Beside Still Waters
Read Beside Still Waters Online
Authors: Tricia Goyer
Tags: #Family Life, #General, #Montana, #Amish, #Amish Children, #Families, #Christian Fiction, #Christian, #Spiritual life, #Religious, #Fiction, #Man-Woman Relationships
PRAISE FOR
BESIDE STILL WATERS
This book is a keeper! When I opened
Beside Still Waters
I was transported into the world of the Amish. Tricia's expressive storytelling and vivid descriptions drew me into the heartache and joy of the characters as if they were real people. So compelling.
—Robin Jones Gunn, author of the Christy Miller series
With
Beside Still Waters,
the talented Tricia Goyer adds a new flavor to the popular Amish genre. Journey with Marianna from the plains of Indiana to the mountains of Montana as they join a new group. But the journey is about much more than a physical move as Marianna learns an important truth about herself. A story that will stay with you long after the last page is read. Another winning read from one of my favorite authors.
—Cara Putman, author of
Stars in the Night
Only a gifted writer like Tricia Goyer could present such a captivating story about a group of Amish forging a new community in Montana. Tricia writes in such a way that the reader can't wait to turn the page and learn more about main character Marianna's experience. Tricia's talent for connecting our heart to Marianna's plight also connects us to our need for one another.
Beside Still Waters
draws you in with its genuine characters, and it holds you there with its enduring bonds of love and family.
—Suzanne Woods Fisher, best-selling author of the Lancaster County Series
Beside Still Waters
is heart wrenching and meticulously researched by Tricia Goyer. You feel as though you are truly experiencing the Amish lifestyle and the struggles the main character faces. It is a beautiful, thought-provoking work.
—Alexa Schnee, author of
Shakespeare's Lady
The inspired pen of talented author Tricia Goyer has done it again—brought to life characters and events that tug at our hearts and transport us to faraway places and times.
From the tragic accident that snags us at the book's opening in the otherwise peaceful Amish setting of Indiana to the wild big-sky country of Montana, we travel with Marianna as she searches for love and acceptance in much the same way we all do. And in the midst of it, we are reminded that sometimes we find what we didn't even realize we were searching for.
—Kathi Macias, award-winning author of more than thirty books, including the popular Extreme Devotion series
I've discovered a new favorite author of Amish fiction—Tricia Goyer!
Beside Still Waters
is a moving and gentle story that touched my heart and stirred my soul. I'm recommending
Beside Still Waters
to all my friends who enjoy Amish fiction.
—Marlo Schalesky, author of Christy-award winning
Beyond the Night
and
Shades of Morning
Tricia Goyer brings her considerable writing talent to the Amish genre.
Beside Still Waters
is a sweet, tender tale that's sure to please readers. Amish fiction fans will be wanting more from Ms. Goyer!
—Kathleen Fuller, author of
A Summer Secret, A Hand to Hold,
and
The Secrets Beneath
Copyright © 2011 by Tricia Goyer
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: 978-1-4336-6868-5
Published by B&H Publishing Group
Nashville, Tennessee
Dewey Decimal Classification: F
Subject Heading: AMISH—FICTION \ FAMILY LIFE—FICTION \ SPIRITUAL LIFE—FICTION
Published in association with the Books & Such Literary Agency, Janet Kobobel Grant, 52 Mission Circle, Suite 122, PMB 170, Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5370, www.booksandsuch.biz.
Scripture references are taken from the New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
Scripture references marked KJV were taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Cover photo by Steve Gardner, PixelWorks
Publisher's Note: The characters and events in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 • 15 14 13 12 11
"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2 KJV)
DEDICATION
To Ora Jay and Irene and your daughters in heaven.
Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for sharing your life and your faith. May many be as touched by glimpses of your story as I have been.
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am thankful for my friends who have welcomed me into their home and who've shared the Amish lifestyle with me:
Ora Jay and Irene Esh
Dennis and Viola Bontrager
Ida Miller
Betty Yoder
Marilyn Miller
Linda Keim
Irene Beachy
This book also wouldn't be possible without my dear friend Martha Artyomenko. Martha was my guide through Amish country, my research buddy, and my first reader. Growing up among the West Kootenai Amish, she provided valuable influence. Also thank you to Amy Lathrop and Cara Putman for reading through my story and giving your input, too.
I also appreciate the B&H team, especially Karen Ball and Julie Gwinn. Thank you for loving this story as much as I do and believing in me!
I'm also thankful for my agent, Janet Grant. You always encourage, always believe!
And I'm thankful for my family: John, Cory and Katie, Leslie, Nathan and baby Alyssa. I couldn't write about a loving family unless I experienced one myself.
Finally, to my best friend Jesus Christ. None of this would be possible without You. Thank You for meeting me beside still waters.
PPROLOGUE
The memory of laughter mixed with the sound of the horse's hooves on the asphalt lulled him into a half-sleep. They still had thirty minutes until they reached home. Thankfully, the horse knew the way.
His wife nestled at his side with their son Levi, three years old, on her lap—well, as much on her lap as the little one could fit. Their next son or daughter would be joining the family in a matter of months, and the thought of it brought a smile to his face. He'd always wanted a big family, a good wife, a small piece of land to call his own. Yes, for a time he'd considered not joining the church, but it was the thought of a family and nights like this that had helped him decide to join. He cracked his eyes open, gazing up to the stars with a heart of thankfulness. And checking the road ahead.