Sarah E. Brooks: Promise Box by Tricia Goyer *Book Review*

When Lydia Wyse returns to the town of West Kootenai, Montana for her mother's funeral, she plans on visiting and returning to her busy life as a editor in Seattle. Having left the Amish community several years earlier, Lydia struggles to reconcile her past with her future. She left the community to start a new life. Does she even want to return? Would they accept her if she did? A Promise Box, left to her by her mother, opens her eyes to the answers she's been looking for.

Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley has as secret of his own. A mystery from his childhood haunts him and he hopes that his time in West Kootenai will give him the answers he needs. When a beautiful English woman enters the community, Gideon feels a spark, but knows that he could not marry someone outside of his faith.

I have to admit, the Amish way of life is a bit of a mystery to me. Having grown up in the Southwest portion of the United States, I'm more familiar with Southern Baptist potlucks than I am with the Amish Ordnung. That being said, I enjoyed taking a glimpse into that different way of life. I have to admit that the simpler life (free of smartphones, constant noise, and hectic schedules) does certainly seem appealing at times.

The Promise Box (Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors) is ultimately a story of redemption - of coming home. I love how Tricia Goyer weaves the promises of scripture throughout the story. Yes it's a love story between two characters (who doesn't love a classic romance), but it's also about the love between a mother and her child, and more importantly, the love between a Heavenly Father and his creation.

I love the idea of a promise box. I'd love to start something like that for my own children - a record of God's promises and faithfulness to me and to my family.

What is your favorite promise from God's Word?

Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!

One "promising" winner will receive:

Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc...)
Sherry Gore's Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the "The Promise Box" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun - book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)