big sky series

June 13, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 7 Comments

Read Beyond the Gray Mountains FREE in KU + Giveaway

A palpable energy fills the air as the warm sun kisses our faces, and the gentle breeze whispers through the towering pines. Ah, the glorious summers of Montana, where time seemingly stands still, and nature paints an enchanting tapestry of wilderness. Can you feel it? The allure of open skies, untamed rivers, and majestic mountains beckons us to embark on unforgettable adventures.

Our souls yearn for the crackling campfires, the exhilaration of casting a line into crystal-clear waters, and the thrill of hiking through lush forests with vibrant flora and fauna.

Now, picture yourself standing at the edge of a pristine alpine lake, its glassy surface reflecting the snow-capped peaks surrounding it. The sun’s warmth caresses your skin as you take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of wildflowers dancing in the breeze. The melody of nature’s symphony fills your ears—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant rumble of a cascading waterfall.

Can you picture moments spent horseback riding through rolling meadows, feeling the powerful rhythm of the horse beneath you as you traverse the open range?

Montana’s summers are an invitation to awaken the adventurer within, embrace the call of the wild and embark on a journey of discovery. From Glacier National Park’s breathtaking landscapes to the hidden gems within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, this treasure trove of nature’s wonders will leave you spellbound.

But fret not, fellow wanderers! If Montana is not on your travel agenda, the beauty and excitement of Montana still await. Through the pages of a novel, you can ignite the flame of wanderlust within your soul.

So, dust off your hiking boots, grab your fishing rod, and prepare to lose yourself in the untamed glory of Montana’s wilderness. The journey awaits!

BEYOND THE GRAY MOUNTAINS IS FREE IN KU!

More about Beyond the Gray Mountains

Finding Home. Finding Faith.

He craves the stage. She wants a simple life. But when love sparks, what world will win?

She just wants to marry the man she loves…

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?

Ben loves Marianna, but he has secrets that stand between him and his happy ending. His solution-go to the high mountains and search for answers.

Trouble lurks in the High Mountains…

It’ll take a miracle to make it back alive when Ben finds himself in over his head.

And suddenly, Marianna doesn’t care what the wedding looks like…as long as Ben makes it home…

But if he does…and she discovers his secrets…what sacrifices will she make to save…and marry…the man she loves?

Secrets. Trouble. Sacrifice…Miracles. What will it take for love to survive?

“I can always count on Tricia Goyer to draw me into her story world. She deftly writes characters I can root for right to the very end. Treat yourself to a great Goyer read!” -Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Even Forever and All She Ever Dreamed

READ FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Also available in Audio and Paperback!

Here’s what reviewers are saying . . .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are looking for a story with deep themes and heart-warming characters you’ll fall in love with, check out Beyond the Gray Mountains.
— BestInSuspense

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After devouring the first three of Tricia Goyer’s Big Sky novels (Beside Still Waters, Along Wooded Paths, and Beyond Hope’s Valley), it was very satisfying to get to read this one. Of course, there are still obstacles for Ben and Marianna to overcome, but Goyer does a great job of helping them work through the challenges. Lots of plot twists, but great resolution. — Mugget

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Beyond the Gray Mountains, Tricia did not disappoint. From the very beginning, the reader is thrown into the lives of the Amish community in West Kootenai, Montana and you’ll find yourself wrapped up in the struggles of living life according to the Amish ways and the worldly ways. It’s more than just Marianna and Ben who find themselves torn between two worlds.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely LOVED narrator MacKenzie Koppa. — Kate Angelo

Enter to win a copy of Beyond the Gray Mountains and On the Golden Cliffs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 13, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

More Big Sky Amish Books

You’ve asked and I’ve listened! I’m releasing more Big Sky Amish novels!

I’m so excited to announce the pre-order campaign for not one but TWO of my upcoming books in the Big Sky Amish series—Beyond the Gray Mountains (releasing February 28) & On the Golden Cliffs (releasing March 21)! (Pre-order information will be coming for Under the Blue Skies later this summer!)

On the Golden Cliffs was written by my friend (and assistant) Christen Krumm. It’s about a social media star who falls from grace and ends up in an Amish community in Montana. While there, she meets an Amishman who has a secret of his own that could threaten his livelihood if it gets out. And, of course, they fall in love — with a lot of mishaps along the way. It’s such a cute story and I love it so much — I know you will too!

Paperback Preorder Campaign

For the paperback pre-order, we’ve teamed up with Bookish, an indie bookstore in Arkansas.

