Under the Distant Sky

Hannah of Fort Bridger #1

by Al Lacy, JoAnna Lacy

In the years following the Civil War, Hannah and Solomon Cooper decide to seek out a new life on the frontier. In the dangerous journey that follows, however, tragedy strikes. By all reasonable expectations they should return home. Yet to the surprise of everyone in the wagon train -- and despite great opposition -- Hannah presses onward, displaying grit, courage, and a faith deep enough to sustain her family through life's greatest trials.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Westerns, Christian

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 1997

About the author

Al Lacy has written more than ninety novels, including the Angel of Mercy, Battles of Destiny, and Journeys of the Stranger series. He and his wife, JoAnna Lacy, are coauthors of the Mail Order Bride, Hannah of Fort Bridger, and Shadow of Liberty series. The Lacys make their home in the Colorado Rockies.

Reviews

[ClaraBelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally love pioneer love stories especially those in the style of Janette Oke, but not this one! The writing style was weird, and only one character(Solomon)was likeable. His and Hannah’s 5 kids were spoiled, always fighting and whining. Hannah was in a bad mood, mad at Solomon for petty things, and subsequently refusing his kisses or love. There was no depth to the story, no character development and no appeal. The most annoying thing was the authors killed Solomon off needlessly at the end of the book, just pages after he and Hannah rekindled their love which had been damaged by her interfering parents and sour attitude, and found out they were to welcome an unexpected 6th child.
Rating: 1 Star
Good:a lovable husband and pastor, Solomon
Bad:too shallow, tragic, porely written, and annoying characters
I will NOT be continuing this book series at all, but I’ll try out some more books by the author to see if I can love any of their books.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical fiction with a great storyline.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure why I read this. Guess I needed a U book for my alphabet challenge. Something about inspirational books seems so sappy to me anymore. Guess I need a break.

[Christy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just did not care for this story at all.

[Vivacity · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it...

I usually like Oregon Trail stories, and this family's divergent end destination sounded like a breath of fresh air...
However, the characters were not very believable, and as an educated historian, I could not stomach all the blatant ignorance about the trail circa 1870. First, the buffalo were no longer plentiful by then. In fact, with the building of the transcontinental railroad, the all out massacre of remaining bison was gaining momentum. Second, they would much more likely take the train to its nearest point to their final destination, then go in wagons from there. Also, there were several wrong facts about Independence too.
Now on to Christianity... I don't know when the term 'born again Christian's was coined, but it was after this time period. I do not know what denomination the writer is affiliated with, but here are some more things that put a burr under my saddle: 1.The term Christian-to be one hinges on the person believing the Gospels, that He is the only way, and to repent for sins. Several characters are marked as not Christian in this book when they were really just not active or practicing. The m a in character doesn't save as many as the book says, just helps renew their devotion and guide them. 2. Jesus saves. 3. Some phrases make it seem as if Jesus belongs to the main family...maybe it was just confusing writing, but it seemed wrong. 4. Much more of how the Christian parts of the story just seemed forced, and we're only partially correct.
Really, I should have given up after the first chapter, but my love of history kept me hoping it would get better. However, if the historical errors don't bother you, and the confusing wavering version of Christianity challenges you, maybe you will appreciate this book more than I did. Serious editing and more research could make this a much better book.

[Genevieve Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! As someone who has become closer with my faith again, this book brought me so much joy and I loved how it showed Gods messages in ways we don’t understand. It kindof has a sad ending to what happens to the father figure when they are so close to their fort, but it does bring a good side to such a terrible situation. Even if you are not a religious person, the story is such wonderful. Highly recommend!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by these authors. I really enjoyed this book, especially the historical detail. The story really brings to light life in a wagon train. I was encouraged by the faith woven throughout this book. I look forward to reading more in this series!

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful !!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. The amazing journey of family and friendship was incredible. I loved the great spirit throughout the book and the love of Christ the family shares was inspiring.

[Katie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saddest part was when Solomon Cooper died from being bitten 3 times by a rattlesnake.

[Tammy R. Blackwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about the struggles settlers had moving west. Definitely recommend this read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: UNDER THE DISTANT SKY
Author: Al Lacy
Publisher: Multnomah
June 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60142-245-3
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Hannah Cooper and her husband, Solomon, live in Independence, Missouri, and witness numerous families stocking up for their exciting trip to the Wild West. Before long, the Coopers start thinking about following them west. At first, Hannah is cautious, but Solomon is excited. Finally, after careful consideration and prayer, they decide to go.

The wagon train west is not always a romantic thing. There were Indian attacks. Sickness. And many other tragedies. When the Coopers find the trip more dangerous than exciting they should have gone home. But they decide to go on. Will the end result be worth the trip?

UNDER THE DISTANT SKY is the first book in Al Lacy’s Hannah of Fort Bridger series. I read this book when it first came out in 1997, but that was long before I was a reviewer. I was quite surprised to get this book in my to review pile. It was like revisiting an old friend.

Mr. Lacy doesn’t romanticize the trip, he paints a portrayed with events that could have (and probably did) happen in real life. The story is very sad at times, so I suggest reading this book with a box of tissue close by. If you missed this book in 1997 and again in 2004, then you have another opportunity to read it. Pick up your copy of UNDER THE DISTANT SKY today. $6.99. 272 pages.

[Karol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I borrowed this book and the next one in the series from my mother-in-law on Thanksgiving Day. I found it to be a quick and mostly enjoyable read.

The story was rather simple and predictable. The writing style was not my favorite (a bit "preachy") -- but I am always drawn to books about wagon trains, and the people who moved west. There were two prominent themes that touched me where I am spiritually right now -- great reminders for me. One: wait for God's timing. Two: keep your thoughts fixed on Jesus to have His perfect peace.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of the pioneer days. It was hard for me to get into but once they headed out on their journey it got really good.

A story of trials, tragedy and the faith and love that helped them along the way.

One that will make you think as you read how this family applies God's word to their life!

[Laura Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book because I am doing an A-Z Challenge and needed a "U" book. It was not easy to get into, but I did end up enjoying it. The love of Christ shown in the story is a testimony of the power of God in the life of someone who knows the Lord Jesus Christ in Bible salvation.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this I thought is was going to be a rather typical Christian Fiction read. Once I got into the book it turned out rather a good read despite not agreeing with some of their Christian belief's