If We Make It Home: A Novel of Faith and Survival in the Oregon Wilderness

by Christina Suzann Nelson

In College, they were as close as sisters, but in adult life, they drifted so far they became strangers. When the University of Northwest Oregon decides to close the house they called home for four years, Jenna, Ireland, and Vicky travel back and are reunited only to find their other roommate has passed away.

With regrets high, and the weight of their crumbling lives as motivation, the women embark on a survival week. When tragedy strikes, leaving them lost without a guide, they must face the wounds that tore them apart and work together if they have any hope of making it home.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Suspense, Adult, Friendship

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2017

About the author

Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of If We Make It Home, Swimming in the Deep End, and More Than We Remember. The Way It Should Be releases February 2, 2021.She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passion for faith, family, fiction, and foster care. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.

Reviews

[Patricia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy sitting on the edge of your seat, hyperventilating, then this is the story for you. Nelson has done something incredible. She has placed three women together, given each of them a first person voice, and from the get-go made them sound like individuals. Readers will never have any trouble distinguishing between Ireland, Jenna, or Vicky, they are each unique in their own way. This is an amazing tale of survival. The author never cuts the women any slack--they go from one peril to another and during each event the reader is convinced this will be it. They can't possibly survive. Will they all make it home? That part you'll have to read yourself. I highly recommend this novel. I picked it up at a conference ahead of the release date and am so glad I got to read it early. Total enjoyment.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how to classify this novel. It's part Women's Fiction and part suspense.

25 years after college graduation, three friends return to their alma mater in Oregon for a reunion. Their fourth friend, Hope, didn't leave the area. None of them have kept in touch over the years and each of the three traveling friends is facing adversity. To escape or move themselves forward, they sign up for a multi-day hiking trip in the Oregon Wilderness.

It was rewarding to see how each reacted to adversity and how they changed as a result of their adventure.

[Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If We Make It Home is a thrill ride, wrapped in a deeply moving and grace-filled look at life, love, and everything that makes us want to be alive.
See full review here:
Life Fully Booked Review

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book received some excellent promotion and reviews, and I find I have a mixed reaction to it. On the plus side, this is not a typical Christian story. Three former college roommates return to their alma mater only to find their fourth roommate had died and none of them even knew it. That is how far they had grown apart. Each has something troubling them in their personal life: perfectionism and a troubled marriage, lack of purpose/empty nest, and a hidden past with abandonment issues. All legitimate issues that can mess a person up. Glad the author chose some real issues that women grapple with.

From there they decide, on the spot, to take some time to go on a wilderness trip that quickly goes terribly awry. This was an unlikely scenario as none were prepared and they did not know their guide, etc. It was not even a faith endeavor, but more of a running away from their home lives. Bad thing after bad thing keeps happening (too many?) and they meet a mountain man who cannot speak or communicate (really? at all?) followed by cattle rustlers (interesting...hmm).

Ultimately the messages are good. Facing the problems in a marriage, dealing with the past, acknowledging feelings, and putting some action-steps into one's Christianity all help them start new chapters in their lives. Wrapped up neatly, but fortunately not too sweetly.

[Patricia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book that kept me up way past my bedtime. Have you ever looked back on your life and there was a time and place that held all your hopes and dreams? And twenty-five years later your life is not what you thought it would be? If We Make it Home explores that theme through the lives of four women who were college friends. 

They graduated from the University of Northwest Oregon, vowing to stay in touch, and we all know how that goes. They return for their twenty-fifth reunion, each carrying baggage and unfulfilled dreams. Three of the women embark on a wilderness journey, seeking to prove something to themselves. None of them expected the outcome.

If We Make It Home is full of wit and humor and real life. It was a book I could not put down. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Nelson, but it won't be the last. 

[Deborah Raney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventure these three friends found themselves on had me wide-eyed and holding my breath many times. But it was their inner journeys that were even more breathtaking. High stakes for each of the characters, yes, but a payoff that is so worthwhile. I really enjoyed this!

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding a new novel from a debut author that is simply so great I feel the need to tell everyone. If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson is one such novel. It is a novel that conveys friendship, loyalty, faith and hope as its central themes. The novel is about sorority sisters from Emery House, that find themselves strangely all returning back to their house based on an invitation that the house is about to be closed. Each of them has a very different reason for attending. For Ireland, a tree-hugger, vegan, activist, she has been offered a speaking position at the local college and is strongly advised to do so by her present Professor who is trying to deal with a potential lawsuit involving Ireland and a former student.

For Jenna, a middle age,empty nester who can't seem to find the meaning and purpose to life now that her three kids have left home. She is overweight, but happily married and struggles with self esteem issues even though her husband Mark supports her in everything she wants to do. She feels like her only purpose as a mom raising her kids is over and doesn't know what to do. For Victoria, a successful wife and mother who heads up one of the leading ministries devoted to marriage and family, suddenly learns that her husband is having an affair with her assistant and leaves town without a note, hoping they might get worried enough to find her. She knows once word gets out about her marriage, her career is over.

The one thing that didn't plan on, was the unexpected and unannounced news that their sorority sister Hope, has passed away from breast cancer. They learn from Hope's daughter that she always wanted to take a survival trip into the Oregon Cascades with trail guide Glenda who operates this trips, but was too ill to ever go. The three sisters, who have not spoken in 25 years, decide to take a trip in honor of Hope. However, these three are the worst prepared to undertake this journey. Jenna is completely out of shape and her only real fitness challenge has been walking around her home as of late, Ireland is a vegan who is probably the only one who might make the trek considering they have to live off the land, and Victoria, a beauty queen who can't live without looking perfect has bought just about everything they would need but hasn't figured out how she plans to carry it all. The group is in store for more than anyone could ever bargain for and I will leave this review at that, because this is where the novel gets going and never lets up until the very last page.

I received If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson compliments of Kregel Publications. This is such a great novel because as a reader, I found myself a part of this group having to endure everything that happens to them. I could smell the pine trees and struggle with the rocky terrain they have to hike in. I found myself relating quite a bit to Jenna's character because I am facing that empty nest soon as my youngest will be leaving home very soon. I could understand the struggle of wanting to give up and dealing with friends you thought you knew in college but lost touch with afterwards and now find themselves struggling to truly be themselves as they once were. I will be adding Christina Suzann Nelson to my watch list, because if this is her debut novel, I can't wait to see what comes next. 5 out of 5 solid stars for this novel!!!

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new author for me, and one I am completely happy to have found! When sitting down to read this intriguing sounding book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect,especially with this being a debut author. But, what I found when opening the pages was a book that completely swept me away, held me captive through out and completely stole all my emotions, from happiness to tears and back again. 

The story really blew me away and left me reflecting on my life, and my journeys. The women within the pages of this book are chiseled in heart stealing way, and they all quickly became my friends for life. The author created them and made them real to life, as their reunion story plays out among the pages. They each had issues in their life, and spent time having to find themselves, the real them, just as we have to in real life sometimes. Their struggles and trials really hit home with me on more than one occasion. 

If you are looking for a light hearted, fast paced read full of laughter and fun, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that is completely and utterly gripping, that will make you feel like you are watching a movie on the big screen, that will leave you thinking about all that you have at hand, and what God can do for you if you just let Him, then this is the book just for you. A definite 4 star worthy book from a new author that I can't wait to see what's in story for her with more work. If they are like this incredibly stunning debut, then I know I will be a fan for life! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If We Make It Home is quite a stark title for a novel that really grabs you and will not let you go. Not only from the harrowing adventure these friends find themselves in the midst of, but also all of the crazy, heavy emotions that comes with each of their stories.

