When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

When Mountains Move is the continuation of Millie's story that began in Julie Cantrell's amazing debut novel of Into the Free, which I reviewed in a previous blog. Though this book can stand on its own, I urge the reader to first enjoy Into the Free before delving into this next chapter of the story. 

In this book, Millie and her beloved husband, Bump, head to Colorado to start up a ranch. Millie, carries a deep wound in her heart that hinders her, as a newlywed, from entering her marriage in freedom and fullness, both emotionally and physically. She has been deeply hurt and Bump, who loves his bride with all of his heart, senses her resistance and fears. He longs for Millie to open up to him and share her past. 

Adventures abound for the two as they start up their marriage with the challenges of ranch life. Millie's Choctaw Indian grandmother, Oka, comes to live with them and Millie begins to find her connection to her own Indian heritage which proves to be a source of strength for her.

Another key character is Kat. Kat is a gorgeous woman who is selfish and sexually driven. Most women in the town sense this and refuse to befriend her, but Millie is lonesome for company and embraces Kat as a friend. Kat is attracted to Bump and Millie's own insecurities deepen as she is filled with self-doubt.

Millie has a beautiful little girl, Isabel. The father is not Bump and this is part of the secret she guards from her husband. As the newlyweds struggle to find their way, the secrets and doubts begin to mount up and take their toll on both Millie and Bump. 

The title of this story befits what must transpire for the young couple. They desperately desire to become "one" despite the outward and inward obstacles. The ending of this story left me breathless as the author brings us through the climax that sends Millie and Bump crashing to earth as the truth is revealed. The couple find themselves rising from the ashes and discovering the depth of their love for one another.  

This book is one I will treasure and re-visit again. Julie Cantrell is a marvelous author who, through her words, transports the reader to Millie's world. You will find your heart break for Millie as she clumsily struggles to find healing and the security that true love brings.

The Morning Glories are Blooming!

When the Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti is a beautiful story about three women. They share a common thread which is teen pregnancy.

Becky lives in the present day. Becky has a teenage single mom/daughter with a new baby. Both of them rely heavily on Becky and her husband. The daughter loves her son but is too immature to understand the need to lay aside her own desires and put her son's needs first. She reminded me of a radio that isn't quite tuned into the station you are trying to listen to. Becky's struggles touched my heart so deeply as she tries to find the balance of assisting her daughter without enabling her. A balance that tilts precariously at times but her love for her grandson and daughter is so real you can feel it. She makes mistakes but her love and faith is the driving force that guides her persistence.

Ivy: (1950's) Ivy is a young mother-to-be who finds life an uphill climb. She feels so alone as the baby's father is fighting in Korea. He doesn't know about the pregnancy and Ivy guards the secret as closely as she can. Ivy tries to work and make a way for them without more than scraps of love and support, until she meets Anna in the nursing home where she works. It is through this amazing woman, Anna, that Ivy finds understanding and begins to discover her way to the surface.

Anna (her story begins in 1890) Anna is a beautiful soul who desires to make a home for unwed mothers. She is a woman whose vision for this needful ministry is challenged but she endures, grows and finds the ministry unfold in countless ways. I learned so much from Anna. She finds God's strength to do the hard thing and her tender heart and desire to make a difference is tangible.

Some books are "spot-on" in taking the reader on a journey of the heart and spirit. Books like this bring change. They have me making notes or highlighting their pages. I have had to rearrange my top ten favorites to make room for this beautiful book.

I also plan on planting my own morning glories this spring and when they bloom I will think of Anna, Becky and Ivy fondly.