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Crossing #1
Crossing the Deep
Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the church sponsored hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, Rachel prays to just make it home alive.
Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail.
As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist.
With their food gone and the temperature dropping, time is running out. Will Rachel be able to do what needs to be done to get home? And can Asher find faith when he needs it the most?
Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail.
As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist.
With their food gone and the temperature dropping, time is running out. Will Rachel be able to do what needs to be done to get home? And can Asher find faith when he needs it the most?
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2012
5 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Martin
40 books285 followersKelly Martin is an author and developmental editor who lives in a possibly haunted house in a small southern town. While she'd like to say paranormal things only happen to her at her home, it would be a lie, mainly because she searches them out in some of America's most haunted locations. Whether it is talking to the ghosts of Waverly Hills or the spirits of Thomas House Hotel, these events inevitably land in some of Kelly's books. Just wait until you read The Haunting of Micah Reed.
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Email Kelly Martin at kelly @kellymartinbooks.com (no spaces).
Take a peek at the Website: http://www.kellymartinbooks.com
Find on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kellymartina...
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/readKellyMartin
Subscribe to the Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/kellymartin...
Join the Newsletter: http://bit.ly/mycuriousreaders
Email Kelly Martin at kelly @kellymartinbooks.com (no spaces).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 16, 2014
Before picking up this book, a reader should be aware of the VERY strong message of faith and the salvation to be found in here.
Read full review in the 2013 June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 6, 2012
Amazing debut from Kelly Martin. Fell in love with these characters and the story. Turned the last page wanting more!
October 31, 2012
Wow. Where to start! This was an excellent debut by Kelly Martin. I really enjoyed the premise of a couple of kids (one goody two-shoes church girl and a mysterious-so-he-must-be-bad boy) on a day hiking trip in the woods getting lost and spending long, cold days in the elements.
Asher is everything a hero is supposed to be: a cocky, arrogant jerk who is fiercely loyal to those weaker than he, and is surprising tender and attentive with the right girl (*wink*). He's had a tough childhood and although he does believe in God, he doesn't expect much from Him. Rachel--the heroine--has deep, deep faith (and for someone who is 16, I'm envious--I have to tell myself this is a story :-)) and through her consumate belief, she touches a highly skeptical Asher who with every difficulty of their journey (Rachel's bum foot, diminishing food supply, limited resources) challenges her faith and at the same time becomes a world-class idiot.
But we love those cute idiots, dont' we? ;-)
Ms. Martin writes a compelling story of faith, hope, forgiveness, and redepmtion. I was sucked in on the very first page. I read most of this book while lying in my warm bed and I'm glad I did because I felt cold just reading this story. Her scene descriptions are life-like. The pacing was well done and it keeps the reader turning the page--or clicking the 'forward' button on your ereader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to both juveniles and adults.
Asher is everything a hero is supposed to be: a cocky, arrogant jerk who is fiercely loyal to those weaker than he, and is surprising tender and attentive with the right girl (*wink*). He's had a tough childhood and although he does believe in God, he doesn't expect much from Him. Rachel--the heroine--has deep, deep faith (and for someone who is 16, I'm envious--I have to tell myself this is a story :-)) and through her consumate belief, she touches a highly skeptical Asher who with every difficulty of their journey (Rachel's bum foot, diminishing food supply, limited resources) challenges her faith and at the same time becomes a world-class idiot.
But we love those cute idiots, dont' we? ;-)
Ms. Martin writes a compelling story of faith, hope, forgiveness, and redepmtion. I was sucked in on the very first page. I read most of this book while lying in my warm bed and I'm glad I did because I felt cold just reading this story. Her scene descriptions are life-like. The pacing was well done and it keeps the reader turning the page--or clicking the 'forward' button on your ereader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to both juveniles and adults.
February 1, 2014
This is one of those books that I started reading because I didn't have anything else to read, but by the middle it had pulled me in so much that I ended up reading all of it in one afternoon. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised that the author was able to keep me hooked through all of it. I thought that there would be at least one or two spots where I would start to get bored because it seemed to be dragging, but nope, somehow she managed to keep the book moving.
Rachel is someone that I wish I could be like, and Asher is someone that I would love to meet and get to know. The two of them together are awesome to read about.