Four college friends all embark on their life’s adventure and 25 years later come back for an impromptu reunion when they find out their college sorority house is set to close its doors for good. What three don’t know is that Hope, one of the four (the glue that held them together) has passed away. Not only reeling from that shocking news, each of the others is going through life crises’ of their own.

The narrative is told by each of the surviving friends: Ireland, Victoria, and Jenna. All are heartbreaking and life changing in significant ways and I found myself even relating to a few of their issues. None of them have felt their lives have turned out the way they had hoped and dreamed, and so each of them have different reasons, points to prove, as one by one they all set out on a survival hike/journey for about a week in the Oregon wilderness.

Wow. This was really pretty amazing storytelling, and even though I had to put the book down a few times to collect myself and/or to get over a shocking revelation- I could not keep it put down for long. This would be great on the big screen.

I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all the views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel about relationship transformation and character development. Three women are thrown into an environment where facades are ripped away, hurtful events from the past are clarified, and prickly personalities are molded into a new level of friendship.

The first part of this novel got off to a slow start for me. It finally grabbed my interest about 70 pages in when the women head off to their wilderness journey. The following adventure was good and kept my interest. Prior to that, it just seemed like cranky women were getting together for a reunion. Perhaps a prologue, a vignette of the women in the future in wilderness survival mode, would have captured my interest at the beginning of the book.

A difficult aspect for me was the frequent change in point of view. The character through which the following events would be seen was named at the beginning of the section. But after a few paragraphs I found myself flipping back to find out again whose mind I was in. I found that frequent change in point of view confusing.

That aside, I enjoyed the character revelation and transformation the wilderness journey inspired. The three women had to learn to work together, to understand each other, and help each other survive. It was interesting to see how the past had influenced each one's views of the others. Some hurts and misunderstandings had to be overcome. That may never have happened except the women were in a life and death situation.

I do recommend this book to those who would enjoy a novel about relationship transformation in women fighting for survival. There could be some good discussions about what is really important in life. Discussion questions are included to help with that conversation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina Suzann Nelson's debut novel, "If We Make it Home" immediately reminded me of a well-known book titled "Wild". But a few chapters in, I completely forgot the other novel and was captivated by Nelson's incredible tale.

Three women, one guide, and the vast wilderness. Nelson pulls no punches--her characters endure challenges and hardships that made me cringe. A stunning twist sends the story careening off in an unexpected direction and truly takes your breath away. Imagining myself in a similar situation...

...made me certain I'll NEVER find myself in a similar situation! But when life has you convinced that 'this is just the way it is and always will be', time with nothing but you and God can change everything.

Just ask Jenna, Vicky, and Ireland.

An author to watch, most definitely.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ireland, Victoria, and Jenna are three former friends who find themselves stuck together in the wilds of Oregon, facing not just exposure to the unforgiving elements, but the exposure of their carefully buried inner wounds and secrets. Beautifully written with depth, grace, grit, and well-placed moments of humor, this story is about women dropping masks and discovering who they really are, or who they want to be if they can survive long enough.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The quality of the writing impressed me and actually gave me several excellent examples to use when I teach fiction writing. The honesty and sincerity of Nelson’s characters and her writing style drew me in from the first page and kept me reading past my bedtime. She knows how to tell a story, and I look forward to her future novels.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the author’s debut read, and how powerful it is; just don’t let your guard down.
Three women reluctantly go to their college dorm that is closing, twenty-five years after they left, and each agrees they should have been there for one another. Secrets are revealed, and lives will never be the same, as they go on a little hiking adventure, never expecting all that is going to happen.
I was page turning, things happened so quickly, and you will never expect what is about to happen, and just when you think things will get better, nope! I loved how this tale was woven and you walked in each of these women’s shoes, each on their own journey, apart and yet together.
A powerful read that you don’t want to miss, I loved it!
I received this book through Kregel Blogger Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite unique in the Christian fiction world. I liked that it was unpredictable AND it addressed some tougher issues women face, such as maintaining a the facade of having it altogether, or clinging too tightly to your children. The story really picked up speed in the final chapters, when I was on the edge of my seat to see how things would play out. Some things were wrapped up a little too tidily for my liking in relation to the enormity of the family issues each of the women faced, but I also liked how things weren't continually "sermoned up" throughout the story, so the characters were able to play out their distress/doubts/hangups. A fun read. *Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy, which I read/reviewed entirely of my own volition.*

