"Beside Still Waters"--A Big Sky novel by Tricia Goyer

(image from Goodreads)

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer is an interesting Amish romance novel.  Marianna is an Amish girl who has always tried to do right and obey the Amish rules to be sure to not disappoint her parents.  Her two older sisters were killed in a buggy accident the day she was born and feels like she is a constant reminder to her parents of their deaths.  When her parents decide to move away from their Amish community in Indiana to Montana, she is very upset, as she is hoping to start dating Aaron Zook.  When she learns her mother is pregnant again, Marianna has no choice but to move with them to help.  To her surprise, she likes Montana and meets some very nice English people who begin to make her question some things she always believed.

I enjoyed this book but did not like how abruptly it ended.  I assume there must be a sequel which I will look for.  This is different from most other Amish stories I've read in that this one has the Amish interacting with the English in Montana instead of just being in their own little community.  I think anyone who enjoys stories about families would like this one.
(Karen's review, 5 stars) 

Teaser from page 42, Loc. 740-41 on Kindle:  Life in the Englisch world wasn't easy.  Some Amish didn't have birth certificates or Social Security cards.  Even harder was their lack of education, and work was hard to find.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Elevator Pitch" by Linwood Barclay

In Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay, an elevator falls in a high rise building in New York, killing people.  When it happens three days in a row, people start paying attention.  What is going on and why?
The action in this book is little and far between.  Most of it is just people talking which does not hold my interest.  I finished it anyway because a friend recommended it.  I had no problems with all the characters, but just wanted more action!
(Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Teaser from page 9:  There was a loud noise from above, as though the world's largest rubber band had snapped.  The elevator trembled for a second.  Everyone looked up, stunned.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings by Sarah Cooper

100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings by Sarah Cooper is a little book with pictures full of silly tricks to do in meetings. It is definitely a gag gift but is humorous. I enjoyed it, being a person who hates meetings. I would recommend this to anyone who runs meetings or has to attend them.
(Karen’s review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

A Dog For Christmas" by Linda Byler (An Amish Christian Romance)

A Dog for Christmas by Linda Byler is about Amish twins during the depression. Twins Henry and Harvey were sent away from their family to live with another because they were so poor and had so many children. Rachel and Ephraim who had three girls took them in and Henry and Harvey were well cared for and learned farming. A Newfoundland dog found a home with them and became their best friend. The story about Henry includes fun times and sad times, but his faith in God grows along the way. He finds love and does well. This book seems like a Hallmark movie with some adversity to overcome and a happy ending.
Karen’s review, 4 stars)

Gerard’s review 12/6/19:
A Dog for Christmas by Linda Byler is mostly told by Henry. He was born into an Amish family. This book tells the trials of his childhood and continues into his manhood. The story has a good flow to it and I enjoyed all the characters very much. I also enjoyed the dogs that were involved in the story.
(4 stars)

Teaser from page 4: The boys didn’t look back, knowing that what was behind them was something they could never have again.
After the first mile, their feet were cold from snow leaking into the cracks in the soles of their shoes.


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Running with Sherman--The donkey with the heart of a hero" by Christopher McDougall

Running With Sherman by Christopher McDougall is a true story.  Christopher owns a ranch and a neighbor brings him a donkey that needs some TLC.  Little did Christopher know how bad a shape the donkey was in.  Christopher was told this donkey needs a purpose and Chris got a wild idea!

This book was best when it concentrated on the main story--the donkeys.  I enjoyed it and was glad it had a good ending.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 11:  "He's paying serious attention, and he's decided we're on his side," Scott said, as he knelt to begin sawing the other front foot.  "But don't let up.  It's only going to get rougher now."

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!