New Augsburg: Book 1
The year is 2117, and Lydia Klein has lived a sheltered life in New Augsburg, a small town established as an oasis in an increasingly secular world. In the face of a government that heavily regulates publishing of explicitly Christian materials, Lydia’s family operates a privately owned press dedicated to printing books that proclaim the timeless Word of God.
Faced with the loss of their parents, her brother’s unwillingness to carry on the family business leaves Lydia uncertain of the future.
When the charming and polished Zachary Barrett, a wealthy son of the town, expresses interest in marrying her and buying her family’s press, she imagines that her problems may soon be solved. But as disagreements and new acquaintances threaten to come between them, will Lydia learn to act out of trust or be trapped in fear?
Endorsements
In Christa Petzold’s newest book, a novel set almost 100 years into the future, the fears many Christians hold in 2023 have come true. With new laws and policy threatening the Christian worldview, a few hundred Lutherans have withdrawn from the world to a safe-haven in Wisconsin, one of the only States that doesn’t mandate public education. New Augsburg is named for the setting – a town kept nearly unchanged in a bubble while the streams of time rush around it. The people of New Augsburg are committed to keeping their town’s bubble from popping. However, no bubble lasts forever – whether that pointed attack or pressure comes from without or within.
New Augsburg invites the reader to a place of delight and relaxation – a slower pace of life, an intent focus on the Word and the Church’s teachings of it. In the midst of this lovely picture, however, Christa weaves a thread of tension that goes beyond the fear of the idyllic breakdown of New Augsburg, but the question of how are Christians to live in the world while remaining people of the Word. Do we withdraw? Or do we engage? Do we fight? Or do we act only in love and gentleness? There is no easy answer to these questions, but Christa explores them in a genuine manner, and I’m very eager to see where she takes us in the rest of the series.
Sarah Baughman, author of A Flame in the Dark: A Novel about Luther’s Reformation
It was a delight to journey to New Augsburg, a town a century in the future that has the feel of a century in the past. Through this unique setting and a cast of well-developed characters wrestling with hard choices and heartbreaking losses, Christa Petzold showcases God’s unchanging nature and that His truth and His Church will always prevail, no matter what evil is happening in the world. I loved the gentle love story between two characters who were looking to serve the Lord and find their place in His kingdom. Petzold’s strong theological background, already familiar to readers of her nonfiction, shines authentically in this debut novel, enhancing the story naturally and adding depth to characters you will long remember.
Jennifer Q. Hunt, author of the Sorrow & Song Trilogy and the Wisteria House Trilogy
Christa Petzold enchants readers with her captivating tale set in “New Augsburg.” With well-developed characters, readers form deep connections and empathize with their faith struggles. Petzold beautifully illustrates God’s grace and peace through the messy yet precious gift of the Church. As secrets are gradually revealed, intrigue and suspense heighten. Each chapter leaves readers yearning for more about these beloved characters. The book’s satisfying conclusion provides a sense of anticipation for the future.
Michelle Diercks, host of the Peace in His Presence Podcast, author of Promised Rest
Christa Petzold has created a seemingly idyllic place in New Augsburg. A place filled with loving townspeople struggling against a confusing and foreboding future world. The novel’s sincere characters drew me in immediately and with each page turn, I wanted to know more about them. In particular, I wanted to see how Lydia’s life would turn out when we find out that not everything in New Augsburg is perfect. A gentle book with just enough suspense to keep you reading. The story of flawed characters attempting to live a life of faith is the story of all our lives.
Sharla Fritz, Christian speaker and author of Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success and God’s Relentless Love: A Study of Hosea