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Eastbound from Flagstaff
A love story based on the author's father, Eastbound Bus From Flagstaff portrays an individual who comes to recognize the significance of family, loyalty, and the richness of his heritage.
Simon Hagan is running from a lie, intent on believing his own efforts and perseverance can overcome anything. He abandons roots that are his foundational strength and hides behind his charm, living every moment as if life's daring him to fail--again. He's reckoning with his father's God who could have delivered better outcomes but didn't.
This first installment in an epic trilogy that begins in the 1920's, unique in its purposeful illumination of the human condition and its ideological indifference to God, asks the question: "Why was God silent when I needed him?" Simon's return to the notion of forgiveness is the catalyst for a new beginning as it reunites Simon to the place he once thought was the impossible dream. The answer for Simon isn't blowing in the backwinds of his dream chase; rather, it unfolds in the outstretched hand of a villain.
Simon Hagan is running from a lie, intent on believing his own efforts and perseverance can overcome anything. He abandons roots that are his foundational strength and hides behind his charm, living every moment as if life's daring him to fail--again. He's reckoning with his father's God who could have delivered better outcomes but didn't.
This first installment in an epic trilogy that begins in the 1920's, unique in its purposeful illumination of the human condition and its ideological indifference to God, asks the question: "Why was God silent when I needed him?" Simon's return to the notion of forgiveness is the catalyst for a new beginning as it reunites Simon to the place he once thought was the impossible dream. The answer for Simon isn't blowing in the backwinds of his dream chase; rather, it unfolds in the outstretched hand of a villain.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2019
61 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 14, 2020
An amazing story of courage, strength and faith...
Eastbound from Flagstaff by Annette Valentine is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted historical tale set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in the 1920s and inspired by her own fathers life. Skillfully constructed, this amazing story about life and faith had me turning the pages from beginning to end.
The story unfurls in small acts, at first feeling slight to touch, then building in emotional substance. Into the spaces between the words, the author breathes a pulsating intensity that rolls like a motion picture camera. With an abundance of imagery in the writing style, it makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
For fans of Historical Christian Romance looking for an interesting, three-dimensional, and stimulating read, this would come highly recommended. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Annette Valentine in the future. A highly recommended read and a well-deserved five stars.
Eastbound from Flagstaff by Annette Valentine is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted historical tale set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in the 1920s and inspired by her own fathers life. Skillfully constructed, this amazing story about life and faith had me turning the pages from beginning to end.
The story unfurls in small acts, at first feeling slight to touch, then building in emotional substance. Into the spaces between the words, the author breathes a pulsating intensity that rolls like a motion picture camera. With an abundance of imagery in the writing style, it makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
For fans of Historical Christian Romance looking for an interesting, three-dimensional, and stimulating read, this would come highly recommended. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Annette Valentine in the future. A highly recommended read and a well-deserved five stars.
December 7, 2019
Eastbound From Flagstaff by Annette Valentine is a marvellous debut novel. The genre is Christian historical, covering the decade of the 1920’s.
The novel is about a journey – a physical journey and a spiritual journey to the heart of God. God never gives up on us. “That God you’re challenging is not going to give up on you, and He’s not going to let you be God either.” No matter how far we go, no matter what we do or think, our Father God, like the father in the prodigal son, waits for us. He longs for us and He desires us. No one is ever too far from the heart of God.
Life hurts. When troubles come, we can rest in God’s arms and trust Him, or we can run from Him in anger. “Those unfair events… hopes and dreams while the Creator stood by.” God is never silent or passive but in our pain, we cannot always see Him. “We’re at liberty to ask our questions, but God’s sovereign.”
The novel shows the two responses to hurt – there are characters who trust God’s goodness in spite of circumstances, and there is a character who blames God and himself, wallowing in anger. “But God… was silent” – or maybe we just aren’t listening? “Your fight with God is one-sided” – wise words spoken in love. Do we have a person who will speak the truth in love to us?
Eastbound From Flagstaff was a powerful novel of discovery. It was a discovery of God’s love and faithfulness but it took in some hard roads along the way.
Sometimes we carry burdens that were never meant for us. “Put your burden down… You’re hanging on to guilt… and lies… Cooperate with the fact that God loves you.” God is a God of love. He wants us to lay our burdens, our guilt and pain at the foot of the cross and exchange them for grace and love.
The characters were well drawn, realistic and easy to empathise with. Life can be hard at times and while it is easy to direct our anger at God, we need to realise that He loves us and He is faithful. It is far better to admit that we do not have the answers but we need to trust that God is good and He will sustain us.
I will leave you with this powerful quote:
“God’s mercy was wider than my wanderings.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is about a journey – a physical journey and a spiritual journey to the heart of God. God never gives up on us. “That God you’re challenging is not going to give up on you, and He’s not going to let you be God either.” No matter how far we go, no matter what we do or think, our Father God, like the father in the prodigal son, waits for us. He longs for us and He desires us. No one is ever too far from the heart of God.
Life hurts. When troubles come, we can rest in God’s arms and trust Him, or we can run from Him in anger. “Those unfair events… hopes and dreams while the Creator stood by.” God is never silent or passive but in our pain, we cannot always see Him. “We’re at liberty to ask our questions, but God’s sovereign.”
The novel shows the two responses to hurt – there are characters who trust God’s goodness in spite of circumstances, and there is a character who blames God and himself, wallowing in anger. “But God… was silent” – or maybe we just aren’t listening? “Your fight with God is one-sided” – wise words spoken in love. Do we have a person who will speak the truth in love to us?
Eastbound From Flagstaff was a powerful novel of discovery. It was a discovery of God’s love and faithfulness but it took in some hard roads along the way.
Sometimes we carry burdens that were never meant for us. “Put your burden down… You’re hanging on to guilt… and lies… Cooperate with the fact that God loves you.” God is a God of love. He wants us to lay our burdens, our guilt and pain at the foot of the cross and exchange them for grace and love.
The characters were well drawn, realistic and easy to empathise with. Life can be hard at times and while it is easy to direct our anger at God, we need to realise that He loves us and He is faithful. It is far better to admit that we do not have the answers but we need to trust that God is good and He will sustain us.
I will leave you with this powerful quote:
“God’s mercy was wider than my wanderings.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 15, 2019
I don’t know how much of this is fact, and how much is fiction, but I do know that this is one of my favorite books in the historical fiction genre. It had me aching for the main character again and again. Following his life as he traveled and tried to figure out who he was really impacted me. I loved how he was running from God, but God kept chasing him and bringing him close again. Definitely recommend this book to everyone!
May 22, 2020
Set in the 1920s, Eastbound from Flagstaff by Annette Valentine is the story about Simon Hagan, his inner struggles with love, and the tragedy that many times can be a consequence of that love. The story begins in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1929. As Hagan prepares to finally welcome the love of his life, who is arriving eastbound from Flagstaff, his anxiety sets in as the bus station clerk starts to inform Hagan that the bus is usually on time, but… Before the clerk can finish his sentence, the clerk's phone rings. Valentine ends the first chapter with Hagan thinking, “And once again, I felt powerless.” Valentine then jumps back to 1902, and the beginning of the Hagan’s life.
Historically, Valentine takes readers on one man’s journey through the first thirty years of the 20th century. By telling Hagan’s story, she unfolds how life was for a common man who was born into a Kentucky tobacco farming family. After the death of his mother, Hagan leaves the farm and moves to Detroit to work in the automotive industry. After befriending a local family, he eventually finds work as a police officer, following in the tradition of most of the men in this family. Sadly, just as Hagan’s life starts to fall into place, he ends up having to move to New Mexico because of a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Soon after his time in the sanatorium, the Great Depression hits, and Hagan finds himself coming full circle back to his Kentucky roots, setting the stage for the next phase of his adult life.