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three women who once were close friends in college have lost touch with each other. Each one has a different reason to get away for awhile and try to regroup. When they find themselves at their old alma mata at the same time, is it fate or God’s plan? It was painful for them to find out that their friend Hope had passed away. That was a turning point for each of them. The author shows how each other’s lives went in different directions and caused them to lose touch. At one time these four women were like sisters. With only three of them left they make a crazy decision to take a trip into the mountains with a guide.

Glenda was a tough lady who knew she would have her hands full taking the three women hiking into the mountains. I could see her laughing as they had no clue what they were in for. For Vicky, Jenna and Ireland, their lives will never be the same. When a tragic accident occurs the three women must find strength and determination to survive.

Vicky is a very well known Christian speaker who reaches many people across the world with her faith and encouraging words. What if her followers really knew the truth about her life? Behind that fake smile is a very unhappy and insecure woman. I think we can relate to her as she have all tried to be someone who just wanted to be accepted . Is she doing what God has called her to do or has she lost sight of His plan for her?

Jenna is to me a typical loving wife and mother. She is having a hard time being an empty nester. Her husband doesn’t understand and she feels like she can’t go on. So many of us fall into the trap that we are defined by our family. We forget about ourselves and make sure our children and husband are happy. Along the way, Jenna forgot to live her life and make sure she was happy.

Ireland was my favorite character. After a damaging accusation, Ireland leaves the university she teaches at to get away from the gossip. She feels she needs to reevaluate her life. I could totally relate to her feeling alone in the world. She had a tough childhood and ended up in foster care. The sad thing to me was she was never adopted and that made her feel unwanted.

The story is about these three women who must find a way to survive in the wilderness and get along with each other. The rough terrain they climbed was treacherous and I could feel the pain when they bumped their head, or felll down an embankment . I loved the honesty they shared with each other and the how their lives were not as happy as they have each other to believe. I loved the bickering between them because it showed how much past history they needed to air out between themselves. It is a very emotional and spiritual journey of survival, trust, finding yourself and never giving up. Will they find a way out of the wilderness? Each woman is strong and I loved hearing about their story. The book gives us a glimpse into the lives of three different women who all struggle with self esteem issues. I loved how the author showed each woman in their most vulnerable moments. This is one book that makes you think and will have you take a look at your own life? Are you lost in the wilderness?

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications. The review is my own opinion.

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have enjoyed each of Christina Suzann Nelson's books that I have read, this is my favorite and ranks high on my "best fiction book of the year" list. Three women from different walks of life reunite after twenty-five years at the hall where they roomed together in college.

Jenna is paralyzed emotionally after her triplets step out into life. She has gained twenty-five pounds and can barely force herself out of bed unless she's hungry, which is much of the time.

Victoria, known as Vicky in college, has a nationwide women's ministry, but her family is falling apart. She sees an e-mail between her husband and her assistant which implies an affair.

Ireland is an agnostic environmentalist professor who is suspended because of a young man's false accusation.

The three find out that their fourth roommate Hope has died of cancer. Hope had been the one who held the friends together when the going got rough. Her daughter tells them that Hope had always wanted to go on a survival week adventure with her friend Glenda but was struck down too soon by her cancer. As a tribute to Hope, the three agree to take the survival hike which changes their lives after Glenda is killed in a bizarre accident. Lost in the wilderness of the Cascades with neither guide nor map, the women must face themselves and each other.

