Win An Autographed Copy of The Return (Updated with Winner)
Several years ago we hosted a giveaway for the book Northkill, based on the Jacob Hochstetler massacre, famous in Amish lore. Authors Bob Hostetler and J.M. Hochstetler have returned with the conclusion to that story, The Return.
I hope you enjoy today’s interview with Bob and Joan, in which they explain why this story is important to Amish and Mennonites, the historical basis of The Return, and why there are so many ways to spell their last name.
Win an autographed copy of The Return
You also have a chance to win an autographed copy of The Return. To enter, just share a comment on this post. I’ll draw a winner Monday.
Author Interview: Bob Hostetler and J.M. Hochstetler on The Return
What is The Return about?
It is the second part of the story (begun in the 2014 novel, Northkill) of the Hochstetler massacre, a seminal event in the Amish and Mennonite communities not only because of its historical significance to the first organized Anabaptist settlement on this continent but also because of its affirmation of the doctrine of nonresistance.
It tells the story of Jakob Hochstetler and two sons, who survived the massacre but faced captivity among the tribes that had taken them from their home, and of those who hoped for their return in the Northkill community of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Are you each related to the characters in the story?
Joan: I know that I’m descended from the oldest son, John, through his descendants Henry, David H., David D., William D., and Alvin W. My mother, Lula Bontrager, was distantly related to my father through the Hochstetlers in some way, but I haven’t done the research to find out whether her line leads back to John or to one of Jacob’s other children. One of my cousins on the Bontrager side has done an extensive genealogy, and one of these days I’m going to see if he’ll help me figure it out.
Bob: I am also descended from John (through his son Daniel) and also from the captive Joseph (through his son Peter). My grandfather, David A. Hostetler, was born into an Amish family in Goshen, Indiana, where he was known as “Adam’s Davey.” Though he left the community as a young man, he maintained strong ties to his extended family and in the 1950s compiled a family history entitled Descendants of David J. Hochstetler with his aunt, Drusilla (Yoder) Hostetler. I am the third son of David’s first son, Charles Vernon Hostetler.
Why are your names spelled differently?
Bob: There are a number of different spellings in the family. In my case, my grandfather, David A., stopped spelling his name with the “ch” after leaving home.
Joan: My family kept the “ch” and the German pronunciation of the first syllable, “hoch,” which means “high,” with a long “o”. Our ancestor Jacob—and undoubtedly most members of his family—couldn’t write, and the book of our genealogy, Descendents of Jacob Hochstetler (DJH), lists a number of guesses at spelling the name taken from various 18th century Pennsylvania documents such as land transfers and newspaper accounts of the attack. Just a few of the variants are Hoofstetler, Hooshstedler, Hostedler, Hostetter, Hoffstettler (the closest to the original German), and Houghstadler.
I’m guessing the last one is an English person’s attempt to transcribe the German pronunciation, in which Hough would be pronounced like enough, which would actually be close. Once Jacob’s descendants learned to read and write, they spelled their name however they felt led, and sometimes their children and grandchildren changed it to something else. That’s why there are so many variations even though we’re all descended from the same ancestor.
How true to history is the book?
Bob: I’ll let Joan speak to any details she cares to mention, since she did all the heavy lifting, historically speaking, but a big part of the pleasure (and pain) of writing this kind of book is staying true to the things we know while filling in the parts we don’t know. Both of us wanted The Return to accurately reflect not only the facts and details we know from history but to stay as consistent as possible in the parts we had to imagine. For example, even in the final rewrite, Joan discovered a historical detail about Post, the Moravian missionary, that required us to go back through the book and change a number of scenes.
Joan: It’s nothing short of amazing how much is actually known about the attack on our ancestors. To ground the series we used all the details from the accounts collected in DJH, both known facts and family stories that were passed down. We also mined accounts preserved in the Pennsylvania Archives and other sources that were compiled by Beth Hostetler Mark in Our Flesh and Blood, which gave us additional details that allowed us to expand the story. Because Mark included so much relevant material, Our Flesh and Blood became our “bible” for the timeline of the actual events portrayed in The Return and for real-life characters who appear in the story. We are forever in her debt!
