A Mountain Too Steep

Coventry Saga #11

by Robin Patchen

A car accident that might not be an accident at all. A murderer bent on revenge. And a woman desperate to keep her family together.

She’s already lost her soul mate. She’ll do anything to protect her children.

For the sake of her kids, Camilla Wright managed to survive after her husband's murder. When she’s awakened in the night with the news that her teenage son and nephew have been in a horrific car accident, she rushes to the hospital in a haze of shock and panic.

The boys were supposed to be skiing in the mountains east of Salt Lake City. What were they doing so far west? More alarming, the wreck might not have been an accident at all.

While Jeremy fights for his life, Camilla is running out of time to discover who lured her son and her nephew into the desert. With each new clue, the terrifying truth becomes clearer.

Her husband’s killers are closing in…

Don't miss this gripping thriller from a USA Today bestselling author.

"Patchen writes vivid characters and keeps the suspense just intense enough so you cannot stop reading." - Livin' Lit

"I will definitely be reading more from Robin Patchen in the future." - Locks, Hooks and Books

Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A Mountain Too Steep is a Coventry Saga Novel.

WRIGHT HEROES OF
Running to You
Rescuing You

COVENTRY
Glimmer in the Darkness
Tides of Duplicity
Betrayal of Genius
Traces of Virtue
Touch of Innocence
Inheritance of Secrets
Lineage of Corruption
Wreathed in Disgrace
Courage in the Shadows
Vengeance in the Mist
A Mountain Too Steep

NUTFIELD
Convenient Lies
Twisted Lies
Generous Lies
Innocent Lies
Beautiful Lies
Legacy Rejected
Legacy Restored
Legacy Reclaimed
Legacy Redeemed

AMANDA
Chasing Amanda
Finding Amanda

Genres: Suspense, Mystery, Christian, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Fiction

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2023

About the author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good conclusion to the series! A Mountain Too Steep was set in Utah rather than in the northeast.

Enjoyed the medical terms and procedures included as main character Camilla's son Jeremy was fighting for his life in the hospital. Were the circumstances that put Jeremy in the hospital an accident or could it be related the murder of Camilla's husband Daniel?

Plenty of intrigue in the pages.

While this novel didn't seem connected to the rest of the series, it does set up a nice transition to the author's new series, The Wright Heroes of Maine. I look forward to her next suspense series.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, action packed with twists and turns. My definition of a good suspense story is one where I cannot guess the ending and this one delivers. This story explored themes of justice, standing against evil, grief, moving on, gang violence, witness protection, FBI, good versus evil and do much more packed in. Great story that keep me guessing, while rooting for good to triumph. And the title of the book showed up as the key theme the whole way through and was one I could do relate to. When we are facing difficult times, it certainly seems like a steep mountain that we don’t have the strength to climb. But just as Camille learns, we have to lean on God and His strength.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another great story by Robin. A little romance, a little mystery and a lot of action. Things are not always as they appear. I didn’t want to put this book down! Well developed characters and story plot add to the intrigue. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC and the opinion is my own.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is perfect for this story! Oh my goodness, the mountains the characters have to climb are certainly steep and so dangerous! Dr. Daniel has found himself in a really dangerous position, and what he decides he must do puts his entire family in jeopardy. I was totally enthralled with this book! LoL I always am when I read a new novel by Robin Patchen! Ms. Patchen has a way of writing that pulls you right into the background of the world her characters are living. I hope you know what I mean by that lol but of course, I might be the only one who yells at the characters to hide, to look behind them, to cry with them, etc. I relate to the characters so much because of the writing and of course when the story ends, I'm ready to plow right into the next book and then I have to wait 😞 because it hasn't been written yet!. This is a very heart wrenching book with so many emotional moments. There is a reason for this, because I have followed Ms. Patchen, for quite a while and get her newsletter so I know that parts of this book have really happened to her and her family. This is a book you don't want to miss, I'm so thankful to the publisher for offering me a free download of this book. I have written this review because I really enjoyed this book and wanted to share my opinions.

[Patricia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping tale held me spellbound until I finished it. Robin Patchen does a great job of making the reader keep flipping the pages! Camilla’s fight against the man who killed her husband shows her courage and determination. In fact, all of the characters in A Mountain Too Steep make this a must-read book.

The intricate plotline weaves a story that shows how God takes us over the mountains in our lives. Readers will see courage overcome fear and doubt. Camila exemplifies a great example of believing God will work everything out for the good, even if it doesn’t look the way we want.

This is a book I highly recommend.

[Sally Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mountain Too Steep - What an incredible book. I could not put it down and when I had no choice but to put it down, I was thinking about it!!! Robin, I love your books, but I think this one may well be your best. The story from start to finish takes place over a short period of time, but this in no way diminishes the suspense, the thrill, the nail biting, sit on the edge of your seat storyline! The characters - Camilla and Daniels' story is so special and their love for our Lord so obvious, as is their love for their children, Zoe and Jeremy. I was deeply moved, often to tears, and I could feel how much this story meant to you, Robin.
As an ending to a wonderful series - Coventry Saga - it is perfect - opening the door to a new series that will no doubt be as wonderful.
Thank you Robin for your stories! Please never stop writing them!!

[Tammy Tappan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if the past isn't what you thought?

Camilla lost her husband, 4 years ago to a gang murder, all because he chose to testify. She had to move her family - her 2 children - and start over. Life moved on...until it didn't. Until, suddenly, the drama and fear of the gang, bent on revenge, resurfaces - and attacks her son, then her daughter!

Robin weaves an intense, edge-of-your-seat story in A Mountain Too Steep. My favorite part is how she switches between what is happening 'now' and the letters her husband, Daniel, wrote to her 4 years earlier, when he knew that his days were numbered, that the gang he testified against for a murder he saw would be taking their revenge soon. His letters share how he met her and fell in love, and how over the years of their marriage they drifted a bit because he was also 'married' to his job as a doctor.

Camilla draws strength from those letters, knowing in her heart that Daniel did the right thing by testifying, but she is still upset that he did because it took his life. And now she has to struggle with the new wave of attacks on her family that make no sense, since Daniel is dead, right?

This story is intense, but worth every unexpected twist and emotional high and low it brings you on! You will definitely feel like you are a part of the story in the way it's written. I think I have my new favorite book...

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

He risked it all by testifying against the mob. With her daughter and son they grew closer.
A phone call of another accident, shattered her world.
She was stunned of what to do, calling friends for pray was her lifeline.
A chilling plot of a gang that wanted revenge on those that were living.
Excellent series. Given ARC for my voluntary review

[Terry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of this Story are the letters Daniel wrote to Camilla before he walked out the door of the Safe House four years ago. Four years ago, before they found his car covered in his blood. Now she's received another "middle if the night call, and doesn't know if her son will still be alive in the morning. Dear God, please let him be alive, she prays! Come along for another suspenseful story, by this wonderful Christian writer.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet ! 😁 I received this book for free and I am freely giving an honest review ! I can't believe they just get better and better . I'm waiting for the next one .😁

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great romantic suspense from Robin Patchen! This was not a typical romantic suspense in that the love story was primarily through a series of letters from a husband to his wife when he knew his end was imminent. While this book is technically part of the Coventry Saga, it can definitely stand alone as the only connection is that Daniel was the brother of Grant, who was a main character in one of the other books. When we met Grant's family in that book, we met Camilla and her children and were made aware that Daniel was dead. This book delves more into that history and also the life that Camilla and her now grown children have made for themselves since. This book begins with a phone call that is every parent's worst nightmare, amplified by the fact that Camilla has been doing this parenting thing alone for the past four years. When her son's car accident seems to be less of an accident, the past comes to light and all of them are once again in danger. But if they can only scale the mountain, the view will be spectacular.

This book had a lot of things going for it. Though the author is best known for her romantic suspense novels, and this one definitely included those elements, there was also a good deal of women's fiction. The heroine was older and had been widowed for 4 years. There was a bit of a dual timeline feel as Camilla pulled the series of letters Daniel had written to her right before his death and every few chapters was another one of those letters where he reminisced about the past. As the romance went, it was a more mature - married love that was in the letters and I enjoyed seeing both where they came from and where they were 4 years prior. As a person in my 40s who has been married for over 20 years, it was nice to read about a heroine I could better relate to. And there was still a great deal of suspense in this one and plenty of twists and turns. Though I saw the big plot twist coming, it was no less enjoyable seeing how everything played out. The faith thread in this one was very strong as the heroine sought strength from God and God alone. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and was a great segue from the Coventry Saga to the upcoming Wright Brothers of Maine series. I'm so excited to see what comes next there! Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a story! This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Dealing with the injuries her son received in a car accident that may not have been an accident was more than enough for Camilla to handle, but then things kept coming up that seemed to be related to her husband’s murder. It was hard for Camilla to know what to do and which way to turn, but her faith definitely helped her through the trying times. I loved the letters from her husband that Camilla read throughout the book. They really showed her husband’s heart, as he knew that his life would soon be taken, and he wanted to make sure that Camilla knew how much he loved her. This is a well-written book that shows realistic reactions to challenges within a family and other relationships.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Coventry Saga Series, and this book ranks up there as one of my favorites. Camilla was someone I didn’t want to relate to. I don’t like thinking about being a widow, but yet, I could feel all the feelings she did about not wanting to her husband was no longer alive. The feelings she had toward Paul are similar to what I would think I would experience if in the same situation. This book is more than just a mystery/suspense. It takes the reader on an adventure and then sets us up for a whole new series with people we have grown to love. Bachir was probably my favorite character in the book and I loved the wisdom he shared with Camilla. I truly was wondering if he was an angel instead of a real person. I also loved how Patchen drew us into the minds of the killers. This book is definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mountain Too Steep by Robin Patchen was a tearjerker from beginning to end for me. Some of the tears where happy tears. This book was a hard book for me because of the tragic death of my son in 2021. This book is a clean read. This story is filled with twists and turns. I believe if a reader likes suspense they would love this book. I really like that the chapters are broken up with letters written by Camilla's husband Daniel before he is murdered for testifying against a murder he witnessed. I recommend this book and I believe that readers, like me, will be eagerly awaiting the other books in the series.

I receive a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story feels like it was written from a different, deeper place than Ms. Patchen's other books. The emotion is higher, and I feel with the characters more than the usual. I liked the smaller "cast of characters". It felt more intimate, as did the setting.

Overall, I was captured by the story. As a mother, it was easy to find myself in Cammie's shoes and feeling all of the horrid feelings of shock, helplessness, fear and finally glimmers of hope.

Hearing your son had been in an accident, and then walking through all of the hospital drama that comes with having a critically injured family member, let alone your CHILD!

Definitely recommend.

[Elle Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put off reading this one after learning about the incident it was based on (a car accident her son was in) in the author's newsletter. It was such an heart wrenching subject, I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle it. I'm glad I finally read the book, it was quite good and worth the box of tissues to get through.

There is an emotional honesty that shines through this novel. Give it a read and see for yourself.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She didn’t want goat feet. She didn’t want to scale mountains. She wanted a lush valley with tall grass and a pretty, meandering stream where she and her children would be safe. Was that too much to ask?”

What a soul-challenging book! A Mountain Too Steep by Robin Patchen is classified as Christian Women’s contemporary fiction with a side of mystery. Hmmm… How about romantic suspense, even though a marriage is involved?! From the opening paragraph, you know you’d better buckle your seat belt and hang on for dear life- because you’re in for the ride of your life!

Camilla Wright and her two children have suffered the loss of her husband and their father four years ago after he testified in a gang-related killing. Then, Jeremy, the 17-yr-old son and his cousin, are in a life-threatening car accident in the desert. When they were supposed to be in the mountains. Rev up for non-stop emotions, plus plenty of action!

I loved the realism. Many times Camilla realizes that this horrible new reality she’s been catapulted into, is too much for her. She’d like to curl up and give up, but then realizes that is not the choice she will make. She will continue the hard, tortuous journey, step by step, with God strengthening her as she goes. “Lord, help me go from strength to strength until I reach the end of this battle.”
Indeed, she finds hope in the fact that one day she will look out and see that she has crested the mountain. She knows where her power has to come from. “Scriptures she’d memorized over the years came back to her. She recited them silently, hanging onto God’s Word, the only solid thing in her life.”

I really couldn’t envision as I read how this terrifying mystery-light romance would end. Kudos for the way Patchen ties it together.

I also loved the way we learn about Daniel, the absent husband. Bit by bit we read his letters penned to his wife just before his death.

I also loved that though the viewpoint originally seems to place the failure of the marriage squarely on Daniel, slowly
Camilla surmises she contributed greatly to her marriage’s decline.

The ultimate underlying theme is doing the right thing, then trusting God with the results. So hard! We don’t always get the results we want.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.


Notable Quotables:

“Anybody who tells you sin isn’t fun is lying. It is. At least at first.”

“In repentance and rest is your salvation. In quietness and trust is your strength.”

“You, Miss Camilla, are a strong woman, not because you wield your own strength but because you know the One who strengthens you.”

“I was valued at work. I made a difference there. You didn’t need me. You managed our home with ease.”

“Jesus had carried her sins to the cross. She was meant to leave them there.”

“Justice matters. When we choose selfishness over justice, we’re lost as a community, as a society. Ultimately, I know my God is a God of justice. To deny justice is to deny Him.”

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart pounding story that destroys a family when the husband witnesses a murder. Daniel is an ER doctor and saves lives everyday. When he is called to testify against a dangerous man, everything comes unglued. He has now been missing for several years and his wife and children are trying to move on. When Camilla gets a call late at night that her nephew and son are involved in a terrible car accident everything changes. Their lives hang in the balance and it is a wrenching scene when Camilla first sees them.

I loved how the author used her own personal experience with her son and nephew. The car accident is very similar to the one in the story and I could sense the pain the author went through. I have always heard, “write what you know.” The author delivers a very realistic look at the inside of the ICU and the struggles patients face each day. It is definitely a rollercoaster ride.

Camilla is taking each day one at a time until someone from her past shows up. The agent who helped her when her husband testified has shown up at the hospital. His news is devastating and tells Camilla that she may have to think about The Witness Protection Program. Her son’s accident may have been retaliation. How can she uproot her children and start over? Is the danger real and who is behind this?

What an intense story this is when Camilla finds herself facing her biggest fear. I loved how she called on God to protect her and her family. The question I kept thinking was, “ Is Daniel really alive? ” Will Camilla be able to trust God and allow Him to keep her safe? She comes to realize that no matter what, she would “worship Him.”

I noticed a very important message in the story. Even though Daniel testified and put himself and his family in danger, he did it to save others from the man who murdered someone. The letters we read throughout the book from Daniel shares his deep thoughts and how much he loved his family. He had regrets but wanted to be forgiven and hopefully start fresh. As Camilla races to her destination, she realizes the sacrifice her husband made. He chose to speak up so justice could be served.

Get ready for a story that will have many twists and secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I think this is one of the best suspense stories I have ever read. The author gives a hint of the next book coming up and I can’t wait to read it.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Wrenching Yet Full of Hope … faith the size of a mustard seed is power

I have been wanting this book for a loooong time and it was well worth the wait. The suspense is cutting edge and the emotion, the drama is indescribable. The letters Daniel left behind for his wife, Cammie, are tissue worthy and eye opening, and so real-life. This is a book that demands, grabs, your attention from the very start.

Yes, it is a standalone, but we learned of the tragedy Camilla and her children suffered in another series. Her husband, Daniel Wright, was murdered for doing good. His testimony got him ki11ed. His body was never found but his blood drenched car was left behind a crematory with a couple drops of his blood on that floor. (Daniel is Grant Write’s brother in another suspenseful series by Robin Patchen).

It’s been four years since that tragic event but giving up hope was not in Camilla’s vocabulary. She just can’t give up hope and move on. Oh yes, she has a successful career and the children are now 17 and 21. Daniel’s best friend steps up to fill the void and falls in love with her, but another love is just not right for Cammie.