I loved this story. The characterization is superb, the plotting good. With all of the terror and danger they face, they also face moments of hilarity in which I laughed out loud. Nelson could have made the lessons about Hope/hope mawkish, but she placed those lessons in Ireland's mouth and then passed over them. It was well done.

As the women try to remove the splinters from one another's eyes, they discover the motes in their own. Just as you think nothing else could go wrong, Nelson steps up the tension with the next thing. Through it all, you see God's hand at work quietly, in subtle ways, through each other.

I think this book would appeal most to middle-age and older women. It deals with what's next in life, when the nest is empty, when you lose your job, when you lose your ministry, when you no longer know who you are. Great questions and great answers in the hands of a skilled writer.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

`If We Make It Home` is a Christian fiction novel by Christina Suzann Nelson. This is Christina's first novel although she has written essays for the Cup of Comfort series. In this novel, she introduces three women who haven't seen each other since college, twenty-five years ago.

Ireland Jayne is writing an article about changes in the environmental movement while she sits on an exercise ball to strengthen her core. She cut her dreadlocks off years ago, opting for a headful of short curls.

Jenna Savage loves cinnamon rolls and reruns of the Andy Griffith show. She has three children in college and misses all three. She likes to check on her Facebook friends.

Victoria Cambridge has a ministry of teaching women how to keep a beautiful home, have successful children, and a happy husband until she happens upon a note written by her husband that sounds like he is having an affair. But she is determined to keep her marriage together.

These three women see each other at their alma mater and from there set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They set out to prove to themselves, and others, that they are worthy.

These three women went mountain climbing with a leader. The leader wound up dying leaving the three women to depend on each other for survival. I liked how they were able to work as a team, even if that meant killing, butchering and eating cougar. Spending days without water they resorted to capturing dew, just enough for each to have a sip.

This exhilarating novel had me wanting to read more, yet I didn't want the book to end. I felt I had made friends with them. The one that reminded me most of me was Jenna. I love watching the oldies but goodies, and I could eat a panful of cinnamon rolls by myself.

I am satisfied with the ending of this novel and look forward to reading more books by this author. I recommend this book to fans of contemporary fiction.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational, yet terrifying at times! No sleeping till this one is finished!

Three women who were college roommates venture back to their college home when they learn that the house is closing. Ireland has made a life as a college professor and has always had an eco-conscious lifestyle. But a threat of a lawsuit from a student claiming he was denied grad school because he refused Ireland’s advances may ruin her career. Jenna made a lifestyle as a stay at home mom after she and her husband had triplets. But now that they have left the nest, Jenna has lost her identity and fears she may no longer be loved. Victoria runs a huge ministry in Dallas, Texas but has just learned that her husband and her assistant may be romantically involved. While at the reunion, they learn their fourth roommate passed away a few months before, who was the gel of their group. At her daughter’s store, the meet a woman who takes other women up the in mountains for survival training and on a whim decide to do it in honor of their friend. But will they make it home?

This was very a very inspirational book yet had the makings of a thriller at times. These three women are all introduced with the problems that each face. Each personality begins to show through as each character is further developed. And the way that the accomplish their fears is courageous. But the wilderness exercise was the thrilling part of the story. Nelson didn’t let up on the characters for a second. After they overcame one impossible obstacle, another was thrown directly at them without even time for a breather. It’s amazing that they made it through as much as they did. If you feel that it is a little slow starting out, just wait until you get about halfway through the book. There is no turning back!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS
This is the author's debut novel and she has definitely hit it home. Haven't we all had friends that somehow we have drifted apart from, for various reasons? Sometimes it happens over night and sometimes, it happens slowly and we don't even realize it. You promise each other you will keep in touch. But as we all know, life doesn't always work out as we plan. This is a captivating and interesting story of three friends who lost contact and are re-connected for a journey above all journeys. Not just a physical journey, but the soul, mind and heart journey. Even if the friends don't realize it, this may be the most important journey of their lives. Twenty five years have pass. They meet once again at their old stomping grounds on the campus of the University of Northwest, Oregon. One thing is missing though. Their fourth friend, Hope, has died. So they decide to try and put their long lost friendships back together. Can their friendships be renewed?

The three woman, Jenna, Vicky and Ireland along with an experienced guide go off into the back woods of Oregon on a hiking adventure. They soon will find that some of the things important to them are now trivial and don't matter, especially since survival is the number one thing now. They soon discover that they will need to depend on each other as never before, just to get out of this wilderness alive. But there is more danger than just the wilderness. Sometimes the dark crevices of our minds that hold those secrets we all have can be more damaging than any wilderness. The three woman will find that their real survival is within themselves.

What a captivating story! Your heart skips a beat when you turn the pages. You stop and think about those friends you once had and now, you haven't seen or spoken to in years. It also makes you think of your own inner struggles. Those deep, dark secrets that we all have. Friendships, real friendships are precious. They are few and far between. Don't let them slip away!

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Blog Tours and the author and voluntarily decided to review it.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts I really enjoyed but other parts not so much.

My favourite part was the emotional and personal journey these ladies go on. I think at some point in life everyone ends up at a crossroads where you can’t cross if you don’t assess your past and readjust. Each of these ladies find themselves at a personal crossroads in different ways and I think every woman who reads this book will find something that will make you reflect on your own life.

The part I didn’t enjoy as much is the actual physical adventure. Some parts felt unrealistic and a little questionable. Other parts were a little more edgy than I was expecting.

For a debut novel I think Christina Nelson should be proud the characters were very well done!

Recommended for those who want to be taken on a midlife emotional journey :)

[Karen Korb · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts On The Book: I loved this book, Once I started it I could not put it down and felt as if I was making this trek with these women. I am not a huge fan of switching between characters every few pages. I tend to get confused about which character was speaking. Nelson did a really good job of switching and I was left waiting to see what was going to happen next. I am a huge Pacific Northwest fan and this book is a definite must read. I can't wait for her next book.


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

[Cathy Cermele · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review

As the three young women embark on a survival training in the mountains, I was kind of sitting on the edge of my seat. To be perfectly honest, I would never have the nerve to do anything like that, even if I were physically able.

I wish that I felt a connection to even one of the characters, but unfortunately I did not. I liked them as a group of friends that were reconnecting after losing touch with each other. At times, it was a bit confusing as the story was told through the POV from, Vicky, Jenna and Ireland. Normally, that doesn't get in the way of my enjoying a book so I don't know why it did in this one.

Overall, I liked the friendship and the strength they have as they endured the survival training.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and have given my hones opinion.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will not give anything away, only to say, that I really really loved this book. I love how she tells stories, you get to read them from the person‘s perspective. Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Can’t wait to read more books by this author, it was such a refreshing read.

[April McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story, told from three friend's viewpoints, we're taken on a life-changing trip filled with harrowing pitfalls, where the brokenness each carries inside is nearly as threatening as the dangers they face in the wilderness. Debut author Christiana Nelson has delivered an insightful novel of adventure, reconciliation, and spiritual healing as each woman rediscovers their purpose--and the roots of their devotion to one another and God. An excellent read.

[Heather Hicks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I searched for books that take place in Oregon and I selected this book for September based on the description of the book and the following reviews:

-If you enjoy sitting on the edge of your seat, hyperventilating, then this story is for you.

-If We Make it Home is a thrill ride, wrapped in a deeply moving and grace-filled look at life, love, and everything that makes us want to be alive.

-The adventures these friends found themselves on had me wide-eyed and holding my breath many times.

-This book grabs you and will not let you go.

-I was on the edge of my seat as the women end up in one bad situation after another.

