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By Paths Unknown
Could God bring peace from such a winding path?
Austin Sparks is doing his best to hold his family together in the wake of his mom's death, but the world continues to spin out of his control. When his dad announces that the family is moving to their grandparents' ranch in South Dakota, it's anyone's guess whether the change will bring healing or just more heartache.
Back on the ranch, Austin finds hope in the familiar surroundings and help in his loving clan of relatives. But can his dad somehow overcome his grief? Will his siblings ever feel at home? And can Austin trust God to guide them all even when the path seems darkest?
Austin Sparks is doing his best to hold his family together in the wake of his mom's death, but the world continues to spin out of his control. When his dad announces that the family is moving to their grandparents' ranch in South Dakota, it's anyone's guess whether the change will bring healing or just more heartache.
Back on the ranch, Austin finds hope in the familiar surroundings and help in his loving clan of relatives. But can his dad somehow overcome his grief? Will his siblings ever feel at home? And can Austin trust God to guide them all even when the path seems darkest?
305 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2019
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah A. Morris
120 books271 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
August 29, 2019
*happy sigh*
So, in case you didn't know, I'm a huge fan of Rebekah's work. (Ever since I discovered her...last year? But in case you question my sincerity, please compute that time frame against her sizable backlist and the fact that I've read every single one of them. Yeah, now you get the picture.) But even with a favorite author, there are good books and then there are GOOD BOOKS. And By Paths Unknown falls squarely in the latter category. In fact, it probably ranks among my very top favorites from Rebekah. Like the ones I want to assign more than five stars to. Yep, it's that good!
The best part of the book for me? Austin--hands down!!! From the opening sentences, he grabbed hold of my heart in such a powerful way! I absolutely adore sweet older-brother characters, and kids who have had to take on the job of caring for their family for any reason get me every time... But favorite types aside, my love for Austin went so much deeper than just my love for his role. He was so sweet, so compassionate, trying so hard to be strong for everyone else--just everything you could ask for. Those characters that melt your heart into a puddle? Austin does it to me every time. <3<3<3
But Austin is not anywhere close to the only great character in this book. Although we don't see him nearly as often, Connor stole my heart almost as much. The way he understood and supported Austin even when he couldn't express what was wrong was just so perfect and beautiful. And Jenny ran him a close second. <3 Austin's siblings were all realistic and well-differentiated, and although LeaLea was my favorite, I really did love them all--yes, even the difficult ones. :) I especially liked the way the twins' different personalities and struggles were portrayed. Oh, and Drew was a doll. :) And the plethora of aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors were great in their own way without ever feeling copied or stuck in for no reason. Aunt Mimmie was particularly fun, and I loved both her name and its explanation--so funny and yet totally true to life! XD
Oh, and can we talk about the setting for a minute? What is it about horses and boots and cowboy hats that makes me just want to settle in and stay forever? <3 I loved the feel of the ranch so much, and I loved the way that we were given just enough detail to picture things without being overwhelmed with too many particulars. It's a bit hard to explain, but I felt like the level of detail was just about perfect, and I don't say that often. ;)
As far as the plot went, I absolutely adored it! There's a fine line sometimes between writing normal, realistic, day-to-day living and working and healing and writing a story that feels like it's just meandering without a point, and Rebekah absolutely nails it! I love the fact that not every conflict or issue has to come to a major crisis in order to be worked through and resolved. And yet nothing feels like it was left hanging or forgotten. And I love the fact that even though the "why" questions aren't totally answered, we get to see bits of how God works good even from the hardest situations. And seeing how the characters have grown from the beginning of the story to the end--it's just so incredible!
Final reaction: adore, adore, adore! Go read it if you haven't! :D
*I wrote the summary for this book and received a free copy from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
Content--mentions of death, diseases, accidents, etc.; some arguments, disrespectful attitudes (corrected)
So, in case you didn't know, I'm a huge fan of Rebekah's work. (Ever since I discovered her...last year? But in case you question my sincerity, please compute that time frame against her sizable backlist and the fact that I've read every single one of them. Yeah, now you get the picture.) But even with a favorite author, there are good books and then there are GOOD BOOKS. And By Paths Unknown falls squarely in the latter category. In fact, it probably ranks among my very top favorites from Rebekah. Like the ones I want to assign more than five stars to. Yep, it's that good!
