"Peace in the Valley" presents a quite different take on the usual Amish romance novel. The plot hinges on conflict between two very different Amish settlements, resulting in disruptions of families and potential heartbreak for the family members.

Nora and her sister Jeannie relocate to reside with relatives when wildfire forces Nora and her family to evacuate from their home in Montana. Although they move in with their grandparents, Nora and Jeannie are faced with a very different view of Amish religious beliefs, leading them to question the faith with which they have grown up. Traditions and foundational ways of worship are re-examined through the eyes of their grandparents and other relatives and friends, and hard choices must be made by the young ladies and their families.

The characters in this story are portrayed as realistic, flawed human beings. The plot moves along well and the conflicts between characters and their beliefs are thoughtfully examined. Stark contrasts are drawn between the two different Amish communities and their differing values and beliefs. The overt Christian message forms an integral part of the novel's themes. Readers who enjoy a clean read without strong language or descriptions of intimacy will find this an intriguing departure from the usual Amish novels.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

Peace in the Valley by Kelly Irvin the final novel in Amish of Big Sky Country series. We return to West Kootenai, Montana where fires are decimating the West Kootenai National Forest. The people in the town built their homes close to the mountains and always knew that this could happen. Nora Beachy’s family evacuates to nearby Rexford where the smoke is still present in the air. Sadie, the youngest child of Nora’s sister, was born early with underdeveloped lungs and the smoke is bad for her. It is decided to send Jeannie (Nora’s sister) along with her husband and children to their grandparents’ home in Libby with Nora to assist (poor Jeannie is just worn out with three kids under five). Nora’s parents, though, are worried about the Eagle Valley Amish influencing Nora with their different way of worshipping and their more worldly choices. Nora is twenty years old and a baptized member of the community. She is looking forward to marrying her beau, Levi Raber when they have saved enough to purchase the home they have their eyes on. Peace in the Valley is a story about temptation, judging others, trust, family, and faith. I thought the story was well-written and it can be read as a standalone. We see Nora seeing a different way of life and worship. The Amish in Libby have more freedoms. They can dress differently, play musical instruments, and drive cars. Nora finds her faith and beliefs challenged from the moment she arrives. Temptation can be hard to resist especially when it is things you have always wanted to do. She wonders what is so wrong about playing an instrument or studying the Bible. I find that the story followed an expected path and there is repetition of the same details. It is a story laden with scripture quotes and talk about faith. I could understand why Nora struggled especially with regard to Levi. I do know that I would make a lousy Amish wife because I could not “bow to my husband’s wishes”. My favorite line is, “God has a plan for us.” I liked the epilogue that wrapped up the series. ( )