Tabitha

Girls from the Mountain, Book 1

By: Vikki Kestell

Narrated by: Sybil Johnson

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of the groundbreaking series A Prairie Heritage comes the compelling story of fiery-haired, fiery-tempered Tabitha Hale. Rescued from a life of depravity, Tabitha gives her heart to God and her life to nursing.

As this tenacious, redeemed woman perseveres toward her vocation, her temper, and stubborn independence threaten to derail her aspirations. Will Tabitha pass the trial by fire that is necessary for God to truly use her? And what is Tabitha to do with her feelings for Mason Carpenter, the man who simply refuses to give up on her? Is it even possible for God to ordain a shared future for two such different people, both with fervent callings upon their hearts?

When the Great War erupts in Europe, Carpenter leaves for England to train British pilots to fly reconnaissance missions over Belgium and France. Soon after, Tabitha hears God asking her to nurse the war wounded. However, because America has not joined in the fight, Tabitha has few options. Will the elite British Nursing Service make a place for her? Will they accept the services of an American volunteer? Will Tabitha and Mason overcome the differences that stand between them?

Revisit Palmer House - a most extraordinary refuge for young women rescued from prostitution. Renew your acquaintance with Rose Thoresen, Joy Michaels, and the others who live at Palmer House. Glimpse the years between Stolen and Lost Are Found.

• Girls from the Mountain

Book 1: Tabitha

Book 2: Tory

Book 3: Sarah Redeemed

©2015 Vikki Kestell (P)2019 Vikki Kestell

A well-told faith-based story

Pros:
• This is an interesting, thought-through story with consistent themes and values.
• The narration is excellent with individual characters being well differentiated without crossing into caricature.
• The author's faith and perspective are evident in a good way in the story.
• The protagonist is thoughtfully developed and acts plausibly given her circumstances and background.
• The plot, while containing circumstances that are at time unpleasant or extraordinary, follows a redemptive and believable positive arc that demonstrates care for the story and its characters.

Cons:
• I would have preferred that more time be devoted to the latter sections of the book (in wartime Europe) and less to the protagonist's hard past, although I understand the desire to fully show what she had to overcome by God's grace. Though usually indirect and not very graphic, the description of the character's difficult past was sometimes painful to listen to and continued for longer than I was comfortable with. Those particularly sensitive to themes of abuse and human trafficking might be better off skipping this book.
• Despite being "Book 1" of its own series this book shares a fictional universe with another of the author's series and contains references to events from that series (I gather). I was occasionally distracted by these references, but this was minor and the back/parallel story explained well enough that I didn't feel I needed to have read those books to enjoy this one.
• From a real-world theological perspective I wasn't comfortable with the main character receiving direct guidance from God in the form of a voice speaking words in her head. This is something I would more readily accept in a more fantastical story but am less comfortable with in a book which is presented as historical fiction. This comes (I assume) from my having a differing understanding than the author of how God usually reveals himself in the world today. I did appreciate that the characters who are written as believers are depicted praying for guidance and seeking to apply biblical principles in their lives.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. While I can't say I loved it (5 stars) I did enjoy it and would recommend it to those looking for faith-based historical fiction (with chaste romantic elements developing in the mid to latter parts of the book) with the caveats mentioned above.

Loved every word!

Loved this story! It has all the feels! The narration was perfection and truly added to the enjoyment of the story. Looking forward to the next in the series!


I was given a copy of this audiobook, for an honest review.

Engaging Redemption Story

I won this audiobook through a giveaway in a Facebook group. This is a new- to- me author, and I will definitely be checking out other books she has written.

The heroine in the book has had a rough time of it in the first part of the book after running away from home with her boyfriend to seek their fortune out West. Things go from bad to worse, and Tabitha ends up spending many years in about the worst possible situation. This first section of the story was a bit hard to get through due to the heartbreaking situation Tabitha finds herself in. Just be aware that the author tackles a tough topic here. it may not be a story you want to read to your young teenagers.

At any rate, we see the progression of events until Tabitha meets Jesus. Through the rest of the book, Tabitha is living a life transformed, but she has plenty of challenges to face. The fact that she spends part of that time in England is a plus.

Not only was this a good story, but it also encouraged me spiritually. Give it a try.

Did Not Want It To End!

I loved the book from beginning to end! I did not want it to end. The story of Tabitha, broke my heart but the power of forgiveness and God's love and grace triumphed over all! Although this book had me on an emotional roller-coaster I am so glad that I had to opportunity to listen to it! Thank you, for an amazing book and I can not wait to read the other books in the series!

Moving story told by a talented narrator

The story is a very moving testamony of how faith can help you accomplish anything. The narrator is very talented. She told Tabitha's story with the perfect balance of emotions.

One of the best audiobooks I've ever heard!

This is possibly the best audiobook I’ve ever heard! I think I’m currently on my third time through, and I’m sure I’ll listen to it many more times!
The story is VERY good. The book is divided into three parts, and the first part deals with the main character’s history of forced prostitution, so if you have small children you will probably want to listen with headphones (but there is nothing graphic). The story shows beautifully how God forgives and restores, and then works even the bad things in our lives for good.
The narrator is also one of the best I have ever heard. I lost track of how many accents she did in this book, and did VERY well. And the characters’ voices didn’t sound like she was just trying to change her voice for each character; instead, it felt like each character HAD their own voice, perfectly delivered with accent, emotion and expression.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Like I said, I have already listened to it several times, and I expect to listen to it again many more times!

My new favorite author!

Vikki Kestell is my new favorite author! Well written. Enjoyable. Excellent character development. Enjoyable story. Faith wonderfully mixed into the story. I return a lot of audio books I don't like. This is staying in my library!

wonderful

wonderful book and great narrator ! I enjoyed it from start to finish .

What an Adventure!

This interesting historical fiction was a good listen. The narrator, Sybil Johnson, did a nice job with the different characters through the years in which the story takes place. The gripping storyline provides a powerful picture as themes of redemption, forgiveness, and following God’s direction emerge. I appreciated that faith journeys and struggles were included and realistically portrayed. For example, the main character’s prayer life was such a natural and integral part of her life. This was my first introduction to Vikki Kestell but I am interested in reading or listening to more of her stories. I was given a copy of this audiobook by the author. All opinions are my own.

Awesome book!

This is a great author! Her writing makes you feel all the highs and the lows and I felt as though I were living in the story. The narrator is great at many dialects! Vikki Kestell was a new author to me but I will now read all of her books!