AUTHOR: Jan Drexler
DATE: 2017
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****
Despite growing pains in her 1846 Amish community in Indiana, Naomi Schrock has settled into a comfortable life in her parents' home with her adopted son, Davey. Surrounded by family and friends, she tries not to think about the fact that she's not at the top of any man's list of potential wives. Yet when Cap Stoltzfus moves into the area and befriends Davey, Naomi finds herself caught between the plans she has made for her future and the tantalizing thought that Cap might be part of a life she never dared to hope for.
When a couple shows up claiming to be Davey's true family, Naomi and Cap must unite to make the decision that will determine the boy's future as well as their own. How can she relinquish him to these unknown relatives? And can God somehow bring wholeness to her heart?
When I requested Naomi’s Hope, I didn’t realize it was the final installment of a trilogy, Journey to Pleasant Prairie. If I had, I would have read the other two first, as there were times it seemed I’d missed some important information. Not so much that it bothered me, mind you. This story is well told, with a large cast of characters, each important in their own way.
This story focusses on Naomi, Cap, and Davey, but Naomi’s family have struggles that impact her journey—especially her sisters. Other members of the community, such as Christian and Annalise, faced severe trials with amazing faith. Their part in the story truly moved me.
Then there’s Shem, and old nemesis of Cap’s who wanders into the new Amish settlement with manipulations and plans to further his wicked plans. His machinations raised my blood pressure—an effective villain.
Naomi and Cap endure a difficult path back to faith, and thanks to the author’s skillful writing, I traveled it with them. Naomi’s Hope earns four stars and is recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own.