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Beneath a Turquoise Sky
After her life takes an unexpected turn in 1911, Caroline Haynes pursues a long-buried dream westward to teach at a Navajo mission boarding school. However, walls of hurt and cultural misunderstanding threaten to keep her from reaching the children she longs to touch. The handsome Rev. Willis Abernathy seems sure he knows what is best for the Navajo people—and for Caroline—but she finds herself drawn instead to Tse, the young Navajo man in charge of the mission’s livestock, who claims to still follow Christ despite returning to the ways of his people.
Tse Tsosie longs to introduce Jesus to his people in a way they can understand, but now that family need has brought him back to the mission, he battles past wounds and the disapproval of the missionaries. Meanwhile, Caroline’s arrival brings surprises and more turmoil to the school…and to Tse’s heart.
When crisis forces Tse and Caroline to make a choice, will they find a path together…or will the chasm between their peoples be too great to span?
Tse Tsosie longs to introduce Jesus to his people in a way they can understand, but now that family need has brought him back to the mission, he battles past wounds and the disapproval of the missionaries. Meanwhile, Caroline’s arrival brings surprises and more turmoil to the school…and to Tse’s heart.
When crisis forces Tse and Caroline to make a choice, will they find a path together…or will the chasm between their peoples be too great to span?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2025
22 people are currently reading
1368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 16, 2025
“Caroline.”
She looked up, startled, into his eyes, and saw the sheen of tears there. And she knew—knew the rush of sweetness followed by pain that racked her—that he cared too.
And he knew, as she did, that it could not be.
I still have no words.
😍 I absolutely loved this book. The characters (Tse??) the history, the themes. Ahhh *chef’s kiss*
Authors that tackle ugly history and broken topics always garner my immense admiration, and Kiersti was no exception 🤍🤍🤍
🏜️She painted a vibrant setting that plopped you right into the Dinétah in New Mexico, and her prose brought the world of characters to life.
✨the characters ✨
🌷Caroline🌷
She was so kind and sweet and immediately likable, her inner conflict was palpable and I found myself relating to her often. She had a genuine heart for the Lord, but like many of us, was crippled by fear. Her story was not only encouraging, but *convicting*
I loved walking with her as she searched for the truth in the midst of so much chaos and opposing voices. She was an example of what Christ’s love for the Diné *truly* looked like.
“You cannot carry the sins of the world, or even you own, on your shoulders. You were never meant to. Jesus has done that already.”
🪶Tse 🪶
Ok, I LOVED this strong, gentle, wonderful man. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in, and he was a window into the world of the Navajo. The way he was able to grapple with being a follower of Jesus and staying faithful to His Word, while still being proudly Navajo, in a world that held the belief that you could only be one or the other, was beautiful. The contrast of light and darkness was stark in his story, but the contrast of Navajo and White were not. Light and dark are not interchangeable with White and Navajo. Far from it.
“Church is not just for white people, Shimá…It’s for all God’s people.”
“There’s good and bad of every kind of people, I suppose.”
🍂Willis Abernathy 🍂
*deep breaths* well, I can’t say I loved this one, but I appreciated how he was portrayed. He wasn’t just the “bad white man that wants to marry the female main character” He was complex. He is the perfect example of someone who aspires to do the right thing but lets pride and his own ideas get in the way of God’s perfect will.
🌵The pain of the Navajo was so hard to swallow, but it was good. So so good to understand, to see the devastation. The unfairness of it all.
‘No wonder hardly any Navajo came to the mission church. So much hurt. So much damage, and in Jesus’ name. How could He stand by and let it be?’
✨💐Ok, and the romance? Absolutely stunning…I kid you not, it literally stole my breath. So pure, so sweet, yet deep and it touched my down to my soul. I just wish the story would go on and on and on.
All that to say, it was an unforgettable story, and one I intend to return to again. Who know, maybe next week? 🤭
Spiritually rich. Clarity untangling webs of complexity. Heart-wrenching romance. Powerful themes.
What more does one need?
