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Pine Mountain Secrets
What if the one secret you were holding was the one thing holding you back from a life of complete freedom?
Arianna, a sixteen-year-old from Uganda, is on the run. Who and what she is running from, she doesn't want to tell. She's learned, over the past eight years, not to trust Americans. But when an injury forces her onto the mercy of Allison Whitlock, who finds Arianna in her shed one cold, southeast Oklahoma winter morning, she begins to see that some people are worth her trust.
That is, until Allie's best friend comes along, pushing Arianna to make a decision that could not only destroy her only hope at freedom, but that could take her life.
Allie has her own secret, a secret that is slowly eating away at her conscience. What the authorities believe about the car accident that killed her husband and one of her sons five years ago may not be the complete truth. But the one person who knows the truth, her older son Jared, ran away four and a half years ago and has not been heard from since. The secret begins to burn even hotter when Jeb Mitchell, the man accused of causing the accident, returns from his time in prison and shows up at Allie's door.
Allie wants to make things right with her neighbor and former friend, whose wife was also killed in the accident. But she doesn't believe it's her place, since she wasn't at the scene. And so, the secret continues taking its toll. A girl and a woman, each holding tightly to a secret that binds them. Forgiveness and trust are the first steps toward freedom, but they need a miracle to push them all the way.
**********
At once heart-warming and suspenseful, this first book in the "Pine Mountain Estates" series by Emily Josephine is a full-length Christian women's fiction novel.
Arianna, a sixteen-year-old from Uganda, is on the run. Who and what she is running from, she doesn't want to tell. She's learned, over the past eight years, not to trust Americans. But when an injury forces her onto the mercy of Allison Whitlock, who finds Arianna in her shed one cold, southeast Oklahoma winter morning, she begins to see that some people are worth her trust.
That is, until Allie's best friend comes along, pushing Arianna to make a decision that could not only destroy her only hope at freedom, but that could take her life.
Allie has her own secret, a secret that is slowly eating away at her conscience. What the authorities believe about the car accident that killed her husband and one of her sons five years ago may not be the complete truth. But the one person who knows the truth, her older son Jared, ran away four and a half years ago and has not been heard from since. The secret begins to burn even hotter when Jeb Mitchell, the man accused of causing the accident, returns from his time in prison and shows up at Allie's door.
Allie wants to make things right with her neighbor and former friend, whose wife was also killed in the accident. But she doesn't believe it's her place, since she wasn't at the scene. And so, the secret continues taking its toll. A girl and a woman, each holding tightly to a secret that binds them. Forgiveness and trust are the first steps toward freedom, but they need a miracle to push them all the way.
**********
At once heart-warming and suspenseful, this first book in the "Pine Mountain Estates" series by Emily Josephine is a full-length Christian women's fiction novel.
285 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2019
330 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Emily Josephine
145 books35 followersAssuming she's still alive when you read this, Emily Josephine lives somewhere on Planet Earth with a couple of people she refers to as "family" when she's in a good mood, writing stories with characters who lead much more interesting lives than she does, with an eye toward entertaining readers as well as encouraging them to grow into the person God created them to be, and in so doing endeavoring to kick the habit of writing run-on sentences; however, she sometimes waxes Charles Dickens-ish and is at such times unable to help herself - and speaking of famous people, if you look for "Emily Josephine" on any social media site or on YouTube, you will find more than one person going by that gorgeous name, but it will not be THE Emily Josephine, the author about whom you are now reading, because Emily Josephine The Author is severely and deathly allergic to both social media and YouTube, and if anyone tries to assert the proposition that such an allergy is an absolute and certain impossibility, she will stoutly deny their denial, "stout" being an absolute and certain absurdity in this context as there has never been anything stout about Emily except for the blessedly brief period of her life when she was pregnant and a mommy to a newborn baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
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December 14, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
September 7, 2019
I read a lot and often accept free books when offered. Some are worth the price, others I close with a satisfied sigh. Pine Mountain Secrets is one that soared—straight to my soul. The plot is explained well in the blurb (above), so I won’t repeat it. But Arianna and Allie won my heart from the beginning, each holding onto secrets that kept them bound, solitary in their shadowy fears.
The author skillfully inserted hints of the truth through the story, like doors opened one per day on an Advent calendar. Some I guessed as the story progressed, but deeper ones shocked me. As the truth became clear, my heart broke. Because while Pine Mountain Secrets is fiction, its basis is real. Horribly real. Isaiah 58:6-7 has been tugging on my soul lately; perhaps that’s why this story affected me so deeply.
