Beautiful on the Mountain: An Inspiring True Story

by Jeannie Light, David Aikman (Foreword)

If you enjoyed the classic novel Christy and the bestselling Mitford series, then you’ll love Beautiful on the Mountain, a real-life tale about serving God in unlikely circumstances. In 1977, Jeannie Light left her fine plantation home amid heartbreak and came to Graves Mill, a tiny hamlet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Alone in an utterly new kind of life, Jeannie was determined to find the courage to make a fresh start.To Jeannie’s surprise, she found herself called upon by her new neighbors to open the old, deteriorated country church, a place that had once united the fractured community of mountain folk. With no training, and no small amount of trepidation, she undertook the task. And as she embarked on an unforeseen series of adventures, from heartbreaking to hilarious, Jeannie would learn more than she ever expected about faith, loving your neighbor, and doing the work that God sets in front of you. Because sometimes, God calls us to go where there is no path . . . and leave a trail.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Biography, Christian, Faith, Christianity, Memoir

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2014

Reviews

[Hal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable bio-memoir of true Christianity in action as opposed to institutional action. Through one of life's unfortunate circumstances this woman was thrust into a place she did not expect and given a task that she did not request. Mrs. Light did not exactly see a blinding light on the Road to Damascus, but she received a clear calling of what God wanted her to accomplish. Amid her doubts and many struggles she truly worked miracles of faith in the small mountain community.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about Beautiful on the Mountain. I had high expectations when I first started this book. After all, it is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, my home. The story was inspiring. The descriptions of the area was accurate. But I was quite bored with the story.
3 stars.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with a book club. It was fun.

[Caitlin Calhoun · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s interesting because it is a true story, but it isn’t very well paced; it drags a good bit, and lacks direction. But I’m still glad to have read it.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most riveting read in parts, but ultimately a worthwhile read! A woman willing to reinvent herself, to work hard, to persevere, to confront fears, and go all in on living her faith. Brava! I only wish it included photos! The landscape is as much a character as any of the people.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good one, but it most certainly did not make me think of the classic Christy. This is a young woman's memoirs so it is read like a biography. The book focuses on her time after her divorce and living in the country in Graves Mill. I really loved the first part of the book but when theology and seminary details started in full force it was more difficult to read. Jeannie does not become a pastor but she leads the people of the valley, starting with a Bible study. I think many people could read this book and pick it apart on what is theologically sound and look to different doctrines. I read this book and I found a woman who finds herself completely out of her comfort zone in the country surrounded by people who need love. She chooses to trust God and love and grow the community. She helps, she is honest, she doesn't need a fancy house, and she teaches others right from the Bible.

I love the setting and the story line is very well written. I really enjoy reading about other's lives and this book was very good. There were a few slow parts but it all came together and is a great testament to trusting in the Lord.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping it real

I loved the honesty in the book. Without it, the conclusion would have been a meaningless slogan. Jeannie does an excellent job putting the reader beside her in each encounter with challenges and each new relationship. God is still creating heroes of the faith using the living stones of man, many of whom others would disregard or stumble over. This book is a refreshing reminder.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really neat story. I love real stories about faith and how trusting in the Lord leads to miracles big and small.

[Linda Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this memoir of life in rural Virginia in the 1970's. The story started when the author divorced, then moved to a mountain community where she was almost immediately asked to open the historic chapel that had been inactive and closed for about ten years. There were many challenges along the way, not only dealing with the old church building, but also relationships between the people of the small town of Grave's Mill.

I appreciated this recounting of the author's missionary work. She didn't intend to be a missionary in that area - she just wanted to herd sheep on her land there - but it ended up as a life calling. She hosted Bible studies and became a laywoman leading the little church. It wasn't possible to hire a pastor there as it was a very small community unable to afford to pay a pastor a living wage.

At first I thought the woman was being asked to pastor the church and I was happy when the subject of women in the ministry came up and was pondered. I am one that believes women should not be pastors so when this author never actually became a pastor or priest, I was relieved. However it seems she did all the work for a pastor since they didn't have one available. Well, someone has to do what needs to be done.

I also live in a very small town where the churches aren't able to provide much compensations for pastors so I thought the people of Graves Mill were doing the best they could. I did wonder, however, why they decided that author Jeannie Light would be the right person to restore and lead the worship in their chapel. Was it because she had money, or because she had higher education? At one point in the book she tried to get some seminary type education. There were road blocks there too.

