Big Sky

3 primary works

Beside Still Waters

by Tricia Goyer

Published 15 April 2011

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...

Read more

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 Englisch 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.
Endorsements:
"A wonderful story about the Amish and the way they live their lives by the writings of the Bible . . . Goyer is a talented author . . . Readers will delight in this."
--RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
"I was transported into the world of the Amish. Tricia's expressive storytelling and vivid descriptions drew me into the heartache and joy of the characters as if they were real people. So compelling."
Robin Jones Gunn, author of the Christy Miller series
"A sweet, tender tale that's sure to please readers. Amish fiction fans will be wanting more from Ms. Goyer!"
Kathleen Fuller, AmishHearts.com
"Only a gifted writer like Tricia Goyer could present such a captivating story about a group of Amish forging a new community in Montana. Tricia writes in such a way that the reader can't wait to turn the page and learn more about main character Marianna's experience. Tricia's talent for connecting our heart to Marianna's plight also connects us to our need for one another. "Beside Still Waters" draws you in with its genuine characters, and it holds you there with its enduring bonds of love and family."
Suzanne Woods Fisher, best-selling author of the Lancaster County Series
"A moving and gentle story that touched my heart and stirred my soul. I'm recommending "Beside Still Waters" to all my friends who enjoy Amish fiction."
Marlo Schalesky, author of Christy-award winning "Beyond the Night" and "Shades of Morning
""Goyer's story is ultimately a journey toward faith . . . The described scenery is luscious, the enclosed recipes are fun, and the questions about faith and lifestyle choice are very real."
TitleTrakk.com
"A sweet, entertaining tale."
Home with Purpose

Along Wooded Paths

by Tricia Goyer

Published 1 October 2011

All she wanted was a simple Amish life . . . But now Marianna Sommer finds herself depending on Englisch neighbors. Although proud of living apart from the world, she and her newly relocated Amish family have discovered that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together....Read more

All she wanted was a simple Amish life . . . But now Marianna Sommer finds herself depending on Englisch neighbors. Although proud of living apart from the world, she and her newly relocated Amish family have discovered that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together.
As Marianna begins helping those different from herself--and receiving their help--her heart contemplates two directions. She's torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a closer walk with God than she's ever seen before.
Who should have young Marianna's heart? What is God asking her to sacrifice? Her traditions? Her community? The answer is found along the wooded paths.
Acclaim for Tricia Goyer's "Big Sky" Series
"A wonderful story about the Amish and the way they live their lives by the writings of the Bible. Readers will delight in this."
RT Book Reviews
"A sweet, tender tale that's sure to please readers. Amish fiction fans will be wanting more from Ms. Goyer!"
AmishHearts.com
"A captivating story . . . the reader can't wait to turn the page."
Suzanne Woods Fisher, best-selling author, Lancaster County Series
"A sweet, tender story about God's gentle workings in the hearts of His own. Tricia Goyer has a true talent for creating believable characters readers can identify and empathize with. Anyone who enjoys Amish fiction will appreciate this moving tale."
Sally Laity, author of "Remnant of Forgiveness
""I was pulled into Tricia Goyer's" Along Wooded Paths "from the first page! A devastating past, a heart-breaking choice, this story has it all. Endearing, lovely in every way. If you love heart-warming Amish fiction you can't go wrong here."
Traci DePree, author of the Lake Emily series and "Into the Wilderness"

Beyond Hope's Valley

by Tricia Goyer

Published 1 April 2012

A young Amish woman, searching for truth and love amidst tradition, returns to her home state of Indiana after a season in Montana, hoping to understand where exactly her heart belongs.