Danica Greene has always hated flying, so it was almost laughable that the boy of her dreams was a pilot. She married him anyway and together, she and Etsell settled into a life where love really did seem to conquer all. Danica is firmly rooted on the ground in Blackhawk, the small town in northern Iowa where they grew up, and the wide slashes of sky that stretch endlessly across the prairie seem more than enough for Etsell. But when the opportunity to spend three weeks in Alaska helping a pilot friend presents itself, Etsell accepts and their idyllic world is turned upside down. It’s his dream, he reveals, and Danica knows that she can’t stand in the way. Ell is on his last flight before heading home when his plane mysteriously vanishes shortly after takeoff, leaving Danica in a free fall. Etsell is gone, but what exactly does gone mean? Is she a widow? An abandoned wife? Or will Etsell find his way home to her? Danica is forced to search for the truth in her marriage and treks to Alaska to grapple with the unanswerable questions about her husband’s mysterious disappearance. But when she learns that Ell wasn’t flying alone and that a woman is missing, too, the bits and pieces of the careful life that she had constructed for them in Iowa take to the wind. A story of love and loss, and ultimately starting over, Far From Here explores the dynamics of intimacy and the potentially devastating consequences of the little white lies we tell the ones we love.
Far from Here: A Novel
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Book Description
How long do you hold on to hope?
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Nicole Baart is a writer of immense strength. Her lush, beautiful prose, her finely drawn characters, and especially her quirky women, all made Far From Here a book I couldn’t put down.” (Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author of Prayers for Sale and The Bride’s House)
“Far From Here was a rare journey to a place that left me healed and renewed by the end of this beautiful, moving novel. A tribute to love in all its forms—between a man and a wife, between sisters, and among mothers and daughters—my heart ached while I read Far From Here, but it ached more when I was done and there were no more pages to turn.” (Nicolle Wallace, New York Times bestselling author of Eighteen Acres)
“Nicole Baart is a huge talent who has both a big voice and something meaningful to say with it. Far From Here is a gorgeous book about resilient people living in a broken world, finding ways to restore hope and even beauty in the pieces.” (Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty)
"Far From Here, Nicole Baart's tale of the certainties of absolute fear and the uncertainty of love whirls the reader up and never lets go.” (Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author, The Deep End of the Ocean, and Second Nature: A Love Story)
“This gorgeously composed novel is a candid and uncompromising meditation on the marriage of a young pilot and his flight-fearing wife, their personal failings, and finding the grace to move beyond unthinkable tragedy. . . . Pulsing with passion and saturated with lush language, Baart's [Far From Here] will leave an indelible mark.” —Publisher’s Weekly, starred reveiw
“Far From Here was a rare journey to a place that left me healed and renewed by the end of this beautiful, moving novel. A tribute to love in all its forms—between a man and a wife, between sisters, and among mothers and daughters—my heart ached while I read Far From Here, but it ached more when I was done and there were no more pages to turn.” (Nicolle Wallace, New York Times bestselling author of Eighteen Acres)
“Nicole Baart is a huge talent who has both a big voice and something meaningful to say with it. Far From Here is a gorgeous book about resilient people living in a broken world, finding ways to restore hope and even beauty in the pieces.” (Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty)
"Far From Here, Nicole Baart's tale of the certainties of absolute fear and the uncertainty of love whirls the reader up and never lets go.” (Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author, The Deep End of the Ocean, and Second Nature: A Love Story)
“This gorgeously composed novel is a candid and uncompromising meditation on the marriage of a young pilot and his flight-fearing wife, their personal failings, and finding the grace to move beyond unthinkable tragedy. . . . Pulsing with passion and saturated with lush language, Baart's [Far From Here] will leave an indelible mark.” —Publisher’s Weekly, starred reveiw
About the Author
Nicole Baart was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. She and her husband have three young sons. After the adoption of their infant son, Nicole discovered a deep passion for global issues and co-founded a non-profit organization, One Body One Hope, which works alongside a church and orphanage in Monrovia, Liberia. She is also the author of After the Leaves Fall, Summer Snow, The Moment Between, and Beneath the Night Tree.
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More About the Author
Nicole Baart lives in a small town in Iowa and is the mother of three young sons. After the adoption of her second son from Ethiopia, Nicole discovered a deep passion for global issues and co-founded a non-profit organization, One Body One Hope, that works alongside a church and orphanage in Monrovia, Liberia. An accomplished novelist, she was a 2009 Christy Award finalist for fiction. Visit her website at http://www.nicolebaart.com.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
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No synopsis here, the book description says it best.
I liked this book even though it was, for the most part, sad. I have to admit that generally I shy away from books that are "downers" but I am really happy I took a chance on this one. The author created living, breathing, real people, characters. Characters you felt you knew really well, characters with flaws and strengths. She unfolds glimpses into their married life all along the pages of the book. She also shows how family influences a marriage. This book was beautifully written, moving and hopeful. FAR FROM HERE was so compelling that I had to finish it in one sitting. I could not put it down.
I liked this book even though it was, for the most part, sad. I have to admit that generally I shy away from books that are "downers" but I am really happy I took a chance on this one. The author created living, breathing, real people, characters. Characters you felt you knew really well, characters with flaws and strengths. She unfolds glimpses into their married life all along the pages of the book. She also shows how family influences a marriage. This book was beautifully written, moving and hopeful. FAR FROM HERE was so compelling that I had to finish it in one sitting. I could not put it down.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Joan N.
Format:Paperback
Danica and Estelle had married young. He loved flying but it terrified her. They were full of love and dreams for the future and each thought the love would take them through whatever came. They formed their lives in northwest Iowa, he flying for his "adopted" mother, she owning a hair salon.
Eight years into their marriage, he has an opportunity to fly in Alaska and goes. Days later, Danica receives the dreaded phone call. Estelle is missing. Without results, the search is finally called off. Danica cannot stand not knowing. She has to go to Alaska to pursue looking for him. But what she finds there is not at all what she wanted.
Baart has created a well written novel of a young widow making her way through grief. Danica's memories flesh out the history of their early romance and years of marriage. Her sisters and quirky mother round out the process of grieving. Then there is the single pastor next door.
The plot unfolds as the story progresses. The reader becomes aware of issues just at the right time. And when the truth of what really happened in Alaska crashes into Danica, she must make a decision that will change her life forever.
I liked this novel. It grabbed me after a bit of a slow start and I felt compelled to continue reading. The way Baart wove the history of the relationship into the present was done well. Baart crafts her sentences with care. Reading her work was a pleasant experience.
A couple of things to think about, however, if you plan to read this novel.
First, the subject matter. I have a brother-in-law who flew for a lodge in Alaska, transporting hunters and supplies. This novel hit close to home. It could have described my sister's grieving. I am not sure she or any of her close friends could read this book. It would be just too painful.
Second, those who like to have the gospel presented somewhere in the novel will be sorely disappointed. The characters believe in God and have gone to church, but that is all. Even with the pastor next door, there is no talk of Jesus. God remains on the fringes of the story, never becoming a vital aspect of the mourning or healing processes. I like to see Christian fiction fill a role higher than entertainment and did not feel this novel rose to that level.
There is an extensive reading group guide at the back of the novel, making this a possible choice for reading groups.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Howard Books for the purpose of this review.
Eight years into their marriage, he has an opportunity to fly in Alaska and goes. Days later, Danica receives the dreaded phone call. Estelle is missing. Without results, the search is finally called off. Danica cannot stand not knowing. She has to go to Alaska to pursue looking for him. But what she finds there is not at all what she wanted.
Baart has created a well written novel of a young widow making her way through grief. Danica's memories flesh out the history of their early romance and years of marriage. Her sisters and quirky mother round out the process of grieving. Then there is the single pastor next door.
The plot unfolds as the story progresses. The reader becomes aware of issues just at the right time. And when the truth of what really happened in Alaska crashes into Danica, she must make a decision that will change her life forever.
I liked this novel. It grabbed me after a bit of a slow start and I felt compelled to continue reading. The way Baart wove the history of the relationship into the present was done well. Baart crafts her sentences with care. Reading her work was a pleasant experience.
A couple of things to think about, however, if you plan to read this novel.
First, the subject matter. I have a brother-in-law who flew for a lodge in Alaska, transporting hunters and supplies. This novel hit close to home. It could have described my sister's grieving. I am not sure she or any of her close friends could read this book. It would be just too painful.
Second, those who like to have the gospel presented somewhere in the novel will be sorely disappointed. The characters believe in God and have gone to church, but that is all. Even with the pastor next door, there is no talk of Jesus. God remains on the fringes of the story, never becoming a vital aspect of the mourning or healing processes. I like to see Christian fiction fill a role higher than entertainment and did not feel this novel rose to that level.
There is an extensive reading group guide at the back of the novel, making this a possible choice for reading groups.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Howard Books for the purpose of this review.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Far From Home is a poignant story written with grace and beauty. Nicole Baart has a wonderful grasp of the English language, and her descriptions are vivid and unique. Baart used an interesting writing technique in this novel that I haven't seen before, where she alternated between first-person and third-person for the same character. Although in theory this may sound confusing it actually isn't, and I found that doing so served the plot very well in that it kept the story moving along by alternating these points of view. As the book deals with deep themes like grief and loss, it had the potential to become slow moving, but I felt the plot unfolded at a nice pace. The characters are well-developed, and I enjoyed the interactions between Dani and her sisters and mother, which resulted in moments that were at times heart-breaking and others times humorous. The author leaves much to the imagination in how the story ends, and yet either way it is a satisfying conclusion no matter what you decide the ending implies (you will see what I mean after you read the book!).
My one disappointment is that the book seemed light on the spiritual themes. While I'm sure the author was trying to appeal to a broader audience, how beautiful it would have been to have seen the character interact with Jesus, who, when we are in the pit of despair, climbs down there with us, holds us close, and wipes every tear away. I never got the impression that Dani really had an encounter with the living God, though it's clear she was moving on her own journey towards the Truth. I should also caution that there are some swear words used in the story, and I can see from other reviews that this has offended numerous readers. While I don't like swearing, the reality is that people do swear - Christians and non-Christians - and so I wasn't bothered by their inclusion in the story. If this is something that does offend you, however, then I would steer clear of this book and pick up some of Nicole Baart's other books, which are also very good indeed.
If you are looking to pick up a well-written contemporary novel that will leave you moved, then this is the book for you. Overall, I give this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Howard Books, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
My one disappointment is that the book seemed light on the spiritual themes. While I'm sure the author was trying to appeal to a broader audience, how beautiful it would have been to have seen the character interact with Jesus, who, when we are in the pit of despair, climbs down there with us, holds us close, and wipes every tear away. I never got the impression that Dani really had an encounter with the living God, though it's clear she was moving on her own journey towards the Truth. I should also caution that there are some swear words used in the story, and I can see from other reviews that this has offended numerous readers. While I don't like swearing, the reality is that people do swear - Christians and non-Christians - and so I wasn't bothered by their inclusion in the story. If this is something that does offend you, however, then I would steer clear of this book and pick up some of Nicole Baart's other books, which are also very good indeed.
If you are looking to pick up a well-written contemporary novel that will leave you moved, then this is the book for you. Overall, I give this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Howard Books, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Depressing!!
This was one of the most depressing books I've ever read! If you like uplifting stories with happy endings, don't read this one! Read more
Published 6 days ago by SusieQ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Far from Here is far out amazing.
I loved Far from Here.
I read a variety of genres happily, but don't come across something like this often. Read more
I read a variety of genres happily, but don't come across something like this often. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Jesse Brauning
3.0 out of 5 stars
Life's rare journey
Far From Here starts out a slow read , but with crisp well defined characters with deep emotions providing readers with a heartfelt story. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kim Heimbuch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Baart has woven a wonderful tale!
WOW! Holy cow good!!! Nicole Baart really outdid herself. The bar is set high now! I loved the beginning of this book, but once Etsell disappeared, from their seemingly perfect... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tonya Speelman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written story
Nicole Baart has written a beautiful novel. Danica and Etsell married young - she is afraid of flying and he is a pilot. For eight years they had a good marriage. Read more
Published 1 month ago by C. J. Postelli
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent book
I'm a huge fan of Nicole Baart. Every word is thoughtfully scripted. She delves into universal truths such as love, forgiveness and grace without ever being preachy or dogmatic. Read more
Published 8 months ago by maresmits
5.0 out of 5 stars
wrapped in words
I adored this book. It was a quick read for me, but the words wrapped around me in such a way that the story will stick with me for a while. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Stacey Lozano
5.0 out of 5 stars
Far from Here
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads program.
Nicole Baart's novel, Far from Here, is the heart wrenching journey of a woman living with the... Read more
Nicole Baart's novel, Far from Here, is the heart wrenching journey of a woman living with the... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Jen Tucker
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too far for me
I purchased this based on a review I read in a magazine. I wish I had read Amazon reviews. This book was not horrible it just was not all that engaging. Read more
Published 11 months ago by L. Phipps
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretend
`Far from Here' is a story of a couple with nothing in common except each other. We read the story, mostly from the wife, Danica's viewpoint; although at times in the beginning of... Read more
Published 12 months ago by wogan