Obviously there were many details that we had to construct such as dialog, the personalities and descriptions of the various characters and relations among them, people they might have encountered, and cultural details of the Amish of that period for which there’s little documentation. There’s also no indication of where Joseph and Christian were held by the Indians, other than that one was with a Delaware chief named Custaloga. We don’t know exactly when they returned or how. So there were a number of issues we had to flesh out as best we could from historical hints we found.
One instance is the real Moravian missionary Bob mentioned, Christian Frederick Post, who really did act as a negotiator to the Lenape for the governor of Pennsylvania exactly as we portrayed it, which added an interesting dimension to the story. Overall, this series is as factual and authentic to the time and the Amish culture of the day as we could make it with the resources we had available.
Did you learn anything new about your ancestors in the research and writing process?
Bob: Tons. Before starting on this project, I knew the broad outlines of the story, and of course most of the detail I knew revolved around the 1757 massacre itself. Much of the subsequent story, however, which The Return relates, was uncovered along the way.
Joan: I was very familiar with the historical section at the beginning of Descendents of Jacob Hochstetler. But the details Beth Hostetler Mark compiled, which includes Jacob’s interrogation by British Colonel Bouquet at Carlisle after his escape and before he finally reached home, were totally new to me and nothing less than gripping. In it Jacob gives a detailed account of his movements from the time he was carried away by the Indians up to his rescue by the British at Fort Augusta, including the number of days it took to get from one place to another.
He had to have been an extraordinarily resourceful and determined man to do what he did, and then find and bring his boys home.
Why should Amish or Mennonite people be interested in this story? What about non-Amish or non-Mennonite readers?
Bob: This story continues to resonate throughout the Amish and Mennonite communities, because it is a vivid example of Jesus’ teachings and of the courage it often takes to live a truly nonviolent, forgiving, Christian life. It also presents a powerful testimony to the contemporary church and the world today.
Joan: I absolutely agree with Bob. Our ancestors’ story is the great defense of nonresistance, the seminal story of the Hochstetler family, and a quintessentially American story of immigrants to this country who became pioneers on the American frontier. That makes it a hugely important story not only for the Amish-Mennonite community, but also for everyone who wants to understand American history.
Historical fiction is very popular, and I’ve always believed it to be a highly effective teaching tool as long as the story is carefully researched so that it’s factually accurate and authentic to its time. In writing this series we wanted to get to the core of who the Amish and Mennonites are, and you couldn’t find a better story to illustrate that than this one.
What do you hope readers will feel or think after reading The Return?
Bob: The first rule of fiction is to entertain and this is a riveting story. So I hope people will find it absorbing and worth recommending to friends and family. Beyond that, though, I truly hope The Return will make readers confront the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—as well as its demands. I hope people from all sorts of backgrounds will think more thoroughly and more “Christianly” about retaliation, resentment, war, and peace as a result of having read The Return.
Joan: Amen, Bob. If you don’t entertain readers, they’re not going to read the story, and there’s no point in writing it. But if it isn’t grounded firmly in truth and doesn’t offer deep spiritual insights, then it isn’t worth writing.
We hope that we’ve been able to entertain, challenge, and inspire readers through the extraordinary story of how God faithfully worked out His perfect plan through the trials our ancestors suffered—and that that will inform how they deal with their own times of trial. And we pray that Jesus will be glorified in this series and that through it His grace will abound to those who read it.
UPDATE: I used random.org to select a winner – and it was #30, Carl Brecht. Congratulations Carl, drop me an email at ewesner(at)gmail(dot)com and we’ll sort out getting your book to you.
If you didn’t win and would like a copy, The Return is available online here as well as on Amazon. And a thanks to Bob and Joan for the Q-and-A and giveaway.
UPDATE 2: If you’re in the Berlin, Ohio area this weekend, Bob and Joan will be doing a signing of The Return from 9-1pm at the Gospel Book Store.
Thank You
Eric
You are correct – this story vividly demonstrates the foundational beliefs of the Amish and Mennonites. I’m glad this story is being published again in this format – it’s a way to pass it on to our children and I intend to gift both to our sons.
Thanks for mentioning it on this blog – I wasn’t aware of these books.
Dorothy
Legacy for our children
Dorothy, that’s a large part of the reason we wanted to write this story. It’s such an important one for our family, and I personally wanted to write it to ensure that my children and grandchildren know who they came from and that God is faithful even in the worst trials we face.
