This is the first book I have read by Jan Dexter and I understand it was the third book in a trilogy although it was a complete story in itself so I didn't find this a problem. Her description of the characters and the difficulties they faced back in the 1840's was really interesting and well worth reading.

The main character Naomi has taken on the role of mother to an orphaned child called Davey who they came across while travelling to their new home. Cap has moved into the area after losing his wife and child and quickly becomes fond of Davey. Friendship grows between Naomi and Cap but although they disagree on lots of things she always turns to him when in difficulty. Davey loves spending time with Cap and the path between the two homesteads becomes well trodden. Add to the mix the scheming Shem who Cap knew as the school bully and there are some interesting twists and turns in the story.

I did enjoy reading this book and loved the information on the community and how they continually faced situations that challenged their faith. I am certainly going to read another of Jan Dexter's books

When I started reading Naomi's Hope I didn't know it was part of a trilogy, let alone the final book of it. I feel it could be a stand alone novel. It is the first time I have read any book by Jan Drexler. Her writing is good to me - really good. I started reading and couldn't stop! There Is no fluff or filler in this story. It is Historical Fiction, taking place in 1846. There are interesting details and descriptions about the characters and their way of life.

I would say the main character is Naomi Schrock but there is so much more than just her story. Naomi's Hope is about her whole community and the new life they are building. I enjoyed the liveliness of seven year old Davey, his age was depicted well.

I saw a few great themes throughout the book. Coming home is definitely one of them. Another theme is trust and who holds ours. It also pointed out how easy it is the be a believer in God but not really have a relationship with Him. Naomi's Hope is about finding out who one truly is to themselves, others, and God. It is a sweet romance that deals with joy, heartbreak, happiness, loss, envy, being unforgiving, forgiveness, trust, and hope. I am so glad to have been introduced to Jan Drexler and her writing through this novel. l was provided a complimentary review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book combines two things I enjoy - Amish fiction with Historical fiction. It was so neat to see an Amish community start to grow and settle in the 1800's. And Ms. Drexler seemed to have the facts - right down to having land papers showing your ownership for property. I appreciated her including things like that, as it makes the story more realistic.

Two characters stood out in this book to me. First, little Davey. He certainly had a lot of energy, but he brought a light hearted mood to the book that I enjoyed. His relationship with Naomi was endearing, although I had mixed feelings about him wanting to find his "real family". I think selfishly I just wanted him to be content with Naomi, she was taking care of him and basically became his mother after all. Couldn't that be good enough? But let's face it, in real life people have real emotions and I imagine all of us would feel that way. Great job to the author for portraying realistic emotions, and not just the ones that we went to see!

The other character that stood out was Shem. Shem was the obvious villain, but I have to be honest. I never would have imagined a villain like him! He made me angry in most every scene he was in, and I just couldn't stop thinking about him. Typically bad guys do not get me worked up, I just roll with the punches knowing that it is just a book. So not the case here! The more I read about Shem, the more I had to keep reading to see what happened to him in the end. I needed to be sure justice would be served so to speak. I won't give that part away, but I will tell you that I was gnawing on my fingers waiting for some big scene where the community would learn the truth about Shem. One of the funniest scenes in this book was where Shem got an unexpected visitor at an inopportune time. I had a huge smile on my face and did literally laugh out loud!

I don't think it matters if you are an amish fiction reader, or a historical fiction reader. Both will enjoy this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this historical Amish fiction by Jan Drexler. It's a well written and very interesting book. I enjoy the characters, even the ones that aren't so nice. Those are the characters that add the color to the story.

I really enjoy historical Amish fiction. It puts things in a totally different setting and it's amazing to see the challenges that were faced in those times. Great book, great job! I will be reading much more from this author!

I received an e-book copy from NetGalley without expection of a review. All thoughts are my own.

Naomi's Hope is the third and final installment in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series by Jan Drexler. I did not read the previous novels in this series but felt that this story could stand alone. The main heroine and hero were very well written and Davey, the young adopted son of Naomi, was a great joy to add to the book.
The characters faced many hardships as they planted a new settlement, but with the help of each other and relaying on God, they could make a life for themselves where none seemed possible.
This was a great story and I recommend it for anyone who loves Amish Historical fiction.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from netgalley in return for my honest opinion of the book.

Naomi's Hope is the conclusion to the Journey to Pleasant Prairie Series. Naomi lacks self confidence and believes she will never marry. She puts her focus on her "adopted" son Davey.

My favorite parts about this novel were the imagery of stains on shirts as a way to describe sin and how it's taken away and the villain Shem. Shem's focus on destroying main male character Cap was extensive, yet believable.

The division between two Amish communities in Indiana was based upon fact. One community found the other to be too conservative and conversely the community deemed to be conservative found the other to be too progressive.

It was an enjoyable series and recommended for fans of Historical Amish novels.

