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Big Sky #1
Beside Still Waters
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.
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.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
1244 people are currently reading
2805 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Goyer
163 books1,675 followersTricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
December 19, 2011
I love being able to have a new experience every time I read a book, and when it comes to reading Amish fiction...well, that's a tad bit of a rarity. Most of the time, their culture is seen as difficult, closed off, and rigorous. But in Tricia Goyer's first Amish novel, those cultural boundaries are pushed to the edge, and seriously...it makes for an incredibly entertaining, yet beautiful, story that I won't soon forget.
What surprised me most about this story was the increased interaction between the Amish and the Englisch. Normally, the Amish are not known for this, but frankly, when you live in the wide open spaces of Montana, you don't have much choice about who your neighbors are. For Marianna and her father, this unusual arrangement with outsiders took some getting used to at first, but slowly, those self-imposed walls began to drop, and new relationships started to form. Not only were these new relationships with common people, but also, with God Himself.
Prior to reading Beside Still Waters, I had read only a handful of Tricia's novels, but truly, she has a gift with the Amish genre. Not that her other books aren't great in their own rights, but she has a different voice here that kept pulling on my heartstrings, and it just would...not...let...go. If you're like me and love a great Amish read, yet you long for something different, Beside Still Waters is one of the best. Period.
What surprised me most about this story was the increased interaction between the Amish and the Englisch. Normally, the Amish are not known for this, but frankly, when you live in the wide open spaces of Montana, you don't have much choice about who your neighbors are. For Marianna and her father, this unusual arrangement with outsiders took some getting used to at first, but slowly, those self-imposed walls began to drop, and new relationships started to form. Not only were these new relationships with common people, but also, with God Himself.
Prior to reading Beside Still Waters, I had read only a handful of Tricia's novels, but truly, she has a gift with the Amish genre. Not that her other books aren't great in their own rights, but she has a different voice here that kept pulling on my heartstrings, and it just would...not...let...go. If you're like me and love a great Amish read, yet you long for something different, Beside Still Waters is one of the best. Period.
April 23, 2011
This wasn’t my first time reading an Amish Fiction novel, but it was my first time reading any of Tricia Goyer’s work. 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 follows Marianna as she prepares to move across the country from her home in her Amish community in Indiana to Montana and a town that had more of an English influence than she was accustomed to. Marianna didn’t want to leave Indiana because of the relationship with Aaron Zook, that was just finally beginning to take shape. Another reason was her older brother Levi still lived there among the English after leaving the Amish community months before. I could literally feel what Marianna was going through. She wanted to please her parents, but was upset to leave her life behind in Indiana. She is a girl who puts others first before her own wants and needs and didn’t make much of a fuss when she realized she was going to move. I know I wouldn’t have been that calm if I was Marianna! It just shows you the kind of character she is putting everyone else above herself.
The book is full of emotion and is sad in parts especially when Marianna is reflecting back on the night she was born and her two sisters dying in the buggy accident. She grew up always feeling inadequate and that she wasn’t good enough to replace her two sisters lost. She always felt her mom’s sadness and I could feel Marianna’s pain when it came to her relationship with her mother.
When Marianna gets to Montana, she meets an English man named Ben and you could feel the immediate connection between the two of them. I was rooting for them to get together and forget Aaron back in Indiana. However, I knew Marianna’s devotion to the Amish community and that it wouldn’t be proper for her to be with an Englisher. 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!
The book follows Marianna as she prepares to move across the country from her home in her Amish community in Indiana to Montana and a town that had more of an English influence than she was accustomed to. Marianna didn’t want to leave Indiana because of the relationship with Aaron Zook, that was just finally beginning to take shape. Another reason was her older brother Levi still lived there among the English after leaving the Amish community months before. I could literally feel what Marianna was going through. She wanted to please her parents, but was upset to leave her life behind in Indiana. She is a girl who puts others first before her own wants and needs and didn’t make much of a fuss when she realized she was going to move. I know I wouldn’t have been that calm if I was Marianna! It just shows you the kind of character she is putting everyone else above herself.
The book is full of emotion and is sad in parts especially when Marianna is reflecting back on the night she was born and her two sisters dying in the buggy accident. She grew up always feeling inadequate and that she wasn’t good enough to replace her two sisters lost. She always felt her mom’s sadness and I could feel Marianna’s pain when it came to her relationship with her mother.
When Marianna gets to Montana, she meets an English man named Ben and you could feel the immediate connection between the two of them. I was rooting for them to get together and forget Aaron back in Indiana. However, I knew Marianna’s devotion to the Amish community and that it wouldn’t be proper for her to be with an Englisher. 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!
February 20, 2015
What happens when life shakes your foundation? What if your foundation isn't the foundation that God really wants you to have? These are tough questions, and Tricia Goyer captures the struggle between our dreams and life's realities beautifully in this novel.
I most appreciated the struggle within the main character as she was challenged about her deep-seeded beliefs. She was forced through circumstances to question why she always did things a certain way, and if another way was okay. Or even, perhaps, better. It made me stop to consider my own life--and that is always a sign of a good book!
I enjoyed this story immensely and can recommend it for all ages. You should note, though, that this is the first book in a series of three, and from the descriptions of the other two books, you need to read them all to find out who Marianna chooses to marry.
