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Passing Strangers
A train roars over the rails, carrying passengers on a trip that will change their lives. Among the many people aboard the 97 Silver Meteor are Andie Crystal, a lonely young woman hiding from her youth as a reality TV star; Matthew Scofield, a widower trying to escape his responsibilities to his two young children; and Janette Turlington, a middle–aged mother running from a situation that has destroyed the peace in her home and marriage. These three form a makeshift family on an Amtrak tour through the Southern seaboard, a journey that just might heal their wounded hearts and restore them to the people to whom they matter most . . .
350 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2014
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
324 books2,016 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 10, 2015
Great book. Such a great reminder that people do not suffer alone, everyone has a story. I love how all of their paths cross and what they become to each other... Interesting book..
November 15, 2022
This was an amazing story of what it looks like to 'run away from home' and to find family, and purpose, and God whilst doing so. I loved how the author used the story of Jonah to remind us that sometimes people who have run away from situations that are uncomfortable and unwanted learn to humble themselves and return to God's leading.
I loved Andie, Matthew, Roman, and Emelia, and Janette. Each of them had some really hard things to deal with (and none of them initially wanted to deal with them!), but through their experiences together, they each learned that sometimes family is the people you live with, and sometimes family are the people you meet along the way.
I loved Andie, Matthew, Roman, and Emelia, and Janette. Each of them had some really hard things to deal with (and none of them initially wanted to deal with them!), but through their experiences together, they each learned that sometimes family is the people you live with, and sometimes family are the people you meet along the way.
August 5, 2018
This has to be one of the best books I've read in a while.....Oh, I highly recommend this book especially if you ever have felt you messed up being a mom or even just a Christian.....Great book!!
September 10, 2017
My absolute favorite novel of all is "The Awakening" by AEH. Having said that, I do believe AEH has had a few hits and a few misses. I never could finish "The Fine Art of Insincerity;" I just found myself halfway through that novel not caring about the characters so that was a "miss." I did like some of her other novels ("The Elevator" and "The Note"); however this one is just okay. Nothing special. This book is divided into three parts; each one with the viewpoint of a character that is going on a 10 day train ride and develops relationships with the other two characters; each of with have their own story you read about in the other parts of the book. I became annoyed by the main character in the first third of the book; her constant whining and paranoia was too much. Then, the character in the second part of the book I just wanted to knock him over the head for his ingratitude towards his mother and throwing his children at anyone who pays them the slightest attention, always trying to get out of being a parent himself. The only character I truly cared about and had wanted to learn all of her story was Jeanette, the last part of the book's main focus. The last third made the whole novel worth reading. I cared about her more than anything else, and she was the best part of the whole story. If I had to do it over again, I would have just read the Prologue then Book 3 of the novel, and the Epilogue and skipped Books 1 & 2. I was really hoping for something as spectacular as "The Awakening," but it just fell short in my opinion.
November 3, 2014
We are going on a train ride. We are taking the Amtrak Acela
Express-97 Silver Meteor #2171. We are leaving from
Washington DC with 2 day stopovers in Williamsburg,
Charleston, Savannah ending in St Augustine.
The book starts with the story of three broken unrelated people
who happen to end up on this train. Each escaping for their own
reason. These three unconnected stories will blend as the trip
forges ahead.
The author address many social issues such as workaholics,
fame, loneliness, single parenting, mental health problems,
parental abuse both physical and psychological, loss and grieving.
The positives that the story provides are the needs to forgive
self then others, trust, healing with restoration and friendships.
These can all be accomplished by turning their problems over to
God.
The story makes you aware of how you can change the way
you perceive others. People can cross paths everyday but never
realize what is truly happening in the another’s life.
This book increased my awareness to put aside petty issues and
be more compassionate to others, all in the Lord’s name.
Thank you to book fun.org for this ebook. My opinion is my own.
Express-97 Silver Meteor #2171. We are leaving from
Washington DC with 2 day stopovers in Williamsburg,
Charleston, Savannah ending in St Augustine.
The book starts with the story of three broken unrelated people
who happen to end up on this train. Each escaping for their own
reason. These three unconnected stories will blend as the trip
forges ahead.
The author address many social issues such as workaholics,
fame, loneliness, single parenting, mental health problems,
parental abuse both physical and psychological, loss and grieving.
The positives that the story provides are the needs to forgive
self then others, trust, healing with restoration and friendships.
These can all be accomplished by turning their problems over to
God.
The story makes you aware of how you can change the way
you perceive others. People can cross paths everyday but never
realize what is truly happening in the another’s life.
This book increased my awareness to put aside petty issues and
be more compassionate to others, all in the Lord’s name.
Thank you to book fun.org for this ebook. My opinion is my own.
June 10, 2017
Passing Strangers is by Angela Hunt. It is ironic that I decided to read this book on Friday. A friend of mine talked about taking a trip across America on a train. I had never thought of this before. Then I picked up this book, knowing nothing about it, and it ended up being a trip on a train. That made it even more interesting to read as I got a unique view into a train ride. The book itself if very good and it is difficult if not impossible to put down until you get to the end.
From Little Rock, Arkansas, Janette chose to take the “Ten-day Southern Heritage Tour” on the train. She really had no interest in the tour; but she had to get away from her life for a while and this sounded good and sounded like something totally unlike her. However, first she had to make it to Washington, DC.
In Reston, Virginia, Matthew Scofield came home to another babysitter quitting. It wasn’t that his children were bad, it was due to his long hours as a lawyer. Things had been going downhill since his wife died and his nanny quitting to go back to Ireland to get married. He had relied on afterschool sitters and this wasn’t working. He decided to take the kids to see his Mother to get her help and decided to go by train. He signed them up for the “Ten-day Southern Heritage Tour” to give the kids and himself time to get to know each other again.
In Providence, Rhode Island, Angie Crystal (otherwise known as Christy Huggins of TV fame) faced her boss and the PR director. After seven years of never missing a day nor taking a sick day, Angie was being given three weeks of vacation, expenses paid. She didn’t want the time off; but they insisted. Since she refused to drive. Sail, or fly, they came up with a more creative solution- a train ride. They booked her on the “Ten-Day Southern Heritage Tour” and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So, she found herself in Washington, DC about to board a train alone for a trip she didn’t want.
What will happen between the three strangers on a trip?
From Little Rock, Arkansas, Janette chose to take the “Ten-day Southern Heritage Tour” on the train. She really had no interest in the tour; but she had to get away from her life for a while and this sounded good and sounded like something totally unlike her. However, first she had to make it to Washington, DC.
In Reston, Virginia, Matthew Scofield came home to another babysitter quitting. It wasn’t that his children were bad, it was due to his long hours as a lawyer. Things had been going downhill since his wife died and his nanny quitting to go back to Ireland to get married. He had relied on afterschool sitters and this wasn’t working. He decided to take the kids to see his Mother to get her help and decided to go by train. He signed them up for the “Ten-day Southern Heritage Tour” to give the kids and himself time to get to know each other again.
In Providence, Rhode Island, Angie Crystal (otherwise known as Christy Huggins of TV fame) faced her boss and the PR director. After seven years of never missing a day nor taking a sick day, Angie was being given three weeks of vacation, expenses paid. She didn’t want the time off; but they insisted. Since she refused to drive. Sail, or fly, they came up with a more creative solution- a train ride. They booked her on the “Ten-Day Southern Heritage Tour” and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So, she found herself in Washington, DC about to board a train alone for a trip she didn’t want.
What will happen between the three strangers on a trip?
May 21, 2017
Don't pass!
I didn't know what I was getting into when I started this book. Honestly, it sounded a little odd and I wondered if I would regret starting it. I halfheartedly began with the thought that I wasn't going to put too much time into it if it didn't grab me right away. Well, I just finished reading, crying, and reflecting on how perfect this story was for me right this moment. There are so many messages in this book - and I think I needed to hear each and every one of them! Highly recommended!
I didn't know what I was getting into when I started this book. Honestly, it sounded a little odd and I wondered if I would regret starting it. I halfheartedly began with the thought that I wasn't going to put too much time into it if it didn't grab me right away. Well, I just finished reading, crying, and reflecting on how perfect this story was for me right this moment. There are so many messages in this book - and I think I needed to hear each and every one of them! Highly recommended!
November 23, 2021
I've read just one other book by Angela Hunt that I really enjoyed and it had a bit of a twist to it. This one didn't have many unexpected parts to it, divided into 3 sections with each section mostly focusing on a different character. Although their paths, stories, lives cross and come together by the end. Three people from different places and running from their problems meet on a train trip and form sort of a makeshift family! A book that was passed along to me from my church library that's being done away with so I was glad to be able to read it.
July 25, 2018
I always enjoy Angela Hunt’s books. However I am more accustomed to her historical novels so it took a bit for me to get into present day with the book. It took a bit longer for me to feel for the characters. There were real issues each of the characters dealt with and I appreciated seeing how things wound up. It was worth the read and there were some realistic reminders of how we should live our lives as well.
September 5, 2018
The story is good with characters we want to learn about and see succeed in overcoming their personal struggles. The way the novel was written was a little choppy as it is divided into three books. Ending with Janette’s perspective didn’t feel right to me as it felt to be Andie’s story, though all characters intertwined. I did not find this a page turner, more of a leisurely read. There are a few blatant editing errors, which can be distracting. Good read but not a must read.
December 7, 2018
Evocative as always
It always takes me a while to read through an Angela Hunt novel because I like to pause to ponder and she always gives cause to pause. This book showed a side of me I would have liked to stay hidden but on reflection I'm grateful for the opportunities to analyse myself. This novel, just like her others, will stay with me for a long time.
It always takes me a while to read through an Angela Hunt novel because I like to pause to ponder and she always gives cause to pause. This book showed a side of me I would have liked to stay hidden but on reflection I'm grateful for the opportunities to analyse myself. This novel, just like her others, will stay with me for a long time.
May 30, 2020
Passing Strangers by Angela Hunt
I always love this writer’s stories! She shares little sermonettes throughout and challenges me to self-assess. At the end of any Angela Hunt book, I’m a better person because I know a little something about a new topic, and a little more about me. Thanks Angela!
I always love this writer’s stories! She shares little sermonettes throughout and challenges me to self-assess. At the end of any Angela Hunt book, I’m a better person because I know a little something about a new topic, and a little more about me. Thanks Angela!
August 31, 2021
Good
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Indeed they had.”
This book taught me more about parenting than several others I had read in the past 13 years. It also taught me to be more thankful for my lot in life, trusting God to bring everything to a perfect end.
Glad I read it.
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Indeed they had.”
This book taught me more about parenting than several others I had read in the past 13 years. It also taught me to be more thankful for my lot in life, trusting God to bring everything to a perfect end.
Glad I read it.
September 1, 2022
Sweet story of three strangers meeting on a train and finding redemption in facing the poor decisions of their past. Decisions made out of desperation and anger have lasting affects not only on our lives but on the lives of the ones we love. Quick, enjoyable read with some good lessons along the way.
May 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It's interesting, good characters you come to care about and a bit of mystery about the main three. The story of three very different people are traveling by train for very different reasons and they meet up and become like family as the story unfolds. There are lessons of love, forgiveness, and shows we never know what burden a person carries.
May 24, 2017
Good
Although I found the writing simplistic, the storyline is well-thought out and the characters become "real." Everyday problems with realistic solutions. Well-written and well-edited.
Although I found the writing simplistic, the storyline is well-thought out and the characters become "real." Everyday problems with realistic solutions. Well-written and well-edited.
September 8, 2017
Lovely story
A lovely story. I got Andie, and appreciated her reasons for her situation. Matt I didn't like, though I liked his growth. Jeannette I identified with, and enjoyed her growth through her questions. I enjoyed how this group of strangers became a family.
A lovely story. I got Andie, and appreciated her reasons for her situation. Matt I didn't like, though I liked his growth. Jeannette I identified with, and enjoyed her growth through her questions. I enjoyed how this group of strangers became a family.
July 24, 2021
I loved this book! Only God can bring three strangers and their emotional baggage together on a train trip and get them to open up and help each other. As you get close to the end of the book, grab a box of Kleenex’s! I’ll be recommending this to the book club!
March 3, 2022
Such a good book. Three strangers, all struggling emotionally connect on a train trip none of them want to be on. Somehow they all connect and find answers through faith and their new relationships.
Well worth the read.
Well worth the read.
November 2, 2022
Passing Strangers
What do a former child actress, lawyer & 50 year old mother all have in common? They all are looking for a better life & meet up on a southern train trip.Join them on their journey as they each seek peace & forge a friendship that crosses three states.
What do a former child actress, lawyer & 50 year old mother all have in common? They all are looking for a better life & meet up on a southern train trip.Join them on their journey as they each seek peace & forge a friendship that crosses three states.
December 26, 2022
What a wonderful 10-day train ride adventure!
What a wonderful 10-day train ride adventure! The author really names the three individual stories come together in a most unique way. Makes me want to take a similar 10-day Southern Hospitality train ride adventure!
What a wonderful 10-day train ride adventure! The author really names the three individual stories come together in a most unique way. Makes me want to take a similar 10-day Southern Hospitality train ride adventure!
August 12, 2023
Spiritual impCt
Not just a littlele story ,but that spoke to my spirit. Living with them on this journey on they
Trip. Misidentified with the olderwomanwho felt linguini g swaggering
E. But didn't!
Not just a littlele story ,but that spoke to my spirit. Living with them on this journey on they
Trip. Misidentified with the olderwomanwho felt linguini g swaggering
E. But didn't!
August 22, 2024
I've enjoyed this book before, but I decided to read it again because it was such a satisfying read. All of this author's reads are great, with solid endings, good stories, believable characters with whom one can relate.
April 12, 2026
Enjoyable characters with a different setting
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and how it was written from three different viewpoints. I enjoyed the characters and their development, as well as the many Faith nuggets shared. So good!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and how it was written from three different viewpoints. I enjoyed the characters and their development, as well as the many Faith nuggets shared. So good!
July 26, 2017
If you like books where characters lives intertwine, this is a good choice for you. Lovely but not a pager turner.
March 27, 2018
Loved it!
Friendship, acts of love, backstories and motives, faith, healing, happy ending and hope for the future. This book has the best elements in it!
Friendship, acts of love, backstories and motives, faith, healing, happy ending and hope for the future. This book has the best elements in it!
July 27, 2018
Excellent
Great read. Very inspirational! Three main characters yet all have different stories. You will definitely enjoy the book! Get it!
Great read. Very inspirational! Three main characters yet all have different stories. You will definitely enjoy the book! Get it!
August 30, 2018
Angela Hunt never disappoints when it comes to interesting plots. She weaves a story of intersecting lives that was engaging and entertaining.
Read
July 5, 2019Children
Christian author
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places
Christian author
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places
October 31, 2020
Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews