Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Naomi's Hope

GIVEAWAY
DREXLER, JAN
NAOMI'S HOPE

When the future is threatened by the past, can she trust herself to make the right choice?

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 though 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.

My Review:

The third and final book in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series and it's a bittersweet read because I'm not ready to let this Amish settlement go. No worries if you haven't read Hannah's Choice and Mattie's Pledge because Naomi's Hope makes a wunderbar gut standalone read. :-) But I also enjoyed catching up with some familiar faces -- sharing their joys and their sorrows in this final installment.

The mix of historical and Amish genres is a huge draw and Drexler does it so well. She brings the pioneering spirit to life through an array of appealing (and not so appealing!) characters. In fact there is one snide, conniving reprobate that put me in conniptions time and time again. Sometimes I had to stop reading because I couldn't see past the steam coming out of my ears. I fumed and railed and gnashed my teeth as I contemplated gruesome outcomes for this character! He's not one I will easily forget.

But I'll remember Naomi too -- though for very different reasons! She's a courageous young woman who takes in an orphaned boy and raises him as her own even though she's not married. Her family has endured a lot of hardships over the years and though she doesn't waver from the faith, her personal convictions are sorely tested and she's often at odds with God.  "If she could, she'd tell God a thing or two about how he controlled his world." (p. 228) Loved her defiant questioning because it leads to some real soul searching and, ultimately, answers. But she struggles to get there and I could totally relate to that.

And then there's Cap -- a lonely stranger fighting his own battles. He's drawn to the Schrock family -- especially young Davey and his intriguing mamm. There's great dynamics between Cap and Naomi. A bit adversarial at times, often awkward but also incredibly sweet. Cap just really needs to work on his communication skills. But then Naomi is quick to take offense when it comes to criticism of her parenting. There's some lovely fireworks within the pages of this book which makes the romance all the more fun.

Add in a mischievous little boy with an adventurous spirit who stirs up trouble even when he's trying to be good and you get the kind of read it's easy to lose yourself in. A triumphant conclusion to an amazing series.

My thanks to the author and Revell Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Naomi's Hope, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you include your email address in a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 11 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

41 comments:

  1. I've often questioned God's motives myself, so I could definitely relate to Naomi in this manner. I know He loves me enough to let me rant & then I find out later just WHY He does things the way He does :-) It's always for my best. Always!

    I'd love to have this book to read, great review Kav! Thanks for the chance.

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I think we can all identify with Naomi and Cap and that's what makes their story so relatable regardless of the time period or religion. Good luck, Trixi.

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  2. Ever since finishing Mattie's Pledge, I've been waiting to read Naomi's story. Such a special young lady! Thank you for the wunderbar review & giveaway opportunity! :-)

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. :-) Sometimes only a Penn Deutsch word will do, right? Good luck, Diana.

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    2. Jah. I just couldn't help myself. Your review was so gut! Danke!

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  3. Great review! I have the first two books in the series but haven't read them yet. I'm looking forward to "getting to know" a new Amish community :)

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. It's really a fascinating aspect of this series -- seeing how the Amish settled and the issues they had -- even with keeping themselves apart from the world. I wouldn't have thought that would be a big issue back then when everyone lived pretty much the same way...but I was wrong. Good luck, Heidi.

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  4. I enjoy her books. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  5. Is That Spam??? ^^^
    This book looks really good. :) Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy.
    iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. There was something strange posted but I deleted it. :-) Good luck, Linda.

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    2. Yes that was weird
      and Thank You

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  6. My TBR list just grew a little longer because of this series and your delightful review, Kav! Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres to read but I haven't read any historical books yet, so this series will be my first.😃

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. This is definitely a series worth reading. Good luck, Diane.

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  7. I love anything by Jan Drexler and I'm sure NAOMI'S HOPE will be right up there. I'm anxious to read this one. Every time I read a review, the more I know it's not only on my "to read" list but it's at the top. Thanks for the chance to win a copy and the review. :) 2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Isn't she an incredible author? Good luck, Kay.

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  8. I just received this book. Can't wait to read. Good luck everyone

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  9. this sounds like such a fascinating book. I love reading about the Amish.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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  10. I didn't even realize that this was an historical Amish series. I can get overwhelmed with all of the choices in Amish fiction, but I haven't read any Amish historicals. This is why I let you weed through the Amish for me. :-) tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Glad to be of surface, Terrill. And historical Amish is a really fascinating genre, in my humble opinion. Plus, I think there are deals going on with the first two books in this series in honor of this one's release. Good luck, Terrill!

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  11. I would so love to win a copy of this book, thank you for the chance.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  12. Naomi's Hope
    I'm looking forward to starting this series, your review was so intreging. I love Jan's books so I'm sure I'll love this series. I'm looking forward to the historical portion of the Amish book.
    cmakhavein@gmail.com

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    1. You'll love this series, Cherese. Good luck!

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  13. Thank you for the chance!

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  14. I think we all question God on the why of things. I'm reading this story now and I can definitely feel the connection with Davey.

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    1. Yes -- it's a universal struggle no matter what church you belong to. Enjoy the reading experience!

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  15. Kav, I just found our that I won this on another blog. Go ahead and pull my name from the drawing, thanks! :-)

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    1. So happy for you, Trixi. Thanks for letting me know.

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  16. I have seen several reviews of this book on different blogs and it sounds like a great one! Thanks for your review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. It's an awesome book, Donna. Good luck.

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  17. This was one of my selections for the recent summer reading list discussion. The series sounds very good - was just looking around more on her author website. Thanks! dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. PS Wanted to mention that I am trying to consolidate some accounts and eliminate so many passwords, so am now going to use this joint google account for my book related interests, too, so my husband and I will have combined photography and books. Maybe a fun combo? This should help my comment make sense re the summer reading list. Will have to figure out how to put both our names in the header. Thanks. CC

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    2. LOL -- I recognized your email address so I knew it was you. And can't we just get swamped by email accounts and passwords???? Good luck!

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  18. I always feel sad at the end of a great series like this. Looking forward to it!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Reading the last book in a great series is always bittersweet. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  19. I have read the other books in the series. Jan Drexler always catches me off guard with her subjects.
    Dianna

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    1. I've really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to more from this author. Good luck, Dianna.

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