I most appreciated the struggle within the main character as she was challenged about her deep-seeded beliefs. She was forced through circumstances to question why she always did things a certain way, and if another way was okay. Or even, perhaps, better. It made me stop to consider my own life--and that is always a sign of a good book!
I enjoyed this story immensely and can recommend it for all ages. You should note, though, that this is the first book in a series of three, and from the descriptions of the other two books, you need to read them all to find out who Marianna chooses to marry.
June 22, 2011
Beside Still Waters was a refreshingly new take on Amish fiction. I was hooked after only reading the first two pages. The prologue was so moving and heartbreaking, even though I knew it was going to happened!
Marianna has always lived with being the replacement daughter, because the night she was born her family was in a tragic buggy/car accident in which her two older sisters perished. Shortly thereafter her mother went into labor with her and when she was born. Her father named her Marianna in remembrance of them - Mari for Marilyn and Anna for Joanna.
The story then jumps to when Marianna is 20 years old and her family decided to move to Montana. Part of what is prompting the move is that Marianna's older brother Levi has decided to leave the Amish lifestyle and the other part is that her mother has never gotten over the loss of her two daughters and living in the same home is a constant reminder of all she has lost.
I thought that when Marianna's family moved to Montana, that the Amish lifestyle there was so different from every other Amish book. They interact much more freely with Englischers and aren't as strict about things as I was used to them being - which was refreshing.
I especially enjoyed how this book had a huge focus on the Sommer family getting a deeper relationship with the Lord, unlike the usual Amish fiction where little is mentioned of a personal relationship with Him.
This is a great start to the series! If you love Amish fiction yet are tired of the same old, same old, I highly recommend that you give this book a try - I am sure you will enjoy it!
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
Marianna has always lived with being the replacement daughter, because the night she was born her family was in a tragic buggy/car accident in which her two older sisters perished. Shortly thereafter her mother went into labor with her and when she was born. Her father named her Marianna in remembrance of them - Mari for Marilyn and Anna for Joanna.
The story then jumps to when Marianna is 20 years old and her family decided to move to Montana. Part of what is prompting the move is that Marianna's older brother Levi has decided to leave the Amish lifestyle and the other part is that her mother has never gotten over the loss of her two daughters and living in the same home is a constant reminder of all she has lost.
I thought that when Marianna's family moved to Montana, that the Amish lifestyle there was so different from every other Amish book. They interact much more freely with Englischers and aren't as strict about things as I was used to them being - which was refreshing.
I especially enjoyed how this book had a huge focus on the Sommer family getting a deeper relationship with the Lord, unlike the usual Amish fiction where little is mentioned of a personal relationship with Him.
This is a great start to the series! If you love Amish fiction yet are tired of the same old, same old, I highly recommend that you give this book a try - I am sure you will enjoy it!
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
November 8, 2019
Marianna Sommer felt like she was living her life to please her parents since the day of her birth marked the death of her two older sisters. She was an obedient daughter but struggled with feeling loved. Her mother was morose on her birthday and many other days. Her dad decided relocate to Montana from Indiana with one son leaving, the death of two daughters to give a fresh start to their family. Marianna wanted to remain in their Indiana home and court Aaron as there was pain of leaving her brother Levi, friends and community. She decides to go with the idea of returning in six months. There were adjustments to the lax ways of the Montana community along with the friendliness of the Englischer. Ben a young Englisch becomes friend with Marianne and shares his faith in God openly and with her father. There are unexpected twists that brought new insight to Marianne as her father shared openly about her birth and early years. Will Marianne find a new love, peace and purpose in Montana? With this being the first book in The Big Sky series, readers need to know there is not an engagement or wedding at the end.
November 7, 2019
Marianna, a sweet, devoted daughter to her parents, is disappointed when she learns that her father is being persuaded to move the family to Montana. In this beautifully crafted story, Marianna has the first exposure to life outside the tight-knit Amish community she was born into. In doing so, she discovers people who have a personal relationship with God--talking to Him as friends. Her initial decision to go with the family was with the stipulation that she would return to Indiana after six months. Part of the reason for that is Aaron Zook--a young man she has known all her life. But her Montana experience changes her, as she begins to find a new depth in her faith. She must find the answer that gives her peace. But will it be in Indiana, or Montana?
April 24, 2021
Rating: 5 Stars!! (Wish i could rate it 10 Stars!!)
Review:
This was my first time reading a book/series by this author and might i say this is a NEW FAVORITE Amish Series that im enjoying so far.
The Character are so intriguing and interesting to read about.
The Setting is so beautifully described and told that i felt like i was in Indiana and Montana with The Sommers family throughout this book.
Can't wait to read Books 2 and 3 in this series this year!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a book/series by this author and might i say this is a NEW FAVORITE Amish Series that im enjoying so far.
The Character are so intriguing and interesting to read about.
The Setting is so beautifully described and told that i felt like i was in Indiana and Montana with The Sommers family throughout this book.
Can't wait to read Books 2 and 3 in this series this year!!
July 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book as a light break from the heavier stuff I’ve been reading. The angst and worry about doing the right thing and following one’s heart is one I’m sure everyone has experienced. Don’t know if I wil continue on with the series but this was a fun read.
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August 30, 2020
An amazing read that had me in tears a lot but also laughter. I expressed a lot of emotions for the love of God
August 30, 2018
I want more!
Oh! She hooked me! As I finished this story I thought, wait! I want more! Thank heavens there is a book 2 or I would be very disappointed. Oh by the way, you should totally read this!
Oh! She hooked me! As I finished this story I thought, wait! I want more! Thank heavens there is a book 2 or I would be very disappointed. Oh by the way, you should totally read this!
September 16, 2020
Amazing
I chose this rating because I really loved the story line it had me in tears most of the tie with periods of laughter. Looking forward to book 2
I chose this rating because I really loved the story line it had me in tears most of the tie with periods of laughter. Looking forward to book 2
April 11, 2011
On the night her 2 sisters died in a horrible accident Marianna Sommers was born. Raised in an Amish community in Indiana Marianna has tried her entire life to make up for the loss of her sisters.
Marianna is almost 20 and starting to think about having a home of her own. Aaron Zook has been taking an interest in her. He is building his own cabin and has dreams of one day living in it with Marianna.
Marianna’s brother Levi has left the community. He has caused embarrassment and heartache for his parents. When Uncle Ike comes to visit he talks about his life in Montana and how the Amish community there is not as strict as Indiana. Marianna’s father decides to move the family to Montana for a year to see what it is like. This causes Marianna great heartache at the thought of leaving Aaron and her brother behind. Her parents ask her to go with them for just 6 months as her mother is pregnant and needs Marianna to help with the younger children.
Marianna is determined to not like Montana. She is only there for 6 months to help her mother and then she plans to return to Aaron and her more strict Amish community. What she doesn’t count on is meeting Ben. He is not Amish, but he is a good friend to the Amish community. Hearing Ben talk about God as if he is a close friend raises all kinds of questions for Marianna. Marianna slowly learns to love the community of people, but she also realizes that she is coming to care for Ben and that cannot happen.
Meanwhile back in Indiana Aaron has tried to forget Marianna by trying to learn to love another girl. Naomi is heartbroken over Levi leaving, she too is trying to mend her broken heart. Will the two of them find comfort and love in each other’s company?
The story and characters grew on me as I progressed through the book. The second book in the series comes out in October and I am determined to get it so I can find out what happens. I am not normally an Amish fiction fan, but I did enjoy Beside Still Waters.
Marianna is almost 20 and starting to think about having a home of her own. Aaron Zook has been taking an interest in her. He is building his own cabin and has dreams of one day living in it with Marianna.
Marianna’s brother Levi has left the community. He has caused embarrassment and heartache for his parents. When Uncle Ike comes to visit he talks about his life in Montana and how the Amish community there is not as strict as Indiana. Marianna’s father decides to move the family to Montana for a year to see what it is like. This causes Marianna great heartache at the thought of leaving Aaron and her brother behind. Her parents ask her to go with them for just 6 months as her mother is pregnant and needs Marianna to help with the younger children.
Marianna is determined to not like Montana. She is only there for 6 months to help her mother and then she plans to return to Aaron and her more strict Amish community. What she doesn’t count on is meeting Ben. He is not Amish, but he is a good friend to the Amish community. Hearing Ben talk about God as if he is a close friend raises all kinds of questions for Marianna. Marianna slowly learns to love the community of people, but she also realizes that she is coming to care for Ben and that cannot happen.
Meanwhile back in Indiana Aaron has tried to forget Marianna by trying to learn to love another girl. Naomi is heartbroken over Levi leaving, she too is trying to mend her broken heart. Will the two of them find comfort and love in each other’s company?
The story and characters grew on me as I progressed through the book. The second book in the series comes out in October and I am determined to get it so I can find out what happens. I am not normally an Amish fiction fan, but I did enjoy Beside Still Waters.
October 29, 2011
This story begins when the Sommer family are on there way home from a church meeting. They are an Amish family traveling by way of horse and buggy. They cross a busy road and are in a terrible accident that will change their lives forever. Two of their little girls are killed in this accident and a baby girl is forced to come into this world under harsh circumstance. Their young son also survives.
Marianne was that baby and she has been trying walk in the shoes of her two sister ever since day of that tragic accident. She thought if she worked hard and played the dutiful daughter it would ease the loss of that day. Her brother feels as if he should not have survived that day and has left the Amish to live among the Englisch.
The family is reminded of the accident everyday by the stares and whispers of the Amish Community. So they decide to relocate to a new Amish community forming in Colorado where they are not labeled by tragic day. Marianne agrees to go with her family leaving behind a fiance and the hope of a new life. She only plans to stay until her family is settled in their new home.
She starts to fall in love with Colorado and God's amazing hand at such beauty. Then she reaches a relationship with God she had never imagined possible. She begins to question whether to stay or go back to her fiance and the life she left behind. Wanting to make sure she does whatever is God's will.
There are so many beautiful other characters in this story that I will let you discover on your own. I feel as if I have said too much already.
I read this book before I read book two, Along Wooded Paths in the series. I am glad I did. I highly recommend them both.
I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:
I got a copy of this book from the author on NetGalley. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my own opinion.
Marianne was that baby and she has been trying walk in the shoes of her two sister ever since day of that tragic accident. She thought if she worked hard and played the dutiful daughter it would ease the loss of that day. Her brother feels as if he should not have survived that day and has left the Amish to live among the Englisch.
The family is reminded of the accident everyday by the stares and whispers of the Amish Community. So they decide to relocate to a new Amish community forming in Colorado where they are not labeled by tragic day. Marianne agrees to go with her family leaving behind a fiance and the hope of a new life. She only plans to stay until her family is settled in their new home.
She starts to fall in love with Colorado and God's amazing hand at such beauty. Then she reaches a relationship with God she had never imagined possible. She begins to question whether to stay or go back to her fiance and the life she left behind. Wanting to make sure she does whatever is God's will.
There are so many beautiful other characters in this story that I will let you discover on your own. I feel as if I have said too much already.
I read this book before I read book two, Along Wooded Paths in the series. I am glad I did. I highly recommend them both.
I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:
I got a copy of this book from the author on NetGalley. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my own opinion.
May 4, 2012
3.5 Stars
Marianna was born the night her two older sisters where tragically killed in a buggy accident. She has grown up always feeling like she can’t measure up to her dead sisters. Now as a young woman she is excited to hopefully marry Aaron and start a family of her own and get out from under the shadow of her sisters memory. Before she can though her parents decide to move to Montana for a year. Marianna’s mother is expecting a baby so Marianna agrees to go alone for 6 months to help. While in Montana she meets an Englisch man named Ben who makes her look at her life and spirituality differently. Will she return to Aaron to start the life she has dreamed of or will she stay in Montana with her family?
This book was a good opener to the series. Since all three books are going to be about Marianna there is lots of time for character development. I do wish there had been a little more time spent on both Aaron and Ben. Considering they will be main characters for all three books I felt we really did not get to know them very well. They both got a few short pages here and there but not near as much development. This book leaves you wondering in the end about Marianna and her romantic choices. I admit half way through the book I had already picked the one I want her to end up with and I have to wait till book three to see who she does indeed choose.
I think this series would be better to have Marianna’s story in book 1 followed by her older brother for the next book etc. I really like the storyline but feel three books is dragging it out a little. I am interested to see if book two and three will be as interesting as the first. I am looking forward to the rest of the series to see how things pan out for this family.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/1...
Marianna was born the night her two older sisters where tragically killed in a buggy accident. She has grown up always feeling like she can’t measure up to her dead sisters. Now as a young woman she is excited to hopefully marry Aaron and start a family of her own and get out from under the shadow of her sisters memory. Before she can though her parents decide to move to Montana for a year. Marianna’s mother is expecting a baby so Marianna agrees to go alone for 6 months to help. While in Montana she meets an Englisch man named Ben who makes her look at her life and spirituality differently. Will she return to Aaron to start the life she has dreamed of or will she stay in Montana with her family?
This book was a good opener to the series. Since all three books are going to be about Marianna there is lots of time for character development. I do wish there had been a little more time spent on both Aaron and Ben. Considering they will be main characters for all three books I felt we really did not get to know them very well. They both got a few short pages here and there but not near as much development. This book leaves you wondering in the end about Marianna and her romantic choices. I admit half way through the book I had already picked the one I want her to end up with and I have to wait till book three to see who she does indeed choose.
I think this series would be better to have Marianna’s story in book 1 followed by her older brother for the next book etc. I really like the storyline but feel three books is dragging it out a little. I am interested to see if book two and three will be as interesting as the first. I am looking forward to the rest of the series to see how things pan out for this family.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/1...
December 6, 2012
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. I didn't want to stop reading. Even when I was sick the last few months, I couldn't put the book down. I had to turn each page and find out where Marianna's life was taking her. This book is heartbreaking, uplifting and joyful all at the same time! I can feel a connection with Marianna as far as being a young 19 year old girl not knowing where life is leading you but needing to follow your heart and your Faith in God only to have your own personal plans change dramatically at every twist and turn.
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. It was very refreshing to read a book based on Faith in God. I most definitely have a new favorite author.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Beside Still Waters as a member of LitFuse blog tours. All opinions are my own.
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. I didn't want to stop reading. Even when I was sick the last few months, I couldn't put the book down. I had to turn each page and find out where Marianna's life was taking her. This book is heartbreaking, uplifting and joyful all at the same time! I can feel a connection with Marianna as far as being a young 19 year old girl not knowing where life is leading you but needing to follow your heart and your Faith in God only to have your own personal plans change dramatically at every twist and turn.
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. It was very refreshing to read a book based on Faith in God. I most definitely have a new favorite author.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Beside Still Waters as a member of LitFuse blog tours. All opinions are my own.
April 11, 2011
Title: BESIDE STILL WATERS
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Broadman & Holman
April 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4336-6868-5
Genre: Inspirational/Amish/Women’s fiction
Marianna Sommer was born the night her sister’s died—and she’s always known that part of her history. Just once, she wishes she could have a birthday without being reminded about the sadness that occurred, but that will never happen. Now at nineteen, Marianna plans to marry Aaron Zook, but with one of Marianna’s brothers having jumped the fence, and another talking about it, Marianna’s parents decide to move the family to a new Amish settlement in Montana.
Marianna isn’t required to move, with her mom expecting another baby; she promises she will go for six months, then move back home to be with Aaron, so they can marry. But things have a way of changing. Will Marianna go home to Indiana, or will she find something in Montana worth staying for?
BESIDE STILL WATERS is Ms. Goyer’s first Amish book. Personally, I think she does much better with her WWII stories, but this book is still engaging, and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen with the Goyer family.
I cried when I read the prologue of this book, and the whole Sommer family is colored with sadness from the events that occurred early on. The story never really steps away from the sadness, it colors the whole book. Still, it kept my interest. Some delicious sounding recipes are included. $14.99. 320 pages.
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Broadman & Holman
April 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4336-6868-5
Genre: Inspirational/Amish/Women’s fiction
Marianna Sommer was born the night her sister’s died—and she’s always known that part of her history. Just once, she wishes she could have a birthday without being reminded about the sadness that occurred, but that will never happen. Now at nineteen, Marianna plans to marry Aaron Zook, but with one of Marianna’s brothers having jumped the fence, and another talking about it, Marianna’s parents decide to move the family to a new Amish settlement in Montana.
Marianna isn’t required to move, with her mom expecting another baby; she promises she will go for six months, then move back home to be with Aaron, so they can marry. But things have a way of changing. Will Marianna go home to Indiana, or will she find something in Montana worth staying for?
BESIDE STILL WATERS is Ms. Goyer’s first Amish book. Personally, I think she does much better with her WWII stories, but this book is still engaging, and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen with the Goyer family.
I cried when I read the prologue of this book, and the whole Sommer family is colored with sadness from the events that occurred early on. The story never really steps away from the sadness, it colors the whole book. Still, it kept my interest. Some delicious sounding recipes are included. $14.99. 320 pages.
September 26, 2018
Sometimes I wonder how long the attraction to Amish novels will hang in there. The trend has extended far beyond most agents' and editors' prediction. Maybe it's that the simple life appeals to some core of our own lives. I enjoy historical novels, and the Amish stories are sort of like that. The blend of modern-day equipment and livelihoods contrasting with--and sometimes colliding with--life as it was a couple of hundred years ago is a treat. I'd give this one five stars because it's (a) so well written and (b) so unique in its genre.
The novel begins with a tragedy and a blessing: two little girls killed in a horrific crash and one little girl born too soon who lives, even though premature. That one little girl,Marianna, imagined all her life that she had to make up for two girls lost. She tried so hard, but she knew she could never achieve her goal.
Now her parents want to move away from the only life she's ever known, far away to the wilds of Montana. She not only would have to leave her friends but also the developing relationship with an Amish boy, Aaron. With him she could start new, not having to make up for two any more. She prayed with all her heart that they would not go. But, sometimes God's answer to our pleas is "No."
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
The novel begins with a tragedy and a blessing: two little girls killed in a horrific crash and one little girl born too soon who lives, even though premature. That one little girl,Marianna, imagined all her life that she had to make up for two girls lost. She tried so hard, but she knew she could never achieve her goal.
Now her parents want to move away from the only life she's ever known, far away to the wilds of Montana. She not only would have to leave her friends but also the developing relationship with an Amish boy, Aaron. With him she could start new, not having to make up for two any more. She prayed with all her heart that they would not go. But, sometimes God's answer to our pleas is "No."
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
December 23, 2010
When you are confronted with unimaginable horror, you can either brace yourself under the burden, or burrow deep into the hurt and clothe yourself in sorrow.
The beginning of BESIDE STILL WATERS grabbed my attention right off the bat with a deadly accident involving a young Amish family and a reckless driver. I instantly sympathized with the characters in their struggles. There was good tension between Marianna and her parents. I could feel the cords of their relationship being pulled to the snapping point. Where she would turn on her journey was well portrayed. I understood her misgivings and doubt, hoping it would be resolved in the end.
The story really didn’t start for me until about 100 pages into it when the family moved to Indiana and a sequence of events started taking place. From there I felt that the story became stronger in purpose. I think if the first 100 pages had been condensed the story would have held more interest for me and moved at a more accelerated pace.
I thought the ending was well done, leaving just enough open in case a sequel follows.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers from my copy to review through Litfuse publicity.
The beginning of BESIDE STILL WATERS grabbed my attention right off the bat with a deadly accident involving a young Amish family and a reckless driver. I instantly sympathized with the characters in their struggles. There was good tension between Marianna and her parents. I could feel the cords of their relationship being pulled to the snapping point. Where she would turn on her journey was well portrayed. I understood her misgivings and doubt, hoping it would be resolved in the end.
The story really didn’t start for me until about 100 pages into it when the family moved to Indiana and a sequence of events started taking place. From there I felt that the story became stronger in purpose. I think if the first 100 pages had been condensed the story would have held more interest for me and moved at a more accelerated pace.
I thought the ending was well done, leaving just enough open in case a sequel follows.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers from my copy to review through Litfuse publicity.
December 20, 2016
Normally, I am a big fan of Amish romances, but this one was a miss for me. I could tell that it tied into the author's Seven Brides for Seven Bachelor's series in a loose fashion, but I wish that it hadn't been. I found the references to people and places that I was familiar with from that series very distracting! Not to mention, that it ends with very little resolution and leaves you hanging to find out what happens overall!
I didn't care for Aaron Zook at all! I felt that he was taking Marianna for granted, and yet when she was gone, almost immediately went looking at another girl to take to wife! He was so quick to believe the worst of Marianna, and yet she's barely gone and he's spending time with another!
Marianna tried too hard to please everyone, that she couldn't fathom anything like time for herself or a close relationship with the Lord. For much of the book, it seemed like she lived with the shadow of her sister's death's over her, but I did enjoy seeing her realizations about that by the end of the story.
All things considered, I will give the series another chance and read the next book, but I'm not expecting it to improve.
I didn't care for Aaron Zook at all! I felt that he was taking Marianna for granted, and yet when she was gone, almost immediately went looking at another girl to take to wife! He was so quick to believe the worst of Marianna, and yet she's barely gone and he's spending time with another!
Marianna tried too hard to please everyone, that she couldn't fathom anything like time for herself or a close relationship with the Lord. For much of the book, it seemed like she lived with the shadow of her sister's death's over her, but I did enjoy seeing her realizations about that by the end of the story.
All things considered, I will give the series another chance and read the next book, but I'm not expecting it to improve.
September 24, 2011
This one has all the markings of a new epic Amish series. Goyer fills each page with emotion and does an amazing job of depicting Marianna's conflict. I could feel the angst! Actually woke up this morning at 3:15 contemplating her dilemma! (I know, I know, I have to get a real life!) This is the kind of book that would work wonderfully well in a book club because there are such rich issues that we all deal with.
I think part of my love of Amish fiction comes from being able to parallel their struggles to remain unique and apart from the world with my own Christian journey. In essence I am trying to do the same thing. Marianna's personal growth presses her to both question and defend aspects of her faith once she is removed from the close-knit Amish community she has grown up in. I think it's her struggle to find a balance and the wonder of opening herself up to God that resonated most with me.
Truly a remarkable book. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the book two of the Big Sky series which comes out in October 2011.
I think part of my love of Amish fiction comes from being able to parallel their struggles to remain unique and apart from the world with my own Christian journey. In essence I am trying to do the same thing. Marianna's personal growth presses her to both question and defend aspects of her faith once she is removed from the close-knit Amish community she has grown up in. I think it's her struggle to find a balance and the wonder of opening herself up to God that resonated most with me.
Truly a remarkable book. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the book two of the Big Sky series which comes out in October 2011.
October 28, 2016
The first in a series about an Amish family who, in order to put space between heartaches and their family, moved to Montana from Indiana.
Marianna is the oldest daughter who was born the same evening as a tragic buggy accident that claimed her parent's young daughters. So for years she felt her birthday represented the saddest day of her mother's life, and she worked hard all her life to be the perfect child to make her mother happy with her.
But, just as her family was deciding to move to Montana, Marianna was falling in love with a young man (Aaron) who was already building a house for their future. But since her mother was pregnant yet again (her 8th child in 26 years, yikes!) she was asked, and therefore felt obligated to go with them to Montana, at least until a bit after the baby was born.
While there she begins to see God, the new Amish community, and a special young English man in a whole new light.
Good book. I'm heading off for the next book, Beyond Hope's Valley.
Marianna is the oldest daughter who was born the same evening as a tragic buggy accident that claimed her parent's young daughters. So for years she felt her birthday represented the saddest day of her mother's life, and she worked hard all her life to be the perfect child to make her mother happy with her.
But, just as her family was deciding to move to Montana, Marianna was falling in love with a young man (Aaron) who was already building a house for their future. But since her mother was pregnant yet again (her 8th child in 26 years, yikes!) she was asked, and therefore felt obligated to go with them to Montana, at least until a bit after the baby was born.
While there she begins to see God, the new Amish community, and a special young English man in a whole new light.
Good book. I'm heading off for the next book, Beyond Hope's Valley.
March 6, 2014
Besides Stil Waters, by: Tricia Goyer
This is the story of Marianna Sommer.
She is planning on being baptized and
marring Aaron Zook. This has what she
has been planning. Suddenly Marianna’s
plans are thrown for a loop when her
father decides to move their family
to Montana. She is not required to go,
but she feels obligated to her mother to
go with them for a while. That way she can
help her mother who is expecting another
baby.
The community in Montana is so different
from her own. There is a strong English
influence there. Will this influence change
Marianna’s mind about returning to her
community in which she was raised? To the
man she plans to marry Aaron Zook.
Marianna finally finds a peace that she has never
felt before in Montana. She is learning
more about God and praying.
This is a must read book.
5 stars
This is the story of Marianna Sommer.
She is planning on being baptized and
marring Aaron Zook. This has what she
has been planning. Suddenly Marianna’s
plans are thrown for a loop when her
father decides to move their family
to Montana. She is not required to go,
but she feels obligated to her mother to
go with them for a while. That way she can
help her mother who is expecting another
baby.
The community in Montana is so different
from her own. There is a strong English
influence there. Will this influence change
Marianna’s mind about returning to her
community in which she was raised? To the
man she plans to marry Aaron Zook.
Marianna finally finds a peace that she has never
felt before in Montana. She is learning
more about God and praying.
This is a must read book.
5 stars
June 12, 2011
What a great book, couldn't put it down. Marianna Sommer's world is turned upside down when her Dat decides to move the family to Montana. Marianna has been hoping Aaron Zook would start courting her, and wants to join the church. She is torn about what to do!
Loved the descriptions of the beautiful Montana countryside. Sounds like a beautiful place to live. All of the people there seem to be so kind, and now Marianna has started to develop a personal relationship with God. One that seems to surprise her and make her wonder if she is going against her Amish upbring.
Loved that there is going to be a sequel to this book....it also includes some yummy recipes.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and B&H Publishing Group, I was not required to give a positive review.
Loved the descriptions of the beautiful Montana countryside. Sounds like a beautiful place to live. All of the people there seem to be so kind, and now Marianna has started to develop a personal relationship with God. One that seems to surprise her and make her wonder if she is going against her Amish upbring.
Loved that there is going to be a sequel to this book....it also includes some yummy recipes.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and B&H Publishing Group, I was not required to give a positive review.
October 12, 2015
Interesting read
Having Spent some time around Amish families I found religious comparisons interesting as well as how families deal with community expectations when family members leave.
Having Spent some time around Amish families I found religious comparisons interesting as well as how families deal with community expectations when family members leave.
October 27, 2016
This book was so depressing. I felt so bad for Marianna. It seemed like every other chapter something bad happened to her or someone she cared about. I'm glad that there was a happy ending. That made up for a lot of the bad things that happened.
Read
April 22, 2011I have only started this one, but am extremely impressed with the quality of the writing so far.
January 19, 2019
Beside Still Waters is a contemporary Amish Christian fiction book
that is Book #1 in the Big Sky Novel series by Tricia Goyer.
A young woman thought she had her life planned out in Indiana.
Then her father moves the family to Montana....
and one particular guy shows up quickly, changing her views about God and herself.
But what will she decide to do in the end .. stay with family in Montana or go home to Indiana?
Marianna and her family were easy to fall in love with, even Uncle Ike.
She thought she was in love with Aaron,
a simple Amish guy who was building a home for her in Indiana.
Ben isn't Amish ... but in Montana, he's one of the most challenging people that Marianna had ever met .. not to mention his charm and caring for others as well as his views about God.
Edgar is the store owner ... and while he's a minor character, he became an instant favorite,
as well as Annie, who keeps the shop running smoothly.
As usual, there was plenty of good food to enjoy too!
Here are a few favorite quotes:
"So, men, if you have someone special here tonight, take a moment to stare into her eyes.
That way, she'll be so focused on you that she won't notice when you steal her cookie.
Don't they (cookies) smell wonderful?"
Ben, addressing crowd at 50th Wedding Anniversary party
page 220
".....in a strange way, it gives me a glimpse into what God must think."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, He's God.
And there's a lot of people who think He's a pretty cool guy.
Some love Him in a quiet, reverent way;
others are more bold and vocal about their faith.
But I have a notion that what makes Him feel special
isn't just that people think He's great.
....it's the personal connection (prayers, giving thanks, singing praises...) that brightens His day."
Conversation between Ben and Marianna
pages 235-236
Ben and Marianna got busy talking ...
meanwhile, the alarm went off.
By the time she got into the kitchen, the cookies had burned.
Just then, Edgar entered.
He sniffed the air and then scowled
as he looked at the burned cookies on the tray.
"If that's the new recipe, I'd go back to the old one," he huffed.
"I like my chicken barbecued, but definitely not my sweets!"
page 238
"...You cannot take back the past.
And going into the future
you cannot work hard enough to make up for it.
God has a plan."
Marianna to younger brother David
pages 268-279
I was sad when the book ended ...
I didn't want to leave these folks and wanted to see what happened next .....
oh, wait ... I get two more books to look forward to reading!
that is Book #1 in the Big Sky Novel series by Tricia Goyer.
A young woman thought she had her life planned out in Indiana.
Then her father moves the family to Montana....
and one particular guy shows up quickly, changing her views about God and herself.
But what will she decide to do in the end .. stay with family in Montana or go home to Indiana?
Marianna and her family were easy to fall in love with, even Uncle Ike.
She thought she was in love with Aaron,
a simple Amish guy who was building a home for her in Indiana.
Ben isn't Amish ... but in Montana, he's one of the most challenging people that Marianna had ever met .. not to mention his charm and caring for others as well as his views about God.
Edgar is the store owner ... and while he's a minor character, he became an instant favorite,
as well as Annie, who keeps the shop running smoothly.
As usual, there was plenty of good food to enjoy too!
Here are a few favorite quotes:
"So, men, if you have someone special here tonight, take a moment to stare into her eyes.
That way, she'll be so focused on you that she won't notice when you steal her cookie.
Don't they (cookies) smell wonderful?"
Ben, addressing crowd at 50th Wedding Anniversary party
page 220
".....in a strange way, it gives me a glimpse into what God must think."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, He's God.
And there's a lot of people who think He's a pretty cool guy.
Some love Him in a quiet, reverent way;
others are more bold and vocal about their faith.
But I have a notion that what makes Him feel special
isn't just that people think He's great.
....it's the personal connection (prayers, giving thanks, singing praises...) that brightens His day."
Conversation between Ben and Marianna
pages 235-236
Ben and Marianna got busy talking ...
meanwhile, the alarm went off.
