Travelers Rest [Paperback]

Ann Tatlock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

New Contemporary Novel from an Award-Winning Author

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated.

Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do.

Beautifully written, Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A YOUNG WOMAN determined to honor her commitment...

AN INJURED SOLDIER convinced life is no longer worth living...

A RETIRED DOCTOR certain it's too late to be forgiven...


Jane Morrow has a dilemma, and love alone may not solve it. Her faith has never been strong, yet somehow she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. The answer she finds may not be at all what she expected...

About the Author

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy-Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Ann lives with her husband, Bob, and their daughter, Laura Jane, in Asheville, North Carolina. Visit her website at www.anntatlock.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764208101
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208102
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (93 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #520,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I knew I wanted to be a writer from the time I tapped out my first stories on my grandfather's old manual typewriter in the summer of 1973. I studied English and theology in college and later went on to earn my master's degree in journalism from Wheaton College Graduate School. I worked as a writer and editor for Decision magazine from 1987-1992, when I left to pursue fiction writing fulltime. I find great satisfaction in my work, and I especially enjoy hearing from my readers. In addition to writing, I also teach at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and online through the Christian Writers Guild.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this BOOK!! May 4, 2012

By Loren M. Mcghee

Format:Paperback

Jane & Seth have known each other since they were kids. Jane has loved him as long as she can remember and Seth, well he took a bit longer to reach the "L" word. But when he finally does, he goes all the way and asks for Janes hand in marriage. Of course she said "YES." While Jane prepares for their upcoming nuptials, Seth is serving in Iraq, and they are both waiting til the day he arrives. Arrive it does, and happens sooner than either one of them expected. Seth has been injured and is now paralyzed. Being paralyzed was definitely not a part of their happily ever after.

As Jane and Seth walk day by day in their new way of life, they both learn some of the most important lessons in their life to date. Jane cares for Seth and her love for him never changes, yet She is constantly encouraged by all of those around her to just let go of their engagement. Seth even tells her she deserves better, he doesn't want her to have to live like this, caring for him in every way imaginable. In the hospital, day after day, they meet some of the most amazing people. As they begin to share their lives, past and present, they all begin to learn more about themselves.

Traveler's Rest is a wonderful book, a book that will make you stop and think. To appreciate each and every single day. To be "present" in your life and that when you are faced with difficult choices, it is a must to face them and move forward!

Thank you CFBA for allowing me this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Travelers Rest is a moving read! May 3, 2012

By Katie McCurdy

Format:Paperback

Having only read one other book by Ann Tatlock in the past, I wasn't quite sure what Travelers Rest would be like. But one thing I knew for sure--it would be moving and emotional. And that is exactly what it turned out to be!

In one day, with one phone call, Jane Morrow's picturesque "happily ever after" marriage she's been looking forward to...changes. As Travelers Rest progressed, I grew to really admire Jane and how she didn't waver in her love toward her fiancé, even though many people encouraged her she had the right to leave.

That said, not many chapters into the book I had a feeling how it all would end. And, while there were a few unexpected happenings in the middle of the book, my hunch proved to be correct. So I wasn't as surprised by the turn of events within Travelers Rest as I usually like to be when reading a book.

I rode the waves of emotions--both high and very low--with Jane as she visits Seth every day in the hospital, meets extraordinary people, and sifts through her feelings toward her fiancé and life. I don't think you can read Travelers Rest and not be challenged to think, to not take for granted the simplest things in life--like walking across a room. Travelers Rest is a moving read!

I reviewed this book for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Thanks to the publishers, Bethany House, for sending me my review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book August 16, 2012

By Daniel Shapiro

Format:Paperback

I really enjoyed this book! In Traveler's Rest by Ann Tatlock, Jane faces a decision that seems to have no answer while Truman seeks peace but believes it can't be found. Tatlock weaves a story of beauty that delves into the heart. This timeless story will appeal to readers who enjoy well written prose that illuminate unexpected circumstances in life.

It is well written and you will not be disappointed to read this book. I'm so thankful for the opportunity from Bethany House Publishers to read and review this book. I will have to check out all the other books from Ms. Tatlock.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, tender, heartbreaking, but there is hope November 7, 2012

By M & S Scales

Format:Paperback

Travelers Rest is beautifully and tenderly written with several heartbreaking stories but... there is hope in the end.

Jane is engaged to Seth, the man she has loved since childhood & a talented carpenter. His National Guard unit is then deployed to Iraq seven months later. He comes back broken in body and spirit, but she will not give up on him. Truman Rockaway, a veteran and retired doctor, helps out at the hospital. He is a great encouragement to Jane, and Jane is surprisingly able to help him settle a question of forgiveness in his past. Jon-Paul Pearcy is a lawyer who plays the piano at the hospital a few days a week. He is blind and tries to give hope to both Seth and Jane that adjustments can be made and life (though different) can go on. Oh, and I have to introduce you to Hoboken and Sausalito - they are the comic relief of this novel! These are nicknames for two cousins from Uganda who are working part-time at the hospital while they go to nursing school. You will really enjoy them!

This is my second book of Ann Tatlock that's I've read, but my favorite so far. The way she writes just draws you in and allows you to really see settings and feel the emotions of the characters. I definitely would recommend it and look forward to reading more from Mrs. Tatlock.

**Bethany House has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

4.0 out of 5 stars Sleeper May 17, 2013

By Library Lady

Format:Paperback

I have read other books by Ann Tatlock and she offers a good message. The Travelers Rest was a very slow, slow start and I almost gave up on the book. I realize that the characters have to be established for the heart of the story to take place. Fortunately as the book moved along, the message was clear and I truly thought Jane would follow the correct path. Seth came "around" during the chess challenge and gave him hope and a smile. Yet other characters in the book, i.e. Ted and Jon-Paul gave an interesting twist to the story. Truman was truly the heart of the story and a fond relationship between Jane & Truman was genuine and he had peace in his heart at the end too. Nice finish of the story. Not a strong finish, just nice. I approve this book for larger church libraries.