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Nan's Heritage #1
Nan's Journey
Desperate to save her life and that of her five-year-old brother, Nan packs and flees an abusive home, embarking on a journey that will test her faith, determination, and spirit. Set in the 1800s, Nan's Journey, follows Nan and her brother, Elmer, as they seek safety and find refuge and hope in the arms of a family of strangers--including Fred Young, a disgruntled preacher turned mountain man, who reaches out to help, only to find a hope and love renewed in his own heart. In her first novel, author Elaine Littau weaves memorable characters into the vivid background of the wild, unsettled heart of America, presenting readers with the timeless struggle of overcoming adversity, and seeking hope above all through Nan's Journey
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
39 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Littau
29 books67 followersAuthor Elaine Littau is a woman who loves life. She loves laughing and telling funny stories about Terry, her husband of 36 years. She has a passion for writing books, blogs, and articles, as well as helping other authors learn how to market books. Among other things she was a church secretary, has led women's groups and taught preschool. She was a mentor for the M.O.P.S. (mothers of preschoolers) group in her community. Elaine and Terry reside on a small acreage near a small town in the Texas panhandle where they enjoy spending time with their family and friends. They raised three sons, and now have three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren added to their family."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 25, 2010
Nan's Journey is an inspirational story about a young girl who, along with her little brother, suffered from abusive step-parents until one night she builds up the courage to flee. Nan is forced to grow up quickly as she struggles with her toughest obstacle: finding the heart to forgive those who had caused her pain.
The reader enters the story in the moments following a severe beating that impacted Nan more than any of the past experiences with her abusive stepmother, Mary. The story moves quickly into an exodus for both Nan and her little brother Elmer from the home in which they grew up, now only inhabited by their step-parents, the Deweys.
With such an immediate turn of events, with so little background concerning the Deweys who were left behind, I was quick to assume that their story ended in the beginning chapters, and that we'd follow Nan and Elmer as they trek through Colorado in search for a place to stay--not unlike the Boxcar Children series I read as a child.
I was pleasantly surprised, as this was far from true. Nan learns that no matter how far you run from your past, without resolution it will follow you anywhere you go.
I was immediately taken in by Elaine Littau's adept descriptive ability, and the imagery she creates with her words--even in the scenes of abuse--were a graphic but tasteful balance. She combined a compelling story with a powerful scriptural message, and she achieved that masterfully. I was impressed to learn it was her debut work, and I'm looking forward to reading the follow-up, Elk's Resolve.
The reader enters the story in the moments following a severe beating that impacted Nan more than any of the past experiences with her abusive stepmother, Mary. The story moves quickly into an exodus for both Nan and her little brother Elmer from the home in which they grew up, now only inhabited by their step-parents, the Deweys.
With such an immediate turn of events, with so little background concerning the Deweys who were left behind, I was quick to assume that their story ended in the beginning chapters, and that we'd follow Nan and Elmer as they trek through Colorado in search for a place to stay--not unlike the Boxcar Children series I read as a child.
I was pleasantly surprised, as this was far from true. Nan learns that no matter how far you run from your past, without resolution it will follow you anywhere you go.
I was immediately taken in by Elaine Littau's adept descriptive ability, and the imagery she creates with her words--even in the scenes of abuse--were a graphic but tasteful balance. She combined a compelling story with a powerful scriptural message, and she achieved that masterfully. I was impressed to learn it was her debut work, and I'm looking forward to reading the follow-up, Elk's Resolve.
January 14, 2010
I absolutely love historical fictions. While reading Nan’s Journey, I completely lost track of time. I started reading in the early evening, and by the time I looked at my clock, it was 6 a.m. I wasn’t the most pleasant person that morning, but it was worth staying up.
The setting is in Colorado in the early 1900s. Nan is a young woman with many troubles. Her parents are dead, her stepparents are abusive, and she need to make sure her little brother, Elmer, is kept safe. After a particularly painful beating by her stepmother, Nan decides it’s time to take her brother and run away. They are eventually taken in by an old couple, who care for the two until they regain their strength. Eventually, it is decided that Nan and Elmer will leave the town where the old couple are and live with couple’s grown son, Fred. But even with a new life, Nan continues to face extremely difficult situations, testing her faith in God and her ability to forgive and let go of the past.
Littau really got me thinking about my life and my ability to forgive. I’m sure you will start thinking too once you pick up a copy of Nan’s Journey for yourself. Trust me, you’re going to love this book.
