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Hymns in the Hills
“Could you not teach them what you do know?”
Separated from her parents and sent to live with unknown relatives for the summer, Belle Standish clings hard to the promises found in her dear Bible and her beloved hymns. As she grows to love her newly discovered family, she finds much work to be done for her Lord in this neglected field.
But when danger threatens those she loves, Belle's faith and courage are tested in ways she never imagined. Will God's promises hold true even in the midst of the storm? And what can she possibly accomplish with just her one little light?
Separated from her parents and sent to live with unknown relatives for the summer, Belle Standish clings hard to the promises found in her dear Bible and her beloved hymns. As she grows to love her newly discovered family, she finds much work to be done for her Lord in this neglected field.
But when danger threatens those she loves, Belle's faith and courage are tested in ways she never imagined. Will God's promises hold true even in the midst of the storm? And what can she possibly accomplish with just her one little light?
340 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah A. Morris
119 books268 followersRebekah A. Morris has lived her entire life (as of now) in Missouri. Being home educated during her school years was great, except for writing. That was the worst subject (along with math) that she had to do. It wasn't until after she graduated that she discovered the joys and wonder of writing. Now she can't write enough. After spending six years in research and writing, she completed her first book, "Home Fires of the Great War," a 500+ page, historical fiction about home life in the United States and Canada during the First World War. Since then, she has been an avid writer and always has more than one story going on at once because only one story at a time got tiring and dull.
Get a free collection of stories here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3ezo5k
Get a free collection of stories here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3ezo5k
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 28, 2019
What a sweet little old-fashioned story! This is a style I particularly love. Told from the perspective of a dear little child who is sincerely seeking God with her whole heart (notwithstanding her very human mistakes and struggles), Hymns in the Hills is heartwarming and refreshing. I enjoyed meeting Belle, a young girl who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle for several months. I enjoyed each one of the many hymns she would sing as she went about her daily work. Some of the hymns were very familiar to me; others were old favorites I rarely hear sung nowadays; still others were new to me and yet equally beautiful and beloved. I loved how their theology wove about naturally with Belle's everyday life, shaping her character, encouraging her heart, ministering to those around her, and guiding her decisions.
The plot was well crafted. It wasn't complicated, and I found much of it quite predictable, but that did not in the least detract from my enjoyment. It was inherently Christian, with Biblical messages and morals unapologetically woven throughout the pages, but I didn't find it contrived or forced to forward the Christian themes, but rather quite realistic and believable for the work and purpose of God in the hearts of His people.
The more exciting parts of the plot were handled well. Although there was danger from human and natural forces, it wasn't inappropriately frightening. Nothing was shown "on page" that I'd hesitate to let a child read, and yet just enough hints were woven within the background threads of the story to allow older readers to appreciate what was going on without dwelling on evil.
The characters! The characters were so well-drawn! At first, it's difficult to keep track of all the many cousins, but since we get to know them slowly right along with Belle, it's not hard to put everyone in their places as quickly as needed. Each cousin's personality shone through the pages, each contributing to the well-rounded flavor of the story. The older relations were also well-characterized - no cookie cutter characters here! I also enjoyed the minister and his wife. I even loved the distinct personalities of the dogs, though I'm by no means a dog person. :)
Tom Beck remained a puzzle to me throughout the book. I would have liked a bit more explanation as to his motives and methods, though there was enough to be satisfactory for the most part. The one part of the story I didn't find entirely realistic was his interaction with the girls - he seemed quite careless in regards to them.
Another element of the book I enjoyed was how long it took to travel to each isolated cabin in the hills! So often stories gloss over this, but I was happy to see that this wasn't the case here. The long treks between neighbors came across quite realistically.
The ending was satisfying. The storylines of the aunts, uncles, cousins, Belle, and her parents all wrapped up quite well in the sweet old-fashioned style the book was written in. All in all, I found Hymns in the Hills to be encouraging and refreshing. I'd love to meet Belle in person, and I'd love to read a sequel about her future life!
The plot was well crafted. It wasn't complicated, and I found much of it quite predictable, but that did not in the least detract from my enjoyment. It was inherently Christian, with Biblical messages and morals unapologetically woven throughout the pages, but I didn't find it contrived or forced to forward the Christian themes, but rather quite realistic and believable for the work and purpose of God in the hearts of His people.
The more exciting parts of the plot were handled well. Although there was danger from human and natural forces, it wasn't inappropriately frightening. Nothing was shown "on page" that I'd hesitate to let a child read, and yet just enough hints were woven within the background threads of the story to allow older readers to appreciate what was going on without dwelling on evil.
