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Crossroads of Grace #3
With Endless Sight
The satisfying conclusion to the Crossroads of Grace series, With Endless Sight offers a rich story of family, new beginnings, and the freedom that grace can bring.Belleville, Illinois and Wyoming Territories, 1861 Behind every story of loss is the promise of grace...Born into a life of privilege, fourteen-year-old Belinda never questions her security, even as she leaves Illinois with her family to discover new adventures in the Oregon Territory. But when disaster falls, Belinda is left wounded, weak, and alone. Her faith in God gives her the only strength she knows in a harsh new world. Belinda’s journey takes her to a snow-covered mining camp and a red-roofed brothel in the Wyoming mountains, but not before she must spend a lonely winter with the man who took away the life she knew. Throughout the grief and hope of a strange land, Belinda must decide if her faith is big enough to allow her to forgive.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2008
36 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Allison Pittman
32 books655 followersAllison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 7, 2016
Born into a life of privilege, fourteen-year-old Belinda never questions her security, even as she leaves Illinois with her family to discover new adventures in the Oregon Territory. But when disaster falls, Belinda is left wounded, weak, and alone. Her faith in God gives her the only strength she knows in a harsh new world.
Belinda’s journey takes her to a snow-covered mining camp and a red-roofed brothel in the Wyoming mountains, but not before she must spend a lonely winter with the man who took away the life she knew. Throughout the grief and hope of a strange land, Belinda must decide if her faith is big enough to allow her to forgive.
With Endless Sight is book 3 and the conclusion of the Crossroads of Grace series. It actually could be read as a stand alone, as the only connection to the previous books comes at the end of this book. This book was my favorite of the series.
Belinda leaves a life of luxury with her family to move west to Illinois. She finds herself living the life of Job with one catastrophe after another haunting her life. Along the way she meets an ex-pony express rider who suffered a permanent injury while working. Del touches her heart with both his tenderness, his strength through his disability, and his strong faith. Her brother compounds her difficulties, but Belinda never gives up or loses her faith. Filled with action, inspiration, and tragedy, With Endless Sight held my attention from start to finish.
For those who like historical fiction without romance, this book has a romance but it is a very minor piece of the story.
Belinda’s journey takes her to a snow-covered mining camp and a red-roofed brothel in the Wyoming mountains, but not before she must spend a lonely winter with the man who took away the life she knew. Throughout the grief and hope of a strange land, Belinda must decide if her faith is big enough to allow her to forgive.
With Endless Sight is book 3 and the conclusion of the Crossroads of Grace series. It actually could be read as a stand alone, as the only connection to the previous books comes at the end of this book. This book was my favorite of the series.
Belinda leaves a life of luxury with her family to move west to Illinois. She finds herself living the life of Job with one catastrophe after another haunting her life. Along the way she meets an ex-pony express rider who suffered a permanent injury while working. Del touches her heart with both his tenderness, his strength through his disability, and his strong faith. Her brother compounds her difficulties, but Belinda never gives up or loses her faith. Filled with action, inspiration, and tragedy, With Endless Sight held my attention from start to finish.
For those who like historical fiction without romance, this book has a romance but it is a very minor piece of the story.
August 1, 2019
With Endless Sight by Allison Pittman
Years: Approx. 1861-1863 (In chapter two we're told the Civil War had been going on for two months)
Location: Belleville, Illinois and Wyoming
Main Characters:
Belinda: Thirteen year old. AKA Biddy
Robert: Belinda's father
Ellen: Belinda's mother
Chester: Belinda's brother
Phoebe: Belinda's cousin
Del: stage coach station guard, ex-pony express rider
Sadie: Prostitute and mother figure to Belinda
Jewell: Owner of the brothel
Gloria: Character from Ten Thousand Charms
Laurent: Stagecoach robber who shot Belinda's mother and takes Belinda and Phoebe captive
Well rats. After reading Ten Thousand Charms, this was disappointing. Very different. Some things I appreciated, such as the gospel being shared and a thief coming to faith, but there were too many things not to like.
I had hoped that the next book in the series would continue with Gloria and John William's story-line. That did not happen. The only thing brought in from the first book were the characters from the brothel in Wyoming, and an understanding of who one character (and not a significant one) turns out to be.
Belinda, the main character in this book, begins as a thirteen year old, and ends when she's not quite sixteen. She needed to be quite small for the story to work in a few parts, so her being so young helped with that. But her youth was a problem for me. She reasoned and talked more like a twenty-five year old. The author had her fall in love 3 times between thirteen and fifteen years of age. That bothered me. The switch to first person was also different.
