Up From the Ash Heap

Mountain Redemption #1

by Ann A. Goering

In the ashes of tragedy, a journey of faith and redemption begins.

Raya Applewood’s life is shattered when a fire claims the lives of her husband and his brothers, as well as the family sawmill and their entire life savings. Facing the harsh realities of life alone on the frontier, she’s torn between returning to her father or following her destitute mother-in-law back to the East—a place she swore she would never go.

As Raya navigates the challenge of rebuilding her life in a world determined to break her spirit, she’s guided by the wisdom of Mother Emaline and the kindness of Atlas Fairbury. Through unwavering faith and determination, Raya learns that God’s provision can often come from the most unlikely places.

Set against the rugged backdrop of Colorado Territory in 1873, Up From the Ash Heap is a poignant Christian historical romance and an inspiring tale of resilience. With themes of hope, loyalty, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, this novel will capture your heart and lift your soul.

Discover the transformative power of God's love in this unforgettable story of one woman's journey from the ashes of despair to the dawn of new beginnings. Grab a copy today!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian

389 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2014

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒔𝒉 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒑, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍, 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉."

This story was absolutely beautiful. I’ve never read a retelling of a Bible story before, but this one, inspired by Ruth's narrative, was incredibly powerful. I could clearly see the parallels between Naomi and Emaline, Ruth and Raya, and Boaz and Atlas. But it went beyond that, it also reflected the profound relationship between our Creator and His creation:us. Raya prays relentlessly for answers, healing, and redemption, but when it finally comes, she struggles to accept it. She works tirelessly, trying to show her gratitude through her actions, even though the actions of Atlas were simply expressions of love. He didn't require her to repay his kindness, although he desired for her to love him one day....

This story snuck up on me... at first, I had some concerns because the foundation took a little time to build, BUT once it gained momentum, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put the book down! This is a story I will carry with me, constantly reminded of the Redeemer who rescues out of love, not seeking anything in return but desiring to be loved in return. And regardless of whether we are worthy or not, he chooses us over and over... now, if only we would choose him in return!

𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒖𝒍.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Katie Yev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with deep and beautiful characters. I would love to be friends with Raya!

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read the novella “A Hope That Sustains” and I’m glad I did! It was such a fun and sweet into to this series. And, wow, this book was amazing! A thorough Christian historical romance. This book starts with tragedy. As a Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz retelling, our characters had a hard path in this novel. The world building of the later 1800s was well done. The prejudice against both Native Americans and immigrants from India was well portrayed and factored hugely into this read. This was a slow burn romance that focused a lot on character development and faith. God’s provision was a main theme of this book. This book takes us through tough times and brought me to tears. It was a wonderful read and I’m excited to read more by this author.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kendal Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a story of hardship, character, love and redemption! This beautiful 1800s retelling of the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz will pull at your heartstrings and have you feeling all of the emotions. This story really brought to life what Ruth and Naomi must have gone through as widows and a foreigner. The story does seem to move slowly at first, but it does so to give the depth of despair and poverty that Raya and her Mother in Law found themselves in. 💕 The characters of both Raya and Atlas are so honorable I was rooting for them the entire time. I had so many highlights in the last couple of chapters as there were so many great quotes and parallels of Atlas’s love for Raya and our Redeemer we have in Christ and God’s love for us.

“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘱, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭, 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩.”

FMC: Raya - widow, foreigner (India), poor
MMC: Atlas - Hotel owner, wealthy businessman

What you’ll find:
🔶 Third person POV (mostly Raya’s)
🔶 1800s Cincinnati
🔶 Slow burn
🔶 Workplace romance
🔶 He falls first
🔶 Employer / worker
🔶 Mansion / shanty
🔶 Biblical retelling of Ruth
🔶 Friendships
🔶 Love & redemption
🔶 Heavy faith themes

INFO:
📚: Book 1 of 3 - “The Mountain Redemption” series
🔹: Connected standalone
📖: 391 pages

CONTENT:
🌶️: kissing only
🤬: None
⚠️: lewd comments and innuendos from men (offers of prostitution), stillbirth (on and off page), poverty, grief, discrimination

𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰…
1. 𝘚𝘈𝘝𝘌 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳
2. 𝘍𝘖𝘓𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘴

[Melissa Campbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were many things I liked about this book and a few I didn't. I love how it follows the story of Ruth and Naomi, just set in a different time period. However, they seemed to focus A LOT on the miserableness of Raye and Emeline and that was only sad sad sad. I mean, you know somehow the good guy is going to come and rescue them, but when?!? He doesn't show up until nearly the last 25% of the book. And I wondered how far they would take the "laying down and uncovering his feet" thing, I must say they took a lot of poetic liberty with that.