I challenge every Christian to read this story and consider what the truth requires. Pine Mountain Secrets will remain in my mind and heart for a long time; it easily earns five stars. Highly recommended!
The author skillfully inserted hints of the truth through the story, like doors opened one per day on an Advent calendar. Some I guessed as the story progressed, but deeper ones shocked me. As the truth became clear, my heart broke. Because while Pine Mountain Secrets is fiction, its basis is real. Horribly real. Isaiah 58:6-7 has been tugging on my soul lately; perhaps that’s why this story affected me so deeply.
I challenge every Christian to read this story and consider what the truth requires. Pine Mountain Secrets will remain in my mind and heart for a long time; it easily earns five stars. Highly recommended!
January 31, 2024
This is the first book by Emily Josephine that I have ever read. I truly enjoyed Arianna and Allie as well as the other cast of characters. The telling of the story in first person did not bother me. A couple of times a gotcha a bit confused when the story switched to Arianna’s past but it was not enough to change my rating. Arianna is an orphan from Uganda who was brought to the US with 11 other African orphans. What none of them realize is the person who brought them to the US telling them he is has adopted them is lying.
The story opens with Arianna walking through a cold and snowy Oklahoma night and discovering a shed that provides protection and warmth. What happens from there is beautiful and heartwarming. Lives are changed and relationships are mended. Throughout it all I saw the hand of God. I am already reading the second book in the series!
The story opens with Arianna walking through a cold and snowy Oklahoma night and discovering a shed that provides protection and warmth. What happens from there is beautiful and heartwarming. Lives are changed and relationships are mended. Throughout it all I saw the hand of God. I am already reading the second book in the series!
February 20, 2025
Perfectly written.
I have a love for Africa, and in particular the country of Uganda. Indeed, I am preparing my own novel set in an orphanage there. This drew me to this book. This was perfectly written. As a Christian, I admired all of the hints towards doing the Christian thing, and how God’s will works out. I particularly liked the idea that each chapter flitted back and forth between the points of view from different characters, and how each chapter’s narrative changed in the way I expected each character to speak. I loved this story. As I was typing this review my fat fingers typed lived instead of loved for the last sentence. On reflection, I do feel as if I lived this story too.
I have a love for Africa, and in particular the country of Uganda. Indeed, I am preparing my own novel set in an orphanage there. This drew me to this book. This was perfectly written. As a Christian, I admired all of the hints towards doing the Christian thing, and how God’s will works out. I particularly liked the idea that each chapter flitted back and forth between the points of view from different characters, and how each chapter’s narrative changed in the way I expected each character to speak. I loved this story. As I was typing this review my fat fingers typed lived instead of loved for the last sentence. On reflection, I do feel as if I lived this story too.
October 3, 2020
Arianna, a sixteen-year-old from Uganda, is on the run. She doesn't trust Americans, but when an injury forces her onto the mercy of Allison Whitlock. Allie has a secret that burns. A girl and a woman hold secrets that bind them. Forgiveness and trust are the first steps toward freedom, but they need a miracle to push them all the way.
Secrets kept the tension high. Arianna is a character the reader cares about. She learns about America. When asked, "Have you heard about Amazon." Her reply, "Yes, it's a rainforest." Her amazement when she learned it was a company added to the story.
Secrets kept the tension high. Arianna is a character the reader cares about. She learns about America. When asked, "Have you heard about Amazon." Her reply, "Yes, it's a rainforest." Her amazement when she learned it was a company added to the story.
June 4, 2023
This is a masterfully written story about a young African girl who questions her faith, which stemmed from a life of enslavement. In a brave attempt to find her freedom, she happens upon a middle-aged white woman who is battling her own sense of faith. I can not properly express in words how much I enjoyed reading this story. I was even more pleased to find out it is the beginning of a series. It was hard to put down, and I found myself reading this even when stirring the boiling pasta or on a quick break during my work day. Ok, confession, I work from home, but you get what I mean.
December 9, 2019
No romance necessary
I’m always looking for a well-written, Christian book that’s not a romance, and I found it here. I had to get over the present tense writing, but only a few pages in I was hooked and invested in the characters. The plot flowed well and at just the right pace not to feel rushed or drug out. The theme is an important one. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.
I’m always looking for a well-written, Christian book that’s not a romance, and I found it here. I had to get over the present tense writing, but only a few pages in I was hooked and invested in the characters. The plot flowed well and at just the right pace not to feel rushed or drug out. The theme is an important one. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.
March 8, 2020
Beautiful clean story. Many great characters.
Some people serve God from truly redeemed hearts, and some use His name for personal gain. This is a enlightening and heart warming story of children being used for gain, and the brave young lady that broke away and found help from a loving lady and her friends. Emotions and love brings healing to several families. You will love this book.
Some people serve God from truly redeemed hearts, and some use His name for personal gain. This is a enlightening and heart warming story of children being used for gain, and the brave young lady that broke away and found help from a loving lady and her friends. Emotions and love brings healing to several families. You will love this book.
March 8, 2020
Slavery
Slaves were abolished years and years ago, but yet evil people have once again found a way to bring it back. I loved this book, not only is it a good read, didn't want to put it down, but it also lets you know that slavery still exists today and everyone needs top dip their part to abolish it once again. All ethnicities are victims, not just one race or another. I'm glad arianna got the happiness she deserved. I can't wait to read more on these characters!
Slaves were abolished years and years ago, but yet evil people have once again found a way to bring it back. I loved this book, not only is it a good read, didn't want to put it down, but it also lets you know that slavery still exists today and everyone needs top dip their part to abolish it once again. All ethnicities are victims, not just one race or another. I'm glad arianna got the happiness she deserved. I can't wait to read more on these characters!
April 25, 2020
Running To Her Life
Adrianna is an African girl who has been brought to America, literally to sing for her life. When she realizes what's really going on, she runs to her life. How often people use YHWH'S Word to promote their own agenda, and how HE uses their disgracing HIS Name to bring reconciliation, abundance and goodness into the lives of those being hurt. All of this and more in this wonderful story. Can't wait to read the next one.
Adrianna is an African girl who has been brought to America, literally to sing for her life. When she realizes what's really going on, she runs to her life. How often people use YHWH'S Word to promote their own agenda, and how HE uses their disgracing HIS Name to bring reconciliation, abundance and goodness into the lives of those being hurt. All of this and more in this wonderful story. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 27, 2021
Humbling
Such a wonderful book about Christians and what a true Christian is. Arianna learns that her future is not good in the " christian,choir" and as her faith in Christ and other struggles she must find a way to save herself and the others in the choir. She is tested physically , emotionally and spiritually. Read as faith bring her and others thru bad times to see God's rewards.
Such a wonderful book about Christians and what a true Christian is. Arianna learns that her future is not good in the " christian,choir" and as her faith in Christ and other struggles she must find a way to save herself and the others in the choir. She is tested physically , emotionally and spiritually. Read as faith bring her and others thru bad times to see God's rewards.
March 14, 2022
This isn't the typical type of book that I usually read. It came up on bookbub free and I looked at it and saw the rest of the series was on kindle unlimited.
I was hooked from the start (which doesn't often happen). I felt, though, that it was wrong to 'enjoy' a book about slavery. It was sensitively done, and found I really cared about each of the characters. Now looking fwd too the rest of the series.
I was hooked from the start (which doesn't often happen). I felt, though, that it was wrong to 'enjoy' a book about slavery. It was sensitively done, and found I really cared about each of the characters. Now looking fwd too the rest of the series.
August 23, 2019
Enjoyed this book.I thought it really was heart touching. Couldn't put it down.the way people now days judge each other on color instead of the type of person we are .
I liked every thing about this book. If only every one could read this story and get a reminder of how to treat a another person in kindness. What a wonderful world this would be.our
I liked every thing about this book. If only every one could read this story and get a reminder of how to treat a another person in kindness. What a wonderful world this would be.our
December 15, 2019
The life of a slave girl and a lonely women
Marianna and Allie where brought together by fate , Allie worried where he young son who ran away away after the accident. And Arrians ran away to save herself and he friends , she had a hard time trusting . Love this book ,getting to read another series.
Marianna and Allie where brought together by fate , Allie worried where he young son who ran away away after the accident. And Arrians ran away to save herself and he friends , she had a hard time trusting . Love this book ,getting to read another series.
January 5, 2020
Hard to put down
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way the author was able to relate the characters. Arianna and Allie are perfect together. Each of the characters in the book had to not only learn to forgive others, but themselves as well. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way the author was able to relate the characters. Arianna and Allie are perfect together. Each of the characters in the book had to not only learn to forgive others, but themselves as well. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 28, 2020
Love reading
This story surprised me and enjoyed the journey of Allie and Adrianne and their first meeting. We all grow up with different types of lifestyles and come from different places. The was a refreshing read and journey and I'm looking forward to reading more about the characters in the series.
This story surprised me and enjoyed the journey of Allie and Adrianne and their first meeting. We all grow up with different types of lifestyles and come from different places. The was a refreshing read and journey and I'm looking forward to reading more about the characters in the series.
March 10, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, had trouble putting it down.
I appreciate the characters and the real life struggles people face.