Things that were hard to read, also spoilers:
I'm sorry to say I did not love this book and would hesitate to recommend it
Years: Approx. 1861-1863 (In chapter two we're told the Civil War had been going on for two months)
Location: Belleville, Illinois and Wyoming
Main Characters:
Belinda: Thirteen year old. AKA Biddy
Robert: Belinda's father
Ellen: Belinda's mother
Chester: Belinda's brother
Phoebe: Belinda's cousin
Del: stage coach station guard, ex-pony express rider
Sadie: Prostitute and mother figure to Belinda
Jewell: Owner of the brothel
Gloria: Character from Ten Thousand Charms
Laurent: Stagecoach robber who shot Belinda's mother and takes Belinda and Phoebe captive
Well rats. After reading Ten Thousand Charms, this was disappointing. Very different. Some things I appreciated, such as the gospel being shared and a thief coming to faith, but there were too many things not to like.
I had hoped that the next book in the series would continue with Gloria and John William's story-line. That did not happen. The only thing brought in from the first book were the characters from the brothel in Wyoming, and an understanding of who one character (and not a significant one) turns out to be.
Belinda, the main character in this book, begins as a thirteen year old, and ends when she's not quite sixteen. She needed to be quite small for the story to work in a few parts, so her being so young helped with that. But her youth was a problem for me. She reasoned and talked more like a twenty-five year old. The author had her fall in love 3 times between thirteen and fifteen years of age. That bothered me. The switch to first person was also different.
Things that were hard to read, also spoilers:
I'm sorry to say I did not love this book and would hesitate to recommend it
October 6, 2013
I was very disappointed with this book. After establishing a distinct style in the first two books in the series Pittman completely abandons it. The most noticeable (and disappointing) change is a shift from third person to first person. I used to prefer first person narrators but as I have read more I have grown to appreciate third person narrators much more.
Several other things bothered me. First, Belinda's first person narrator voice is much too old for a fourteen (or fifteen) year old. She speaks and thinks like a person in her early twenties, like Gloria and Kassandra in the first two books. Second, the major plot points happens so quickly that they're done and over-with before the reader has a chance to realize what just happened. (In fact, the attack on Biddy, mentioned in both the previous books, happens so quickly and is talked about with such vague descriptors that I had to read the section twice to figure out what happened.) Third, Belinda falls in love way too quickly with way too many men yet somehow at the end she's still in love with Del? (The fact that Del has all of maybe two or three chapters worth of presence in the book makes it that much more unbelievable.) Fourth, Ms. Pittman strays dangerously close to just about every Christian historical (American West specifically) fiction cliché. I'm probably over sensitive to them but those things just set my teeth on edge. Fifth (and finally), everything in the book is just so vague. None of the major decisions are clear and definitive which leaves the reader wondering what was the purpose of the book in the first place.
This book had a lot of potential and it survives the purge only because I enjoyed the first two in the series so much and want to hold on to the complete set. While I would recommend the first two books in the series, I do not recommend this one. (That's very disappointing to me. If there's one thing that I appreciate most about an author...besides overall quality...it's consistency in technique.)
Several other things bothered me. First, Belinda's first person narrator voice is much too old for a fourteen (or fifteen) year old. She speaks and thinks like a person in her early twenties, like Gloria and Kassandra in the first two books. Second, the major plot points happens so quickly that they're done and over-with before the reader has a chance to realize what just happened. (In fact, the attack on Biddy, mentioned in both the previous books, happens so quickly and is talked about with such vague descriptors that I had to read the section twice to figure out what happened.) Third, Belinda falls in love way too quickly with way too many men yet somehow at the end she's still in love with Del? (The fact that Del has all of maybe two or three chapters worth of presence in the book makes it that much more unbelievable.) Fourth, Ms. Pittman strays dangerously close to just about every Christian historical (American West specifically) fiction cliché. I'm probably over sensitive to them but those things just set my teeth on edge. Fifth (and finally), everything in the book is just so vague. None of the major decisions are clear and definitive which leaves the reader wondering what was the purpose of the book in the first place.
This book had a lot of potential and it survives the purge only because I enjoyed the first two in the series so much and want to hold on to the complete set. While I would recommend the first two books in the series, I do not recommend this one. (That's very disappointing to me. If there's one thing that I appreciate most about an author...besides overall quality...it's consistency in technique.)
December 5, 2008
I loved this series, but for some reason I didn't like this as the end of it. It didn't seem to flow together like the first two did as well.
