Fiction Friday: Along Wooded Paths
In April, I reviewed Tricia’ Goyer’s Beside Still Waters. After reading the cliff-hanger ending, I urged Tricia on Facebook to hurry up with book #2, so she did (yeah, I have that kind of influence…). Along Wooded Paths picks up where the first book ended. Her characters are real and the tension is maintained through the book. I've enjoyed a setting other than Lancaster County for these books.
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 and makes a perfect segue to book #3, which Tricia has already finished.
Tricia always celebrates a new book with a bang, and this one is no exception. 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.
Labels: Amish, book review, fiction
Friday, June 10, 2011
Fiction Friday: Patchwork Dreams
I confess. I enjoy Amish fiction, which has become one of the most popular genres of Christian fiction. So I was delighted to be invited to review Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton.
Patchwork Dreams is a simple story, with a twist I haven't seen in Amish fiction – a heroine who returns from her rumschpringe pregnant and unwed. Although Becky has confessed her sin and joined the church, she remains an outcast in the community. She has reconciled herself to live as a maidal in her parents’ home or be married to an older widower.
Then Jacob Miller comes to the family farm to help with chores for the summer. Unbeknownst to him, his father sent Jacob there to distance him from Susie, his sweetheart in Pennsylvania.
It’s little surprise that boy meets girl, kindling romantic sparks that neither seems capable of dealing with. The entire story chronicles the terrible communication between these two and the misunderstandings that ensue. Neither seems capable of clear, open, honest communication, resulting in a painfully predictable, formulaic plot. Lacking a subplot, the story soon became tedious. I found the characters annoying, wanting them to just say what they’re thinking! It’s a very simple love story. Quite readable. At times enjoyable. But not exceptional.
Labels: Amish, book review, fiction
Friday, April 08, 2011
Fiction Friday: Beside Still Waters
Do you love Amish fiction? It's one of the most popular genres these days, and having spent time in Lancaster Country, I must confess I'm fascinated with this culture. If you also like Amish stories, I think you'll enjoy Tricia Goyer's Beside Still Waters.
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. 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.
I love all of Tricia's fiction. She's an amazing writer and the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. 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. BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last!Visit www.triciagoyer.com for more info.
Labels: Amish, book review
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Amish Peace
I confess that there are many times when I’m multitasking like a one-armed paper-hanger-- caring for Mom, running my business, managing my home, and going to school-- that I long for a simpler way of life. Maybe I should become Amish?
Well, that’s probably not going to happen. I’m too addicted to my computer and the Internet. But I’ve enjoyed reading a new book by Suzanne Woods Fisher and for a few hours, immersing myself in the ways of the Amish. The book is called Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World.
In two to three page chapters, Suzanne tells stories and looks at the beliefs of the Amish, explaining why they do what they do. The thing that surprised me was that their beliefs aren’t just old fashioned or legalistic. Each decision is based in firmly-held beliefs. The elders have carefully thought through each decision--often based on family. For example, she says they don’t heat any room other than the kitchen/great room. Not because they’re cheap or can’t afford it, but because that motivates the family to spend the evening together – kids working on homework, Mom sewing, Dad reading. They are all together. They don’t eschew cars because they’re primitive, but because they want to limit the distance people can go from home and family. Telephones are not forbidden, but they're housed in a telephone booth outside to discourage long conversations. They prefer visiting face-to-face, and dropping in is encouraged.
The Amish care for their elderly and disabled in their homes, and there seems to be no chaffing at the responsibility. It is simply what is expected. They exhibit a stoicism that is refreshing in a world of whiners.
Each chapter ends with several questions asking how we can apply these principles to our own lives. Not that we should become Amish, but rather that we should make deliberate choices about our lifestyles rather than allowing the culture to define us. Take some time and read this book.
Labels: Amish, beliefs, simplicity, values