On the eve of one of mankind's toughest races, accompanied by thirteen of America's rarest dog breed, rookie musher Kyle Walker only has one thought in mind: win. Discovered in the lowlands of South Carolina, the Carolina grays have traveled over five thousand miles to face off in the 2003 Yukon Quest. But one dog stands above the rest—King.
When an unexpected storm strikes, Kyle Walker and the reigning champion are forced to turn back. Stranded at the checkpoint, Kyle and his dogs find solace in a young veterinarian with auburn hair and keen green eyes—Jenna Maynor.
In this storm another race is forming, one of an Inuit man racing to save his family. Presented with the choice to help, but at the risk of his and his dogs’ lives, Kyle Walker ventures into the unknown in search of a mom and two young daughters.
The Yukon Quest was founded on the premise that a dog driver and his team should be a self-sufficient unit capable of challenging varied terrain and severe weather. But these conditions may prove to be too much, even for Kyle and King.
(Note: Even though this is book 1 of the series, it can be interchanged with book 2 and vice versa)
The title of the book made me think it was book with religious overtones. My copy doesn't have the additional tag of 'A Sled Dog Adventure and Romance.' It is not a religious book. It is a book written in the tradition of Call of the Wild. It is definitely a bit melodramatic at times, but I enjoyed it. I have read 39 other books so far dealing with dog sledding and the big races, and it is my favorite category for dog books. While there would be some other books I would recommend reading first, if sled dog books are also your favorites I think you would enjoy the book.
At one point the main character Kyle thinks of his childhood: He thought back to dog sledding as a boy. During the day he scouted Doc’s property in wheeled sleds through thousands of acres of switchgrass, dirt, and live oaks. At night he sat with King by a small fire, even in the summer, and read books like the Call of the Wild, Winterdance, and Stone Fox. He read aloud to King the great adventures of Balto and the race to Nome, and stories of the un adulterated wild by John Muir.
I think the reading part probably from Wesley Banks real childhood. Maybe also sitting around the fire part with a dog, but I wonder how easy it would be to read by campfire, or maybe he also had another light? Regarding the books he mentions, you can see my reviews of them under my shelf for dogsledding.
While some might say the author makes some unusual choices, for example the person Hope in the book was not what I might have expected, I see it as Mr. Banks just created the book by writing down the story that his Muse told him so I take it for what it is.
Here are some quotes I thought were fun:
Kyle had not paired King with another dog, and he stood alone as a single lead. Single leads in a race like the Yukon Quest were rare because it was an instant handicap to start with one less dog. Unless that dog was King.
“Well, I mean the vets know. Because they gotta pay attention to that stuff. Some of the mushers know, because they know dogs. But the other reporters – they don’t know.” Huey went on, “They don’t know about the two-year-old that runs in front of your wheel dogs. The way she moves like water, both smooth like an ocean and swift like a river. Or the three-year-old that runs behind your leader and moves with the effervescent energy of the sun.” Huey looked around the room and then back at Kyle. “They don’t know about King. I’ve seen dogs run, Mr. Walker. And I ain’t ever seen anything like them. It’s subtle, like the touch of a feather on a windy day. But it’s there.”
Out of the forest something moved. Swift as a river. Eyes of endless amber. Fur near midnight black. King bounded toward them with a relentless resolve.
Lastly I want to thank Westley Banks for his website with the '100 best dog books of all time.' While I don't agree with all his choices he made using an algorithm, it got me on my reading kick to try to come up with my own list of my own list of favorite dog books. (Currently I have put 46 in my shelf for 'dogs-favorite-books'.) The website is a fun list when talking with others about how many of the books referenced they have read.
Last year I read ‘Hope in Every Raindrop’ by Wesley Banks. I really loved that book. So when I had the opportunity to sign up for the blog tour of ‘Faith in Every Footstep’ I did so as fast as I could. ‘Faith in Every Footstep’ is the first book about Kyle Walker and his Carolina Grays.
