Welcome to the blog tour for the first book in Tricia Goyer's new Amish series, Beside Still Waters! Already praise is pouring in ...

"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

"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

Be sure to stop by Tricia's Blog It's Real Life - she's giving away 10 copies of the book and some (super cool) antique Amish salt & pepper shakers. Also - everyone who enters the contest will receive an Montana Amish calendar (while supplies last)! 

About the book: Marianna Sommer believes she knows where her life is headed. Nineteen years old and Amish, her plan is to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and live in the only community she's ever known. When Marianna's family moves from Indiana to Montana she discovers life and faith will never be the same. As she builds an easy friendship with local guy, Ben Stone, Ben not only draws her heart, he also gets her thinking about what loving God and living in community is all about. As Marianna struggles to find "home", she also encounters God in intimate ways. Watch the video trailer here.

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four 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 please visit www.triciagoyer.com.

Blog Tour Schedule:

4/4
Charlene at Quintessentially Quilly This is not your typical Amish romance novel. Hooray! In Beside Still Waters, Tricia Goyer looks beyond the usual Amish-story stereotypes. Rather than contrasting the Amish and Englischer differences, with the Amish being “good” and the Englischers being “bad”, it shows the likenesses shared by the two Christian communities. I found the positive contrasts quite refreshing.  

Julie at The Surrendered Scribe Beside Still Waters delivers the fresh angle I was looking for. The theme of letting go of the past is woven as beautifully throughout the entire book as a colorful Amish quilt. I might not be an Amish person packing up my life to move to a new place but I can definitely relate to living everything behind that I know and believe and wonder about my future. Marianna’s story is so relatable and yet remains a fresh Amish setting. I grieve losses, change and fear right with her. I understood the emotions behind her parent’s choices and concerns. Every character had a story and purpose that as a reader, I could use as a take away for my own life. Not only did Tricia develop deep characters, she painted a beautiful setting with Montana. I could almost smell the air and I loved reading about a place not realized as a central Amish location.

Mocha with Linda Tricia Goyer is one of those rare authors whose writing talents spans a variety of genres, and her first Amish novel brings a welcome and fresh approach to this popular category of Christian fiction. Tricia has taken the familiar elements found in many Amish novels and probed beneath the surface peeling back the labels "Amish" and "Englisch", as Marianna and her family wrestle with what it really means to know God. I was immediately drawn into the story and fell in love with these folks, even as they struggled through their many years of grief and heartache. If you enjoy Amish fiction, this is a must-read. Even if you don't particularly care for this class of novels, I urge you to pick up this one.

Lena at A Christian Writer's World I really liked the type of Amish story this one presented, not the usual Amish story. Good job, Tricia.

Christina at Will Blog 4 Books Beside Still Waters gives and interesting view into the life of an Amish family who has known their share of hardships.  

4/5
Wendy at Wall -to-Wall Books It gives a very good inside look at how the Amish live. The descriptions in this book are very good, I really felt like I was right there in the mountains of Montana. I could clearly picture the houses, fields, and buggies. I love books where the Author has painted a great canvas of their story. And Tricia does this very well.      

Becky at In the Pages I do enjoy stories about the Amish community - and this one was especially intriguing to me. Goyer is a great writer that evokes many emotions for me when I read her work. She paints a realistic picture that is believable and creates empathy with her readers. I would recommend this story - it is a good challenge for all of us - to really SEE and understand why we believe.  

Abi at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS I've read many Amish setting books, but never one like this one that Tricia Goyer has given us in Beside Still Waters, where a whole family up roots and moves to a new community that is so totally different than the one they are use to.  It was very interesting to see the adjustments that have to be made in their new community. 

4/6
Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer I have read dozens of books about the Amish, but Marianna Sommer is probably my favorite character. Throughout the story are neat journal entries and letters written by Marianna that help the book standout from other Amish fiction out there today. Overall, I enjoyed reading Beside Still Waters, and look forward to reading more from Tricia Goyer.  