FOR BEYOND THE GRAY MOUNTAINS
*The first 100 preorders from Bookish will receive a signed bookmark AND a signed bookplate.
*The first 50 preorders will receive a gorgeous Montana sticker for your computer, phone case, or favorite water bottle
*The first 25 preorders will receive a Montana postcard.
*All paperback preorders will also receive the digital items.

FOR ON THE GOLDEN CLIFFS
*Every copy of On the Golden Cliffs preordered from Bookish, will be signed and personalized (if wished, please note in your email to Bookish if you want personalization).
*The first 100 preorders will receive a bookmark with a QR code that leads readers to a secret landing page with exclusive preorder goodies.
*The first 50 preorders will receive an On the Golden Cliffs Montana sticker.
*The first 25 preorders will receive a Montana postcard (different from the Beyond the Gray Mountains postcard!)
*All paperback preorders will also receive the digital items.

When you click the link below, it will pop up with an email — include the title (Beyond the Gray Mountains and/or On the Golden Cliffs), quantity wanted of each, and shipping address. The wonderful book people at Bookish will follow up with you with an invoice.

CLICK HERE TO PREORDER THE PAPERBACK FROM BOOKISH

Digital Preorder Campaign

FOR BEYOND THE GRAY MOUNTAINS
All digital preorders of Beyond the Gray Mountains will receive:
*An annotated chapter
*A map of the Big Sky Amish world
*Exclusive Beyond the Gray Mountains lock screens

FOR ON THE GOLDEN CLIFFS
All digital preorders of On the Golden Cliffs will receive:
*An annotated chapter
*A map of the Big Sky Amish world
*Exclusive On the Golden Cliffs lock screens

*All digital goodies will be sent after the release*

CLICK HERE TO PREORDER BEYOND THE GRAY MOUNTAINS

CLICK HERE TO PREORDER ON THE GOLDEN CLIFFS

One Last Step!

Once you’ve preordered, click the box below to sign up for the preorder goodies!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE BEYOND THE GRAY MOUNTAINS PREORDER GOODIES

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ON THE GOLDEN CLIFFS PREORDER GOODIES

But that’s not all!

The first 100 preorders will also be entered for two $200 prize packages of Montana-themed gifts! (How cute are these things?! And this is just a sample of the amazingness!)

July 14, 2020 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Meet Me in Montana Giveaway! + Pressed Prime Rib & Mozzarella Sandwiches with Pesto

Who doesn’t love a giveaway? And who doesn’t love a fantastic recipe!? Enjoy this Meet Me in Montana Giveaway!

Summers in Montana are the best. It’s warm but not too hot. Every day, in any direction, there are lakes to swim in, mountains to hike, and natural beauty to explore.

Missing Montana, I often catch glimpses of its beauty on my friend Alyson’s Instagram page. Alyson and I have served in children’s church together, and she and her husband Casey were part of our first Czech Republic mission’s trip team.

Even though we live 2,000 miles apart now, I love following along with Alyson’s Montana farm life on her Instagram photos:

Meet Me In Montana Giveaway

I’m excited because Alyson is hosting a giveaway!

Wanting to join in the fun, I included my audiobook of Beside Still Waters, which is set in Montana. If you want a wonderful glimpse of Northwest Montana, you’ll find it within these pages.

To be entered to win, follow Alyson on Instagram, and leave a comment on THE GIVEAWAY POST.

Meet me in Montana Giveaway!

Tricia Goyer audiobook, Beside Still Waters

Farm Kid & Co Honey (from Alyson’s farm!)

Glacier National Park mug which pairs perfectly with a cup of

Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters coffee

or Alyson’s favorite blend of Montana tea.

Alyson’s Recipe

Alyson is also an amazing cook! She was kind enough to share a recipe with us. Yum!

Pressed Prime Rib & Mozzarella Sandwiches with Pesto

A trip to Italy inspired this hearty sandwich, but when it comes down to it – the biggest player is Montana beef. A pressed sandwich basically consists of a loaf of bread that’s sliced, filled with ingredients, and then wrapped and refrigerated overnight under a weight to flatten the sandwich and meld the flavors.

Ingredients:

Thickly-sliced rustic, European-style bread
Sliced prime rib
Thickly-cut peppered bacon, cooked
Roasted red peppers
Fresh mozzarella
Baby spinach
Pesto & mayo
Salt and pepper to taste

Spread a generous layer of mayo and pesto on your bread. Top one slice of bread with sliced prime rib beef and bacon. Layer roasted peppers, mozzarella, and spinach on the other half. Season with salt and pepper. Press the sides firmly together and wrap tightly in plastic and then parchment tied with a string. Place sandwich in the refrigerator for two hours (or overnight) and weigh down with a heavy object; I use a small Dutch oven or a thick hardback novel.