This book was from the very first page a very beautiful story. I loved ‘Hope in Every Raindrop’, but in ‘Faith in Every Footstep’ we get to witness Kyle’s journey as a musher and it was really nice to see the ‘beginning’ of his story which made this read a little more special. The best part of this book is definitely reading about the connection between Kyle and his dogs. Kyle traveled thousands of miles with thirteen of his dogs to train for the Yukon Quest. And although many people don’t think he can do it, he surprises everyone.
Normally I don’t really like reading about things like a dog’s soul or spirit. It’s just too unrealistic for me. But somehow Wesley Banks makes it sound beautiful in his books. And I loved reading about it. Especially Kyle’s oldest dog King was something special. Kyle and King had this beautiful connection what really touched me and which made me want to keep on reading.
The relationship between Kyle and Jenna, the vet, was something I didn’t really understand. It was just a side part of this story. But somehow I didn’t really find it fitting. In the end it also left me with a lot of questions. Thankfully it didn’t bother me too much.
‘Faith in Every Footstep’ was another great story by Wesley Banks. I loved the way he writes about dogs and the connection they have with humans. I can’t wait to read more from Wesley Banks.
As I write this there are tears running down my face. This has got to be one of the most heart wrenching yet inspirational books I have read in a long time. It kind of reminds me of when I used to watch Lassie when I was a little girl--according to my Mom I used to sit there glued to my little chair with tears running silently down my face as well. Yes, I love all animals and that will never change.
What Kyle and his dogs go through and then live through will astound you. There is a bond between Kyle and all his dogs--The bond between Kyle and King---you really have to read this book I can't say enough good things about it--just get it ad read it! Yes, I will be getting the second in this series and any others to come Faith In Every Footstep
This book is fantastic!! From the very first chapter I couldn't wait to see where the adventure would lead. Just like his other books Wesley impressed me with the level of detail in the story. I always picture the story in my head as I read and the detail provided made it so easy for me to create a vision. I loved learning more about Kyle and his relationship with the dogs. As a dog lover myself, the bond between Kyle and his dogs makes him such a likeable character. You can't go wrong with Faith in Every Footstep. There is suspense, humor, and a little bit of romance. It's exciting and heart wrenching. You won't regret picking up a copy of this book!
Faith in Every Footstep is a contemporary fiction novel, with a touch of romance, about a sled-dog race.
Kyle Walker is a newbie to sled-dog racing, but he is certain he can win because of his special breed of sled dogs and his uniquely close relationship to his dogs.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about sled-dog racing, although I’ve watched several movies about it. It’s a fascinating hobby/career, don’t you think? I really enjoyed reading about it, and because of my one opportunity to ride on such a sled, I could picture the cold and the speed and excitement of the race in this novel.
The race was pretty intense. Kyle was looked down upon because he was new, but he was determined to prove his dogs’ worth and his own competency. The race had its share of danger, and the climax was intense. The ending had a cliffhanger, though. I mean, the plot summed up well for the most part, but it ended on a down note ripe for a sequel.
Also, don’t let the title fool you, it isn’t a Christian book. But it IS clean and enjoyable.
I hope you enjoy it as I have.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not obligated to provide a positive review.
This book follows Kyle Walker, a 19-year-old from South Carolina, all the way to Alaska, where he plans to participate as a (very young) racer in the Quest. You will enjoy the close relationship he has with his dogs, who are Carolina Grays (a breed I'd never heard of before, and after looking around at the author's website, I learned they're actually fictional).
I enjoyed following Kyle and his dogs on the race. Near the end, as you might expect, they confront catastrophe after catastrophe. Will Kyle survive? What about his dogs? What about (spoiler alert) the family they are trying to save? Can they finish the race at all?
The book has a fast pace, and I read it quickly because I kind of felt like I was on the race myself. I wanted to know what would happen next! There were a few editing issue, such as "... in that moment Jenna realized it wasn't peace or fear that that glazed across his eyes. It was fear." I read that bit several times and feel sure it's not what the author meant to write.
There's also one bit of profanity. I hated to see that, because I'd hoped to let a young relative who loves dogs and sledding read this.
But despite these few things, this is a compelling read. If you'd like to go to Alaska and experience a dogsled race, I think you will enjoy "Faith in Every Footstep."
This was a very action packed book and I absolutely loved it. The writing style was amazing and the story line was so intriguing. I was addicted to this book and couldn't put it down. The only downfall for me is it is a series book so it ends in a sort of cliffhanger and made me frustrated because I wanted to read more to find out what happens. So the second book is in my list for when I have the money to buy.
Kyle and His beautiful Carolina greys are so connected and beautiful together. Wolves have always been a intriguing spirit to me to learn about and I love the whole story behind them and their folktale that makes the story so much more magic. The bond between Kyle and his lead dog King is beautiful. I love the connection because it reminds me of my connection with my animals and the love I have for them. You can feel Kyle's love and devotion for his dogs and I love that.
The interest Kyle has for Jenna also made me want more. What is going to happen between them? I want to know. I am going to have to get the next book to find out what happened and see if things turn out the way I hope. This book has Tina of suspense and action and drama and kept me on my edge of the s at the whole time.
So if you're looking for a book that is good and addictive then check out Faith in every Footstep. You will be glad you did and it will be a great addition to your collection of amazing books but beware you will be hooked and will have to buy the next book to see what happens. Check it out today!
This book hooked me immediately and I just had to keep reading. By the time the first scene was over, I was already in love with Kyle as a character. Kyle felt like a real person, fully fleshed out, someone I got to know very quickly and to care for and cheer on as the story progressed.
The setting also became another well-drawn character for me. I could feel the biting cold air, the wind whipping at my clothes and face, and feel the anger of the storm raging. The sensory details were amazing and made me feel as if I were on the sled “knifing throught the subfreezing night.”
And the dogs--as a dog person, I loved the bond between Kyle and his dogs and the mutual respect they shared. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “It was in these moments of great sacrifice that man strove to be like the dog, not the other way around.” I have read stories about dog sled races before, but none took me so deeply into the hours of care needed for the team. All of the details fit perfectly into the story and didn’t seemed forced facts. This author made me believe I was there.
This book was one I didn’t want to put down and couldn’t wait to jump back into the action and continue on Kyle’s journey. This book is so much more than just action--Kyle struggles with his own fears of failure and there’s a hint of romance buidling from a definite friendship connection. The last line of the book is my favorite and ends this part of the story perfectly. Now I must read the next book in the series Hope in Every Raindrop.
In “Faith in Every Footstep” we meet 19 year old Kyle Walker a rookie musher, who along with his team of 13 Carolina Grays have set off to take part in the Yukon Quest. He has spent the last six months in the Yukon, Alaska preparing for the race having left behind sunny South Carolina, as he embarks on the qualifying races to earn his place on the Yukon Quest. No one has ever heard of his breed before and he is determined to prove that he and his dogs have what it takes to win this race.
Faith in every footstep was a fantastic read, I like the style of writing that Banks used and the pace that it went at, as we follow Kyle along the trail as he combats the harsh weather that Alaska has to offer and cheering him and his dogs on. But when a ferocious storm hits at Central checkpoint things get a little hairy-scary and there were tons of heart in my throat moments - which I am not going to spoil for you, suffice to say it had me devouring the rest of the book like no tomorrow.
I loved the connection that Kyle has with his dogs, especially King his lead dog - they have seen special kind of connection that is slightly different than what Kyle has with his other dogs, and I loved the way that Banks wrote about it.
I can't wait to check out more in this series , as for all it ended on a slight cliffhanger, I really want to read more about Kyle and his dogs.
Really enjoyed this one. Though it actually comes before Hope in Every Raindrop (I read them out of order because I went by the publishing date on the inside cover. That made for some confusion when I cracked open this one!), the writing has improved greatly and the author has definitely matured in his abilities. This story felt so much more "together". It flowed. I enjoyed reading it. I appreciate the plot twists/turns. However, I also feel like there were a lot of gaps, in the end. I would have liked to have seen a final wrap-up article written by Huey- as an afterword, perhaps? And more explanation as to what happened between Alaska and Bishopsville. What final conversation (if any) was there between Kyle and Jenna? It definitely made for (explained?) the choppy awkwardness of the sequel. The sequel maybe should address more of how/why Kyle is the way he is in that book, instead of expecting that the readers will have read the first book and figured it all out. As I said, I read them out of order on accident, and that really potentially messed up my whole opinion of the series. Reading this one helped redeem that. I'm looking forward to the third.