October 13, 2017
Fabulous coming of age story. I don't know what it is about this author's writing style but I have loved every book of hers I have read. She makes the characters so authentic and real, which I often find lacking in Christian fiction. The book is written in first person POV which is perfect for this story. There is heartbreak, a little edge of your seat suspense, and a bit of romance. Mostly it is about finding peace. 5 stars!
October 20, 2019
This was the last book in the Crossroads of Grace series, and like the first two books of the series, it was well written with interesting characters and some thought-provoking situations. Seeing both where Belinda/"Biddy" had come from and seeing her set back on a positive trajectory with a hopeful future ahead of her was really nice. Overall, I enjoyed this historical Christian novel and am glad that I read this rather unique series.
May 25, 2024
Best book of this series.
my ratings:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will probably read it again and it has a place in my library.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Good characters, great story. if nonfiction, great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: okay, I won't read it again, it will not be kept for my library.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it.
my ratings:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will probably read it again and it has a place in my library.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Good characters, great story. if nonfiction, great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: okay, I won't read it again, it will not be kept for my library.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it.
September 29, 2017
Beautiful story of faith, forgiveness, redemption and love on the frontiers of America,
October 4, 2017
Excellent
Well written. Excellent story. I usually don't read stories with a teen as the main character, but this is well worth reading.
Well written. Excellent story. I usually don't read stories with a teen as the main character, but this is well worth reading.
March 9, 2018
Good conclusion to the series. Hard to read a prequel type novel when you already know some of the outcome.
May 13, 2018
Good read
Really liked readi ng the story of Belinda, her trials, hardships, sadness and triumphing with the Lord all through the book.
Really liked readi ng the story of Belinda, her trials, hardships, sadness and triumphing with the Lord all through the book.
April 4, 2019
An amazing read
I really enjoyed this book. It sort of dragged at the beginning, but very quickly became a very interesting read. I am really enjoying this author.
I really enjoyed this book. It sort of dragged at the beginning, but very quickly became a very interesting read. I am really enjoying this author.
September 8, 2020
Well written. Good conclusion to the story.
July 9, 2015
Although this is the last book in a trilogy, this story was strong enough to stand on its own. The year is 1861. I was gripped by the story as Belinda's father packs up the family and moves them to the Wyoming Territories. They leave their family and comfort in Belleville, Illinois. Dad's a dreamer and this is an adventure of a life time; Belinda's mother is not convinced. She is a dutiful Christian wife who submits to her husband (but she doesn't have to like it). Her husband was so caught up in the new frontier and the opportunities of building something big.
The adventure began with a train ride, which was followed by a luxurious boat ride. Wow, things were grand!! Then came the wagon coach ride for days and days. Life as they had known it was over. As I read about all the discomforts of traveling this way for days on end, I never thought of all the uncomfortable things that could be encountered. It really made me appreciate what we have today which I sometimes take for granted. Even with gas prices being so high, I think I would rather ride a bike then a wagon coach.
Life as Belinda had known it, is definitely over when they get to their destination. There's nothing that she can do to bring it back. But, in spite of what her mother thought, she was determined to make the most of this adventure. Her cousin Phobe wasn't helping either. Her attitude was almost worse than her mothers.
Then something unforeseen happens to rock Belinda's world even further. It was totally a whole new world out here!! Her faith is being tested and she's really torn up to find out what she really believes. Her faith is wavering. Who is this God she has been serving? God is asking her to do the impossible. Can't He see she's in tremendous pain? She can't give any more! But, she does. She hears the Lord say "Be Still". God is asking her to forgive the very man who caused so much pain in her life. How could she? (She knew that God hadn't given her a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.) She memorized the scripture, but putting it into practice was another story. It sounded great on paper, but now God was asking her to do the unthinkable. She had to let God work thru her it was the only way. "Be Still" she kept hearing. So, she waited.
How fast life can change. She didn't appreciate what she had when she had it. Food, nice clothing and a warm bed. It was the simple things in life that she appreciated now. Funny how that is. It was harder and harder to not let the circumstances of this life get her down. At one point she felt blessed to find shelter with "souls wounded as mine. (she thought) I didn't have to spell out my pain; they knew it all too well. And I could talk to God without opening my mouth." She learned how quickly one simple step could change your world and everything you thought you knew. Belinda was starting to believe that she had run out of choices. She had to play the cards that were dealt to her. But a friend reminds her that we always have choices – no one can take that away from you.