Be sure to enter, and enjoy the recipe!

Share this Meet Me In Montana Giveaway with others!

June 17, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

End of Summer (or anytime) Cookie Recipe

During the summer my kids are like little mice–always in the kitchen scurrying around to find a snack. They especially love a sweet summer treat. Of course, chocolate chip cookies are a favorite for us so I thought I’d share a cookie recipe guest post from Lathe Weymouth. Now that we are ending summer, your little mice will still love this as a school snack. Or really, who doesn’t love these ANYTIME!?

Be sure to give it a try and let me know what you think!

Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

In my family, there is one recipe book to end all recipe books. It is the last word on cookery. This wonderful book contains numerous recipes requiring bathtub-size mixing bowls and is the only place where I’ve ever found the instructions necessary to make both Butter Soup (what???), Head Cheese, and Pickled Pigs Feet.

The cookbook is called The Mennonite Treasury of Recipes (A Canadian Best-Seller), and today I’m here to share with you my family’s favorite treat as featured in the Treasury. Don’t worry, it’s not Head Cheese. It’s a recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies which I’ve made countless times. They’re by far my husband’s favorite baked good, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like these cookies. I generally make them in batches of 5 dozen, and they’re gone within one or two days. Without further ado, here is the recipe for Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies. As you can see, it’s what we call a “scratch and sniff” cookie recipe around here.

Print The Recipe

Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Author: Mrs. Eleanor Neustaedter

From “The Mennonite Treasury of Recipes”

Ingredients

1 cup shortening (I use butter)
⅔ cup white sugar
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 package chocolate chips
½ cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired
2 cups oatmeal

Instructions

Cream shortening/butter.
Add sugars gradually.
Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.
Sift flour, salt and soda and add to creamed mixture.
Add nuts, chocolate chips and oatmeal last.
Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets and bake in a 350-degree oven for 12 minutes.

This cookie recipe, as printed in the Mennonite Treasury, makes about 2.5 dozen cookies. If you want to make 5 like I do, you’ll have to double the recipe. To add a copy of the Mennonite Treasury to your cookbook library, you can purchase a copy here. It’s somewhat pricy, as it’s hard to find but well worth the money if you ask me. All the recipes are tried and true, submitted by Mennonite homemakers. Credit for this chocolate chip cookie recipe goes to Mrs. Eleanor Neustaedter in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Want to save the recipe in your Pinterest? You can find it here on my Pinterest board for Delish Desserts!

~Tricia

More Photos from Lori O’Dell

More photos from Lori O’Dell’s trip to the Amish community in Seymour, Mo. See the first installment here.

~~~

Want more about the Amish? Check out my Big Sky book series! Book Three: Beyond Hope’s Valley is out now!

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook — a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs.

May 19, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 11 Comments

Amish Community: Seymour, MO | Photos by Lori O’Dell

Hey! My name is Lori O’Dell. I’m 35 years old…a mother of a teenage daughter and a seven year old son, who are the loves of my life, along with my husband. I am a police officer by profession (a patrolman as well as a DARE Officer). My husband is a full-time firefighter, which means we have a very unusual household. 🙂 I began photography a few years ago to escape some of the stress and heartache from police work. I had the feeling that I could bring happiness to others with my camera, and have a feeling of success now in doing just that.

I live approximately three hours away from the Amish community in Seymour, MO. I visit there often, and have began getting to know some of the locals. My mom and I have made it tradition to attend the bake sale they have during the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month during the spring/summer. The Seymour Amish are Old Order Amish. They only drive open buggies and do not have indoor plumbing. They have several small businesses in their homes or nearby shops, offering fresh eggs, produce, tack and harnesses, as well as a small general store that supplies many of the items they need. It is such a friendly group of Amish, they make each and every trip so memorable.

These are some of the photos I took:

~~~

Want more about the Amish? Check out my Big Sky book series! Book Three: Beyond Hope’s Valley is out now!

big sky series

​ More about Beyond the Gray Mountains

Here’s what reviewers are saying . . .

Enter to win a copy of Beyond the Gray Mountains and On the Golden Cliffs!

Paperback Preorder Campaign

Digital Preorder Campaign

One Last Step!

But that’s not all!

Meet Me In Montana Giveaway

I’m excited because Alyson is hosting a giveaway!

To be entered to win, follow Alyson on Instagram, and leave a comment on THE GIVEAWAY POST.

Alyson’s Recipe

Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

More about Beyond the Gray Mountains