Beckie at RBC Library Wow!  What a great book!  I had to say that up front because some of you might think “not another Amish book”.  I know, there are a lot on the market, but Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer is not to be missed because it isn’t just another Amish book, it is sooo much more. The characters are wonderfully drawn with all their flaws and virtues right out in the open.  They really show what a life lived in close communion with God looks like versus a life living by rules alone.  And the Montana setting will make the reader call up their travel agent!

Maggie at Tethered Mommy As a big fan of Amish fiction, I enjoyed this book.

4/7
Brenda at WV Stitcher I feel like in "Beside Still Waters" Goyer really outdid herself. She takes the very popular genre of Amish fiction and gives it a very fresh perspective, by allowing us to see the characters as real, with real problems. The characters are easy to like, and it was nice to see Marianna's character develop and grow throughout the story. Fans of Amish fiction will love this one, but even if the Amish Genre isn't your cup of tea, give this one a try because Tricia Goyer is a master story teller who adds a breath of fresh air to this one! A perfect kick off for the Big Sky Series, that left me wanting more! 

Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews "Beside Still Waters" is a fascinating look into the life of a young Amish woman struggling with many life decisions. Tricia Goyer beautifully captures the emotions - both angst and happiness - that any young woman experiences as she enters adulthood. Her masterful storytelling skills are evident in this novel that explores the traditions and culture of the Amish.  And with a cliff-hanger ending, Goyer leaves her readers anxiously awaiting more stories of Marianna and the Sommer family. I highly recommend this novel.

Amy at The 160 Acrewoods I’ve read many books by Tricia, both fiction and non fiction books. She has a knack for relating to people and situations that stir a longing to know God more intimately – which is exactly what I felt when I started reading Beside Still Waters. The prologue choked me up! It was so moving that I just felt this desperation and heart ache in the lives of Marianna and her family that I wanted to know more. This is different than a lot of the other Amish fiction I’ve read. Tricia really steps out of the regular Amish fiction and plays on the edge of the English World. I really felt more connected in this book because of that. I loved it!! I loved the focus on the getting to know God, and how we can miss it when we’re caught up in our own world. The ending is just fabulous – it left me wanting more.. I CAN NOT WAIT for the next book to come out! I NEED TO KNOW!!!!     

4/8
Margaret at Cappuccino Life I think this book was a little more interesting because it takes the reader outside of Lancaster, PA to Montana, of all places. The book isn’t just romance though (thank you, Tricia!). It deals with how families react to tragedy, and how thing that remain unspoken in relationships can cause those relationships to fray. It deals with questions of faith and community. And all in Tricia’s wonderful, engaging style of writing.

Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty This is another great start to a series about the Amish.  I am enjoying seeing the authors moving the Amish outside of Lancaster county and into aother parts of the country. I like that Tricia has taken the story out of the normal Amish trappings and given it a delightful new twist.   

Shannon at Dinglefest I found myself relating to Marianna in more ways than I expected. Beginning with a startling, tearful prologue, the writing was engaging and intelligent. The ending was less predictable and tidy than I expected, and it was an enjoyable read. And Tricia didn't present biblical truth in the forced or halting way that many Christian fiction authors do, but she also didn't water it down.          

Kim at Window To My World Tricia Goyer takes an Amish story and makes a bold statement about the personal relationship every believer has with the Father through relationship with Jesus Christ. While not unlike many Amish stories – these folks are forever trying to decide whether or not to commit to their way of life or become “English” – Goyer adds something different when she introduces the character of Ben to the Sommer family. Transformation is slow, but God’s hand is sure from the beginning, and their lives are set free from things they never knew bound them. I loved that about this story!

Pat at Sometimes I Feel Like a Piece of Bologna It's a gentle book, but one that takes enough twists and turns to be interesting. As a country girl, I loved the descriptions of Montana. I'm delighted this is the beginning of a series, because while it wraps up nicely, it also leaves some unanswered questions. And an open door for  sequel.
   
4/9
Amber at Snidbits I really enjoyed this book! I wasn’t sure what to expect since I’ve not read any other books by Goyer but I found myself pulled into the story.

Danielle at The Happy Wife I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Jody at The Corner Book Blog Very good book - highly recommended.

Theresa at Faith and Family Reviews Two thumbs up from me!

Debra at Footprints in the Butter I don't know where to start. I've read a lot of Amish fiction/Amish romance lately.  And I enjoy the genre in general. This story was, well, different from many of the others. ationships -- with others, and with God. It was refreshing to have the Amish-Englisch interactions in this story being ones where the Amish characters were learning something too. I was right there, totally immersed in that scenes. One aspect I really loved was the multiple ways the story was told... Marianna has a group pen pal situation, and the story is sometimes moved along by what she writes to this group of girls her age and by what they write to her. Very enjoyable

4/11
Karla at Quiet Quilter Tricia has succeeded in writing a wonderful Amish story which stems from the whole feeling and meaning of the Amish faith. 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!!

Jeanette at Declaring His Marvelous Work I read Tricia’s Amish book because I love everything she writes. Beside Still Waters was no exception. I had no idea what to expect, having read so little in this particular genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, I’m looking forward to Book 2.

Elizabeth at Count It All Joy Beside Still Waters is a very enjoyable, easy read that I do not hesitate to recommend. Tricia Goyer has brought us another book to pass amongst our friends.

Casey at Writing for Christ I thought the ending was well done, leaving just enough open in case a sequel follows.

4/12
Laura at Lighthouse Academy I cried when I read the prologue of this book.

Wendy at Minding Spot A captivating read with likeable and compelling characters, Beside Still Waters is a fabulous read!

Janet at Along the Way In Beside Still Waters, author Tricia Goyer has captured the tender heart of young Marianna Sommer as she tries to find her own place in the world. If you enjoy Amish fiction, you will love this book! If you have never read any books on the Amish before, this book would be an excellent choice.

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life I'll admit, I picked up the novel because I've been very impressed with Goyer's previous works of fiction - especially The Swiss Courier. I like how she crafts her novels, weaves strong story lines into the pages, and sometimes leaves me "thinking" after I put it down for the last time. This was an interesting first Amish novel for Goyer. I'm not sure where she plans to take the series, but she definitely left me wanting to know more about Marianna and her family.

Briana at I Can't Decide It made me wonder if I do or say things to make myself acceptable as a good Christian. I want to live in a way that is pleasing to God regardless of how it looks to other believers. I don't want the "right way" to hold me back from doing what I know I should do. Tricia Goyer leaves you longing for more at the end of the book.  I hope she writes quickly so I can find out what Marianna will do next!

Jennifer at Adventures in Unsell Land I love Tricia Goyers writings. In Beside Still Waters  I felt like I was literally transported into Amish territory. Tricias writing is so vivid that it has a way of drawing you in so close that you feel as though the characters are real persons. My heart ached when theirs ached. My heart rejoiced when theirs rejoiced. The storyline of Beside Still Waters  is incredibly tender. It holds a strong bond of family and reveals the love of God. If you love Amish Fiction then I would highly recommend you read Beside Still Waters. If you are not an Amish Fiction Fan or have never read any, then I would recommend that you start with this one. I am positive that you will be delightfully surprised.

4/13
Michelle at Our Little Corner of the World This is a good but hard book.

Julie at My 5 Monkeys This book made me cry and loved how this family all went through changes . They all found deeper meaning in their lives. I wonder whats going to happen with Levi and Ben. This book touched me and there are no words for me to explain , how beautiful this story of their journeys.

Shonda at The Knowlton Nest The end of the book made me cry.

Annette at A Well-Watered Garden I felt this Amish story showed a more realistic image of the Amish. Too often an Amish story seems to be somewhat docile and superficial. I am glad there are Amish books that peel the layers off a little more, and dig deeper in to the idiosyncrasies and personality flaws, and life altering circumstances and their affects on the Amish, although they are Amish they are human as well. By seeing a more rounded 3-D character perse, I can relate to them, and even identify with them, and thus become more involved in their story. The character Marianna is an admirable character. The mother Ruth was sort of like a unmerged butterfly, held back by pain and anguish from the past. It was inspiring as well as a joy to see her transformation. I really liked this book---most of all for the fact it made me think more about the Amish community and my own preconceived feelings about them. They are promoted as being a near perfect type, sober minded and self sufficient community; yet I saw in this book that they are humans as we all are.

Jill at Book Books Everywhere The author did a good job making Mari a real person. She is dealing with mich of the same questions and concerns as any other nineteen year old (minus those related to technology) and she is doing it with grace.

4/14
Urailak at Living for God A nice read. I think this book presents a more balanced view of the Amish.

Melissa at Real Heart Prints 

Grace at Books Like Breathing I know it’s probably a very ignorant thing to say but I have studiously avoided any faith based fiction. I know, I know… I should give everything a chance but I am terrified of being preached at. It’s probably a residual from Catholic school. But I figured that I should give this one a shot. It sounded so good and I have been fascinated by the Amish community since a childhood trip to Hershey, PA. I have never met a heroine that I genuinely liked without fault until I met Marianna. She was so easy to like and identify with. She never had a moment of obnoxious like many heroines I’ve come across lately. I also liked that she never delved into the area of preachy—the one thing I would not have been able to tolerate. Her struggle to find God (or peace as I prefer to think of it) was something that I really identified with for reasons that I am not really sure of. I'm actually quite jealous of Marianna because she figured it out. I initially thought that I was walking into a romance with Beside Still Waters but it was something completely different. I would think that I would be more disappointed about that but, surprisingly, I wasn’t. Marianna’s journey was something that I really enjoyed reading about even without the romance.
   
Charity at Giveaway Lady I was able to delve into the story and breeze right through it.

Heather at  Mommy Of 1 and Counting This was a quick read and I'm not going to lie, I CRIED a time or two reading this book. Tricia's writing is so vivid that as you're reading it has a way of drawing you in close you feel as though the characters are real and you're right there with them. I could pictures every single scene in my head.

4/15
Crystal at Cinnamon Hollow Reviews I am new to both Tricia Goyer’s novels and Amish Fiction. It’s not that Amish stories don’t appeal to me, I just never found one that reached out and begged me to read it, until now. “Beside Still Water’s” is the first in her Big Sky Amish series. Tricia is an outstanding author and has captured not only a bit of Amish culture in her newest novel, but also tells the tale of a 19 year old girls life and faith. Tricia has done a wonderful job showing us the faith behind Amish culture, the anguish of a parent’s loss and what drives them in how they carry on and try to let go as well as the way the remaining children have to grow and adjust. This book is heartbreaking, uplifting and joyful all at the same time! I don’t want to give too much away but there are moments in this book that are extremely gut-wrenching. I actually cried (several times) while reading it! Tricia Goyer can definitely draw you in and make you feel like you are right there living the life of the characters. I most definitely have a new favorite author.
   
Musings By Lynn Although Amish books are not my genre of preference, I found BESIDE STILL WATERS refreshingly different. Tricia has done a superb job with characterization. The characters are shown in their strengths and weakness, and as a reader, I care about them. I could feel with Marianna in the dilemmas she faced. She is forced to make tough decisions as her world is turned upside-down. She faced major challenges when her perception of God and community conflicted with her own experience.

Lulu and Knits and Reads I have read other books by Tricia, and I am amazed and impressed by her diverse writing styles. Each book that I have read is completely different from the last yet each book is wonderfully written and quite enjoyable.  I have always enjoyed Amish stories, and this is did not disappoint me.  I always like to see a new twist, since Amish stories can be a bit predictable, Besides Still Waters had a twist that kept me quite entertained. This book is about healing and an unexpected relationship between the Amish and the English and all in all and very enjoyable light read.

Beth at For the love of Books I loved this enchanting story. The characters are rich and deep. The storyline is masterfully woven with unexpected twists and turns. One of my favorite elements of the story is that while Marianna questions the roots of her faith and their implications now, the Amish faith is never “bashed” or belittled in any way.

Brooke at i blog 4 books I'm not usually a huge fan of Amish fiction, but I was excited to finally get my hands on a book by Tricia Goyer. I've heard that she's a great author and I was not disappointed. She's a fantastic story-teller. She really captured the Amish lifestyle well throughout the book while also developing the characters and the story. I was super-impressed with the entire book. I am definitely a new fan of Tricia Goyer and can't wait to read more!

