Travelers Rest

Sep 28, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review

Travelers Rest starts off as what you would think of being a happier every after, but since Ann Tatlock is writing about difficult issues that people really face, the story gets difficult to read. Jane Morrow and Seth Ballantine have been friends since childhood, and how were getting married. But their life was torn apart when Seth comes home from serving his country injured in Iraq. Jane loves Seth and has no other thoughts except to stay with him and take care of him, but Seth has dif...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Ellen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, from-publisher, fictions-contemporary

A YOUNG WOMAN
determined to honor her commitment...

AN INJURED SOLDIER
convinced life is no longer worth living...

A RETIRED DOCTOR
certain it's too late to be forgiven...

Jane Morrow has a dilemma, and love alone may not solve it. Her faith has never been strong, yet somehow she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. The answer she finds may not be at all what she expected... (from the back cover)

* * * * * * * * * * * *

How does life go on when your fiance returns home from fighti...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, Bethany House.

I have to confess, I often judge a book by its cover. And from the moment I opened the mailer with my most recent book to review for Bethany House, it called to me, and I couldn’t put it down for the next few days. The sepia photo on the cover of Traveler’s Rest by Ann Tatlock bespeaks nostalgia, deep contemplation, and a hint of sorrow, tinged with bittersweet happiness. And so the book itself went.

The novel follows Jan...more I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, Bethany House.

I have to confess, I often judge a book by its cover. And from the moment I opened the mailer with my most recent book to review for Bethany House, it called to me, and I couldn’t put it down for the next few days. The sepia photo on the cover of Traveler’s Rest by Ann Tatlock bespeaks nostalgia, deep contemplation, and a hint of sorrow, tinged with bittersweet happiness. And so the book itself went.

The novel follows Jane Morrow, a young woman engaged to a National Guardsman who comes back from Iraq a quadriplegic, as she navigates the waters of life post-injury. The soldier, Seth, is predictably angry and can’t see the point of living anymore. His family is stoic and prepared to do all that needs to be done to take care of him. Jane is loyal and ready to face the road of marriage she sees ahead of her. But of course everything changes, or there would be no novel!

I was driven to choose this book for review because not many books have been written yet about this war, and I was intrigued to see how Tatlock would handle it. Honestly, the war is only a bit player in the book at most–a foregone conclusion that’s just part of life as we know it–which I guess is pretty true to how it is in real life for many of us. There were a few mentions of some of the animosity toward the soldiers, but Jane of course is supportive of the troops. That was about the extent of the discussion of the war, which might have disappointed me had other elements not grabbed me.

The characters were what really sucked me in. As she spent time at the hospital with Seth, Jane met some wonderful people, and her burgeoning relationships with them kept bringing me back. The kind-hearted retired doctor, the intelligent young blind man, the scientist friend who we keep up with through emails, all of them brought out bits and pieces of the story in different ways. However, I was disappointed that a few of these characters seemed to disappear by the time we got to the all together pat epilogue.

As with any major life episode, faith came to bear in Jane’s decision. Tatlock never really explained why Jane was not a believer, though she clearly states that Seth was. And through a somewhat unbelievable dream-vision, all of Jane’s uncertainty melted away and brought her into the ranks of the faithful. I was surprised that the faith element was not talked about in more detail, though maybe that is a good move for Christian that will help move it off its niche bookshelf and more into the realm of mainstream fiction. Instead, the focus was on Jane’s decision of whether or not to go ahead with her marriage to Seth. And I think that’s the crux of what fascinated me about Traveler’s Rest: I have NO idea what decision I might make were I in Jane’s shoes, nor did I necessarily have an opinion of what the “right” decision would be, so I was fascinated to see what she would choose. Unfortunately, I found the denouement to be a bit of a cop-out. I would have liked it to be a bit more raw, as it would be in real life. (Though, I must admit, the ending was what I had secretly hoped for from the moment I met the character named John Paul.)

I was surprised at points by the poeticism of Tatlock’s writing. Sentences like, “No one seemed aware at all of the song rolling out of the belfry, though the bells went on stubbornly ringing, their notes drifting down like absolution over the dusk-shrouded city” seemed almost out of place among the rest of the more pedestrian plot-driven pages, but they were a nice addition that would lead me to give others of Tatlock’s books a whirl. Despite a few somewhat unbelievable stretches that were necessary to moving the plot forward, the book flowed nicely from start to finish and left me feeling pretty content.(less)

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Jun 24, 2012 Taylor Hoffman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Traveler's Rest by Ann Tacklock tells the story of Jane Murrow, a young teacher who is engaged to Seth Ballantine, her childhood love. One day she is getting engaged and planning a wedding and the next, she realizes that her fiancé has suffered a severe injury at the hands of an enemy sniper while fighting in Iraq with his national guard unit. After six months, Seth returns to the United States to recover in a VA hospital. In the only communication Jane has had with Seth during those six months,...more Traveler's Rest by Ann Tacklock tells the story of Jane Murrow, a young teacher who is engaged to Seth Ballantine, her childhood love. One day she is getting engaged and planning a wedding and the next, she realizes that her fiancé has suffered a severe injury at the hands of an enemy sniper while fighting in Iraq with his national guard unit. After six months, Seth returns to the United States to recover in a VA hospital. In the only communication Jane has had with Seth during those six months, Seth told Jane not to come see him and that he is no longer interested in marrying her. When Jane visits Seth, he is depressed and hurtful and even asks Jane to help him commit suicide. Jane must decide whether to stand by her man and love him no matter what, or heed Seth's advice and move on with her life.

Why I Chose This Book:

I chose this book because I am a military spouse and was interested in reading an author's portrayal of the reintegration process. I wanted to see how the author would handle touchy military spouse problems and ethical issues.

My Thoughts:

I truly enjoyed this book and read it cover-to-cover in one sitting. The author did an excellent job of conveying the thoughts and emotions of Jane, a fiancé whose world turns upside down as a result of her fiancé's debilitating injuries. The author also showed the tension between Jane and her future in-laws as both try to do what is best for Seth. There are no clear cut answers for the dilemmas presented in Traveler's Rest and the whole time I read it, I wondered which direction Jane would choose. The plot moved along quickly but not so quickly that I didn't get a glimpse into the inner-most thoughts of the characters.

The author did a good job of dealing with disability, including people's perceptions of those with disabilities, without being overly preachy or obnoxious. The Southern setting made me wish I was reading it on a white porch swing while sipping sweet tea. Travelers Rest is a sweet, yet meaningful summer read.

The numbers:

Overall Rating: 4
Character development: 4
Writing Quality: 4
Plot: 4
Fluidity: 4
Originality: 4
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.(less)

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Jun 20, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Traveler's Rest... a town with historical purpose has long played host to weary travelers, offering a relaxing place to rest their hats and their hearts.

Jane is willing to do whatever it takes to keep life the same and the surroundings familiar and comfortable. Will her heart lead her to where she has been searching for all along?

Seth, fiance of Jane, is injured in IRAQ while serving in the armed forces. His promises may not know of the future but his heart remains constant.

Truman, physician, is...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

Life had so much promise for Jane Morrow who was engaged to a man she’d loved since second grade. They grew up together. Jane noticed Seth but all the while he didn’t know she existed. Then in high school things changed. He finally he noticed her in a big way! It only took fifteen years. The happiest day of her life was when Seth asked her to marry him. Then Seth signed up to be in the reserves and then is called to duty. They planned on getting married when he came back. But nothing prepared th...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Louise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

Story Description:

Baker Publishing Group|May 1, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-0810-2

New Contemporary Novel from an Award-Winning Author Ann Tatlock

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She’s engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard’s 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and he’s returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn’t seen him for nearly a year and with trepidation she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Caroline where he is being treated. Seth isn’t happy to see her....more Story Description:

Baker Publishing Group|May 1, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-0810-2

New Contemporary Novel from an Award-Winning Author Ann Tatlock

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She’s engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard’s 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and he’s returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn’t seen him for nearly a year and with trepidation she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Caroline where he is being treated. Seth isn’t happy to see her. He’d asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she’s determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. Beautifully written, Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption.