The setting is in Colorado in the early 1900s. Nan is a young woman with many troubles. Her parents are dead, her stepparents are abusive, and she need to make sure her little brother, Elmer, is kept safe. After a particularly painful beating by her stepmother, Nan decides it’s time to take her brother and run away. They are eventually taken in by an old couple, who care for the two until they regain their strength. Eventually, it is decided that Nan and Elmer will leave the town where the old couple are and live with couple’s grown son, Fred. But even with a new life, Nan continues to face extremely difficult situations, testing her faith in God and her ability to forgive and let go of the past.
Littau really got me thinking about my life and my ability to forgive. I’m sure you will start thinking too once you pick up a copy of Nan’s Journey for yourself. Trust me, you’re going to love this book.
April 2, 2010
As a general rule, any book I read will have something about it I didn't particularly like. I can't make that statement about "Nan's Journey". From the first page on, I found the book an enjoyable read. The characters were well defined and Elaine did a good job of moving them along in their life's path, showing the changes they went through and why they made those changes. Without giving away the ending, I will say I had an advantage in knowing this was part of a 3-book series or I might have been highly disappointed in the ending. However, I knew the one major issue not dealt with in the book would be the basis of an entirely different book. In reviewing the upcoming books, I found I was correct. I totally recommend this book to all readers who enjoy historical fiction and I would tell parents of pre-teens and teens to encourage they read this book as it's a perfect fit for those years as well. I personally handed the book off to my 10-year old granddaughter, and so far, she is enjoying it.
June 1, 2010
"Nan's Journey" was an amazing adventure story that takes you, the reader, on a journey through the Rocky Mountains. Nan is a young woman who has experienced much ... loss of loved ones, loss of her childhood, loss of her innocence. Yet, she never looses her purity. Charged with the care of her young brother, Nan displays the protective and loving nature of a mother. You are brought by the writer, Elaine Littau, through Nan's world. You are inspired by her trials and tribulations, and her victories. I was so wanting to know what came next, that I read the entire 187-page book in one day! And now, I'm anxious to read its sequel, "Elk's Resolve."
April 21, 2010
My early assumption that this book was for young adult females was totally dispelled when I read Nan's Journey. I found the story of this young girl/turned woman, the heartache and pain she endures, to touch me deeply. Her ability to love through all that she goes through gives us, the readers, an example for our own lives. Her eventual trust in God is the culmination of putting her heart on the line and recognizing her own short comings. Elaine has done a fantastic job of bringing the past into the present!
June 9, 2010
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and Nan's Journey by Elaine Littau has become one of my very favorite Christian HF books. Nan's Journey is an award winning novel that draws the reader in from the very first paragraph. Set in the 1800's in the mountains of Colorado, Nan and her "family" undergo many dangers as they struggle to overcome the fear, loss, and anger that has plagued their lives for so long. Nan's Journey is an intriguing story with characters readers can readily relate to as their emotional journey unfolds.
Susan K. Earl, author of Moon Dance
Susan K. Earl, author of Moon Dance
June 23, 2009
I found this book at the thrift store I liked the Christian aspect of it. I also liked how she handled the sensitive parts I do think that it needed a lot more character development but that is just me, I bet that lots of people would love this book and if I happen to come across the second book I would read it because it would be interesting to see what happens
June 11, 2017
Engrossing story
Nan's Journey pulls you right into the plight of an orphan boy and girl who must flee for their lives from an abusive situation. The West is described from the slightly different perspective of the preachers of the time and the Christian message is interwoven fairly seamlessly. The author has a way of telling a story that is engaging and even with some flaws, it is difficult to put down. I read it in one sitting. The story focuses on forgiveness and the journey of several of the characters to God. The ending is satisfying, but has a cliff hanger that leads to the next book.
I found the medical procedures of the time interesting, and it seemed obvious that the author had done some research into some of the more unusual methods of administering anesthesia.
My rating comes from the rushed feeling of the book in the middle, the head hopping, and the glossing over of some very significant scenes. Sermons are written out instead of being summarized, though they do play a role in the life of a character. The author seems to tell the story more than focusing on engaging the reader into the emotions of the characters. There are formatting issues as well as typos, however, they are not significant enough to distract from the story.
Nan's Journey pulls you right into the plight of an orphan boy and girl who must flee for their lives from an abusive situation. The West is described from the slightly different perspective of the preachers of the time and the Christian message is interwoven fairly seamlessly. The author has a way of telling a story that is engaging and even with some flaws, it is difficult to put down. I read it in one sitting. The story focuses on forgiveness and the journey of several of the characters to God. The ending is satisfying, but has a cliff hanger that leads to the next book.
I found the medical procedures of the time interesting, and it seemed obvious that the author had done some research into some of the more unusual methods of administering anesthesia.
My rating comes from the rushed feeling of the book in the middle, the head hopping, and the glossing over of some very significant scenes. Sermons are written out instead of being summarized, though they do play a role in the life of a character. The author seems to tell the story more than focusing on engaging the reader into the emotions of the characters. There are formatting issues as well as typos, however, they are not significant enough to distract from the story.
September 25, 2019
Downloaded book (lovely cover on Kindle version) despite lacking a written synopsis about it. Realized from author's accolades that it is a Christian-based book. Forthright storytelling (more telling than showing) of a teen girl, Nan, who saves her little brother, Elmer, from the cruelty of a vicious stepmother. Both of them find a home with a past pastor who lost his wife and child from the influenza, unable to overcome the tragedy. Nan is violently assaulted by trappers, resulting in a pregnancy, where after Fred marries her to save their reputations. Interlaced with scripture, somewhat preachy in context, especially portraying the need to forgive past circumstances when once again meeting up with her mean stepmother who has found Jesus and asked for her forgiveness. Some important issues unresolved at the conclusion. (It would be beneficial to indicate if a second book addresses these). Recommended reading for those preferring the Christian genre (Jesus-saving one's souls) based novels.
February 13, 2018
All in all, the book was good and well written despite some typos. I love the fact that it does not solely focus on Nan, but also on her husband and her tormentors. However I think Nan has suffered too much for the story to be realistic... Is there anyone who has lived such successions of hardships on earth?
March 8, 2019
A very powerful story. It will amaze you that this still happens today.
I have never read a fictional book this powerful before.
Nan's story. Is so are it will bring out.strong emotions.
I have never read a fictional book this powerful before.
Nan's story. Is so are it will bring out.strong emotions.
October 19, 2020
Fast paced fiction
This book was one surprise after another. Anger and hatred boiled over on its pages but so did grace, forgiveness and redemption. It was a great reminder that our choices always affect others whether or not we think they will.
This book was one surprise after another. Anger and hatred boiled over on its pages but so did grace, forgiveness and redemption. It was a great reminder that our choices always affect others whether or not we think they will.
March 29, 2021
From a child abused and unloved to a promise of low and forgiveness.
Nan and her little brother 's escape from abuse by their steps parents lead them to finding help and healings, both bodily and spiritually. I appreciate finding good, clean books to read.
Nan and her little brother 's escape from abuse by their steps parents lead them to finding help and healings, both bodily and spiritually. I appreciate finding good, clean books to read.
July 3, 2021
This was a quick Christian historical fiction book. There were some punctuation and and grammatical errors that distracted me. There were some loose ends left hanging. But I did stay interested enough to finish the book.
May 30, 2023
Awesome!
Wow! What a book!
My heart went out to Nan from the very beginning.
Little Elmer's simple faith was endearing. And the reason for his headaches?...
The journey... From horrible circumstances to God's saving grace.
What a well written story!
Wow! What a book!
My heart went out to Nan from the very beginning.
Little Elmer's simple faith was endearing. And the reason for his headaches?...
The journey... From horrible circumstances to God's saving grace.
What a well written story!
February 26, 2019
Scriptural Story
Sad story full of tragedy and loss. Two people rescued by God and each other. Little brother was a sweet character
Sad story full of tragedy and loss. Two people rescued by God and each other. Little brother was a sweet character
April 28, 2021
A Great Book
This book held my attention throughout. It had many twists and turns but in the end God is in control.
This book held my attention throughout. It had many twists and turns but in the end God is in control.
October 7, 2021
forgiveness
What a great story. Full of wonderful descriptions. I could relate to the characters and to the purpose of this story. A must read.
What a great story. Full of wonderful descriptions. I could relate to the characters and to the purpose of this story. A must read.
April 5, 2011
If you are looking for a highly entertaining, inspirational drama with characters written so expertly that you could swear they were real people, then you will want to read "Nan's Journey" by Elaine Littau. If you are looking for a story that grabs you, holds your attention, and just never seems to drag, then Nan's Journey is for you. Now you may be thinking this book is not my genre. It is set in the 1800s and has Indians, and there is no magic or technology. I almost made that mistake, and I would have lost out on one of the most memorable books I have ever read. My favorite genre is fantasy and sci-fi, but I have enjoyed many of these books that I cannot even remember the stories. I guarantee you that I will not forget Nan's Journey. One of the things I will remember most is the powerful message of redemption and forgiveness in the midst of harsh circumstances and cruel abuse. The story illustrates beautifully that in Christ there is hope for the hopeless; there is hope for us all. Steve Groll author ~ "Beyond the Dead Forest"
August 19, 2010
Several years ago there was a popular TV commercial that promised to take you away from the stresses and concerns of your day. For a few moments of your day you could forget all about life and enjoy a luxurious soaking in a nice warm tub. Nan's Journey will take you away as well. Author Elaine Littau draws you into her world of lost love, tender love, developing love, and ultimately Christ-like love. You will discover how hard it is to forgive and embrace in love someone who doesn't deserve it without the help of Christ. You will be drawn into the life of Nan and soon will forget about all your stresses and concerns of life. Let Nan's Journey take you away.