All in all, I enjoyed the memoir and am happy I read it. It was interesting to read about her life and the people she met along the way.

100% clean (appreciated).

[Jill Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Club book so I finished it, but it really wasn’t for me.

This quite well off and educated woman gets divorced and moves to a chunk of rural land that she gets in her settlement. There’s no house but she begins fencing it for sheep.
Then one of the locals says that the small community has ‘called’ her to open the small local church. She goes ahead with Bible studies and taking classes to be a pastor.

Now - I had just finished Miranda Hart’s book about staying healthy. Mentally and physically. This woman keeps saying God has called her. I never once got that feeling. The neighbor asked her and offered her a (pretty bad) place to live, so she bends over backwards to make this happen instead of saying “I’m here to farm, I don’t have the time, I need to make money… and why did you choose me?? What about you locals doing it if you’re so keen?”

So, it was pretty well written, if a bit slow, but I didn’t really like the book or understand her life choices. (She sticks it out and seems happy, so what do I know 🤷🏻‍♀️)

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mountains and the mountain people came to life for me in this heart rendering story. The wonderful vivid descriptions drew me in and I couldn't stop reading. I could see the girth of the large trees on top of the mountain and I believe that I could recognize the people by the descriptions given. It's a great story that can only be told so well by someone who has lived there.

Just that part of the book alone would have kept me reading but then I loved reading about Jeannie's deepening faith in God. One step at a time she learned to lean more and trust that God will help her through. It's a story of faith and love that we all can understand.

Wonderful wonderful book!

This book was given to me by Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Joy Faulkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My personal belief that no one can convince me otherwise, is that God sends books my way, just when I need them….call that crazy, but it has proven so true to me….He sent this one at just the right time, His perfect time. This was a treasure to read. Some of us are called to serve others as an occupation, but we, as Christians, should hit the ground daily, seeking to serve. When you truly stop and consciously walk with THE LORD, you begin to see how HE supplies what we need not only for ourselves, but for others from our acts of service.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this was like reading about people I knew, because many of them reminded me of folks I knew growing up & some now. I am not sure if I could have lived the way Jeannie did, but she is an inspiration to me. We all have a purpose in this life, and God has a plan - if we would all just be open to being used & trust Him to guide us.

[SteveB · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a memoir first and is interspersed with Ms. Light's Christian walk and call to serve a small rural church. It ebbed and flowed with lengthy descriptions at times. She ends at the same place many of us are in our Christian walk -- sometimes questioning our contributions but realizing they are not ours to judge nor measure.

[Linda L Isler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to love this. The writing is slow. There are a few things interesting, some characters have enticing stories, but most of it was dull. if I knew her personally, I would have enjoyed the retelling. But I don't. Even her calling seemed unclear to me. God is honored. Lives were changed. A solid 3 rating.

[STP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

An interesting, if not riveting read. I'm glad I read it, but thought I might never finish! I was fascinated by the description of the giant trees on her property and would love to see them.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of a woman who gained a Virginia mountain farm through a divorce in the late 1970s. A changing mountain community asks her to reopen their church, which brings some life back to the community.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

life isn’t always about romance but real life and the love and providence of God for his people

Here’s a story about relying on Christ, no romance but love of other people and the journey to bring together a community of eclectic characters.

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

True story of divorced woman who inherits land in rural VA, restores an old abandoned church and brings faith and community to the region. Her faith and courage and concern for her neighbors are admirable. But the story moves too slow, too much description, not enough character development.

[Danielle Driscoll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inspiring - great testimony to God never leaving our side

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are feeling discouraged about being in a small congregation this story will help! The author showed a lot of faith the rest of us should strive for.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this true story. God continues to amaze me in the ways He gives opportunities to share His message.

[Kathy Whitesell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written!

This book is a joy to read on faith, culture, assumptions, love, and an indomitable spirit. I couldn’t put it down!

[Christy]

My mom lent this to me because it takes place in Graves Mill, VA, which is not far from areas I have visited, specifically Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, which is over in Syria, VA. The author also references her introduction to a church in Fairfax, VA, which is very close to where I live.

The time period of this book (late 1970s) is also when my dad was starting his ministry as a pastor of a small church in rural coastal Maine. He has some stories too, including of being a volunteer firefighter there.

In addition to enjoying the local setting, I really liked the author’s emphasis on the importance of community. I am a member of a small church in northern VA, and there are a lot of things I have learned about being in community there, but of a different flavor, since we are in the suburbs and not a rural area.