The best part of the book for me? Austin--hands down!!! From the opening sentences, he grabbed hold of my heart in such a powerful way! I absolutely adore sweet older-brother characters, and kids who have had to take on the job of caring for their family for any reason get me every time... But favorite types aside, my love for Austin went so much deeper than just my love for his role. He was so sweet, so compassionate, trying so hard to be strong for everyone else--just everything you could ask for. Those characters that melt your heart into a puddle? Austin does it to me every time. <3<3<3
But Austin is not anywhere close to the only great character in this book. Although we don't see him nearly as often, Connor stole my heart almost as much. The way he understood and supported Austin even when he couldn't express what was wrong was just so perfect and beautiful. And Jenny ran him a close second. <3 Austin's siblings were all realistic and well-differentiated, and although LeaLea was my favorite, I really did love them all--yes, even the difficult ones. :) I especially liked the way the twins' different personalities and struggles were portrayed. Oh, and Drew was a doll. :) And the plethora of aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors were great in their own way without ever feeling copied or stuck in for no reason. Aunt Mimmie was particularly fun, and I loved both her name and its explanation--so funny and yet totally true to life! XD
Oh, and can we talk about the setting for a minute? What is it about horses and boots and cowboy hats that makes me just want to settle in and stay forever? <3 I loved the feel of the ranch so much, and I loved the way that we were given just enough detail to picture things without being overwhelmed with too many particulars. It's a bit hard to explain, but I felt like the level of detail was just about perfect, and I don't say that often. ;)
As far as the plot went, I absolutely adored it! There's a fine line sometimes between writing normal, realistic, day-to-day living and working and healing and writing a story that feels like it's just meandering without a point, and Rebekah absolutely nails it! I love the fact that not every conflict or issue has to come to a major crisis in order to be worked through and resolved. And yet nothing feels like it was left hanging or forgotten. And I love the fact that even though the "why" questions aren't totally answered, we get to see bits of how God works good even from the hardest situations. And seeing how the characters have grown from the beginning of the story to the end--it's just so incredible!
Final reaction: adore, adore, adore! Go read it if you haven't! :D
*I wrote the summary for this book and received a free copy from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
Content--mentions of death, diseases, accidents, etc.; some arguments, disrespectful attitudes (corrected)
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February 11, 2021The author did it again: she took a simple and sweet story and turned it into a simple and sweet novel. Austin's struggles were so relatable and this story shows that circumstances don’t have to be resolved for us to trust God. The only thing that was a bit confusing at times, were the scene jumps in the middle of chapters. This is definitely a book I can recommend.
Favourite quotes:
“A cowboy wasn't really a cowboy without a hat.”
“Just because someone thinks you should do a certain thing doesn’t mean you have to. Maybe God has another plan. But Austin, don’t keep your talent hidden because you are afraid.”
“In the west a few persistent starts continued to gleam like friends refusing to acknowledge the time of parting.”
Favourite quotes:
“A cowboy wasn't really a cowboy without a hat.”
“Just because someone thinks you should do a certain thing doesn’t mean you have to. Maybe God has another plan. But Austin, don’t keep your talent hidden because you are afraid.”
“In the west a few persistent starts continued to gleam like friends refusing to acknowledge the time of parting.”
June 2, 2021
What a great story! I enjoyed following the ups and downs of ranch life. I loved how the message wove throughout the book. The characters were distinct and wonderful.
May 23, 2021
This is such a sweet, gentle book. I have yet to meet a book by Rebekah A. Morris which I do not like, but this one was particularly enjoyable. Something told me in the very first chapter that I was going to love it, and I did. It was not filled with action; it wasn’t a fast-paced, suspenseful book in any way; it was just a gentle, heart-warming story that drew me in on the first page and continued to hold my interest until the very end.
The characters were all extremely realistic and relatable. Austin was amazing. He is the perfect older brother. I felt so deeply for him, trying to fill in for his parents to his siblings and trying to be a comfort to his dad, while also fighting his own grief and trying to find what he wants to do with his own life. He was my favourite character, of course, but I loved all the others, especially Connor and Jenny. I felt very sorry for Mr Sparks – actually, for all the family, Drew particularly. I didn’t like Addy much at first, but by the end of the book I don’t think there was any character who I didn’t love – and that included all the secondary characters, too.
As with all the author’s books, each scene and character was described so well that I could picture everything vividly. There was never once a description which went on too long, or had me getting bored, but with a few telling words the author made me feel as if I was standing with the characters on the page and watching them instead of reading about them.
I don’t have much to say about this book, except that if you haven’t already read it you definitely need to. It is a lovely story filled with excellent lessons. It made me both cry and laugh, and I didn’t want to stop reading. Highly recommended to just about anyone.
The characters were all extremely realistic and relatable. Austin was amazing. He is the perfect older brother. I felt so deeply for him, trying to fill in for his parents to his siblings and trying to be a comfort to his dad, while also fighting his own grief and trying to find what he wants to do with his own life. He was my favourite character, of course, but I loved all the others, especially Connor and Jenny. I felt very sorry for Mr Sparks – actually, for all the family, Drew particularly. I didn’t like Addy much at first, but by the end of the book I don’t think there was any character who I didn’t love – and that included all the secondary characters, too.
As with all the author’s books, each scene and character was described so well that I could picture everything vividly. There was never once a description which went on too long, or had me getting bored, but with a few telling words the author made me feel as if I was standing with the characters on the page and watching them instead of reading about them.
I don’t have much to say about this book, except that if you haven’t already read it you definitely need to. It is a lovely story filled with excellent lessons. It made me both cry and laugh, and I didn’t want to stop reading. Highly recommended to just about anyone.
September 5, 2024
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I really enjoyed this book. It is quiet-paced, interesting, and enjoyable. There’s both humour and sorrow. There were some amazing characters (including a lieutenant ;) ;) ). It’s simply a view in the life d a young man who doesn’t know where he’s going or why things are happening this way, and who has to choose to trust the Lord anyways. I identified with Austin in many ways, and I think this book cane just at the right time. If you are a graduate or a high-school student wondering what you want to do with your life, or someone who is struggling with “why is this happening?”—if you, too, are wondering what path you should follow—this book is a particularly good read. And if you just like sweet, simple books, this is also a book for you.
A Favourite Quote: “‘...like I said, I don’t know how everything is going to work out, but let’s keep praying and take the path the Lord leads one step at a time.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The sun was coming up, and Austin marveled at the beauty of it. In the east, the sun was sending forth the advanced guards of light to send the stars into hiding. All along the eastern horizon was yellow growing lighter and melting into a pale blue which merged into a darker hue. In the west a few persistent stars continued to gleam like friends refusing to acknowledge the time of parting.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘I reckon you’re right [about the weather]. You always are. Don’t see why you didn’t become a weatherman. They could use someone who knows what they’re talking about.’
“Sam chuckled[.] ‘Maybe that’s why. They wouldn’t want me.’”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write an positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
A Favourite Quote: “‘...like I said, I don’t know how everything is going to work out, but let’s keep praying and take the path the Lord leads one step at a time.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The sun was coming up, and Austin marveled at the beauty of it. In the east, the sun was sending forth the advanced guards of light to send the stars into hiding. All along the eastern horizon was yellow growing lighter and melting into a pale blue which merged into a darker hue. In the west a few persistent stars continued to gleam like friends refusing to acknowledge the time of parting.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘I reckon you’re right [about the weather]. You always are. Don’t see why you didn’t become a weatherman. They could use someone who knows what they’re talking about.’
“Sam chuckled[.] ‘Maybe that’s why. They wouldn’t want me.’”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write an positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
October 10, 2023
Loved this! I need a sequel please!!!!!! <3 <3
August 27, 2019
By Paths Unknown is a wholesome story of a family learning to keep living in the midst of grief. It's not a long book, and it doesn't get very deep into the family's grief, but at the same time it doesn't shy away from acknowledging the messiness of life.
