Charis in the World of Wonders by Mary Youmans is a surprising and captivating novel that opens with a strong hook, drawing the reader in and never letting go. The story follows Charis, a coming-of-age Puritan girl living with her family in a New England outpost. Charis’s world is upended when she awakens to the sound of gunfire and war. Her mother sends her into the woods to hide as their family makes a desperate attempt to defend their homestead. By morning, Charis is left to presume her entire family is dead.

Seeking safety, Charis escapes to a nearby fort, only to discover that it has been captured by French and Indian forces who have massacred the English Puritans living there. Alone and devastated, Charis eventually finds refuge with another Puritan family who take her in and become her foster parents, offering a haven of stability amidst the chaos.

As Charis grows, she finds an opportunity to make her way in the world by sewing for a wealthy Puritan family. Through her work, she meets a man who becomes her future husband—a powerfully good character—and faces new challenges, including enemies driven by jealousy and small-mindedness. Her past haunts her, leading to accusations of witchcraft more than once.

Though the story opens with tragedy, Charis is supported throughout the story with hope and faith in a merciful Christ. The vivid portrayal of the New England Puritan community and its relatable, human characters gives us excellent historical fiction which sounds and feels authentic. The narrative is clean and, while violence is present, it is handled tastefully and never becomes gratuitous.

While I initially thought this novel might be suitable for teen readers, it became clear that it is better suited for adults. One narrative element makes me hesitant to recommend the book to teens. Several young women characters grapple with romantic longing and marital intimacy in a way that, while chaste, is frank and, at times, too detailed for younger readers. Comments about marital relations and childbirth add little value except to challenge misconceptions about Puritan marriages, but they may feel unnecessary for an innocent audience.

Overall, Charis in the World of Wonders  is an extremely well-written, historically grounded, and captivating story. It weaves faith, history, and compelling storytelling into a powerful reading experience, with an exciting and satisfying resolution that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.