I also would have liked more detail regarding "the Summerlands", instead of just the prologue introducing the Inuit family. Inserting them so much later in the book without providing more background was a little frustrating.
This was the first book that I have read by Wesley Banks and I was not disappointed. The story was such a refreshing and enjoyable read. It is well written and keeps you engaged from the beginning to the end. There is such passion in his writing that you are lead through a grand adventure. When you think you have it all figured out there is a twist that will keep you at the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens.
I enjoyed seeing the passion and connection that Kyle has with his dogs. They are not just pets but they are a part of his family and he treats them as so. My heart just cringed when one of the dogs got hurt or was in a dangerous situation. There was so much anticipation to find out what happens next.
The author writes so vividly that you can picture the scenes and feel that you are right there with the characters. This book is more than just action and suspense as Kyle fights with his own fears of failure mixed in with a slight hint of romance that appears to be forming from a new friendship. A very talented storyteller!
I can’t wait to read the next book by Wesley Banks – I have already downloaded two additional books to start reading. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a good clean story with a touch of romance that will pull at your emotions and leave you wanting to read more.
Initially, I expected this to be a book that centered around the race but I was pleasantly surprised to discover so much more within the pages. I am not a fan of cold weather - much less frigid weather! The cold and dismal conditions would be more than enough to cause emotional distress but when Kyle's and his dogs' lives are hanging in the balance, it creates such a deep despair. It didn't take long for me to find myself immersed in Kyle's relationship with himself, his dogs, and the budding friendship (with a hint of romance) with Jenna. The descriptive backdrop and intense situations made me feel like I was hovering over ever scene, witnessing it with my own eyes. I enjoyed the consistent pace and detail from start to finish. Thankfully the temps here were only in the low 40's but the rainy mixture made it a good day to sit and read every last word - it's definitely a book that any lover of the written word will enjoy. You won't be able to put it down!
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Super easy read. Loved the story line. The reason I gave this book three stars was because I found myself constantly wanting more detail or for the story to go into more depth. Also, the ending was SO FAST, I didn't want to be finished yet! I'm super excited to read the second book because I've heard so much about it but the first book left me wanting more out of it than I got.
I read White Fangs, Call of the Wild, and Grey Wolf and this book has all excitement and suspense as those books but it was a romance too. I was entranced and was a major blow when I was finished reading it. I craved more. Looking forward to the next book
Just found about Wesley banks and decided to check out his book and I was really amazed of how good of a Story teller he is. This is a great book love the story about the sled dogs and the people and the story itself a great read for someone looking for a great book to read or listen to
We are proud to announce that FAITH IN EVERY FOOTSTEP by Wesley Banks is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
This story held my interest much more than I anticipated. I loved the descriptions about the care and handling of the dogs and the race itself. The only issue I had was that the relationships and the storyline surrounding the humans seemed to be lacking and the ending felt a bit rushed. other than that, decent read.
I love dogs and I have always been interested in how the Iditarod worked. The writing is superb, the pace is lively, the storyline compelling. Could not put the book down. Kudos on a beautifully written, informative first book. It is an adventure not to be missed.
Faith in Every Footstep by Wesley Banks Kyle Walker is a rookie musher who has come to Alaska to win -ok- participate in (but he has great confidence!) the Yukon Quest. He and his team of sled dogs come from South Carolina. His Carolina Greys are a breed that is relatively unheard of in dog sled racing. He is a newcomer to mushing as well. Kyle has an intense, almost instinctual relationship with each of his 13 dogs, but even more so with King, his lead dog. At times throughout the story, it is as if they could read each other’s minds. While his relationship skills with his dogs is top notch, his people skills need a little work. Most of the people he meets along the trail find him awkward, almost bordering on rude. Jenna, one of the official vets for the race, sees something more. She takes the time to get to know him and his dogs a little better and he starts opening up to her about his himself and his rare breed of sled dogs. She senses that Kyle is a diamond in the rough. Kyle has his own style of training his team, quite different from the other mushers in the race. His technique serves him well as he passes through the various checkpoints, each time gaining a more advanced position. The author has a style of writing that draws you into the scenes he is describing. It feels as if you are there on the trail with Kyle, seeing and experiencing things through his eyes. He describes some intense scenes where I could start to feel my adrenaline rise and other heart in your throat scenes where I felt all choked up. I could feel the love he has for his team, like his dogs were his family. Faith in Every Footstep is the first in a series, and the cliffhanger style ending has me looking forward to reading the next book. I gives this book 2 thumbs up and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I read and thoroughly enjoyed Wesley Banks' first book, Hope in Every Raindrop, last year. So when I heard about his upcoming second book, Faith In Every Footstep and was offered an ARC, despite having so many pending reviews, I jumped at the chance to read it!
I have to confess, I have been eagerly waiting for Wesley Banks' new book and am so happy to tell you that this one is again a stellar story. Mr. Banks' books showcase his love for dogs and bring to the readers a new perspective to our canine friends. His every dog character is unique and so lively that they jump right out of the pages and make you feel like you are witnessing them firsthand.
I had loved King in Hope in Every Raindrop and was overjoyed to meet him again. This book precedes the story of Hope in Every Raindrop but both the books can be read as standalone stories. The connection between the hero, Kyle and his dogs is so beautifully developed in this book that it left me awed and pleased. I loved the vivid scenes and the effortless storytelling that had me travelling with Kyle and his dogs as he braved hurdles and faced challenges but kept going, determined to achieve his goal.
This book has everything- soulful emotional play, thrilling adventure, a little romance, gripping storyline and an exemplary portrayal of the heartfelt connection between man and dog.
The plot execution is fluid and had me engaged throughout with some pretty unexpected twists and turns that forced me to finish this book in one sitting.
The only points that left me feeling a bit frustrated were the unexplained angle between Kyle and Jen; the somewhat cliffhanger ending and some events which will frustrate a reader who hasn't read Hope in Every Raindrop and so is unaware of Kyle's life a few years later.
All in all, Faith In Every Footstep by Wesley Banks is a through and through entertainer and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. 4.5 stars out of 5 to it from me and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
If I could give this book 6 stars I would! I absolutely adored this book and hated when it was over. I originally thought this book would have religious tendencies (because of the name), so I was leery. However, I was instantly immersed in Kyle's drive to win the Yukon Quest and introduce the world to Caronia Grays.
Mr. Banks' writing is beautiful! I felt both the beauty and the danger of Alaska, and was pulled into the story quickly and without hesitation.
Kyle's love and understanding of his dogs is amazing, and their love for him is astounding. Kyle can breathe when they breathe and calm them with a hand signal. And they will literally do anything for him.
I plan to start Hope in Every Raindrop next. I can't wait to read more of Mr. Banks' writing!
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Wow. What a book!!!! This was an amazing read. I couldn’t believe how muched I enjoyed this story. This story was a fast turn pager. I fell in love with everything about this book. I will probably end up reading it again soon. This is also my first book by this author and I definitely plan on looking for more of his books.
The way Kyle had a connection to his dogs was so special I loved it. Was really wonderful. The characters were all well written and there was action in this story as well. You will go on a heartwarming journey with this story.
I wasn’t expecting how the story ended but the author did an amazing job with this story. I would highly recommend this story a great Read for sure.
A very engrossing and riveting story full of nail bitting moments and even some tears. Loved every minute of this up and down roller coaster ride. Will definitely be reading over and over.
This is the first book I have read by this author and if his other books include dogs – count me in. I’m ready to read this book again – it was that great!
The writing style of this author is definitely different. The vocabulary was much different than what I am used too. (Bigger words that I am not familiar with and a writing style that I personally felt did not flow easily in my mind, but did not detract from the book at all. It was just different and slowed me down a little bit in some areas.)
I was definitely drawn in immediately and found myself grinning ear to ear while reading.
There was this touch of romance throughout that gave the book an extra bit of love, but the journey and connection between Kyle and his dogs – my heart swells.
I have never read any dog sled books, but love my dog sled movies so it was such a neat experience for me to read this book.
I loved everything about it and have always dreamed of having a dog/human connection like Kyle had with his dogs! (That is seriously a dream come true!)
If you enjoy fiction; dog sledding; dogs; human connections with dogs – you will love Faith in Every Footstep. Even if you hate all of those things, you still will enjoy it in my opinion. Great book. Great story. I can’t wait to read more!
If you've read Hope in Every Raindrop, you've met Kyle Walker, but Faith in Every Footstep is the book that gives the reader a window into the who and why of the Kyle Walker in that book. Hope in Every Raindrop is Wesley Banks debut book, but the second in the "Faith, Hope and love" series. Personally, I recommend reading this series in the published order rather than the series order. It's personal preference, but having the foreknowledge of Kyle's life a few years later helped me to accept some of the events in "book 1" that could have potentially frustrated me. As read in this order, I enjoyed Faith in Every Footstep immensely.
Faith in Every Footstep is a short and quick read, but with enormous depth. As with Banks' first book, the connection between Kyle and his dogs go well beyond "man's best friend," but rather a connection between "soul-mates." In addition to Banks' ability to personify the canines of his books, he writes with a beautiful prose that is starkly efficient. Every word he writes is essential to the story being told, as well as procuring the reader's empathy. While I read this story I also raced right alongside Kyle with frozen fingers, wind-beaten skin and the loneliness of isolation. This story has action, suspense, a little humor, and hints of a romance, but most of all, it's the story of a young man, his dogs and a quest that goes beyond the Yukon.
I received an ARC of this book. My review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
A powerful and inspiring tale of endurance, love, and finding oneself, Faith in Every Footstep will have you hanging on every word. Kyle's sled team are so much more than just dogs, even with a connection between a musher and his team, there is something deeper there. A connection that is almost primal. Kyle and King seem to almost share a soul. But will that be enough to get them through the hardest trial they've ever faced? Definitely a must read!
Faith in Every Footstep amazed me. I could not believe the descriptive powers of Wesley Banks.
I have always been a huge follower of the Iditarod. To find a well-written book about another dog sled race was a fantastic find. I hung on every word of the book.
Banks left me wanting more from Kyle and from Jenna and from the dogs. I know there is more out there. I need to get more.
Every trial and every triumph in the book was written with detail and precision. I felt like I was on the race course with Kyle at times. I know that I do not have the stamina to do what Kyle did but I would love to believe I have the faith to do it.
You definitely need to read this one!
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Did you ever read a book that you did not want to end? Even if all is not sunshine and flowers, you got so involved in the story that you wanted to stay there and know what happens next, you want to truly be there. You will hear a lot of comparisons with this book and movies like 8 Below and Snow Dogs. There is this incredible connection between Kyle and these amazing dogs.
There is also a sort of incredible, magical connection between Kyle and young veterinarian Jenna Maynor. It begins in an instant. Could it be lost as quickly? You'll have to read to find out what happens.
There are difficult scenes for an emotional reader but I know this is a book you will be happy to have experienced. Vividly told, the storyline flows and the action carries you away. The ending does leave me anxious for the story to continue.
I was given a free copy of FAITH IN EVERY FOOTSTEP in exchange for my honest review.
When I write a review, I don't give a brief description of the book because that's the role of the cover. Instead, I try to describe how the book affected me.
I LOVED this book! I loved it so much that I read it twice last night and haven't had any sleep etc. In fact, I loved this book so much, I plan on getting a little sleep and then I intend to read it a third time before I read another book. There's an outstanding love story between a man and his dog that deeply affected my heart. The well-written action scene even took my breath away during my second reading - and I already knew what was going to happen!
It is my recommendation that you treat yourself and aside plenty of time to read this book so that you can thoroughly enjoy this book and still get a good night's sleep. I'm confident that you will enjoy this book as much as I do.