After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook — a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana. As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own.
The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs. For more about this story, watch the interview with folks who inspired the Big Sky series.
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-four books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You,and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
More info: Living Inspired and www.triciagoyer.com.
My Impressions:
Tricia Goyer has another winner in her final installment of the Big Sky series, Beyond Hope’s Valley. The story which began in Beside Still Waters and continued in Along Wooded Paths, follows the life of a young Amish woman, Marianna. Her faith journey is portrayed in a natural and very realistic way. And her waiting on God is a wonderful lesson.
The story opens with Marianna back in her old community of Amish in Indiana. The English man that she cannot get our of her head or heart, Ben, is back performing at concerts across the country. The old worlds they both go back to feel alien, even though everyone they care about feels that’s just where they belong. As they turn to God for guidance, they both receive the same answer — wait. Beyond Hope’s Valley is a quiet book. There are no chase scenes or runaway buggies, but just an honest searching for the will and purposes of God. I liked that about it — normal people struggling with what God wants for them and where He would have them live. It was also interesting to see a character who has separated herself from the world struggle as much as the character who has put himself right in the middle of the world. It proves that the only real place to be is right in the middle of God’s plan.
If you haven’t read books 1 and 2 of this series, you are in luck, because now you can read the whole series without any delays. And if you have been waiting to see what would happen to Marianna and Ben, you will definitely enjoy this last book.
Highly Recommended.
(I received Beyond Hope’s Valley from LitFuse. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
To read what other reviewers have to say, click HERE.
To enter my giveaway of Beyond Hope’s Valley (ending May 14), click HERE.
Celebrate with Tricia and enter to win a custom-made Amish Wall hanging in the colors of your choice … and much more!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!}
- An Amish Doll {Sweet.}
- Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!}
- Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!}
- Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at “All Things Amish” Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more!
So grab your copy of Beyond Hope’s Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
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