I stumbled across this book and picked it up because of the raving reviews, although this isn't my typical genre. Normally books about healing relationships and changing your life, especially involving women characters, are cliche and sappy. This book was neither. I can recall about five paragraphs where I thought, "Really?" but it's a long read and so 99% of it was well-written and wonderful. Excited to read more by this author.

it wasn't at all what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. Some of the situations seemed a bit too pat, but the characters were interesting.

A very good character-driven story. I cried at the end as it was just so touching. I am glad there is more in this series.

A Must Read For Every Woman!

I have read all Emilie Richards' books so had pre-ordered on Nook and could not wait to read it. I finished it one day as could not put it down! It is one of the most powerful stories about life, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, fathers, forgiveness; Life is too short to hold grudges, and how people come into our lives with great meaning and purpose.

I loved the characters and how 3 different women find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy and how each was handled. I also loved the Asheville, NC setting as I am a native of NC and have lived in the southeast all my life and now live in West Palm Beach, FL; however, last fall returned to Asheville, NC to do some consulting work for the Grove Park Inn (fantastic place – make sure to get a rocking chair view and try the underground spa!) mentioned in the book, as well as spending time in Highlands, NC, which is where I visit each Fall. The mountains hold a special place for me as you feel close to God and there is peacefulness there, so the setting was fitting for a book of this nature.

I highly recommend as one of the top books and I read over a 100 books a year. One of Emilie’s best (and they are all good), but this one was special. I would love to see a sequel and continuation of Harmony as she was a character you fell in love with, as she grew from the scared insecure woman to finding her place, due to Charlotte’s warm and open heart. A Winner! (PS I think I went thru a box of Kleenex)

4 STARS

"With nothing but brains, ambition and sheer nerve, Charlotte Hale built a career as a tough, savvy real-estate developer. Her reputation is rock-solid...but her life is empty.

One terrifying day, facing her own mortality, she realizes that her ambition has almost destroyed her chance at happiness.

So Charlotte vows to make amends, not simply with her considerable wealth, but by offering a hand instead of a handout. Putting in hours and energy instead of putting in an appearance. Opening her home and heart instead of her wallet." (From Amazon)

I had a hard time liking Charlotte's daughter Taylor this book even though we get the backstory. I felt she was a bit too rigid BUT she was very realistic. This novel in many ways is a journey of three women trying to do what they think is best for their children.

I read the second book in the series first only because I did not realize it belonged in a series. While there were some spoilers in the 2nd book on the whole I enjoyed the journey of reading this book that knowing what the ending was did not ruin it for me.

One Mountain Away is an emotional novel that is a heartbreaking yet uplifting journey of love, forgiveness and redemption. To ready my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2012/07/24/one-mountain-away/

started a bit slowly but a good story.

After a bitter family dispute Charlotte was estranged from her family. Now after many years apart she finds herself faced with her own mortality and starts to look back on her life. As she remembers the things that made her what she is, she starts to take steps to make amends for the mistakes she has made.

With her eyes open she looks for both small and large ways she can make a difference in the lives of the people around her. Her heart's desire is to be reconciled with her daughter and grand-daughter, but her daughter is the one person who refuses to have anything to do with her.


I bought this book on a whim. It's not really something I would normally read but I liked that the main character was a 50 something woman and honestly the cover appealed to me. I'm glad I did. It's a bit of an emotional roller-coaster but such a sweet book and ultimately life affirming.