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History Mystery #3
Every Hill and Mountain
Their discovery on the third floor of Hickory Hill is almost too much to bear. Since the Beautiful Houses computer software worked so well for the Old Dears’ family tree project, Abby’s college roommate Kate hopes the computer program will help her find out more about her ancestor Ned Greenfield. Abby and John reluctantly agree to help Kate, but only on the condition that she and her fiancé Ryan promise to keep the program a secret, because if the government ever discovered they possessed a computer program that allows you to rewind and fast-forward the lives of people it would surely want to get its hands on it. 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. Then they are determined to keep them away. Eventually they find Hickory Hill on their own—both the mansion and the lonely hill it sits upon. And what a perfect old house to time-surf in! Built in 1834, Hickory Hill stands sentinel over Half Moon Salt Mine where the original owner John Granger accumulated his blood-tainted fortune with the use of slave labor in the free state of Illinois—the Land of Lincoln. Abby and her friends meet Miss Granger, Hickory Hill’s current eccentric owner, and they eventually get the chance to run Beautiful Houses 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. What Readers Are Saying… “This is the first five star rating I've given in hundreds of books. The story plot is unusual and wonderful in so many ways.” “Loved the premise, the story line, the perspective, Christian background—everything! This is a great series. Looking forward to more.” “Beautifully written!” “The characters are believable and endearing. I am about to finish the second series and hope more come out soon because I just can't get enough.” “I just want more of this writer’s books.” These books are just amazing as the author takes you back to a time in history so you can live it. (N. Dester) “This series of books is exactly what I have been looking for! It’s not only a refreshing change from all the filth and violence in much of the modern fiction I've read, it's also very well written, imaginative yet informative, and well researched. Something I would love to have my 13 year old daughter read!” (Karen S Kidder-Barrett) “Love, love, love this series. Sad to finish, but happy there are more books to read by this author. Next up, Once Again!” (Melissa S) “Only a great author could weave all of the genres together the way she did. There is a great balance between what happened in the past and why and how it affects the present.” Nicely Done! (J Hall) “This is one journey through time you won't want to miss. Just be sure to bring a box of tissue with you as this may well be the most emotional journey yet!” “I am completely enchanted with this series. I think that this third book may be my favorite yet, because it truly elicited emotional responses from me.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2013
46 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Heal
18 books165 followersI was born in Eldorado, Illinois (Be sure to pronounce that with a long A.) but grew up in Woodburn, a tiny village in Macoupin County. We lived in a house over 100 years old and I often wondered about the people who had lived there so long before.
My husband Bob and I farmed and raised a family there in Macoupin County. When the kids were old enough I went back to college, majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Afterwards, I taught high school English, including creative writing, composition, grammar, and literature. I loved teaching young people, except for grading compositions of writers who didn't want to write, leaving me no time to do what I had always wanted to do—write.
I remember one time when I was four. I scribbled furiously on my paper, and then took it to show Mommy. “Is it writing?” I asked. “No, not yet,” she answered. I went busily back to scribbling with my stubby pencil in just the same way, it seemed to me, grownup writers did, hopeful that the next time I showed her, the lead on the paper would have been transmuted into fine words.
I was in 8th grade when I first began to get the dream of being a published author. We had to write a story and mine was a scary one about being unjustly confined to a mental hospital. (The author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may have stolen my idea.) My teacher wrote on the top of my paper:
Be sure to give me a signed copy of your first book!
It's been a long time since 8th grade, but that dream at last came true with my first book Time and Again.
My husband Bob and I farmed and raised a family there in Macoupin County. When the kids were old enough I went back to college, majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Afterwards, I taught high school English, including creative writing, composition, grammar, and literature. I loved teaching young people, except for grading compositions of writers who didn't want to write, leaving me no time to do what I had always wanted to do—write.
I remember one time when I was four. I scribbled furiously on my paper, and then took it to show Mommy. “Is it writing?” I asked. “No, not yet,” she answered. I went busily back to scribbling with my stubby pencil in just the same way, it seemed to me, grownup writers did, hopeful that the next time I showed her, the lead on the paper would have been transmuted into fine words.
I was in 8th grade when I first began to get the dream of being a published author. We had to write a story and mine was a scary one about being unjustly confined to a mental hospital. (The author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may have stolen my idea.) My teacher wrote on the top of my paper:
Be sure to give me a signed copy of your first book!
It's been a long time since 8th grade, but that dream at last came true with my first book Time and Again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 5, 2013
WOW! Words can't articulate how terrific this book was.
April 2, 2013
What a neat concept of being able to go back in time from the location of you and your computer and "virtually" view everyday life full of suspense and, to us, historical events from years ago!
The characters and historical information are both rich and interesting with "Deborah Woods Heal" wit thrown in just the right places. I didn't want this story to end!
The characters and historical information are both rich and interesting with "Deborah Woods Heal" wit thrown in just the right places. I didn't want this story to end!
December 17, 2020
The publisher's blurb is pretty comprehensive and I have no need to replicate or do spoilers. The story is on two levels, the present with interpersonal issues involved in the coming of age phenomena and a rude awakening to some very unpleasant aspect of local history.
It's a great story and very easy to listen to. Michelle Babb always seems to know how to bring out the most in the stories and characters she narrates with distinct characters and inflections, and excellent timing.
It's a great story and very easy to listen to. Michelle Babb always seems to know how to bring out the most in the stories and characters she narrates with distinct characters and inflections, and excellent timing.
June 24, 2019
After Abby helped the “Old Dears” find out about their ancestors, Abby’s college roommate, Kate, shows up asking for Abby to do the same for her. Kate is under the impression that the computer program that Abby used is a genealogy program which is definitely is not. Abby would not have a problem helping Kate but Kate is not alone. Kate brought new fiance, Ryan, with her. Abby just does not get a warm feeling about Ryan as when Kate is around Ryan, Kate seems to be a completely different person when she is with Ryan. Reluctantly Abby agrees to help Kate as long as she promises to keep what the program is really a secret.
I couldn’t wait to start reading this one after I finished the 2nd book. This is a series where I recommend reading the books in orders as one picks up where the last one leaves off. As I read each book the new book became my favorite in the series. This is a terrific series and this was my favorite book by far. The characters are well developed and I couldn’t pick out a favorite character as they are almost all wonderful characters. I can, however, tell you which characters I didn’t like but these characters are needed to make the storyline as good as it was. The historical aspect of the mystery is interesting and I really enjoyed learning about the past events that took place in Illinois.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator Michelle Babb makes this story come to life. Michelle is a wonderful storyteller, she is great with accents, timing, and giving characters personality. She definitely made a good book a great book for me.