June 13, 2025
Kiersti Giron’s Beneath a Turquoise Sky is one of the best books I have ever read! Beneath a Turquoise Sky transports readers to the 1900s and tells the story of Caroline, a young woman who has helped raised her younger Brothers after her Mother passed away. Caroline feels like she has lost her place in her Family when her Father remarries. After much prayer, Caroline applies and accepts a job to serve at a Missionary School that serves Native Americans. When Caroline arrives at the School, it is different than she ever imagined. Caroline befriends Tse, a Navajo man and former student, who is a convert of the school and who also works at the school. With the help of God and Tse, Caroline’s eyes and heart are opened to the Navajo People, how they are seen and how the Navajo People perceive the White Man’s help. Tse is walking a tight line by wanting to honor Jesus and respect the customs of his Family and share Jesus with them. Befriending Caroline, God starts showing Tse ways he can share Jesus with his Friends and Family in ways they understand–and is against everything the Mission School taught him growing up. Seeing that God’s Ways are Better than ours, Caroline and Tse get closer to Him and closer to each other, learning that leaping with God is a beautiful thing and has a powerful impact for Him, regardless of the cost.
Kiersti Giron’s Beneath a Turquoise Sky is one of the top most impactful reads that I have ever read. To me, Beneath a Turquoise Sky is in the caliber of Authors Olivia Talbott, Liz Tolsma, Carrie Turansky, Anna Jensen, and Amanda Wen, to name a few. Ms. Giron’s vivid writing and research transports you into the story, making you feel as though you are right there in the story. I love the Truth–both Godly and hard-to-hear Truth’s–about how America has treated others in the Name of Jesus that Ms. Giron unashamedly put in Beneath a Turquoise Sky. I loved meeting Caroline and Tse! I love learning more about the Navajo People and Culture! The title alone is beautiful! I love the way God guided and spoke to Caroline and Tse, showing them both how to reach the people He put in their paths for Him. I love how Beneath a Turquoise Sky opened my eyes to and encourage me to share Jesus with others than ever before. I highly recommend Beneath a Turquoise Sky by Kiersti Giron!
Have you read Beneath a Turquoise Sky? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank Kiersti Giron for giving me a copy of Beneath a Turquoise Sky to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape.
Kiersti Giron’s Beneath a Turquoise Sky is one of the top most impactful reads that I have ever read. To me, Beneath a Turquoise Sky is in the caliber of Authors Olivia Talbott, Liz Tolsma, Carrie Turansky, Anna Jensen, and Amanda Wen, to name a few. Ms. Giron’s vivid writing and research transports you into the story, making you feel as though you are right there in the story. I love the Truth–both Godly and hard-to-hear Truth’s–about how America has treated others in the Name of Jesus that Ms. Giron unashamedly put in Beneath a Turquoise Sky. I loved meeting Caroline and Tse! I love learning more about the Navajo People and Culture! The title alone is beautiful! I love the way God guided and spoke to Caroline and Tse, showing them both how to reach the people He put in their paths for Him. I love how Beneath a Turquoise Sky opened my eyes to and encourage me to share Jesus with others than ever before. I highly recommend Beneath a Turquoise Sky by Kiersti Giron!
Have you read Beneath a Turquoise Sky? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank Kiersti Giron for giving me a copy of Beneath a Turquoise Sky to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape.
April 9, 2025
This is one of those books that really sticks with you once you put it down. It grabbed me from the start and also made me really consider all that I thought I had known about the treatment of Native American Indians. The author did a phenomenal job with writing a story that truly draws you into the lives of the characters, presenting both sides of certain issues while at the same time making you really think about how what whites perceived as good, Native Americans perceived as more destruction of their ways. It's at once heartbreaking and inspiring.
The setting of the Navajo mission school, and all of the beautiful children that were students there add further depth to this moving story. Prior to reading this book I had known that mission schools weren't well liked by the Natives, but I hadn't fully comprehended why. After reading this book my heart breaks for all those who were treated so poorly by missionaries who, hopefully, were truly trying to preach the love of Christ to the Natives, but who went about it in the wrong way.
