Monday, July 21, 2025

THE ATLAS OF UNTOLD STORIES by Sara Brunsvold, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney


REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Until the fear is quieted, the hope can't be heard."


A road trip. An adventure. An experiment of sorts, but to Chloe Vance it was a lifeline. Spending time with her mother and sister was important to her, asking them to step outside of their comfort zones? . . .  a huge step of faith . . . because even though they didn't know it yet, Chloe's upcoming plans included a gigantic leap. . . all the way to Prague, where her dream job awaits.

Plotting a map featuring a menagerie of literary sites scattered throughout several midwestern states, Chloe prays that God will write His story upon their hearts as the miles beneath Goldie's (yes, her car has a name, she's that kind of girl!) tires challenge each woman's patience and preconceived notions about who they are and what they can become . . . dare she hope for the kind of bond that never leaves anyone behind? At times, it looks doubtful (or even impossible).

This carefully crafted character driven story uses its backdrop of historical references to awe inspire the women within its chapters to reach beyond their expectations, their fears, and their disappointments; turning to the One who can be their "courage to be still . . . led out of the valley by a shepherd".
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars
 

BackCover Blurb:
A literary journey beckons them . . . and may profoundly rewrite their stories.

Chloe Vance, dreamer of the family, needs to tell her pragmatic mom, Edie, that she has accepted a low-paying art instructor role at a Christian school in Prague. Her older sister, Lauren--the "responsible one"--is doing all she can to hide the fact she's been fired for a foolish mistake and is desperately seeking her next career move. Meanwhile, Edie, estranged from her own sister following their mother's recent death, is frankly in no mood for anything else to change.

The one thing they can all agree on? Life in books sure is easier to navigate than life in the real world. As the three women embark on a nine-day road trip to visit significant literary sites throughout America's heartland, they hope to find inspiration through the works and lives of literary greats. As they experience firsthand the adventure and wonder of the classics, they'll discover the value of being honest with themselves--and their family--about their losses and failures. Only then can they come to terms with their own needs and desires and find support from the most important women in their lives--each other.

Book clubs will relish this trek through America's classic literature as award-winning author Sara Brunsvold pens an inspirational novel of mother-daughter relationships, sisterhood, literary themes, a cross-country road trip, and books about books. 

Revell Publishing, June, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:


 

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