There was one plot "twist" (looking back I probably should have seen it coming, but I didn't) that I'm still trying to figure out. Part of me feels like it may have been unnecessary, but another part of me wonders if it might have been an event that led to this whole story. And of course there's yet another part of me that's trying to figure out if I missed something and if the twist was added for a deeper reason than just for drama. I'm not sure, and I don't know if anybody else feels the same way I do about it. Maybe after pondering it further I will think differently.
Even with the slightly confusing twist, I still seriously enjoyed this book. I recommend it :)
Rachel is someone that I wish I could be like, and Asher is someone that I would love to meet and get to know. The two of them together are awesome to read about.
There was one plot "twist" (looking back I probably should have seen it coming, but I didn't) that I'm still trying to figure out. Part of me feels like it may have been unnecessary, but another part of me wonders if it might have been an event that led to this whole story. And of course there's yet another part of me that's trying to figure out if I missed something and if the twist was added for a deeper reason than just for drama. I'm not sure, and I don't know if anybody else feels the same way I do about it. Maybe after pondering it further I will think differently.
Even with the slightly confusing twist, I still seriously enjoyed this book. I recommend it :)
October 21, 2012
Went into this book with a preconceived notion that it would be ho-hum as I'm not a fan of many books that involve religion or prayer. But I was so pleasantly surprised and quickly fell in love with Rachel and Asher and Rachel's faith gave me something to think about. Wonderfully written and so enjoyable and NOT predictable. Hoping there is going to be a follow up and it becomes a series. Well done!
April 26, 2014
Suspenseful and romantic - The story is fast paced and keeps you turning the pages. What is very enjoyable about the story is that the dialog and choices made by the characters is unrealistic. The ending is not all sunshine and rainbows, but reasonably believeable - makes the reader wonder if it's a true story - and that's always great for fiction! Highly recommended for lovers of Christian Fiction.
February 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. I liked the characters, the writing, the pacing, the conflict.
I do have some slightly different views on religious principles, but I appreciated the conviction of the characters and their reliance on God.
http://brooke-brookesbooks.blogspot.c...
I do have some slightly different views on religious principles, but I appreciated the conviction of the characters and their reliance on God.
http://brooke-brookesbooks.blogspot.c...
August 11, 2013
A wonderful story of trusting God.. Loved this book
January 2, 2020
The novel, "Crossing the Deep" by Kelly Martin was so adventurous. I felt like I went on an adventure with Asher and Rachel. Kelly Martin is so descriptive with her choice of words. Her use of imagery made me feel the cold elements of weather. I went on a journey with Asher and Rachel, so I felt the same exact feelings they felt such as frustration, fear, anger, disappointment, uncertainty, pain, surrender and relief.
The storyline is unpredictable. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster blindfolded. There were very sudden moments of shock, and I kept turning the pages really quickly to see what was going to happen next. I felt like I was taking steps with them while they were walking, and I was anticipating what was around the corner.
If Asher and Rachel were real people, I would definitely have to give them kudos for their level of endurance. They were quite a pair together. Rachel was a believer in Christ and had a calm temperament. She always had her Bible with her, and enjoyed quiet moments with God during unbearable times. Asher was an unbeliever. He had a hot temper, which eventually cooled down.
Their romance was sweet and innocent. I enjoyed how they learned to work together in order to survive. Their tug of war relationship transformed into a hand in hand cooperative relationship. The quest in finding Christ and accepting Him as personal Lord and Savior, was enjoyable to read. This novel is all about having strong faith, and knowing that there is absolutely nothing in life that we can do without the help of God. When we put our faith and trust in God and pray like Rachel did, all things are possible.
The storyline is unpredictable. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster blindfolded. There were very sudden moments of shock, and I kept turning the pages really quickly to see what was going to happen next. I felt like I was taking steps with them while they were walking, and I was anticipating what was around the corner.
If Asher and Rachel were real people, I would definitely have to give them kudos for their level of endurance. They were quite a pair together. Rachel was a believer in Christ and had a calm temperament. She always had her Bible with her, and enjoyed quiet moments with God during unbearable times. Asher was an unbeliever. He had a hot temper, which eventually cooled down.
Their romance was sweet and innocent. I enjoyed how they learned to work together in order to survive. Their tug of war relationship transformed into a hand in hand cooperative relationship. The quest in finding Christ and accepting Him as personal Lord and Savior, was enjoyable to read. This novel is all about having strong faith, and knowing that there is absolutely nothing in life that we can do without the help of God. When we put our faith and trust in God and pray like Rachel did, all things are possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
3.5 stars
It took me a minute to get into the story, but once I got to know the characters, I was very invested in their story. It is more a story of faith than survival, though the characters do go through some hard things. The ending is sweet and just what I was wanting.
It took me a minute to get into the story, but once I got to know the characters, I was very invested in their story. It is more a story of faith than survival, though the characters do go through some hard things. The ending is sweet and just what I was wanting.
January 24, 2013
What starts off as a youth group hiking trip turns into a nightmare when Rachel veers off the path to check out a cemetery that bears her last name. Sid and his friend Asher go to look for her and shortly after finding her they go to head back to the trail only to discover they are lost. Rachel falls and hurts her ankle and Sid volunteers to go for help and come back for them. He takes off leaving Asher and Rachel. Rachel doesn't really know Asher very well but she knows that he's close friends with Sid who just so happens to be her best friend's ex-boyfriend. The more time the two of them spend in the woods the more they learn about the other one and discover that nothing they thought they knew about the other one is actually true. At first Rachel's faith and her affinity for her purple bible drive Asher crazy but the longer they spend in the woods the more he realizes that she really does believe in God and truly feels that he will rescue them. As they begin to run out of food and the weather grows colder Asher knows he must leave Rachel and go out on his own to try to find help. Although promising to come back for her it's hard for Rachel to see him go and even harder for Asher to leave her. When he finds Sid's red hat that he never goes anywhere without wearing and then discovers his backpack he fears the worst. As he and Rachel set off to look for Sid and find a way out things happen that change the both of them. Will they find Sid? Will they be rescued? You'll have to read the book yourself to find the answers to these questions but I will say that you won't be disappointed. This book is a real page-turner and one that I could not put down until I knew what happened in the end!
I received this book free of charge from Astraea Press in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book free of charge from Astraea Press in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2014
I have had this book for awhile but have been busy with work and kids so haven't really been able to pick it up. When I did, it was a good thing the kids were sleeping. I kept reading until I was done. The storyline was well developed. I have read other Kelly Martin books but I really wanted to read this one because I knew it was the first book she had published. I loved it!
The teens go on a hiking trip in the mountains, they should only be there for a few hours but when Rachel veers off the path to check out something everything changes. The story never lulls, it keeps you going, turning page after page, hoping that things will get better, wondering how it will all end up.
You really develop a connection with Rachel and Asher. You simply have to read this book.
The teens go on a hiking trip in the mountains, they should only be there for a few hours but when Rachel veers off the path to check out something everything changes. The story never lulls, it keeps you going, turning page after page, hoping that things will get better, wondering how it will all end up.
You really develop a connection with Rachel and Asher. You simply have to read this book.
May 17, 2016
This was an ok book. I found it really preachy at the end, but the rest wasn't bad, just a bit preachy. The character's actions really annoyed me though. I really don't get why they left the graveyard a second time, with her foot obviously very injured. They could have stayed in the gazebo place and built a quick windbreak out of fallen branches for shelter. When you're lost, stay put. Hug a tree. I guess, being teens they don't always make the best decisions, but I found this one pretty incomprehensible.
Otherwise the book was readable. The characters were likable. Didn't think that Sid needed to die though. That added nothing to the book for me, actually made me like the book less.
Otherwise the book was readable. The characters were likable. Didn't think that Sid needed to die though. That added nothing to the book for me, actually made me like the book less.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2013
I loved this story and can only hope that I would have the same faith as Rachel. I started reading it last night and when I woke up in the middle of the night I had to pick it up and finish it. Well worth the long day today!! Fast moving story that kept taking unexpected turns. Some laughs and some tears - that is a good story!
August 7, 2013
Rounded up from 2 1/2 stars. It was one of those books I am not at all sure why I chose to read it. Got to be more careful in checking age levels. Teenage youth in the mountain and how they dealt with their problems through their Christian or non-christian beliefs. I kept skipping ahead just to get the plot moving a bit faster.
May 22, 2015
3.5 stars , I did like this book but it is a little preachy. This book is aim at a teenage audience, the characters were likeable with real problems but some times I felt all their problems were solved with coming a Christian. The topic of pedophiles is also discussed and might not be appropriate topic for younger people.
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January 12, 2014Review to come soon!
October 10, 2013
Awesome book on trusting God. I fell in love with the characters.
September 6, 2017
I liked this book in spite of itself. It has some problems with the story details that I found very annoying. For example, to gather water the hikers set their water bottles out in the rain? Good for one sip of water, I guess but not enough to help with survival.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews