Mattie's Pledge

Journey to Pleasant Prairie #2

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.

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Inspirational, Christian Romance

377 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2016

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, and their experiences are the inspiration for her stories. Jan lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband of thirty-eight years, where she enjoys hiking in the Hills and spending time with their expanding family.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattie’s Pledge was a very enjoyable addition to the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. It is book two, however, I believe the story is easily understandable even if you have not read book one.

I liked reading about all of the various situations and challenges these travelers encountered. Without giving away anything too specific, I will say that a few times I was frustrated with people’s reactions in this story. One situation was when some members of the Amish community did not believe Jacob had witnessed some people behaving unlawfully. Also, Mattie’s naive take on situations and her confusion regarding the choices she had to make also wore on me a bit, even though I liked her. The historic details were so interesting without being heavy handed. I was happy with the way the overall story played out and with getting to revisit the characters from book one, Hannah’s Choice. I’m looking forward to reading book three in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Diamond Jones-Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Mattie and her family's journey. Mattie, her Family and friends decided to leave Pennsylvania in search of a better life in Pleasant Prairie. Mattie instantly became my favorite from the beginning. She had dreamed so often about traveling to other especially with her childhood crush family coming along. You are taking through every step, detour and emotions throughout this book.
Mattie found herself and danger a couple times throughout her Journey. Even after her Pledge to Jacob she still couldn't come to terms with settling in one place. She wanted to explore the world and kept wondering off to explore.
I loved all of the Characters in this book. Mattie's Pledge is book two in the Pleasant Prairie series so reading about the family and how they grew was great.
I also loved Mattie's sister Naomi. She was the exact opposite of Mattie and I wanted to know more about her character.
Can't wait to read book three and to revisited the family again now that they have settled into their new homes and lives.
Awesome book & A MUST READ.....LOL!

*I received this book free from the publishers for my honest review*

[Paula-O · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a series"Journey to Pleasant Prairie" book #2, Mattie's Pledge written by Jan Drexler

I like reading about prairie stories but Mattie was a challenge, she was always searching never content. Jacob Yoder was an old friend that she has known from childhood and she trusted him. He was the one constant that helped ground her.
Now the family is moving again to another amish community in another state across the prairies.
She has always dreamed of going west ...farther west.
This book will take you into the mid 1800's amish lifestyle. Times are tough and the trip west is very rough. On this journey Mattie will meet a charming english man who is a sheep in wool clothing if you get my drift. He charms Mattie with tales of the West each time they happen to meet, trying to entice her to leave her amish community and go with him.
I enjoyed learning from Jacob about the sheep he took with them on their journey and the
tenderness he had with the children. Mattie stole my heart and I yearned for her to find happiness and to lose the wonderlust she always seemed to have....life took many turns for her until she knew in her heart of hearts that she would always be amish,she could not leave her family and then to be content.

Thank you to Jan for a wonderful story, I read and reviewed with my honest opinion .
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book of the Journey to Pleasant Prairie, we travel along with Mattie, her family and other Amish families from Pennsylvania to Indiana. I loved that the author drove (rather than walked as the characters did) the same journey to better illustrate the geography. While I most "felt" the swamp part of the journey with the mosquitoes feasting on the travelers, the entire journey was well described.

Main character Mattie craves adventure and wants to continue further west than Indiana. She questions whether it is the right choice for her to stay with her family in Indiana or continue further west.

Mattie's Pledge is filled with budding romances and a villain too. It was an enjoyable story and I look forward to the next in the series.

My gratitude to Rel of Relz Reviews and publisher Revell for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, MATTIE'S PLEDGE is a gripping story. Mattie is adverturous and anxious to see what is over the next hill. Behind each tree. And like most of us, disappointed when we see more of the same. More trees. More hills. More...whatever. Jacob has never noticed a girl until Mattie. He is calm, controlled, and collected and he is faithful to what he wants. His stability to Mattie's flightiness was refreshingly real.

I wanted to scream at Mattie for some of the decisions she was making even while I applauded Jacob for working behind the scenes to do what he believes was the right way.

The faith message wasn't really strong. It was more general, praying and live right this way, but not a whole lot more. The story itself was very well told, like I said, gripping. I *had* to keep reading to see what happens next. Had to find out -- does Jacob's mamm survive? What happens with Cole? Does Abraham ever settle down? And Naomi... my heart aches for her and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

This book wasn't so depressing as the first book in this series, Hannah's Choice, it was more hopeful with plenty of tension mixed in. Ms. Drexler is a talented author I fell in love with from her biblical fiction and like even more with this book. If you like historicals, wagon train books, and Amish, you will love MATTIE'S PLEDGE. .Highly recommended.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about an adventure in a covered wagon. The story involves Mattie & Jacob and they many trials and problems they face and overcome.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amish fiction isn’t a genre I read all that often, but I’ve enjoyed this series by Jan Drexler so far. I suspect the historical aspect has something to do with that, but I think it’s also because the ‘Amishness’ of the characters is woven seamlessly and unobtrusively into the story, rather than being the focus, as often seems to be the case with Amish fiction. Instead of being ‘Amish fiction’, it feels like these books are historical fiction with characters who happen to be Amish.

Does that make any sense?

Well, anyway, Mattie was a character I readily identified with, despite the fact she is a few (or so!) years younger than I am. She’s on the cusp of adulthood, and thinking about marriage; a prospect that becomes more real as she becomes reacquainted with Jacob Yoder on the journey west. But Jacob has made it clear that he will settle in Indiana permanently. He doesn’t share Mattie’s wanderlust, and his dream is to build a home – a place that will last – and share it with Mattie.

Sometimes Mattie longs to make that her dream, too. But she has an equally strong longing to explore the open prairies and vast mountains further west; to see the ocean. Hannah captures the essence of Mattie’s dilemma when she says, “Every decision one makes means denying something else.” But how do you know which decision is the right one? That’s the question Mattie grapples with as they travel west, a journey shadowed by Cole Bates, an Englisher who has his eye on their horseflesh - and Mattie.

Although Mattie’s story was the primary focus, there were some secondary storylines here too (including a secondary romance), and the beginnings of a storyline that will be continued in the next novel in the series, Naomi’s Hope. Those who have read the first novel in the series, Hannah’s Choice, will be pleased to ‘see’ some familiar faces return for the journey west. And on that note, I’ll warn you: If you plan on reading Hannah’s Choice, read it before Mattie’s Pledge, otherwise you will already know the outcome of some of its storylines. In all other ways, however, this novel would read quite well enough as a stand alone.

I'm tempted to say this is a gentle read, and yet it is not without tension or suspense. So I'll say I found it an engaging read, and I'm looking forward to Naomi's story later this year.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book picked up where Hannah’s Choice left off. I did enjoy this book, however not as much as I enjoyed the first book. It took me a few chapters before I could really get into the storyline, and I don’t think it was because of the author’s writing style as much as I just wasn’t into these characters. But once the other families arrived to prepare for moving to Indiana, my interest picked up a little.

I had a hard time liking Mattie. She seemed so wishy-washy to me. One minute she was looking beyond the mountains wondering what was out there for her, and the next minute she was content and happy to be talking with Jacob Yoder. I did not care for her interest in Cole either. I think that was just another reason for her to dream and be dissatisfied with her family and Amish status. I do understand that this happens in real life for young Amish people, I just did not care for the way it was presented in this book.

I did, however, like all the little subplots throughout the book. I loved Naomi’s character and actually felt bad for her as she struggled internally with not being noticed. I cannot wait to read the next installment which looks to highlight her character. I also enjoyed seeing how the Amish men reacted when the “horse thieves” would show up at different times during the story. I often wondered if they would break their Amish habits and show their mean spirits! I know I would have.

Overall it was a nice read. I thought it was interested to see how a small group of Amish people would travel so far not only with their families, but with animals too. It kind of reminded me of the Oregon Trail which is something I loved learning about. I think if you like Amish reads mixed with some historical aspects then you will enjoy reading this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie’s Pledge is an attention-grabbing story. We find the Yoder family and other characters, which readers met in Hannah’s Choice, starting their migration from Pennsylvania to Indiana. The reunion of the Schrock family with the Yoder family was welcomed along the way, especially by Mattie so she could reconnect with Jacob Yoder. Mattie’s goals for life were different than Jacob that caused her actions to be unacceptable at times by Jacob and others.

Mattie’s Pledge is more than your typical Amish genre story. This book is filled with historical events of the migration of the Amish across states to settle in a new area. This story is filled with adventure, unexpected twists and turns when three Englisher continue to sneak around their camp to only steal from them. How will the leaders of this cover wagon train be able to protect and advise all without someone being harmed? Will Jacob’s mother be able to stand the extended journey? Who will truly find their place and happiness in the new settlement?

Jan Drexler is an outstanding storyteller drawing from her ancestry roots of the Amish and their movement from the east toward the central plains of America. The characters are well developed with true to life issues during this historical period. Their faith and love for God kept them grounded and focused on what truly was important for them. I look forward to reading Naomi’s Hope, book three in Drexler’s series Journey to Pleasant Prairie

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a wonderful read!
I loved Mattie from the start. She has a terrible thirst for wonderlust. I enjoyed watching her characters get from uncertainty to finally realizing what she wants out of life ! it's a shame it took a man like Cole Bates to make her see the truth of things! Mattie also loves to be with her friends around the campfire when they are traveling west.
Jacob is a pretty interesting guy himself.
Afraid to let himself love because he's afraid of losing that person to death. Jacob for sure learns this lesson the hard way after almost losing Mattie to an Englisher the hard way for sure and certain!
Cole Bates wants everything that everyone else has by stealing whatever it is they have. In some weird way I kind of liked Cole. It wasn't his fault the way he was raised. But he did get caught stealing one too many times was therefore; caught and punished and I think the punishment for horse thieving is a hanging.
All in all, I enjoyed this story because it was different from the norm Amish genere that I usually read. I love how they went West because unlike them I got to travel all the way to San Diego, California. We followed the old Oregon Trail which is now interstate 70! I learned this when visiting the Kansas Historic museum. I was totally floored!
When reading this story I felt like I was traveling with the Amish to see a new land but I also didn't know there was swampland
Bottom line, I lived Jacob and Mattie's story and I loved to know that they have a happy ending! I won't say what that is because I don't want to give it away!!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish meets Little House on the Prairie - a seriously wicked combination. Drexler has captured the pioneering spirit of our ancestors in the heart of Mattie Schrock. And an Amish girl with wanderlust makes for an interesting conundrum. She's always looking towards the horizon, yearning to find out what lies beyond...but will those discoveries feed her soul and fill the empty place in her heart?

Childhood friend, Jacob is the exact opposite. He's looking forward to buying land in Indiana that will serve his family for generations. So we have a hero who finds freedom in making roots while the heroine is looking for freedom by pulling up roots. Not an optimal situation for a love story so be prepared for some angst. Especially when a mysterious Englisher comes onto the scene.

And, oh my goodness, the history!!!! We're talking a wagon train of Amish venturing west from Pennsylvania and all the complications and dangers that go along with that. There are so many twists and turns that I might have gone into a bit of a reading frenzy. I was gobsmacked more than a time or two. I do so love being astonished by an adventurous plot.

And while this is Mattie's story, we also get a few different character perspectives and the bonus of a secondary love story. All in all a sublime combination that will engage the most discerning of readers.

My thanks to Baker's Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am quite fascinated by the stories of people that have crossed the United States by covered wagon. In Mattie's Pledge, Mattie Schrock and her family along with several others have decided to leave their current home in Pennsylvania to make a new life in a small Amish settlement in Indiana. There are mixed feelings about the move. Some like Mattie's mother are reluctant to go because it means leaving not only her home but some loved ones. Others like Mattie and her father are excited to embark on this new adventure.

Without being tedious Jan Drexler has given us a glimpse into how long and arduous such a journey can be. There are hidden obstacles and some that are right out in the open taunting the determined travelers. There are also personal obstacles to overcome.

Our human condition tends to always think of the grass being greener on the other side of the fence. Mattie has an inner struggle that inevitably comes to a head and allows her to decide what is really important in life. I and many others will be able to relate to her struggle.

This is book two in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series but I think it could easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I read and enjoyed book one, Hannah's Choice, and I think I enjoyed Mattie's Pledge even more because I knew the background of many of the characters. If you have time to read both books I think you'll feel like it was worth it.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author, Jan Drexler paints a nice story of Amish life with this book. I was transported to the Amish community and what life was like for Mattie and her family. For this reason alone is why I kept reading this book until about the mid-way point. What I did not understand is why Mattie had to have so many guys interested in her. I mean I can understand have two guys fighting for Mattie's affection but three when I already know that the other two guys are just thrown in the story to complicate things felt like filler to me. Although, I grew weary of Jacob not speaking his mind regarding his feelings towards Mattie. I knew how much he cared for her and I found myself screaming for him to profess his love to her. In addition, due to his experience with outsider's I felt that he did have a place to speak his mind regarding his concerns about Cole to Mattie. While I found Mattie to be sweet and kind, her naïve attitude wore on me as well. Between the combination of all of these things is the reason why I could not continue with reading this book. Yet, if you took away these issues then this book is a good read. I would read another book by this author featuring her Amish characters.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
This is the second book in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series, and can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book, Hannah's Choice, and had no difficulty with the storyline or characters.

I enjoyed this beautifully written novel with well developed characters, descriptive settings, several subplots intertwined within the major plot, drama, suspense and hints of romance.

The Amish characters were all likeable, but Mattie and Jacob were my favourites. Mattie was helpful, appreciative of nature, fun loving, adventurous, attractive and had wanderlust. Jacob was dependable, knowledgeable, trustworthy, mature, handsome and hard working.

I highly recommend this page turner book and give it 5 stars.

Thank you to Jan Drexler for researching and writing this authentic sounding novel about fictionalized Amish families moving by wagons westward from Pennsylvania to Indiana.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for an advanced readers copy of Mattie's Pledge in exchange for an honest review.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie's Pledge is the second book in Jan Drexler's series Pleasant Valley. Maggie and her family are moving to Indiana but she thirsts for more - she wants to see further west. On their journey something happens that could change her mind. During their travels they meet up with an Englischer who isn't what he seems. The families also meet up with their share of problems but they handle it with grace.

Will Maggie and Jacob discover love or will her love for adventure overshadow it?

A wonderful and heartwarming story that will touch your heart. Fans of Amish fiction will love this story!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Revell for my honest and unbiased opinion of this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie's Pledge is the second installment from the Pleasant Prairie series. I found the story to be unique and refreshing to read a different Amish book. I enjoyed it and look forward to continuing the series.
5 stars

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Series Journey to Pleasant Prairie by Jan Drexler, "Mattie's Pledge"
Mattie Schrock is a pro when it comes to uprooting her life and traveling with her family, her Father has always had a wondering eye and together their family had moved often which has given Matitie her desire to go west. Mattie looks forward to this next move with family and friend as they join them to head to Indiana, friends like Jacob Yoder who she last saw when they were children but she never forgot him and could never forget him.
Jacob Yoder can't wait to settle down in Indiana and have a place to call his own, but will Mattie want this same thing or will she always want to travel? What will be enough for her?
Jan Drexler has opened the door to a wonderful past historical fiction that you won't want to put down. Faith is hard to conquer in the best of times but during difficult times its at times impossible Jan shows us how these characters struggle to keeps their faith during these times. Don't miss reading books 1 Hannah's Choice and book 2 Mattie's Pledge they are both wonderful. I look forward to rounding out this series with book 3 Naomi's Hope.

[B.J. Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read as many Amish fiction tiles as I've had over the years, then you can pretty much predict what's going to happened when you read a new title, but that's not the case with Mattie's Pledge. While all the books in the series has the same theme of traveling to Pleasant Prairie, the story feels like a refresher with interesting characters, well-written descriptions, and an intriguing plot. There weren't any major twists or turns, but there were a few suprises, well at least I thought so.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Mattie's Pledge, well, I actually read it twice. I read the book when it was first released, and then I reread it over the summer. If you like reading Amish fiction, then I highly recommend it!

[Kasey Cocoa · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I've read and enjoyed other Drexler novels, this one just sat wrong with me. There were so many issues that didn't feel authentic. I'm no expert on the Amish, however, I am friends with a few Amish families and I've seen their horses and lifestyle. I wasn't convinced with the way they reacted in this novel, disbelief and naivety for starters. I didn't feel the three suitors were necessary or authentic, nor was the reaction to them. Otherwise, this is a well-written book and Drexler was able to convey the experiences on a level that made it feel real enough to visualize and enjoy. I received an ARC through Revell in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion and one I was not compensated for.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, though not quite as much as the first one in the series. I thought the way the journey the Amish took from Brothers Valley to Indiana was portrayed very well: I could 'see' what was happening, and it rang true of other pioneer-type stories I've read about the era, including what I know of my own pioneer ancestry. I did get a bit frustrated with Mattie's indecision at times, though.
I look forward to Naomi's story next.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattie has a wild, wandering spirit that ends up getting her in trouble. Some of the decisions she makes has me yelling at her, LOL. The characters in this story is relatable and you really get invested in the story-line. A must read for anyone who loves reading about the Amish. This was different from other Amish books that I have read, as they are traveling to a "new" land, so to speak. Usually you encounter one community and the story is set there.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked it. This is better than your average Amish romance, though the plot arc will not surprise you. The author started out researching the history of her family, and the attention to historical detail is impressive. The author wrote that she spent more time talking to her characters than her family, and I can believe it. The people are very real, and stay in your memory. Nice work.

[Donna Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie's Pledge

I very rarely give someone a 5. But I really enjoyed this book. I liked the setting, the parts of Mattie, Jacob, Blades and the supporting cast also

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book. Highly recommend it! Makes your mind wander back to forests and streams and what life might have been like in the covered wagons.. Great read!

[Regina Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting book second in series. Loved it

[Fabienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mattie was not my favorite character. I just couldn't stand her indecisiveness and idiocy.

Other than Mattie, I liked the story.

[Sandra Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Love the authors complex plot and the fact that it is Amish fiction. Very hard to put it down once you are into it.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drexler provided a great story line. The characters were engaging and likeable. A great read! Although this is book 2 in a series, it can be read as a stand alone book.

[Christie Kimble]

Very good read.. Love Amish books