The Navajo tribe truly seems like lovely people, people who are so close to knowing God but whose superstitions and beliefs keep them from fully grasping the truth of One Creator God. The missionaries hearts were in the right place, I think, but their desire seemed to fall into the trap of forcing the Navajo into becoming 'white Christians" rather than teaching them to love Christ and be followers of Him alone.
I appreciated how the author showed the Navajo ways, through Tse's character, and how she showed the struggles Tse had with following Christ while still wanting to be the Navajo man that God made him. The relationship between Tse and Caroline, one of the teachers at the Mission school was done so sweetly. The romance thread is there, though it isn't the main part of the story. This story was mainly about showing the injustices that have been done to the Navajo, and other Native American tribes, while balancing it with the desire White Christians had to teach them about Christ.
I loved this book so much, especially how the author tied up the ending, while keeping it open in a way that I hope might indicate more books set here, or at least featuring some of the same characters. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who are fans of Laura Franz, Lori Benton or Lauraine Snelling. This is one of those rare books that really makes you consider your own walk with God, as well as how you share God's love through Christ with people of differing cultures and experiences.
*I read an early ARC of this book. All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
The setting of the Navajo mission school, and all of the beautiful children that were students there add further depth to this moving story. Prior to reading this book I had known that mission schools weren't well liked by the Natives, but I hadn't fully comprehended why. After reading this book my heart breaks for all those who were treated so poorly by missionaries who, hopefully, were truly trying to preach the love of Christ to the Natives, but who went about it in the wrong way.
The Navajo tribe truly seems like lovely people, people who are so close to knowing God but whose superstitions and beliefs keep them from fully grasping the truth of One Creator God. The missionaries hearts were in the right place, I think, but their desire seemed to fall into the trap of forcing the Navajo into becoming 'white Christians" rather than teaching them to love Christ and be followers of Him alone.
I appreciated how the author showed the Navajo ways, through Tse's character, and how she showed the struggles Tse had with following Christ while still wanting to be the Navajo man that God made him. The relationship between Tse and Caroline, one of the teachers at the Mission school was done so sweetly. The romance thread is there, though it isn't the main part of the story. This story was mainly about showing the injustices that have been done to the Navajo, and other Native American tribes, while balancing it with the desire White Christians had to teach them about Christ.
I loved this book so much, especially how the author tied up the ending, while keeping it open in a way that I hope might indicate more books set here, or at least featuring some of the same characters. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who are fans of Laura Franz, Lori Benton or Lauraine Snelling. This is one of those rare books that really makes you consider your own walk with God, as well as how you share God's love through Christ with people of differing cultures and experiences.
*I read an early ARC of this book. All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
April 15, 2025
As I trudged through the first bit with Caroline and Tse, Kiersti was slow to show me her true strength’s as a writer, making one fall for the story first. Caroline’s struggles and questions rise as she arrives at the mission school only to have her bright hopes dashed as the true actuality of the place settles in, and she has to learn how the school does things. Her spiritual questions and longings on life are brought to a head as she learns things her people have condoned and watches the way these 'Christian' principles are taught. She wrestles with how to teach and love these children so unlike herself.
Now, this book does have romance but what shines in this is the story, the heart and questions it asks of us and the history it presents us. I can honestly, say I have learned so much and made new observations and questions. It also has made me look inward and try to figure my way amongst my own struggles of identity, history, culture, and the truth we may perceive. The heart is the Navajo history and the struggle within us all to find belonging in a world we are all passing through. With the romance in the passenger seat, this book flew with the passion and a love of individual struggle and analyzing how history and the gospel is taught throughout pieces of history, maybe even now. Most importantly now.
Full Review on my website @ www.paytontilley.com
Now, this book does have romance but what shines in this is the story, the heart and questions it asks of us and the history it presents us. I can honestly, say I have learned so much and made new observations and questions. It also has made me look inward and try to figure my way amongst my own struggles of identity, history, culture, and the truth we may perceive. The heart is the Navajo history and the struggle within us all to find belonging in a world we are all passing through. With the romance in the passenger seat, this book flew with the passion and a love of individual struggle and analyzing how history and the gospel is taught throughout pieces of history, maybe even now. Most importantly now.
Full Review on my website @ www.paytontilley.com
April 4, 2025
****ARC Review*****
My rating: 4.75 (rounded up for Goodreads's whole star rating system).
When I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it. Let me explain.
Due to many factors, I know a shocking amount about very niche parts of American history. The forced assimilation of Indigenous children in ‘Indian schools’ is one such part. So, a book about a slightly different concept of a missionary school out west seemed right up my alley.
I was initially cautious of how this book would play out, because this period of history features complex motives, cultural ideals, and outcomes. But this book absolutely blew me away.
The main female character Caroline has such a beautiful arc of coming to terms with the fact that her long held beliefs about her calling, others around her, and her faith needed to have room to interact with new ideas. I loved how her time with the children at the school and with Tse allowed her to experience accept that God and faith were so much bigger than she could imagine. Few characters I have read in historical fiction have truly confronted their false assumptions the way Caroline did.
Tse was also an incredible character in his own right. I loved the nuanced principles he brought to the concept of faith due to his background of bridging cultures together. His commitment to staying in touch with his cultural roots was wonderfully expressed in this work.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about this period in history as well as anyone looking for historical fiction characters that address cultural awareness and complexity!
My rating: 4.75 (rounded up for Goodreads's whole star rating system).
When I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it. Let me explain.
Due to many factors, I know a shocking amount about very niche parts of American history. The forced assimilation of Indigenous children in ‘Indian schools’ is one such part. So, a book about a slightly different concept of a missionary school out west seemed right up my alley.
I was initially cautious of how this book would play out, because this period of history features complex motives, cultural ideals, and outcomes. But this book absolutely blew me away.
The main female character Caroline has such a beautiful arc of coming to terms with the fact that her long held beliefs about her calling, others around her, and her faith needed to have room to interact with new ideas. I loved how her time with the children at the school and with Tse allowed her to experience accept that God and faith were so much bigger than she could imagine. Few characters I have read in historical fiction have truly confronted their false assumptions the way Caroline did.
Tse was also an incredible character in his own right. I loved the nuanced principles he brought to the concept of faith due to his background of bridging cultures together. His commitment to staying in touch with his cultural roots was wonderfully expressed in this work.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about this period in history as well as anyone looking for historical fiction characters that address cultural awareness and complexity!
April 27, 2025
This is the first time reading this author and I will read her books again. This book was by far the best book I have read this year. The story starts with a young woman whose Mother had passed away, however, Caroline had helped raise her younger siblings. Her father then married and though Caroline got along with her step mother she felt as if she was not needed. Her younger brother no longer did the things he once did with Caroline. She spoke with her pastor about teaching positions and found one. The boarding school was lead by a young unmarried pastor. The school taught the children from the Navajo tribe and she instantly fell in love with the children but then started to notice how people would react to the children. Even the pastor was prejudiced towards the children. The story and characters unravel with care and discernment towards the people the author crafted. She wrote beautifully about the people and the life they lead. Such a wonderful story and very well written.
June 10, 2025
This was my first book by this author. I am so happy I found her! This story was well written and full to the brim with American history, with a sweet romance thrown in as well. Some of this history was hard to read, not because of the writing, but because of the cruelty that has been in this country. After reading this book I feel as though my walk with Christ has grown a bit. The characters are vivid, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Give this book a try if you like: American history, Navajo history, sweet romance, or Christian fiction.
April 7, 2025
What a beautiful story that honors both the Navajo people and Christian doctrine!
My favorite kind of Christian fiction doesn’t shy away from complex issues. This book acknowledges the heartbreak of wrongs done by the Native American Mission schools, without making evil caricatures of those involved in the institutions.
Kiersti Giron’s writing is infused with research and love for the environment where her story take place. On Instagram she shares behind the scenes of the couple and personal experiences that helped shape this story and it all comes through in the writing.
For those of you who don’t always like taking a chance on indie published books, this one blew me away with its depth and polish. I can feel the years she devoted to this work.
Anyway, go read it!
My favorite kind of Christian fiction doesn’t shy away from complex issues. This book acknowledges the heartbreak of wrongs done by the Native American Mission schools, without making evil caricatures of those involved in the institutions.
Kiersti Giron’s writing is infused with research and love for the environment where her story take place. On Instagram she shares behind the scenes of the couple and personal experiences that helped shape this story and it all comes through in the writing.
For those of you who don’t always like taking a chance on indie published books, this one blew me away with its depth and polish. I can feel the years she devoted to this work.
Anyway, go read it!
May 5, 2025
This was a lovely story. It is a great historical page turner. I especially liked the discussions about faith and culture. So glad to have read this one.
April 14, 2025
These characters and this story notched a sweet place in my heart.
May 14, 2025
What a bittersweet story written by a gifted author. I was carried along by well-developed characters and plot. Such a raw account of abuse in the name of the Gospel. A must read.
November 24, 2025
I can’t even begin to explain how this book far exceeded my expectations! I found the book listed on an Instagram post of Native American fiction. It was listed with 3 other authors that I love (Lori Benton, Laura Frantz, and Jane Kirkpatrick) so I decided to look it up. I was a little surprised to see it was set in the Four Corners area where I live. And it was about the Navajo people. I’ve grown up in Farmington, NM and lived here my entire life. My father was raised in Shiprock, NM am I am 3/4 Navajo. (My white grandfather came to the area to be a missionary much like in the novel 🥰)
I was really expecting this to be a cheesy, typical, depiction of Native American culture and people. Let me tell you. The author did her research! The conflict between Navajo religion and the Jesus Way was well portrayed. Even the description of the high desert. The only thing this book needed was Shiprock on the cover. 🙂
“Jesus.” His father flicked ashes. “Always the bilagáanas say, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.’ But they never really say who He is. Where did Jesus come from? What are His clans and who are His parents? You say God sent Him. How? And why did He?” Tse rubbed”
(This line- “What are His clans?” made me giggle)
I was really expecting this to be a cheesy, typical, depiction of Native American culture and people. Let me tell you. The author did her research! The conflict between Navajo religion and the Jesus Way was well portrayed. Even the description of the high desert. The only thing this book needed was Shiprock on the cover. 🙂
“Jesus.” His father flicked ashes. “Always the bilagáanas say, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.’ But they never really say who He is. Where did Jesus come from? What are His clans and who are His parents? You say God sent Him. How? And why did He?” Tse rubbed”
(This line- “What are His clans?” made me giggle)
August 15, 2025
Beneath a Turquoise Sky
Kiersti Giron
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When her widowed father remarries, Caroline Haynes accepts a teaching position at a Navajo mission boarding school. Though she longs to reach the children in her care, a long history of hurt and misunderstanding stand in her way. Rev. Willis Abernathy is convinced that his methods are best for the Navajo people, but Caroline isn't sure. Her growing friendship with a young Navajo working at the mission, Tse Tsosie, helps her to recognize the children's need to maintain their cultural identity.
Stark truth. Giron’s accurate portrayal of a tragic time in U.S. history was poignant. It included not only the forced migration of Native Americans across the land, but the discrimination they endured by those they lived among and even by missionaries wanting to strip them of their culture and identities. However, hope was interwoven into the storyline by a few willing to question the norm and surrender to a life lived for Christ.
This story was beautifully written, especially the part where Tse gets an opportunity to share the Gospel in an unexpected way.
Kiersti Giron
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When her widowed father remarries, Caroline Haynes accepts a teaching position at a Navajo mission boarding school. Though she longs to reach the children in her care, a long history of hurt and misunderstanding stand in her way. Rev. Willis Abernathy is convinced that his methods are best for the Navajo people, but Caroline isn't sure. Her growing friendship with a young Navajo working at the mission, Tse Tsosie, helps her to recognize the children's need to maintain their cultural identity.
Stark truth. Giron’s accurate portrayal of a tragic time in U.S. history was poignant. It included not only the forced migration of Native Americans across the land, but the discrimination they endured by those they lived among and even by missionaries wanting to strip them of their culture and identities. However, hope was interwoven into the storyline by a few willing to question the norm and surrender to a life lived for Christ.
This story was beautifully written, especially the part where Tse gets an opportunity to share the Gospel in an unexpected way.
August 19, 2025
After a recent trip to Navajo(Dine’) lands, I was at first concerned about the premise of the book. I hoped it would be written with respect for Navajo (Dine) people and the trauma many faced during the time period of government schools. This book seemed to be well researched, vetted by Dine’ people and very sensitive to the issue of white people not recognizing the culture and imposing white views upon the Dine’. I especially appreciated the author’s notes about her research and contact with the Dine’ so the book represented them as accurately as possible.
The story was well written with complex characters, complex issues and conflicting emotions. I felt Willis was rigid but trying to do what he thought was expected as a missionary in New Mexico. Caroline was also trying to balance expectations and her own ethics of how the children should be treated. I found Tse’s character the most compelling as he faced trying to honor his ancestry and live out Christian beliefs.
The author left some doors open for a possible sequel. I’d love to read what happens next!
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
The story was well written with complex characters, complex issues and conflicting emotions. I felt Willis was rigid but trying to do what he thought was expected as a missionary in New Mexico. Caroline was also trying to balance expectations and her own ethics of how the children should be treated. I found Tse’s character the most compelling as he faced trying to honor his ancestry and live out Christian beliefs.
The author left some doors open for a possible sequel. I’d love to read what happens next!
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
January 13, 2026
If you like books about American Indians and the power of the Lord, you will enjoy this book. The storyline is very good with lots of turmoil for survival in the early 19th
June 26, 2025
This book was truly a comfort read! Despite the content warning that Kiersti posted not long ago on her Instagram, I didn’t find Beneath a Turquoise Sky to be too unsettling at all! It was a perfect blend of gentle suspense, intrigue, and colorful descriptions.
Caroline was a lovely character. There were several times when I could sympathize with not only her heartfelt care for those around her, but her position as teacher. Being a teacher myself, I loved all of the vibes! The classroom, the lessons, the children. It was truly heartwarming despite the many not-so-sweet times at school. 💔
Tse was my favorite character!!! (I knew he would be.) The love and dedication he had for his family, even in the face of rejection and persecution was so inspiring. I love and agree 💯 on his views regarding culture and religion. It IS possible for one to believe in Yahuah Elohim, the Lord God of Heaven and earth, and still endorse your nation’s culture. 🏹 He reminded me of several of Gold in Fire’s characters who believe this very same thing. 😌
Reverend Abernathy. Hmm… I didn’t like him very much at all! 😅 Right away I wondered if he was going to turn out to be a villain. Anytime he came around, things just seemed fishy. There were so many times he irritated me. The way he treated the children, his stoicism regarding emotion, his pestering Caroline continually, etc… I did appreciate the reverend’s slight change of heart toward the end of the story, but even then, I still couldn’t forgive him. Sorry, Abernathy. 😅🙈
I would say Reverend Abernathy was a “gentle villain”, if there even is such a thing. 😂
My two favorite scenes: When Tse and Caroline took the children out for a river picnic, and when Tse and Caroline attended the birth of the baby goat. Those two scenes were well written. 🤌🏼💕
All in all, Beneath a Turquoise Sky was a truly heartwarming read! It explores the themes of belonging, doing what’s right, choosing faith over fear, forgiveness, and standing strong in the face of persecution.
