Finding Home in the Last Place She Looked!!

      "Atlas Girl"

By Emily T. Wierenga


I first discovered this author when reading and reviewing The Quilts of Love Series. Pleasantly surprised by her book,( new authors don't always impress me so easily), "A Promise in Pieces", she gained my admiration, with her unique style and excellent plot development. When asked if I would be interested in reviewing this new book, a memoir of her journey through life, I did hesitate, if only for a moment, due to my love of fiction. I knew that this was NOT imaginary, it would be a story of Emily's struggle to live in a troublesome world. However, my curiosity got the best of me, and I agreed, on the basis of my memories of her fantastic quilt story.

"Atlas Girl" reads as a journal,  and you travel this difficult road alongside this young lady. Emily takes you right into her world that encounters heartache, grief, happiness and hope around the globe, as she strives to find true self in this confusing life. Growing up in a pastor's family has its trials and Emily finds herself in the depths of despair, showing us the pain behind the pulpit that existed. 

I could easily identify with Emily, as she grew up in a small Canadian town that I have visited many times. Broken down with organized religion, a childhood battle with anorexia, and her parents' faithful yet rigid rules, she sets out on a life changing task . She strives to find God somewhere else, anywhere but in her home town. Her travels takes her across three continents using all forms of transportation, some, very unusual and uncomfortable. 

A huge awakening was waiting for Emily!! She realized finally, that her faith had been waiting for her all along... in the place she least expected it. As we all do, she has longed for true acceptance, forgiveness and loved without doubt. But the true surprise is where she finally ends up feeling fulfilled! 

This is a story with extreme depth and meaning. You walk with Emily through broken places, feeling her intense pains and disappointments. However, you also travel to the joyful result of the journey, to the place where she finds her broken heart, once again whole, and how God fills her soul with much needed happiness.

There is a very real message in this book. God sees us through our darkest moments and fills us with His power to live a meaningful life, happy and content in knowing that He is in control.

A great thought provoking read!


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books , a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

Beth Wiseman Has Written a Masterpiece!!!

"The Promise"                     
 By Beth Wiseman                   

It is always an exciting moment at our house, when the mail carrier delivers a new book!  Our dog, Jackson, barks (or squeaks) and I rush out to see if a new book has arrived.  This week, there was a particularly momentous occasion!! A brand new ARC for me to read BY BETH WISEMAN, a favorite author!! This "Quiet Quilter" was NOT so quiet as I opened the package as fast as I could, without doing damage to the contents!  Amid squeals of delight, I pulled the book out of the envelope, "The Promise" had come!!! I have been looking forward to this for some time and finally the day was here, I would get to read THIS new book, one which is very different from Beth's usual ! 

Needless to say, housework was left unfinished, meals were quickly slapped together and I read the entire day!!  This book is THE BEST!! A true masterpiece, addressing a sensitive subject near and dear to Beth's heart. It is based on actual events that occurred in a life of someone Beth knows and for whom she cares.

"The Promise" is a contemporary fiction novel, dealing with the dangers of meeting others online, as well as traveling to dangerous locations to meet strangers. The results can be deadly! Mallory, the main character, is searching for happiness and in doing so, finds herself in a  faraway place. Once there, she is confronted with heartache, betrayal and danger. At home, in safety, she had left the one who truly loves her and now is left only with the hope that he will rescue her before it is too late. Will he be able to do it? Time is running out! 

Mallory is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal - to save a life. Although she had that chance when she was a teenager, she was not allowed to fill it. The opportunity  slipped away and left a void that had never been filled. Then... she met a new friend online, who offers her the chance she has dreamed of. But she will have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it. 

Tate had loved Mallory for years, however understands that her feee spirit has to fly, thus gives her the space she requests and hopes that when she lands, the two of them will marry at last.

In  the face of much resistance , Mallory  decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Her loved ones beg her not to go, but being strong willed and determined to give her help, she embarks on her journey to Pakistan, a most dangerous journey, indeed! Upon arriving, she swiftly discovers that her new friend is NOT who he says he is! She can only pray that she will make it out alive.

This is the most riveting story that I have ever read!!  I could NOT put this book down, until I finished. Every emotion, fear, challenge could be felt deep within me!! My heart pounded with the knowledge that this was a story based on facts. It really did happen!! Not just a work of fiction!! 

It is NO secret that I love all of the books that Beth Wiseman has written! However, this one was a total change from her usual style and subjects. I have to say that as I was aware of this, I was wondering how I would feel about this novel. Well, the only word to describe it, is ,  Masterpiece!!
THE BEST!! I absolutely loved it!!

The plot was well developed and moved so quickly, it had you spell bound from start to finish. In every chapter, there are unexpected twists and turns. You fear what is just around the corner, 
The characters are realistic and easy to identify with. Any female could experience this situation in a country that has very different rules and dangers. Internet relationships can end in disaster!!! 

The main plot of the book which was very different from Beth's other works, was dealt with in a realistic yet sensitive way. Beth wrote from her soul and you feel this as you read . What a talent to be able to address this difficult subject in such a creative manner!

A GREAT book!! Five stars!!  Any reader would enjoy this book!! 

This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.