ANOTHER EXCELLENT AMISH NOVEL !! WOW!

             Beside Still Waters

                               By Tricia Goyer

Tricia has succeeded in writing a wonderful Amish story which stems from the whole feeling and meaning of the Amish faith. She uses a Bible verse on her first  page, which certainly makes one think.  "Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" , Romans12:2.  This indeed portrays the Amish faith and tradition and really  strengthens your desire to  read this book and feel the commitment of these dear people.
The main character, Marianna Sommer , 18 years old, was raised among the Amish of Indiana. Her plan is to be baptized into her church and marry her love, Aaron Zook.  It is her great desire to set up her household and raise her family in the only community in which she has ever lived. Unfortunately for Marianna, her older brother  decides to choose the world's ways after his rumschpringe and a younger sibling also begins to  have the same desire.  To her dismay, her parents decide to move to Montana to avoid losing another child to the Englishers. These parents care deeply and wish to keep their family in the Amish faith. To Marianna, this spells disaster, as she has to move away from the love of her life and her world will change.
Although, Marianna is in HER rumschpringe years and not obligated to obey her parents, she does decide to move to help her mother who is expecting a new baby and will need her help. This, in itself, shows the deep commitment to family, around which the Amish faith has. Tricia does a magnificent job of  getting you involved with her characters that you feel Marianna's struggle and pain. You become part of the family and I felt so strongly that I wanted to help this young lady in her time of need!!
During the trip, from strangers, she develops an even greater desire kind of joy and love for the Lord.
In time, this wonderful young person learns that the move to Indiana was not really about losing anything but was all about finding out who God really is and the importance of a relationship. She finds a marvellous peace in her soul, "like still waters", despite all the shake ups.
As much as I would love to tell you more and my favorite parts, I must not give spoilers to this book. It is one that would be beneficial for ALL to read , from start to finish.
Tricia Goyer is an up and coming author with a great ability to make you FEEL!   Emotions are rushing here, there and everywhere , as her story has twists and turns. Just when you have it all figured out, another complication arises. Thank you Tricia, for making me think!!  Keep writing!!
This book was supplied by LitFuse in exchange for a review. GLAD IT WAS :)

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!

Blog Tour Schedule: : http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13199255) Please read other reviews of this book.