This quote stood out to me:

“I was learning that people will visit a church for special services but it’s rare for visitors to attend regularly afterward. New members come into a community because someone in the church family brings them and because when they arrive, they feel at home. Special services are just that: a service to the wider world that often draws attention to the church. But people stay because they want to be part of a family.” p 230

As far as the writing, it was slow to start for sure, but it grew on me.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’m mainly i romance reader so it felt out of my comfort zone. i’m a christian myself and tbh i started getting attached to the people (caring about them. )i would recommend, but know that it’s very biographical. and jeannie light will be talking about her past and her christian faith.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Blessing

This is the true story of Jeannie Light's experience of living in an economically deprived area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the late 1970's. She had formerly lived an opulent lifestyle, but a divorce changed the course of her life. As part of the divorce settlement, she received some undeveloped acreage in a very remote area. That is where she planned on making her new home.

She was just beginning her transition to living there, when she was approached by one of the local men who begged her to reopen the local church--which had closed ten years earlier. Although she was well-educated, Jeannie was not trained in the ministry. She was stunned by the request because she had no idea how to do that. But the author had encountered God in a life changing experience during her marital problems. So Jeannie decided to seek God for direction. However, she did not see how a woman, such as herself, that was not trained as a pastor, could reopen a church in a scantly populated area in the middle of nowhere.

She got to know much of the populace, including some local characters, very well. Jeannie discovered that she had a different spot in the pecking order of the community than she had held when married to the rich landowner. She learned the community's way of looking at things, and, at times, found herself on the other side of the fence. In fact, some of her viewpoints and actions put her in possible danger.

Living in the mountains, she discovered the beauty of the simple life. She also discovered the many hardships that awaited those who tried to eke out a living in that area. In some ways, living there was like stepping back in time. On the other hand, the country was sparsely populated because it was a victim of modern life. While living there, she had to depend on God, and saw how He provided at every turn.

Ms. Light is a fabulous writer, who brings the reader into the world she is describing. I love books about people's life, they are my very favorite kinds, and I have read a lot of them. This 5-star book is one of the most interesting true stories I have had the pleasure to review. The only down side to this book is that I want a sequel. Hopefully, that will come in the future. In the meantime, I highly recommend this wonderful book.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

My Blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2014/05/28/...

Author Information: http://www.tyndale.com/Jeannie-Light/bio

[Holly Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who here has a plan for their life? A dream, a goal, a desire to reach a long-mapped out destination of your own choosing? It is a way of life for us to spend years planning and preparing and envisioning the way life will be. And it rarely turns out exactly as we had imagined.

So what do you do with a life that doesn’t go as planned? Do you rail against the unforeseen twists of fate? Or do you look for where God is working in the unseen and trust the outcome in the life you can see?

These are the questions facing Jeannie Light as her book Beautiful on the Mountain opens. Facing divorce and having to move from the home she loves, Jeannie cautiously steps out into a life she never imagined. Her story takes her to a piece of farmland in the mountains of Virginia where God offers healing for her heart and a calling on her life.

Her new hometown (if one could even call it a town) is comprised of a small, loosely-knit group of people who are just determined enough to stay in a place forgotten by time and a better economy. Some of them are there by heritage, some by choice, and some because they have no place else to go at the moment. Enter Jeannie, who has come to this community for many of the same reasons.

Then enter God who has a plan even in the desperate places we find ourselves. As Jeannie learns to listen to God and to see His answers in such an unlikely place, she is led to the life God asked her to live. And along the way she makes friends, pastors a people, and helps to revive the spirit…and the Spirit…in this place.

It turns out that Jeannie and these people were a mutual answer to prayers. Funny how God works sometimes.

The truth is that we all have a life to live. The challenge comes when life doesn’t turn out the way we had expected…or hoped…or dreamed. Like Jeannie, we all have to look for how God is working as He unfolds what is next. It’s not easy to do, but the outcome is often more than we asked or imagined.

This is exactly what Jeannie’s story has inspired me to do. For whatever God’s plan or purposes are, He often brings us to this very mountain. It doesn’t matter if your mountain is a figurative one, or as literal as Jeannie’s was. Whenever we get there, we get to choose. We can choose to ignore Him, His plan, His words, His working. Or we can choose to live the life we’re given.

Reading Jeannie's inspiring journey will help you make the right choice!