I am not normally a reader of novels, but Nan's Journey is one of those books you simply do not want to put down to the very end.
I am not normally a reader of novels, but Nan's Journey is one of those books you simply do not want to put down to the very end.
March 23, 2013
This was an amazing book! I couldn't put it down! This was my first book by author Elaine Littau and I must say I am hooked.
Nan's Journey is the first in a series of five (I believe). It's a Christian Historical Romance based in the early 1800's. Nan and her little brother Elmer have a hard life from the beginning and the author takes through their hardships and triumphs with ease. I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happens next!
The story line was easy to follow. The character's were interesting as well as the plot. I couldn't wait to see where Nan's journey would lead her in her quest to find her love for God.
I'm now reading the second book in the series Elk's Resolve, and it is just as good if not better!! Thank goodness it's a rainy Saturday so I can justify spending the reading!
July 13, 2014
The harsh consequences of other people's sin leave Nan bitter and broken, but God's amazing Love prevails in her life and overflows into the lives of those around her. Nan's Journey was a hard read. She went through traumatic circumstances no woman, especially a mother of daughters, wants to even think about. For someone who has experienced abuse, this book, hard as it was, was a healing experience. Elaine weaves scripture, God's amazing love, and the salvation message throughout each of her books. I became pulled in to her characters' lives. In the other books especially, I could almost picture myself sitting with the family participating in their conversations. I found myself celebrating their triumphs, spit-fire mad over their difficulties, and giddy with their excitement. I do not recommend the Nan book for the faint of heart.
February 1, 2012
Join Nan as she finds escape for herself and her little brother from a horrible situation. Nan and her brother Elmer grab your heart and take it with them. You will want to gather them up and let them know it will be ok. They manage to start a new, wonderful life thanks to a special couple. They have wonderful adventures and more heartache as they attempt to heal. Nan finds true love as she learns to trust others and to trust God. Life comes full circle in the appearance of an unexpected person which causes her to question God and His Will. Travel on her Journey and share all the heartaches and wonderful blessings and grow your own faith in God.
Gailya Keller
Author, The Secret of Smiley’s Woods
Gailya Keller
Author, The Secret of Smiley’s Woods
July 14, 2012
The power of forgiveness. A must read.
Nan’s Journey is thoughtful, engaging & inspiring. Because of the riveting story line, I got so involved that leaving it was difficult.
I found myself wondering how a young girl could suffer so much abuse, take on the parenting role of her younger brother, and still exhibit the strength needed to lead them both through all that adversity. How could she ever forgive those who made her suffer?
Through Nan’s Journey, Elaine Littau, with her very memorable characters, confirmed the power of forgiveness. This is an excellent example of why Christian fiction is so great.
Edmond P. DeRousse,
Author "The Adventures of a Common Man"
Nan’s Journey is thoughtful, engaging & inspiring. Because of the riveting story line, I got so involved that leaving it was difficult.
I found myself wondering how a young girl could suffer so much abuse, take on the parenting role of her younger brother, and still exhibit the strength needed to lead them both through all that adversity. How could she ever forgive those who made her suffer?
Through Nan’s Journey, Elaine Littau, with her very memorable characters, confirmed the power of forgiveness. This is an excellent example of why Christian fiction is so great.
Edmond P. DeRousse,
Author "The Adventures of a Common Man"
February 20, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. It kept me reading because I wanted to see what happened yet it left me with a huge feeling of disappointment. The author didn't touch on the things that I was interested in like what happened to the baby that was stolen and sold to the Indians, etc. Also it ended rather abruptly. I think that I have read enough in the series with just the first book to know that I am not interested in moving on with it.
May 12, 2009
The woman who wrote this lives near where I grew up so I wanted to like this book, but I didn't. Plain and simple I found there was too much conflict and not enough healing. It ended quickly, like the author just got tired of writing.
August 19, 2010
Elaine Littau has an uncanny knack for telling incredible stories. She is an excellent writer and I appreciate her work a great deal! If you haven't read any of her books, start with this one and read the entire series. They are powerfully written!
June 15, 2015
The story was so compelling, it was impossible to let go of the book. I mean, how can a girl so young suffer so much and still have the strength to forgive those who had caused her pain? Elaine Littau's work exhibits the true beauty of Christian fiction.
June 17, 2010
The book has a historical backdrop but the message is timeless. Please see my full review at http://inthetrenches2009.blogspot.com
September 12, 2017
Did not finished. Horrible grammar and worded awfully.
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