Then the unthinkable happens. Her 17 year old son is in a life threatening auto accident … but it was no accident, a tire was shot out. And now the real story begins. If you think the start of this book is good (and it is!) just wait till you get to this part. The mystery builds and so does the suspense. . . is the impossible really possible? Cammie will protect her children at all costs and maybe, just maybe, that hope she kept, faith in her Creator to turn what others mean for evil, to good… maybe it pays off.

LOL, I love the way she had that ‘kidnapper’ doubting his own words…. loved how the impossible can happen when He’s in control.

I received an advance copy of this book and freely leave my review

[Christie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain too Steep
By Robin Patchen
Another outstanding book by Mrs. Patchen. This is the 11th book in the Coventry Saga series, but is considered a stand alone.
You meet Camilla Wright in Courage in the Shadows book 9. Camilla was married to Danial Wright who was murdered. Danial is the brother to Grant Wright who was also in the book Courage in the Shadows. I personally would recommend reading Courage in the Shadows, but it’s not necessary to read Mountain too Steep. Camilla has two children Zoe, who is in college and Jeremy, who is still in high school.
Since Danial’s murder, his friend Paul Harrington, has been there for Camilla and the kids. Paul is looking for more than friendship, but Camilla still loves Danial.
Jeremy and his cousin Evan are skiing in Utah while on Spring Break.
Camilla receives a phone call from her sister that Jeremy and Evan have been in a horrible car accident. The location of the accident throws more questions than answers as to why the boys were not where they should have been. Camilla heads to Utah to be with Jeremy, where she is met with more than she can handle with Jeremy’s condition.
Camilla learns that this was no accident as someone shot out the car tire. The title of the book is very fitting as Camilla is climbing a mountain trying to understand why Jeremy and Evan were where they were. Also, why after Danial’s murder four years ago, is someone targeting her family?
Danial left behind letters to Camilla knowing that his days might be shortened after testify against a highly powerful gang member. Camilla clings to God to save her son and family. She re-read Danial’s letters and re-lives hers and Danial’s story. Those letters keep her going, with God walking the journey by her side.
I highly recommend this book! I couldn’t put it down. It is fast paced, action packed and keeps you guessing until the end.
Happy Reading!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mountain Too Steep is one of those books where you can’t wait to find out what happens next, but also don’t want it to ever end. I didn’t realize it was the last book of the Coventry Saga, but it can be read as a standalone. So now, since I’ve accidentally read the last one. I will now need to read the whole series. Not that I didn’t want to, but (book-nerdery warning) I’ve been holding off reading it until I had the complete series!!

While there is evil portrayed in the book, the presence and love of God is on every page. As is the love the family communicates to each other. Camilla’s love for Daniel, even though he is gone, is unquestionable. Daniel’s love for her is revealed through letters he wrote before he died expressed his whole heart and all his feelings for Camilla that he could never say directly to her. It is lovely watching Camilla falls in love with Daniel all over again in this rereading of his letters. In the process, she realized that she, also, contributed to the cracks in her marriage. Forgiveness and acceptance are woven throughout the book. Forgiveness of others and forgiveness of self.

Camilla’s helplessness against an evil over which she had no control was SO real. As Camilla kept praying “Please. God, please” because that’s all she could pray in the whirlpool of her fear, I thought of Romans 8:26: “... We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans”. Yet, through all the anguish Camilla experiences, her trust and faith in God grows stronger and stronger.

As I neared the end of the book, I think I actually shouted out loud a couple of times (that never happens). I was so scared. And I was so grateful for the lovely happy ending. I would recommend A Mountain Too Steep for all readers.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Camilla Wright was acquainted with late-night phone calls. The first had ripped her world apart. The second might well destroy her."

"Some people look at the mountain and think, I cannot do it . . . .They sit at the bottom and ask God to change the mountain. He is a God who moves mountains, but more often, I believe that He wants us to climb."

"She didn't want goat's feet. She didn't want to scale mountains. She wanted a lush valley with tall grass and a pretty, meandering stream . . . Was that too much to ask?"