Glad the book is out
i”ve read sev. versions of the story
Fascinating
Historical fiction is one of my favorite reads, this interview has captivated my interest. My Father lives near a rather prominent Amish settlement and does a great deal of business with them, he would be enthralled by this story as well.
This book sounds like a good read.
Book
Looking forward to reading this!
the return
I read northkill . It was great. The Return should be just as good.
Looking Forward....
To reading the books even if I do not win! They sound very, very interesting. Thank you..
Admiration of the Amish
I have long been interested in and an admirer of the Amish way of life; even more so since an Amish family purchased our farm in Brownington, Vermont a year and a half ago. We have grown close to this family and marvel at their work ethic and family values. There is much to be learned from these wonderful people. I was not aware of the aspect of their history highlighted in this book. I am anxious to read it and to share it, as well as the first book, with this family.
Admiration of the Amish
Alicia, I’ve read Erik’s posts about the Amish moving into Vermont, and it’s really interesting to hear that one family bought your farm and to get your perspective on them. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Good book
I can’t wait to read this book!
Good book
I would love to read this work; I read historical fiction and love learning more about the Amish.
Love to read Amish Stories
Would love to win but if I don’t I will certainly try to get these books from my library..
Love to Read Amish Stories
Sandra, if your local library doesn’t have a copy of The Return–and Northkill too–please ask them to get into contact with me. Of course, the book publishes April 1, so it would take a few weeks before they would have it. But any libraries that wants to add the series to their collections can purchase them directly through Sheaf House. They’ll find more information on the website here: http://www.sheafhouse.com/sheafhousedirect.html Thanks!
Great story
Can’t wait to read the book
Great Story
I loved the first book and am looking forward to reading The Return- thank you so much for sharing this interview with us!
is the next step
could these 2 books be made into movies? would you allow that to happen ?
is the next step
Andrew, getting a movie deal is a complicated process that usually takes a long time to get through. Historical stories are a lot more expensive to produce because of all the costuming and the historical settings, so there’s not as much interest in doing them. But it’s always a possibility, and whether we’d agree to do it would depend a lot on who produced it and how they’d treat the story–which often isn’t very faithful to the book. We’d give a Christian production company some serious consideration, however.
This story interests me for several reasons. The involvement between the Moravians and this community interests me greatly to begin with and secondly, around the same time frame we had two of our own settlements wiped out by Indian massacre. Both communities were named Gnadenhuetten. One was located in Northeast Pennsylvania, the town is now known as Lehighton. The other settlement was located in Ohio around the New Philadelphia/Schoenbrunn area. There does seem to be a sharing of family names between our communions as well. There are many Moravian Leinbachs, Masts, Yoders and some other names that are shared with the OOMennonites and OOAmish. Just my thoughts.
Terry
PS: Enter me in the contest as well.
The Moravians
Terry, I was intrigued when I realized that the proximity of the Moravian communities like Bethlehem to the Northkill Amish settlement must have led to some interactions between them. And when I dug up the information on Christian Frederick Post’s venture into the Lenape communities and later David Zeisberger’s missions, I was really excited. It seems to me there must have been some contacts between the 2 communities, which obviously had many religious and cultural similarities. With at least 1 of the boys and possibly both of them held by the Lenape, it’s very probable that they had some exposure to the missionaries’ outreach to the tribe. I also discovered the German Baptists in the Northkill area, which Christian ended up marrying into, and that also piqued my interest, partially because my husband was raised German Baptist. Clearly, the Amish interacted with the German Baptists, and there’s much evidence that they also acted in concert with the Quakers when it came to issues of nonresistance. I would love to find some documentation on similar connections with the Moravians as well. There had to have been some.
The Connection
Joan,
I would first steer you toward the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem and speak with Paul Peuker, chief archivist and a friend of mine. He would either have information or be able to steer you in a direction. Where was the northkill settlement? It’s not a name I’m familiar with. I also have to wonder if it was the same group of Indians that were involved at least here in Pennsylvania.
