nancy Rue writes a powerful story. Set in the time of the Puritans, Josiah's family is not accepted as members of the Church as it is run by some corrupt men filled with hate. Yet when Josiah's family attempts to attend a different Church, they run into even more trouble. Josiah is struggling with how to become a dependable young man and wrestling with all these questions. There are alot of lessons in these stories of a young boy's growing up years, everything from religious differences to racial differences. This is the 5th book in the Christian Heritage Series, the Salem Years.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.