Book Review of 'Beyond the Gray Mountains' by Tricia Goyer

Hello Bookworms!

Have you ever read a book that instantly transports you to another space and time and before you know it the journey is ending and you're just not quite ready to let go? That's exactly what happened when I picked up the novel I am reviewing today.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Beyond the Gray Mountains by Tricia Goyer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beyond the Gray Mountains

Series: Big Sky Amish #1

Author: Tricia Goyer

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: February 28, 2023

Genre: Christian Contemporary Amish Romance

Marianna Sommer always dreamed of a simple Amish wedding, but there’s nothing simple about marrying rock star Ben Stone. She loves him—but what about her traditions? Worse, suddenly Ben has questions—the kind that have him putting their wedding on hold.

Ben loves Marianna, but he has regrets—and fears—that are suddenly getting in the way of his happy ending. He doubts he’s going to “hear from God” in the high mountains like Marianna’s father suggests. But sure, he’ll go…

But he might not return. Because high on the continental divide, trouble finds them. Now, it’ll take a miracle for Ben, Abe, and Abe’s brother, Ike, to make it down alive. Maybe Ben will hear from God after all…but if he does, can he become the man he needs to be to save them…and keep Marianna’s heart?

When a runaway horse with a bloody saddle shows up, not only is the media alerted, but Marianna fears she’ll lose them all—her uncle, her father, and her beloved Ben. Suddenly she doesn’t care what the wedding looks like…as long as Ben makes it home.

But is there more to Ben than she knows? And when she discovers his secrets, what sacrifices will she make to save…and marry…the man she loves?

Fall in love with the first book in the cherished Big Sky Amish Collection.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

My Review

This is my first time being in Big Sky, Montana and boy, what a welcome! This is the first time I am meeting Ben and Marianna. We start the story with their engagement full swing, which immediately made me wonder if I had entered a series mid-novel, and I believe that this is a spinoff of another series. This is obviously the first I’ve read, but the author does a masterful job of catching you up on their courtship and the many challenges that they faced to end up where they are today.

This idea of marrying a rock star has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, but I cannot even begin to imagine the turmoil that someone leaving the Amish community would go through. It’s hard enough letting go of all of the traditions and habits that you’ve been used to your whole life, but then to be practically thrust into the spotlight is even too much for this heart to bear, and I’m not even Amish!

I love that we get to see Ben and Marianna flaws and all. There is a lot of inner dialogue, which did tend to weigh down the story at some parts, but it’s important to get that depth to truly understand what the character is going through, and it adds to the realism. I could easily understand where each character was coming from, where their doubts stemmed from, and how true to life their thoughts were. Faith plays a huge role in this novel, almost becoming a character of its own, which I greatly admired. Seeing characters practice what they believe is always such an inspiration to me.

This was a truly well written story that captured my heart from the get-go, instantly catapulting me into this lovely couple’s tale with such fervor that I instantly fell in love, and I feel truly honored that I got to read a part of their journey and witness their faith fleshed out.

My Rating: ★★★★★

Other Books In Series

About the Author

Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting.

This USA Today best-selling author has won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She is a beloved author of Amish fiction, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. Whether for fiction or nonfiction, Tricia’s writing style is vivid and heartwarming, allowing readers to take home more than engaging stories, but also messages that inspire faith and hope. Her goal is to write stories that matter.

Connect with Tricia by visiting triciagoyer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Beyond the Gray Mountains and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 27, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 6, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.