My Review:

This was simply the most beautifully written, heart-warming, yet heart-breaking story I’ve read in a long while. Seth and Jane were engaged to be married until Seth returned from the war in Iraq as a quadriplegic with an attitude that his life is totally over. Having been a carpenter Seth can no longer use his arms or hands and wishes he had died. He told Jane not to come and see him, to move on and forget about him but of course, Jane wasn’t about to allow that to happen.

Jane went to see Seth and he wasn’t happy to see her. As hard as he made that first visit for her, the more determined she was to stay and help him through the pain of what he has lost. Seth, on the other hand, doesn’t want help and asks Jane to help him die but she won’t have any part in that either. Jane is still in love with Seth and wants to marry him but Seth won’t allow it and tells her he can’t deal with the engagement while dealing with everything else and tells her to remove her engagement ring.

In the meantime, Jane meets Truman, a retired 70ish year-old doctor who lives at the VA hospital and helps out with the patients and keeps an eye on things. He and Jane strike up a friendship that will grow into something absolutely beautiful.

Jane doesn’t know what to do. Should she leave Seth and move on like he wants her to, forgetting all about him? Should she stay and insist they continue forward with their wedding and become a nurse to him instead of a wife? She needs someone to tell her what to do and wants to ask God but she’s never gone to church and doesn’t know how to pray. However, through her talks with Truman, Jane finds exactly the answers she was looking for and ends up with much more than she bargained for making for a very happy ending.

At 342 pages I read this in one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down. Ann Tatlock has a special way of telling a story, she’s a genius and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

**Special thanks to Bethany House for the preview copy!**

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May 28, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

A 'Travelers Rest' is a very fitting title for this novel. This story is about life, hardship, and ultimately forgiveness: from Jane who is struggling to put her dream back together with her best friend and soon-to-be-husband after a sniper's bullet in Iraq shot him through the neck, to Seth who has always lived and loved with his hands and can now hardly do more than speak, to Dr. Rockaway who believes past wrongs are above forgiveness, and finally to Jon-Paul a young lawyer who's bright future...more

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May 22, 2012 Christian Fiction Addiction rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ann Tatlock is an author who has never shied away from dealing with difficult issues of grief and loss and pain, and yet she does so in a way that is uplifting and ultimately entertaining as well. Her ninth book to date, Travelers Rest, is another winner that again satisfies on many levels, a book that is utterly moving and is written with skill and artful prose. The characters are beautifully developed, and they are ones readers will easily connect with. I especially enjoyed the character of Ja...more

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May 01, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-literature, christian-fiction, contemporary-fiction, romance-fiction

Jane Morrow is finding her future a difficult road ahead. What she had planned for isn't what lies in front of her. So many decisions and not sure which way to go, she searches in vain for the answer. Seth Ballentine has returned home from the war in Iraq and she couldn't be more happier. When he left, all she ever wanted was for him to return home even though she never wanted him to leave. Asking her to marry him before he left gave her something to hope for along with a promise he'd come back...more Jane Morrow is finding her future a difficult road ahead. What she had planned for isn't what lies in front of her. So many decisions and not sure which way to go, she searches in vain for the answer. Seth Ballentine has returned home from the war in Iraq and she couldn't be more happier. When he left, all she ever wanted was for him to return home even though she never wanted him to leave. Asking her to marry him before he left gave her something to hope for along with a promise he'd come back to her.