Caroline was a lovely character. There were several times when I could sympathize with not only her heartfelt care for those around her, but her position as teacher. Being a teacher myself, I loved all of the vibes! The classroom, the lessons, the children. It was truly heartwarming despite the many not-so-sweet times at school. 💔
Tse was my favorite character!!! (I knew he would be.) The love and dedication he had for his family, even in the face of rejection and persecution was so inspiring. I love and agree 💯 on his views regarding culture and religion. It IS possible for one to believe in Yahuah Elohim, the Lord God of Heaven and earth, and still endorse your nation’s culture. 🏹 He reminded me of several of Gold in Fire’s characters who believe this very same thing. 😌
Reverend Abernathy. Hmm… I didn’t like him very much at all! 😅 Right away I wondered if he was going to turn out to be a villain. Anytime he came around, things just seemed fishy. There were so many times he irritated me. The way he treated the children, his stoicism regarding emotion, his pestering Caroline continually, etc… I did appreciate the reverend’s slight change of heart toward the end of the story, but even then, I still couldn’t forgive him. Sorry, Abernathy. 😅🙈
I would say Reverend Abernathy was a “gentle villain”, if there even is such a thing. 😂
My two favorite scenes: When Tse and Caroline took the children out for a river picnic, and when Tse and Caroline attended the birth of the baby goat. Those two scenes were well written. 🤌🏼💕
All in all, Beneath a Turquoise Sky was a truly heartwarming read! It explores the themes of belonging, doing what’s right, choosing faith over fear, forgiveness, and standing strong in the face of persecution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
Caroline dreams of becoming a missionary, of giving her life to service and to saving the lost souls of the Navajo in New Mexico. However, when she arrives to teach at a mission boarding school, everything is not as she imagined. Increasingly, she fears the work of the mission may be driving the Navajo farther from God, rather than drawing them closer.
Tse has shed the lifestyle he adopted during his years as a student at the mission school, donning the garb and language of his people once more. But he has not abandoned the God he first met there, though he struggles to reconcile the disparities between his culture's understanding of Him and the white man's. As he strives to reveal God to his people in a way they can understand, he encounters the first white missionary who seems to truly desire to understand the Dine people: Caroline.
Caught up in the turbulent times in which they live, Tse and Caroline must make difficult decisions and fight for what they believe to be right, even if it goes against the grain of both of their cultures. Can they bridge the divide between their two peoples--and find a way to be together?
This novel is so much more than a love story, though the love story at its heart is absolutely beautiful. I knew before I read it that this book would change me, and it has. It challenged my own assumptions and the way I view other cultures, bringing to the surface subtle places where pride and misguided ambition have crept into my own life. I love the way Kiersti interprets several passages of Scripture through the Navajo lens, shedding new light on the passages and bringing the gospel to life in new ways for me. This story, in so many ways, feels like God's heart on the page, a beautiful and much-needed new facet of Him revealed to us.
Tse has shed the lifestyle he adopted during his years as a student at the mission school, donning the garb and language of his people once more. But he has not abandoned the God he first met there, though he struggles to reconcile the disparities between his culture's understanding of Him and the white man's. As he strives to reveal God to his people in a way they can understand, he encounters the first white missionary who seems to truly desire to understand the Dine people: Caroline.
Caught up in the turbulent times in which they live, Tse and Caroline must make difficult decisions and fight for what they believe to be right, even if it goes against the grain of both of their cultures. Can they bridge the divide between their two peoples--and find a way to be together?
This novel is so much more than a love story, though the love story at its heart is absolutely beautiful. I knew before I read it that this book would change me, and it has. It challenged my own assumptions and the way I view other cultures, bringing to the surface subtle places where pride and misguided ambition have crept into my own life. I love the way Kiersti interprets several passages of Scripture through the Navajo lens, shedding new light on the passages and bringing the gospel to life in new ways for me. This story, in so many ways, feels like God's heart on the page, a beautiful and much-needed new facet of Him revealed to us.
July 17, 2025
This may be my new favorite book of the year… 🥹
About the book:
Beautifully written, this historical novel is the story of heartache and healing. Set against the backdrop of 1910, we follow Caroline Hayes as she journeys west to teach at a mission boarding school. But she isn’t prepared for the walls of pain and cultural misunderstanding that prevent her from connecting with the children. Yet, as she navigates her new role, she finds herself drawn to Tse, a young Navajo man tending to the mission's livestock.
