I am not the kind of woman who typically reads fiction novels. In fact, I shamefully admit that I’ve been know to call it “fluff” and an “escape” from real life. For that very reason I have no idea why I agreed to be on a blog tour for a fiction book. Maybe it is because I’ve worked with Litfuse publicity several times now and I’ve always enjoyed the books they send or maybe it is because I’ve always admired Tricia Goyer’s work as an author and figured I’d give this one a go. Her book, Blue Like Play Dough is one of my absolute favorites. In any case, I agreed to read, review and be on a blog tour for Beside Still Waters.
NOTE: The blog tour happened in April while I was still taking a blog break to be with my boys after the death of their dad. So, I had totally forgotten about it but I did get to read the book and I do want to share it with you.
Beside Still Waters had me intrigued from page one. I can’t tell you why because it would totally ruin it for you but you have to read this book. It wasn’t just the story of a girl and her family. Or the girl’s discovery of life beyond all that she had ever known. It wasn’t even about the impending romance or critical decisions that were to be made. It was about God. It was about His hand in all things and trusting that He will work it out. I have to think that God wanted this book to land in my hands when it did. We had just lost Mark, the boys’ dad and just a couple months later we learned that my grandma’s health was declining. I had to look at my boys day after day and remind them, while holding back my own tears, that God is in control and that even though life isn’t fair He has a great plan for us.
I see that in this book, on every page.
You should also thank me for waiting to post this review. I have had to anxiously wait for the release of the second title. I wanted it in my hands just seconds after finishing this one. You, on the other hand, only have to wait a few weeks. Lucky dog, you.
I’ll be giving away one of these books. No jumping through hoops to enter although I would be very appreciative if you did subscribe to my email updates, “like” Cajun Joie de Vivre on Facebook, or “follow” me on Twitter. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me what your favorite fiction book is or if you don’t have any yet, why do you want to start with this one. That’s it!
I’ll post the winner on Friday, August 12th. The winner is Katie M!
I was not compensated for this post but I was given a copy of the book for review. I am paying for the giveaway book. The opinions are my own.
Favorite Fiction lately was probably “The Book Thief”. I love the classics: Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and I’ve got “My Antonia” in my bag ready to read on a camping trip!
I subscribe to your e-mail updates. Just letting you know.
I just read “My Antonia” last summer. Written in a much slower style than books today, but so worthwhile. enjoy the book and the camping trip.
I have always loved reading – fiction or non! Books are almost like friends to me. Beverly Lewis is a favorite!
I follow you on this blog and Facebook and Twitter. My favorite book so far has been Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers….this was an awesome book….I do love Christian fiction alot….
Always good to hear of new authors. I personally love love love Karen Kingsbury!!!
Just one favorite.. Can’t be done…. Top three fiction books for me are: A Tale of Two Cities, To Kill a Mocking Bird, and The Good Earth, although if you just want something you don’t have to think about to enjoy, you can’t go wrong with Louis L’Amour.
Hey Amy!
Funny thing you should be talking about this book. I don’t usually have any desire to read this kind in general. I do love children’s literature, my favorite story is currently “The Search for WondLa” by Tony Diterlizzi. However, this particular book has looked very intriguing since i first saw it online.
I already “liked” you on Facebook and i subscribe to your blog posts.
Blessings!
My Favorite fiction book is “The Princess” by Lori Wick. Also love anything by Francine Rivers!!
I cannot begin to describe my favorite fiction book or even author. There are so many I have come to love. I read any chance I get I feel like it is a good routine for my children to see . Reading is our quiet time and when I cannot get a vacation fiction reading is my getaway. Tricia’s book is on my list to read but I have not been to a bookstore in months. Thanks for taking the time out to give us your review of her book.
Amy, discovering really GOOD Christian fiction is a treat you can’t really explain until you find it… l.ike you did with this book. A writier who has the ability to show us how God (can/does) work in the lives of “real” people in a way that glorifies Him and touches your heart and stirs you to know Him more is a blessing and thrill!
I have found several authors that are very good but my absolute favorite is Karen Kingsbury and, as Katie mentioned above, the Baxter series is a “can’t put down” all the way through! Everything I have ever read of hers has made me laugh, cry, pray, and dream. I feel very close to God and can relate to the characters in a very real way. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised
I’d love to read a Tricia Goyer book just to have another author to love!
I really do hope you’ll stick with reading some more Christian fiction
and keep us posted as to what you read and you liked it!!!
Hi!
I receive your e-mail updates.
I have several fave books. I’ll just list one.
‘Almost Heaven’ by Chris Fabry
Favorite fiction book – any by Karen Kingsbury espcially the ones about the Baxter family they are VERY addicting books.
You are the winner, Katie! Congrats!
I don’t know if I have a favorite book. It’s so hard to pick one! I’d love to read this book because I’ve really enjoyed kapp fiction lately.
I’m the opposite of you. I’ve always loved fiction. For the last few years, though, I’ve started enjoying non-fiction as well.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Hi Amy, I don’t get much chance to read fiction now, as I just can’t stop when I start, so I discipline myself to read fiction only in the holidays
For a girl whose nickname used to be “Ruth Reid-a-book” (Maiden name Reid) this is hard! The sacrifices we make for our family! I loved the Emily Lake Series (first book A Can of Peas) by Traci DePree. It was a book about very real Christian women and very real responses to life. Loved it. Thanks for the giveaway – Don’t know if you do international but if not I’m sure someone will enjoy reading it.