Now that he has, he doesn't want to see her. Asks her not to come visit or see him. Yet Jane's still in love with Seth and can't understand how his feelings have changed for her until she makes a trip to visit him. She steps into the lobby of the Asheville Veterans Administration Medical Center complex and asks for directions to his room. On the fifth floor, she enters his room and finds him looking so much worse than she ever expected. Losing much of the weight he had before, she braced herself for his reaction. When he looked up at her, she expected to see love in his eyes, but now only anger appeared there. He was mad she had gone against his wishes and come to see him.

He tells Jane that he wants her to forget about him, to take the engagement ring she's still wearing and sell it. Take a trip, go on a cruise. He's not here for her anymore. Only Jane thinks she has prepared herself in the last six months to deal with Seth. After everything she has read, she still has hope that they can still be married, she still is in love with him and wants to be his wife. As much as he tries to discourage her, Jane insists they can make this work. Seth is now completely paralyzed after being shot in the neck. The only thing he wishes is that he had died like he believed God had planned instead of being brought back as less than a man.

In the latest novel by Ann Tatlock, Travelers Rest, brings the readers into a difficult time for both Jane and Seth. Jane's trying to maintain hope that they can still make their relationship work while Seth is trying to find hope to keep on living in his current state, despite how much he may recover some of his movement. He knows he will never be the same and tries in vain to discourage Jane in anyway he can. Will they find a way to make their love survive despite difficult circumstances or will they each go their separate ways and realize that love alone may not solve their problems?

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was immediately captivated by this enchanting story. It's understandable to feel things for both Seth's circumstance of dealing with a war injury and Jane's for trying to keep the hope and faith of love alive despite their struggles. Along the way, Jane meets Truman Rockaway, an elderly man who has served time in the Korean war and is a retired black doctor now residing at the Medical Center. He reminded me while I was reading about his character in the book of Morgan Freeman and he quiet strength provide healing to Jane's troubled soul. I really enjoyed this book and found myself drawn into the characters as each one has shared a troubled past along the way to arrive where they are today. I highly recommend this one and rate it a 5 out of 5 stars. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. (less)

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Jul 29, 2012 Vera Godley rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a story of lives intertwined in unusual ways and the interactions and emotional turmoil of shattered lives, gut wrenching decisions, social injustices, tragedies of war, and journey to faith. It is a story of coping with severe handicaps and facing the emotion and physical toil those handicaps place on the individual as well as those in their emotional circle.

Seth and Jane are the young couple about which this story is basically written. But the journey they are taking is not the one whi...more This is a story of lives intertwined in unusual ways and the interactions and emotional turmoil of shattered lives, gut wrenching decisions, social injustices, tragedies of war, and journey to faith. It is a story of coping with severe handicaps and facing the emotion and physical toil those handicaps place on the individual as well as those in their emotional circle.

Seth and Jane are the young couple about which this story is basically written. But the journey they are taking is not the one which they had planned so excitedly prior to Seth's deployment to the battlefield. He has returned home physically and emotionally a broken man. Jane is determined to marry him as planned and care for him. Seth, realistically, says, "No."

Other players on the stage of this journey-play, are Truman, a retired doctor who grew up in the old Jim Crow South as a black man; and John Paul, who is a young attorney who plays the piano beautifully and who faces his difficulties with grace. (Watch out for the piano player!)

There are really three stories being played out here; and as I said, they are tightly intertwined. But understanding the title requires getting into the story a bit - Travelers Rest. You see, they are all journeying through life and it is a true journey. When you travel you must rest. But rest is hard to come by sometimes.

In the book Travelers Rest is actually a town. The characters have connections to the town and to each other that are revealed as the story progresses. Let's just say, that rest for the travelers is ultimately found in Travelers Rest

This is a first read for me of Ann Tatlock's works. I found it enjoyable in writing style and plot. I did find it somewhat emotionally draining because of the heavy burdens the characters faced and no hope of recourse. But I did find rest in the composure and grace of Truman and John Paul.

I encourage you to get a copy and read Travelers Rest.

