Beyond Hope's Valley by Tricia Goyer, Book review

Synopsis:

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.

My thoughts:

'Beyond Hope's Valley'  is book # 3 in the series 'Big Sky Novels' and whilst I would have prefered to read the stories in order, this last installment's was in itself a true pleasure. Tricia Goyer introduces yet again to a different facet of Amish life.

I have learned from previous works such as 'Night Song' and 'Dawn of a Thousand Nights' there is always something for me to learn from this author and even better, witness as a fellow Christian.

Amish life varies from area to area and communities such as the traditional one our protagonist belonged to before leaving for Montana is no different. It soon becomes clear returning to Indiana brings to Marianna challenges she had not foreseen and the past casts many shadows over her family.

Beyond Hope's Valley would have been just another Amish story but the interaction betwixt Amish and Englisher gives it a different twist and I found myself drawn to the story after the fourth chapter. The romantic in me found the letters 'written with the pen of the man who dreams of...' captivating.

Tricia Goyer mentions an Amish proverb: 'The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trials.' Plain and true words!

In this heartwarming tale, Marianna learns to follow her heart and God's love gives her the serenity to accept His plans for her and her family!

A pleasant story to delight any reader who likes Amish inspired novels, complete with mouth watering recipes and solid wisdom!

I give 4 stars!

Note to readers: 'Along Wooden Paths' and 'Beside Still Water' are book # 1 and book # 2 in 'The Big Sky Novel'.

Also as part of this blog tour, I would like to invite you to read other reviews on this book (here)

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Beside Still Waters, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003.

Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

For more on this author please visit her website (here).

AND THERE IS MORE...
Tricia is hosting a Custom Amish Prize Pack Giveaway and an All Things Amish Author Chat Party!

Win a Custom Amish Prize Pack from @TriciaGoyer in her Beyond Hope's Valley Giveaway! RSVP for All Things Amish Party {5/21}! 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!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.