Joy at Five J's Written by one of my favorite authors, Tricia Goyer.

Dana at Havens Torch I thought this story was woven together beautifully. I look forward to reading more of Tricia Goyer's work.

4/16
Pamela at Daysong Reflections Based on a true story, Beside Still Waters is a tender and emotional narrative that follows one family’s journey from despair to hope. The characters are realistically portrayed and description of the Montana mountains takes the reader there. I recommend Beside Still Waters and look forward to the next installment of this series. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Libby's Library News Beside Still Waters, spoke to me from an even deeper level, than other "Amish" stories that I've read. I think that I could relate to Marianna, in her strong love of her family, and the desire to me with them and honor them, even if it meant starting all over, in a very  new and different, environment. Beside Still Waters, is a wonderful read... filled with feelings, experiences, and vivid descriptions of the Amish culture, and of the physical surrounds - both in Indiana and in Montana. 

Marissa at The Review Stew A good one! I love how Tricia Goyer showed an Amish family traveling from their home in Indiana to Montana (one of my favorite places!!). It was an interesting twist to the story and not something you read about Amish very often! I love it! The storyline was great with some romance, mystery and suspense!

Danielle at Miss. Mouthy I am a huge fan of Amish fiction and read it every chance I get. Beside Still Water was a well written, well researched book with a lot of heart.

Jennifer at The Highest Shelf The storyline had some unpredictable and surprising twists.It is not a typical "romance" novel, and gives someone like me, who is very unfamiliar with the Amish lifestyle, a great glimpse into Amish culture and faith. I loved the characters. Marvelous job of setting a very sweet and believable story into that gorgeous Montana backdrop. I look forward to reading other books in this series.

Jettie at Jetties Ramblings This is a very good book, not like most Amish stories, that I have read. I liked that it tests the boundaries and asks why things are the way they are. Tricia Goyer has done an excellent job of writing, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good story.

4/18
Steph at The Creative Side of Me Tricia had a fresh and different angle from the average Amish subject matter. 

Janet at Home Is Where God Sends You I loved the book’s setting—a small town in Montana, a blended community of Amish and non-Amish who get along well causing other Amish people to question these for not keeping to themselves.       

Tammy at Tammy Is Blessed Tricia does a great job of developing the characters and making them seem real, as well as simply telling a great story.

Pattie at Fresh-Brewed Writer I enjoyed the characters of Marianna and her family. While this family has endured much tragedy and Marianna has grown up thinking she was a replacement child, they still seemed real and likeable to me. Tricia Goyer always has well-rounded characters; it is a hallmark of her fiction. If you're a fan of contemporary Christian Amish fiction, you will enjoy this novel.  

Mrs. Q: Book Addict A unique, refreshing Amish read. This has been my second Tricia Goyer book, and it will not be my last. I love her writing style, and her distinct characters. Great supporting characters, and amazing character development.  

Suzanne at Clicking Her Heels Forget everything you think you know about Amish fiction and hold onto your seat! Beside Still Waters is Tricia Goyer's jump into the Amish fiction market. A market which, I think, is full of books telling the same stories over and over with some name changes. Tricia has taken everything I think about Amish fiction and tossed it out the window. Beside Still Waters had me crying at the intro and ignoring all of my housework as I sat to devour this book in one day. I could not put this book down! Based on a true story, Beside Still Waters follows Marianna Sommer in her quest to be the perfect daughter and the perfect Amish girl. Marianna meets some Englischers who cause her heart to long for more. More out of life and more out of her relationship with God. She begins to question every rule that she was ever taught and she starts to think for herself and pray to the God that she is falling in love with.

Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner Incredibly easy to read and flowed at a steady pace. I enjoyed this story, full of heart ache, trials, joy and peace. It was very easy to read. I really enjoyed the Montana setting.  I have been to the area of Montana in which this is set, which made the novel fun to read.  The author sets a steady pace and leaves the book open to the possibility of a sequel.   

Paula at Thrifty Momma’s Brain Food Beside Still Waters is an unexpected and gorgeous treat of a book. It's like buying a trip off the Internet for the first time. You cross your fingers and take a leap of faith. Then you get there and discover you landed a 5 star resort with world class dining and an unexpected room upgrade. It is clear from page two on that Beside Still Waters is the equivalent of landing a five star resort. On this journey there is fine writing with great and moving characters and a stunning, heart-wrenching, plot. From the first page the author grabs you and won't let you go. Tricia Goyer has a real talent for gripping your heart, evoking emotion, and inspiring imagination.

Ponderings by Andrea I look forward to the continuing journey – both spiritual and territorial – of Marianna Sommer and her family and friends.

4/19
Carol at Books Before Food This book was a step above the other Amish family stories that I have read. I think it presented a more real look into what it is like to be Amish in our modern times.

Kat at Reviews From The Heart This book show that change even though difficult at times can bring about renewed faith, hope and love. It shows us that God will still meet us wherever we are and we can find a personal relationship with Him, no matter where our family decides to live. God will meet us there. This book offers redemption for the Sommer family that seems to live in a cycle of loss. Loss of children, loss of a lifestyle, loss of a relationship with God at times, but what they find there will show them that despite everything, God will lead them beside still waters and find His grace in the most unexpected of places. A 5 out of 5 stars, must read!

Lynetta at Open Book Being a devout Beverly Lewis fan, I was intrigued. It is every bit as good as Tricia's other historical novels, and unlike any other Amish novel I've read before. Instead of focusing on a particular community, the story centers around a family that uproots their lives to go live in a different state. 
       
Cindy's Love of Books I really enjoyed the book and honestly I managed to read this in one sitting. before I started the book I went to the author's site and realized that there would be a book two and after reading this one I am super excited to read the next one because I have so many questions that I hope will get answered.   

Melissa at Book Reviews The prologue pulled me into the book from the start. I enjoy Amish fiction and this one is different from most. Tricia Goyer has written in such a way and developed her characters so that you will be drawn into their lives and feel their joy and pain. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.  

Alexia at The Mommy Rambles Tricia Goyer impressed me with the new look at an old storyline. I love reading about the Amish, because their peace and steady faith are an inspiration to me. But it was nice to step, just a little, outside of the traditional Amish box and see the whole family experience challenges that may just change the entire way they look at the world. Tricia wrote a great story about God, reaching out to this family...and especially to Marianna.  

Sarah at Growing for Christ Hooked from the begining this book pulled me in and it was one that I couldn’t put down until I finished it. 

4/20
Susan at His Morning Glory I have always loved Tricia's books, and this one proves why. The depth of her characters, the realism of their struggles, and her ability to link to the heartstrings of her readers is a true gift.

Amber at Seasons of Humility This is one of those books that surprised me. The second half of the book  raised some important questions and stirred my emotions. The underlying tension of two different worlds was palpable and real. I appreciated the fact that this book was not a "formulaic" Amish story, and I think the mountain setting really added to its uniqueness. There were interesting details and enough plot twists and action to keep me reading. I also really appreciated the characters' growth--they weren't "static," but were constantly changing and learning, just like people are in real life. And it could just be me and the day that I finished the book, but near the end I got teary-eyed. Beside Still Waters turned out to be a thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful read, and I'm interested to see what happens in the next book, Along Wooded Paths!   

Lauren at 5 Minutes for Books I enjoyed this novel, and my only complaint is that I have to wait until book two is released to continue the story.

Pamela at Mustard Seed Book Reviews Goyer's fresh voice and the gorgeous Montana setting. 

Lisa at Kssnnikkel This book was not like the typical Amish books I have read and I loved it! It deals with tragedy, obedience (with the right attitude), traditions and change among other things. I will be waiting for book two to come out so I can have my unanswered questions answered.   

Edna at My Favorite Things This book was different than a lot of the Amish books I have read.

4/21
Lori at Frog's Lilypad What an amazing TRUE STORY inspired book!  When I opened the book, I was swept right in. I could not put it down. The characters' lives were so real. I could feel the hurt, surprise, confusion and admiration that Marianna and her family felt.  

Marjorie at The Writer's Tool Tricia Goyer has given us another heartwarming story, this time about an Amish family who has suffered greatly within their community. Many, including Marianna, see their move to Montana as running away. In a sense it is, but in a bigger sense it was a running to a new life, full of an understanding of God's grace and love. A place of peace and joy in the midst of trials and heartaches. For those who like "bonnet" fiction, I can highly recommend Beside Still Waters.

Lonie at Writing Canvas A great, captivating book to read, and I look forward to reading more by this author, Tricia Goyer. 

Michelle at Life in Review I VERY highly recommend this book! It is beautifull written with a beautiful story line and a powerful message. It is a deeply moving story that will grab you by the heart from the very start and doesn’t let go. I loved this whole family and was rooting so hard for them. The scenery descriptions are amazing and made me feel like I was there. And I feel as if the characters are people that I know. I hated for the book the end! I wanted more! I am a big fan of Tricia Goyer. She writes a wide variety of Christian fiction and non-fiction. 

Stacie at Simply Stacie Beside Still Waters was amazing and I was drawn into the story from the very first page.  Tricia Goyer is a gifted writer and I was able to visualize vividly in my mind’s eye as the story unfolded. Her characters were all believable and I felt very connected to them especially Marianna, the main character. The book ended with the story not completely unfolded so I’m excited that there will be a sequel coming out in October 2011. I am so buying that book! 

Mrs. White - The Legacy of Home This is a lovely story. As I read, I felt like I was visiting the Amish community and learning their ways.  You will glean glimpses of their wisdom and enjoy their simpler way of life.        

JHS at Colloquium A refreshing look at the Amish way of life and the manner in which they conceptualize their faithful obedience to God. Goyer gently challenges traditional Amish principles. Goyer's unparalled approach to the Sommer's family's struggles results in a unique and dynamic new look at the Amish. The cast of supporting characters are bright and colorful. Recommended for believers and nonbelievers alike.

4/22
Ariel at The French Daydreamer I love reading books on the Amish! This book was just as touching, and I enjoyed learning more about their culture through Marianna's journey and her struggles with her family and her faith. I found it interesting that she gave up her wants for the needs of her family, but in doing so ended up learning what she needed to know in the end. If you love Amish reads, I would strongly encourage you to pick up this book! 
   
Digging For Pearls I found this story to be a delightful read. 

Patty at Broken Teepee A good book and a sweet story.   

Nicole @ Gidget Loves Language I loved the insights into in Amish culture; if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Tricia from reading a few of her books and following her on Facebook, it’s that she does her research thoroughly and through relationships with real people. This shines through in Beside Still Waters as with her other historical fiction books.

Andi @ Radiant Light I highly recommend this book, and I give it a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God.

Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot I appreciate fiction that deals with issues like tragedy and rejection but at the same time is full of hope and as person finding understanding where they least expected. It's nice to read a book that is fiction but also tells a deeper story in a way that's not "preachy" or boring in any way. I enjoyed Beside Still Waters and hope to read more Amish fiction from Tricia in the future. 

4/23

Ramblings By Nicole I really enjoyed reading Beside Still Waters. One of the things I really loved about it was how it explored how Christian's "in the world" might appear through the eyes of the Amish. The storyline was really intriguing and unique as were the characters. You really feel like you get to know Marianna and can feel her and the other characters inner struggles. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and the ending left me wanting more, I definitely want to read the rest of the books in the series when they're released! I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian  fiction, especially if you like Amish novels and are looking for a unqiue twist on them.

Sheri at Christian Fiction Book Reviews This was a very positive heartfelt book. I enjoyed the change of scenery from typical Amish books. Montana is definately not a place you typically think of as an Amish setting. This book was different from most Amish stories and I enjoyed the fresh approach it gave. My heart went out to the family and the heartaches they endured. Definately a must read!

Michele at My Blessings From Above I really enjoyed this story! It was very refreshing to have the Amish and Englisch portrayed as working together as a community and not two separate groups of people. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series when they are released!

Erin at Connected to Christ An exceptionally well written title and the ending of this story was such a cliffhanger! I’m totally looking forward to the next book, Along Wooded Paths which is expected to be released this fall!