About the author: Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina. Visit www.anntatlock.com
READ AN EXCERPT FROM TRAVELERS REST - http://www.scribd.com/doc/84550401

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Travelers Rest by Bethany House a Division of Baker Publishing Group on behalf of the author, Ann Tatlock, in order to render my honest review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.(less)

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Jun 22, 2012 Paula-O rated it 5 of 5 stars

Travelers Rest written by Ann Tatlock

This book has two stories intermingled so well you would think its one. Jane Morrow is a beautiful young woman in love with a young man who happens to join the national guard hoping it will make their future better for them, he plans to do schooling and save monies.
The best laid plans dont always turn out the way we want them to and this couple had their world turned upside down when Seth was severely injured while in Iraq.
Now Jane heads to VA Hospital in ash...more Travelers Rest written by Ann Tatlock

This book has two stories intermingled so well you would think its one. Jane Morrow is a beautiful young woman in love with a young man who happens to join the national guard hoping it will make their future better for them, he plans to do schooling and save monies.
The best laid plans dont always turn out the way we want them to and this couple had their world turned upside down when Seth was severely injured while in Iraq.
Now Jane heads to VA Hospital in ashville feeling that she loves this young man and no injury can make a difference to her, she meets Seth again who is the same -yet not the same-young man. Seth is having a very hard time accepting his life now that it is so limited-he is a quad, nothing works below his neck. His dreams are the happiest times when he sees himself as he was whole and happy.

Jane meets several folks at this place where soldiers come to heal, one is Truman a black man who has a secret and was a Doctor before retiring to this hosp as an ex-soldier. Truman lived in Travelers Rest in his early life but left abruptly leaving a love behind that haunts his lifetime. A choice was made and his life changed in a moment..

She meets Jon Paul a talanted piano player who has a disease that is taking his sight from him, he doesnt live here only visits to see his sister a nurse working there. Jon Paul is a lawyer in his families firm and has little sight now but Jane's love of music make these two fast friends. She sits many times and listens as this talanted young man plays beautiful music at the hospital.

I want to tell you all their stories but you need to read the book because they are good ones you will want to "feel" as you sit reading. I was impressed with the way that Ann Tatlock has written these characters into a story and made so many important- yet focused mainly on Seth&Jane.
Choices have made changes in the lives of Seth and Truman. once made we must live out the consequences as just like dominos they fall into place in our lives.

I was given this book by Bethany House for an honest review, Thank you(less)

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Oct 02, 2012 Jessi Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received a free copy of Travelers Rest from Bethany House Publisher.

Travelers Rest is a sweet book about a young woman whose fiance comes back from war and is paralyzed from the neck down. Her fiance is placed in a VA hospital in Asheville, NC where she visits him almost daily. During her visits she meets and becomes friends with a retired doctor (and veteran) who lives in the community wing of the hospital. As you continue to read you see the relationship with her fiance play out as wel...more

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May 16, 2012 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

Having only read one other book by Ann Tatlock in the past, I wasn’t quite sure what Travelers Rest would be like. But one thing I knew for sure—it would be moving and emotional. And that is exactly what it turned out to be!

In one day, with one phone call, Jane Morrow’s picturesque “happily ever after” marriage she’s been looking forward to…changes. As Travelers Rest progressed, I grew to really admire Jane and how she didn’t waver in her love toward h...more

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May 28, 2012 Becky added it

I'll start by saying that Travelers Rest is not my usual type of book. I read the occasional suspense or chick lit novel - but at heart I'm a romance girl through and through. I don't typically opt for women's fiction. I don't want lots of heartache and sadness in a book because I don't want to feel heartachy and sad.

I read Travelers Rest because Ann and I are both Bethany House authors and our books both released in May '12. Travelers Rest is about a woman whose fiance goes off to war and comes...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Jessica Bevil rated it 5 of 5 stars

Travelers Rest is a contemporary novel, written by author Ann Tatlock. Jane Morrow’s life is thrown off course when her fiancé, Seth Ballantine, is severely injured while deployed in Iraq. Ignoring his requests, Jane proceeds to visit him at the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Seth is angry that she will not simply move on with her life. This is not enough to keep Jane from staying in town to visit him regularly.