An horrific car accident has just landed Camilla Wright's teen-age son and his cousin in the hospital with serious injuries, in fact her son Jeremy is currently fighting for his life. Booking the quickest flight available from Oklahoma to Utah where the boys had been skiing, Camilla doesn't think that she can possibly survive another loss. The murder of her husband four years prior had left a hole in her heart that on some days seemed to grow larger, deeper and more painful.

As the rather strange details of the accident become clearer, Camilla's angst over her family's safety expands; was it possible that the same men responsible for Daniel's death have come back to complete some unfinished business? The F. B. I. certainly seem to think so.

Rare and riveting . . . . what a fabulous story! I was glued to the page (Gorilla Glue glued!!!) from start to finish with its rapid pace, emotional spins, (think white-water rafting!), how-did-you-survive- characters, and wait-a-minute plot twists, . . . topping off with a very clever segue into a brand new series!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Patchen is an author whose books I have reviewed many times. Yet, I have so many thoughts floating around in my head about A Mountain Too Steep that it is difficult to organize them. The book is very personal for the author and fans who follow her because the accident the leading character's son is involved in and the injuries incurred exactly mirror the author's own son's. I cannot imagine reliving that time as those scenes were written. Fortunately, the mystery and other life events surrounding the family in this story are purely fictional.

Much about the writing style in this book feels different than the author's typical style. Readers get to know Camilla, her son, and her daughter largely during hospital scenes. They get to know Daniel, Camilla's husband, and his perspective as she rereads letters he wrote to her before his death. I enjoyed this different style and it fit the mood and events of the story. Then midway into chapter forty I recognized Robin's usual style emerging, this too fit the mood and events as there was a shift in the story with increased intrigue and a rise in the element of danger. A Mountain Too Steep showcases the author's versatility.

As always Robin Patchen provides a wonderful reading experience. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without obligation. It was a treat to learn at the end of the book that this is the first book in a new series, The Wright Brothers of Maine. I am looking forward to the next book focusing on Daniel's bother, Sam.

[Doris Bernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years ago, Dr. Daniel Wright, accidentally witnessed a murder by a gang member in the ER. His testimony in court placed him and his family in dangerous crosshairs. Based on evidence Daniel is believed to have been murdered in retaliation. His wife, Camilla, is still struggling to go on with her life when her son, Jeremy, and nephew are in a horrific accident while on a trip, but the accident happened where they should never have been in the first place. Why were the boys at this location? Were they targeted and was this really an accident? Who was the stranger who offered assistance and then rode off into the night? Will her daughter, Zoe, become a victim, as well? Daniel and Camilla's friend, Paul, loves Camilla and the kids, but Camilla hasn't been able to let go of the past. What will she do now that it appears her family is once again being targeted and they are being urged to go into witness protection as soon as Jeremy is discharged from the hospital? What will become of her relationship with Paul? She knows he wants to marry her and she does care for him, but is this what she really wants? Why can't she take a chance on the happiness that seems to be within her grasp?

This was a most fascinating book, part of which was based on actual events. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. I received an ARC to read and review; the opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Suspense Novels. A Mountain Too Steep by Robin Patchen is Book 11 in the Coventry Saga. I had the pleasure of reading Books 7 and 8 in this series and I am excited to read Book 11, the final book in this series.

Camilla Wright recently lost her husband when he was murdered. She has been on edge since that happened. She is awoken in the middle of the night by a phone call that her teenage son and nephew were in a Car Accident. Camilla is shocked but rushes to the hospital. Camilla feels that this "accident" was not an accident after all and is on guard that the boys were targeted. The boys were FAR from where they were supposed to be, which was in the mountains skiing. Will the boys survive the Car Wreck? Will Camilla find out who is targeting the boys and can they all stay safe from the danger that lurks?

WHOA, this book captivated me from the very first chapter. I truly could not put it down and I finished the book within 3 hours. Camilla was my favorite character as she is determined to keep her family safe when danger begins to lurk. I really enjoyed the letters her late husband, Daniel, wrote to her before he died. The book has many twists and turns in the plot, much more than I anticipated and I LOVE all the suspense and on the edge of my seat reading. I am sad that the series is ending, but I look forward to reading more of Robin Patchen's books! If you like lots of Suspense in a book, I HIGHLY recommend this book. AMAZING BOOK!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an author that I truly love. She writes amazing suspense novels. This novel takes us back to some characters that we met in prior books. They were just side characters but I remember reading about them and thinking I’d love to know more about Daniel’s story. And then I got to learn more! Plus more than I could have dreamed.

In this story, our main character is going to be Camilla. She’s a widow, but more than that she has a bit of tragedy surrounding her widowhood and she’s never seen her husband’s dead body. Oh, and he was killed while he was going to testify against a criminal. So many factors.

But, her son is off on an adventure with her nephew. When she gets the call that there has been an accident she must go to him. But why was he somewhere they shouldn’t have been? And what’s the truth behind the accident?

When she suspects foul play she reaches out to the marshall that was in charge of her husband’s case and things start to get a bit crazy! You’re going to love this one! I can’t wait to read about the other brothers in the family.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of a mother whose son and his cousin were in a serious accident somewhere other than where they should have been. Neither she nor her son and daughter have yet fully recovered from the loss of her husband and their father after four years. Now she is dealing with the possibility that her son won’t survive. I like the closeness of her and her sister, and the fact that they all support each other. One character in particular seemed to have a major calming effect on her as he talks with her about the similarities of the Christian life with climbing mountains and tells her she can make it, but there will be more mountains to climb. She only encountered him two or three times, but he seemed to always appear just at an opportune moment when she needed encouragement to continue the climb. She recognizes that she does not climb alone, but that God is there to help her when the cliffs seem almost impossible. The letters her husband wrote to her when he was certain his demise was inevitable are blended in nicely with the story, filling in gaps from their past. I believe this is one of the most beautiful, touching stories that I have read by this author. The elements of faith, romance, suspense, and family are all blended together so well. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camilla Wright's life was drastically changed by the tragic death of her husband. When she learns that her son and cousin were involved in a horrific accident, her attention is immediately drawn back to the phone call she had received regarding her husband. Camilla hears even worse news as she rushes to her son's side. Maybe this wasn't an accident after all. This couldn’t be happening.
I appreciated how this story featured letters from Camilla's belated husband. They were composed just in case he didn't come home. He wanted to tell her about these things in person but was unable or reluctant to do so when he was with Camilla.

I adored how the author laced this story with a hint of romance, mystery, and spirituality as the family and friends in this narrative deal with sorrow and try to figure out who would want to hurt them. This is a fascinating summer escape that your book club would enjoy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good novel touching on the possible outcome of testifying against a murderer. There is suspense at the very beginning and again at the very end. Most of the novel features the thoughts, feelings and actions of Camilla as she deals with caring for her family in the absence of her husband. There are hints of threat to her well being and it finally happens about two thirds of the way through.

The plot contains scenes of hospital trauma which might be triggers to some readers. The structure of the plot includes backstory of a sort in the form of letters written earlier and read in the current time. Patchen touches on the issue of dedicated work to save others to the extent of leaving one's own family without the support of both parents.

This is a good novel in a continuing saga but reads well on its own. It is good for readers who like an emphasis on character thought and feelings, including the tension of a man wanting to change the love focus of Camilla from her absent husband to himself.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an honest and independent review.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mountain Too Steep by Robin Patchen is a work of Women’s Fiction and Suspense. Camilla Wright lost her soulmate several years ago in what appears to be a murder. She struggles to get along without him. But her son and daughter give her a reason to go on with life. She relies on God and her family to support her.

When her son and his cousin are in what appears to be a tragic accident, she has to reach out to the FBI agent who walked through the past incident with her. With twists and turns, this book captured my attention. I absolutely could not put it down.

What appears to be chance encounters prove to be God-ordained. I loved getting to know Camilla, her son, her daughter, and almost all of the other characters in this book. Robin Patchen has a way of writing books with characters you want to keep reading about them and their lives.

So if you enjoy works of Women’s Fiction and Suspense, check out A Mountain Too Steep by Robin Patchen for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.