Our protagonist is a high school student named Austin. He takes on a lot of responsibility when his mom dies, and things don't get any easier when his dad spontaneously moves the family back to his home town. Throughout the year following his mother's death Austin learns to navigate an entirely new life, and while he is not perfect, he handles everything pretty well. I enjoyed watching him develop throughout the book, going from overwhelmed to confident and always working toward finding his place.
The faith element is strong throughout By Paths Unknown, but not overbearing. There isn't much (any?) explanation; it's just slipped in as a matter of fact. Personally, I really liked this. The point of this book is not to convert anyone. The family is shown living their lives as Christians without much discussion. Church, prayer, and Bible study are all mentioned frequently, and characters encourage each other to trust God and follow Him. It's not complicated or pushy, but neither is it something that can be ignored.
My only criticism is the author's overuse of the word "for" where "because" or another would make more sense. It isn't inherently wrong, per se, but I found it annoying. Overall, though, the story, writing, and characters are all very well done. The author's voice may still be young, but it is solid and more than adept. I highly recommend By Paths Unknown to fans of Christian contemporary or even Westerns, especially if you're looking for something without any romance.
This review originally posted on my blog, Reviews From the Stacks.
Our protagonist is a high school student named Austin. He takes on a lot of responsibility when his mom dies, and things don't get any easier when his dad spontaneously moves the family back to his home town. Throughout the year following his mother's death Austin learns to navigate an entirely new life, and while he is not perfect, he handles everything pretty well. I enjoyed watching him develop throughout the book, going from overwhelmed to confident and always working toward finding his place.
The faith element is strong throughout By Paths Unknown, but not overbearing. There isn't much (any?) explanation; it's just slipped in as a matter of fact. Personally, I really liked this. The point of this book is not to convert anyone. The family is shown living their lives as Christians without much discussion. Church, prayer, and Bible study are all mentioned frequently, and characters encourage each other to trust God and follow Him. It's not complicated or pushy, but neither is it something that can be ignored.
My only criticism is the author's overuse of the word "for" where "because" or another would make more sense. It isn't inherently wrong, per se, but I found it annoying. Overall, though, the story, writing, and characters are all very well done. The author's voice may still be young, but it is solid and more than adept. I highly recommend By Paths Unknown to fans of Christian contemporary or even Westerns, especially if you're looking for something without any romance.
This review originally posted on my blog, Reviews From the Stacks.
August 18, 2022
This book has probably become one of my top favorites of this author's. (Not quite as high as the Triple Creek Ranch books, but somewhere up there with them and Gift from the Storm and Through the Tunnel :P). The story moved at the perfect pace, not action-packed but not long and dragged out, and the plot, though simple, captivated me. Probably mostly because I loved the characters! I respected Austin a good deal, but he also had his faults and struggles that made me sympathize with him. He and his dad and younger siblings and definitely Aunt Mimmie too (her personality in itself made me laugh!), all had my heart! I thought I might be disappointed to leave them when I finished the book, but it ended in the perfect way too that left me satisfied! Family was a main theme, as well as trusting the Lord in what He is doing, both things that encouraged me. Overall, it was an excellent book!
May 1, 2022
I read this book within a few hours, almost nonstop. It was interesting and I enjoyed seeing what was going to happen next! I thought the characters were well defined and the plot moved quickly, but included enough detail for my liking. They had their times of sadness, but there was also plenty that made me smile and I even laughed out loud once or twice. Though not my favorite by Rebekah Morris, I liked it.
There were a few medical scenes and also some bad attitudes, but it was all part of the book and done nicely in my opinion.
There were some words that weren’t my favorite, like “crazy”, “guy”, and “swear” (no swearing, but that word was used). Note that they celebrated christmas and attended church on sunday rather than keeping the saturday Sabbath.
There were a few medical scenes and also some bad attitudes, but it was all part of the book and done nicely in my opinion.
There were some words that weren’t my favorite, like “crazy”, “guy”, and “swear” (no swearing, but that word was used). Note that they celebrated christmas and attended church on sunday rather than keeping the saturday Sabbath.
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July 15, 2019Coming out in August!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews