Things Not Seen

by Derinda Babcock

The survivors have each other.

ARABELLA "BELLE" ST. JOHN: city girl and daughter of wealthy, five-star restaurant owners.
CAPTAIN ADAM SUTHERLAND: former fighter pilot turned commercial airline pilot.
COLTON MORGAN: rancher and hunting outfitter.
LIAM SWANSON: missionary's son and worship and praise leader.

Will the four overcome their differences and pull together to live?

Genres: Christian

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2023

Reviews

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story about 4 survivors who survive a plane crash and struggle to survive. I really loved the faith content and how the Lord brought a worship leader onto that flight, how the worship leader really encouraged them by showing God's love and strength. I really enjoyed the survival aspect of the story. I didn't really connect with the romance story though until closer to the end of the story.

[Marcy Kennedy]

DNF at 12%. Originally, I was so excited about this book because it was a Christian fiction novel about survivors of a plane crash.

But, wow, is Belle, the POV character, unlikeable and annoying.

She has a panic attack at the beginning, which is completely understandable. She just survived a plane crash, and she's one of only four people who survive. But then the men she's with have to keep calming her down or keeping her from being a jerk for no reason. This happens multiple times in the 12% I read. They all seem calm and reasonable.

She assumes that one of the other men is judging her as a worthless Barbie because of her appearance. But he hasn't said anything to give her that impression. She's just getting it from a single look, and she thinks about this constantly.

Then they have to figure out what food they have between them to try to stay alive because it's a survival situation. Her contributions are very healthy (seaweed and kale chips) and she gives them a big lecture on how nutritious they are, so the others gamely eat it. But she takes one bite of the jerky another character has contributed, and the fat and salt make her gag and it turns her stomach, so instead of eating it she hides it in her bag. I'm sorry. What? This is a survival situation. You need to eat everything, and you'll need that fat and salt to stay alive pretty soon.

When she mentally made a big deal about having a share the shelter with and sleep close to three stranger, I was done. I was not willing to spend more time in her head.

The writing was also a little clunky. It just wasn't quite at the point where it should be out in the world yet. (I hate saying that. I feel awful. But this book could have been so much better than it was.)

[Courtnee Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book, Things Not Seen, Derinda Babcock tells a story about a plane crash and four survivors. Arabella St. John, a restaurant heiress, Adam Sutherland, a pilot with military experience, Liam Swanson, a Christian praise and worship leader, and Colton Morgan, a rancher and hunting outfitter, combine their talents as they scavenge for resources and hope to be rescued. They rely heavily upon Liam for prayers and comfort and on Adam and Colton for direction and survival. The group must move down the mountain from their crash site, and every step they take could lead them to civilization or uncertain doom.

Derinda Babcock has written a compelling story and included her own graphic designs. Readers will get a clear picture of the characters from her words and the pictures, investing them in the outcome of the story. The plot is an engaging tale of survival with wholesome companionship and Christian references. I learned a lot about staying alive in extreme conditions as I turned the pages. The author included a wealth of knowledge, from the flash point of plane fuel to the time needed for acorns to soak to be in their most desirable form. Even though the group is intensely focused on their rescue, sweet romance blooms between an unlikely pair. As the title implies, just as the group cannot determine the cause of their crash, first impressions are not always accurate, and God has a way of bringing people together. Readers who enjoy books that focus on positivity and motivation in a setting of intense circumstances will love Things Not Seen.

[Karen J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. It is about 4 survivors of a small plane crash. They each bring their own skills and have to work together to survive. We also get an unexpected romance. The story points out how hard it would be to survive something like this. It also illustrates some of the difficult choices people have to make in order to live. In this case, the choices were not as difficult as some have been in real life. The story does have strong Christian leanings and one of the characters in particular are always talking to God. Overall I enjoyed the story.

[Tayan Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and uplifting survival story with heart.

Things Not Seen brings together four very different characters, from a city girl to a rancher, a pilot, and a worship leader, and throws them into a situation where their only hope is unity and faith. Derinda Babcock crafts a compelling narrative filled with tension, growth, and a strong spiritual core. Fans of Christian fiction will appreciate the depth of the characters and the message of hope in adversity. A quick, meaningful read that stays with you.

[Claire O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching romance

The author seamlessly wove a romance between two unlikely characters with living in survival mode and learning about God. I loved Belle's innocence, youthful naivete, and desire to learn the environment she was thrust into and budding faith. Methinks the author has lived much of this, and I learned a lot more as did Belle about surviving with a handful of people. Well done.

[Julia Cathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel offers a gripping look at how people from vastly different backgrounds can come together in the face of adversity. Arabella, Adam, Colton, and Liam each bring unique strengths and vulnerabilities, which makes their journey feel very real and relatable. I appreciated the emotional depth woven through their struggles, especially the themes of trust, faith, and resilience that underpin their survival.

[Courtney Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

wholesome excitement

After an accident causes their plane to crash, four passengers with very different backgrounds must join together to survive the trying ordeal. Characters are believable and details of the Rocky Mountains are realistic. There’s adventure, danger, faith, and romance all interwoven in this fast-paced novella.

[Patricia Lugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down the thought-provoking novella, Things Not Seen. Four survivors of a tragic plane crash are stranded in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. The group must come together to do what it takes to survive the elements as well as extreme hunger. The plot was filled with adventure, clean romance, and characters that readers will love.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little survival adventure story with some romance thrown in. I actually enjoyed the survival efforts after the plane crash more than the romance but it did make a good story about working together and life changing priorities in a crisis. A short but enjoyable read.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Jessica Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A plane crash, four survivors, and unlikely romance make for a fantastic read! I can hardly wait to dig into the sequel, Things Hoped For!

Sidenote - loved the pictures at the end of each chapter and the layout. Very pretty book!

[Derinda Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book to write.
Most of the encounters with the camps, elk, bear, and weather were based on personal experiences in the mountains of southwestern Colorado.