The Moravians
Terry, I forgot to mention that I’m very familiar with the massacres at Gnaddenhutten, and the first one is mentioned in The Return. It tragically illustrates the high emotions aroused by the Indian attacks, not to mention racist attitudes. I’m guessing, too, that the many shared family names between these communities has some relevance to the issue of whether there was interaction between them.
One more thing
Joan,
If memory serves me right, I believe there were also French involved in the first massacre here in Pennsylvania.
Glad to hear from everyone!
First, thank you Erik for hosting us on the blog today! I’m delighted to read everyone’s comments. Thank you all for stopping by and entering the drawing! If you’d like to learn more about the Northkill Amish Series, check out our website at http://www.northkill.com. I’m adding more resources about the story and the period it covers as I have time, and you’ll find some interesting information there. We’re also going to have the book up on Amazon within a few days, and hopefully on Barnes and Noble shortly thereafter. Good luck to you all in the drawing!
I would really enjoy this book. Looking forward to reading it!
I want to read this book.
Win a Copy of the Return
I would love to have a copy of The Return
Anxious to read both books
My admiration of the Amish and their lifestyle goes back many years. We visit an Amish community several times a year and are fascinated by their way of living.
I am so anxious to read both of the books and hope that, if winning this one, I am able to acquire the first one, also. Thank you.
The Return
I remember reading the first book. At first I couldn’t get into it, then I couldn’t put it down. I would love to win a copy of The Return.
I want to see what happens. Thanks for the opportunity.
Would love to win a copy
I have fond memories of reading, Growing up Amish.” Miss my Amish relationships in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Mishawaka
Carl, I’m very familiar with Mishawaka since I live in Elkhart. Thanks for stopping by and entering the drawing!
Memories
The remarks made by other readers bring back the memories of having visited the New Holland, PA for family reunions of the McCords. Annually we visited the memorial site of Fort McCord. This fort had also suffered an Indian attach. Prisoners were taken by the Indians up to Canada but later escaped. A Memorial plaque is also posted at or near the original spot. The review encourages me to seek the original edition.
Henry D. Sims
1006 N. Carlisle Street
Albertville, Alabama 35951
The McCords
Henry, I’ve run across Fort McCord in my research. Thank you for sharing about your family reunions and about the memorial plaque, which I didn’t know about. I’m glad to meet a relative of the McCords! There were a number of forts like it throughout that region, and the stories of how they held out during the raids are fascinating and wrenching.
Thank you for continuing!
Thank you very much for continuing the story so I’ll know what happened to them!
I live in the Lehigh Valley so the location of North Kill was that much more interesting to me.
I’ve always been interested in Amish fiction and appreciate getting a solid fact based dose of history all rolled up in one!
Looking forward to reading The Return.
Continuing the story
Amy, I envy you living in the Lehigh Vally–it’s lovely! This story and its implications are so fascinating that we couldn’t leave it unfinished. I also love historical fiction that’s closely based on fact. That makes it all the more gripping, and thankfully we found a lot of historical records that helped us to do that. I hope it blesses readers.
It’s amazing how much work and effort went into making this historical recount so accurate. Sounds to me that by reading either book that one would not only learn some very important history but be entertained along the way. I love a book that keeps you interested and wanting more. I believe this would definitely fill the bill on that account. Anxious to read and would be thrill to be the fortunate one selected. Thanks for the chance. <3
Accurate history
Kay, it sure was a lot of intense work, but the research turned up such interesting details that it kept us going. Of course, we wanted to entertain readers, but we also want them to learn a lot at the same time. Hopefully we’ve accomplished that!
Win free book
I can’t wait to read more!
I’d love to win! I never do tho!
I would love to win "The Return"
I have read many Amish fiction books and know I have many more to go thanks to a friend that buys about every one that comes out. Luv, luv. Luv Amish books and learning more about Amish
Autographed copy of The Return
I would love to read The Return. I love reading Amish books !!!
Very interesting interview. I’d love to win a copy of this to read and keep for myself.
Autographed copy of The Return
I would be very happy to win!
Fascinating
Looking forward to reading this fascinating book.
Can't Wait
Looking forward to reading the The Return!
I hadn’t heard of these novels but, I enjoy historical fiction and Amish fiction.Looking forward to reading both.
Book
I am looking forward to reading this book! My husband’s family is Old Order Mennonite and I find the history they experienced so interesting and valuable!
Looking Forward to Reading Both
I’ve noticed copies of Northkill at Amish stores but had no idea what they were about. I live and play near the “Synders” in Synder County, PA and I will read both shortly. Thanks for enlightening me.
I would love to win this book. I love learning about the Amish!
Thanks!
I’ve read several of Bob’s books–fiction and non-fiction–and I’d love to read this one too.
The power of love and peace in one's heart
This has been a powerful testament for today’s culture to learn how to handle grief and forgiveness with love and peace in one heart
The power of love and peace
Mary, I completely agree with you. We definitely need more of it in the world today Thank you so much for stopping by!
Can't wait to read
I will be honest and have not read or even heard of this story but I look forward getting the books soon. I’m always looking for good Amish stories to read of any kind. Thank you
Learning Something New
I was born and raised in Holmes Co. Ohio, but have never heard about the story of the Hochstetler family and the Hochstetler massacre. I would like to read more about it!
Learning something new
Susan, I’ll admit I’ve been surprised that not only don’t many Amish and Mennonites know about this story, but many family members don’t either. I guess that isn’t really surprising since it happened so long ago, and we’re occupied with our daily lives. But I think it has such treasures to give to us today, and we hope that the story will inspire and bless many readers who are learning about it for the first time. Thank you for stopping by!
Looking forward to reading Northkill and The Return
i have enjoyed reading your interview of the Hochstetler family and the massacre. I have Nothkill in my list of books to read and I will most certainly add The Return to it I am always looking for new books and authors to read. Thanks for this chance to win
Really Wanting To Read Both Books
I can’t wait to read these two books. I hadn’t thought about them getting attacked and their not fighting back till a year ago when I first heard of this attack. I grew up close to a small Amish community and later moved to same community they resided in, I since have moved. Ten years ago I started reading Amish fiction stories and fell in love with them and learning more about the Amish. I’ll be getting the first book and the second if I don’t win it.
Unser Leit
By Leroy Beechey. Great history of Amish from rebellion in Switzerland, immigration to PA, ect. Very interesting. Can find on line as Leroy is New Order.
Unser Leit
I’ve heard of this book and I believe he’s had it at Gospel Book Store when were were there for their big book signing, Anita. It sounds like a great historical resource. Thanks for mentioning it!
This book sounds very interesting. Good luck to all the entrants!
I’m enjoying your comments and am delighted that you’ve all stopped by and entered the drawing. It’s wonderful to meet everyone here, and thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I look forward to reading this next book. Northkill was great!
Thank you so much, Kathy!
I have always admired the Amish and their lifestyle…while the “simple” life often refers to the Amish…their lifestyle is anything but simple…but rather they do without all the fluff that has so many of us distracted from what is really important, God, family and community. I would love to win this book, but even if I don’t, I will definitely purchase it.
The Amish Lifestyle
Absolutely true, Dee! Living “simple” lives is a lot of hard work, but when you eliminate the unnecessary distractions of our modern lives, it frees us to put our focus on the things that are truly important. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Looking forward...
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book (found it riveting) and have been waiting for the rest of the story! Really good (accurate, well-researched) historical fiction is hard to find. If I don’t win it I’ll definitely purchase it!
Alice Mary
Looking forward...
Alice Mary, thank you so much for your kind words about the series! We’ve been tremendously blessed to be able to write it, and we pray that it’s an equal blessing to all those who read it.
Response to Return
Christian faith has become a fairy tale to some people or should I say some Christians. When your faith is so real that it is the cause to honor others over yourself then that faith gives glory to the person you believe in. We need stories that portray people who have strong convictions about their relationship with Jesus so others will know and be encouraged to trust his teachings to love your enemies and to trust in the Lord with all your heart. May the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior be with you richly.
Sincerely,
Larry Dimon
Response to Return
Larry, you’ve hit the heart of it–when our faith is real, our lives truly honor Jesus. That’s exactly why the story of our ancestor Jacob has the power it does. When his faith was tested by the worst trials you could imagine, he passed with flying colors. And I’m sure it wasn’t easy. He was human just like we are. But he proved that with God as our hope and comforter all of us can also endure and triumph through the trials we face.
The Return
Would love to win & read this book