Description of the book: This book is about 4 middle aged women who, since college haven’t seen each other in 20 years. They travel to a fictional town outside of Portland, Oregon to attend a reunion of the sorority house where they all had met in college. When three of the women meet they discover that their fourth friend has died of cancer. The three remaining women decide to embark upon an Oregon Wilderness journey for a week. After their first day, their wilderness guide dies a tragic death and the three women are left to their own devices to survive.

What did I think of the book? I really disliked it and I was really disappointed!! I wanted to like it and after I got half way through I realized that this book was more of a Christian Fiction that hits you over the head with moralizing than it was about intense, nail biting survival. Nothing against different belief systems, but the Christian and “God” like undertones in this book for me, eventually took away from the “fight for survival” theme and left me thinking the characters were actually really uninteresting and flat as the story continued. This book almost felt like it was “preaching” to me. It had the potential to be a good storyline but I’m going to have to give it 👎🏻

[Janyre Tromp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author uses 4 points of view so, while it's understandable, the beginning of the book is rather slow. It does pick up quickly for the rest of the book and the characters are decently drawn. Overall, a good first novel and a nice quick read.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I was on the edge of my seat as the women end up in one bad situation after another. It felt very believable as none of them really knew what they were doing and it showed! It was also fascinating to see how they reconnected after all those years apart and finally showed their true selves and shared their struggles with each other. Each woman was in a very different place yet all struggled with knowing what their purpose should be and felt like they wanted to run away from their normal lives. It was especially interesting to see how Ireland survived as she was a vegan. The story switches back and forth between the three women and are told from the first person so you really get the inside scoop of what they're thinking. The spiritual message was great as each woman had different struggles there, too. Ireland had walked away from her faith years ago, Vicky was trying to be perfect and earn her way to Heaven and Jenna felt like she had to be needed to have worth. There's nothing like a trip to the wilderness to realize you can't make it on your own and that you need to depend on God! I enjoyed the humor and the writing was wonderful! I'm definitely going to be watching for her future books. I highly recommend this book if you like survival stories or just a fascinating well-written book!

I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.

[Jordyn Redwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong suspense debut from this author about three women who get lost in the Oregon wilderness where each is forced to face her demons and how that has also affected their relationships with one another.

I looked forward to this book each night and quickly read through it. Highly recommended. Will look forward to reading more of this author's future books.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book, "A Novel of Faith and Survival in the Oregon Wilderness," pretty much sums up the plot. Jenna, Ireland, and Victoria are three middle-aged women returning to Oregon for a college reunion of sorts. All three sign up for a survival trip, each with her own reasons; but when an unexpected tragedy leaves them with no guide, very minimal skills, and little food, they are forced to depend on themselves, each other, and God if they want to see their families and friends again.

This is a powerful story I won't soon forget, although the shifting POVs may confuse me as to who did what.

(Normally, I prefer to contact an author directly about problems in the story, but I could not find an email address for this author. So, here are the errors I found in the Kindle text: Page 35, with a slice of lime please / of lime, please ; 69, My ankles are sharp and boney / sharp and BONY ; 69, I pull my pumpkins seeds / my PUMPKIN seeds ; 78, Their tops flair out / tops FLARE out ; 79, pick the mushrooms Hope is gone / the mushrooms. Hope is (period ends sentence) ; 98, Why can't there be a landslide to wash me away right now. / wash me away right now? (needs question mark) ; 104, the survivors place rocks on top / survivors PLACED rocks ; 112, Beside her Jenna lays flat on her back / Beside her, Jenna LIES flat ; 128, Hello there / Hello, there ; 139, he may have made my life / he MIGHT have ;

