Hannah's Choice #1

Jan really takes you on a different road than most Amish novels take you. There is a lot going on, a lot of indecision, grief and love of family. She keeps you interested throughout and just when you think you know what Hannah will do, you quickly change your mind.

Hannah's Choice #1 Journey to Pleasant Prairie by Jan Drexler

1842...Hannah Yoder lives on the quiet banks of Conestoga Creek, Lancaster County, PA, however that may soon change. She loves her home and community, how can she leave it all behind or how can she stay behind when her family moves away...what choice does she really have? Then there are two men who tug at her heart making her choice even harder. They both offer different options, what does God want her to do? I know which one I would choose but even that choice had me questioning if it was the right one at times. Hannah has a lot of questions and a decision to make, only God can lead her in the right direction. I like the comments and wisdom Hannah's mamm (mom) said to her when she questioned how could she leave all they had behind if they actually moved so far away (on pg. 203: ("Liebchen, anything of this world is just straw that can be destroyed in a moment's time...Your daed (dad) and I want to preserve what is imperishable and much more important...Compared to you children and our faith, this (gesturing at the house around them) is nothing"). This certainly gives Hannah much to think and pray about in the months to come before the move.

I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story-line, including the differences between the Amish and Mennonite, and was a bit surprised at one particular part of the story (won't say what). This is an interesting story with characters who face some very sad, heartbreaking situations that had me in tears and some joyous, fun times that had me smiling, questions and choices to make, family dynamics, trials and challenges, strong faith and love. I appreciate the faith elements woven within the characters lives and story. A heartwarming story.

~I won a copy of this book from the author (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

This is the first book I have read by author Jan Drexler and what a surprise! I loved every word. Jan takes the reader to another time in the life of an Amish family facing many burdens and changes. It is during a time of growth in our country and the westward movement. It is when Rumspringa was about life choices not about driving a car or using a phone or wearing modern fashions. This book is not just about Hannah's Choices it is about a family with many choices, Hannah must decide her future with Josef or Adam, to move west or remain on her beloved Conestoga, Amish or Mennonite. Her family must decide moving west or staying behind in a district that is rapidly losing members. Mamm must decide to move on with her life after the loss of children. Sister Liesbeti must decide on going with her family or going off with her Englisher love, remain Amish or be shunned. I loved every story line and cannot wait to read book #2 in the Journey to Pleasant Plain Series. Thank you Jan for a wonderful story.

I will start with what I enjoyed about this book. There were interesting things about the book, it was interesting to see how Hannah's parents were willing to risk all they knew to save their way of life and keep their children in the Amish faith. Also, it was interesting to see how the war affected the Amish and Mennonite communities. I did try hard to enjoy this book, but it just never grabbed me. The characters were all over the place, emotionally, mentally and I really had trouble relating to Hannah's mother. The blame she seemed to place on Hannah was unmerited and unrealistic. Overall the book was not my favorite, but I think this author has lots of promise,her writing style is very descriptive and clear. My rating for this book is 3.5 stars. This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

Hannahs Choice, by Jan Drexler, is a moving novel that portrays the realistic struggles members of the Amish community deal with and the beliefs of the faith, set against the backdrop of the pre-Civil War era.

Hannah Yoder has always been true to her Amish upbringing and comfortable with her idyllic life. Yet, the dark cloud of her mothers depression over the loss of Hannahs siblings hangs over Hannahs head, especially when the shadow of doubt leads the teen to believe she may have been partially responsible for the death of the children.

Life becomes much more complicated when she discovers her younger sister is heading toward a forbidden relationship and her best friend is deeply involved in dangerous activity that puts him outside the law.

When her family decides to leave her hometown and move to an Amish settlement out west, Hannah is torn between the familiarity of the surroundings she has known all her life and the fear of encountering the unknown,

Hannah is forced to take a serious look at her beliefs and make choices she never thought she would be faced with, including her loyalty to the affections of an old friend versus the attentions of a new love interest.

Drexler draws well-defined characters and leads them through realistic conflicts consistent with the historical setting. She takes readers through the struggle the entire family deals with, precipitated by Hannahs mothers depression. Hannahs emotional and spiritual maturity develops with the conflicts she encounters.

I would recommend Hannahs Choice to any reader who enjoys well-written faith-based Amish fiction.

I received this book for review in exchange for an honest review.