I have been reading Elizabeth Musser's novels since "The Swan House". "The Promised Land" is the third in the series and it is just as well-written and hope-filled as the first. I have now read all of her books and am eagerly looking forward to the next.
This novel takes place on Camino Road in France. It is a place where pilgrims of all faiths enjoy the company of others while experiencing a renewed closeness to God. (She even provides a virtual tour on Facebook so one can see all the sights she is describing.)
The plot was enjoyable. The storyline was credible. There were many Scripture references to accompany these wonderful characters every step of the way. The wonderful characters were diverse people with all their flaws and strengths who learned valuable lessons they needed to hear. I would highly recommend this book. ( )

Engaging, enjoyable and filled with emotion. Appreciated the rotating first person, present tense point of views. My first time reading Elizabeth Musser and I’m excited for more!

I received a complimentary advanced electronic copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own. ( )

In The Promised Land, Elizabeth Musser bring three very different characters with different life experiences, dreams, and struggles together on the Camino pilgrimage. All while she brings her reader along to experience the challenges, joys, beauty, food, and friendship of this 90-mile walk.

Of all the characters, I probably connected with Abbie most in this story but enjoyed getting Bobby’s and Caroline’s perspectives as well. The plot really picked up and drew me in once Caroline and Abbie meet up on the trail (although the setup to get there was a must to enhance the story).

If you’ve ever completed an endurance race, you will understand how the fatigue strips you down until you can’t hide your emotions. And if you haven’t, The Promised Land allows you to experience the pain, effort, and triumph at reaching the finish.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

This novel is emotionally charged and deeply captivating! I love Elizabeth Musser’s books because she does such a great job of capturing the essence of each of her characters and allowing the reader into their lives. It was easy to be drawn into the story from the first chapter as I grew to love the characters and was pulled into their emotions. The spiritual truths in the story are strong and relatable. I particularly loved the theme of putting everything in God’s hands and trusting Him to work out the details. This novel can easily be read as a stand alone, but it also interestingly ties in with two of Elizabeth Musser’s other works. This author proves time and time again with every story she writes why she is one of my favorite authors. This book is such a powerful novel full of depth, emotion, and truth! I highly recommend it!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

"Life is beautiful, life is surprising, life hurts. And our job as artists, for as long as we're present in this life, is to use our gift to show the beauty and the surprises and the joy and the pain to others."

I am floored by this book. I have not read any of Elizabeth Musser's books before but she has now gained a faithful follower. This heart-wrenching tale brings back some beloved characters from the author's previous books The Swan House, The Dwelling Place, and The Long Highway Home but it can be read as a stand-alone without having read the others. I was thoroughly engrossed in Abbie, Bobby, and Caro's stories from the first chapter and didn't feel left out or confused because I didn't know them before starting out on this journey.

Told from first person present tense narrative, this book is indeed a compelling and captivating journey of "loss and love, faith and fellowship, pain and perseverance, and a handful of miracles along the way." Abbie, Bobby, and Caro are all deeply-layered and complex souls, each carting a truckload of perceived responsibilities, regrets, pain and all seeking peace. There is a bit of mystery involved in Caro's story as she attempts to reconcile her best friend's disappearance. There is such heartache and hope in the plight of the refugees seen through Bobby's eyes and magnificence of God's creation and God Himself seen through Abbie's heart. Abbie's walk, discovery, and realizations felt like my own; I haven't felt this connected to a fictional character in a very long time. You'll cry tears of heartbreak, frustration, anger, repentance, and acceptance as you travel the Camino with these three unique and unforgettable characters.

This book is a must-read if you enjoy well-written contemporary women's fiction that makes your heart and soul think. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )