Hannah’s Choice: Journey to Pleasant Prairie
In 1842 Pennsylvania, Hannah Yoder is a proper young Amish woman with some troubles and a few choices to make. Her mother suffers from depression; her sister rejects their way of life, and her father dreams of moving west where outside influences won’t threaten his family. These complications are just the start of the story, though. At the center is Hannah’s choice between two men. One suitor, Adam, has been her lifelong friend and confidant. But he is a Mennonite and Underground Railroad participant. Hannah loves Adam and knows marrying him would mean staying in her beloved Conestoga Creek, but it would also mean a potential life of danger, helping slaves, and forsaking her community. On the other hand, Josef Bender offers a life of faith, community, and the opportunity to stay with her family. But it would mean leaving her home forever.
Drexler delights with a well-researched and plotted story, focusing always on family and faith. Throughout the story, I really couldn’t tell who Hannah was going to choose, and really didn’t even know who I wanted her to choose; both Adam and Josef were lovely characters. It was refreshing having this unpredictable romance, and Drexler told it well. This is the first book in her new series, Journey to Pleasant Prairie, and I look forward to seeing where Drexler takes readers next.