The characters! The characters were so well-drawn! At first, it's difficult to keep track of all the many cousins, but since we get to know them slowly right along with Belle, it's not hard to put everyone in their places as quickly as needed. Each cousin's personality shone through the pages, each contributing to the well-rounded flavor of the story. The older relations were also well-characterized - no cookie cutter characters here! I also enjoyed the minister and his wife. I even loved the distinct personalities of the dogs, though I'm by no means a dog person. :)
Tom Beck remained a puzzle to me throughout the book. I would have liked a bit more explanation as to his motives and methods, though there was enough to be satisfactory for the most part. The one part of the story I didn't find entirely realistic was his interaction with the girls - he seemed quite careless in regards to them.
Another element of the book I enjoyed was how long it took to travel to each isolated cabin in the hills! So often stories gloss over this, but I was happy to see that this wasn't the case here. The long treks between neighbors came across quite realistically.
The ending was satisfying. The storylines of the aunts, uncles, cousins, Belle, and her parents all wrapped up quite well in the sweet old-fashioned style the book was written in. All in all, I found Hymns in the Hills to be encouraging and refreshing. I'd love to meet Belle in person, and I'd love to read a sequel about her future life!
May 25, 2019
STORY
Wonderful!!! Easy going, yet enough happenings to keep you reading. There was a lot of true-to-life adventures in this one, tinged with just a bit of action and excitement. There were so many delicious and intriguing subplots and questions that you had to wait right until the end to figure out all of them, and I LOVED that!!! And the sweet way all the hymns were weaved into the story....awesome!!!
THEMES
SO sweet!!! Again, I just adored the hymns being weaved into all the chapters and how the reflected what was going on. And so much sweet gospel message. Encouraging, and made me want to be courageous like the characters too!
CHARACTERS
It was a huge cast, and I adored that. There were many people that made me feel all sorts of emotions. Ez was such a sweetheart, and Mattie was just adorable, and I don't know why XD Belle was full of faith, and the way she tried so hard to persuade everyone to Christ was so dear. And also wish Grandfather had more page time. *SOBS* He was awesome. Crusty, but kind of open as well. I already miss him. #help
Also Tom Beck was F R I G H T E N I N G. Was NOT a fan of him.
BUT Uncle Nate was like *heart eyes* And I loved Ali and Riss too.
Kade, though.....*glares*
SETTING
I like to talk about this in my book reviews because, I think setting gets forgotten really easily when thinking about a book, especially when there are characters and plot to focus on. But there is nothing I love more than a flawless setting that immerses me right into the book. And this book had that! Beautiful country side and that tiny little town feeling that I adored. It really tied this book together!
Overall, lovely book and great for kids and adults of all ages!!! Definitely give this one a read!!!
Wonderful!!! Easy going, yet enough happenings to keep you reading. There was a lot of true-to-life adventures in this one, tinged with just a bit of action and excitement. There were so many delicious and intriguing subplots and questions that you had to wait right until the end to figure out all of them, and I LOVED that!!! And the sweet way all the hymns were weaved into the story....awesome!!!
THEMES
SO sweet!!! Again, I just adored the hymns being weaved into all the chapters and how the reflected what was going on. And so much sweet gospel message. Encouraging, and made me want to be courageous like the characters too!
CHARACTERS
It was a huge cast, and I adored that. There were many people that made me feel all sorts of emotions. Ez was such a sweetheart, and Mattie was just adorable, and I don't know why XD Belle was full of faith, and the way she tried so hard to persuade everyone to Christ was so dear. And also wish Grandfather had more page time. *SOBS* He was awesome. Crusty, but kind of open as well. I already miss him. #help
Also Tom Beck was F R I G H T E N I N G. Was NOT a fan of him.
BUT Uncle Nate was like *heart eyes* And I loved Ali and Riss too.
Kade, though.....*glares*
SETTING
I like to talk about this in my book reviews because, I think setting gets forgotten really easily when thinking about a book, especially when there are characters and plot to focus on. But there is nothing I love more than a flawless setting that immerses me right into the book. And this book had that! Beautiful country side and that tiny little town feeling that I adored. It really tied this book together!
Overall, lovely book and great for kids and adults of all ages!!! Definitely give this one a read!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
Waiting for an official review until I read the final version. But it's lovely... <3
I wrote the summary for this book and received a free copy from the author. No review was required. All opinions are my own.
I wrote the summary for this book and received a free copy from the author. No review was required. All opinions are my own.
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February 1, 2021I loved it all over again.
September 5, 2024
4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I definitely enjoyed all the lovely hymns this book encloses (most of which I have never heard of, which was surprising!). I loved the mini lessons they provided and the other lessons that were woven in. The characters were enjoyable (particularly Kade and Rom and Jess—and Zeke, Ez, and Uncle Nathan!) and the nature descriptions were lovely, as always. The plot was a lovely mixture of enough intrigue to keep me curious and at the same time a relaxing day-to-day style, and the story ended on a realistic note of hope. There was humour, and some pathos (I believe I teared up at one point). All in all, it was delightful story and one that I intend to read aloud to my siblings soon.
A Favourite Quote: “‘How is Baby?’” Belle’s voice quivered slightly, for the tiny cousin who bore her mother’s name was precious to her.
“The minister shook his head slowly. ‘I don’t know, but I do know Who is taking care of her, and your aunt, grandfather, and your mother and father.’”
A Favouirte Beautiful Quote: “Flowers bloomed lavishly over the hillside, and the sky above, washed clean by the recent rains, was clear and deep in color. Warm sun shone down, and a teasing little breeze toyed with Belle’s hair, swayed the grasses at her feet, and caressed her cheeks.”
A Favouirte Humorous Quote: “‘See Ma?’ He shoved the slate into her lap. ‘I kin write my important name. Mr. MacKaidric Russum. I reckon I kin get me a job now.’
“Smiling, Mrs. Russum patted Kade’s shoulder and said softly, ‘I reckon ya could bring in some more wood for the stove, Mr. MacKaidric Russum.’
“Beaming, Kade strutted back to Belle and handed her the slate. “‘I got a job ta do, kain’t spend more time at school, teacher.’”
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.*
A Favourite Quote: “‘How is Baby?’” Belle’s voice quivered slightly, for the tiny cousin who bore her mother’s name was precious to her.
“The minister shook his head slowly. ‘I don’t know, but I do know Who is taking care of her, and your aunt, grandfather, and your mother and father.’”
A Favouirte Beautiful Quote: “Flowers bloomed lavishly over the hillside, and the sky above, washed clean by the recent rains, was clear and deep in color. Warm sun shone down, and a teasing little breeze toyed with Belle’s hair, swayed the grasses at her feet, and caressed her cheeks.”
A Favouirte Humorous Quote: “‘See Ma?’ He shoved the slate into her lap. ‘I kin write my important name. Mr. MacKaidric Russum. I reckon I kin get me a job now.’
“Smiling, Mrs. Russum patted Kade’s shoulder and said softly, ‘I reckon ya could bring in some more wood for the stove, Mr. MacKaidric Russum.’
“Beaming, Kade strutted back to Belle and handed her the slate. “‘I got a job ta do, kain’t spend more time at school, teacher.’”
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.*
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May 27, 2019RTC
September 21, 2020
Belle is a young only child with a tendency to sing hymns. She is sent to live with her aunt, uncle...and the abundance of cousins she is just now learning about, her faith is tested. In ways she never imagined! Danger, fear, and the new world she is now discovering open opportunities she never expected!
4 stars:
This was a sweet clean and definitely, Christain read. I enjoyed it but I wouldn't put it in my top 50. Still, if you're wanted a nice clean read check it out!
4 stars:
This was a sweet clean and definitely, Christain read. I enjoyed it but I wouldn't put it in my top 50. Still, if you're wanted a nice clean read check it out!
May 4, 2021
This is an incredible book written by an incredible author! If you like books that bring you to tears, this is the one for you. Miss Rebekah portrays the young girl's faith in her Savior so beautifully! (Coming from a large family myself) I loved the chaos in the Russum house! I definitely recommend reading this book!
March 28, 2020
What a sweet story! It was simply heartwarming. Belle is such a dear girl, but in no way too perfect. I loved the constant references to hymns and was excited to see some of my favourites mentioned as well.
If my brother read this book, he would say “nothing happens”. In other words, there is no extreme drama, no “scary” things, no place where you “just have to read the next chapter”. However, I would see this as praise for the author! Rebekah A. Morris managed to create a story that could stand without drama and suspense, but still good enough to keep you turning the pages. Not many can do this.
At first, I thought I would have problems telling the many (many!) characters apart, but to my surprise I didn’t.
All in all, a heartwarming read!
5 stars from 5
Quotes:
Watching her, Mrs. Williams smiled again. “She has found a dandelion, and she’s as happy as if she discovered a mine full of gold.”
“It isn’t had to become a soldier for Christ, but it takes work to stand by His colors each and every day.”
If my brother read this book, he would say “nothing happens”. In other words, there is no extreme drama, no “scary” things, no place where you “just have to read the next chapter”. However, I would see this as praise for the author! Rebekah A. Morris managed to create a story that could stand without drama and suspense, but still good enough to keep you turning the pages. Not many can do this.
At first, I thought I would have problems telling the many (many!) characters apart, but to my surprise I didn’t.
All in all, a heartwarming read!
5 stars from 5
Quotes:
Watching her, Mrs. Williams smiled again. “She has found a dandelion, and she’s as happy as if she discovered a mine full of gold.”
“It isn’t had to become a soldier for Christ, but it takes work to stand by His colors each and every day.”
August 14, 2019
I was blessed to beta read this book, and was more than happy to read through the final copy of this. It was a really good, really encouraging book that I immediately wanted to read out loud to all my siblings.
This was a book about a young girl who is so far outside her comfort zone who turns towards her Heavenly Father and brings glory to Him. She determines to live purposefully for Him, no matter what. And she does, in a beautiful, gracious way, teaching others as she goes. The way the Lord uses this one young girl throughout the story definitely convicted me and made me think about my own life, and I would definitely say this was a story that everybody, young and old, needs to read.
I loved the old hymns woven into the fabric of the story. This was the perfect way to capture the heart and attention of a music lover who is an aficionado of old hymns =) Each of these hymns has become part of the fabric of the story, and each one has been used to teach a precious truth of Scripture, and I loved that.
Rebekah Morris is faithful in each of her books to teach her readers about Christ, and this one was no exception. I admire her for her tenacity to make the Lord the center of each of her stories, and it is because of this that she is one of my favourite authors. I never am afraid to hand any of her books to any of my younger siblings, and I am thankful for that.
I was given a copy of this book from the author -- I was not required to enjoy this book, merely to give my honest opinion.
This was a book about a young girl who is so far outside her comfort zone who turns towards her Heavenly Father and brings glory to Him. She determines to live purposefully for Him, no matter what. And she does, in a beautiful, gracious way, teaching others as she goes. The way the Lord uses this one young girl throughout the story definitely convicted me and made me think about my own life, and I would definitely say this was a story that everybody, young and old, needs to read.
I loved the old hymns woven into the fabric of the story. This was the perfect way to capture the heart and attention of a music lover who is an aficionado of old hymns =) Each of these hymns has become part of the fabric of the story, and each one has been used to teach a precious truth of Scripture, and I loved that.
Rebekah Morris is faithful in each of her books to teach her readers about Christ, and this one was no exception. I admire her for her tenacity to make the Lord the center of each of her stories, and it is because of this that she is one of my favourite authors. I never am afraid to hand any of her books to any of my younger siblings, and I am thankful for that.
I was given a copy of this book from the author -- I was not required to enjoy this book, merely to give my honest opinion.
May 29, 2019
'Hymns in the Hills' is set in the late 1800s, in a "backwoods" community. The setting is brought to life through the pages of this book.
The characters in this book were all vibrant and realistic - I could imagine meeting them. They fit in well to the setting of the book and were engaging. The banter between the siblings was fun to read.
Belle was a sweet character, positive yet quite serious. I really enjoyed watching her grow in maturity and learn to face her fears. My other favourite characters were Jess and Ez, but Ali and the pastor were also great!
The plot wasn't super dramatic - at least to start, this isn't a thriller or mystery - but I enjoyed being able to see the day to day life and struggles of the families, as well as the inner struggles of some of the characters. It was well paced, and near the end became more exciting.
It took a little while for me to get used to the formatting of the hymns' lyrics being included, and the accents of the characters, but quickly got used to this and enjoyed it. It also took a while for me to figure who's who, but I think that kind of painted a picture of how Belle felt being a stranger in a new place with all these cousins running around!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characterization was great and the dialogue and plot were engaging. Anyone who loves Christian historical fiction, with lots of theological content would enjoy this, especially girls 9-16.
The characters in this book were all vibrant and realistic - I could imagine meeting them. They fit in well to the setting of the book and were engaging. The banter between the siblings was fun to read.
Belle was a sweet character, positive yet quite serious. I really enjoyed watching her grow in maturity and learn to face her fears. My other favourite characters were Jess and Ez, but Ali and the pastor were also great!
The plot wasn't super dramatic - at least to start, this isn't a thriller or mystery - but I enjoyed being able to see the day to day life and struggles of the families, as well as the inner struggles of some of the characters. It was well paced, and near the end became more exciting.
It took a little while for me to get used to the formatting of the hymns' lyrics being included, and the accents of the characters, but quickly got used to this and enjoyed it. It also took a while for me to figure who's who, but I think that kind of painted a picture of how Belle felt being a stranger in a new place with all these cousins running around!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characterization was great and the dialogue and plot were engaging. Anyone who loves Christian historical fiction, with lots of theological content would enjoy this, especially girls 9-16.
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