I love reconnecting with favorite characters and communities, so I was happy to find out how Naomi, her family and friends have been faring in their new community.  Naomi has been one of my favorite characters in this series.  She has matured and taken to motherhood in such a wonderful way.  Her love for her adopted son Davey, was written quite beautifully and her concerns for his safety and well-being were genuine.
It was impossible not to like newcomer, Cap, especially since he was so kind to Davey.   His character was a perfect addition and soon became one of my favorites.
I’ve loved watching the community the characters built and how they’ve flourished.  Ms. Drexler has penned a wonderful series that I think will appeal to readers of Amish and historical fiction.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.

Naomi's Hope is a beautifully written story of faith, hope and family. A great storyline and well developed characters. The fact that I had not read previous books in this series did not pose a problem. I enjoyed this author's writing and hope to read more of her work.

I have been eagerly waiting for Naomi's story since the beginning of this series. Naomi is such a gentle and giving person and to see her be passed by time after time was heartbreaking. But of course we know that everything comes in God's timing.

It's looking like Naomi is going to have to be content to just be a momma to her adopted son Davey. A husband doesn't seem to be in her future. But just as she's determined to set that dream aside her family gets a new neighbor in the form of Cap Stoltzfus. He's kind and handsome to boot so of course Naomi is sure he would have no interest in her. Naomi is selling Cap short. He sees beyond her physical imperfections and into her heart.

Naomi's Hope was a wonderful conclusion to the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. Lots of intriguing situations that remind us that the Amish communities face many of the same issues as the rest of the world. Some people are deceitful and can't be trusted. While others can be truthful and very trustworthy. Discerning the difference between the two is a blessing the Holy Spirit brings.

This series left me wanting to know what happens next in the lives of these interesting people. I hope that Jan sneaks some of them in the next series she writes!

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

New Drexler Fan Found!

I’m a bit leery of many authors in the Amish genre these days. It seems that several are in it just to make a buck or two off of a novella. To be honest, I was curious about a novel titled Naomi’s Hope, but I wasn’t sold – not ‘til I read an interview and endorsement by Suzanne Woods Fisher, one of my faves in the Amish genre. So I received my copy of Naomi’s Hope (third in Drexler’s Journey of Pleasant Prairie series.) How did I like it? I LOVED IT – and am now a solid Drexler fan!

Naomi’s Hope is set in the mid-1840s, deep in Lagrange County, Indiana. Naomi is a single mom to Davey, and active seven-year-old. When Davey forces a meeting between Naomi and a newcomer named Cap Stolzfus, drama ensues. There are dangers all around them – how can Naomi conceivably keep Davey safe?

I was given Naomi’s Hope in exchange for my honest review. It was suberb – and I lost more than a couple hours of sleep! The characters were intriguing, affable, and even cunning. Sometimes the story jumped around a bit, but overall it’s a tremendous achievement. Naomi’s Hope can be read as a stand-alone, but storylines from the other two novels in this series continually come up, So my recommendation is to read them in chronological order. Needless to say, I now have two more titles added to my TBR pile. If the others are half as good as Naomi’s Hope, I’m in for a treat!

Really enjoyed the final book of Jan Drexler's, "Journey to Pleasant Prairie" trilogy, Naomi's Hope. Life in the Amish community continues with new neighbors (good and bad), outlaws, danger and love and loss. This book focuses on Naomi and her adopted son, Davey. The problems that come in the church district and people claiming to be Davey's family and a possible romance for Naomi. I enjoy Jan's writing and will read more of her books.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I liked reading this book and learning more about the Amish in the 1800's. Many things have not changed for them in this time, but it was interesting to see them in this context. Naomi had tried to get things back together and start a live with her adopted son Davey. She is doing what she can to make things work, but that gets changed when Cap enters her life and takes a liking to Davey. She must now decide what she wants to happen and trust that she will make the right choices.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the review is my own.

I would have given 3.5 stars if the option was available. The reason for 3/3.5 stars is the book started out very slowly for me. The blurb made the book sound so good I kept at it but it did not pick up for me until a little over a quarter of the way through it. The last forty percent of the book was very good.

A few years before the book starts Naomi adopted a young boy, Davey, her and her family found hiding in his family's chimney after a tornado destroyed the property and killed his family. They have since moved to LaGrange, Indiana with other Amish families to start a new settlement. Davey befriends the new neighbor, Cap, and has his heart set on making him his new friend and dad. As Davey works on his plan, a few scrapes and almost near tragedies almost derail the plan. Will Naomi and Cap fall in love to create the family Davey so desperately desires?

As I mentioned before the book had its slow spots but it is a book I would recommend to others. The history woven into the story is very interesting. I also found it interesting as I have visited the modern day LaGrange, Indiana to see the Amish and I found it fascinating to learn about how it started.

This is the third book in a series. I have not read the first two but have put them on my list of books to read.

