Wednesday, April 17, 2013

EVERY HILL AND MOUNTAIN




I know I've been seriously absent from blogging these days, but my Christopher is having some SERIOUS eye problems. His eye doctor is talking DANGEROUS eye surgery or blindness. :(

Today is my review of Deborah Heal's newest YA read, EVERY HILL AND MOUNTAIN. If you have read the previous two books in this excellent  time-travel trilogy, you will NOT be disappointed. 




Book blurb:

Abby and John reluctantly agree to help Kate, but only on the condition that she and Ryan promise to keep the program a secret, because if it fell into the wrong hands...well, no one wants Big Brother invading their privacy.


The two couples take a trip to the tiny town of Equality, set in the hills of southern Illinois and the breath-taking Shawnee National Forest. According to Kate's research, Ned Greenfield was born there at a place called Hickory Hill.


The mayor, police chief, and townspeople are hospitable and helpful--until the topic of Hickory Hill comes up. They seem determined to keep them away, telling them, "There's nothing there for you to see."


Eventually they find Hickory Hill on their own--both the mansion and the lonely hill it sits upon. Built in 1834, Hickory Hill stands sentinel over Half Moon Salt Mine where the original owner John Granger accumulated his blood-tainted fortune.


Abby and her friends meet Miss Granger, Hickory Hill's current eccentric owner, and they eventually get the chance to time-surf there. Their shocking discovery on the third floor concerning Kate's ancestor Ned Greenfield is almost too much to bear. What they learn sends them racing to the opposite end of the state to find the missing link in Kate's family tree. And there they are reminded that God is in the business of redemption--that one day he'll make all things new.


My review:

Deborah writes the kind of historical fiction that I love to read. BELIEVABLE! I am drawn into her books so much that I really think I'm there with the characters. In this case, Kate. An listen to the name of the town, Equality. I know that if you read historical fiction, I already have you. If you don't normally read it let me tell you why you should start with Deborah's books. 


We are transported to the Southern part of Illinois and we find Kate who wants to learn more about her ancestor, Ned Greenfield. The  time-travel computer software is used yet again as we travel along with them to help Kate uncover the dark secrets including John Granger the previous owner of Half Moon Salt Mine. Without giving too much away, just let me say how much I admire Deborah's attention to detail and the voice she gives to her characters. All of which that I greatly admire as a writer myself. I hope that someday she decides to teach a class on these two writerly problem areas for me.


The pace is exactly as it should be. I never felt the story drag and I never thought she was taking me through too fast. And with this story we see evil. We also see that love wins out in the end. And that is as it should be. The ending was more satisfying than a delectable bar of chocolate. 

I believe that high school kids and adults will love the ride the author takes us on as we discover the secrets Hickory Hill holds for us.


Deborah I also admire the extensive amount of research that you must have undergone for this skillfully written book. I recommend you read this and all of Ms. Heal's expertly crafted books.

I am having a giveaway of the ARC that Deborah sent to me in exchange for a review of her book. Leave a comment for a chance to win. I'll let ol' Random.org pick a winner on Friday April 26th.

*My apologies to Deborah for scheduling this on the wrong day.* (((sigh))) So the winner will be chosen THIS Friday April 20th.

Here is the linkage for Deborah and her wonderful books:


EVERY HILL AND MOUNTAIN

Deborah Heal's place

The blog tour, peeps:

April 17
Paula Phillips
www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com

April 18
Henrietta
http://www.leisurereads.com

April 19
Dana Pratola
http://www.danapratola.webs.com/
April 19
Tracey Spiteri
http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.com.au/

April 22
Diane Estrella
www.dianeestrella.com

April 25
Regina Hott
http://hottbooks.com/

May 1
Lisa Johnson
http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
May1
Tiffany Harkleroad
http://tiffanysbookshelf.blogspot.com/

May 2
Kerrific
http://kerrificonline.blogspot.com/

May 3
Allison Hunter Frederick
http://allisonsbookbag.wordpress.com/
May 3
Lena Nelson Dooley
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
May 3
Becky Ritta
http://www.christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com

May 4
April & Wendy
http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.com/

May 6
Serenity Sheild
http://serenityslovelyreads.blogspot.com

May 9
Meagan Myhren Bennett
www.bloomingwithbooks.blogspot.com

May 10
Fran Lewis
http://gabina49.wordpress.com/

23 comments:

  1. Thanks for taking time away from the serious stuff to post such a nice review. I hope your readers will head on over to my place to enter for a chance to win the trilogy. See you over there.

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  2. Great review and I don't need to be sold on historical fiction as I love it.

    Christopher and all the family remain in my thoughts!

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  3. Sending thoughts of healing and love to Christopher (and the rest of you). {{{{hugs}}}}

    I used to read tons of historical fiction, but got away from it in the past 10 years or so. But I'm always intrigued by a time-travel tale so your description of Every Hill and Mountain intrigues me. Thank you for the review and giveaway!

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  4. So hoping Christopher is okay. I'll be thinking of you.

    I don't usually read historical fiction, but this sounds good. I'm going to let someone else win though as I'm trying to get a grip on my TBR list.

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  5. Still praying for Christopher and you, too, Bestie.

    I love time travel stories. This books sounds great!

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  6. Thanks, everyone, for commenting. It's so nice to make new online friends.

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  7. The book sounds great. Hugs to you and prayers for Christopher, the doctors, and healing.

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  8. Hugs and prayers go out to you and Christopher.

    I love YA so much... this looks so good! Perhaps the perfect accompaniment to some delicious chocolate?

    Bless you dear one.

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  9. I'm sending you prayers too Robyn. Wishing you strength and all good things for your son!

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  11. lol- I didn't realize I was logged in as one of my characters. :)

    So sorry to hear about Christopher. Sending out good thoughts and wishes his way.

    I love HF and this series sounds so good. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!
    ~Jess

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  12. Great review. Continue to pray for you all during this time.

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  14. I'm wishing the best for Christopher and a speedy recovery from surgery.

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  15. Dear Robyn .. I am sorry to hear this news .. and I can only hope and pray for you - it must be so anxious making all round ..

    My thoughts and hugs to you ...

    Deborah's book sounds intriguing .. and I'd get to know a little about the Shawnee National Forest ..

    All the best at all levels .. Hilary

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  16. I pray everything works out for Christopher.

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  17. I hadn't heard of this book. Thanks for the info!

    I am so disheartened about Christopher. Keep the faith. xo

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  19. wonderful review! I kind of looking for this review for several days! Good to see it here!!

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  20. Just stopping in to say hello and to see how you're doing. I will keep you and Christopher in my prayers.

    So glad I finally made it here, I've been seriously absent myself...don't get to blog as often anymore.

    Wishing you a nice weekend. I hope all is going well for Christopher.

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  21. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this intriguing story. I've been thinking about you since our emails. I hope Christopher is doing better. Make sure you take care, too.<3

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  22. I hope Christopher gets better soon.

    This is also an outstanding review.

    Keep us informed on Christopher's medical progress. If I can help in any way, I will.

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