Mattie's Pledge by Jan Drexler

A Tender, Poignant, and Heartwarming Glimpse into the Amish Migration West from Pennsylvania
Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.
Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?
Tender, poignant, and gentle, "Mattie's Pledge" offers readers a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s--and into the yearning heart of a character they'll not soon forget.




About The Author

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking the Black Hills and the Badlands. She is the author of the Love Inspired novels The Prodigal Son Returns, A Mother for His Children, and A Home for His Family.

My Review

As this story begins we are back in the Lancaster Pennsylvania area and with the Schrock family, and we are with another daughter Mattie and her desire to see this country.
As the story opens the family is busy getting ready for their journey to the new Amish settlement in Indiana, and the hopes of abundant farm land at affordable prices. We are with the family and friends when the old friends from another community arrive to go with them to their new homes.
Jacob Yoder remembers Mattie from their old settlement and is so fond of her, you can see the sparks fly, but Mattie isn’t sure she wants to end her journey at Indiana, the mountains and ocean lay ahead and she wants to see it all. Will Mattie ever get over her restless wandering desire or will she leave with a handsome stranger that seems to pose danger.
This is a glimpse into Amish life in our country back in the 1840’s, and life is a bit rough traveling in wagons across our States. I will tell you once you open the cover of this book, you will be quickly turning the pages to find answers.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.