Litfuse Tour: Beside Still Waters by Trisha Goyer + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK
Raised among the Amish of Indiana, 18-year-old Marianna Sommer plans to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and set up life in the only community she has ever known. But when her older brother chooses the world’s path following his rumschpringe, and a younger sibling begins showing interest in Englisch ways, Marianna’s parents move the family to Montana.

Although she is also in her rumschpringe years and not obligated to move, Marianna makes the journey to dutifully help her mother who is expecting another child. Surprisingly, from strangers on the cross-country train ride to the less rigid stance of the new Montana community, many English influences awaken within Marianna—and even her father—the desire to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.
After an accident, Marianna tells her friend Ben a defining story about the Sommer family, and his response further illumines the active relationship God seeks with His followers. In due time, she learns the move from Indiana was not about losing anything, but finding out who God really is. Despite all the shake-ups, Marianna feels a sweet peace, like still waters, in her soul.

MY THOUGHTS
Based on a true story, Beside Still Waters is spectacular Amish fiction.  Marianna is born directly after a buggy/semi accident that takes the life of two of her sisters.  Sisters that she is also named after.  In her mind, she has never lived up to the expectations of her two sisters, and so she strives for the best in everything she does.

She also finds herself really liking Aaron Zook, who also aims to make Marianna his wife.  But Marianna's father decides to move the family to Montana.  Even though Marianna doesn't want to go and give up her chance with Aaron, and she doesn't have to go, as she is nineteen, she does anyway.  She has several younger siblings that her mom will need help with.  Even though her brother has decided to live an English life, Marianna has always known she would join the church.

Her journey to Montana and what transpires helps Marianna with her journey of God's love and peacefulness within her heart.  A captivating read with likeable and compelling characters, Beside Still Waters is a fabulous read!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, 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 make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. Visit www.triciagoyer.com for more info.


 
Buy the Book!

 

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of the first book in the Big Sky Amish series Tricia is giving away 10 copies of Beside Still Waters and a pair of super cute antique Amish salt & pepper shakers.

Details at Tricia’s blog, It’s Real Life: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2011/04/beside-still-waters-giveaway.html

BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last!

Other Tour Stops Today!
Briana at I Can't Decide http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/
Jennifer at Adventures in Unsell Land http://www.theunsells.blogspot.com/

Christine at Sticky Fingerprints http://stickyfingerprints.com/


*I received an advance copy of Beside Still Waters to faciliate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are expressly my own opinion.