This is a book that helps me to be thankful for the little things in this life that I take for granted. When I was done reading this story, I was thankful that I wasn't a woman born during those times who had to be put through the hardships of daily life and how women are viewed. In many ways Allison Pittman reveals the struggles we deal with today, are not that much different from women back then. We are in a spiritual battle. We don't fight against flesh and blood put against principalities and powers – the bible says. Allison does a beautiful job of showing that struggle with the back drop of the wild, wild west. It's made me want to go back and read the other two books in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
The adventure began with a train ride, which was followed by a luxurious boat ride. Wow, things were grand!! Then came the wagon coach ride for days and days. Life as they had known it was over. As I read about all the discomforts of traveling this way for days on end, I never thought of all the uncomfortable things that could be encountered. It really made me appreciate what we have today which I sometimes take for granted. Even with gas prices being so high, I think I would rather ride a bike then a wagon coach.
Life as Belinda had known it, is definitely over when they get to their destination. There's nothing that she can do to bring it back. But, in spite of what her mother thought, she was determined to make the most of this adventure. Her cousin Phobe wasn't helping either. Her attitude was almost worse than her mothers.
Then something unforeseen happens to rock Belinda's world even further. It was totally a whole new world out here!! Her faith is being tested and she's really torn up to find out what she really believes. Her faith is wavering. Who is this God she has been serving? God is asking her to do the impossible. Can't He see she's in tremendous pain? She can't give any more! But, she does. She hears the Lord say "Be Still". God is asking her to forgive the very man who caused so much pain in her life. How could she? (She knew that God hadn't given her a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.) She memorized the scripture, but putting it into practice was another story. It sounded great on paper, but now God was asking her to do the unthinkable. She had to let God work thru her it was the only way. "Be Still" she kept hearing. So, she waited.
How fast life can change. She didn't appreciate what she had when she had it. Food, nice clothing and a warm bed. It was the simple things in life that she appreciated now. Funny how that is. It was harder and harder to not let the circumstances of this life get her down. At one point she felt blessed to find shelter with "souls wounded as mine. (she thought) I didn't have to spell out my pain; they knew it all too well. And I could talk to God without opening my mouth." She learned how quickly one simple step could change your world and everything you thought you knew. Belinda was starting to believe that she had run out of choices. She had to play the cards that were dealt to her. But a friend reminds her that we always have choices – no one can take that away from you.
This is a book that helps me to be thankful for the little things in this life that I take for granted. When I was done reading this story, I was thankful that I wasn't a woman born during those times who had to be put through the hardships of daily life and how women are viewed. In many ways Allison Pittman reveals the struggles we deal with today, are not that much different from women back then. We are in a spiritual battle. We don't fight against flesh and blood put against principalities and powers – the bible says. Allison does a beautiful job of showing that struggle with the back drop of the wild, wild west. It's made me want to go back and read the other two books in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
October 6, 2015
I don't have anything good or bad to say about this book. It was different from the other two in the series but I don't think it was a bad different. I enjoyed the part where she and her cousin lived on the mountain. I felt like that part of the story had more emotion and intrigue than any other part of the book.
July 8, 2008
This book wraps up the series. I enjoyed how books 2 and 3 were not obvious continuations (or prequels) to the original story until you are almost finished with the book. I thought that was a nice way to create the series.
Good stories of redemption.
Good stories of redemption.
June 10, 2013
I liked this book the best out of the threesome. I could relate with Belinda's background although I hadn't the same trials, but could imagine her life better than the other two heroines in Allison Pittman's stories.
February 21, 2015
My least favorite of the trilogy. The beginning seemed drawn out compared to the rest. The end TRULY seemed thrown together, like the author got a call from her editor, "hey, ya got 5 minutes to finish the book. Go..." I was left wanting more, but not in a good way.
June 27, 2008
I really enjoyed that book! read the others in the series first. i like her style of writing and they way she is not shy or judgmental about those with different life-experiences.
April 6, 2011
Great conclusion to the trilogy...gives you new insight into the characters of Gloria and Sadie, who were introduced in the other two books.
February 7, 2011
It was much better than the second one in this series, I thought! Not the best book, but definitely well-written. I'm just so mad that they kill off Laurent!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2011
this is an amazing book and will help you with your relationtip with god. it has its inapropiate moments, but remains epic with its lessons and good story line. also a love story.
September 30, 2012
This book was so incredibly sad. Guess I'm just a sucker for a happy ending and I was disappointed.
October 8, 2013
I heard that this book was the best of the series. I'm not sure why someone thought highly of this book. It was an unrealistic plot with unrealistic characters. Ugh.
September 21, 2015
I love it's really interesting , love the writing style ..!
June 17, 2009
This was a wonderful book.
April 12, 2012
I like it pretty well so far.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews