Peace in the Valley

Amish of Big Sky Country #3

by Kelly Irvin

After a devastating wildfire sweeps through her town, one young Amish woman is shown a different way to practice her faith . . . but will it cost her everything she holds dear?

Nora Beachy is caught in the middle. She’s been content to live a simple life in West Kootenai, working in the community store, taking care of her family, and courting with Isaac Burke.

When wildfires threaten her home, she’s forced to stay with family in Libby where the Amish community has embraced an evangelical form of worship frowned upon by her own parents and district elders in West Kootenai. She’s drawn to their unfamiliar worship style, use of musical instruments, and more relaxed form of dress.

A young preacher begins to woo her spiritually, telling her she needs a personal relationship with Jesus in order to flourish as a believer. He and her cousins want her to “come alive” in her faith “for the first time.” Her parents rush her back to West Kootenai as soon as they can but fear the “damage” has already been done.

Nora has to make a decision—return to her traditional Amish life or embrace this new way of worshipping and living. Will she leave behind her family and the man she loves for a different kind of faith?

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2020

About the author

Best-selling author Kelly Irvin splits her writing time between Amish romances and romantic suspense. Her latest release is Trust Me (2/8/22), a romantic suspense novel set in San Antonio's historic art district. It explores broken trust and whether trust can ever be restored. Publishers Weekly called it a "whirlwind romantic thriller" and "an emotional rollercoaster."

Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.

Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."

The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."

Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.

Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.

Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.

She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.

Reviews

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic conclusion to the Amish of Big Sky Country.
Irvin, writes Amish that is fresh and realistic. It's as on point as a non Amish person can write.
I hated to see this series come to an end but I sure can't wait to see what Irvin has next for us. You sure don't want to miss this series and she has a new suspense series out now to.
I gave this book 4 stars.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this hasn't published yet since I have the kindle copy from Netgalley I couldn't resist reading it since I just finished up book two in the series. While this is the third and last book in the series I'm looking forward to seeing what the author comes out with for us next. She has an exciting Suspense series that I've been happily reading by her as well.
This is one of my favorite Amish writing romance authors. The plot was very realistic, it was complicated like life can become at times but I could see it happening as well!
I enjoyed seeing how despite the hardships the characters faced their faith in God stayed strong!
I highly recommend this whole series.

Expected publication: August 4th 2020 by Zondervan
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding Amish stories written with a unique twist and this is definitely one of them. From the unusual setting (Montana) to the settlement that has been ravaged by wildfires to the intriguing insights into the contrasts in different Amish communities -- well, it was all so captivating!

Nora's faith journey is at the heart of this story. She thinks she is solid in her faith, ready to settle down with Levi, content with every aspect of her life...until the fire ravages everything...including her hopes and dreams.

Displaced for a time, she winds up living with relations in another town who practice a charismatic style of worship within their less stringent Amish church. She's both drawn to and mystified by the emotional services and soon becomes torn between two worlds -- both Amish but completely opposite in so many ways. And then there's Levi, the man she's always known she would marry...

Completely riveting and there are so many wonderful insights into Nora's personal struggles. I felt as conflicted and confused as she did! Had no idea how the author could bring about a satisfactory conclusion, but, thankfully she did -- in stunning, goose-bumping fashion!

[Excel Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace in the valley by Kelly Irvin is an interesting book and she is a new Amish author to me.

I must confess,her writing is so wonderful. Immediately I started the first page,I kept on reading until I took a short break.


The author is so narrative. Her writing can command your full attention. So interesting and action packed.


I already fell in love with the character on the book cover,Nora.


Two beautiful things I love about the Amish family are; the sumptuous food and strong family ties. Their meals are so healthy and appetizing as described in this novel.


I understood Nora’s dilemma when she attended a real church where there was a free flow of the HolySpirit. God can’t be held bounds by doctrines or traditions. Anywhere you invite him,he can dwell there in sincerity of worship.

The Plain Amish prefer their ways as best compared to the Englisher’s mode of worship. I found that amusing but who can blame them?

This is a good book I will recommend for anyone who wants to read an Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish Big Sky Series are centered around a wildfire in Montana. Four friends, one English the rest Plain have come across different circumstances that tested their faith and tested their love for another.

Nora's family escaped the wildfire only to have her family split up. She has gone to her grandparents house with her sister's family who is recovering from the birth of her child. Her parents have their reservations as her grandparents have left the Plain life and now seek a deeper walk with Jesus. A charismatic church that allows them to sing, dance, and study God's word. The Christianeese sayings that confuse Nora but also put a longing in her heart. Nora not only has left behind her parents and other siblings, she has left a special friend Levi and the plans they had for a wedding. Everything she knew back home is now confusing. Why is driving a car bad? Why can't they play instruments? Her cousin Tammy along with her grandfather are concerned about Nora's and her sister's salvation. Is wanting a deeper relationship with Jesus bad? When Levi hears the different choices Nora is now making, he vows he won't lose her to another conversion.

Nora's journey of faith weeds out feelings versus traditions. Why traditions can make a faith stronger and how our emotions can even weaken our faith. I appreciated the journey of faith that did not judge but discerned with great wisdom the lifestyle of faith.

A special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the dimension Kelly Irwin took this book. It did not just concentrate on the daily goings and comings of the Amish people but on how the outside world affects them and how they respond to it. Even when a family member deflects from the Amish faith, how it is dealt with. This book was educative to me among other things.
There was no dull moment reading this book. It is not your typical Amish book. It was a thrill from the first page on.

I recieved a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 wraps up the Amish of Big Sky Country series, but you could read it as a standalone.

As Christians we all struggle with our faith and beliefs at some point and that’s not a bad thing. It helps us to understand why we believe what we believe. We find answers and grow along the way, and that’s what Nora did.

I have to admit that I struggled some with this book. Nora’s parents are very controlling, yet the extended family that she stays with is very pushy in their beliefs. I didn’t care for the character of Wyatt at all. He was strange. However the characters were well written and had depth. Irvin did a really good job of describing places and situations. At the beginning you could almost smell the smoke from the fire, and feel the frenzy caused by it.

The epilogue was well written and wrapped the series up neatly. If you enjoy Amish fiction that is different than most then give this one a try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Mary Pauline M · Rating 5 out of 5]

( received complimentary copy in exchange for review )

