This week I have the privilege of getting to review a book just for the fun of it! Yes, I actually bought and paid for this one. My wonderful hubby even pre-ordered it for me because he knew how much I wanted it!
Along Wooded Paths is the second book in Tricia Goyer’s Big Sky series, sequel to Beside Still Waters which I reviewed back in April.
Marianna Sommer has chosen to remain with her family in their new home in Montana, at least for the time being, rather than returning to Indiana to be with Aaron Zook, the man she has always dreamed she would marry. This leaves Aaron distraught, wondering if she will ever return. So, he packs his bags and heads to Montana himself in hopes of winning Marianna’s heart and her hand in marriage.
But Aaron Zook is not the only man whose heart has been captivated by Marianna. Englischer Ben Stone finds himself powerfully drawn to the simple beauty he sees in her. Loving her, however, means not only fighting against the lifelong relationship that exists between Aaron and Marianna, but also against every aspect of the life that has made her into the woman he loves.
Tricia Goyer’s incredible talent for fiction shows as powerfully in Along Wooded Paths as it did in Beside Still Waters and her many other novels. The theme may be familiar, but she successfully avoids the trap of predictability. Even when approaching the final chapters of the book, the tension of uncertainty remains. No words are wasted in the story, with even the most insignificant observation holding nuggets pertinent to the story as a whole. I couldn’t read it quickly enough, but then I would find myself rereading just to make sure I absorbed every detail!
Tricia Goyer has continued to show great respect for the Amish community while still highlighting the critical importance of a personal relationship with Christ. She balances pointing out the errors of depending on traditions for salvation with explaining how beautifully those traditions can enhance one’s relationship with Christ. Some of the author’s personal passion for unwed mothers also peeks out through the characters in Along Wooded Paths in a manner that greatly enhances the storyline.
Once again, Tricia Goyer has written a winner. I am counting the days until Beyond Hope’s Valley, book three in the Big Sky series, is available!
Not Quite Ordinary 