MY REVIEW:
” Along Wooded Paths” is somewhat different than most Amish novels I have read, primarily because its setting is not in one of the expected Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana locations. Another difference is the frequent interaction between the Amish and the Englisch in this series. Because of the remote and rugged territory, all the residents of the small Montana town are dependent upon each other and their friendships tend to ignore the usual barriers.
After Marianna’s plans to return to Indiana are aborted, she settles into life in Montana. Her friendship with Ben has introduced her to a more personal relationship with the Lord and her spiritual life is thriving. She is very drawn to Ben but knows that a romantic relationship is impossible because he is not Amish. Then Aaron Zook, the Amish man she expected to marry, shows up unexpectedly and circumstances force an extended stay with Marianna’s family. Most of the book focuses on Marianna’s indecision between Ben and Aaron. Each of them attracts her for different reasons and she finds herself torn.
As the book draws to a close, Marianna has made her decision between Ben and Aaron and I found myself telling her “NO!”. The teaser for the next installment of the series seems to confirm that my instincts were correct. Can’t wait to find out if I am right.
I enjoyed “Along Wooded Paths” because it was not the usual bonnet fiction but dealt with some true to life matters and didn’t ignore the difficult subjects. I also liked the way some of the Amish characters began to question the importance of all the Amish rules and regulations when compared to a true relationship with Jesus.
For those who are a little weary of the usual Amish fiction, Goyer’s Big Sky series might just be a breath of fresh air.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
See what other bloggers are saying about “Along Wooded Paths” HERE.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
Find out about book 1, “Beside Still Waters” HERE.
Read an excerpt of “Along Wooded Paths” HERE.
Buy a copy of “Along Wooded Paths” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty 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.
For more about Tricia and her other books visit her website.
COME TO A FACEBOOK PARTY AND LIVE AUTHOR CHAT!
Tricia is celebrating the release of Along Wooded Paths with a Fabulous Facebook party on October 18th. She’ll be giving away prizes and a sneak peak at the next book in the Big Sky series.
Then during the second half of the party she’ll be hosting a LIVE AUTHOR CHAT on her website and announcing something BIG! CLICK the button (below) to RSVP for the party – then go here to sign up for the Live Author Chat.