Naomi's Hope by Jan Drexler is a deeply moving story! The Amish genre is one of my favorite to read, and I had not previously read books by Jan Drexler. I will now look for other books from her in this genre, along with my other favorite authors.
The story of Naomi and Davey's friendship with Cam, a newcomer to their Indiana Amish community in the mid 1800's, is superbly well written. Cam feels quickly welcomed by Naomi, her adopted son Davey, her parents and her sisters and their families. He also feels a growing attraction for Naomi, who is convinced no man will ever find her attractive. She starts to feel hope though, as her affection for him grows deeper with his caring and love for Davey. Their happiness is threatened when a new minister, Shem, moves to their community. Shem unfortunately is not the typical kind and dedicated Amish minister- he comes with ulterior motives of dividing the community.
The writing in Naomi's Hope is superb, and it is a difficult story to put down. I highly recommend!

Loved this story. This is a historical Amish story. It takes place in 1846. I love how Dave and Cap get to be great friends and then Naomi starts to be friends with Cap also. This is the third book in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. You do not have to have read the first two to enjoy this book. You won't be lost at all. I did not want to put this book down. I received this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Naomi's Hope, book two from the Journey Pleasant Prairie series, is a pretty good read. I enjoyed it and look forward to more by this author.

Naomi's Hope is just that, a book full of hope. It is about abandonment being big-hearted, compassion, deceit, evil, fallaciousness, GODly faith, GODly love, and forgiveness. The book really captures your attention immediately but not only that it grabs at your heartstrings. You find yourself routing for them all the way. The characters find themselves questioning their faith but just like all of us you turn to the LORD and HE guides you through what you are going through no matter how bad it is for like HE promised "I will never leave you or forsake you". The characters had to learn this lesson, and you were pulling for them all the way. You felt for them - now that is an impressive book to me - and it will be for you.

It was fun catching up with characters from past books in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. Naomi's Hope is the third and final installment in this series.Things were not easy at times for the characters in this book but forgiveness is a key factor in what makes this book so good. The characters are flawed, just like we are and it makes the book so much more likable. My favorite character was Davey, the adopted son of Naomi. He had little boy spunk and a hard time of it at times but with the gentle help and wisdom of those around him he persevered.I look forward to seeing what this author has coming up next.
Pub Date 06 Jun 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Naomi’s Hope by Jan Drexler is book 3 in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. It is not imperative that you read the first two books before reading this one but I believe you will want to. There is enough background in this book that you will not feel like you missed too much if you haven’t read the first two.
Naomi is raising Davey while living at home with her parents and brother, Henry. She had Davey when they moved to the area and there are some rumors around the community as to whether he is her natural child and whether she has been married at her young age. Mostly though the community accepts her as his mother and welcomes the family into the life of the community. When new, single neighbor, Cap Stoltzfus, moves in next to the Schrock family Davey is drawn to him immediately. How will this new friendship affect Davey’s relationship with Naomi? When Shem Fischer arrives in the community, Cap suspects trouble as he has known Shem from childhood. Will Shem destroy the community to satisfy his own ego? Will the Cap have to leave because of secrets from his past or will he be able to overcome the past and learn to forgive himself and open his heart to love again?
This book is filled with lots of suspense and a fast-moving story line to keep the reader engaged from page one. If you have read the first two books you will be ready to find out what happens next. The characters are so well-written that you can feel their pain, confusion and stress at various times throughout the book. I almost cried with Naomi at times when she was having difficulties involving Davey. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading Amish fiction. I give it a solid 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Naomi’s Hope by Jan Drexler is the third book in Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. It is April 1846 in LaGrange County, Indiana. Naomi Schrock is out looking for her adopted son, Davey and discovers him with their new neighbor, Cap Stoltzfus. Davey has taken an instant liking to Cap and wants to spend time with him. Cap moved to Indiana from Holmes County, Ohio to get away from the memories of his deceased wife and child. Cap is happy in the new community and enjoys spending time with young Davey, but then an old nemesis shows up. Shem Fischer, a bully from his childhood, moves to town. Shem came from Ontario, because he heard of the communities need for a minister. Cap distrusts Shem, but he keeps his own counsel. Shem soon starts showing his true colors when he spreads seeds of doubt and mistrust among the two different Amish districts of LaGrange County and the Clinton Township. Is there a chance of once again uniting these two factions? Naomi and Cap spend time with each other, and Naomi begins to hope of a future she never thought possible. But then Naomi’s world crumbles around her when relatives come to claim Davey. How will this impact Naomi and Cap’s relationship? Read Naomi’s Hope to find out how the Journey to Pleasant Prairie trilogy ends.

Naomi’s Hope contains good writing, but I found the pace of the novel to be slow. The story slowly unfolds, but then wraps up quickly at the end. After getting into Naomi’s Hope, I could anticipate how the story would unfold and end. It is a lovely story, though, and that I found pleasurable to read. While Naomi’s Hope is the third book in this series, it can be read alone. I appreciated the additional storyline of Naomi’s struggle with faith. A struggle many people are familiar with and understand. I give Naomi’s Hope 4 out of 5 stars. Some of the themes in the Naomi’s Hope are love, forgiveness, loss, greed, and faith. I thought the characters were realistic and relatable. I also liked the setting and time period. The author did a remarkable job at portraying that region of Ohio and time. Personally, I did feel that the story could have used a little fine tuning that would have made for a better novel. Naomi’s Hope is a novel worth reading, and I trust you will enjoy it as well.