The history Valentine weaves into Hagan’s journey as he experiences multiple emotions triggered by personal events, builds a story that readers can relate to. Valentine crafts a story that helps readers feel Hagan’s pain, his sorrow, and even his anger when life deals blows that make him question his faith. Valentine equally weaves in Hagan’s passion for those closest to him, which enhances the sense of sorrow that a man, during this time, would have felt.
Although Valentine sets up the theme of Hagan’s feeling of being powerless, which leads to his struggle with faith, this theme soon becomes obscure in the everyday details of Hagan’s life. It is only toward the end of Hagan’s journey that Valentine returns to the sense of inner conflict that takes the main character back to where his sorrows began. It was at this point that I went back to re-read the first chapter and was able to see how Valentine did use the theme to subtly move the story forward.
Eastbound from Flagstaff is a story of a man, who like many men of this time period, experienced love and suffered heartache because of the times. This is a story, almost a personal narrative, of a regular guy and his life at the beginning of the 20th century. While the details and descriptions throughout the novel are evocative, the slow pacing of the plot somewhat hindered the actual telling of the story for readers who expect a faster, exciting pace. Eastbound from Flagstaff is recommended for readers who enjoy a slow build, lots of detail, and don’t mind waiting for the action.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Historically, Valentine takes readers on one man’s journey through the first thirty years of the 20th century. By telling Hagan’s story, she unfolds how life was for a common man who was born into a Kentucky tobacco farming family. After the death of his mother, Hagan leaves the farm and moves to Detroit to work in the automotive industry. After befriending a local family, he eventually finds work as a police officer, following in the tradition of most of the men in this family. Sadly, just as Hagan’s life starts to fall into place, he ends up having to move to New Mexico because of a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Soon after his time in the sanatorium, the Great Depression hits, and Hagan finds himself coming full circle back to his Kentucky roots, setting the stage for the next phase of his adult life.
The history Valentine weaves into Hagan’s journey as he experiences multiple emotions triggered by personal events, builds a story that readers can relate to. Valentine crafts a story that helps readers feel Hagan’s pain, his sorrow, and even his anger when life deals blows that make him question his faith. Valentine equally weaves in Hagan’s passion for those closest to him, which enhances the sense of sorrow that a man, during this time, would have felt.
Although Valentine sets up the theme of Hagan’s feeling of being powerless, which leads to his struggle with faith, this theme soon becomes obscure in the everyday details of Hagan’s life. It is only toward the end of Hagan’s journey that Valentine returns to the sense of inner conflict that takes the main character back to where his sorrows began. It was at this point that I went back to re-read the first chapter and was able to see how Valentine did use the theme to subtly move the story forward.
Eastbound from Flagstaff is a story of a man, who like many men of this time period, experienced love and suffered heartache because of the times. This is a story, almost a personal narrative, of a regular guy and his life at the beginning of the 20th century. While the details and descriptions throughout the novel are evocative, the slow pacing of the plot somewhat hindered the actual telling of the story for readers who expect a faster, exciting pace. Eastbound from Flagstaff is recommended for readers who enjoy a slow build, lots of detail, and don’t mind waiting for the action.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
October 31, 2019
"A love story based on the author’s father,
Eastbound From Flagstaff, is a fresh testament to the resiliency of the human spirit with one stouthearted man’s quest to improve life’s offering."
The first chapter had Simon Hagen waiting in a train station for his wife Celeste and their baby daughter. This was the first that Simon will have met his new daughter.
The next chapter takes up back to Simon's beginning. He is 17 years old when he witnesses the death of his mother. A horrible thing that affected his father and siblings terribly.
Simon then decides to leave the farm and strike out on his own. He goes to Detroit where he gets a job at the Ford factory, not liking factory work, even though he desperately wants to own a Model T.
After he leaves the Ford factory, he becomes a cop and stays in the job for over 5 years. During the time he was at the Ford factory he meets Virginia Mallory and her family, husband Charlie, daughters Rachel and Celeste.
Simon is staying at a boarding house, the owner Mrs. Butcher and fellow boarder Mr.Begbie. These two are definitely characters, Mrs. Butcher coming across as a mean old lady and Mr.Begbie is a scrappy character.
This story also has a lot of reference to God, Simon's father is a man of God and after Simon's mother's death, he has given up on God. So this story is one of forgiveness and one of going back to your roots. It takes Simon from the farm with dreams of his future to Detroit, from Prohibition and the mob to wanting to be an actor to getting tuberculosis and having to spend time in a sanitorium in New Mexico.
What did I think of the book? At first, I did not think I would like the book. As I got into it further, I had a hard time putting it down and as I got to the end of the book, I did not want it to end. Since it is a trilogy, I am looking forward to reading the next two books to find out what more there is in Simon's life back at the farm and what will happen in his future. Can he forgive God? I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes only.
Eastbound From Flagstaff, is a fresh testament to the resiliency of the human spirit with one stouthearted man’s quest to improve life’s offering."
The first chapter had Simon Hagen waiting in a train station for his wife Celeste and their baby daughter. This was the first that Simon will have met his new daughter.
The next chapter takes up back to Simon's beginning. He is 17 years old when he witnesses the death of his mother. A horrible thing that affected his father and siblings terribly.
Simon then decides to leave the farm and strike out on his own. He goes to Detroit where he gets a job at the Ford factory, not liking factory work, even though he desperately wants to own a Model T.
After he leaves the Ford factory, he becomes a cop and stays in the job for over 5 years. During the time he was at the Ford factory he meets Virginia Mallory and her family, husband Charlie, daughters Rachel and Celeste.
Simon is staying at a boarding house, the owner Mrs. Butcher and fellow boarder Mr.Begbie. These two are definitely characters, Mrs. Butcher coming across as a mean old lady and Mr.Begbie is a scrappy character.
This story also has a lot of reference to God, Simon's father is a man of God and after Simon's mother's death, he has given up on God. So this story is one of forgiveness and one of going back to your roots. It takes Simon from the farm with dreams of his future to Detroit, from Prohibition and the mob to wanting to be an actor to getting tuberculosis and having to spend time in a sanitorium in New Mexico.
What did I think of the book? At first, I did not think I would like the book. As I got into it further, I had a hard time putting it down and as I got to the end of the book, I did not want it to end. Since it is a trilogy, I am looking forward to reading the next two books to find out what more there is in Simon's life back at the farm and what will happen in his future. Can he forgive God? I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes only.
August 13, 2020
Annette Valentine is a talented and creative storyteller. She is the author of a trilogy called My Father and this book Eastbound from Flagstaff is the first in the series.
The story reflects the life of Simon in 1920. He is a man that must progress and get ahead beyond the difficulties that constantly arise, especially because his faith is tested at all times.
Annette is an author that I recently discovered and I was pleasantly surprised by her way of writing, her way of weaving the story, and her intense characters. The narrative is clear and very genuine, it presents a subtle scenario, easily imaginable and, above all, very conducive to the development of events.
It is a charming novel because each word written by the author makes you live, love and suffer with what each character feels. Moreover, it is a story of strength and resistance, it shows that Annette has written this novel with a deep feeling of love for her father. It is a highly recommended novel. I loved the story, if you are a reader who enjoys moving stories this is a book for you.
The story reflects the life of Simon in 1920. He is a man that must progress and get ahead beyond the difficulties that constantly arise, especially because his faith is tested at all times.
Annette is an author that I recently discovered and I was pleasantly surprised by her way of writing, her way of weaving the story, and her intense characters. The narrative is clear and very genuine, it presents a subtle scenario, easily imaginable and, above all, very conducive to the development of events.
It is a charming novel because each word written by the author makes you live, love and suffer with what each character feels. Moreover, it is a story of strength and resistance, it shows that Annette has written this novel with a deep feeling of love for her father. It is a highly recommended novel. I loved the story, if you are a reader who enjoys moving stories this is a book for you.
August 20, 2020
Eastbound from Flagstaff by Annette Valentine is based on her father’s story. When Simon Hagan witnesses a tragedy no one should see, he questions the foundation his life was built upon. Rejecting his father’s God, Simon runs. Just when Simon finds peace in his life, heartbreak strikes again. A bus eastbound from Flagstaff is the catastrophe that trumps them all, and he hits rock bottom. Can he overcome his bitterness when he is stripped of everything?
I found Eastbound from Flagstaff had many parallels to the story of the prodigal son in the Bible. When Simon was given table scraps as his meal, he saw where his life was at. Annette Valentine covers ten years of her father’s life in the first book of My Father Series. This story enthralled me and hung on every word of the author. This novel has four parts that break down major points in Simon’s life, which seem fitting to the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading about the answers he finds after he stops running.
I found Eastbound from Flagstaff had many parallels to the story of the prodigal son in the Bible. When Simon was given table scraps as his meal, he saw where his life was at. Annette Valentine covers ten years of her father’s life in the first book of My Father Series. This story enthralled me and hung on every word of the author. This novel has four parts that break down major points in Simon’s life, which seem fitting to the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading about the answers he finds after he stops running.
August 9, 2020
Eastbound from Flagstaff is an amazing, heart melting novel written by Annette Valentine based on his father’s life.
This is also an historical novel set during the Great Depression times. I loved how the author managed to take me back to that time with her words and how she described Simon, the main character. He faced many challenges and has many adventures traveling from one place to another.
It’s very captivating to read how Simon gets discouraged, frustrated but at the end he finds pace overcoming his obstacles. In that process he acknowledges the power of family and loyalty.
I’m definitely recommending this novel to all readers out there that enjoys getting emotionally involved in their reads. I can say it was really hard to put the book down, I took it everywhere I went!
The author definitely exceeded my expectations about this novel. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this saga.
This is also an historical novel set during the Great Depression times. I loved how the author managed to take me back to that time with her words and how she described Simon, the main character. He faced many challenges and has many adventures traveling from one place to another.
It’s very captivating to read how Simon gets discouraged, frustrated but at the end he finds pace overcoming his obstacles. In that process he acknowledges the power of family and loyalty.
I’m definitely recommending this novel to all readers out there that enjoys getting emotionally involved in their reads. I can say it was really hard to put the book down, I took it everywhere I went!
The author definitely exceeded my expectations about this novel. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this saga.
August 10, 2020
A novel about life and faith
The novel Eastbound from Flagstaff was written by Annette Valentine. In this compelling book, Valentine, a natural storyteller, shares with us a love story that was actually inspired by her own father.
Valentine does a wonderful job in taking us to the 1920s and making us feel we are going through the same experiences as her father did. We are kindly taken to the past, and we learn, suffer, and smile with the main character, named Simon Hagan.
The organization of the story, the language included, the invigorating plot and the details given make this story difficult to put down. There are around 320 pages in this book, and the story develops in 82 short and easy-to-read chapters.
In my opinion this book should be read by both teenagers and adults, especially those who want to be enriched by a true story full of courage, perseverance, strength and faith.
The novel Eastbound from Flagstaff was written by Annette Valentine. In this compelling book, Valentine, a natural storyteller, shares with us a love story that was actually inspired by her own father.
Valentine does a wonderful job in taking us to the 1920s and making us feel we are going through the same experiences as her father did. We are kindly taken to the past, and we learn, suffer, and smile with the main character, named Simon Hagan.
The organization of the story, the language included, the invigorating plot and the details given make this story difficult to put down. There are around 320 pages in this book, and the story develops in 82 short and easy-to-read chapters.
In my opinion this book should be read by both teenagers and adults, especially those who want to be enriched by a true story full of courage, perseverance, strength and faith.
