Book Review: Tricia Goyer’s Beyond Hope’s Valley

Tricia Goyer presents the third book in her Big Sky series, Beyond Hope’s Valley. It continues Marianna Sommer’s journey where she returns to her Indiana Amish roots for her brother’s wedding, and preparing for her own wedding to Aaron Zook. Although being Aaron’s bride has been her dream since she was a little girl, returning to Indiana is a bigger adjustment than she planned on.

Marianna misses her Montana life. The rules are different in Montana and she can feel the disapproving stares in Indiana when she is friendly with the Englisch. The setting is different and she misses the lake life she grew to love in Montana. As she settles in, life becomes more unsettling. Marianna learns a lot about herself and those she loves, and has to make a choice, all the while drawing closer to a personal relationship with Christ whether her home is on the farm or a lake.

I confess, I did not read this book as thoroughly as I wanted due to the publisher shipping the books a bit late. However, what I was able to read was a smooth return to Marianna’s life and family and I absolutely related to the heart of the book. I know what it is like to have a life in two states, and both hold their appeals. But living in one brings conflict for Marianna not living in the other, and oh, how I know this. It’s hard.

There are secrets unraveled toward the end that I’m curious to know if Tricia will re-visit those characters and the issue in a future book. The secrets affect Marianna and I like how she goes about making her plans, with prayers to Jesus, and the eventual life she chooses.

If you enjoy Amish fiction with romantic themes and a transformation in faith in Christ, you’ll enjoy Beyond Hope’s Valley. I recommend you start with Beside Still Waters and continue with Along Wooded Paths to get the most out of Marianna’s story.

About the book: 

Beyond Hope’s Valley – Book Three in the Big Sky series

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook — a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs. 

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: Living Inspired and www.triciagoyer.com.

Link to buy the book:http://ow.ly/azust 

Tricia is having a custom Amish prize pack and author chat TBA, so please stay tuned to her website.

There are other bloggers reviewing Beyond Hope’s Valley. Visit them here.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Please Follow & Like