I recommend this book to young adults, historical mystery, and Christian mystery fans. I voluntarily read this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
February 21, 2017
This book was terribly dissapointing. Deborah Heal had a very interesting concept, and did fairly well with the first book, but the second and third fell off the apple cart, and I haven't even read the fourth.
There was a decent amount of subject matter that bothered me, which is the main reason I didn't like this book. Such as
Not recommened, especially for anyone under the age of 16.
There was a decent amount of subject matter that bothered me, which is the main reason I didn't like this book. Such as
Not recommened, especially for anyone under the age of 16.
December 5, 2016
This was the third book of this series and I truly enjoyed each book. These books are called 'history mysteries'. Abby is assigned to tutor Merry over the summer as part of her college requirements. Merry was a young girl with an attitude. The house she and her recently divorced Mother live in is very old and full of character(s). Lol. Merrys Dad bought her a new computer to soften the blow of the divorce, as if anything could do that. The computer had a program installed that revealed Beautiful Homes. However, from time to time, the screen images would go back in time to earlier occupants of the house. This opened a new world for Meredith (Merry), Abby and John, Abby's new boyfriend. They could actually get within the heads of individuals pre civil war. The part about the treatment of slaves was very hard to hear. (I read it via audio). I really did enjoy this book and am glad to find a new clean author in Deborah Heal.
May 3, 2013
EVERY HILL AND MOUNTAIN by Deborah Heal is an interesting inspirational Science Fiction/Fantasy. #3 in the "Time and Again" trilogy but I feel can be read as a stand alone,although,I would recommend reading the other two. See, "Time and Again" and "Unclaimed Legacy". Follow Abby,Merri,Kate,Ryan and John on a harrowing journey of dark secrets,faith,family secrets,tragedy,mystery,past events, time travel and mystery. Fast paced and filled with adventure and action. Not your run of the mill Science Fiction/Fantasy. The characters are well developed,the plot has twists and turns you want see coming. Well done,Ms. Heal! If you enjoy Science Fiction,Fantasy,Time travel,you will enjoy "Every Hill and Mountain". Received for an honest review.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
May 1, 2013
Wonderful ending to the trilogy! I enjoyed these books so much, so many historical facts and lessons to be learned.
July 5, 2019
Abby Thomas has been having a productive and enjoyable summer in southern Illinois, with her tutoring student/college service project Merri, her new boyfriend, handsome and sweet John Roberts, and all the new friends she's been making. Unfortunately, she has also told her friend and college roommate, Kate, about the very unusual computer program, Beautiful Houses, which has enabled them to "time-surf" and solve local mysteries.
The most recent one was the Old Dears' (Eulah and Beulah) genealogy mystery of why their father's side of the family seemed so oddly truncated. This has reignited Kate's interest in her own genealogy project, and she's told her wonderful boyfriend, Ryan, about it.
Ryan insists on calling Kate, "Katherine." He's very judgmental about carbs and fats. No eating establishment in the immediate area is quite good enough for him. He'll be entering law school in the fall, like John, but to him there's only one acceptable law school in the state, and it's not the one John is going to. Merri's home, the formerly grand Miles Station, which Merri's mother Pat is working to restore in between making a living, he sees simply as old and outdated. He's sure he's smarter than the rest of them, and he has no patience for not getting what he wants, when he wants it.
He's only sort of willing to indulge Kate's genealogical obsession, if it isn't too much inconvenience.
And once he knows what the Beautiful Houses program really does, he sees dollar signs, and can't understand why everyone, or if not the silly, sentimental girls, at least John, isn't on board with him.
I don't like Ryan; I guess that's obvious.
Meanwhile, there's Kate's genealogical mystery. Her line, on one side, seems to end abruptly with a Ned Greenfield, born at Hickory Hill in Equality, Illinois, in the late 1830s. When they get to Equality, everyone, including the Mayor and the Chief of Police, is friendly and helpful right up until they mention Hickory Hill. No one wants to talk to them about it, no one wants them doing any research about it. People are strangely convinced that they must be reporters digging up dirt. And while there is a Greenfield family in the area, they can't be related to Kate. They're black.
There is so much opportunity for this basically light mystery to be shallow and silly, and Deborah Heal rejects that at every turn. Michelle Babb's narration adds to the respect shown to the issues and the people involved.
Each of these stories has been better than the last. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
The most recent one was the Old Dears' (Eulah and Beulah) genealogy mystery of why their father's side of the family seemed so oddly truncated. This has reignited Kate's interest in her own genealogy project, and she's told her wonderful boyfriend, Ryan, about it.
Ryan insists on calling Kate, "Katherine." He's very judgmental about carbs and fats. No eating establishment in the immediate area is quite good enough for him. He'll be entering law school in the fall, like John, but to him there's only one acceptable law school in the state, and it's not the one John is going to. Merri's home, the formerly grand Miles Station, which Merri's mother Pat is working to restore in between making a living, he sees simply as old and outdated. He's sure he's smarter than the rest of them, and he has no patience for not getting what he wants, when he wants it.
He's only sort of willing to indulge Kate's genealogical obsession, if it isn't too much inconvenience.
And once he knows what the Beautiful Houses program really does, he sees dollar signs, and can't understand why everyone, or if not the silly, sentimental girls, at least John, isn't on board with him.
I don't like Ryan; I guess that's obvious.
Meanwhile, there's Kate's genealogical mystery. Her line, on one side, seems to end abruptly with a Ned Greenfield, born at Hickory Hill in Equality, Illinois, in the late 1830s. When they get to Equality, everyone, including the Mayor and the Chief of Police, is friendly and helpful right up until they mention Hickory Hill. No one wants to talk to them about it, no one wants them doing any research about it. People are strangely convinced that they must be reporters digging up dirt. And while there is a Greenfield family in the area, they can't be related to Kate. They're black.
There is so much opportunity for this basically light mystery to be shallow and silly, and Deborah Heal rejects that at every turn. Michelle Babb's narration adds to the respect shown to the issues and the people involved.
Each of these stories has been better than the last. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
May 17, 2020
Well I enjoyed this series and am sad it has come to an end. I liked the way the author weaved the stories together and came up with an out come I didn't see coming. I liked the mystery surrounding the history and even though it is not my normal listen I did find myself enjoying all three books and more importantly caring about what happened to the characters. The strong cast of characters made it so intriguing and there reactions to the information they found out. The author was also very clever breaking up the history with troubles in the real world and managed to do something most history teacher's can only ever hope to do and that is suck a pupil back into the past and recreate a world that seems so real. Making history fun.
With all the talk about history, Abby's friend Kate has decided she wants to do the same and research her own family tree and she needs Abby's help, or more accurately Abby software program. This leads Abby and her boyfriend John joining Kate and her boyfriend Ryan on a trip to Equality and a journey back in time. Are they about to learn something that will change there lives because once again the programme Beautiful homes has something it wants to show them. Something in there past could affect one of there future's.
Once again I enjoyed the narrator and this time round was even treated to her singing voice. As a narrator she is a bonus to any story read by her because she brings it alive.
With all the talk about history, Abby's friend Kate has decided she wants to do the same and research her own family tree and she needs Abby's help, or more accurately Abby software program. This leads Abby and her boyfriend John joining Kate and her boyfriend Ryan on a trip to Equality and a journey back in time. Are they about to learn something that will change there lives because once again the programme Beautiful homes has something it wants to show them. Something in there past could affect one of there future's.
Once again I enjoyed the narrator and this time round was even treated to her singing voice. As a narrator she is a bonus to any story read by her because she brings it alive.
July 21, 2019
This is book 3 in this series. I read book 1 and 2 and enjoyed them a lot. This book was not one of my favorites. The book deals with some very difficult to read facts. I am sure that this book is based on fact but it seemed a little much for the audience that I thought this book was aimed at. I also had a hard time with the character Kate. In the first 2 books she plays more of a side roll. But even though she was not one of the main characters she seemed different than she was portrayed in this book. She comes across as being very shallow and her boyfriend/ fiance is just horrible. I found the narration by Michelle Babb to be wonderful as was the first 2 books. This book is worth reading just not as wonderful as the first 2.
I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
August 22, 2019
The History Mystery series is really good and has many hard lessons that are tough to listen to but necessary.
Meri and Abby are at it again in the third book and their group is growing as John from the first book and now Abby’s friend Kate comes to visit as well as her fiancé Ryan who appears to be lacking in morals.
The group travels to Equality, Illinois to help Kate research her family tree when she gets stuck on a name Ned Greenfield. Nobody seems to wanna drag up the past and they get the cold shoulder and almost arrested! Will the group ever get to the bottom of Kate’s relatives no matter how sad and terrible the past is?
Michelle Babb is the Narrator and she is so amazing at telling stories and bringing right into the lives of the characters!!!!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review!!!
Meri and Abby are at it again in the third book and their group is growing as John from the first book and now Abby’s friend Kate comes to visit as well as her fiancé Ryan who appears to be lacking in morals.
The group travels to Equality, Illinois to help Kate research her family tree when she gets stuck on a name Ned Greenfield. Nobody seems to wanna drag up the past and they get the cold shoulder and almost arrested! Will the group ever get to the bottom of Kate’s relatives no matter how sad and terrible the past is?
Michelle Babb is the Narrator and she is so amazing at telling stories and bringing right into the lives of the characters!!!!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review!!!
November 26, 2022
Audiobook: I found the story absorbing, but also uncomfortable. The author wrote a creative story which intertwined the stories of two contemporary couples with the past history of one of the women's ancestors. This story related the tale of a time when slavery was allowed in the US and therefore at times the story was difficult to hear. Michelle Babb's narration was great, and her performance provided the right ambiance for such a tough period. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
October 5, 2017
Although this was a good book that I couldn't put down, I thought these books were written for children and teens, and this one wasn't. It contained details about how slave owners "bred" slaves and gruesome details about the way slaves were treated. Some parts were very hard to read, and I wouldn't want a 12 or 14 year old reading this book. It's too bad that Heal felt she had to put these horrible parts in the book instead of keeping it a light, time-travel mystery for young people.
December 9, 2019
Every Hill and Mountain by Deborah Heal pulled me in with its history/mystery premise. I loved how the author wrote such vibrant imagery of Hickory Hill. The main characters (Abbie, Merri, Ryan, Kate) are endearing while John and Ned are intriguing. I really enjoyed how the author gave closure to this book. Michelle Babb was magical bringing the characters to life with her voice. I could easily hear who was speaking. I definitely recommend this book and series.
September 7, 2021
This one was my favorite. These books really make me think about the atrocities that the slaves suffered through and all their stories and their fears and dreams. This book has history and a little bit of romance thrown in. I listened to this on audible and definitely enjoyed the narrator. I'm sad this series is over I really want more!
October 17, 2022
Love this series! The historical storyline mixed with the modern world was well written and the characters were easy to follow. Will definitely read more by this author.
I got to listen to this one on audiobook. Michelle Babb did an excellent job narrating. She brings everyone of these stories to life.
I got to listen to this one on audiobook. Michelle Babb did an excellent job narrating. She brings everyone of these stories to life.
September 3, 2024
fun, interesting, and informative about times we should never forget.
Though fictional, this story uncovers without exaggeration, the evils of slavery and racism. The story also understands that even in the darkest of times God fearing people have acted heroically in spite of personal threats to their own well being.
I loved it.
Though fictional, this story uncovers without exaggeration, the evils of slavery and racism. The story also understands that even in the darkest of times God fearing people have acted heroically in spite of personal threats to their own well being.
I loved it.
April 10, 2018
Light and Enjoyable
Just finished the trilogy and I enjoyed it. It makes for quick reading with an unusual plot. The historical characters are especially interesting.
Just finished the trilogy and I enjoyed it. It makes for quick reading with an unusual plot. The historical characters are especially interesting.
July 11, 2020
A wonderful conclusion to the Time and Again trilogy. Mystery, history, and romance in a Christian based story. Well done! I couldn’t put it down!
September 6, 2025
Very sweet series! Easy to read, very uplifting!
May 4, 2013
Disclaimer: I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in the expectation that I would review it. This review will contain heavy spoilers.
This is the third in a trilogy about Abby Thomas, a denominational college student on a summer service project to be a tutor to economically disadvantaged eleven-year-old Merri. They discover that Beautiful House, a program on Merri’s computer, allows them to view (and experience!) past events in old buildings. They soon draw in a young man named John Roberts, who starts a romantic relationship with Abby while helping them explore the history of Merri’s house, once a station on the Underground Railroad.
In this volume, Abby’s revealing of this information to her college roommate backfires when said roommate, Kate Greenfield, shows up with her fiance Ryan Turner in tow. It seems Kate has run into a brick wall in her family research. An ancestor named Ned Greenfield was born at Hickory Hill in Equality, Illinois–but that’s all she can find on him or his parentage. She asks Abby to help her using the Beautiful House program.
Equality, once a thriving salt mining town, seems friendly enough at first. But the townspeople become considerably less welcoming once the subject of Hickory Hill comes up. Abby and her friends soon discover some painful truths about the past. But God is in the business of redemption, and makes all things new.
This book is aimed at the Christian young adult market, so there is quite a bit of God-talk. An exact age range is a little harder to pin down. The topics of rape, torture and the cost of human lives of slavery may be a bit heavy for younger teens, while the sexual prudishness of the protagonists will probably have older teens, particularly ones not raised in more conservative Christian communities, rolling their eyes. Conservative Christian parents, on the other hand, are likely to approve of Abby and John’s chaste relationship.
The book has some serious flaws, which I will talk about in the spoilers section below. I can only recommend it as an introduction to the history of slavery in Illinois–there’s a list of further reading books in the back that are more to the point on the subject.
SPOILERS
The biggest problem I have with this book is the villain of the modern section, Ryan. Abby takes an immediate dislike to him on first meeting and it’s easy to see why. The man is a horrible excuse for a human being, consistently putting his worst foot forward. He has zero appealing personality traits. Which would be okay if this were a different kind of story, one where the villain is mostly offstage so that the stalwart heroes only see him when he’s opposing them.
But instead he’s a tag-along for the group, in most scenes, repeatedly failing to show any redeeming characterization. By the time of his “sudden but inevitable betrayal” Kate looks less like an impulsive young woman in love, and more like someone who’s really, really stupid and needs it spelled out to her in large letters that Ryan is bad news. Tellingly, the one time Kate mentions what, specifically, she likes about Ryan, we aren’t allowed to hear it.
Ryan would have been a much better character if he were allowed to show positive character traits, reasons why Kate might have chosen to be his fiancee or special skills that made him valuable to the group. Even having him make valid criticisms of the protagonists’ actions might have helped. In this way, his final betrayal would have seemed less inevitable and more of a heartbreaking experience.
Looking at it another way, some in-story evidence suggests that Ryan may be either brain-damaged or not actually from Earth’s culture. (Seriously, a college student who is unfamiliar with libraries?) If this is the case, he’s less villainous than pitiable. And his reasoning for having sex with Kate shows the perils of abstinence-only sex ed and purity culture–a more streetwise woman than Kate would have noticed how bogus the logic was.
A more excusable flaw is that the protagonists don’t really follow logic chains. They know from repeated experience that Beautiful Home only works when it (or possibly God) wants to, and only shows them what it (or God) thinks they need to see. Yet they constantly worry about the program being abused or falling into the wrong hands. If God is showing Ryan women in their pajamas, then there is obviously some reason why God wants Ryan to see women in their pajamas, and you shouldn’t fault Ryan for that.
But hey, people are illogical like that in real life.
I’m also a little skeptical about exploring the issue of slavery and its ill effects from the point of view of privileged white people (Merri considerably less privileged, of course.) It worries me that the protagonists are surprised by an integrated church in the 21st Century, and that John has never seen a church that allows black people and white people to worship together before.
I see this book was self-published–the author may need a stricter editor to work out some of these problems with.
This is the third in a trilogy about Abby Thomas, a denominational college student on a summer service project to be a tutor to economically disadvantaged eleven-year-old Merri. They discover that Beautiful House, a program on Merri’s computer, allows them to view (and experience!) past events in old buildings. They soon draw in a young man named John Roberts, who starts a romantic relationship with Abby while helping them explore the history of Merri’s house, once a station on the Underground Railroad.
In this volume, Abby’s revealing of this information to her college roommate backfires when said roommate, Kate Greenfield, shows up with her fiance Ryan Turner in tow. It seems Kate has run into a brick wall in her family research. An ancestor named Ned Greenfield was born at Hickory Hill in Equality, Illinois–but that’s all she can find on him or his parentage. She asks Abby to help her using the Beautiful House program.
Equality, once a thriving salt mining town, seems friendly enough at first. But the townspeople become considerably less welcoming once the subject of Hickory Hill comes up. Abby and her friends soon discover some painful truths about the past. But God is in the business of redemption, and makes all things new.
This book is aimed at the Christian young adult market, so there is quite a bit of God-talk. An exact age range is a little harder to pin down. The topics of rape, torture and the cost of human lives of slavery may be a bit heavy for younger teens, while the sexual prudishness of the protagonists will probably have older teens, particularly ones not raised in more conservative Christian communities, rolling their eyes. Conservative Christian parents, on the other hand, are likely to approve of Abby and John’s chaste relationship.
The book has some serious flaws, which I will talk about in the spoilers section below. I can only recommend it as an introduction to the history of slavery in Illinois–there’s a list of further reading books in the back that are more to the point on the subject.
SPOILERS
The biggest problem I have with this book is the villain of the modern section, Ryan. Abby takes an immediate dislike to him on first meeting and it’s easy to see why. The man is a horrible excuse for a human being, consistently putting his worst foot forward. He has zero appealing personality traits. Which would be okay if this were a different kind of story, one where the villain is mostly offstage so that the stalwart heroes only see him when he’s opposing them.
But instead he’s a tag-along for the group, in most scenes, repeatedly failing to show any redeeming characterization. By the time of his “sudden but inevitable betrayal” Kate looks less like an impulsive young woman in love, and more like someone who’s really, really stupid and needs it spelled out to her in large letters that Ryan is bad news. Tellingly, the one time Kate mentions what, specifically, she likes about Ryan, we aren’t allowed to hear it.
Ryan would have been a much better character if he were allowed to show positive character traits, reasons why Kate might have chosen to be his fiancee or special skills that made him valuable to the group. Even having him make valid criticisms of the protagonists’ actions might have helped. In this way, his final betrayal would have seemed less inevitable and more of a heartbreaking experience.
Looking at it another way, some in-story evidence suggests that Ryan may be either brain-damaged or not actually from Earth’s culture. (Seriously, a college student who is unfamiliar with libraries?) If this is the case, he’s less villainous than pitiable. And his reasoning for having sex with Kate shows the perils of abstinence-only sex ed and purity culture–a more streetwise woman than Kate would have noticed how bogus the logic was.
A more excusable flaw is that the protagonists don’t really follow logic chains. They know from repeated experience that Beautiful Home only works when it (or possibly God) wants to, and only shows them what it (or God) thinks they need to see. Yet they constantly worry about the program being abused or falling into the wrong hands. If God is showing Ryan women in their pajamas, then there is obviously some reason why God wants Ryan to see women in their pajamas, and you shouldn’t fault Ryan for that.
But hey, people are illogical like that in real life.
I’m also a little skeptical about exploring the issue of slavery and its ill effects from the point of view of privileged white people (Merri considerably less privileged, of course.) It worries me that the protagonists are surprised by an integrated church in the 21st Century, and that John has never seen a church that allows black people and white people to worship together before.
I see this book was self-published–the author may need a stricter editor to work out some of these problems with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2013
Every Hill and Mountain—An Entertaining Mystery!
Deborah Heal considers herself a Christian fiction author. Right there, for a lot of people, that would wave the red flag: “Stop! Do not enter!” “This will contain over-zealous subject matter meant to weave a certain message into the story in which to enlighten or prescribe the author’s beliefs.” I almost passed up the chance to read this fun trilogy because of this worry. Through the first book, I turned every page with much trepidation that a preacher would jump out of page 25, 137, or 192 to scream at me about his way to see the light. In certain times and places I find this acceptable, but not when I am reading for enjoyment and to relax.
I was so wrong! In all three books--nothing like that happened at all. As a matter of fact, Ms. Heal did an excellent job of writing a great three-part story that young adults on up can enjoy. The first book was an introduction to Merri, Abby, and John and the Beautiful Home computer program. The second book took us on another adventure with the cheerful trio and their neighbors to seek out a puzzle of heritage. This last book delved further into Illinois history as Merri, Abby, and John used their unique computer program to help Kate, (Abby’s roommate from college) find an ancestor by the name of Ned Greenfield from Equality, Illinois.
Their arrival to Equality gave them an unexpected surprise. Everyone they met was hometown friendly in a down-home sort of way. The streets were crowded; and it wasn’t until they met the local sheriff that they learned it was the annual Salt Days celebration to commemorate when the village was founded in 1735. The area was the hub for salt mining in the United States after the Indians surrendered the “Great Salt Springs” to the US government by treaty way back when (Wikipedia). The story continues with little tidbits of local history to amuse and entertain as is the author’s penchant for sneaking in lessons without our being consciously aware we’re being taught.
With all the information they try to find out about this Greenfield relative of Kate’s, the farther down the family tree he seems to slip. These friendly villagers start to clam up and the true hunt begins. This tale tells of a salt baron’s ruthless rise to success, slavery—the likes of which you’ve never heard before, a spooky third floor in a mansion, and a ditzy old woman who has the answers, but takes to having “spells” when questioned too much.
On the social scene, John and Abby’s crush deepens as Abby (figuratively) pulls the petals off the daisy one-by-one “He loves me. . . . He loves me not.” This couple prefers to follow the old-fashion values of genteel courtship until marriage; whereas, Abby’s friend, Kate, was lured into a more complicated, serious relationship with her boyfriend, Ryan. The subject of sex is mentioned in the book, but it is handled with intelligence and decorum.
Now that the trilogy is over, I look back and shake my head when I think I almost missed a great opportunity to learn so much about our history and the history of Illinois. The information was presented in a unique mystery story that was fully entertaining and enjoyable. I liked the books so much that if I had my druthers, I’d like Ms. Heal to drop the trilogy and just continue the storyline into a lengthy series. I enjoyed the characters so much that I could imagine them on more adventures of this kind, and as long as the program is willing—why not? If more of us hungry readers are so inclined to persuade her, perhaps we can change her mind about this being the last book. I’m certain that the state of Illinois has many more hidden tales to tell that the Beautiful Home computer program could bring to light.
I’d like to thank author Deborah Heal for this lovely copy of Every Hill and Mountain in exchange for my honest review.
Deborah Heal considers herself a Christian fiction author. Right there, for a lot of people, that would wave the red flag: “Stop! Do not enter!” “This will contain over-zealous subject matter meant to weave a certain message into the story in which to enlighten or prescribe the author’s beliefs.” I almost passed up the chance to read this fun trilogy because of this worry. Through the first book, I turned every page with much trepidation that a preacher would jump out of page 25, 137, or 192 to scream at me about his way to see the light. In certain times and places I find this acceptable, but not when I am reading for enjoyment and to relax.
I was so wrong! In all three books--nothing like that happened at all. As a matter of fact, Ms. Heal did an excellent job of writing a great three-part story that young adults on up can enjoy. The first book was an introduction to Merri, Abby, and John and the Beautiful Home computer program. The second book took us on another adventure with the cheerful trio and their neighbors to seek out a puzzle of heritage. This last book delved further into Illinois history as Merri, Abby, and John used their unique computer program to help Kate, (Abby’s roommate from college) find an ancestor by the name of Ned Greenfield from Equality, Illinois.
Their arrival to Equality gave them an unexpected surprise. Everyone they met was hometown friendly in a down-home sort of way. The streets were crowded; and it wasn’t until they met the local sheriff that they learned it was the annual Salt Days celebration to commemorate when the village was founded in 1735. The area was the hub for salt mining in the United States after the Indians surrendered the “Great Salt Springs” to the US government by treaty way back when (Wikipedia). The story continues with little tidbits of local history to amuse and entertain as is the author’s penchant for sneaking in lessons without our being consciously aware we’re being taught.
With all the information they try to find out about this Greenfield relative of Kate’s, the farther down the family tree he seems to slip. These friendly villagers start to clam up and the true hunt begins. This tale tells of a salt baron’s ruthless rise to success, slavery—the likes of which you’ve never heard before, a spooky third floor in a mansion, and a ditzy old woman who has the answers, but takes to having “spells” when questioned too much.
On the social scene, John and Abby’s crush deepens as Abby (figuratively) pulls the petals off the daisy one-by-one “He loves me. . . . He loves me not.” This couple prefers to follow the old-fashion values of genteel courtship until marriage; whereas, Abby’s friend, Kate, was lured into a more complicated, serious relationship with her boyfriend, Ryan. The subject of sex is mentioned in the book, but it is handled with intelligence and decorum.
Now that the trilogy is over, I look back and shake my head when I think I almost missed a great opportunity to learn so much about our history and the history of Illinois. The information was presented in a unique mystery story that was fully entertaining and enjoyable. I liked the books so much that if I had my druthers, I’d like Ms. Heal to drop the trilogy and just continue the storyline into a lengthy series. I enjoyed the characters so much that I could imagine them on more adventures of this kind, and as long as the program is willing—why not? If more of us hungry readers are so inclined to persuade her, perhaps we can change her mind about this being the last book. I’m certain that the state of Illinois has many more hidden tales to tell that the Beautiful Home computer program could bring to light.
I’d like to thank author Deborah Heal for this lovely copy of Every Hill and Mountain in exchange for my honest review.
July 3, 2013
To say Abby Thomas has had an interesting summer is a huge understatement. While tutoring eleven year old Merri in Miles Station, Illinois they discover a unique computer program called Beautiful House that allows them to virtually time travel into the past. They have decided to keep the program a secret only telling John Roberts a young man who Abby has become fond of along with Kate Greenfield Abby's best friend. When Kate decides to research her family tree, she hits a snag when she comes to a man named Ned Greenfield, who lived in a small town named Equality. Abby's best friend Kate Greenfield has been doing her families genealogy,but hits a snag when she comes to a man named Ned Greenfield. Kate comes to Miles Station along with her boyfriend Ryan hoping that Abby can use the program to help her figure out who Ned was. They uncover secrets from the past that not only shock them, but also allows Kate to see what kind of man Ryan really is!
"Every Hill and Mountain" takes the reader on an amazing journey into the past while keeping a firm foot in the present. I found the central characters of Abby, Kate,John and Merri to be wonderful characters, good and wholesome are two words that pop into my head where they are concerned. Although Kate was pulled off track for a while by the end of the story she saw Ryan for what he really was. I found the concept of virtual time travel really lent another element to this story, but more than that it made the historical elements seem so much more realistic. While I really enjoyed the characters it was the historical story that unfolded about Ned that really gripped me. As his story is told, it saddened my heart, causing me to shed a few tears. Ms. Heal certainly knew how to bring history to life within the pages of this story, I learned a few things I never really thought about, but was also left wanting to learn more. While she deals with the tough subject of slavery, she does it in a manner that allows us a clear, honest look at how things might have been, but also provided me with the hope of freedom that came for many. While this is book three of a series, I feel like it could be read as a stand alone story, I did read the first book, but missed the second one but that didn't hinder me from totally understanding this story. The author provides an ending that left me hoping that she might continue this series. Overall, a story perfect for teens and adults alike, teens will connect with the characters in the story, and come away with a history lesson that is far from boring.
Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com
"Every Hill and Mountain" takes the reader on an amazing journey into the past while keeping a firm foot in the present. I found the central characters of Abby, Kate,John and Merri to be wonderful characters, good and wholesome are two words that pop into my head where they are concerned. Although Kate was pulled off track for a while by the end of the story she saw Ryan for what he really was. I found the concept of virtual time travel really lent another element to this story, but more than that it made the historical elements seem so much more realistic. While I really enjoyed the characters it was the historical story that unfolded about Ned that really gripped me. As his story is told, it saddened my heart, causing me to shed a few tears. Ms. Heal certainly knew how to bring history to life within the pages of this story, I learned a few things I never really thought about, but was also left wanting to learn more. While she deals with the tough subject of slavery, she does it in a manner that allows us a clear, honest look at how things might have been, but also provided me with the hope of freedom that came for many. While this is book three of a series, I feel like it could be read as a stand alone story, I did read the first book, but missed the second one but that didn't hinder me from totally understanding this story. The author provides an ending that left me hoping that she might continue this series. Overall, a story perfect for teens and adults alike, teens will connect with the characters in the story, and come away with a history lesson that is far from boring.
Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com
January 13, 2014
Time-surfing, family trees and age-old secrets?
I was really amazed as I read chapter upon chapter of this book. It has a slow start but well needed to brace the reader for what the upcoming chapters reveal. A time surfing program that allows people to revisit the past, proves a success and prompts Abby's college roommate Kate to use it to fill in the gaps in her family tree. Kate stumbles upon an ancestor, Ned Greenfield, and finds herself setting out on a journey of discovery and to unfold the old family secrets. I think I held my breath several times through this book, every time Kate saw progress only to hit one brick wall after another. I did not like her fiance, Ryan's character, as he showed himself to be more interested in the commercial potential of the time-surf program and Kate's eyes are eventually opened to his true character reveal.
I absolutely adored Abby and John, who, although reluctant at first, supported Kate in her quest to find out about her ancestral past. They stood by her side and accompanied her to a town called Equality. I love how the author incorporated a real city into this story; The use of this specific town, "Equality" was fitting for what it revealed on the surface about the town's history. I felt like I was in the story, sharing the same emotional frustrations as the characters did, especially when the towns people tried to keep the past hidden concerning Hickory Hill, where Kate finds out her ancestor, Ned was born.
Initially, the towns people, mayor and chief of police showed themselves to be hospitable and eager to assist Kate and her friends in finding answers to what they came there for; but the forbidden mention of Hickory Hill stirred up too much dirty laundry that the townspeople were not willing to air. They did everything within their power to keep Kate and her friends from the "tree of all knowing" so to speak. But the wonderful thing about Kate was her determination, thus the quest continued until she found what she was looking for and to her surprise, a lot more than she ever expected. Hickory Hill gave birth to a very disturbing past that Kate could not tuck back quietly inside the blood-tainted mine it rested upon. But she would walk away with a different set of eyes and frame of mind. I recommend that everyone read this book at least once.
It's definitely worthy of five stars.
I was really amazed as I read chapter upon chapter of this book. It has a slow start but well needed to brace the reader for what the upcoming chapters reveal. A time surfing program that allows people to revisit the past, proves a success and prompts Abby's college roommate Kate to use it to fill in the gaps in her family tree. Kate stumbles upon an ancestor, Ned Greenfield, and finds herself setting out on a journey of discovery and to unfold the old family secrets. I think I held my breath several times through this book, every time Kate saw progress only to hit one brick wall after another. I did not like her fiance, Ryan's character, as he showed himself to be more interested in the commercial potential of the time-surf program and Kate's eyes are eventually opened to his true character reveal.
I absolutely adored Abby and John, who, although reluctant at first, supported Kate in her quest to find out about her ancestral past. They stood by her side and accompanied her to a town called Equality. I love how the author incorporated a real city into this story; The use of this specific town, "Equality" was fitting for what it revealed on the surface about the town's history. I felt like I was in the story, sharing the same emotional frustrations as the characters did, especially when the towns people tried to keep the past hidden concerning Hickory Hill, where Kate finds out her ancestor, Ned was born.
Initially, the towns people, mayor and chief of police showed themselves to be hospitable and eager to assist Kate and her friends in finding answers to what they came there for; but the forbidden mention of Hickory Hill stirred up too much dirty laundry that the townspeople were not willing to air. They did everything within their power to keep Kate and her friends from the "tree of all knowing" so to speak. But the wonderful thing about Kate was her determination, thus the quest continued until she found what she was looking for and to her surprise, a lot more than she ever expected. Hickory Hill gave birth to a very disturbing past that Kate could not tuck back quietly inside the blood-tainted mine it rested upon. But she would walk away with a different set of eyes and frame of mind. I recommend that everyone read this book at least once.
It's definitely worthy of five stars.
May 9, 2013
Every Hill and Mountain
By Deborah Heal
Summer is winding down when Abby's best friend Kate decides to finally come visit Abby and Merri. But what Abby and Merri think is going to be an all-girls week-end turns out very different from what they imagined.
First off Kate brings Ryan her boyfriend/fiance with her. (FYI Ryan is a total jerk and he only gets worse as the book continues!) Kate isn't her normal self, deferring to Ryan's opinion even concerning what she'll eat! Abby, Merri, and John find Ryan to be opinionated and annoying.
Kate and her mother have been researching her family tree, but they can't information about Kate's many times great grandfather Ned Greenfield. After hearing about Abby and Merri's success helping Beulah and Eulah (or is it Eulah and Beulah???) find their Buchanan relatives, Kate is hoping to use the Beautiful House program to find out more about Ned Greenfield. But House Beautiful hasn't been working since finding the Old Dears Buchanan connection.
The night Kate arrives House Beautiful again shows them Charlotte Miles. Charlotte is helping runaways on their journey to freedom. What is the significance of this scene with Charlotte and is there a tie-in to Kate's search?
This is one journey through time you won't want to miss, just be sure to bring a box of tissue with you as this may well be the most emotional journey yet! A hidden brutality of slavery is brought to light one that is so horrifying that a small southern Illinois town is willing to rewrite its history to hide the truth!
But the potential to abuse Beautiful House grows as more people learn of its existence. Can Abby, John, and Merri keep control of the program and out of the hands of those who would abuse its abilities and use it for profit?
And will Kate see Ryan for who he really is before it is too late? Read Every Hill and Mountain to find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of Every Hill and Mountain from the author in conjunction with this blog tour in exchange for my honest review.
By Deborah Heal
Summer is winding down when Abby's best friend Kate decides to finally come visit Abby and Merri. But what Abby and Merri think is going to be an all-girls week-end turns out very different from what they imagined.
First off Kate brings Ryan her boyfriend/fiance with her. (FYI Ryan is a total jerk and he only gets worse as the book continues!) Kate isn't her normal self, deferring to Ryan's opinion even concerning what she'll eat! Abby, Merri, and John find Ryan to be opinionated and annoying.
Kate and her mother have been researching her family tree, but they can't information about Kate's many times great grandfather Ned Greenfield. After hearing about Abby and Merri's success helping Beulah and Eulah (or is it Eulah and Beulah???) find their Buchanan relatives, Kate is hoping to use the Beautiful House program to find out more about Ned Greenfield. But House Beautiful hasn't been working since finding the Old Dears Buchanan connection.
The night Kate arrives House Beautiful again shows them Charlotte Miles. Charlotte is helping runaways on their journey to freedom. What is the significance of this scene with Charlotte and is there a tie-in to Kate's search?
This is one journey through time you won't want to miss, just be sure to bring a box of tissue with you as this may well be the most emotional journey yet! A hidden brutality of slavery is brought to light one that is so horrifying that a small southern Illinois town is willing to rewrite its history to hide the truth!
But the potential to abuse Beautiful House grows as more people learn of its existence. Can Abby, John, and Merri keep control of the program and out of the hands of those who would abuse its abilities and use it for profit?
And will Kate see Ryan for who he really is before it is too late? Read Every Hill and Mountain to find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of Every Hill and Mountain from the author in conjunction with this blog tour in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2013
Every Hill and Mountain by Deborah Heal is a Goodreads first-reads published March 8, 2013 by Createspace and is 278 pages long which includes not only the story but extras as well such as a Separating Fact from Fiction page and the Every Hill and Mountain Quiz.
The story: Abby's college roommate (Kate) hopes that the "Beautiful House" computer program will help her find more information about an ancestor, Ned Greenfield. Kate brings along her fiance' to search for info on Ned to a place called Hickory Hill in a small town called Equality in southern Illinois. Abby and John (Abby's boyfriend) reluctantly agree to help, unimpressed by Ryan's (Kate's fiance) character and controlling tendencies. The computer program allows the group to virtually time travel provided they are in buildings that existed approximately 150 - 200 years ago for this story (the time of Ned's existance). The story takes several twists and turns as information about Ned's life is revealed and subsequently Ryan's true character is equally revealed throughout the novel. The group is "reminded that God is in the business of redemption - that one day he'll make all things new" as stated on the back cover synopsis.
Overall the novel is a good, clean book dealing with the troubling tales of ill-used slaves in a place that was supposed to be free from slavery but for men's greed, all rules can be broken. I really enjoyed reading this novel and although it is the third book in the series, it stands alone quite well. Everything the reader needed to know from the prior two installments was explained in enough detail that reading the first two novels was rendered unnecessary. However after reading this tale, the reader will want to go back and read the others just like I do. I definitely recommend this novel.
The story: Abby's college roommate (Kate) hopes that the "Beautiful House" computer program will help her find more information about an ancestor, Ned Greenfield. Kate brings along her fiance' to search for info on Ned to a place called Hickory Hill in a small town called Equality in southern Illinois. Abby and John (Abby's boyfriend) reluctantly agree to help, unimpressed by Ryan's (Kate's fiance) character and controlling tendencies. The computer program allows the group to virtually time travel provided they are in buildings that existed approximately 150 - 200 years ago for this story (the time of Ned's existance). The story takes several twists and turns as information about Ned's life is revealed and subsequently Ryan's true character is equally revealed throughout the novel. The group is "reminded that God is in the business of redemption - that one day he'll make all things new" as stated on the back cover synopsis.
Overall the novel is a good, clean book dealing with the troubling tales of ill-used slaves in a place that was supposed to be free from slavery but for men's greed, all rules can be broken. I really enjoyed reading this novel and although it is the third book in the series, it stands alone quite well. Everything the reader needed to know from the prior two installments was explained in enough detail that reading the first two novels was rendered unnecessary. However after reading this tale, the reader will want to go back and read the others just like I do. I definitely recommend this novel.
March 24, 2014
Abby's college roommate and best friend Kate is working on her family tree as a gift to her parent's. She is under the impression that the computer program Abby has been telling her about will give her the answers she is looking for. Abby, John and Merri agree to show the program and reveal the secret of time-travel. When Kate arrives at Merri's house she has a surprise for Abby. But Abby has an even bigger surprise for Kate.
After all their surprises are revealed about the time travel and Kate introduces her fiance' Ryan they all go to a small town Equality to research Kate's family tree. Kate's fiance' turns out to be somewhat snooty and appears to be wanting to change sweet Kate. Abby's friend John has no patience for Ryan's rudeness.
As they asked around to some of the towns people each time it came to a dead end when the asked about the old mansion Hickory Hill that owned by the owners of the Half Moon Salt Mines. Rumors have said the old mansion may have been part of the underground railroad.
What is this town hiding? Why do they want to keep them away from Hickory Hill?
The author has quite the imagination when it comes to time-travel and history. This story is an adventure into ones family history in the state of Illinois. Meeting some wonderful new characters along with revealing more than Kate had ever hoped to discover. Each book in this series has brought me to the belief of the possibilities of time-travel.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated fro this review. This review is my honest opinion.
After all their surprises are revealed about the time travel and Kate introduces her fiance' Ryan they all go to a small town Equality to research Kate's family tree. Kate's fiance' turns out to be somewhat snooty and appears to be wanting to change sweet Kate. Abby's friend John has no patience for Ryan's rudeness.
As they asked around to some of the towns people each time it came to a dead end when the asked about the old mansion Hickory Hill that owned by the owners of the Half Moon Salt Mines. Rumors have said the old mansion may have been part of the underground railroad.
What is this town hiding? Why do they want to keep them away from Hickory Hill?
The author has quite the imagination when it comes to time-travel and history. This story is an adventure into ones family history in the state of Illinois. Meeting some wonderful new characters along with revealing more than Kate had ever hoped to discover. Each book in this series has brought me to the belief of the possibilities of time-travel.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated fro this review. This review is my honest opinion.
April 2, 2016
College students Abby and her boyfriend John, along with Abby's roommate Kate and her new fiance Ryan head to the tiny town of Equality on the southern tip of IL to research Kate's ancestor, Ned Greenfield, born on Hickory Hill in 1838. When the four of them arrive at the town, everyone is very friendly and hospitable, until they bring up Hickory Hill and the research they are trying to do. At that point, they are told there is nothing to see there, and to basically stay away from the old mansion on the hill. When Abby and the others try to secretly take their laptop with the virtual reality time traveling program on it to Hickory Hill, things go from bad to worse, as the town's police chief seems desperate to keep them away from the truth they are searching for. Abby and John are also very doubtful of the integrity of Kate's fiance, Ryan, as he appears to be quite rude and arrogant, which Kate does not seem to notice. Ryan also keeps bringing up the subject of selling the secret time traveling program on John's laptop in order to make a lot of money.
I enjoyed this trilogy very much, with the interweaving past and present story lines. Abby and John are likable characters, and the historic mysteries they attempt to solve with their virtual reality computer program are interesting, as well. I'm looking forward to reading the follow-up series to this trilogy, the Rewinding Time series.
I enjoyed this trilogy very much, with the interweaving past and present story lines. Abby and John are likable characters, and the historic mysteries they attempt to solve with their virtual reality computer program are interesting, as well. I'm looking forward to reading the follow-up series to this trilogy, the Rewinding Time series.
December 3, 2013
'Every Hill and Mountain' is a fast-paced drama which is partially Contemporary and partially Fantasy/Historical Fiction. It is the last of Deborah Heal's exciting trilogy.
This final book mostly is centered on Abby, John, Kate, and Ryan and their efforts in discovering Kate's missing ancestor to complete het "Family Tree".
It is presently very lopsided. Will she be able to find her missing ancestor? She has two clues. If these clues do not culminate, she will have to leave that side of the tree asa mystery. They experience unique and intriguing instances.
This escapade will either draw them closer together or may prove to be disastrous to their friendships.
I enjoyed this novel as much as the other two. However, I felt there could be a better title to fit the storyline. The book cover, also, could have been more creative.
The character development was very well done. The description of the surrounding area "brought it to life". The ending was OK but felt slightly incomplete.
It was clean, well-written, fast paced, and a quite fun adventure. The few things remiss were minor. This review of Deborah's final book of the series offers a Four and a half Stars rating.
This book was generously sent to me by the author for an honest review, of which I have given.
This final book mostly is centered on Abby, John, Kate, and Ryan and their efforts in discovering Kate's missing ancestor to complete het "Family Tree".
It is presently very lopsided. Will she be able to find her missing ancestor? She has two clues. If these clues do not culminate, she will have to leave that side of the tree asa mystery. They experience unique and intriguing instances.
This escapade will either draw them closer together or may prove to be disastrous to their friendships.
I enjoyed this novel as much as the other two. However, I felt there could be a better title to fit the storyline. The book cover, also, could have been more creative.
The character development was very well done. The description of the surrounding area "brought it to life". The ending was OK but felt slightly incomplete.
It was clean, well-written, fast paced, and a quite fun adventure. The few things remiss were minor. This review of Deborah's final book of the series offers a Four and a half Stars rating.
This book was generously sent to me by the author for an honest review, of which I have given.
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