August 18, 2020
Set in the 1920’s, when America looked vastly different than it does now, this book opens with a traditional family on a farm. They love each other, and love God. When tragedy hist the family, the oldest son Simon Hagan, starts to doubt God. He decides to leave the family farm when his father remarries and seeks his luck elsewhere. Throughout his life’s ups and downs, he never forgets that bitterness against God that was instilled in him as a young boy. Towards the end of his life, he finally has some eye-opening experiences, that cause him to rethink his relationship with God.
This is an interesting story of family, love, god, perseverance, and the courage to open your mind to something you had written off for decades. Even though its set in the 1920’s I think it was easy to identify with Simon, and the despair he felt at various times in his life. Certainly a book that will remind you of the importance of family.
This is an interesting story of family, love, god, perseverance, and the courage to open your mind to something you had written off for decades. Even though its set in the 1920’s I think it was easy to identify with Simon, and the despair he felt at various times in his life. Certainly a book that will remind you of the importance of family.
August 20, 2020
A novel based on the author's father, this novel called Eastbound from Flagstaff: A Novel by Annette Valentine is a beautiful book with a noteworthy story. The plot revolved around in the 1920's and it has a romantic theme that also focused on family values, faithfulness and the importance of heritage. In particular, I loved the storyline and the plot. I found them interesting enough to capture my interest and continuously read until I know what would happen next and how it would end.
The writing style of the author was amazing and easy to follow. The way the author also accompanied the story with Christian values also made the book even more captivating. At times there were also scenes that were dramatic enough to break my heart. It was like watching a historical romantic film with vivid sceneries. It was a bit of a challenging book to red because of its length but I enjoyed it as a whole because of its beautifully crafted story.
The writing style of the author was amazing and easy to follow. The way the author also accompanied the story with Christian values also made the book even more captivating. At times there were also scenes that were dramatic enough to break my heart. It was like watching a historical romantic film with vivid sceneries. It was a bit of a challenging book to red because of its length but I enjoyed it as a whole because of its beautifully crafted story.
April 5, 2020
Although it takes a while for the story to get to Flagstaff, it is a remarkably satisfying tale, based on the life of the author's father, of searching for the meaning of one's life. Especially after a terrible death plays on the mind of a young man, blame can easily become part of him. Simon felt that he hurt everyone he touched, and questioned why he was even here.
Written in a compelling deep point of view, the tale--set just before and during the Great Depression--takes Simon from Kentucky to Detroit, then in a shocking episode to Arizona. His father's deep faith clashes with Simon's reality, but his words echo through the decade the book covers.
The note About the Author says that "Eastbound From Flagstaff" is the first in a trilogy about her father. I am so looking forward to the next two books. Beautiful writing.
Written in a compelling deep point of view, the tale--set just before and during the Great Depression--takes Simon from Kentucky to Detroit, then in a shocking episode to Arizona. His father's deep faith clashes with Simon's reality, but his words echo through the decade the book covers.
The note About the Author says that "Eastbound From Flagstaff" is the first in a trilogy about her father. I am so looking forward to the next two books. Beautiful writing.
August 11, 2020
Eastbound from Flagstaff is the first installment of an epic trilogy. This one in particular is based on the life of the author’s father. Annette Valentine is an inspirational storyteller and this book proves she masters her writing skill amazingly well.
The storyline revolves around Simon, the main character, and its plot is set in the 1920's, during the times of the Great Depression. Valentine has done an a amazing job taking anybody who reads this book back to those times.
The narrative is presented in the third person and it is easy to follow through since the events seem to unfold naturally. Each chapter’s end melts into the beginning of the following one and when readers less expected the book is over. I finished it in a couple of days.
Totally recommended for those looking for a fresh narrative to enjoy during lockdown. I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book!
The storyline revolves around Simon, the main character, and its plot is set in the 1920's, during the times of the Great Depression. Valentine has done an a amazing job taking anybody who reads this book back to those times.
The narrative is presented in the third person and it is easy to follow through since the events seem to unfold naturally. Each chapter’s end melts into the beginning of the following one and when readers less expected the book is over. I finished it in a couple of days.
