Click here to read about the sequel, "After The Fall"

Reviews
Average rating from 1-10: 10

Could Not Put it Down!
"When I began reading "Anna" I was not aware that it would pull me in and keep me captivated for a week. I played hooky from work just so I could read it. I didn't shower for two days because I could not put it down! From the first chapter to the last I was enthralled in the characters and story-line, which kept my interest, and left me feeling starved to read the next chapter.

This novel follows Anna through her life at the turn of the century when so much was going on and so many came to America to seek a new life. Anna's life in Amsterdam had been very simple, but all that changed when her father died suddenly and her family had to move to her uncles farm in Maine. Based on a true story, every bit of the tumultuous life of Anna is believable and intense. I learned so much about the time in which the book took place, and how difficult, yet exciting, life was during the early 1900's.

This book is a must read for anyone seeking an adventure of a lifetime through the pages of a book. I recommend it for anyone over 15. It is not just another novel, it is a journey you will never forget." Rating, a 10 -- D.C. Lane, Washington

A Great Book!
"Anna holds one on the edge of their seat, with a box of tissue. There is such an emotional impact that you become a part of her family. This is a book that you can not put down. A great book that would make a good movie!" Rating, a 10 -- D. Kennedy, Washington

A Good Story! Well Written!
"It was a wonderful book. When I was a child my mother used to ask me after I had been to a movie if I cried. If I said yes, she said, "It must have been a good movie." I have often thought of this in terms of books now. If you count how many times I cried while reading "Anna," it would be the best book I have ever read. Another criterion I use for a good book is if I can put it down. At night I start to read about 8:40 and stop at 10:00. The first night I stopped reading "Anna" at 11:30, the second night 12:00 and the third night I had to make myself stop reading at 11:30 because I was getting grouchy. This usually only happens at the end of a book." Rating, a 10. -- G. Stemple, Texas

Absolutely Fabulous!
"It is one one of the best books I have ever read!!! I barely spoke to my husband in the evening. I was curled up with my face in this book. I thought about it at work during the day and about calling in sick to finish it. This I did not do, but I did sit in my car on my lunch hour so I could devour every word without interruption. The characters were wonderful. I felt their pain, joy, and all other emotions as though I were standing next to them like an invisible character existing inside the pages of your book. It was absolutely fabulous!" Rating, a 10. -- A. Campbell, Maine ell, Maine

Compelling and Intense!
"The death of Anna's beloved father, when she was a child in Holland, led her family to immigrate to America. Anna's life is forever changed as she experiences the joys and tragedies of her new life. "Anna" is a compelling, intense story that holds your interest from start to finish. I would suggest this book for people late teens and older." Rating, a 9 -- Bonnie Nine (50's)

It Would Make a Good Movie
"I thought the book was very good. I think it would make a good movie. I liked the era in which it took place. I have been to Amsterdam twice and could imagine the setting. Keep up the good work." Rating, a 10. -- Don, Indiana

Beautiful Story!
""This book has a beautiful story that made me think about the bad choices that can come, even when there are many good things to focus on. I cried throughout this entire book. The author did a great job bring the characters to life. It is a great book! I would suggest this book for age 18+ because of the intensity. (PG rating for sexual content and language.)" Rating, an 8. -- Kristy Sell (Single, 40's)

Good Book!
"She kept my head awhirl! I found myself asking: 'Where will she end up? Will she wind up finally settling into being a wrinkled old woman full of wisdom from her experiences?' If I were an author I wouldn't want my book to be like all the others. I am glad it is different. There will never be another like it. I stayed up one night till 3:00 am and couldn't finish it, so I took it to Wendy's with me the next day... Good Book!" Rating, a 10 -- Dorothy Holt, Seattle WA

Absolutely Wonderful Book!
"I do not read novels, but this one was like reading a biography in that the characters were so real. The author did such a great job describing them that I felt like I actually knew them. I cried with them and I felt their joys, and triumphs, and pain, as if I were right there with them. Choices the characters made portrayed them as totally human: flawed, impressive and believable. Many of the events were so personal that they reinforced and strengthened my own views. The message that I took away, was that God is the answer in trying times. Life is full of joys and losses. How we respond to these is important. The book had people I loved, some unscrupulous folks, and ones I simply adored. There were so many things I took away from this book; things of the heart that have enlightened and inspired me. It was an absolutely wonderful book!" Rating, a 10 -- Priscilla Butterfield (60's)

Couldn't put it Down
I found Anna to be a great book, and fun reading. I Couldn't put it down! It was fun and emotional, especially during the Christmas in Holland, and on the ship coming to America. The story was a real eye opener. I felt like I had to take care of her. The book was very descriptive and made me feel I was there seeing everything, and feeling everything Anna was feeling. It made me laugh, made me cry, get mad, shock, surprise! Karen M. (40's)

Enthralling
"When I settled down to read "Anna" by Gail Brewster, I was not prepared for such an enthralling page turner. Set in the early 1900's, "Anna" is a heart-stirring saga that is based on one families actual history. The characters became totally viable and the book instilled a vivid mental description of them all. I will never forget sad, sweet Anna." Rating, a 10 -- Debbie Chruch

Wonderful Book
This is a wonderful book! Every generation who reads this will understand what it was like for their ancestors who came to America at the turn of the century and beyond. This book will capture your attention and your heart. I can't wait for the sequel. Mindy Jones