There are two other books in the series, about the other two sister-in-laws, but I'm not sure if I'll read them or not. I know others might, so I'll see if they think it is worth it.

[Dee Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end! I am looking forward to reading book 2 and 3. Up From The Ash Heap is so well written. For those of us who can relate, whoa the emotions it evoked. I love a good redemption story. My favorite genre to read is historical fiction, and I love a good scripture inspired story. I am a busy momma, I teach, I work from home as well and take care of my household. I do not have a whole lot of "free time" but boy I could not put this book down. You will cry, laugh, cheer for the "underdog", it will have you on the edge of your seat and reveal a wonderful romance. The main character's integrity, perseverance and loyalty is so inspiring. I highly recommend this book

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raya was a widow with dark skin an ancestry shrouded in mystery. A mother in law who lost three sons in one day, and daughter in laws now widows.They were young seventeen and the other two were twenty. She wanted them to go back to their parents home, of which two did. For Raya she would go east with her, it would not be easy, for they would not except her color, therefore she would remain a widow. The cash was at the mill as were the brothers, a fire took all, and only ashes left. A beautiful heartfelt story of the biblical retelling of Ruth.

[Martha Daku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. The correlation between the Biblical story of Ruth and of our relationship with our Redeemer is masterfully woven throughout the book. I saw so many nuances of Biblical truth as I read the story. And yes, I was reminded in so many ways of my personal relationship with my Saviour. Warning: It’s hard to put this book down once you start!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I rarely give five stars, but this book IMO deserved it. I loved that it was formatted after the book of Ruth. Who doesn't love the book of Ruth? The only tiny thing I wish were a bit more of as Atlas's internal thoughts/ reactions, but other than that it moved me. I love books that move/challenge me.

[Sarah Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know how the main character, Raya, would find hope for her future. Such a beautiful story inspired on Ruth and Naomi and Boaz. I loved how the Goering wove so much restoration and love into the story line, mirroring God’s heart for his children.

[Cherri Boren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!! Ms. Goering is a new author to me and she absolutely wowed me. I've always loved the Book of Ruth. Up From the Ash Heap was a lot more detailed. Found myself crying, my insides jittery in scary spots. Looking forward to reading more of her books

[Tiffany Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, lovely story

The story is a reimagined version of Ruth? Naomi and Boaz. I really like that the writer took her time to develop the characters. This book was romantic, respectful and I love the use of scriptures of faith in God was prevalent.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Up From the Ash Heap!!! Ann Goering does such a great job retelling a Bible story that we all know and love. I could not put it down! Such a great read!!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in a long time

Great characters from a past era that speak to the prejudices of today. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

[Elaine Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

I loved this story,! The book of Ruth come to life. What a love story about our Savior's love for us thank you for writing this banner. I do hope there is another.

[April A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What an incredible way to share a tale of redemption. God wants our love ❤️

[Judy Houglum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth’s story

I loved how this story has been told! It has shown how no matter a persons color- it is how the heart is what matters-God grace.

[Mrs MJH Compton-Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant read.

[Valerie Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, then you will love this book!! This is a beautifully written story about a woman and her mother-in-law who survived much heartache but leaned on God and His promises to sustain them and carry them forward. It's a perfect depiction of how much God loves and cares for us. Even when we feel at our lowest and that we aren't worthy enough, God is there waiting for us with open arms to bless us and take care of us. It was very emotional for me, and I pray it is for you as well. Happy reading!

[maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story

This is a lovely story do not be deceived by a sample reading. Much hardship and loss are faced in the starting of the plot. Hang in there! Beauty comes from ashes and joy from mourning. It is a modern retelling of the book of Ruth. I give it four stars for the slow formation of plot. But such a good book. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Julia Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful retelling of the story of Ruth. It is an inspiration to be a woman of virtue and character. From the first page to the last page, this book is enthralling. I have read every one of Ann Goering's books and they are all 5 stars on my opinion. This book doesn't disappoint

[GJ S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

3.5 stars. This story was upsetting at times because of the indifference of so many people. Overall it was a good story, christian and no sexual content so safe for all to read, thank you so much.