While still a newbie to reading the Amish genre, this was a new found favorite of mine. This book was third in a series .. I personally do not mind reading books out of series order, but others may want to read them in order. After my time spent with this book, I certainly look forward to catching up via the other two books in the series.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peace in the Valley by Kelly Irvin the final novel in Amish of Big Sky Country series. We return to West Kootenai, Montana where fires are decimating the West Kootenai National Forest. The people in the town built their homes close to the mountains and always knew that this could happen. Nora Beachy’s family evacuates to nearby Rexford where the smoke is still present in the air. Sadie, the youngest child of Nora’s sister, was born early with underdeveloped lungs and the smoke is bad for her. It is decided to send Jeannie (Nora’s sister) along with her husband and children to their grandparents’ home in Libby with Nora to assist (poor Jeannie is just worn out with three kids under five). Nora’s parents, though, are worried about the Eagle Valley Amish influencing Nora with their different way of worshipping and their more worldly choices. Nora is twenty years old and a baptized member of the community. She is looking forward to marrying her beau, Levi Raber when they have saved enough to purchase the home they have their eyes on. Peace in the Valley is a story about temptation, judging others, trust, family, and faith. I thought the story was well-written and it can be read as a standalone. We see Nora seeing a different way of life and worship. The Amish in Libby have more freedoms. They can dress differently, play musical instruments, and drive cars. Nora finds her faith and beliefs challenged from the moment she arrives. Temptation can be hard to resist especially when it is things you have always wanted to do. She wonders what is so wrong about playing an instrument or studying the Bible. I find that the story followed an expected path and there is repetition of the same details. It is a story laden with scripture quotes and talk about faith. I could understand why Nora struggled especially with regard to Levi. I do know that I would make a lousy Amish wife because I could not “bow to my husband’s wishes”. My favorite line is, “God has a plan for us.” I liked the epilogue that wrapped up the series.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series. I really hated to see it come to an end.
This is book 3 in the series. I'd recommend reading the other two first.
All the people that were in this book were wonderful except maybe a few but the one person who really got on my nerves was Tammy. Bossy and a troublemaker according to some.
But anyway I found this story enduring, delightful and lovable all a the same time.
I think my most favorite person was Nora I enjoyed her zest for life let's just say. She really is a sweet girl and
I had to giggle at her at times. Her sister Jeannie came in a close second.
I thought Daeyl was an ol stick in the mud who didn't know how to have fun in life. He needs to lighten up a little.
There really is no right "religion" The truth that will set you free is Jesus Christ. " I am the way, truth and Life." "Let no man come to the Father except by me" says the Lord.
I really don't like it when someone tries to sway others over to their way of thinking. In a way, it's being judgemental and I don't like that.
Kelly Irvin is really at her best here. I adore her Amish novels. She has true writing talent and spreads the beautiful messages of our Lord through her stories.
I love how when it comes down to it Irvin shows us that the Amish really are more like us than they care to admit. They just want to be in the world and not of it.
In these days and times I think it would pay out in the long run if we learned or go back to some of the old ways.
I didn't want to put this book down it was so good!
Yes, it did have it's slow spots but what book doesn't? It's those slow passages that I learn from and I like that.
However you find this book I found it a joy to read. Amish is my favorite genere.
My thanks to Netgalley and Zondervan for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are mine.

[Susan Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace in the Valley, the third novel in Kelly Irvin's Amish of Sky Country series, is entertaining, heartwarming, and thought-provoking. It is every bit as enjoyable as Kelly's previous Amish romances, but it challenges readers to examine their own lives, customs, and faith, just as main character, Nora Beachy, must do.

Wildfires have driven Nora and her family from their Kootenai home. Nora accompanies her sister, brother-in-law, and their three young children to Libby where they stay with family members who have broken from the traditional Amish customs. The Libby Beachys' charismatic style of worship with musical instruments, dancing, and evangelism along with their relaxed lifestyle (many members dress English, drive automobiles, and own phones) is considered sinful by Nora's Kootenai community. Yet, Nora feels drawn to this different way of living and communicating with God. What is she to do? If she chooses the new ways, she must sacrifice her family and Levi Raber, the young man she planned to marry before the fires interrupted their lives.

Kelly Irvin has a delightful way of writing that draws readers in from the beginning. You will smell the smoke of the raging fires, hear the Libby worshippers' songs and shouts of joy, and feel Nora's struggle to decide what she believes and how she should live out her faith. All of us, at some point, are called to make heart wrenching, life-altering decisions. Peace in the Valley may remind you of your own faith struggles or it may spur you to examine your own beliefs and attitudes toward those who believe differently. Thank you, Kelly, for a remarkable novel filled with love, hope, and faith.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Kelly Irvin's books & I love her style of writing. She draws the reader into the story from the first page This book did that for me. It was an interesting storyline about the Amish lifestyle that I had not seen before. Nora Beachy and her family live in the Amish community of West Kootenai. When a wildfire rushes through their community, they along with their family and friends are required to evacuate to find safer locations to live. She has been courted by Levi Raber and she and Levi have been saving for a home to live in. Nora's sister, Jeanne & her husband, Daryl, choose to leave the area to safer surroundings with their children because their youngest who is an infant is having trouble breathing. The baby was premature and the smoke is bothering her breathing. They, along with Nora, choose to leave & head to their grandparent's home in Libby. The style of religion and worship that the family in Libby are involved in is way different than what Nora & Jeanne's family are used to in the Plain lifestyle. Nora observes all of this and has to decide what worship style she wants to be involved with. Lots of decisions to be made by many family members and friends in this book.!

Thank you to the publisher, Zondervan, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of the book.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Amish of Big Sky Country series by Kelly Irvin. What Kelly has done with this series is to bring out the crisis of faith that people go through during times of calamity and tragedy.

The calamity is a wild fire in western Montana that is wiping out homes and settlements in its path. In concern for their granddaughter, Harley and Wilma send their two daughters (Nora and Jeannie) and one son-in-law to stay with Harley's parents in Libby, Montana. The fly in the ointment is that Harley's father and brother have joined a charismatic group and put pressure on the trio to join them and accept their way of living. Nora has a special friend who is a staunch Old Order Amish. He hears of Nora's experiences and feels that she's treading a tightrope that will lead nowhere. Nora and Levi, her special friend, both have things to settle between them.

Kelly Irvin wrote this book with a fair amount of angst and conflict. It keeps the reader involved with the book from the very first page to the back cover. There were parts of this book I enjoyed more than others. And there are other Amish fiction books I have enjoyed more than this one, so I give this book four stars.

Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace in the Valley by Kelly Irvin is book three in her Amish of Big Sky Country series. The series follows three friends whose lives are uprooted by a fire that burns their mountain home in West Kootenai down. Peace in the Valley is Nora and Levi's story. When the fire happens, Nora's older sister must leave town with her young children and newborn daughter because the smoke is harming the baby. Nora goes with her to Libby, where they live with a much less conservative side of their family. Nora finds that she enjoys the services, which have musical instruments and dancing. She also finds herself questioning why the rules that she has always followed are in place. Why can't they drive? Why can't they dress differently than they do? Levi is at home, waiting for her to return so they can rebuild the life they were planning. However, all of Nora's questions have him worried. Will the two of them be able to sort through their differences and make things work still? Or will Nora stay in Libby with her other family and start a new way of life and worship.
I liked this story! I always enjoy Kelly Irvin's books and I love how this one focused on how we worship. God is not just in the big churches or tent revivals or Amish homes. He is with us everywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story. All opinions are my own.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace in the Valley is the third amazing story written by Kelly Irvin in her Amish of Big Sky series. This story continues with the devastating wildfire that forces Amish and English to evaluate their homes without the promise of return. Each of the books in this series centers around a different family and their personal struggles. This story reveals the turmoil of Nora Beachy as she struggles to find peace not only in her heart but in her faith as well. Nora loves her Amish roots but also wonders if there isn't something better out in the world. Even though Nora knows she could face a shunning for her actions the pull of a different religion has captivated her. The characters in this story are very likeable. The storyline is moves at a great pace and definitely keeps the readers interest.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Kelly Irvin on releasing another exceptional story for her readers enjoyment.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Irvin with her strong storytelling skills has penned an emotionally rich, inspiring tale championing resilience in times of adversity. It is the story of a family divided by faith. Divisive theology brings confusion, temptation, frustration, and dissension into the lives of Nora Beachy, her Amish family, and her “special friend” Levi. The novel’s characters are engaging and memorable. The plot flows at a fitting pace, and the prose is crisp and concise. Spiritual truths are consistently and effectively conveyed. Although this is the third book in the Amish of Big Sky Country series, it is the first one I have read. It works well as a stand-alone, and I will definitely go back and read the first two books of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it especially for lovers of Amish fiction.

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking conclusion to the series set around a Montana wildfire that scatters the Amish Kootenai community. The last book held some interesting discussions about their faith and the struggles within relationships when faced with adversity.
"Our suffering always leads to something more. Something good. Gott has a plan."

Nora's searching for answers to questions that surface when she is exposed to a different style of worship, leads to great upheaval in her relationships. Trust issues and miscommunication result between her and Levi, and family seems to complicate matters further. I could relate to her struggles about wanting a "closer walk with Jesus" and getting contradictory advice from others. She grows into a stronger person as a result of her experiences and choices. I admired the way she handled herself, maintaining respect for others, but finding her own answers through prayer and earnestly seeking the truth on her own. A lot of young people struggle with many of the same things these characters do. It would be a good read for a young adult believer in Christ.
A nice wrap up to a good series. Recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading the Amish of Big Sky Country series and this is book #3. Although characters from other books are mentioned, you could read these in any order. They are all set at the same time - a fire in the Glacier National Park area of West Kootenai.

Displaced by the fire, 20-something Nora Beachy goes to stay with her grandparents, away from her Amish family. The grandparents have embraced an evangelical worship style that is unlike Nora's traditional Amish upbringing. The experiences and interactions and great discussions with folks from the modern community challenge Nora's religious background. Her almost-fiancee, Isaac, is greatly distressed by Nora's foray into the new community. He struggles about how to solve the problem of Nora as he holds her accountable to her baptism vows.

I greatly enjoyed the drama of this book. I don't know for sure how much of the worship style struggle Nora experiences is based on fact, but I can imagine it happening for those of the Amish tradition.

Thanks to Zondervan for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words.

[Sherry Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the series, Amish of Sky Country, we once again find the characters dealing with horrible crisis in their lives. Due to a huge forest fire that has displaced everyone in their town, we find Nora Beachy going to Libby to help her sister’s family with her children. They will be staying with their grandparents who have become part of a very modern Amish group. Nora’s boyfriend, Levi, and her parents are very concerned that she and her sister will be influenced by the “worldly” actions of this group.

Nora struggles with the temptations and religious differences. We find out if she how she struggles with these differences and if she will sacrifice her relationship with her family and Levi, or if she will choose to obey the vows of the church that she has already taken.

I do recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Irvin has given us a wonderful new story Peace in the Valley (Amish of Big Sky Country Book
3)which will be available on August 4, 2020.

This is a wonderful story about Nora Beachy and the effects of a devastating wildfire that swept her home town, of West Kootenai.

Nora and Levi Raber plan to marry and buy a home, but all this is put on hold as families have to flee the wildfire.

Nora, her sister, and brother-in-law are forced to flee to Libby to stay with her grandparents. There they are all faced with the decision to embrace a new way of worshiping or to return to her family, her love, and the traditional Amish life and worship.

Kelly leads us on an adventure of Nora's decision making and the pros and cons of her choice.

I highly recommend this book. Order yours today.

I was gifted this book by the publisher, Harper Collins through NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review.

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in The Amish of Big Sky Country series, this novel explores the experiences of Nora Beachy and Levi Raber and their families impacted by the destructive fire that damaged their Montana home area. The series is best read in order, but each book can stand alone. I have enjoyed each one and appreciate the issues the author deals with in these fictional accounts. This story especially focuses on Nora’s faith being tested as she is exposed to a different style of worship and life by some who practice a more charismatic and vocal way. She longs for a deeper relationship with God and wonders if she has to leave the Amish faith she promised to follow in order to find a closer spiritual walk. She is torn between these different ways and teachings—and this could affect her relationship with the man she plans to marry. This story may make you ponder your own beliefs and spiritual life. I received a copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This last book in the series was very interesting with Nora finding herself torn between two ways of life - her Amish roots that she has grown up with and the rules they follow once a person is baptized, or this new and interesting group who say they follow closer to Jesus and worship him without being tied to the Ordnug. It is dividing up her family. Very interesting ways of Amish when you live in a community and follow their rules, if other family joins another group to follow their ways then visiting each other is limited and associating with them is discouraged in fear that they will lead you astray. Nora makes a hard choice in choosing to go back to her roots to marry Levi when she feels so drawn by the ways of her grandparent's group who worship with musical instruments, drive cars and go to revivals. That's a hard choice to make that divides families. Very interesting Amish ways.