Totally recommended for those looking for a fresh narrative to enjoy during lockdown. I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book!
August 15, 2020
What a lovely cover that portrays a lot of feelings. “Eastbound from Flagstaff: a novel” is a book written by Annette Valentine, inspirational storyteller. This coming of age story is very authentic and genuine and it is written in the first person.
The author managed to write a very well written and complete love story based on her father. His writing style is very captivating and this is one of the reasons that once I started reading the book, it was difficult to put it down. There is a good balance between telling and showing; this is another good reason for choosing this read.
The book has less than four hundred pages and eighty-two chapters but, although it may seem a lot, it is quite a fast read. I would gladly recommend reading Eastbound from Flagstaff. I am giving this novel four out of five stars because I enjoyed this read.
The author managed to write a very well written and complete love story based on her father. His writing style is very captivating and this is one of the reasons that once I started reading the book, it was difficult to put it down. There is a good balance between telling and showing; this is another good reason for choosing this read.
The book has less than four hundred pages and eighty-two chapters but, although it may seem a lot, it is quite a fast read. I would gladly recommend reading Eastbound from Flagstaff. I am giving this novel four out of five stars because I enjoyed this read.
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August 24, 2020A journey worth reading!
I absolutely love books like this one. It goes over a period of life of a man named Simon. We get to see his life progress through many different eras and adventures. He is moving from one place to another and meeting different people in different parts of his life. My favorite thing about the book was the way he expresses himself about past people and past experiences. He talks about how he feels about them and about how he looks back in retrospect. It was really interesting to read and I found this book super comforting. Like I was peeking into a great life even filled with hardships and tribulations. I will be going back and reading it a second time to seek out that wonderful feeling and I recommend this book to anyone who’s thinking about reading it too.
I absolutely love books like this one. It goes over a period of life of a man named Simon. We get to see his life progress through many different eras and adventures. He is moving from one place to another and meeting different people in different parts of his life. My favorite thing about the book was the way he expresses himself about past people and past experiences. He talks about how he feels about them and about how he looks back in retrospect. It was really interesting to read and I found this book super comforting. Like I was peeking into a great life even filled with hardships and tribulations. I will be going back and reading it a second time to seek out that wonderful feeling and I recommend this book to anyone who’s thinking about reading it too.
August 5, 2024
This work of historical fiction gave some interesting insight to living on a southern farm in Kentucky during the “Roaring Twenties”, in Detroit during Prohibition and the Great Depression, then surviving TB in an Albuquerque sanitorium.
The author’s father and grandfather were the main characters, and descriptions of their hardships were painfully clear, but as a former teacher there were many instances when I repressed the urge to pull out a red pencil and make notes in the margins. For example: “He left the room with a hostile air without looking me in the eye. I felt the thermometer rising.” Well, I know I can feel the temperature rising, but probably not a thermometer.
I think the book would benefit from a little revising and an attentive editor.
The author’s father and grandfather were the main characters, and descriptions of their hardships were painfully clear, but as a former teacher there were many instances when I repressed the urge to pull out a red pencil and make notes in the margins. For example: “He left the room with a hostile air without looking me in the eye. I felt the thermometer rising.” Well, I know I can feel the temperature rising, but probably not a thermometer.
I think the book would benefit from a little revising and an attentive editor.
October 5, 2019
This is a wonderful story about a man who faces many heartaches and is angry with God for allowing them to happen. After he is at his lowest point he finally accepts God is watching over him and loves him. He returns to his beloved home to be near his family in Kentucky and maybe the beginning of a new love interest. I can't wait to read the next two installments. This is a must read book.
April 23, 2020
Read for book club. The local author was scheduled to come to book club and share her story. Unfortunately this was for our April meeting and due to pandemic, we had to cancel. I did enjoy the book. A few of us heard the author speak at an author event last year and we find her synopsis interesting. I will look forward to her next book.