What I loved:
Kiersti explores the often-silenced stories of Native American children forced into mission schools and stripped of their cultural identities. But amid the grief and pain of the wrongs done, there is a beautiful thread of hope and healing woven through the story.
The characters are so wonderful!
Kiersti brilliantly portrays Caroline’s process of becoming aware of the injustices surrounding her, empowering her to find the courage to stand against them. I love how she humbly learns what it means to love people as Jesus did, while also confronting her own fears.
Tse has become one of my all-time favorite characters. His internal conflict—longing to share the message of Jesus with his people in a way that they understand while struggling with the wounds of missionaries' disapproval—is depicted with such depth.
And the ending—oh my goodness! 🫶🏻
I absolutely loved this book and would give it a hundred glowing stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 9, 2025
I love reading about Native American history, but sometimes it's not easy to know how factual the stories are. This author, however, delved deep into her research and worked hard to render an accurate picture, and I appreciated that.
The story of Caroline, a young teacher who moves to a mission school for Navajo children, and Tse, a young Navajo man who believes in Jesus, and the way they break social and religious norms, is based on a true story. (Always the best kind!)
Their story is told in a lovely, gentle way with gorgeous sensory details and natural bits of history. Getting to experience the racial prejudices and misunderstandings they faced as well as learning of the heartbreaking way even good people tried to use God's name to do hurtful things, was both enlightening and saddening.
One scene brought me to tears, which I won't share because of spoilers.
I loved this haunting, hopeful story.
The story of Caroline, a young teacher who moves to a mission school for Navajo children, and Tse, a young Navajo man who believes in Jesus, and the way they break social and religious norms, is based on a true story. (Always the best kind!)
Their story is told in a lovely, gentle way with gorgeous sensory details and natural bits of history. Getting to experience the racial prejudices and misunderstandings they faced as well as learning of the heartbreaking way even good people tried to use God's name to do hurtful things, was both enlightening and saddening.
One scene brought me to tears, which I won't share because of spoilers.
I loved this haunting, hopeful story.
April 7, 2025
It's so gratifying to read a book so intentional and important as this one, where the author truly has a story to tell. The fascinating historical background brings the story to life.
Themes of change, courage, and empathy make the book really relatable, and I also appreciated how realistic and believable the romance in the novel was. If you're the kind of person that gets slightly annoyed at the romance in most novels because it is so lovey-dovey and inaccurate, this book is proof that it doesn't have to be that way.
I'm really looking forward to more books by this author!
*ARC review. Opinions are entirely my own.
Themes of change, courage, and empathy make the book really relatable, and I also appreciated how realistic and believable the romance in the novel was. If you're the kind of person that gets slightly annoyed at the romance in most novels because it is so lovey-dovey and inaccurate, this book is proof that it doesn't have to be that way.
I'm really looking forward to more books by this author!
*ARC review. Opinions are entirely my own.
May 16, 2025
Five stars, rounded up from 4.5, only because “historical” and “romance” are not words typically descriptive of my favorite reads. This was so much more than those, and all of it beautifully written and then adorned with a captivating title and gorgeous cover art. I was smitten at a glance when I entered the giveaway, and so excited the next morning when I saw my email, that I jumped right in and loved everything about this book. Thank you, Goodreads, Story Architect, and Kirstie Giron - much appreciated!!
October 31, 2025
Captivating book. I couldn't put it down. Having spent some time on the Navajo Nation, I was touched by the poignant descriptions of the struggles at that time, the emotions of Tse and Caroline as they faced the misunderstandings and injustices of that era that still have ramifications today. Beautifully written book.
January 13, 2026
Beneath a Turquoise Sky is very open account of a Navajo mission boarding school in the early 1900s. I enjoyed reading about Caroline and Tse, the adorable Navajo children and the goats! This was so good, so honest and yet at the same time enlightening and hopeful. I hope there is a sequel.
October 13, 2025
Such an emotional read. I devoured this book from start to finish.
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