Naomi's Hope

Starred review from May 29, 2017
In the final book of her Journey to Pleasant Prairie trilogy (after Mattie’s Pledge), Drexler focuses on the relationships among widower Cap Stoltzfus, single mother Naomi Schrock, and Naomi’s adopted son, Davey, in 1840s Indiana. After Cap’s wife and infant son die during childbirth, Cap relocates to LaGrange County, Ind., for a fresh start and strikes up an early friendship with seven-year-old Davey. Naomi, who feels unattractive and ineligible to be married, begins to dream of the possibility of a relationship with Cap. When Shem Fischer, Cap’s childhood nemesis, shows up expecting to be made a minister in the fledgling settlement, Cap is sure he’s is up to no good. Not long after Shem’s arrival, Cap and Naomi find themselves up against challenges (some concocted by Shem) that threaten to destroy their prospects of a happy family. Amid criminal activity and profound personal tragedies, both Cap and Naomi question whether God truly cares about them. Drexler’s historical elements set a solid foundation for this unforgettable story of learning to trust God amid misfortunes, insecurities, and heartbreak. Agent: Sarah J. Freese, WordServe Literary.