I appreciate how the author brings faith in God, trusting God, praying to God into each scenario.
I appreciate that in the midst of each person’s struggle God uses them to help someone else. Isn’t that what life is all about.
I appreciate the characters and the real life struggles people face.
I appreciate how the author brings faith in God, trusting God, praying to God into each scenario.
I appreciate that in the midst of each person’s struggle God uses them to help someone else. Isn’t that what life is all about.
July 1, 2020
Pine Mountain Secrets
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a widow grieving for her lost family, a man trying to forgive himself for an accident that killed people he cared about and an African teenager who escapes from the unscrupulous man who bought her and other orphans and used them to scam money from churches. Good clean story.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a widow grieving for her lost family, a man trying to forgive himself for an accident that killed people he cared about and an African teenager who escapes from the unscrupulous man who bought her and other orphans and used them to scam money from churches. Good clean story.
September 12, 2020
To be honest I didn't think I would like this book, BUT I ended up really liking it. Now I can't wait to read the second one. Arianna is a 16 yr old runaway who is found hurt and hiding in Ms Allie's shed. She is running away from a very bad man who is still holding eleven other children. I think after the first chapter, you will really enjoy it.
April 18, 2021
Finally that old deceitful man gets his “reward”. This story had a deep story line. Not just the run of the mill mushy stuff. A must read
A book well thought out with heartwarming characters that become your friends.
Keep good clean material coming .. thanks for helping your readers look deeper into what is really going on!
A book well thought out with heartwarming characters that become your friends.
Keep good clean material coming .. thanks for helping your readers look deeper into what is really going on!
August 22, 2019
This was absolutely wonderful! I loved all the characters and the story was heartwarming. I almost felt that I was there living life with them. It has a subtle Christian viewpoint but it's a book anyone would love. I highly recommend it!
September 15, 2019
Positively Positive Review!
I read Christian mysteries the most. I found this book kept me guessing all the way through. I can't wait to read more of the series. I give it high marks! Using first person chapters from each of the main characters is delightful
I read Christian mysteries the most. I found this book kept me guessing all the way through. I can't wait to read more of the series. I give it high marks! Using first person chapters from each of the main characters is delightful
December 28, 2019
Good reading
Enjoyed reading your book.the characters are great. Can't wait to read the next book. Very uplifting and very knowledgeable. This is very true . Thank you for such a good book.
Enjoyed reading your book.the characters are great. Can't wait to read the next book. Very uplifting and very knowledgeable. This is very true . Thank you for such a good book.
February 20, 2020
It was my first time reading a book by Emily Josephine and i must say i was pleasantly surprised.
An interesting and emotional read
i enjoyed the book and will definitively look for more of her books.
An interesting and emotional read
i enjoyed the book and will definitively look for more of her books.
June 18, 2020
Great read about a hidden problem that is real and needs to have more awareness!
Great read about a very real problem! Thank you for raising awareness of this very important, relevant and timely topic!
Great read about a very real problem! Thank you for raising awareness of this very important, relevant and timely topic!
June 21, 2020
Delightful story
I felt every emotion during this saga of young children purchased as slaves. . Real people struggled with real problems, but when they opened their hearts to God, they were able to heal. Excellent book to read.
I felt every emotion during this saga of young children purchased as slaves. . Real people struggled with real problems, but when they opened their hearts to God, they were able to heal. Excellent book to read.
September 5, 2020
This is a great read. It raises awareness about human trafficking , but has a Happy ending. I enjoyed reading it very much.
I chose this book because it is Christian based . The story line is interesting and the characters are believable.
I chose this book because it is Christian based . The story line is interesting and the characters are believable.
March 27, 2021
ugg. Preachy. Simple story, LOTS of christian references, little character development. Southern black dialect from 100 years ago put into the mouth of contemporary African girl new to the usa - felt quite jarring/uncomfortable/unlikely & thus seemed a racist slip to me.
February 17, 2022
Really great book!
I loved this very much. It had me hooked from the beginning as well as throughout. I had good anxiety with this book cause I didn't always know what was gonna happen or what was gonna be said.
I loved this very much. It had me hooked from the beginning as well as throughout. I had good anxiety with this book cause I didn't always know what was gonna happen or what was gonna be said.
July 6, 2022
Pine Mountain Secrets
Truly enjoyed. reading this book. Book was well written and
Very thought provoking. I shed a few tears, but also found much joy.
Will be a book I will re-read on a regularUO basis.
Truly enjoyed. reading this book. Book was well written and
Very thought provoking. I shed a few tears, but also found much joy.
Will be a book I will re-read on a regularUO basis.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews