Tabitha

Girls from the Mountain #1

by Vikki Kestell

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?

And 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

A Prairie Heritage:
Book 1: A Rose Blooms Twice
Book 2: Wild Heart on the Prairie
Book 3: Joy on This Mountain
Book 4: The Captive Within
Book 5: Stolen
Book 6: Lost Are Found
Book 7: All God’s Promises, Spring 2016

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Historical Romance

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2015

About the author

Vikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often repeated sentiments are, "I feel like I know these people," and "I'm right there, in the book, experiencing what her characters experience."

Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.

Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.

Reviews

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the first time I've read a book about a seriously sad life that I came away satisfied with how the author presented the character's healing and redemption. God was glorified without it either being hokey, super pious, or developed to where I just didn't buy it.

This young girl's life was horrible...this side of hell, and she came to Christ without the bitterness usually associated with their confusion about why God allowed this to happen. So many books develop a character as hating God, or hating life. Usually the explanation to get them to the point of redemption isn't satisfying. It leaves me cold or still confused. If I had gone through what she did (Tabitha), I'm not sure "forgiving" God would be easily reached. But Tabitha saw her utter need for mercy, and the cleansing power of repentance.

At times I add a synopsis so when I look back on this I'll remember the story. But it’s a spoiler, so I've hidden it.

Tabitha was sold into a house of prostitution at 14. There she faced beatings and starvation. In order to survive she had to comply. This was no house of ill repute where the girl's were paid. No, they were beaten if they didn't earn money for the madam, and it went on for years. As I was reading this I almost stopped. I can't read much sadness anymore. But the book got such high reviews I decided to trudge on, hoping it would get better. Thankfully, the rest of the book was wonderful. Not an easy life, but so much better because she had a family, and love (yes, there's a man!), a medical calling, support, and joy in Christ. She worked hard to focus on Christ to bring her through things. There were years of hardship....nowhere near the horribleness of the years of prostitution, just trials and hard work. But her determination and true faith brought her to much better years, and joy within them.

Good, good book. Well deserved 5 stars and I most certainly recommend it!

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

5 1/2 years later and I realized I had to read this book again. Other books in the series tied closely together with Tabitha. I remember reading it, but I don’t remember the details. While reading book 5, Tabitha’s name came up a lot. She was intrical to that book. So I reread it to learn details about some of the characters, in particular the mother of the child that was stolen.

Very helpful, and I’m glad I reread it. Wonderful book.

[David Bergsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Tabitha, spirit-filled romance by Vikki Kestell. Of course, I don’t like romances or historical tales, but I actually enjoyed this book. It’s the first of a series of stories about women talked about in her 8-book A Prairie Heritage series.

I assume that the original series is excellent—but it’s no temptation to me [a 73-year-old curmudgeon]. However, this book is too good to come out of nowhere. The Palmer House is a wonderful setting for Christian living.

I say that because much of quality of this tale was due to the excellent examples of Christian living. Tabitha is a marvelous character, transformed and made a new creation by the presence of the Lord in her life. It’s an inspiring tale showing the wonders the Lord can do with a submitted heart. The historical portion was believable and well done. The romance was sweet and enjoyable. The pre-salvation horrors were graphically, yet realistically presented without glorifying any of it.

The story moved briskly and compellingly. There are some heavy trials—as there are in all Christian lives, if you’re born again. “…in this world you’ll have tribulation…”
Like I said, I truly did enjoy the read…and that took some doing.

Tabitha, spirit-filled romance Recognition of Achievement Award
I know: I shouldn’t give a spirit-filled award to a book where the Holy Spirit isn’t prominent. The gifts are not really present. But the reality of a personal relationship with the Lord is there—and that about as good as it got at the end of the 19th century. Azusa Street had massive impact in the spiritual world, but to the religious church—not so much. That really didn’t happen until the 40s and 50s—maybe even the late 60s with the charismatic renewal.

So, the reality of Tabitha’s walk with Jesus is wonderful. Powerful, redemptive romances are rare. So, I want to give a little help. I have no qualms about giving Vikki a spirit-filled award for a historical novel from this time period.

[Kellyn Roth]

The long prologue did me in. :P I decided I just didn't have time for it.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread for me, and I loved it so much more this time around. This is a spinoff series, and you need to read A Prairie Heritage Series first to fully appreciate it.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that this book kind of threw me off at first. The writing was very good but the subject matter was very hard for me to get through. God's grace and love came out in Vikkie Kestell's writing and drew me in to this wonderful story page by page.

Tabitha was my favorite character throughout. Even though at times she had such hard circumstances, I admired her for drawing her strength from our loving God. She waited on the Lord.

After finishing this book last night the pictures that were painted in this book are still in my head. With such great descriptions I can still "see" the hot desert, feel the warmth of Palmer house, and hear the war raging outside the tents.

Wonderful book!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Vikki Kestrell, and I did enjoy it. I liked the characters and the plot was interesting. My only issue was that it was a bit preachy. Happy reading!

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just this minute finished this amazingly beautiful, well written book! With so so many books that are available to read these days, I am extremely blessed to have read this one ✝️ I ordered this book 6 weeks ago from my local library and couldn't wait to get it...it was definitely worth the wait!! God knows how to pick the right books for me at just the right time in my life... I needed to read this book and I have learned so many important facts about WW1 that we were not taught in school. More than that though, it's a wonderful book about how God touches a heart and can change a persons life. Tabitha, Rose, Mason, Banks, Claire and Darby are waiting for you to get to know about them and all they all have amazing heart touching tales to tell you 💗 Every so often a book comes into your life and touches your heart.. this is what one of them!!! I highly recommend this emotionally moving book to all! Happy reading! I loved it!!

[Sheila Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that reviews are subjective, but I can't see how anyone could read this story and not see that it just surpasses sooo many of the novels available.

The one thing I did feel was that this story felt almost like journaling, the daily happenings over the course of a specified time period, rather than the telling of a problem and how it was eventually resolved. But then again, I'm not sure it could have been told any other way.

It was just beautiful and Christ was an ever-constant presence, changing the heart and life of the main character, Tabitha. What a horrendous life she had at first, but Jesus simply intervened and made her life something beautiful... truly beautiful!

Beautiful, elegantly told, and Christ-honoring. Just lovely!!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

I highly recommend this book, it is so good. I love historical novels! The story was interesting and beautifully written, detailed etc. I found my self not being able to put this down and wanting to read it from start to finish. I found myself laughing, my felt inspired and heart broken by the events in this book. Especially towards the end, when an amazing/surprise reunion happens ( if you have read the book you'll Know what I'm talking about!)

Anyway, consider reading this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Very well written, great storyline and characters! Will be hard to wait for the next books to come out. If you haven't read his series, do it! lots of faith, solid Bible lessons, great stories!

[Deborah Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me when I asked about books that involved the Spanish Flu. Even though it just touched on the Spanish Flu it was a great book and would recommend it for a good read.

[Debbie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

I wasn't expecting to love this book so much. It was a casual selection because it was a Christian Historical Fiction. After the first chapter, I was hooked. It's not a typical Christian book, not at all sugary and sweet. It was both heartbreaking and uplifting. Scripture is used to advance the story but not overwhelm it. I really liked it.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was especially relevant to me at this time in my life. I needed the reminder of patience and forgiveness and love. I enjoyed the characters and the plot and will definitely read more by this author.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book for free on Kindle, and couldn't resist because, well.....Nurse. Tabitha is about a young girl who leaves her impoverished family to be with the man she believes she loves. The problem is, during their travels, he sells her to slavery. She winds up abused and working in a brothel at a very young age. The story has strong Christian themes of redemption, grace and forgiveness. Tabitha is taken in by a Christian Women's Home where she becomes a part of a new family, and learns to follow the Lord and forgive herself for her past. Along the way she also meets a new love interest and completes schooling to become a nurse. When war breaks out, she feels called to go overseas and tend to the wounded soldiers. I enjoyed parts of the story, mostly watching Tabitha go through the trials of Nursing School and grow as a respected and talented Nurse in her field ( but I'm biased that way). Also, I enjoyed the story of how her new romance blossomed. My biggest disappointment with this book is that there wasn't enough time spent on either of those story lines. They occurred mostly during the last 1/3 of the book and felt rushed , so I was unsatisfied. This might be of interest to those who enjoy Christian fiction, or who enjoy stories about nurses. I identify as Christian, but those who don't might find this book to be a little preachy or heavy on the Christian discussions. Two stars for saving the best parts for the very end of the book.

[Dana Redding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha Girls from the Mountain book 1


Tabitha was raised on a farm in Texas she was a wilful child. She thought her self in love with a young man who had gold in his eyes and told her he would marry her after he found gold. She went against her parents and left with Clayton. They traveled to Arizona where he purchased a claim. He set up a tent and there they stayed. Low on water and food he leaves her behind. She journey is difficult but she makes it into town and a woman helps her from being attacked on the streets. The woman takes her in and feeds her gives her a nice bath then drugs her, sells her to men. There her nightmares became worse.

She escapes and is taken to Denver, Colorado. She pulled her self together and seeks God. From there she goes to school to become a nurse.

She meets Mason Carpenter and feels she can’t marry him after her school is complete. So he joins the war in England and teaches young men to fight as a pilot. She goes to nurse the wounded.

I personally didn’t think that I would enjoy this book. But I was completely wrong. I did. Great book!

[Delphine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it reminded you that everything you have and own is because of God. A lot of times we get hung on material things. We can ask God for things, pray to God to fix our lives, but to pray and thank him everday for being alive, and all that we have, gets lost . This book makes you stop think and to be grateful. I enjoyed Tabitha, her struggles, her life of being angry for so long. How God
helped her through first believing and prayers. I just wished the author would have had a better ending letting you see once she was able to get her adopted child, and living with her husband .

[Margaret A Register · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequel

Even though the book is well-written, and says Book 1, it is a sequel and was very hard to follow. I gave up at 19 percent of the ebook.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Wonderful story. Learned so much about WW1. Great testimony of two lives totally surrendered to Jesus. I highly recommend this book!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Vicki Kestell. I'm glad I was able to pick it up as I enjoyed it immensely. It was a little different than a lot of historical fiction books I've read in that it had a different perspective of WWI. Tabitha is a nurse who volunteers to go to England and help take care of the wounded there before America even gets involved in the war. Of course there is a LOT more to the story than that.
Tabitha, like so many of us, had to learn to outgrow some of her anger that more often than not got her into trouble. For more conservative readers, there is some content that is difficult to read about. It is certainly not graphic in any way, but could be disturbing to some. However, this content is only at the beginning of the book and sets the stage for Tabitha's life. There is no bad language or graphic violence at all.
One of the things I loved most about this book is the Gospel message is so prominent throughout. It might be a great book for those who are hurting because of what others have done to them and are searching for something bigger than themselves…God.
There were a few times throughout the book that I was audible in my reactions. I don't want to give any specifics because of spoilers, but the story definitely drew me in, made me fall in love with the characters (most of them!), and keep reading. I will absolutely be looking for more books by this author.

[Deba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I positively enjoyed Tabitha. Vikki Kestell spins a story that scoops up the reader and transports them into action, romance and a godly frame of mind. Yes, this story has guts and heart as well as the depth and excitement necessary to satisfy any romance reader's palate in a God frame of mind. "There is so much more that makes this story spectacular. It is filled with intense drama, deception, treachery, and romance. The detail of the characters and surroundings, pull in the reader from the beginning until the end, from the farm, to the city, across the ocean to France and off to War and back home again. The secondary players add great finesse to the storyline. I have to admit it was completely hard to put this book down. Ms. Kestell creates an enthralling read that surrounds with anticipation that continues to build, leaving this reader spellbound, hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. She delivers well rounded scenario's launching this story into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, throwing it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts and pulling it out again with an awesome sigh. Mastering the ups and downs, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist. The chemistry is intense, off the mayhem and explosive. The characters are authentic, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that blend into diverse personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Vikki, thanks for sharing.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha is the first book in the Girls from the Mountain series. I always like to read the first book in a series as it usually means I”m not missing any information. Unfortunately, while Tabitha is a first book, it takes characters from the author’s previous series A Prairie Heritage and continues the story. There were times when I felt I was missing information about some of the secondary characters. That said, I did enjoy the book and enough information was included to not be lost.

Vikki Kestell has taken a difficult topic, prostitution in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s and developed a likeable character. There are many subtle references to God’s love for us no matter our background and that no one has fallen too far to be saved. Readers will empathize with Tabitha and the injustices she faces in her life as well as wonder “what were you thinking?” at some of the events.

Being an historical novel, historical accuracy is so important. The events included in Tabitha do not conflict with anything I know about the time period - early World War I.

Because of the prostitution content of the book I probably would not add this title to my K-12 Christian School library although it could be added with a high school only designation. I think it is appropriate for mature older teens. I think I would place it in the adult fiction section of a church library.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating Christian-based historical romance had several themes to it from a life of survival without hope and faith to one of service based on Christian conviction. It was well-written and researched, from nursing terminology to British lingo while serving in WWI. Many twists and turns, but inspiring how a downtrodden prostitute can turn her life around through true grit to become a respected nurse. Obviously the author was experienced in medical aspects, however it did seem the nursing expectations were from more present times than the early 1900s unless the curriculum involved becoming a doctor. Having written "Sophie: Suffragette", a woman could become a doctor in Philadelphia at the 'Female Medical School of Homeopathic Studies' following only 17 weeks of study and then a two-year practicum under a medical doctor. The East coast proved even more restrictive to women than out west in this aspect . Despite this difference, the novel maintained my interest from beginning-to-end.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sold into slavery but later made free in Christ

I'm not sure why I chose to finally read this book, since it's been sitting in my Kindle library for a long time, but I enjoyed TABITHA. The writing style reminded me of a modern take on the writing style of Grace Livingston Hill (though with less melodrama, perhaps).

Tabitha Hale's rough life brought her to Jesus, where she found freedom from the sin that bound her in chains. Entering nursing school, she works hard to distance herself from her past and to lead others to the Savior she wants to serve with her whole heart. An opportunity to serve as a VAD with the British during World War I allows Tabitha the chance to lead other, often unskilled women to better themselves as they take care of the wounded.

A wonderful story.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of this story starts with Tabitha telling her story to Rose...from the book A Rose Blooms Twice. She told how she ended up being one of the Girls from the Mountain. How God changed her life from a seed planted in her heart by a preacher she had passed along a road somewhere. Hers was a story of survival in a brothel, a place she did not want to be.

It's also a story of Tabitha coming to know Christ as her Savior and being willing to serve Him no matter where He called her. She endured some rough times at nursing school, but God was shaping her for her future service. Service to Him and to her country.

I just really enjoyed this story and the many spiritual lessons woven into it. There is much more to the this story, but I don't want to spoil it!

[Rebekah Bedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An EXCEPTIONAL NOVEL

I have had this book for a while but only started reading it yesterday and completed today.
The plot is exceptional and so is the author. The derails, the emotions...I was there every step of the way. But what is important most is that I was touched beyond words spiritually. I've never read a novel and felt God actually speak to me through the very words written, and I have become better for it. I have not enough words to praise the author of thank her, and never thought I would ever find so much satisfaction in a book whose romance was not physical.
An outstanding novel...and I pray the author continues to touch lives through her work as God directs.
Thank you at May God bless you.

[Jennifer K · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ronnie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing clean and Godly book.

There is not sufficient space to write about this amazing story. It is like you are there to witness each scene. Tabitha, due to circumstances beyond her control becomes a slave to prostitution for many years. Her life is truly in ruins not worth taking another breath, hate and anger fill her heart until she meets Rose at the Palmer House. Her healing begins when she surrenders her heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. Her life is still very difficult, but her journey with the Lord becomes an amazing life helping others and finding true love. This is an amazing story of God's grace to fallen mankind.

[Elaine McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, this is a Christian novel which I greatly enjoyed. It kept my attention, I cried at times. Tabitha has had a degraded life, which we witness, until she comes to Palmer House which takes in broken young women. Through the love she finds there, she overcomes her temper and stubborness, learns to love and depend on the Lord through the trials of nursing school, the unfairness therein, and volunteers as a nurse in wartorn England and Europe with honor and ability. Throughout we witness the depravity of war and the 1918 influenza epidemic, and her love for one outstanding man.

[Rosemary Alband · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Growth

Vikki Kestell's books have helped my Spiritual growth in ways I could never imagine I have read her entire series Prairie Heritage twice now & I will read Mountain Girls twice the way Vikki Kestell writes keeps me spell bound from beginning to end she is my all time favorite author I read more than 200 books a year by various authors and I continuously look for new books by Vikki Kestell. If you want a Spiritual shot in the arm I HIGHLY recommend ALL of her books

[Ginny Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy the book, even though I pretty much anticipated most of the significant events.

I had not ever considered the effects of the Spanish Flu on the war effort and it truly must have been horrendous. I have a new appreciation for those volunteers who sacrificed everything (or were willing to) to keep the military strong enough to stay in the fight.

Tabitha is a remarkable and genuine model of redemption and a life surrendered to God. I would enjoy having her as a friend and sister.

Overall, a worthwhile and enjoyable book.