(Tyndale House provided me a free copy of this book to review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Louise Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story of what God can do if we put our trust in Him. It opens with Jeannie’s ten year marriage in serious trouble. While her husband looked in wrong places to fix it, she went to Rome, northern Italy, Switzerland, and Germany and in the process found the living truth about God. Six months after she returned, she went with a friend Dan to the mountain farm near the Shenandoah National Park that she got in the property settlement from her divorce. Close to it was an old white shingled Baptist Church with a tin roof and no steeple that had been permanently closed. Still the mountain people seemed to want her to open it. Charlie pointed out the good things about the church: no windows broken, made from local wood, hymnbooks, tiny Communion glasses, and a working piano. She met Pam who told her about a food cooperative that could keep food prices down and helped her go berry picking. Her most urgent need though was to get a place to live. It wasn’t easy to move into a house. When she tried to travel home, her radiator was empty and she needed to borrow a diaper to open up the radiator and get water to fill it. Sometimes she had doubts and thought God didn’t exist, or wasn’t good, or didn’t care about her, but then she remembered His presence in St. Peter’s Square. When the town people wanted her to open the church, she called the rural missions department of Wesley to find courses she could take to help her. She had to depend on God over and over. When she confronted hunters on her property, she reminded them that there were cows roaming and people walking that they might kill. When people dropped in unexpectedly, she learned patience and forbearance. When someone said they had the legal right to the church, he also told her he would rent it to her, but she didn’t need to pay anything. She discounted the statement, but later learned it was true. A piano tuner was stunned when he found their piano was good in spite of having been in a closed building for twenty years. Another time a rattler didn’t strike when she encountered it while praying. Over and over she learned God was taking care of her!

[Boma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The spiritually born exhibit a life deriving from an invisible spiritual reality and its powers. In natural terms one cannot explain what is happening with them.... But just as with the invisible wind and its effects, we recognize the presence of God’s kingdom in people by its effects in and around them – Dallas Willard, as quoted in Beautiful on the Mountain.

What would make a young educated woman settle in a rural community, and then heed the call to reopen a Church that hadn’t been open in a while?

In Beautiful on the Mountain, Jean Light tells a true story of how she learned to trust God, as she took on this duty for which she had very little training and experience.

In this story, we find that those God calls, He also equips, one way or another.

It is a story of faith, hope and courage; a story that encourages us to act on our convictions, even in our little mundane efforts, as sometimes, it’s the little mundane efforts that say the most about our faith and hope.

Jean shares her struggles and triumphs. We read of God’s providence, and how He can be trusted to be with us as we step out in faith to do the work He calls us to.

He would be with us every step of the way – In the extraordinary days, and in the ordinary ones.

As Jean suggests, we come to know God better not in the extraordinary miracles, but in the simple daily duties.

With bear hunters, poachers, and the last of the mountain people, Jean takes on this task that seemed a waste of time, and impossible.

Even when the world says it’s not possible, we know that with God all things are possible.

In the end, as we are reminded, His Word, His presence, and His love are enough for all of us.

Beautiful on the Mountain releases in June, 2014.

Disclosure:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for this review.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful On The Mountain: An Inspiring True Story by Jeannie Light is basically a biography of how Jeannie came to minister at a small church in Graves Mill, Virginia. The description from the publisher sounded great: "If you enjoyed the classic novel Christy and the bestselling Mitford series, then you’ll love Beautiful on the Mountain, a real-life tale about serving God in unlikely circumstances. In 1977, Jeannie Light left her fine plantation home amid heartbreak and came to Graves Mill, a tiny hamlet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Alone in an utterly new kind of life, Jeannie was determined to find the courage to make a fresh start.

To Jeannie’s surprise, she found herself called upon by her new neighbors to open the old, deteriorated country church, a place that had once united the fractured community of mountain folk. With no training, and no small amount of trepidation, she undertook the task. And as she embarked on an unforeseen series of adventures, from heartbreaking to hilarious, Jeannie would learn more than she ever expected about faith, loving your neighbor, and doing the work that God sets in front of you. Because sometimes, God calls us to go where there is no path . . . and leave a trail."

However, the execution was a bit lacking. This was a first person memoir-style book and it lacked depth and needed some editing. It started out strong, but got a bit boring as the pages went on. The ending was extremely abrupt and why she ended up leaving wasn't ever explained. I also don't believe that women should be pastoring a church, so that rubbed me the wrong way as well. There were some interesting stories and great bits and pieces, but as a whole, the book was fairly weak. Some parts were worth reading. Other people may find it more enjoyable - it just wasn't quite what I expected.