July 11, 2020
Absorbing and wonderfully written and also clean book
This is an amazing book. I love historical novels and enjoyed reading this. The endurance of the human spirit is incredible. This man its about had many battles in side himself and outside but he kept going and finally overcame and acknowledged Who was there all the time. God is patient with us .
This is an amazing book. I love historical novels and enjoyed reading this. The endurance of the human spirit is incredible. This man its about had many battles in side himself and outside but he kept going and finally overcame and acknowledged Who was there all the time. God is patient with us .
July 19, 2020
I feel like this story had such promise but in the end the book moved too slow and seemed to get bogged down in a lot of unnecessary details. The parts of the story that I actually wanted to hear more about are the parts of the story that skipped ahead (5 years later etc.). I don't plan on continuing the trilogy.
March 18, 2020
I fell in love with Simon
He's the lead Character in this study of human nature and his resistance to the the love we sometimes can not see. I laughed and then I cried and finally felt relief. Yes it was another "can't out it down ?I HAVE TO know what happens !! Loved the book !!
He's the lead Character in this study of human nature and his resistance to the the love we sometimes can not see. I laughed and then I cried and finally felt relief. Yes it was another "can't out it down ?I HAVE TO know what happens !! Loved the book !!
May 9, 2020
Good read. Twists & turns
My first read by this author. Reading primarily Christian writings. Some was a little slow with much detail. Book moved really fast at the end. Planning to read the trilogy.
My first read by this author. Reading primarily Christian writings. Some was a little slow with much detail. Book moved really fast at the end. Planning to read the trilogy.
July 5, 2020
Excellent!!
Powerful, engaging story of a young man’s journey to find himself and God. Dealing with immense loss, Simon’s struggle to come to terms with life and anger with himself and God makes this book a must read!!!
Powerful, engaging story of a young man’s journey to find himself and God. Dealing with immense loss, Simon’s struggle to come to terms with life and anger with himself and God makes this book a must read!!!
July 8, 2019
Great book by a local author. Great book club read.
February 3, 2020
Captivating story by a gifted writer!
July 8, 2020
A must read
To tell the truth I decided to read this only because of the title. I was born and raised in Flagstaff. I highly recommend this wonderful story.
To tell the truth I decided to read this only because of the title. I was born and raised in Flagstaff. I highly recommend this wonderful story.
January 5, 2021
A great read
June 14, 2024
Absorbing story, well-rendered characters, and a likable protagonist. So happy to not only meet this local author, but also enjoy her work.
September 11, 2019
“God shielded me and cared for me and guarded me as the apple of his eye”. This is one of those books that you need to find a nice comfortable easy chair, carve out a few hours of your day, grab a cup of tea, just sit back, enjoy and savor the entire story. I feel blessed to have read this book and follow the early life of Simon Hagan.
We learn a lot about the times of the early 1900’s, the hard life on the farm in Kentucky and how the big city of Detroit drew so many workers for the Ford plant. We see the beginnings of the corrupt police force, the Purple Gang and the TB epidemic. The story is told in first person by Simon, whom I grew to care so much about. Sometimes a book just hits the spot with you, and that is the case with this one. I loved it. I thank you Annette Valentine for sharing this story of your father, his loves, losses, experiences, tribulations and finally his reckoning with himself. Kudos!! A great book!!
I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to receive this book from Morgan James through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets high 5*****’s.
We learn a lot about the times of the early 1900’s, the hard life on the farm in Kentucky and how the big city of Detroit drew so many workers for the Ford plant. We see the beginnings of the corrupt police force, the Purple Gang and the TB epidemic. The story is told in first person by Simon, whom I grew to care so much about. Sometimes a book just hits the spot with you, and that is the case with this one. I loved it. I thank you Annette Valentine for sharing this story of your father, his loves, losses, experiences, tribulations and finally his reckoning with himself. Kudos!! A great book!!
I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to receive this book from Morgan James through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets high 5*****’s.
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