With a constant request for God to help her know what to do, Jane continu...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Penny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book! In Traveler's Rest by Ann Tatlock, Jane faces a decision that seems to have no answer while Truman seeks peace but believes it can't be found. Tatlock weaves a story of beauty that delves into the heart. This timeless story will appeal to readers who enjoy well written prose that illuminate unexpected circumstances in life. I wanted to read the book in one sitting, but couldn't, until I was about 3/4 of the way through. Then I had to stop everything and soak in the southern surr...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Suzanne Stock rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bought-for-my-favorite-bookshelf

"History, she saw, was simply people's lives, the large events the sum total of individual stories, and much of it rode on a man's or a woman's response to heartache. Racism wasn't the nation's story, it was Truman's and Bess's and Laney's and Clapper's. Just like the war in Iraq wasn't a world story. It was Seth's and hers and even Truman's too, because it had brought them here, back to the place Truman had had to flee but that he could now return to, since a page had turned and the story had c...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-christian-fiction

This is a great story about Jane whose fiance has come back from Iraq with a spinal cord injury. Seth is angry and confused wondering what he will do now that his dreams of being a carpenter are ruined. Seth is ready to end the engagement because he feels he has nothing to offer Jane. Jane is trying to decide what to do. Many are urging her to end it but she still loves Seth. A Truman Rockaway is a doctor who also has regrets in his past and feels he can never be forgiven. Will he be able to hel...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bethany-house-free-for-review, proverbial-reads-review

Don’t let the sepia cover fool you. This is a modern day story and Jane Morrow is facing what so many women have probably faced in recent times. Her fiancé Seth – a member of the National Guard - has returned home severely injured from Iraq. He’s paralyzed and depressed. He doesn’t want her to visit him at the Veterans Administration hospital but she goes anyway. The war might be over for him, but the battle for their relationship is just beginning. Well-meaning friends have suggested Jane move...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Deborah Harvey rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had heard wonderful things about this author and she did not disappoint me. From the moment I picked it up....the cover....the title....all beconned me to read...and read I did. The chapters were short and easy to read and I had a hard time putting it down.

It is contemporary novel about the struggles of Jane Morrow and her fiancé, just returned from Iraq. His return home is not what either anticipated...but, is bittersweet because he returns paralyzed. As they struggle with their new normal......more

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Aug 21, 2012 Soaring Eagle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

This is my first book that I have read by Ann Tatlock and it won't be my last. The book Travelers Rest kept my interest up through it all. I was happy that it had short chapters. Perfect for a busy stay-at-home, homeschooling mom like me. It was hard to put down just the same. I kept wanting to know what would happen next.

Jane Morrow is engaged to Seth Ballantine. They grew up together and she was in love with him it seems like forever. Seth goes off to Iraq but comes back home paralyzed. This d...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Heidi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bethany-house

I really enjoyed this book! In Traveler's Rest by Ann Tatlock, Jane faces a decision that seems to have no answer while Truman seeks peace but believes it can't be found. Tatlock weaves a story of beauty that delves into the heart. This timeless story will appeal to readers who enjoy well written prose that illuminate unexpected circumstances in life.

It is well written and you will not be disappointed to read this book. I'm so thankful for the opportunity from Bethany House Publishers to read an...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Cheryl Olson rated it 4 of 5 stars

The man she loves was in one of the rooms of this enormous pale brick building, but she didn’t know which one” begins the story of young Jane Morrow -from Ann Tatlock’s Traveler’s Rest- an engaged young woman about to come face to face with the shattering of her “happily ever after dreams” as she is about to see her fiancé who has been wounded in Iraq. This wasn’t how her story was supposed to play out and yet here she is faced with all sorts of questions as to what the future holds. Fortunately...more The man she loves was in one of the rooms of this enormous pale brick building, but she didn’t know which one” begins the story of young Jane Morrow -from Ann Tatlock’s Traveler’s Rest- an engaged young woman about to come face to face with the shattering of her “happily ever after dreams” as she is about to see her fiancé who has been wounded in Iraq. This wasn’t how her story was supposed to play out and yet here she is faced with all sorts of questions as to what the future holds. Fortunately, she knows who holds her future and prays God will show her what that looks like. Her answers may not be exactly what she thought they would be, however.

Anne Tatlock in her masterful way once again writes a lovely character driven novel with character’s that you feel like you have met at sometime in your life. From her poor wounded fiancé Seth Ballantine struggling with lots of anger towards God for his injuries, to the character of Truman, a retired Dr. still hanging around the VA hospital to help as needed and encourage the patients. The back stories of these characters unfold and intertwine as skillfully as a lovely symphony hitting all the right notes and creating a lovely story where relationships and forgiveness are key. I really enjoy the strong nostalgia that is present in this book. Like I said the characters just feel familiar and I believe we all struggle in our lives at one time or another with the basic themes of the book- needing forgiveness, seeking a new purpose in life after the old one is gone, anger at God, etc. It is rich with moments to make you think.

I believe this book takes a turn that you don’t expect when you initially start reading, but it really makes sense as the story progresses. I don’t want to give anything away in this story but believing that God has a purpose and a plan in all things, even the bad stuff, is very present and very encouraging in this novel.

I am a fan of Ann Tatlock’s writing and this is just another of her stories that I very much enjoyed. As the book concludes you just wish that you could hang out with these characters, drink some chocolate milk with Truman and find out what happens next for them in their lives. Travelers Rest proved to be another Tatlock treasure that I am sure you will enjoy.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

4 stars

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Feb 20, 2013 Kandra rated it 5 of 5 stars

This contemporary novel has an old-fashioned feeling, or maybe it's just the gentle sepia tones of the cover. Set in the South, it combines heartbreak and grief with God's touch of grace and healing. Yes, I was sad, even at the ending, and I can't read this type of thing all the time or I'll be gloomy! But the book was well-written, with an important message. I couldn't help but admire the characters, the story line, and the truths that were taught within its pages.

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Dec 07, 2012 Readnponder rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have read all of Ann Tatlock's books. This one is so-so, but still worth reading.
Jane is engaged to a National Guardsman who comes home from Iraq paralyzed. Seth is in a VA hospital suffering from depression as well as his combat injuries.
Jane and Seth need to renegotiate their relationship. Other "regulars" at the VA Hospital influence the couple's spiritual and emotional growth.

The conclusion is somewhat predictable; nevertheless, it is an enjoyable read.

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Sep 17, 2012 Jennifer Nelson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, 2012-books

This novel really drew me in at the beginning. I was so wrapped up in it that I got to 80% in one day (can you tell I read it on my kindle?). The writing was just above average and the storyline was quite compelling. But the last 20% brought my rating down from five to three stars. It felt rushed, cheesy, and ultimately lacked the Christian depth that I was hoping for.

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May 31, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book about a wounded soldier in Iraq and how he copes with his spinal cord injury. His fiance' comes to help him, but he pushes her aside because he feels she deserves a better life free of being a nursemaid. Along her journey to move on she meets a few wonderful people that give her the courage to move forward and find love again.

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May 01, 2012 Ane Mulligan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ann Tatlock always takes her readers on an emotional journey with an ending that provides immense satisfaction. In Travelers Rest, she tackles a tough subject with compassion and truth. I loved the characters and the story. It's a novel I'll keep and read again. Novel Rocket and I give it a very high recommendation. It's a must read!

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Sep 25, 2012 Cathie Gerhart rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book in ways was too long. Yet at the same time it did hold my interst. Love and healing and seeking out God's will is a recurring theme. It is abit slow and hard to follow at times. And weak in some areas. But overall I was glad I read it. I am not saying it is a must read but it is one that I am glad I did.

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Travelers Rest

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