Page 142, I want popcorn no matter / popcorn, no matter ; 147, in my throat so raw and angry / my throat IS so raw ; 153, Not long after you laid down / you LAY down ; 153, in my mouth I won't / mouth, I won't ; 154, I don't answer she shakes / answer, she shakes ; 159, son will be proud too / be proud, too ; 165, For twenty minutes she's whined / minutes, she's whined ; 167, Me too / Me, too ; 171, Behind me Ireland and Vicky / Behind me, Ireland ; 182, There must something there / must BE something ; 183, pounding becomes panicked then stops / panicked, then stops ; 185, If that were possible we'd be out / possible, we'd be ; 186, But by day three our numbers / three, our numbers ;

Page 187, into the cave we may be safe / the cave THAT we may ; 187, hoping to sooth a bit / to SOOTHE a bit ; 193, with Ireland and I both pulling hard / with Ireland AND ME both (Ireland and I = WE; Ireland and me = US) ; 213, both of you too / of you, too ; 221, there doesn't appear to be any black spots / there DON'T appear (spots, the object of the verb appear, is plural, so the plural verb must be used) ; 222, It's ironic really / ironic, really ; 224, She lays with her stomach / She LIES with ; 231, it didn't sooth my fears / didn't SOOTHE my fears ; 237, I can hardly breath as / hardly BREATHE as ; 237, the missing ladies are you / ladies, are you ;

Page 237, It's boney but comfortable / It's BONY but ; 239, Tear rush over my cheeks / TEARS rush over my cheeks ; 239, I love you too / you, too ; 247, two three, four / two, three, four ; 250, I want to go too / to go, too ; 251, She would have told you too / told you, too ; 259, where we would want to someday be / want to be someday ; 261, isn't it Miss Carlie / isn't it, Miss Carlie ; 264, Outside the air is cool / Outside, the air .)

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A university building used for student housing is about to be torn down, and those who lived there are invited for a reunion. Four former roommates find their way back to Carrington, Oregon. They used to be close but they haven’t spoken in 25 years.

Hope James stayed in the area, running a coffee shop. She was considered the quiet glue that kept them connected while they were students.

Ireland Jayne used to be the one that called them to prayer. But she has walked away from her faith and turned her concerns towards environmentalism and activism. She is a professor, but her job is presently hanging by a thread. She has not seen her son in years.

Jenna Savage has been a stay-at-home mom, but her triplets just fled the nest. She had cried and prayed and tried so long to become pregnant, and then loved her three so much, that she doesn’t know what to do with herself now that they’re gone. She has a penchant for food and not for exercise.

Vickie Cambridge has a worldwide ministry and TV show for women, but she has neglected her own family.

Somehow the latter three end up on a survival trip in the Cascades with an older woman named Glenda, described by one as a “mountain woman.” Jenna wants the challenge. Ireland and Vicky want the escape.

None of them has any experience, and the trip is rougher than expected. (When Glenda vetoes Vicky’s butane curling iron, Vicky quips, “This must be what persecuted missionary wives feel like.”)

But then a series of disasters tests them beyond their limits and brings out the best and worst in each one.

The chapters alternate between the different women’s points of view, giving us a window into their inner struggles and their differing views of their situations and each other.

One thing this book taught me: I do not ever want to go on a survivalist trip into any wilderness or forest of any kind. Even without the disasters.

But besides that, I thought the women’s stories and journeys were so well told. I ached with each of them in their troubles and rooted for them in their triumphs.

I loved Christina’s phrasing:

The sun beats down on us and makes me feel like a loaf of over-kneaded bread in the oven.

Vicky snivels on the other side of me. I’m in an emotional sandwich. And it’s making me swirl with unease. The lightning looks like a safer companion.

Saving nature and surviving it are two very different things. We are not saviors in the wilderness. We are intruders.

The next thing she says is a muffle of grunts. Great, we’ve lost the perky one. We’re doomed.

“How do you think the pioneers got their soap?” “They bought it before they left.”

Maybe this is God’s provision. It never looks like I imagine.

I also like that the story doesn’t end with their getting out of the woods, but continues on with the aftermath of everything that happened.

All in all, a great book. I look forward to reading more by Christina.