By the time she got into the kitchen, the cookies had burned.
Just then, Edgar entered.
He sniffed the air and then scowled
as he looked at the burned cookies on the tray.
"If that's the new recipe, I'd go back to the old one," he huffed.
"I like my chicken barbecued, but definitely not my sweets!"
page 238
"...You cannot take back the past.
And going into the future
you cannot work hard enough to make up for it.
God has a plan."
Marianna to younger brother David
pages 268-279
I was sad when the book ended ...
I didn't want to leave these folks and wanted to see what happened next .....
oh, wait ... I get two more books to look forward to reading!
October 7, 2022
I love Amish fiction stories and this book did not disappoint. It reminded me of another Amish book I read about the Amish family finding it was okay to to read more of the Bible, as well as pray as if you were talking to God.
This book focused on Marianna, the daughter of Abe and Ruth. She was born on the night of a buggy accident that killed her two sisters. She grew up thinking she was the replacement for her sisters, but one could not replace two. She tried to be the perfect daughter, helping her mother with the other children and waiting patiently for Aaron Zook to at least ask her out on a date.
Because of the tragic accident, the family felt reminders were always around them in Indiana. Uncle Ike talks Abe into taking the family to Montana for a fresh start. Marianna doesn’t want to go, especially since she would have to leave Aaron and her brother Levi, gone to live an English life.
Montana turns out to be different than what Marianna imagined. Amish and English people interact more with each other, Marianna gets a job working in a bakery, and she meets Ben Stone, an English guy who helps with driving and other jobs. Ben talks about God as a Friend. Ben helps out the family a lot, and Marianna questions herself when she finds she’s thinking more about Ben and not Aaron. Meanwhile, Aaron has become friendlier with Naomi, who just broke up with Marianna’s brother, Levi. But even Aaron has questions… does he still love Marianna? Will they ever see each other again? (On a personal note, I’m on Team Ben!)
Marianna almost decides to go back to Indiana to figure things out, but her father talks her into staying. Will Marianna figure out who she loves? Will she see Aaron soon? Does she truly love Ben? Will her father accept her loving Ben even though he isn’t Amish?
This book focused on Marianna, the daughter of Abe and Ruth. She was born on the night of a buggy accident that killed her two sisters. She grew up thinking she was the replacement for her sisters, but one could not replace two. She tried to be the perfect daughter, helping her mother with the other children and waiting patiently for Aaron Zook to at least ask her out on a date.
Because of the tragic accident, the family felt reminders were always around them in Indiana. Uncle Ike talks Abe into taking the family to Montana for a fresh start. Marianna doesn’t want to go, especially since she would have to leave Aaron and her brother Levi, gone to live an English life.
Montana turns out to be different than what Marianna imagined. Amish and English people interact more with each other, Marianna gets a job working in a bakery, and she meets Ben Stone, an English guy who helps with driving and other jobs. Ben talks about God as a Friend. Ben helps out the family a lot, and Marianna questions herself when she finds she’s thinking more about Ben and not Aaron. Meanwhile, Aaron has become friendlier with Naomi, who just broke up with Marianna’s brother, Levi. But even Aaron has questions… does he still love Marianna? Will they ever see each other again? (On a personal note, I’m on Team Ben!)
Marianna almost decides to go back to Indiana to figure things out, but her father talks her into staying. Will Marianna figure out who she loves? Will she see Aaron soon? Does she truly love Ben? Will her father accept her loving Ben even though he isn’t Amish?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
I really enjoyed at Tricia Goyer's first Amish fiction. I had it on my shelf for ten years before reading it. I wish that I had read it sooner. It is a fast read and I noticed that she did not make any mistakes Amish customs which is amazing. I really liked that she based some of the general idea on the story from her daughter's girlfriend. And that was a difficult thing to cover about the death of previous sisters. I was the oldest in my family and my first brother died from sudden infant death syndrome. I was fortunate that no one ever expected me to "replace " him but I do remember my aunt suggesting that my mother might want to have another son. That was a strange remark since she told me that he was asleep even though I knew that he wasn't. Parents need to talk to children when another chiid dies. I don't remember either of my parents doing that. I was only four at the time.
Marianna carried the thought that she had to be twice as good to replace her two daughters. Her parents needed to explain to her that they did not expect that of her.
Marianna has go through accepting her father's plan of moving to Montana even though, love between Aaron and her were just beginning. On the train trip, she learns it non-Amish people who were previously unknown to her in her sheltered life are able to share God's love and are not as to be feared and kept a distance from as learned in Indiana. Being around the "English "or non-Amish people allowed new ideas to come into her life. The Amish were silent prayers but now she learned that prayer can spoken directly to God.
Marianna carried the thought that she had to be twice as good to replace her two daughters. Her parents needed to explain to her that they did not expect that of her.
Marianna has go through accepting her father's plan of moving to Montana even though, love between Aaron and her were just beginning. On the train trip, she learns it non-Amish people who were previously unknown to her in her sheltered life are able to share God's love and are not as to be feared and kept a distance from as learned in Indiana. Being around the "English "or non-Amish people allowed new ideas to come into her life. The Amish were silent prayers but now she learned that prayer can spoken directly to God.
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