[Jeanne (love2cook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Beachy loves her life. She helps care for her family, works in the community store, and plans to marry Levi Raber. Her peaceful existence is ended when a wildfire threatens her family home. They are forced to evacuate to Libby where she stay with family in an Amish community that embraces a different style of worship. She is drawn like a moth to the flame, but can she resist? Everything they tell her is something she thinks she likes but the way she was brought up was not this way. She needs to decide which way is going to be her way. If she chooses this new way of thinking, she'll lose her Dad, her Mother, her younger kin, and the love of Levi. She loves her family and Levi and doesn't want to lose them. She must make a decision: return to her traditional Amish life or embrace this new way of worshipping and living. Which will she choose?

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues to follow the disruption of the Amish community as they escape from the wildfires that threaten to completely destroy their homes and businesses.

It’s also a compelling story about two Amish families whose practice of worship is expressed in very different ways. This seems to be causing a major rift between the two families, and Nora is feeling the strain that this has created among those she dearly loves. As she evaluates what she truly believes, she wonders about many aspects of her life, including her relationship with to Levi. The author did a good job leading us through Nora’s journey of knowing her own heart.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking read. I felt it really drove home 1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” I am not saying Nora's extended family was bad company but rather they were able to convince her to do things she would not normally do. We are all like that in some manner. 

It was enjoyable to read about the Amish in a different setting other than Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana. 

Peace in the Valley is book three and the last of the Amish of Big Sky series and can be read as a standalone with no issues. I have not read the first two in the series but plan on doing so.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Harper Collins (Zondervan), through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Beachy is Amish and lives in West Kootenai, Montana. Well, she lived there until they had to evacuate due to raging fires that threatened their community. On top of this crisis, is the questioning that Nora is having about her beau, Levi. Why is Levi holding back on getting married? All questions and no answers as Nora is now faced with leaving the area and therefore, leaving Levi behind! She will be going to grandparents to stay.....the outcasts.....they are Charismatic worshippers. And the chips are starting to fall around Nora as she questions her faith and upbringing. Kelly Irvin has a way with a story and this is another that is sure to please. Sit back, grab a warm afghan, a warm drink and enjoy!!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique twist on an Amish book and not a storyline I've ever read before. Nora and her sister and her sister's family go to temporarily stay with extended family out of town due to a fire in their hometown. That extended family worship differently than the typical Amish way and Nora wrestles with the difference. That experience puts a strain on her relationship with her "special friend" Levi. The story kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. Nora's cousin Tammy is also an interesting storyline and an unusual one for an Amish novel. I did not read the first two books in this series and did not have any trouble reading this as a standalone. If you like Amish Christian fiction, I recommend this book.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of Peace in the Valley by Kelly Irvin from Goodreads.

Peace in the Valley: Amish of Big Sky Country by Kelly Irvin is a story that explores questions about faith, loyalty, and love. The two protagonists face dilemmas that are unique to them as individuals and as members of the Plain Community, and yet the decisions they must make concerning their own beliefs and futures are in some ways universal. Readers who enjoy stories about characters contemplating religious tenets and beliefs will particularly appreciate the comparisons between the two branches of Amish thought which plays a significant role in the plot.

[Jessica Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Irvin has done it again!!! This book is just as captivating and wonderful as the other two in this series!!!

Peace In The Valley is a beautiful story of love and acceptance in the face of adversity, heartache, confusion, betrayal, and hardships. This book is full of love, help, and forgiveness.

I will be reading this book over and over and over again as well as the other books in this series!

I was so blessed to be given a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Irwin has done it again! Peace on the Valley is brimful of emotion. Hope, fear, happiness, anger, confusion, love, and friendship are all deftly woven together in this mesmerizing tale of a young Amish woman who struggles with temptation. I found it hard to put down and, now that it is finished, I want to know what happens next in Nora and Levi's lives. The Amish faith fascinates me and I am always on the lookout for a new good book. This one is one of my favorites.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.